theroot--2020-05-06--Here's What To Buy Your Mom For Mother's Day

This Sunday is Mother ’ s Day , and with a global pandemic keeping us apart , we still should celebrate th e day for what it is—giving thanks to the women who made us who we are .
Obviously mothers don ’ t have to be biological , maybe you ’ ve had an aunt or female figure in your life that gave you love .
Either way , you should probably go ahead and get her a gift .
The editors here at The Inventory put a little gift guide together to make your mother blush and smile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s what we recommend : Though it might sound cliché , you can ’ t go wrong with roses .
The La Vie en Rose bundle from UrbanStems doubles as a self-care starter kit for any mom going through separation anxiety right now ( I know mine is , we text every day ) .
Included in the package is a bouquet of roses , ruscus , spray roses , and hypericum berries immersed in a white ceramic vase .
Enclosed in a convenient travel pouch , Fresh rose deep hydration face cream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young well into her 20s .
Part of UrbanStems ’ Spring Collection , the La Vie en Rose bundle is the perfect gift for wine moms who already have an unwieldy back catalogue of booze ( and the perfect pairing for those who could use more ) .
Because everything at UrbanStems is 15 % off for a limited time using our exclusive promo code KinjaMomsDay , it ’ s worth shopping around for additional treats too .
You can add chocolates or pineapple gummies to the mix .
Perhaps you should peruse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and gift boxes at the Mother ’ s Day storefront .
While shipments from UrbanStems may be delayed until after Mother ’ s Day , you can always order a belated gift now and let her know it ’ s on the way .
I ’ m fairly certain she ’ ll still love you .
All moms deserve a break from cleaning , and honestly you do too .
This week you can get your mom a Roomba for the price of a Eufy .
This 600 series model has gotten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its efficiency at picking up dirt and crumbs and for its repairability , too .
iRobot , the company behind the autonomous Roomba vacuum cleaners is revered for its ongoing availability of replacement parts—including lithium ion batteries and full-on replenishment kits .
That way you never have to worry about taking a risk on an unreliable seller when it ’ s time for your mom to revitalize her Roomba ( or for you to do it for her ! )
.
The Roomba 675 beats out its closest rival in terms of pricing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Anker , because its two brush rolls boast a more comprehensive clean .
That said , don ’ t go in expecting Roomba S9+ performance as it lacks the smart mapping technology to properly learn the rooms throughout the house .
As long as your mom doesn ’ t mind emptying the dustbin , the iRobot 675 will save her time that could otherwise be spent on more productive matters—like catching up on the latest episodes of Vanderpump Rules or , you know , reading and journaling .
And hey , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s always the iRobot Braava Jet M6 .
Most mothers are hard workers .
They spent the first few years wiping your ass and the next two decades protecting and providing for it .
Some relaxing me-time after a long shift is rightfully atop any working mom ’ s nightcap , and a nice home massage only enhances that .
Unless dad has some gifted hands—or he hasn ’ t exactly fallen in love with his calling as a personal masseur—she ’ ll love a shiatsu massager .
These things wrap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she desires to reach those knotted areas she didn ’ t even know existed .
Forget the Kindles and the iPads , especially if she ’ s older and can ’ t be arsed to learn all these newfangled gizmos .
I bought my mom one of these last Mother ’ s Day , and she can ’ t put the thing down .
She turns it on and takes a trip to cloud nine for 15 minutes while catching up on the news .
This model has eight kneading nodes , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settle those muscles .
There are three different levels of vibration , and having tried it myself , I can tell you it ’ s no spring chicken .
It digs deep into the love handles with ease , and that tension falls off like tender rib meat from a bone .
You know , when mom kicked you out of the house and told you to go live your life , she didn ’ t give you permission to call her just once every few months .
If you ’ re living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more time in her company , grab a couple Amazon Echo Show screens and send one to her .
And yes , you have to use it—that ’ s part of the gift , silly .
With a camera and four far-field mics that can all be disabled , you ’ ll be able to place video calls by saying “ Alexa , call mom.
” The beauty of this gift is that it ’ s useful even when you ’ re not on the obligatory checkup call .
With Alexa , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can do everything from reciting the weather to controlling your smart home .
Unlike other Echo devices , the Echo Show ’ s screen enables visual content and feedback .
You can keep it in the kitchen and pull up recipes without exposing it to your salmonella-ridden hands , and then throw on a few Teen Mom episodes during prep .
( Don ’ t be ashamed .
I like Teen Mom , too . )
Be sure to consider the Echo Show 10 , which is $ 100 more , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much better camera .
If either options are too much , the Echo Show 5 does all the same stuff for $ 30 cheaper , but with weaker speakers , a smaller screen , and a fuzzier picture .
Everybody loves a good jam sesh .
Whether it ’ s propped up on their desk at work , sitting on their nightstand , or plopped on the kitchen counter , the Sonos One can pack a room with great sound as they blast their favorite tunes .
Paired with a Spotify or Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved one turn any room into a personal soundstage with the world ’ s best jukebox on hand .
It ’ s known for its great sound , but the Sonos One can also do lots of other neat tricks , like changing up the color of their smart light bulbs , set a couple timers , stream a podcast , or even control that new sous vide machine they ’ ve been testing out .
We ’ ve all been getting a little bored lately .
Maybe your mom ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or they ’ re missing their weekly trips to the bookstore .
Either way , a Kindle is a great way to give the avid reader in your life a nice way to keep their books handy .
The newest Paperwhite is waterproof , and has a light-up display that ’ s pleasant to read in the dark without straining your eyes .
Plus , its battery life will ensure that even when quarantine ’ s eventually over , they ’ ll never run out of juice .
If your mom prefers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ d recommend a Pandora bracelet .
Yes , it ’ s basically a grown-up version of a charm bracelet , but you both can customize a bracelet just the way you want it .
I ’ ve gotten my mother a couple of charms for the past couple of years along with my sisters and she ’ s loved each and every one .
If she ’ s more of a fan of aesthetics , you can purchase pretty charms , or you can match it with her eclectic sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy and fun way to bond with your mom .
Whose mom loves to bake ?
Mine doesn ’ t but she ’ s obsessed with kitchen gadgets .
Why not buy her an appliance that will last her until the end of time ?
Enter : the Kitchen Aid mixer .
She can make bread , cupcakes , and whatever else she needs while the mixer itself looks great on her countertop .
Yeah , she ’ ll think of you every time she uses it .
You ’ ll be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Ignacia, Gabe Carey, Jordan McMahon,  and Quentyn Kennemer on The Inventory, shared by Ignacia to The Root

This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and with a global pandemic keeping us apart, we still should celebrate the day for what it is—giving thanks to the women who made us who we are. Obviously mothers don’t have to be biological, maybe you’ve had an aunt or female figure in your life that gave you love. Either way, you should probably go ahead and get her a gift. The editors here at The Inventory put a little gift guide together to make your mother blush and smile, even on FaceTime. Here’s what we recommend:
Gabe Carey , Content & Strategy Manager
Though it might sound cliché, you can’t go wrong with roses. The La Vie en Rose bundle from UrbanStems doubles as a self-care starter kit for any mom going through separation anxiety right now (I know mine is, we text every day). Included in the package is a bouquet of roses, ruscus, spray roses, and hypericum berries immersed in a white ceramic vase. Enclosed in a convenient travel pouch, Fresh rose deep hydration face cream and toner will keep your mum looking young well into her 20s.
Part of UrbanStems’ Spring Collection, the La Vie en Rose bundle is the perfect gift for wine moms who already have an unwieldy back catalogue of booze (and the perfect pairing for those who could use more). Because everything at UrbanStems is 15% off for a limited time using our exclusive promo code KinjaMomsDay, it’s worth shopping around for additional treats too. You can add chocolates or pineapple gummies to the mix. Perhaps you should peruse the wider selection of flowers, succulents, and gift boxes at the Mother’s Day storefront.
Advertisement
While shipments from UrbanStems may be delayed until after Mother’s Day, you can always order a belated gift now and let her know it’s on the way. I’m fairly certain she’ll still love you.
Advertisement Advertisement
Gabe Carey , Content & Strategy Manager
All moms deserve a break from cleaning, and honestly you do too. This week you can get your mom a Roomba for the price of a Eufy. This 600 series model has gotten high marks from trusted reviewers online for its efficiency at picking up dirt and crumbs and for its repairability, too. iRobot, the company behind the autonomous Roomba vacuum cleaners is revered for its ongoing availability of replacement parts—including lithium ion batteries and full-on replenishment kits. That way you never have to worry about taking a risk on an unreliable seller when it’s time for your mom to revitalize her Roomba (or for you to do it for her!).
The Roomba 675 beats out its closest rival in terms of pricing and popularity, the Eufy RoboVac 11S from Anker, because its two brush rolls boast a more comprehensive clean. That said, don’t go in expecting Roomba S9+ performance as it lacks the smart mapping technology to properly learn the rooms throughout the house. As long as your mom doesn’t mind emptying the dustbin, the iRobot 675 will save her time that could otherwise be spent on more productive matters—like catching up on the latest episodes of Vanderpump Rules or, you know, reading and journaling. And hey, if she needs a hand with mopping, there’s always the iRobot Braava Jet M6.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Most mothers are hard workers. They spent the first few years wiping your ass and the next two decades protecting and providing for it. Some relaxing me-time after a long shift is rightfully atop any working mom’s nightcap, and a nice home massage only enhances that. Unless dad has some gifted hands—or he hasn’t exactly fallen in love with his calling as a personal masseur—she’ll love a shiatsu massager. These things wrap around your body in whatever weird contortion she desires to reach those knotted areas she didn’t even know existed.
Forget the Kindles and the iPads, especially if she’s older and can’t be arsed to learn all these newfangled gizmos. I bought my mom one of these last Mother’s Day, and she can’t put the thing down. She turns it on and takes a trip to cloud nine for 15 minutes while catching up on the news. This model has eight kneading nodes, all of which emanate infrared heat to help settle those muscles. There are three different levels of vibration, and having tried it myself, I can tell you it’s no spring chicken. It digs deep into the love handles with ease, and that tension falls off like tender rib meat from a bone.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You know, when mom kicked you out of the house and told you to go live your life, she didn’t give you permission to call her just once every few months. If you’re living away and you could stand to spend more time in her company, grab a couple Amazon Echo Show screens and send one to her. And yes, you have to use it—that’s part of the gift, silly. With a camera and four far-field mics that can all be disabled, you’ll be able to place video calls by saying “Alexa, call mom.”
Advertisement
The beauty of this gift is that it’s useful even when you’re not on the obligatory checkup call. With Alexa, you get voice access to thousands of skills that can do everything from reciting the weather to controlling your smart home. Unlike other Echo devices, the Echo Show’s screen enables visual content and feedback. You can keep it in the kitchen and pull up recipes without exposing it to your salmonella-ridden hands, and then throw on a few Teen Mom episodes during prep. (Don’t be ashamed. I like Teen Mom, too.) Be sure to consider the Echo Show 10, which is $100 more, but has a 10" screen and a much better camera. If either options are too much, the Echo Show 5 does all the same stuff for $30 cheaper, but with weaker speakers, a smaller screen, and a fuzzier picture.
Advertisement
Everybody loves a good jam sesh. Whether it’s propped up on their desk at work, sitting on their nightstand, or plopped on the kitchen counter, the Sonos One can pack a room with great sound as they blast their favorite tunes. Paired with a Spotify or Apple Music subscription, you can help your loved one turn any room into a personal soundstage with the world’s best jukebox on hand.
It’s known for its great sound, but the Sonos One can also do lots of other neat tricks, like changing up the color of their smart light bulbs, set a couple timers, stream a podcast, or even control that new sous vide machine they’ve been testing out.
Advertisement
We’ve all been getting a little bored lately. Maybe your mom’s been getting tired of the typical Netflix binge, or they’re missing their weekly trips to the bookstore. Either way, a Kindle is a great way to give the avid reader in your life a nice way to keep their books handy.
Advertisement
The newest Paperwhite is waterproof, and has a light-up display that’s pleasant to read in the dark without straining your eyes. Plus, its battery life will ensure that even when quarantine’s eventually over, they’ll never run out of juice.
Advertisement
If your mom prefers something a little more heartfelt and thoughtful, I’d recommend a Pandora bracelet. Yes, it’s basically a grown-up version of a charm bracelet, but you both can customize a bracelet just the way you want it. I’ve gotten my mother a couple of charms for the past couple of years along with my sisters and she’s loved each and every one. If she’s more of a fan of aesthetics, you can purchase pretty charms, or you can match it with her eclectic sense of style. It’s an easy and fun way to bond with your mom.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whose mom loves to bake? Mine doesn’t but she’s obsessed with kitchen gadgets. Why not buy her an appliance that will last her until the end of time? Enter: the Kitchen Aid mixer. She can make bread, cupcakes, and whatever else she needs while the mixer itself looks great on her countertop. Yeah, she’ll think of you every time she uses it. You’ll be the favorite child. You’re welcome.


theroot--2020-05-06--The Last Dance Has Charles Barkley Reminiscing on His Failed Friendship With Michael Jordan: 'The Gu

The Last Dance Has Charles Barkley Reminiscing on His Failed Friendship With Michael Jordan: 'The Guy Was Like a Brother to Me'

In a past life , Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan had the type of friendship that we all aspire to have , complete with golf outings , friendship bracelets , and a bar fight or seven .
But somewhere along the way , things went left , and Barkley admits that the fervor surrounding ESPN ’ s The Last Dance has him feeling some kind of way about his former BFF .
“ The guy was like a brother to me for , shoot , 20-something years , ” Barkley said on Tuesday ’ s Waddle and Silvy Show on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 20-something years .
And I do , I feel sadness .
But to me he ’ s still the greatest basketball player ever .
I wish him nothing but the best .
But , there ’ s nothing I can do about it , brother.
” So what exactly created a schism between the two Dream Teamers ?
If you let Barkley tell it , His Airness isn ’ t particularly fond of constructive criticism .
In particular , Barkley pointing out Jordan ’ s shortcomings as the owner of the Charlotte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me the most about that whole thing , I don ’ t think that I said anything that bad , ” Barkley said .
“ I ’ m pretty sure I said , ‘ As much as I love Michael , until he stops hiring them kiss-asses , and his best friends , he ’ s never going to be successful as a general manager.
’ And I remember pretty much verbatim I said that .
And the thing that really pissed me off about it later is Phil Jackson said the exact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because Jordan has put so many of his friends and associates on his payroll , that their ability to be truthful is compromised .
“ I thought that was one of the reasons we were great friends , ” he continued .
“ Like , ‘ I can ask Charles anything and I know he ’ s going to give me a straight answer.
’ But part of my job [ as an analyst ] is because I can ’ t go on TV and say ‘ Another general manager sucks ’ and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a brother to me say ‘ He ’ s doing a fantastic job.
’ That would be disingenuous.
” Jordan ’ s dominance as a player goes unquestioned , but it ’ s not exactly a secret that he ’ s struggled since transitioning to the front office .
Probably because the Hornet ’ s habitually draft players like Noah Vonleh and Adam Morrison while throwing precious cap space at castoffs like Terry Rozier .
That ’ s just a hunch , though .
But is there any chance of reconciliation between Jordan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Oh , he got my number , ” Barkley said .
“ He can call me.
” Alrighty then .
Though should Jordan decide to pick up the phone , don ’ t expect an apology .
“ Don ’ t you have friends who you ’ re not sure how they ’ re gon na react when you ’ re honest with them ?
” Barkley said on a recent episode of the Hoops Adjacent podcast .
“ Especially somebody on his level .
And like I say , hey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the best I ’ ve ever seen .
It ’ s unfortunate the way things went down .
But I ’ m going to always try to do my job .
”

In a past life, Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan had the type of friendship that we all aspire to have, complete with golf outings, friendship bracelets, and a bar fight or seven. But somewhere along the way, things went left, and Barkley admits that the fervor surrounding ESPN’s The Last Dance has him feeling some kind of way about his former BFF.
“The guy was like a brother to me for, shoot, 20-something years,” Barkley said on Tuesday’s Waddle and Silvy Show on ESPN 1000 in Chicago. “At least 20-something years. And I do, I feel sadness. But to me he’s still the greatest basketball player ever. I wish him nothing but the best. But, there’s nothing I can do about it, brother.”
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So what exactly created a schism between the two Dream Teamers? If you let Barkley tell it, His Airness isn’t particularly fond of constructive criticism. In particular, Barkley pointing out Jordan’s shortcomings as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
“The thing that bothered me the most about that whole thing, I don’t think that I said anything that bad,” Barkley said. “I’m pretty sure I said, ‘As much as I love Michael, until he stops hiring them kiss-asses, and his best friends, he’s never going to be successful as a general manager.’ And I remember pretty much verbatim I said that. And the thing that really pissed me off about it later is Phil Jackson said the exact same thing.”
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Barkley then explained that because Jordan has put so many of his friends and associates on his payroll, that their ability to be truthful is compromised.
“I thought that was one of the reasons we were great friends,” he continued. “Like, ‘I can ask Charles anything and I know he’s going to give me a straight answer.’ But part of my job [as an analyst] is because I can’t go on TV and say ‘Another general manager sucks’ and then just because Michael’s like a brother to me say ‘He’s doing a fantastic job.’ That would be disingenuous.”
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Jordan’s dominance as a player goes unquestioned, but it’s not exactly a secret that he’s struggled since transitioning to the front office.
From Sporting News:
In 14 seasons of owning the Hornets, Jordan’s teams have only finished above .500 three times. His teams have a combined regular-season record of 464-651 (.416) and have only made three playoff appearances.
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Probably because the Hornet’s habitually draft players like Noah Vonleh and Adam Morrison while throwing precious cap space at castoffs like Terry Rozier. That’s just a hunch, though.
But is there any chance of reconciliation between Jordan and the Round Mound of Rebound?
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“Oh, he got my number,” Barkley said. “He can call me.”
Alrighty then. Though should Jordan decide to pick up the phone, don’t expect an apology.
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“Don’t you have friends who you’re not sure how they’re gonna react when you’re honest with them?” Barkley said on a recent episode of the Hoops Adjacent podcast. “Especially somebody on his level. And like I say, hey, I love the dude. He’s the best I’ve ever seen. It’s unfortunate the way things went down. But I’m going to always try to do my job.”


theroot--2020-05-06--Barack Obama Surprises 3 Chicago Educators With Video Call for Teacher Appreciation Week

Where would we be as a society without our educators ?
Teachers have a difficult and extremely important job for which they don ’ t receive nearly enough praise .
Former President Barack Obama did his part in rectifying that by making surprise video calls to three Chicago Public School teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week .
“ There ’ s no limit to the devotion I ’ ve seen in teachers like these @ ChiPubSchools educators , ” Obama tweeted along with a video montage of his calls on Wednesday .
“ Their dedication shapes the best parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be more thankful for their work , especially as they shift lessons online to keep students on track during this crisis.
” According to the Chicago Tribune , the three teachers who were blessed with unexpected virtual visits by Obama are Jalayne Brewton of Parkside Community Academy ; Daniel Michmerhuizen of Benito Juarez Community Academy ; and Katie Owens of Kellman Elementary .
Obama didn ’ t just stop by for a quick “ hello , ” he engaged these teachers by singing their praises and asking them about their experiences as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their profession .
“ I didn ’ t grow up in one of the best neighborhoods , and didn ’ t have the two-parent household , so my school was my outlet.
” Brewton said “ So I said to myself , ‘ how can I give back to those that actually helped me growing up ?
’ ” Obama began his professional and political careers in Chicago , so it ’ s no surprise he would choose that city ’ s teachers to honor in such a heartwarming way .
Still , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the renowned former president expressing his gratitude and support for all that you do .
The educators we rely on to provide young people with the tools they need to thrive deserve that and more .

Where would we be as a society without our educators? Teachers have a difficult and extremely important job for which they don’t receive nearly enough praise. Former President Barack Obama did his part in rectifying that by making surprise video calls to three Chicago Public School teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week.
“There’s no limit to the devotion I’ve seen in teachers like these @ChiPubSchools educators,” Obama tweeted along with a video montage of his calls on Wednesday. “Their dedication shapes the best parts of who we become. I couldn’t be more thankful for their work, especially as they shift lessons online to keep students on track during this crisis.”
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According to the Chicago Tribune, the three teachers who were blessed with unexpected virtual visits by Obama are Jalayne Brewton of Parkside Community Academy; Daniel Michmerhuizen of Benito Juarez Community Academy; and Katie Owens of Kellman Elementary. Obama didn’t just stop by for a quick “hello,” he engaged these teachers by singing their praises and asking them about their experiences as educators and what motivated them to choose their profession.
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“I didn’t grow up in one of the best neighborhoods, and didn’t have the two-parent household, so my school was my outlet.” Brewton said “So I said to myself, ‘how can I give back to those that actually helped me growing up?’”
Obama began his professional and political careers in Chicago, so it’s no surprise he would choose that city’s teachers to honor in such a heartwarming way. Still, imagine waking up in the morning to the renowned former president expressing his gratitude and support for all that you do. The educators we rely on to provide young people with the tools they need to thrive deserve that and more.
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Thank you, Mr. President.


theroot--2020-05-06--In Her Shoes: Serena Williams Is the New Face—and Feet—of Stuart Weitzman

One of our favorite fun facts about tennis phenom-turned-fashion phenom Serena Williams is that she loves to rock sneakers under even the most glamorous of gowns .
She famously did so while wearing Valentino to Prince Harry and homegirl Meghan Markle ’ s 2018 wedding reception , and did so again while co-hosting last year ’ s Met Gala , rocking neon Nikes under her Versace gown—granted , the theme was “ Camp.
” ( Oh , Met Gala ... how we missed your zany hijinks this year ! )
But Serena ’ s slipping into some serious stilettos for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ philanthropist , mom and emerging fashion icon is now the new global ambassador of luxury footwear label Stuart Weitzman , as announced by both the brand and Serena herself—who share the initials “ SW ” —on Tuesday , via Instagram .
New SW global spokeswoman # SerenaWilliams stars in our 2020 Campaign .
Inspired by Serena , who herself has demonstrated resilience and courage to overcome obstacles throughout her career , the campaign reinforces the notion of women standing as pillars of hope and optimism for their communities .
@ serenawilliams # SWWomen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem an odd time to launch a luxury shoe campaign , we ’ d be lying if we said the sight of Serena ’ s famous gams didn ’ t brighten up yet another day spent sheltering-in-place—and convince us to stop being lazy about our legwork just because no one ’ s seeing us .
Following in the equally admirable footsteps of ballerina Misty Copeland , who starred in the brand ’ s “ Nutcracker ” -themed 2019 holiday advertising , the Weitzman team writes that Serena ’ s presence in this current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and optimism of the campaign.
” “ Now , more than ever , is a moment to focus on hope and moving forward , ” she says in a captioned quote .
“ I want women of every generation to be inspired to do so , one step at a time .
”

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

One of our favorite fun facts about tennis phenom-turned-fashion phenom Serena Williams is that she loves to rock sneakers under even the most glamorous of gowns. She famously did so while wearing Valentino to Prince Harry and homegirl Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding reception, and did so again while co-hosting last year’s Met Gala, rocking neon Nikes under her Versace gown—granted, the theme was “Camp.” (Oh, Met Gala...how we missed your zany hijinks this year!)
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But Serena’s slipping into some serious stilettos for her newest role: the athlete, philanthropist, mom and emerging fashion icon is now the new global ambassador of luxury footwear label Stuart Weitzman, as announced by both the brand and Serena herself—who share the initials “SW”—on Tuesday, via Instagram.
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A caption accompanying the post read:
New SW global spokeswoman #SerenaWilliams stars in our 2020 Campaign. Inspired by Serena, who herself has demonstrated resilience and courage to overcome obstacles throughout her career, the campaign reinforces the notion of women standing as pillars of hope and optimism for their communities. @serenawilliams #SWWomen #StuartWeitzman
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While a global pandemic may seem an odd time to launch a luxury shoe campaign, we’d be lying if we said the sight of Serena’s famous gams didn’t brighten up yet another day spent sheltering-in-place—and convince us to stop being lazy about our legwork just because no one’s seeing us.
Advertisement
Following in the equally admirable footsteps of ballerina Misty Copeland, who starred in the brand’s “Nutcracker”-themed 2019 holiday advertising, the Weitzman team writes that Serena’s presence in this current moment “exemplifies the message of hope and optimism of the campaign.”
“Now, more than ever, is a moment to focus on hope and moving forward,” she says in a captioned quote. “I want women of every generation to be inspired to do so, one step at a time.”


theroot--2020-05-06--Teddy Riley Says Bobby Brown Stormed Out During Recording of 'My Prerogative'

Bobby Brown ’ s hit song “ My Prerogative ” was No .
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 24 weeks in 1989 and was also nominated for a Grammy Award for the Best R & B Urban Contemporary Single category .
Despite the song ’ s accolades and commercial success , the recording process was apparently not peaches and cream .
Just ask the producer of the track , Teddy Riley .
In a recent conversation on Essence ’ s Yes Girl !
Podcast , the prolific musician discussed how he and Brown had a few issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ song , mostly pertaining to an argument about the modal register of the track .
“ [ Brown ] sung it just like how we wanted it , ” Riley says of the song , which was recorded at his house before going into the studio for the final version .
“ We was bull-crapping around and that ’ s how it ’ s supposed to be ...
The problem was when we got to the studio and it was time to sing , he wanted to go on tenor-only mode.
” Riley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ too high ” for tenor-only mode , which caused a rift because Bobby don ’ ttttt give a damn .
Eventually , he got so frustrated that he stormed out of the studio and didn ’ t return for three hours .
“ I was like , ‘ Well , listen .
We don ’ t have to do this , ’ and then [ Bobby ] walked out on me , ” Riley continues .
“ I was like , ‘ I could take this song and give it to someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him.
” After returning , Brown issued an ultimatum : if the song is recorded just as Riley wanted and it doesn ’ t turn out right , he ’ ll be recording it his way .
“ I ’ m so glad it frustrated him because it came out on the record , ” Riley says of the song , which ended up working out in his favor vocally .
“ It sounded like he was determined for people to stay out of his business .
It ’ s my prerogative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve got to push an artist beyond what they ’ re thinking and what they feel like they can do .
That ’ s when they know they can do more .
Some artists , they just settle .
I don ’ t settle .
”

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

Bobby Brown’s hit song “My Prerogative” was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 24 weeks in 1989 and was also nominated for a Grammy Award for the Best R&B Urban Contemporary Single category. Despite the song’s accolades and commercial success, the recording process was apparently not peaches and cream. Just ask the producer of the track, Teddy Riley.
In a recent conversation on Essence’s Yes Girl! Podcast, the prolific musician discussed how he and Brown had a few issues behind the scenes of making the hit song, mostly pertaining to an argument about the modal register of the track.
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“[Brown] sung it just like how we wanted it,” Riley says of the song, which was recorded at his house before going into the studio for the final version. “We was bull-crapping around and that’s how it’s supposed to be...The problem was when we got to the studio and it was time to sing, he wanted to go on tenor-only mode.”
Riley continues by explaining that the song is “too high” for tenor-only mode, which caused a rift because Bobby don’ttttt give a damn. Eventually, he got so frustrated that he stormed out of the studio and didn’t return for three hours.
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“I was like, ‘Well, listen. We don’t have to do this,’ and then [Bobby] walked out on me,” Riley continues. “I was like, ‘I could take this song and give it to someone else.’ But this was made strictly for him.” After returning, Brown issued an ultimatum: if the song is recorded just as Riley wanted and it doesn’t turn out right, he’ll be recording it his way.
“I’m so glad it frustrated him because it came out on the record,” Riley says of the song, which ended up working out in his favor vocally. “It sounded like he was determined for people to stay out of his business. It’s my prerogative and you felt it...You’ve got to push an artist beyond what they’re thinking and what they feel like they can do. That’s when they know they can do more. Some artists, they just settle. I don’t settle.”


theroot--2020-05-06--Trump Walks Out to ‘Live and Let Die,’ Says He’s Willing to Lose Some Lives to Save the Economy

Because the president couldn ’ t stay his orange ass in the White House any longer , he left Tuesday to visit a factory in Phoenix , Ariz. , that makes N95 masks , and for some reason—maybe foreshadowing ; definitely foreshadowing—Guns ‘ N Roses ’ “ Live and Let Die ” blared through the speakers .
When I say it was bizarre , that ’ s an understatement .
It was so bizarre that the guy giving Trump a tour of the Honeywell International factory couldn ’ t even be heard the music was so loud .
Also , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goggles and no mask to a fucking mask-making plant during a pandemic ?
The music was definitely a look towards what is to come as the president has reportedly acknowledged that he ’ s heard all of the reports that reopening the country too soon could cause hospital overcrowding , sickness , and more death , but he doesn ’ t give a shit because the president isn ’ t here to save people , he ’ s here to save the economy .
“ Will some people be affected ?
Yes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes , ” Trump said , Bloomberg reports .
“ But we have to get our country open and we have to get it open soon.
” At this point , the only way to get the Trump administration , and Republicans for that matter , to care for the people you love would be to engulf them in a womb and refer to them as a fetus because Trump is moving forward with his plan to reopen America and no one can stop him .
Governors across the country have already begun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost back in full swing as this video below shows : The president and his band of merry racists have been bitching for over a month about reopening the country and , in turn , killing off the elderly and marginalized because they really don ’ t want to have to send America another stimulus check .
Bloomberg notes that Tuesday was the first time that the president “ clearly and unreservedly laid out his own cost-benefit analysis of the situation.
” And get this shit : because Trump ’ s base is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump told them—well , technically he told America but his base are the only people who actually listen to him—to think of themselves as “ warriors ” as they leave their homes !
He ended with this : As it stands , the Trump administration totally fucked up the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and now America leads the world by having the largest outbreak as some 1.2 million people have been infected and more than 70,000 killed so far , Bloomberg reports .
Just a few weeks ago , Trump criticized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salons , barbershops , tattoo parlors and gyms too soon , but on Tuesday , he was willing to sacrifice citizens to get the economy back upright .
“ There ’ ll be more death , ” he said .
“ The virus will pass , with or without a vaccine .
And I think we ’ re doing very well on the vaccines but , with or without a vaccine , it ’ s going to pass , and we ’ re going to be back to normal .
“ But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is no question about it , ” Trump said .
“ I think our economy is going to be raging ” next year , he added .
Hopefully , Trump will be on the sideline if and when this should happen .

Because the president couldn’t stay his orange ass in the White House any longer, he left Tuesday to visit a factory in Phoenix, Ariz., that makes N95 masks, and for some reason—maybe foreshadowing; definitely foreshadowing—Guns ‘N Roses’ “Live and Let Die” blared through the speakers.
When I say it was bizarre, that’s an understatement. It was so bizarre that the guy giving Trump a tour of the Honeywell International factory couldn’t even be heard the music was so loud.
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Also, how stupid does Trump look wearing protective goggles and no mask to a fucking mask-making plant during a pandemic?
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The music was definitely a look towards what is to come as the president has reportedly acknowledged that he’s heard all of the reports that reopening the country too soon could cause hospital overcrowding, sickness, and more death, but he doesn’t give a shit because the president isn’t here to save people, he’s here to save the economy.
“Will some people be affected? Yes. Will some people be affected badly? Yes,” Trump said, Bloomberg reports. “But we have to get our country open and we have to get it open soon.”
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At this point, the only way to get the Trump administration, and Republicans for that matter, to care for the people you love would be to engulf them in a womb and refer to them as a fetus because Trump is moving forward with his plan to reopen America and no one can stop him.
Governors across the country have already begun soft openings. Hell, Atlanta is almost back in full swing as this video below shows:
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The president and his band of merry racists have been bitching for over a month about reopening the country and, in turn, killing off the elderly and marginalized because they really don’t want to have to send America another stimulus check.
Bloomberg notes that Tuesday was the first time that the president “clearly and unreservedly laid out his own cost-benefit analysis of the situation.”
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And get this shit: because Trump’s base is made up of yahoos and fake patriots, Trump told them—well, technically he told America but his base are the only people who actually listen to him—to think of themselves as “warriors” as they leave their homes!
He ended with this:
As it stands, the Trump administration totally fucked up the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and now America leads the world by having the largest outbreak as some 1.2 million people have been infected and more than 70,000 killed so far, Bloomberg reports.
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Just a few weeks ago, Trump criticized Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp for reopening salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors and gyms too soon, but on Tuesday, he was willing to sacrifice citizens to get the economy back upright.
“There’ll be more death,” he said. “The virus will pass, with or without a vaccine. And I think we’re doing very well on the vaccines but, with or without a vaccine, it’s going to pass, and we’re going to be back to normal.
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“But it’s been a rough process. There is no question about it,” Trump said. “I think our economy is going to be raging” next year, he added.
Hopefully, Trump will be on the sideline if and when this should happen.


theroot--2020-05-06--Need a Massage? Save 39% on HoMedics' Heated Shiatsu and Vibration Body Massager

I ’ m not the only one who desperately needs a massage at a time when every spa and massage @ @ @ @ @ right ?
Fortunately , for us , HoMedics has a solution .
This three-zone heated @ @ @ @ @ the Japanese shiatsu massage technique to ease muscle tension in your neck , back , @ @ @ @ @ 39 % off at MorningSave right now .
Measuring 24 x 20 x 2 inches @ @ @ @ @ enough to double as a pillow when the remote is powered off .
Speaking of @ @ @ @ @ remote tethered to the massager unit features one-touch controls designed to run each massage session @ @ @ @ @ time .
The best part ?
You don ’ t have to pay to extend @ @ @ @ @ 45 or an hour .
Just press the button again and you ’ re good @ @ @ @ @ whole massage-from-home thing isn ’ t so bad after all .

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

HoMedics Shiatsu and Vibration Body Massager | $49 | MorningSave
I’m not the only one who desperately needs a massage at a time when every spa and massage therapy office is closed, right? Fortunately, for us, HoMedics has a solution. This three-zone heated massage pad vibrates and emulates the Japanese shiatsu massage technique to ease muscle tension in your neck, back, and shoulders—and it’s 39% off at MorningSave right now.
Measuring 24 x 20 x 2 inches , it’s sizable enough to double as a pillow when the remote is powered off. Speaking of which, the included wired remote tethered to the massager unit features one-touch controls designed to run each massage session for 15 minutes at a time. The best part? You don’t have to pay to extend it to 30 minutes or 45 or an hour. Just press the button again and you’re good to go. Maybe this whole massage-from-home thing isn’t so bad after all.


theroot--2020-05-06--The Way My Kids Are Eating Snacks at Home, I'm Starting to Wonder If They Were Starving at School

I have a curiosity that I ’ ve been pondering since schools shuttered and our kids have been home around the clock : were my kids starving at school ?
I think my parents will probably feel me on this one right here .
If you are a parent and find yourself so compelled to throw your hands in the air , feel free to wave them like you just don ’ t care if what I ’ m about to speak on sounds familiar .
So , since my two youngest kids ( aged 5 and 4-in-a-week ) have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occur around the clock .
If these kids are awake , they want snacks .
They wake up , say at like 7:30 a.m. , which actually constitutes sleeping in around these parts , and after playing and littering each floor in the house with things for me to step on .
S ure , I ’ ve written about stepping on Legos in the middle of the night , but you have not lived until you ’ ve almost met your maker by slipping on an armless Spider-Man left on a stair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of falling down a flight of steps to your impending paralysis at the hands of a superhero ?
Now , we do bath time and they eat breakfast somewhere between 8:45 a.m. and 9 a.m. a nd they ’ re not just eating some yogurt cup , my kids are eating that good stuff .
They get waffles and/or pancakes , fruit they like and say , a Dannon smoothie .
These kids , yo , they hit the lottery .
Anyway , they ’ re usually done eating around 9:30 a.m. in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities , usually circle time videos from school and from a YouTuber named Monica Sutton who does a daily joint that my kids rather enjoy .
The willies are pretty much all shaken out by 10:15-ish a.m. And then here they come , asking for some snacks .
Usually , I ’ m like hell to the nah , bruh bruh .
How can they possibly be hungry only 45 minutes later ?
But if that first attempt manages to successfully foil their snack procurement , they ’ ll be back 15 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ littlest one , a savvy chap if I ’ ve ever met one who specializes in Circumventive Ingenuity , will go radio silent at some point , having deduced that we place certain snacks closest to the edge of the counter enabling him to reach them with his stepping stool from the bathroom .
Not only does he go radio silent , but he has also realized that eating things out of sight in the kitchen is his best bet .
My other child , the five-year-old has become Simone Biles in these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countertops , then manages to open up cabinets to get into the snacks .
No snacks are safe in my house , yo .
Even if they eat lunch at noon , they ’ re snack-hunting at like 1 p.m .
Seriously , over the course of every single day that we ’ ve been home , they ’ re looking for snacks almost on the hour .
And I don ’ t get it .
When these kids are at school one of my biggest frustrations was always that they didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or snacks .
At the end of almost every day , when picking them up , we open their lunch boxes and see remainder-snacks and even sometimes parts of lunch that weren ’ t eaten .
Which is causing me some consternation now : are my kids starving at school ?
When they get in the car for pickup they always ask for their snacks but I figure that ’ s because they are usually just getting off the playground or something , burning calories and needing a quick food intake .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are in the house all day long , with frequent trips outside , are always hungry now ?
I haz confused .
Are they not getting adequate snack time at school or are they just bored here at home so they don ’ t know what else to do but eat snacks ?
Does a moment of downtime at home trigger a desire to nibble on some nibbleage ?
I ’ m genuinely confused by this .
My kids are even willing to eat healthy stuffs right now .
It ain ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fruit snacks .
They ’ re asking for mandarin oranges and grapes .
Hell , I bet I could put some celery out and they ’ d be like , “ yay , celery !
” They feel like endless pits of consumption right now .
What I do know is that when school comes back around , whenever that may be , I ’ m going to be asking some questions about their eating because either my kids are starving or they ’ re faking the funk here at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , one of my kids just asked me for some ice .
He is hungry for ice right now .

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

I have a curiosity that I’ve been pondering since schools shuttered and our kids have been home around the clock: were my kids starving at school?
I think my parents will probably feel me on this one right here. If you are a parent and find yourself so compelled to throw your hands in the air, feel free to wave them like you just don’t care if what I’m about to speak on sounds familiar.
Advertisement
Spoiler alert: It will sound familiar.
So, since my two youngest kids (aged 5 and 4-in-a-week) have been home, the snack requests literally occur around the clock. If these kids are awake, they want snacks. They wake up, say at like 7:30 a.m., which actually constitutes sleeping in around these parts, and after playing and littering each floor in the house with things for me to step on. S ure, I’ve written about stepping on Legos in the middle of the night, but you have not lived until you’ve almost met your maker by slipping on an armless Spider-Man left on a stair. C an you imagine the irony of falling down a flight of steps to your impending paralysis at the hands of a superhero? Now, we do bath time and they eat breakfast somewhere between 8:45 a.m. and 9 a.m. a nd they’re not just eating some yogurt cup, my kids are eating that good stuff. They get waffles and/or pancakes, fruit they like and say, a Dannon smoothie. These kids, yo, they hit the lottery.
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Anyway, they’re usually done eating around 9:30 a.m. in time to do some variation of school activities, usually circle time videos from school and from a YouTuber named Monica Sutton who does a daily joint that my kids rather enjoy. The willies are pretty much all shaken out by 10:15-ish a.m. And then here they come, asking for some snacks. Usually, I’m like hell to the nah, bruh bruh. How can they possibly be hungry only 45 minutes later? But if that first attempt manages to successfully foil their snack procurement , they’ll be back 15 minutes after that. Without fail.
The littlest one, a savvy chap if I’ve ever met one who specializes in Circumventive Ingenuity, will go radio silent at some point, having deduced that we place certain snacks closest to the edge of the counter enabling him to reach them with his stepping stool from the bathroom. Not only does he go radio silent, but he has also realized that eating things out of sight in the kitchen is his best bet. My other child, the five-year-old has become Simone Biles in these streets and does leaps and bounds onto countertops, then manages to open up cabinets to get into the snacks. No snacks are safe in my house, yo.
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Even if they eat lunch at noon, they’re snack-hunting at like 1 p.m. Seriously, over the course of every single day that we’ve been home, they’re looking for snacks almost on the hour.
And I don’t get it. When these kids are at school one of my biggest frustrations was always that they didn’t seem to eat their full lunches or snacks. At the end of almost every day, when picking them up, we open their lunch boxes and see remainder-snacks and even sometimes parts of lunch that weren’t eaten. Which is causing me some consternation now: are my kids starving at school? When they get in the car for pickup they always ask for their snacks but I figure that’s because they are usually just getting off the playground or something, burning calories and needing a quick food intake.
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But how is it that these kids, who are in the house all day long, with frequent trips outside, are always hungry now? I haz confused.
Are they not getting adequate snack time at school or are they just bored here at home so they don’t know what else to do but eat snacks? Does a moment of downtime at home trigger a desire to nibble on some nibbleage? I’m genuinely confused by this. My kids are even willing to eat healthy stuffs right now. It ain’t like it’s just Oreos and fruit snacks. They’re asking for mandarin oranges and grapes. Hell, I bet I could put some celery out and they’d be like, “yay, celery!” They feel like endless pits of consumption right now.
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What I do know is that when school comes back around, whenever that may be, I’m going to be asking some questions about their eating because either my kids are starving or they’re faking the funk here at home.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, one of my kids just asked me for some ice. He is hungry for ice right now.
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Ice.
What is happening?


theroot--2020-05-06--More Than 3/5: Stacey Abrams' Nonprofit Wants to Make Sure Black Men Aren't Left Out of the 2020 Cen

More Than 3/5: Stacey Abrams' Nonprofit Wants to Make Sure Black Men Aren't Left Out of the 2020 Census

“ In Georgia alone , 67,000 black men are estimated to be undercounted....That funding is not lost from the federal government—the federal government just keeps that money .
That just means that money goes to another community or another state or another city or another county.
” — Ed Reed , Program Director , Fair Count When it comes to the U.S. Census , it ’ s no secret that black men are historically undercounted .
As Georgia has one of the largest populations of black men , Fair Count , a nonprofit founded by Stacey Abrams , decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Count is a Fair Count program dedicated to ensuring that black men , specifically , are fairly and accurately counted in the census across Georgia .
Ed Reed is a program director at Fair Count and also leads the Black Men Count initiative .
Reed says that there are multiple factors that cause black men to be undercounted in the census .
Privacy and security concerns seem to top the list ( though federal law prohibits census information from being shared with anyone , including other governmental entities ) .
Reed also says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is real .
“ One of the things we ’ ve heard recently is that in order to get a stimulus check through the funding package at the congressional level , you had to complete the 2020 census .
And that ’ s just simply not true.
” A Black Men Count PSA serves as a chilling reminder that in the United States , black people were once only considered three-fifths of a human being .
Fast forward some centuries , and it is critical that we—black people—be accounted for .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ translates to federal funding for communities as well as political power and representation .
At the most , some say , the census is a semblance of our democracy .
“ We have one shot to do it over the course of 10 years , ” Reed says .
See the entire video above .

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


theroot--2020-05-06--Ousted Vaccine Scientist Files Whistleblower Complaint, Claims Trump Administration Ignored Coronavi

Ousted Vaccine Scientist Files Whistleblower Complaint, Claims Trump Administration Ignored Coronavirus Warnings

Rick Bright , the ousted director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority ( BARDA ) , has filed a whistleblower complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel , noting that he was demoted after refusing to promote the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients .
According to NPR , Bright , a “ high-ranking federal scientist focused on vaccine development and a deputy assistant secretary with the Department of Health and Human Services , ” was transferred to the mailroom or some other “ less impactful position ” at the National Institutes of Health because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bidding .
Bright wanted the government to spend money to find “ safe and scientifically vetted solutions ” to address the coronavirus crisis and not waste money on “ drugs , vaccines and other technologies that lack scientific merit , ” according to the complaint viewed by NPR .
The complaint alleges a range of government wrongdoing by Dr. Robert Kadlec , “ the assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Department of Health and Human Services , and others .
Bright was supervised by Kadlec , who in turn reported to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Bright claims that he was cautioning Trump administration officials as far back as January to prepare for the coronavirus but they weren ’ t trying to hear him .
Instead of preparing for the possible impact of an outbreak , Trump just removed Bright from his position in BARDA as retaliation , the complaint claims .
According to the complaint , relations between Bright and Kadlec had been strained since 2018 or so , when Bright began “ raising repeated objections to the outsized role Dr. Kadlec allowed industry consultants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bright and other scientists and subject matter experts determined were not meritorious.
” “ Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit , however , Dr .
Bright became even more alarmed about the pressure that Dr. Kadlec and other government officials were exerting on BARDA to invest in drugs , vaccines , and other technologies without proper scientific vetting or that lacked scientific merit , ” the complaint continues .
“ Dr .
Bright objected to these efforts and made clear that BARDA would only invest the billions of dollars allocated by Congress to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vetted solutions and it would not succumb to the pressure of politics or cronyism.
” The complaint alleges that Bright made repeated efforts to get the U.S. government to make adequate preparations for the coronavirus but was stymied by political appointees leading the HHS , including Azar .
Because Trump was all in on hydroxychloroquine , Bright says that he shared nonclassified emails between HHS officials that “ discussed the drug ’ s potential toxicity and demonstrated the political pressure to rush these drugs from Pakistan and India to American households ” with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn the risks associated with the drug .
NPR reports that within days of the article being published , Azar and Kadlec removed him from his post , suspecting that he was the reporter ’ s source .
And here ’ s the funny part , NIH Director Francis Collins said last week that Bright is a senior adviser within NIH but he doesn ’ t really have a job as his role is “ under development ” and he ’ s not received a paycheck since April 20 , the day he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Human Services has a different account of events .
“ Dr .
Bright was transferred to NIH to work on diagnostics testing — critical to combatting COVID-19 — where he has been entrusted to spend upwards of $ 1 billion to advance that effort , ” HHS spokesperson Caitlin Oakley said in a statement to NPR .
“ We are deeply disappointed that he has not shown up to work on behalf of the American people and lead on this critical endeavor.
” But here ’ s what may be working in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of public opinion : We don ’ t know if Bright is a liar ; we can ’ t say the same about the Trump administration .

Rick Bright, the ousted director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), has filed a whistleblower complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, noting that he was demoted after refusing to promote the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients.
According to NPR, Bright, a “high-ranking federal scientist focused on vaccine development and a deputy assistant secretary with the Department of Health and Human Services,” was transferred to the mailroom or some other “less impactful position” at the National Institutes of Health because he wouldn’t do Trump’s bidding.
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Bright wanted the government to spend money to find “safe and scientifically vetted solutions” to address the coronavirus crisis and not waste money on “drugs, vaccines and other technologies that lack scientific merit,” according to the complaint viewed by NPR.
The complaint alleges a range of government wrongdoing by Dr. Robert Kadlec, “the assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Department of Health and Human Services, and others. Bright was supervised by Kadlec, who in turn reported to HHS Secretary Alex Azar,” NPR reports.
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Bright claims that he was cautioning Trump administration officials as far back as January to prepare for the coronavirus but they weren’t trying to hear him. Instead of preparing for the possible impact of an outbreak, Trump just removed Bright from his position in BARDA as retaliation, the complaint claims.
From NPR:
According to the complaint, relations between Bright and Kadlec had been strained since 2018 or so, when Bright began “raising repeated objections to the outsized role Dr. Kadlec allowed industry consultants to play in securing contracts that Dr. Bright and other scientists and subject matter experts determined were not meritorious.” “Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, however, Dr. Bright became even more alarmed about the pressure that Dr. Kadlec and other government officials were exerting on BARDA to invest in drugs, vaccines, and other technologies without proper scientific vetting or that lacked scientific merit,” the complaint continues. “Dr. Bright objected to these efforts and made clear that BARDA would only invest the billions of dollars allocated by Congress to address the COVID-19 pandemic in safe and scientifically vetted solutions and it would not succumb to the pressure of politics or cronyism.” The complaint alleges that Bright made repeated efforts to get the U.S. government to make adequate preparations for the coronavirus but was stymied by political appointees leading the HHS, including Azar.
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Because Trump was all in on hydroxychloroquine, Bright says that he shared nonclassified emails between HHS officials that “discussed the drug’s potential toxicity and demonstrated the political pressure to rush these drugs from Pakistan and India to American households” with a reporter so that the public could learn the risks associated with the drug.
NPR reports that within days of the article being published, Azar and Kadlec removed him from his post, suspecting that he was the reporter’s source. And here’s the funny part, NIH Director Francis Collins said last week that Bright is a senior adviser within NIH but he doesn’t really have a job as his role is “under development” and he’s not received a paycheck since April 20, the day he was reassigned.
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The Department of Health and Human Services has a different account of events.
“Dr. Bright was transferred to NIH to work on diagnostics testing — critical to combatting COVID-19 — where he has been entrusted to spend upwards of $1 billion to advance that effort,” HHS spokesperson Caitlin Oakley said in a statement to NPR. “We are deeply disappointed that he has not shown up to work on behalf of the American people and lead on this critical endeavor.”
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But here’s what may be working in Bright’s favor in the court of public opinion: We don’t know if Bright is a liar; we can’t say the same about the Trump administration.


theroot--2020-05-06--After The Last Dance: Metta Ford-Artest On the Time He Broke Michael Jordan's Ribs And Somehow Lived

After The Last Dance: Metta Ford-Artest On the Time He Broke Michael Jordan's Ribs And Somehow Lived to Tell the Tale

ESPN ’ s The Last Dance has not only captured the entire world ’ s attention but provided the perfect opportunity for former NBA stars to revisit their own battles with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls .
And while the docuseries captures Jerry Krause ’ s irrational quest to destroy one of the greatest dynasties in the history of professional sports , there ’ s one player who was a part of Krause ’ s attempt to rebuild another .
That person is Metta World Peace .
Peace , who recently changed his name yet again to Metta Ford-Artest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Sam Amick and Joe Vardon on the “ Tampering ” podcast and gave us all a peek into Krause ’ s lun acy , as well as some insight into the time he treated Jordan ’ s ribs like a Kit Kat bar .
In 1999 , Ford-Artest was drafted 16th overall by the lowly Chicago Bulls , a year removed from a second three-peat and struggling to recapture the magic of yesteryear .
Scottie Pippen , Dennis Rodman , Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson had all inexplicably been told to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toni Kukoc and an assortment of dilapidated spare parts .
“ For me , it ’ s like Jerry drafted me after Michael Jordan [ played there ] , so for me , the Bulls were my favorite team , ” Ford-Artest explained .
“ I played with them all the time on the video games , so as a 19-year-old kid , I ’ m like , ‘ Wow , ’ right ?
And then Jerry told me one day—I love Jerry—Jerry is like , ‘ Ron , we ’ re gon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 , and you ’ re gon na be here , and it ’ s gon na just destroy those other six titles .
Jerry would always say that .
‘ No .
7 is the most important one… ’ ” How ’ d that work out for you , Jerry ?
Oh , that ’ s right .
With a clusterfuck named Tim Floyd at the helm , The 1999-00 Bulls would embarrass our ancestors with a mere 17 wins and haven ’ t come remotely close to winning an NBA title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I hate losing , right ?
” Ford-Artest said .
“ [ But in ] Chicago [ it was ] every day , when I ’ m losing [ and ] I ’ m coming into practice , and I ’ ve got a chip on my shoulder .
I don ’ t want to talk to nobody .
I ’ m upset .
We suck… Every day there was something .
I think my first practice , I had a fight with Kukoc [ and [ that was before we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a nice little scuffle.
” The former NBA All-Star then revealed when reality settled in and Krause realized that the motley crew he had assembled was destined to fail miserably .
“ At the time , I was going through a lot , ” Ford-Artest began .
“ I just kept getting in trouble after trouble—a lot of behind the scenes things that happened in Chicago .
They didn ’ t want to trade me .
Jerry was like , ‘ One more incident and you ’ re done , ’ and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jerry really believed in me before I believed in myself , you know ?
So for me , I love Jerry Krause… That ’ s one of the biggest honors to get drafted by Jerry Krause.
” Okay , but what about Jordan ’ s ribs ?
Those of us well-versed in NBA lore already know that it was The Jordan Rules author Sam Smith who broke the story in 2001 .
But in revisiting that infamous moment , Ford-Artest insists it was an accident , dammit .
“ [ Jordan ] would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you come back [ to play pick-up at the private gym in Chicago ] .
’ And I ’ m like , ‘ Oh wow , Michael Jordan said ‘ Come back ’ to play because of how hard I played against him .
And then you know , [ on that day ] when he locks you in the post , I tried to deny because the key to Jordan is you can ’ t let him touch the ball , right ?
So then as I was denying with the left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his hand that was under his left hand that was grabbing me , so I get his hand out the way , then I hit him with my elbow in his ribs and then the ref called an offensive foul .
Jordan had refs at every single run , and the ref called an offensive foul , and I ’ m like , ‘ Yeah !
’ And then Jordan went like this ( holds his side ) and I was like ‘ Oh… ’ He then goes on to explain that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and refused to leave his house for two days to avoid the media circus .
“ My agent called me at the time , it was Mark Bartelstein , ” Ford-Artest said .
“ And he called me and said , ‘ Hey , you all right ?
’ I said , ‘ No , I think I hurt Michael Jordan.
’ ” So what got him to finally face the music and leave the house ?
“ Jordan calls me , and Jordan was like , ‘ Hey man , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t worry about it.
’ And then I went back to playing , ” Ford-Artest recalled .
“ It was one of the greatest phone calls I got in my life .
I spoke to Jordan twice on the phone in my life.
” The other time ?
That would be in the immediate aftermath of an incident that the NBA would prefer we all forget : 2004 ’ s Malice in the Palace , which was one of the ugliest brawls between players and fans in sports history .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there.
’ [ It was ] amazing , ” Ford-Artest said .
“ If he can help , he ’ ll help , and just calling—that ’ s a big help if you ’ re hearing from Michael Jordan .
But at that time , I just wasn ’ t able to take leadership well .
I wasn ’ t listening to any leaders… There was nothing you could say to get through to me.
” Okay , so maybe Jordan isn ’ t the complete asshole we all think he is .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ really dope listen .
So should the spirit move you to do so , you can check it out here .

ESPN’s The Last Dance has not only captured the entire world’s attention but provided the perfect opportunity for former NBA stars to revisit their own battles with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. And while the docuseries captures Jerry Krause’s irrational quest to destroy one of the greatest dynasties in the history of professional sports, there’s one player who was a part of Krause’s attempt to rebuild another. That person is Metta World Peace.
Peace, who recently changed his name yet again to Metta Ford-Artest, chopped it up with The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Joe Vardon on the “Tampering” podcast and gave us all a peek into Krause’s lun acy, as well as some insight into the time he treated Jordan’s ribs like a Kit Kat bar.
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In 1999, Ford-Artest was drafted 16th overall by the lowly Chicago Bulls, a year removed from a second three-peat and struggling to recapture the magic of yesteryear. Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson had all inexplicably been told to call Tyrone, leaving the Bulls with Toni Kukoc and an assortment of dilapidated spare parts.
Krause, however, remained resolute.
“For me, it’s like Jerry drafted me after Michael Jordan [played there], so for me, the Bulls were my favorite team,” Ford-Artest explained. “I played with them all the time on the video games, so as a 19-year-old kid, I’m like, ‘Wow,’ right? And then Jerry told me one day—I love Jerry—Jerry is like, ‘Ron, we’re gonna get (championship) No. 7, and you’re gonna be here, and it’s gonna just destroy those other six titles. Jerry would always say that. ‘No. 7 is the most important one…’”
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How’d that work out for you, Jerry?
Oh, that’s right. With a clusterfuck named Tim Floyd at the helm, The 1999-00 Bulls would embarrass our ancestors with a mere 17 wins and haven’t come remotely close to winning an NBA title ever since FUBU was still a thing.
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“I hate losing, right?” Ford-Artest said. “[But in] Chicago [it was] every day, when I’m losing [and] I’m coming into practice, and I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. I don’t want to talk to nobody. I’m upset. We suck… Every day there was something. I think my first practice, I had a fight with Kukoc [and[ that was before we even started losing. Me and Toni had a nice little scuffle.”
The former NBA All-Star then revealed when reality settled in and Krause realized that the motley crew he had assembled was destined to fail miserably.
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“At the time, I was going through a lot,” Ford-Artest began. “I just kept getting in trouble after trouble—a lot of behind the scenes things that happened in Chicago. They didn’t want to trade me. Jerry was like, ‘One more incident and you’re done,’ and I kept getting in trouble. But Jerry really believed in me before I believed in myself, you know? So for me, I love Jerry Krause… That’s one of the biggest honors to get drafted by Jerry Krause.”
Okay, but what about Jordan’s ribs?
Those of us well-versed in NBA lore already know that it was The Jordan Rules author Sam Smith who broke the story in 2001. But in revisiting that infamous moment, Ford-Artest insists it was an accident, dammit.
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“[Jordan] would say, ‘Hey, make sure you come back [to play pick-up at the private gym in Chicago].’ And I’m like, ‘Oh wow, Michael Jordan said ‘Come back’ to play because of how hard I played against him. And then you know, [on that day] when he locks you in the post, I tried to deny because the key to Jordan is you can’t let him touch the ball, right? So then as I was denying with the left hand, my right elbow went under his hand that was under his left hand that was grabbing me, so I get his hand out the way, then I hit him with my elbow in his ribs and then the ref called an offensive foul. Jordan had refs at every single run, and the ref called an offensive foul, and I’m like, ‘Yeah!’ And then Jordan went like this (holds his side) and I was like ‘Oh…’
He then goes on to explain that he hid from his coaches and Bulls management and refused to leave his house for two days to avoid the media circus.
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“My agent called me at the time, it was Mark Bartelstein,” Ford-Artest said. “And he called me and said, ‘Hey, you all right?’ I said, ‘No, I think I hurt Michael Jordan.’”
So what got him to finally face the music and leave the house?
“Jordan calls me, and Jordan was like, ‘Hey man, it’s ok. Things happen, and don’t worry about it.’ And then I went back to playing,” Ford-Artest recalled. “It was one of the greatest phone calls I got in my life. I spoke to Jordan twice on the phone in my life.”
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The other time? That would be in the immediate aftermath of an incident that the NBA would prefer we all forget: 2004’s Malice in the Palace, which was one of the ugliest brawls between players and fans in sports history.
“He was like, ‘Hang in there.’ [It was] amazing,” Ford-Artest said. “If he can help, he’ll help, and just calling—that’s a big help if you’re hearing from Michael Jordan. But at that time, I just wasn’t able to take leadership well. I wasn’t listening to any leaders… There was nothing you could say to get through to me.”
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Okay, so maybe Jordan isn’t the complete asshole we all think he is.
The interview in its entirety is a really dope listen. So should the spirit move you to do so, you can check it out here.


theroot--2020-05-06--As Graphic Video of Black Jogger's Killing Goes Viral, Georgia Prosecutor Recommends Case Go Before

As Graphic Video of Black Jogger's Killing Goes Viral, Georgia Prosecutor Recommends Case Go Before Grand Jury

On Tuesday , a graphic video was posted online showing the deadly shooting of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery , an unarmed black man who was killed in February by two white men as he went for a jog in a Southern Georgia suburb .
As video of the killing spread far and wide online , a Georgia prosecutor recommended the case go to a grand jury to decide whether to bring criminal charges .
In a statement shared on Facebook Tuesday morning , District Attorney Tom Durden , representing the Atlantic Judicial Circuit , said that after “ careful ” review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the opinion that the case should be presented to the grand jury of Glynn County for consideration of criminal charges.
” The cellphone video , originally posted online by Georgia radio station WGIG Tuesday afternoon , appears to be taken from a person driving behind Arbery as he ran through the Satilla Shores neighborhood just outside of Brunswick , Ga. , on Feb. 23 .
Arbery , wearing a white t-shirt , can be seen running down one side of a sunny two-lane road when he comes upon a white pick-up truck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On the driver ’ s side door is Travis McMichael , holding a shotgun , and in the bed of the truck is his father , Greg McMichael , who was also armed with a pistol .
Arbery runs on the passenger side of the truck before coming across the vehicle ’ s front , just as one shot goes off .
Travis McMichael and Arbery struggle over Travis ’ s shotgun , as Greg can be seen drawing his own pistol .
As they struggle over the gun , Travis and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fires off again before they come back on camera .
Arbery continues trying to fight Travis off before a third shot is fired , after which Arbery draws back and tries to run off .
He stumbles and collapses in the middle of the street , bleeding out in broad daylight .
Police say he died on the scene .
WGIG says the cell phone footage was given to them by an anonymous source .
“ We debated whether to put it out , ” the station wrote on its site , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest of the public.
” “ This is murder , ” Arbery family attorney Lee Merritt said .
“ The series of events captured in this video confirm what all the evidence indicated prior to its release.
” Former Vice President Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee for president , was among thousands who responded to the video Tuesday .
“ The video is clear : Ahmaud Arbery was killed in cold blood , ” He tweeted .
“ My heart goes out to his family , who deserve justice and deserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a swift , full , and transparent investigation into his murder.
” “ The video of # AhmaudArbery sickens me to my core , ” tweeted California Senator Kamala Harris .
“ Exercising while black shouldn ’ t be a death sentence.
” Governor Brian Kemp also responded to the video , writing that “ Georgians deserve answers.
” Arbery ’ s mother , Wanda Jones , told CBS News the video “ proves that my son was not committing a crime .
He was out for his daily jog and he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Before the video was released , the case had appeared to be at a standstill for months .
The McMichaels claim they suspected Arbery was a burglar and chased him down , attempting to perform a citizen ’ s arrest .
According to the police report , the McMichaels said they spotted Arbery and thought he resembled the suspect in a series of break-ins in the neighborhood , according to the BBC .
They armed themselves and got into a white pick-up truck to give chase .
Greg McMichael said once they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to stop so they could talk to him , after which Arbery “ violently ” attacked his son during the confrontation , attempting to take Travis ’ shotgun when Travis shot him twice .
At some point before or during their pursuit of Arbery , Greg McMichael called 911 , according to dispatcher records .
Greg McMichael said his son was acting under the scope of citizen ’ s arrest and that he shot Arbery in self-defense .
As multiple outlets have reported , District Attorney Durden is the third prosecutor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recused themselves from the investigation because of their professional connections to Greg McMichael , who had recently retired after working as an investigator for the Brunswick District Attorney ’ s Office .
The elder McMichael also worked as an officer in the Glynn County Police department for seven years .
According to documents obtained by the New York Times , one of the earlier prosecutors , George E. Barnhill , representing Waycross Judicial District , told police there was insufficient probable cause to arrest the men chasing Arbery .
He argued , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s pursuers “ acted legally under the state ’ s citizen arrest and self-defense statutes , ” the Times writes .
The case has bounced from Glynn County to Ware County , finally landing with Hinesville District attorneys .
Since the shooting in late February , no one has been charged with a crime in Arbery ’ s death .
It may still be some time before that happens .
Although Durden has recommended the case go before a grand jury , because of the coronavirus , the Georgia Supreme Court has banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

On Tuesday, a graphic video was posted online showing the deadly shooting of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed black man who was killed in February by two white men as he went for a jog in a Southern Georgia suburb. As video of the killing spread far and wide online, a Georgia prosecutor recommended the case go to a grand jury to decide whether to bring criminal charges.
In a statement shared on Facebook Tuesday morning, District Attorney Tom Durden, representing the Atlantic Judicial Circuit, said that after “careful” review of the evidence, “I am of the opinion that the case should be presented to the grand jury of Glynn County for consideration of criminal charges.”
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The cellphone video, originally posted online by Georgia radio station WGIG Tuesday afternoon, appears to be taken from a person driving behind Arbery as he ran through the Satilla Shores neighborhood just outside of Brunswick, Ga., on Feb. 23.
Arbery, wearing a white t-shirt, can be seen running down one side of a sunny two-lane road when he comes upon a white pick-up truck parked in the middle of the street. On the driver’s side door is Travis McMichael, holding a shotgun, and in the bed of the truck is his father, Greg McMichael, who was also armed with a pistol.
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Arbery runs on the passenger side of the truck before coming across the vehicle’s front, just as one shot goes off. Travis McMichael and Arbery struggle over Travis’s shotgun, as Greg can be seen drawing his own pistol. As they struggle over the gun, Travis and Arbery momentarily veer off-camera; the shotgun fires off again before they come back on camera. Arbery continues trying to fight Travis off before a third shot is fired, after which Arbery draws back and tries to run off.
He stumbles and collapses in the middle of the street, bleeding out in broad daylight. Police say he died on the scene.
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WGIG says the cell phone footage was given to them by an anonymous source.
“We debated whether to put it out,” the station wrote on its site, “but determined it was in the best interest of the public.”
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“This is murder,” Arbery family attorney Lee Merritt said. “The series of events captured in this video confirm what all the evidence indicated prior to its release.”
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, was among thousands who responded to the video Tuesday.
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“The video is clear: Ahmaud Arbery was killed in cold blood,” He tweeted. “My heart goes out to his family, who deserve justice and deserve it now. It is time for a swift, full, and transparent investigation into his murder.”
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“The video of #AhmaudArbery sickens me to my core,” tweeted California Senator Kamala Harris. “Exercising while black shouldn’t be a death sentence.”
Governor Brian Kemp also responded to the video, writing that “Georgians deserve answers.”
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Arbery’s mother, Wanda Jones, told CBS News the video “proves that my son was not committing a crime. He was out for his daily jog and he was hunted down like an animal and killed.”
Before the video was released, the case had appeared to be at a standstill for months.
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The McMichaels claim they suspected Arbery was a burglar and chased him down, attempting to perform a citizen’s arrest.
According to the police report, the McMichaels said they spotted Arbery and thought he resembled the suspect in a series of break-ins in the neighborhood, according to the BBC. They armed themselves and got into a white pick-up truck to give chase. Greg McMichael said once they caught up to Arbery, they told him to stop so they could talk to him, after which Arbery “violently” attacked his son during the confrontation, attempting to take Travis’ shotgun when Travis shot him twice.
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At some point before or during their pursuit of Arbery, Greg McMichael called 911, according to dispatcher records.
From News 4 Jacksonville:
Greg McMichael: “I’m out here at Satilla Shores and there’s a black man running down the street.” 911 dispatcher: “I just need to know what he was doing wrong, was he just on the premises and not supposed to be?” Greg McMichael: “And he’s been caught on the camera a bunch before at night. It’s an ongoing thing out here.”
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Greg McMichael said his son was acting under the scope of citizen’s arrest and that he shot Arbery in self-defense.
As multiple outlets have reported, District Attorney Durden is the third prosecutor to handle the case. Two previous prosecutors recused themselves from the investigation because of their professional connections to Greg McMichael, who had recently retired after working as an investigator for the Brunswick District Attorney’s Office.
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The elder McMichael also worked as an officer in the Glynn County Police department for seven years.
According to documents obtained by the New York Times, one of the earlier prosecutors, George E. Barnhill, representing Waycross Judicial District, told police there was insufficient probable cause to arrest the men chasing Arbery. He argued, as Greg McMichael did, that Arbery’s pursuers “acted legally under the state’s citizen arrest and self-defense statutes,” the Times writes.
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The case has bounced from Glynn County to Ware County, finally landing with Hinesville District attorneys. Since the shooting in late February, no one has been charged with a crime in Arbery’s death.
It may still be some time before that happens. Although Durden has recommended the case go before a grand jury, because of the coronavirus, the Georgia Supreme Court has banned grand juries from convening through June 12.


theroot--2020-05-06--D-Nice to Spin at Virtual Prom Night Held by Houseparty App

Throughout the quarantine , DJ D-Nice has been providing necessary , feel-good energy through his spirited deejay sets , which combine the best of both old-school and new-school hits .
Now , the Los Angeles-based musician is teaming up with the video chatting app Houseparty to make the high school senior class of 2020 feel a bit better about missing what could have been a great night .
On Thursday , May 7 , D-Nice will be spinning at the Houseparty Prom , which takes place from 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m .
ET to 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m .
ET @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the host .
Houseparty ’ s Instagram encourages seniors to download the app in order to share photos and videos of their special night .
Of course , they also expect them to dance and have some fun , and to share their experience by using the hashtag # HousepartyProm .
D-Nice has been the purveyor of joy we ’ ve so desperately needed during this time .
His sensational Instagram Live set Club Quarantine has seen the likes of figures such as Halle Berry and Diddy paying virtual visits .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the road when the COVID-19 dust begins to dissipate .
Graduating seniors are also getting some pretty stellar virtual commencement exercises .
It was announced that Barack and Michelle Obama , among many other big names , will be speaking at YouTube ’ s “ Dear Class Of 2020 ” event on June 6 .
While this isn ’ t necessarily the way seniors may have envisioned their milestones moments , we ’ re glad brands are going above and beyond to make sure they feel appreciated and supported given the circumstances .

Throughout the quarantine, DJ D-Nice has been providing necessary, feel-good energy through his spirited deejay sets, which combine the best of both old-school and new-school hits. Now, the Los Angeles-based musician is teaming up with the video chatting app Houseparty to make the high school senior class of 2020 feel a bit better about missing what could have been a great night.
On Thursday, May 7, D-Nice will be spinning at the Houseparty Prom, which takes place from 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET to 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET. Instagram influencer Zack Bia will be the host.
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Houseparty’s Instagram encourages seniors to download the app in order to share photos and videos of their special night. Of course, they also expect them to dance and have some fun, and to share their experience by using the hashtag #HousepartyProm.
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D-Nice has been the purveyor of joy we’ve so desperately needed during this time. His sensational Instagram Live set Club Quarantine has seen the likes of figures such as Halle Berry and Diddy paying virtual visits. He’s hoping to take Club Quarantine on the road when the COVID-19 dust begins to dissipate.
Graduating seniors are also getting some pretty stellar virtual commencement exercises. It was announced that Barack and Michelle Obama, among many other big names, will be speaking at YouTube’s “Dear Class Of 2020” event on June 6. While this isn’t necessarily the way seniors may have envisioned their milestones moments, we’re glad brands are going above and beyond to make sure they feel appreciated and supported given the circumstances.


theroot--2020-05-07--Work (Out) From Home With These Home Gym Essentials

One of these days , hopefully sooner rather than later , gyms will reopen and we can all get back to pumping our way to the sickest of gains .
But until that day comes , most of us are stuck with at-home workouts as our only fitness outlet .
Considering that it looks like that may be the case for a while , there ’ s never been a better time to start building a home gym .
Well , not in the extravagant sense that phrase might seem to imply , at least .
You don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peloton bike to get a good workout in from your bedroom .
All you really need is your body ( bodyweight exercises are king in the WFH era ) and a couple of useful pieces of gear to keep in decent shape while staying at home .
If you play your cards right there ’ s nothing stopping you from emerging from the WFH cocoon as a beautiful Dwayne “ The Rock ” Johnson-sized butterfly .
This is maybe the single most essential piece of gym gear you can use at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit down , push-up stans ) and if you can only manage to get one piece of gym gear for your home , this is the one to go with .
Bars like these fit snugly into most door frames and thanks to The Laws Of Physics don ’ t require screws , bolts , or exterior attachments to stay in place .
Just wedge it in when you ’ re ready to get in a few reps and take it down when you ’ re done .
As an added bonus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assist in sit-ups and push-ups .
The Theragun is the absolute top of the line when it comes to recovery gear ( and it isn ’ t bad for warming up , either ) .
Theraguns are massage tools with a number of adjustable speeds and intensities that deliver heavy pulses to your muscle groups , breaking up scar tissue and promoting blood flow .
The sensation might take a little while to get used to , but once you do you ’ ll wonder how you ever went to the gym ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day ) without one .
Resistance bands are one of the more quietly flexible ( no pun intended ) pieces of home gym equipment you can buy .
Depending on the amount of resistance a band provides and the exercises you do with them , they can be used for everything from warming up to rehabbing and recovering sore muscles .
On top of that , you can also build an entire workout set from them .
This Fit Simplify set comes with five bands featuring five different resistance weights and are as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if you ’ re having trouble getting your head in the game when it comes to working out at home , nobody can blame you .
It ’ s a weird transition and like I said , trying to make your living space and working space also function as a fitness space can be an uphill battle .
It can leave you with very little energy to actually put your workouts together .
Let Nike take care of that for you .
The Nike Training Club app comes loaded with countless killer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circuits to ab-shredding yoga sessions , you can find the perfect workout for you and the gear you ’ ve got on hand .
It ’ s a great way to track consistency and progress over time , allowing you to see just how much you ’ ve put into your fitness journey on your phone screen or smart watch .
While the app has a subscription-based Premium setting in addition to its free workouts , Training Club ’ s Premium workouts have all been made free to the public until further notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time as there ’ s ever been to check it out .
• None Download it here for free

Tres Dean on The Inventory, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Products Needed:
IKUNH Pull-Up Bar
Theragun
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
Nike Training Club App
One of these days, hopefully sooner rather than later, gyms will reopen and we can all get back to pumping our way to the sickest of gains. But until that day comes, most of us are stuck with at-home workouts as our only fitness outlet. Considering that it looks like that may be the case for a while, there’s never been a better time to start building a home gym.
Well, not in the extravagant sense that phrase might seem to imply, at least. You don’t need a BowFlex, treadmill, and Peloton bike to get a good workout in from your bedroom. All you really need is your body (bodyweight exercises are king in the WFH era) and a couple of useful pieces of gear to keep in decent shape while staying at home. If you play your cards right there’s nothing stopping you from emerging from the WFH cocoon as a beautiful Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson-sized butterfly.
The Most Essential
Advertisement
This is maybe the single most essential piece of gym gear you can use at home. Pull-ups are the quintessential bodyweight exercise (sit down, push-up stans) and if you can only manage to get one piece of gym gear for your home, this is the one to go with. Bars like these fit snugly into most door frames and thanks to The Laws Of Physics don’t require screws, bolts, or exterior attachments to stay in place. Just wedge it in when you’re ready to get in a few reps and take it down when you’re done. As an added bonus, you can use the same bar to assist in sit-ups and push-ups.
Advertisement Advertisement
Top of the Line
Advertisement
The Theragun is the absolute top of the line when it comes to recovery gear (and it isn’t bad for warming up, either). Theraguns are massage tools with a number of adjustable speeds and intensities that deliver heavy pulses to your muscle groups, breaking up scar tissue and promoting blood flow. The sensation might take a little while to get used to, but once you do you’ll wonder how you ever went to the gym (or were able to walk the next day) without one.
The Most Versatile
Advertisement
Resistance bands are one of the more quietly flexible (no pun intended) pieces of home gym equipment you can buy. Depending on the amount of resistance a band provides and the exercises you do with them, they can be used for everything from warming up to rehabbing and recovering sore muscles. On top of that, you can also build an entire workout set from them. This Fit Simplify set comes with five bands featuring five different resistance weights and are as durable as they are versatile.
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The Personalized Option
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Look, if you’re having trouble getting your head in the game when it comes to working out at home, nobody can blame you. It’s a weird transition and like I said, trying to make your living space and working space also function as a fitness space can be an uphill battle. It can leave you with very little energy to actually put your workouts together.
Let Nike take care of that for you. The Nike Training Club app comes loaded with countless killer workouts of all kinds. From bodyweight circuits to ab-shredding yoga sessions, you can find the perfect workout for you and the gear you’ve got on hand. It’s a great way to track consistency and progress over time, allowing you to see just how much you’ve put into your fitness journey on your phone screen or smart watch.
While the app has a subscription-based Premium setting in addition to its free workouts, Training Club’s Premium workouts have all been made free to the public until further notice. It makes it as good a time as there’s ever been to check it out.


theroot--2020-05-07--Michael Flynn is the Latest White Man Whose Actions Have No Consequences

It really must be nice to be a white man in America .
Imagine pleading guilty twice to a crime and still getting away with it .
That is the case for former national security adviser Michael Flynn .
The New York Times reports that the Justice Department has dropped its case against Flynn .
Flynn pleaded guilty twice to lying to FBI investigators about having contact with Russian diplomat Sergei Kislyak .
As he had these conversations before President Trump had assumed the office , they were seen as an attempt to undermine the authority of then President Barack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this year and began to fight his case .
Flynn continuously attacked the FBI and prosecutors on his case , saying they operated in “ bad faith ” .
The judge overseeing the case rejected Flynn ’ s claims of misconduct back in December , according to the Times .
Attorney General and sentient ham sandwich William Barr then made the very suspect move of having an outside prosecutor review Flynn ’ s case .
In recent days , Mr. Flynn ’ s lawyers said the Justice Department had uncovered new documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigators ’ interview of Mr. Flynn in January 2017 as part of its inquiry into whether Trump advisers conspired with Russia ’ s election interference .
Law enforcement officials cited that interview in moving to drop the charges , saying in a court filing that the some of newfound documents showed that the questioning “ was untethered to , and unjustified by , the F.B.I.
’ s counterintelligence investigation into Mr. Flynn ” and that the case did not meet the legal standard that Mr. Flynn ’ s lies be “ materially ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump had considered pardoning Flynn but was told to hold off by advisers .
As a fellow white man who committed a crime and got away with it , his reaction to the case being dropped was entirely predictable .
Trump told reporters that Flynn was “ an innocent man , ” and that he sees him as an “ even greater warrior.
” The FBI began investigating Flynn in January 2017 , only four days after Trump had been inaugurated .
He was fired a month later for lying about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him holding the record for shortest time served as national security adviser at only 24 days .

It really must be nice to be a white man in America. Imagine pleading guilty twice to a crime and still getting away with it. That is the case for former national security adviser Michael Flynn.
The New York Times reports that the Justice Department has dropped its case against Flynn. Flynn pleaded guilty twice to lying to FBI investigators about having contact with Russian diplomat Sergei Kislyak. As he had these conversations before President Trump had assumed the office, they were seen as an attempt to undermine the authority of then President Barack Obama.
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Flynn withdrew his guilty plea earlier this year and began to fight his case. Flynn continuously attacked the FBI and prosecutors on his case, saying they operated in “bad faith”. The judge overseeing the case rejected Flynn’s claims of misconduct back in December, according to the Times. Attorney General and sentient ham sandwich William Barr then made the very suspect move of having an outside prosecutor review Flynn’s case.
From The Times:
In recent days, Mr. Flynn’s lawyers said the Justice Department had uncovered new documents that pointed to misconduct, particularly in investigators’ interview of Mr. Flynn in January 2017 as part of its inquiry into whether Trump advisers conspired with Russia’s election interference. Law enforcement officials cited that interview in moving to drop the charges, saying in a court filing that the some of newfound documents showed that the questioning “was untethered to, and unjustified by, the F.B.I.’s counterintelligence investigation into Mr. Flynn” and that the case did not meet the legal standard that Mr. Flynn’s lies be “materially” relevant to the matter under investigation.
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President Trump had considered pardoning Flynn but was told to hold off by advisers. As a fellow white man who committed a crime and got away with it, his reaction to the case being dropped was entirely predictable. Trump told reporters that Flynn was “an innocent man,” and that he sees him as an “even greater warrior.”
The FBI began investigating Flynn in January 2017, only four days after Trump had been inaugurated. He was fired a month later for lying about his ties to Russia. This resulted in him holding the record for shortest time served as national security adviser at only 24 days.