theroot--2020-12-08--Both the Officer and the Victim Have Been Indicted in a 2019 Police Shooting in San Francisco

On December 7 , 2019 , in San Francisco ’ s Mission District , a 24-year-old Black man was shot multiple times by two officers with the San Francisco Police Department .
Jamaica Hampton —a burglary suspect whose leg was later amputated due to his injuries —allegedly attacked one of the officers with a liquor bottle before the shooting started , but his attorney said one officer continued to fire shots after he was already down .
Exactly one year after the shooting , officials announced that both the Black man and the officer have been indicted on charges related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin announced the grand jury indictments on Monday without specifying what either man is charged with .
Last year , now-25-year-old Jamaica Hampton was arrested after the shooting and charged with suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon , assault on a peace officer and other crimes .
Boudin withdrew those charges in January saying that the officer , Christopher Flores , is under investigation and that there are “ multiple victims who are seeking , and who deserve justice.
” Here ’ s what happened as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last December , police said the shooting occurred after authorities were alerted to multiple attempted break-ins at an apartment and police cars .
After two officers , Flores and Sterling Hayes , identified Hampton as a potential suspect , Hampton allegedly struck Flores in the head with a vodka bottle repeatedly .
The alleged assault injured Flores and caused him to lose his baton , police said .
Hampton ’ s lawyer , Danielle Harris , said Monday that he was experiencing a “ crisis state due to a pre-existing behavioral health condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Body camera video appears to show Hampton running away from Flores and Hayes while they order him to the ground .
The statement said officers also used pepper spray , which had no effect .
After Hampton allegedly charged Hayes with a bottle , the officer opened fire , striking Hampton , who fell to the ground , police said .
The video shows that several seconds later , after Hayes announced “ shots fired , ” Flores fires again at Hampton .
In the statement , police said the final bullet was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knees and then began to move ” in the officer ’ s direction .
Harris told NBC that her client had been shot repeatedly , “ even after he was injured and down .
Jamaica has been punished far more than the law would ever allow.
” “ I don ’ t believe that our legal system or community have anything to gain from prosecuting Jamaica Hampton given the swift and severe street justice that was dealt to him by police , ” she continued .
Of course , law enforcement officials are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Mission Local , San Francisco Police Officers Association President Tony Montoya and Police Chief Bill Scott both released statements Monday criticizing the decision .
“ Jamaica was the aggressor , ” Montoya wrote , “ And Officer Flores acted to protect his own life and to protect the public.
” “ While I find today ’ s indictment surprising and troubling based on the circumstances , ” Scott said , “ I have faith in our judicial system and confidence that justice will ultimately be done in this case .
@

On December 7, 2019, in San Francisco’s Mission District, a 24-year-old Black man was shot multiple times by two officers with the San Francisco Police Department. Jamaica Hampton —a burglary suspect whose leg was later amputated due to his injuries —allegedly attacked one of the officers with a liquor bottle before the shooting started, but his attorney said one officer continued to fire shots after he was already down. Exactly one year after the shooting, officials announced that both the Black man and the officer have been indicted on charges related to the incident.
NBC News reports that San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin announced the grand jury indictments on Monday without specifying what either man is charged with.
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Last year, now-25-year-old Jamaica Hampton was arrested after the shooting and charged with suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a peace officer and other crimes. Boudin withdrew those charges in January saying that the officer, Christopher Flores, is under investigation and that there are “multiple victims who are seeking, and who deserve justice.”
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Here’s what happened as reported by NBC:
In a statement last December, police said the shooting occurred after authorities were alerted to multiple attempted break-ins at an apartment and police cars. After two officers, Flores and Sterling Hayes, identified Hampton as a potential suspect, Hampton allegedly struck Flores in the head with a vodka bottle repeatedly. The alleged assault injured Flores and caused him to lose his baton, police said. Hampton’s lawyer, Danielle Harris, said Monday that he was experiencing a “crisis state due to a pre-existing behavioral health condition” when he encountered the officers. Body camera video appears to show Hampton running away from Flores and Hayes while they order him to the ground. The statement said officers also used pepper spray, which had no effect. After Hampton allegedly charged Hayes with a bottle, the officer opened fire, striking Hampton, who fell to the ground, police said. The video shows that several seconds later, after Hayes announced “shots fired,” Flores fires again at Hampton. In the statement, police said the final bullet was fired after Hampton “rose to his knees and then began to move” in the officer’s direction.
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Harris told NBC that her client had been shot repeatedly, “even after he was injured and down. Jamaica has been punished far more than the law would ever allow.”
“I don’t believe that our legal system or community have anything to gain from prosecuting Jamaica Hampton given the swift and severe street justice that was dealt to him by police,” she continued.
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Of course, law enforcement officials are just as displeased that Flores was indicted.
According to Mission Local, San Francisco Police Officers Association President Tony Montoya and Police Chief Bill Scott both released statements Monday criticizing the decision.
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“Jamaica was the aggressor,” Montoya wrote, “And Officer Flores acted to protect his own life and to protect the public.”
“While I find today’s indictment surprising and troubling based on the circumstances,” Scott said, “I have faith in our judicial system and confidence that justice will ultimately be done in this case.”


theroot--2020-12-08--AirPods, MacBooks, and iPads (Oh My!): Today’s Best Apple Deals

The best Apple deals and discounts of December 2020 are here .
If you ’ re an Apple fan , then you know that the company ’ s popular iPhones , iPads , MacBooks , Apple Watch , and AirPods don ’ t come cheap —and sales can be sporadic .
Luckily , we watch Apple bargains like a hawk here at Kinja Deals , and we ’ re always keeping an eye out for the best deals across all Apple devices .
Scope out some great prices on AirPods Pro , the Apple Watch SE and Series 6 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : we ’ ll be updating this roundup regularly .
Apple ’ s higher-end wireless earbuds are currently $ 50 off the list price at Amazon , although it looks like they won ’ t arrive until after Christmas .
The AirPods Pro come with noise canceling , silicone tips for a comfortable fit , and a wirelessly-chargeable case , making them a solid upgrade over the standard versions .
Apple ’ s standard current-model AirPods are marked down to $ 129 right now for the standard version with wired charging .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have the active noise cancellation or silicone tips of the AirPods Pro , but they deliver great sound and excellent convenience .
You ’ ll get an even larger discount on the brand new core iPad , which is already marked down $ 29 soon after its release .
Unlike the redesigned iPad Air , this entry-level iPad still looks the same as the old one , but it has a faster A12 Bionic chip inside ( comparable to iPhone XS ) .
The 32GB model is available at Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gold .
Apple ’ s brand new iPad Air might not be billed as the highest-end model of the bunch , but it has the newest and fastest processor and cribs the sleek design from the pricier , perk-packed iPad Pro .
In short : it hits the sweet spot in terms of power and price , and right now you can save up to $ 31 off the list price based on which color you choose ( discounts vary ) .
The new Apple Watch SE is the best option for most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ core features of the pricier Apple Watch Series 6 with just a smidge less power and a $ 120 savings .
Right now , you can get the Apple Watch SE for even less at Amazon , where both the 40mm and 44mm sizes are marked down .
The entry-level 40mm model is marked down $ 20 to just $ 259 , while the 44mm model sees an even larger discount at $ 270 .
Only certain colors are in stock at those prices as of this writing and you may need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so be sure to double-check Amazon to see what ’ s available .
Amazon is already slicing up to $ 49 off the list price of the new Apple Watch Series 6 in certain colors for the 40mm size or the 44mm models .
These latest watches are a bit faster thanks to a new processor and add extra health functionality , such as a blood oxygen sensor .
And unlike the cheaper Apple Watch SE , they have the always-on display .
You ’ ll see the full savings at checkout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 120 off the active noise-canceling wireless Beats Solo Pro headphones right now at Amazon in a a couple of colors .
They pair easily with iOS devices thanks to Apple ’ s H1 chip and promise a stellar 22 hours of battery life on a full charge .
Only the Dark Blue version is at that price as of this writing , but double-check the listing as the prices fluctuate .
If you ’ re keen on cans instead of earbuds , Apple ’ s Beats brand has a solid deal on Solo3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re $ 40 off the list price right now at Amazon in this stylish Club White style , and a few other color options are the same price .
Whatever you choose , you ’ ll get wireless headphones that pair easily with an iPhone and offer up to 40 hours of battery life .
Right now you can save $ 50 off the price of Apple ’ s largest current-gen iPad , the iPad Pro 12.9 ” .
With a massive ProMotion screen , serious speed onboard , and even a LIDAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perk-packed tablet in Apple ’ s stable .
And if you want Apple ’ s pricey Magic Keyboard for this model , it ’ s also $ 49 off at Amazon when you clip the coupon .
If you ’ re on the hunt for a large , semi-recent iPhone that you can take to any network , this iPhone XR deal might be up your alley .
It has a sizable 6.1 ” screen , is available in a handful of eye-catching colors , and the A12 Bionic processor is still plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today .
It ’ s more than $ 300 off the original new list price when you buy this certified renewed version from Amazon , which is unlocked .
The price varies slightly based on which color you choose .
Apple ’ s biggest current MacBook Pro model is a wallet-buster , as you might expect , but at least Amazon is slashing a couple hundred bucks off right now .
The 16 '' Silver base model is $ 150 off right now , snagging you a powerful notebook ideal for creative work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16GB RAM , and a meaty 512GB of internal storage .
Part of that savings comes off at checkout , by the way .
Jump up to the Core i9 version with a 1TB SSD and you ’ ll save $ 300 off of its higher price point .
Apple ’ s MacBook laptops are popular , but if you want a big , beefy Mac with a hell of a screen , you can ’ t go wrong with an iMac .
The all-in-one desktop has a huge 27-inch screen at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an Intel Core i5 chip and 256GB of storage .
Save $ 100 off the base model at Amazon right now .

Andrew Hayward on Roundups, shared by Ignacia to The Root

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


theroot--2020-12-08--New Year, New Semester: Grown-ish Returns for Mid-Season Debut on Freeform

Somebody break out the booze !
It looks like fan-favorite Freeform series Grown-ish will soon be back on our screens following that crazy cliffhanger mid-season finale back in March .
( Can you believe Zoey ’ s dropping out ?
Whew , chile .
Kids these days , amirite ? )
In a press release sent to The Root , the second half of season three will “ follow the Cal U gang as they navigate the second half of junior year and begin to step out as adults into the real world .
After dropping out to focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Yara Shahidi ) wonders if life outside of Cal U is all it ’ s cracked up to be or if she still has some growing left to do.
” In case you ’ ve forgotten ( which I mean , you totally could have and I wouldn ’ t judge you if you did ; this year ’ s been hella long and it still isn ’ t over yet ) , that “ Cal U gang ” is comprised of an eclectic group , namely Trevor Jackson , who stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aaron ; Francia Raisa as Ana ; Emily Arlook as Nomi ; Jordan Buhat as Vivek ; Luka Sabbat as Luca ; Diggy Simmons as Doug and the dynamic singing duo ChloexHalle as Jazz and Sky , respectively .
Earlier this year , fans were stuck in limbo regarding when the season would resume .
Thanks to the global coronavirus pandemic and subsequent production shutdown , Freeform postponed the return from this past summer to early 2021 .
Grown-ish , the first of the Black-ish spinoffs , is executive produced by Kenya Barris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laurence Fishburne , Julie Bean , Jenifer Rice-Genzuk Henry , Craig Doyle , Helen Sugland and E. Brian Dobbins .
It ’ s also produced by ABC Signature under the helm of Disney Television Studios .
Grown-ish , which has also been renewed for season four , is currently available to stream now on Hulu and will return on January 21 , 2021 , at 8/7c .

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

Somebody break out the booze! It looks like fan-favorite Freeform series Grown-ish will soon be back on our screens following that crazy cliffhanger mid-season finale back in March. (Can you believe Zoey’s dropping out? Whew, chile. Kids these days, amirite?)
In a press release sent to The Root, the second half of season three will “follow the Cal U gang as they navigate the second half of junior year and begin to step out as adults into the real world. After dropping out to focus on her fashion career, Zoey (played by Yara Shahidi) wonders if life outside of Cal U is all it’s cracked up to be or if she still has some growing left to do.” In case you’ve forgotten (which I mean, you totally could have and I wouldn’t judge you if you did; this year’s been hella long and it still isn’t over yet), that “Cal U gang” is comprised of an eclectic group, namely Trevor Jackson, who stars as Zoey’s on-again-off-again love interest Aaron; Francia Raisa as Ana; Emily Arlook as Nomi; Jordan Buhat as Vivek; Luka Sabbat as Luca; Diggy Simmons as Doug and the dynamic singing duo ChloexHalle as Jazz and Sky, respectively.
Earlier this year, fans were stuck in limbo regarding when the season would resume. Thanks to the global coronavirus pandemic and subsequent production shutdown, Freeform postponed the return from this past summer to early 2021. Grown-ish, the first of the Black-ish spinoffs, is executive produced by Kenya Barris, Yara Shahidi, Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Julie Bean, Jenifer Rice-Genzuk Henry, Craig Doyle, Helen Sugland and E. Brian Dobbins. It’s also produced by ABC Signature under the helm of Disney Television Studios.
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Grown-ish, which has also been renewed for season four, is currently available to stream now on Hulu and will return on January 21, 2021, at 8/7c.


theroot--2020-12-08--After 8 Years of Marital Bliss, the Houston Rockets Have a James Harden Problem

There are egos to manage , conflicting personalities , roles to assign , salaries to determine , and morale is kind of a big deal too .
And after eight seasons of perennial disappointment in Houston , James Harden has made it abundantly clear that he has no desire to play for the Rockets .
There ’ s plenty of blame to go around .
While Harden has never had the right coach or complementary pieces—or co-star—to push the Rockets to true championship contention , his iso-heavy , ball-dominant style of play has proven itself difficult to build around .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as much as Harden presumably wants to win , he ’ s refused to adjust his game into something more conducive to team basketball instead of just putting up gaudy numbers at his teammates ’ expense .
But at this point , none of that shit even matters because after rejecting an extension that would ’ ve made him the NBA ’ s first $ 50 million a year player , Harden wants nothing more than to follow ex-teammate Russell Westbrook out the door .
The Rockets , however , refuse to acknowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re still wearing their wedding ring in public , they refuse to update their Facebook relationship status , and they ’ re telling anyone who will listen that a willingness “ to get uncomfortable ” is the key to marital bliss .
Some might point at the Lakers and Kobe Bryant as the perfect example of a preeminent player and organization working through their marital strife , but this is a different era , bruh .
And if Kevin Durant , Anthony Davis , LeBron James , and others have proven anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ain ’ t loyal .
Harden wants a divorce , and sooner or later , Houston will be forced to grant his wish—whether he makes it easy for them or not .
When Harden skipped the team ’ s first workout on Sunday , the Rockets tried to save face by pointing at the league ’ s new COVID-19 protocols as the culprit .
( Players are prohibited from hitting up bars , lounges or other social gatherings with more than 15 people in attendance , and apparently , their franchise player thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapper Lil ’ Baby ’ s birthday party than bother with training camp . )
But when Harden also skipped an individual workout Sunday evening , well , Houston had some explaining to do .
And by explaining , I mean they were forced to admit that he ’ s ... holding out .
“ I ’ ve been in situations before where it was a holdout , and we just kind of handled each individual situation on its own merit and individually , ” coach Stephen Silas told reporters on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ punishment , we haven ’ t even crossed that bridge yet .
We ’ re just trying to work piece by piece.
” Soooooooooooo when is Harden expected to return to the team ?
“ There is no timetable , as far as I know , ” Silas admitted .
“ It is a setback .
You want your best player to be here.
” But do you really want your best player to be there when he doesn ’ t even want to be there ?
On Tuesday morning , NBA insider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beans on Harden expanding his list of potential suitors to include Philadelphia and other contenders .
And while the Rockets might hold all the leverage right now , since Harden still has three years left on his contract , that leverages goes completely out the window once the season starts if the eight-time All-Star starts sulking .
I ’ ll definitely be keeping an eye on this story as it develops , but if I was the Rockets , I ’ d just sign the divorce papers , hop on Bumble , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superstar .

The workplace is delicate.
There are egos to manage, conflicting personalities, roles to assign, salaries to determine, and morale is kind of a big deal too. And after eight seasons of perennial disappointment in Houston, James Harden has made it abundantly clear that he has no desire to play for the Rockets.
There’s plenty of blame to go around.
While Harden has never had the right coach or complementary pieces—or co-star—to push the Rockets to true championship contention, his iso-heavy, ball-dominant style of play has proven itself difficult to build around. There’s also the fact that as much as Harden presumably wants to win, he’s refused to adjust his game into something more conducive to team basketball instead of just putting up gaudy numbers at his teammates’ expense.
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But at this point, none of that shit even matters because after rejecting an extension that would’ve made him the NBA’s first $50 million a year player, Harden wants nothing more than to follow ex-teammate Russell Westbrook out the door.
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The Rockets, however, refuse to acknowledge the writing on the wall. They’re still wearing their wedding ring in public, they refuse to update their Facebook relationship status, and they’re telling anyone who will listen that a willingness “to get uncomfortable” is the key to marital bliss. Some might point at the Lakers and Kobe Bryant as the perfect example of a preeminent player and organization working through their marital strife, but this is a different era, bruh. And if Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and others have proven anything, it’s that these hoes ain’t loyal.
Harden wants a divorce, and sooner or later, Houston will be forced to grant his wish—whether he makes it easy for them or not.
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When Harden skipped the team’s first workout on Sunday, the Rockets tried to save face by pointing at the league’s new COVID-19 protocols as the culprit. (Players are prohibited from hitting up bars, lounges or other social gatherings with more than 15 people in attendance, and apparently, their franchise player thought it was more important to hit up rapper Lil’ Baby’s birthday party than bother with training camp.) But when Harden also skipped an individual workout Sunday evening, well, Houston had some explaining to do. And by explaining, I mean they were forced to admit that he’s...holding out.
“I’ve been in situations before where it was a holdout, and we just kind of handled each individual situation on its own merit and individually,” coach Stephen Silas told reporters on Monday. “As far as any sort of punishment, we haven’t even crossed that bridge yet. We’re just trying to work piece by piece.”
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Soooooooooooo when is Harden expected to return to the team?
“There is no timetable, as far as I know,” Silas admitted. “It is a setback. You want your best player to be here.”
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You think?
But do you really want your best player to be there when he doesn’t even want to be there?
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On Tuesday morning, NBA insider Adrian “Woj” Wojnarowski spilled the beans on Harden expanding his list of potential suitors to include Philadelphia and other contenders. And while the Rockets might hold all the leverage right now, since Harden still has three years left on his contract, that leverages goes completely out the window once the season starts if the eight-time All-Star starts sulking.
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I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this story as it develops, but if I was the Rockets, I’d just sign the divorce papers, hop on Bumble, and move on to courting the next NBA superstar.


theroot--2020-12-08--Nothing but Respect for My Queen: Queen Latifah to Star in End of the Road on Netflix

The “ Princess of the Posse , ” aka Dana Owens , aka Queen Latifah has been tapped to both star and executive produce in a new thriller for Netflix , End of the Road .
According to Deadline , Millicent Shelton is also set to direct , making this her feature film debut .
Shelton ’ s previous directing credits include music videos for Mary J. Blige , Aaliyah , and Salt-n-Pepa , as well as popular TV shows such as HBO ’ s Insecure , ABC ’ s Black-ish , NBC ’ s 30 Rock , and P-Valley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edmonds will also produce with Mark Burg of Twisted Pictures and Brad Kaplan .
End of the Road “ follows recently widowed Brenda who , after losing her job , drives her family cross-country to start a new life .
In the New Mexico desert , cut off from help , they must learn to fight back when they become the targets of a mysterious killer.
” Latifah will executive produce alongside Shakim Compere on behalf of Latifah ’ s Flavor Unit Entertainment .
The Newark , N.J. native recently portrayed Hattie McDaniel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While there ’ s no official word yet on additional cast members or a potential premiere date , The Girls Trip star can be seen next in the upcoming Netflix sports drama Hustle with Adam Sandler , as well as the series reboot of The Equalizer for CBS , which will premiere directly after Super Bowl LIIV on February 7 .
“ I ’ m excited to share that @ TheEqualizerCBS premieres on Sunday , Feb. 7th after the Super Bowl !
You ready ?
# TheEqualizer # CBS , ” Latifah wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fans will remember the original series starring Edward Woodward as Robert McCall , a retired intelligence agent with a mysterious past who uses the skills from his former career to exact justice on behalf of innocent people trapped in dangerous circumstances .

The “Princess of the Posse,” aka Dana Owens, aka Queen Latifah has been tapped to both star and executive produce in a new thriller for Netflix, End of the Road. According to Deadline, Millicent Shelton is also set to direct, making this her feature film debut. Shelton’s previous directing credits include music videos for Mary J. Blige, Aaliyah, and Salt-n-Pepa, as well as popular TV shows such as HBO’s Insecure, ABC’s Black-ish, NBC’s 30 Rock, and P-Valley on STARZ. Soul Food producer Tracey Edmonds will also produce with Mark Burg of Twisted Pictures and Brad Kaplan.
End of the Road “follows recently widowed Brenda who, after losing her job, drives her family cross-country to start a new life. In the New Mexico desert, cut off from help, they must learn to fight back when they become the targets of a mysterious killer.” Latifah will executive produce alongside Shakim Compere on behalf of Latifah’s Flavor Unit Entertainment. The Newark, N.J. native recently portrayed Hattie McDaniel in the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Hollywood. While there’s no official word yet on additional cast members or a potential premiere date, The Girls Trip star can be seen next in the upcoming Netflix sports drama Hustle with Adam Sandler, as well as the series reboot of The Equalizer for CBS, which will premiere directly after Super Bowl LIIV on February 7.
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“I’m excited to share that @TheEqualizerCBS premieres on Sunday, Feb. 7th after the Super Bowl! You ready? #TheEqualizer #CBS,” Latifah wrote in an Instagram post last Friday. Fans will remember the original series starring Edward Woodward as Robert McCall, a retired intelligence agent with a mysterious past who uses the skills from his former career to exact justice on behalf of innocent people trapped in dangerous circumstances.


theroot--2020-12-08--Charge Three Devices At One Time With Aukey's 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock [Exclusive]

Whether you 're celebrating with your loved ones in person or from a distance , The Inventory staff is dedicated @ @ @ @ @ the top gifts to ring in the season—and maybe a few good deals to snatch @ @ @ @ @ 's okay , your secret 's safe with us .
I may be new when @ @ @ @ @ docks , but I do know a good , affordable product when I see one @ @ @ @ @ with the code KINJAWDI , you can charge your iP hone , headphones , and @ @ @ @ @ with an Aukey 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock .
You ’ ll be able to power @ @ @ @ @ , and your Apple Watch and headphones up to 5W .
It ’ s backed @ @ @ @ @ seamlessly and quickly boost your battery overnight .
What are you waiting for ?

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

AUKEY LC-A3 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock | $21 | Amazon | Use code KINJAWDI + Clip Coupon
I may be new when it comes to wireless charging docks, but I do know a good, affordable product when I see one. For just $21 with the code KINJAWDI, you can charge your iP hone, headphones , and Apple Watch all at once with an Aukey 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock. You’ll be able to power up your phone to 10W, and your Apple Watch and headphones up to 5W. It’s backed by a USB-C wire to seamlessly and quickly boost your battery overnight. What are you waiting for?


theroot--2020-12-08--OWN’S David Makes Man Announces New Cast and Directors Just Ahead of Season Two

The critically acclaimed drama series David Makes Man , from Academy-Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney , has revealed its recurring cast and directors for season two .
In a press release sent to The Root , the Oprah Winfrey Network announced today the addition of ten new roles as well as two new directors , Kiel Adrian Scott and Erica Watson , who will each direct five episodes in the upcoming ten-episode season .
Scott ’ s previous directing credits include David Makes Man ( the first season ) and BET ’ s The Bobby Brown Story in addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ films , while Watson ’ s credits include Powerbook II : Ghost , Claws , All American , For Life , Unsolved : The Murders Of Tupac And The Notorious B.I.G.
, The L Word : Generation Q , All Rise , Krypton and On My Block .
The new recurring cast members include Tony Plana , Brittany S. Hall , Erica Lutrell , Zsane ’ Jhe ’ , Bobbi Baker , Patrice Arenas , Trinity Cidel , Brandi Huzzie , Rodney Gardiner and Janmarco Santiago .
The new cast members will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kwame Patterson and Arlen Escarpeta , who will portray adult David and adult JG , respectively .
Series regulars Akili McDowell , Alana Arenas , Travis Coles and Cayden K. Williams will also be returning .
The Peabody Award-winning series fast-forwards in season two and “ finds David in his 30s , a rising businessman facing an opportunity that will change him and his community forever ; the mounting pressure forces David to choose between the instincts that helped him survive or finding a new way to truly live.
” McCraney will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue on as showrunner .
Page Fright Productions ’ Mike Kelley and Melissa Loy , Michael B. Jordan and his production company Outlier Society , and Oprah Winfrey via Harpo Films also serve as executive producers .
The second season of David Makes Man is set to premiere on OWN in early summer 2021 .

The critically acclaimed drama series David Makes Man, from Academy-Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney, has revealed its recurring cast and directors for season two.
In a press release sent to The Root, the Oprah Winfrey Network announced today the addition of ten new roles as well as two new directors, Kiel Adrian Scott and Erica Watson, who will each direct five episodes in the upcoming ten-episode season. Scott’s previous directing credits include David Makes Man (the first season) and BET’s The Bobby Brown Story in addition to numerous awards and distinctions for his short films, while Watson’s credits include Powerbook II: Ghost, Claws, All American, For Life, Unsolved: The Murders Of Tupac And The Notorious B.I.G., The L Word: Generation Q, All Rise, Krypton and On My Block.
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The new recurring cast members include Tony Plana, Brittany S. Hall, Erica Lutrell, Zsane’ Jhe’, Bobbi Baker, Patrice Arenas, Trinity Cidel, Brandi Huzzie, Rodney Gardiner and Janmarco Santiago.
Tony Plana Photo : OWN Communications Brittany S. Hall Photo : OWN Communications Erica Lutrell Photo : OWN Communications Zsané Jhé Photo : OWN Communications Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Bobbi Baker Photo : OWN Communications Patrice Arenas Photo : OWN Communications Trinity Cidel Photo : OWN Communications Brandi Huzzie Photo : OWN Communications Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second You can go to the next slide after 1 second Continue Rodney Gardiner Photo : OWN Communications Janmarco Santiago Photo : OWN Communications 1 / 10
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The new cast members will also be joining previously announced new series regulars Kwame Patterson and Arlen Escarpeta, who will portray adult David and adult JG, respectively. Series regulars Akili McDowell, Alana Arenas, Travis Coles and Cayden K. Williams will also be returning. The Peabody Award-winning series fast-forwards in season two and “finds David in his 30s, a rising businessman facing an opportunity that will change him and his community forever; the mounting pressure forces David to choose between the instincts that helped him survive or finding a new way to truly live.” McCraney will continue executive producing alongside Dee Harris-Lawrence, who will continue on as showrunner. Page Fright Productions’ Mike Kelley and Melissa Loy, Michael B. Jordan and his production company Outlier Society, and Oprah Winfrey via Harpo Films also serve as executive producers.
The second season of David Makes Man is set to premiere on OWN in early summer 2021.


theroot--2020-12-08--Biden Selects Four-Star General Lloyd Austin to Be Secretary of Defense: Report

If the rumors are true , then President-elect Joe Biden will nominate retired four-star Army general Lloyd J. Austin as the secretary of defense .
If confirmed , Austin would be the first Black defense secretary of the United States .
According to sources who spoke anonymously to the Associated Press , the choice for who would helm the Pentagon was between Michele Flournoy , “ a former senior Pentagon official and Biden supporter who would have been the first woman to serve as defense secretary ” and Austin .
Ultimately , Biden chose to go with Austin , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and accepted .
As a career military officer , the 67-year-old Austin is likely to face opposition from some in Congress and in the defense establishment who believe in drawing a clear line between civilian and military leadership of the Pentagon .
Although many previous defense secretaries have served briefly in the military , only two—George C. Marshall and James Mattis—have been career officers .
Marshall also served as secretary of state .
Like Mattis , Austin would need to obtain a congressional waiver to serve as defense secretary .
Congress intended civilian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the position of secretary of defense in 1947 and prohibited a recently retired military officer from holding the position .
AP notes that Austin graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1975 and served 41 years in uniform .
The relationship between Biden and Austin began during Biden ’ s tenure as vice-president when Austin was leading U.S. and coalition troops in Iraq .
In 2008 , Barack Obama was elected president ; that same year , Austin was a “ commander in Baghdad of the Multinational Corps-Iraq ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2011 .
If confirmed as the secretary of defense , that wouldn ’ t be the first barrier-breaking position that Austin ’ s had , although it would be the highest-ranking .
In 2012 , Austin served as the first “ Black vice chief of staff of the Army , the service ’ s No .
2-ranking position , ” AP notes .
Austin retired from the Army in 2016 , which could pose a problem during his confirmation as he will need a congressional waiver noting that he ’ s not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven years but can still assume the high-ranking position .
AP notes that “ the waiver has been granted only twice—most recently in the case of [ James ] Mattis , the retired Marine general who served as President Donald Trump ’ s first Pentagon chief.
” Austin has shied away from the public spotlight , both during his time in the armed forces and after his retirement .
He ’ s a highly respected leader who , AP notes , would not be the prototypical defense secretary .
“ It would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quiet general ; although he testified before Congress , he gave few interviews and preferred not to speak publicly about military operations.
” The good Rev .
Al Sharpton , who has been pushing Biden along with other civil rights leaders to have more Black cabinet members , told AP that he believes Austin is a solid pick .
“ It ’ s a good choice that I think many in the civil rights community would support .
It ’ s the first time we have seen a person of color in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a global view , especially after such an antagonistic relationship we had with the previous administration.
” Sharpton added : It ’ s “ a step in the right direction but not the end of the walk .
”

If the rumors are true, then President-elect Joe Biden will nominate retired four-star Army general Lloyd J. Austin as the secretary of defense. If confirmed, Austin would be the first Black defense secretary of the United States.
According to sources who spoke anonymously to the Associated Press, the choice for who would helm the Pentagon was between Michele Flournoy, “a former senior Pentagon official and Biden supporter who would have been the first woman to serve as defense secretary” and Austin. Ultimately, Biden chose to go with Austin, who was reportedly offered the post on Sunday and accepted.
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From AP:
As a career military officer, the 67-year-old Austin is likely to face opposition from some in Congress and in the defense establishment who believe in drawing a clear line between civilian and military leadership of the Pentagon. Although many previous defense secretaries have served briefly in the military, only two—George C. Marshall and James Mattis—have been career officers. Marshall also served as secretary of state. Like Mattis, Austin would need to obtain a congressional waiver to serve as defense secretary. Congress intended civilian control of the military when it created the position of secretary of defense in 1947 and prohibited a recently retired military officer from holding the position.
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AP notes that Austin graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1975 and served 41 years in uniform. The relationship between Biden and Austin began during Biden’s tenure as vice-president when Austin was leading U.S. and coalition troops in Iraq. In 2008, Barack Obama was elected president; that same year, Austin was a “commander in Baghdad of the Multinational Corps-Iraq” and would lead U.S. troops from 2010 through 2011.
If confirmed as the secretary of defense, that wouldn’t be the first barrier-breaking position that Austin’s had, although it would be the highest-ranking. In 2012, Austin served as the first “Black vice chief of staff of the Army, the service’s No. 2-ranking position,” AP notes.
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Austin retired from the Army in 2016, which could pose a problem during his confirmation as he will need a congressional waiver noting that he’s not been out of the military for at least seven years but can still assume the high-ranking position. AP notes that “the waiver has been granted only twice—most recently in the case of [James] Mattis, the retired Marine general who served as President Donald Trump’s first Pentagon chief.”
Austin has shied away from the public spotlight, both during his time in the armed forces and after his retirement. He’s a highly respected leader who, AP notes, would not be the prototypical defense secretary.
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“It would be an understatement to say he was a quiet general; although he testified before Congress, he gave few interviews and preferred not to speak publicly about military operations.”
The good Rev. Al Sharpton, who has been pushing Biden along with other civil rights leaders to have more Black cabinet members, told AP that he believes Austin is a solid pick.
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“It’s a good choice that I think many in the civil rights community would support. It’s the first time we have seen a person of color in that position. That means something, in a global view, especially after such an antagonistic relationship we had with the previous administration.”
Sharpton added: It’s “a step in the right direction but not the end of the walk.”


theroot--2020-12-08--Stephen Miller and Lou Dobbs Have a White Tears-a-thon on Fox News

Admittedly I don ’ t watch a lot of white television except for Succession , so I wasn ’ t aware that Fox News was running a telenovela so compelling that two grown white men were on TV bawling their eyes out—and all this time I thought liberals were the snowflakes .
Trump ’ s team has been treating this election the same way that I do the scale when I weigh myself .
I weigh myself and then I go “ oh fuck this , something must be wrong with this scale !
” I check the scale and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s because I have on all these crazy clothes .
Then , I weigh myself naked .
Then , I move the scale around different parts of the bathroom floor until finally I ’ m convinced the scale is broken and throw it out .
“ Trump currently trails by 7.1 million votes and 4.4 percentage points , the Electoral College will meet Dec. 14 to cement Biden ’ s 306-232 electoral victory , Trump ’ s team keeps losing recounts and court challenges , and Rudy Giuliani , the attorney leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital with COVID-19 , ” The Week reports .
Trump has lost the presidential election but that hasn ’ t stopped Fox Business ’ Lou Dobbs and Trump ’ s favorite racist immigration asshole , Stephen Miller , from crying in their cornflakes .
On Monday night , the deplorables got together for a good cry sesh , in which Dobbs wanted to know why Miller and the rest of the Trump administration weren ’ t hopping on “ Sen .
Ted Cruz ’ s ( R-Texas ) offer to argue a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should the high court decide to hear the challenge.
” He ’ s fighting all aloooonnnneeee .
I swear they act like this grown-ass man is a child left alone in a house during Christmastime .
Dobbs continued : “ And Ted Cruz has stepped up to say he ’ ll argue before the Supreme Court .
Why on God ’ s green Earth wouldn ’ t the White House jump on it ?
” Miller , who was also in his full-on tears bag , tried to explain that GOP state legislatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuck all those people who voted .
But Dobbs cut him off : “ No !
No , Stephen .
I ’ m not going to let you do this !
” he said .
“ You and I , we ’ re reasonably smart and decent fellows .
Why don ’ t you answer me ?
That ’ s all I ’ m asking here , Stephen.
” If I stopped Dobb ’ s statement here ( go back and read it ) , tell me they don ’ t sound like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a relationship .
I can ’ t with these two .
Dobbs continued : “ Why don ’ t you guys jump and salute Ted Cruz and say , ‘ Yes , we want you on the team ’ now ?
My God , this is not a time for internecine nonsense on the part of the Republican Party , which is watching its blood drain into the streets because they ’ re gutless !
” Dobbs was so upset he even noted that the Trump campaign should hire Democratic election lawyer Marc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ get him out of your way.
” Elias took to Twitter to wonder aloud as to why his name was being mentioned in a lover ’ s spat : You hate to see it—except when you don ’ t .

Admittedly I don’t watch a lot of white television except for Succession, so I wasn’t aware that Fox News was running a telenovela so compelling that two grown white men were on TV bawling their eyes out—and all this time I thought liberals were the snowflakes.
Trump’s team has been treating this election the same way that I do the scale when I weigh myself. I weigh myself and then I go “oh fuck this, something must be wrong with this scale!” I check the scale and step on it again and decide it’s because I have on all these crazy clothes. Then, I weigh myself naked. Then, I move the scale around different parts of the bathroom floor until finally I’m convinced the scale is broken and throw it out.
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“Trump currently trails by 7.1 million votes and 4.4 percentage points, the Electoral College will meet Dec. 14 to cement Biden’s 306-232 electoral victory, Trump’s team keeps losing recounts and court challenges, and Rudy Giuliani, the attorney leading his fringe legal effort, is in the hospital with COVID-19,” The Week reports.
Trump has lost the presidential election but that hasn’t stopped Fox Business’ Lou Dobbs and Trump’s favorite racist immigration asshole, Stephen Miller, from crying in their cornflakes.
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On Monday night, the deplorables got together for a good cry sesh, in which Dobbs wanted to know why Miller and the rest of the Trump administration weren’t hopping on “Sen. Ted Cruz’s (R-Texas) offer to argue a Pennsylvania case before the Supreme Court, should the high court decide to hear the challenge.”
Trump is “fighting all alone,” Dobbs cried.
He’s fighting all aloooonnnneeee. I swear they act like this grown-ass man is a child left alone in a house during Christmastime.
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Dobbs continued: “And Ted Cruz has stepped up to say he’ll argue before the Supreme Court. Why on God’s green Earth wouldn’t the White House jump on it?”
Miller, who was also in his full-on tears bag, tried to explain that GOP state legislatures should overturn Biden victories and just say fuck all those people who voted. But Dobbs cut him off: “No! No, Stephen. I’m not going to let you do this!” he said. “You and I, we’re reasonably smart and decent fellows. Why don’t you answer me? That’s all I’m asking here, Stephen.”
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If I stopped Dobb’s statement here (go back and read it), tell me they don’t sound like two lovers arguing at the end of a relationship. I can’t with these two.
Dobbs continued: “Why don’t you guys jump and salute Ted Cruz and say, ‘Yes, we want you on the team’ now? My God, this is not a time for internecine nonsense on the part of the Republican Party, which is watching its blood drain into the streets because they’re gutless!”
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Dobbs was so upset he even noted that the Trump campaign should hire Democratic election lawyer Marc Elias for $500 million, to “get him out of your way.”
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Elias took to Twitter to wonder aloud as to why his name was being mentioned in a lover’s spat:
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You hate to see it—except when you don’t.
Snowflakes.


theroot--2020-12-08--Let's Make This $10 Gingerbread House a Gingerbread Home for the Holidays

If you plan on staying home for the holidays , as you should be , maybe you need a festive activity to keep up the yuletide cheer alive .
A Gingerbread House is as traditional as it comes and can be fun at any age .
This one from Bed Bath & Beyond is just $ 10 unless you sign up for their membership then it ’ s just $ 8 .
This is a great way to pass the time inside since so much outside is still closed or has major restrictions .
Spend a cozy afternoon decorating and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like that it lists a 9-month shelf life so if for some reason you get wily in spring and want to make an Easter gingerbread mansion be my guest .
This house will be about 12 '' long and 10 '' high so plenty of real estate to work with .
Your decorating options are candy lights , large gumballs , mini jellies , and lots of edible multicolor beads .
There ’ s premixed frosting with two different tips to help you keep it all together .
Obviously , be as creative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treats or candies to it to really make it your own .
Free shipping on all orders over $ 19 .

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

Gingerbread House Kit | $10 | Bed Bath & Beyond
If you plan on staying home for the holidays, as you should be, maybe you need a festive activity to keep up the yuletide cheer alive. A Gingerbread House is as traditional as it comes and can be fun at any age. This one from Bed Bath & Beyond is just $10 unless you sign up for their membership then it’s just $8.
This is a great way to pass the time inside since so much outside is still closed or has major restrictions. Spend a cozy afternoon decorating and constructing this fine Gingerbread cottage. I like that it lists a 9-month shelf life so if for some reason you get wily in spring and want to make an Easter gingerbread mansion be my guest. This house will be about 12" long and 10" high so plenty of real estate to work with. Your decorating options are candy lights, large gumballs, mini jellies, and lots of edible multicolor beads. There’s premixed frosting with two different tips to help you keep it all together. Obviously, be as creative as you want and add your favorite treats or candies to it to really make it your own.
Free shipping on all orders over $19.


theroot--2020-12-08--Alabama Sheriff’s Office Posts ‘Thugshot’ Xmas Tree and Is Shocked When People Don’t Think It’s Funn

Alabama Sheriff’s Office Posts ‘Thugshot’ Xmas Tree and Is Shocked When People Don’t Think It’s Funny

Apparently , law enforcement officers in Mobile , Ala. , don ’ t know how to read a room .
Or at least that seems to be the case for deputies with the Mobile County Sheriff ’ s Office , whose idea of lighthearted holiday humor was to post online a photo of a Christmas tree decorated with mugshots as ornaments and prison slippers at the top where a decorative star would usually go .
According to CNN , the photo which was posted to the department ’ s Facebook page Thursday was digitally altered ; so at the very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers with the MCSO aren ’ t actually sitting around their shrine of humans they locked up with a cup of hot cocoa talking about yule tidings and shit .
Still , it ’ s clear these cops weren ’ t prepared for a world where not everyone believes being in jail automatically makes a person worthy of ridicule—especially when that ridicule is coming from cops at a time where there is a national discussion around systemic issues in policing .
“ We have decorated our Tree with THUGSHOTS to show how many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Mobile this year !
We could not have done it without our faithful followers !
” the post was captioned in part .
( The caption also featured a couple of paragraphs of cop satire that no one thinks is funny except for cops and “ back the blue ” boot-lickers . )
Predictably ( to everyone but the out-of-touch sheriff ’ s office ) , activist groups across Alabama weren ’ t having it .
“ This is inappropriate , shameful , disrespectful , despicable , disgusting and embarrassing to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County ’ s NAACP chapter President Robert Clopton said in a statement Friday .
“ We live in a very volatile time ...
I mean , the relationships between law enforcement and the general public has been compromised.
” Faith in Action Alabama , a religious organization fighting systematic racism , also criticized the post in a release Friday as dividing law enforcement and the community .
“ We can not tolerate , accept , nor pardon the actions of those members of the Mobile County Sheriff ’ s Office who took part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Faith in Action Alabama .
“ We call on Sheriff Cochran to denounce these actions , impose disciplinary actions on those involved , and mandate cultural sensitivity training for the entire department .
We expect this to be done in the next 72 hours.
” Executive Director of the ACLU of Alabama JaTaune Bosby said , “ The majority of people arrested for crimes struggle with mental illness and substance use issues .
They need the community ’ s assistance and care , not open scorn from leaders.
” The sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whiny-ass statement about receiving “ death threats ” and making officers out to be the victims in all of this .
( They could have just put “ I was in fear for my life ” on their official holiday greeting card and called it a day , but whatever . )
“ We have removed our latest post on social media from Thug Thursday , ” MCSO spokesperson Lori Myles said in the statement , CNN reports .
“ There is no post more important than the lives of our deputies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Community .
The death threats , fire to our building and other negative messages were not from our community , however , if this post jeopardizes the relationship between law enforcement and other communities then we felt it best to remove it.
” Wait , the MCSO has a thing called “ Thug Thursday ?
” What—and I can not stress this enough—the fuck ?
Again , some people really need to learn how to read a room .

Apparently, law enforcement officers in Mobile, Ala., don’t know how to read a room. Or at least that seems to be the case for deputies with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, whose idea of lighthearted holiday humor was to post online a photo of a Christmas tree decorated with mugshots as ornaments and prison slippers at the top where a decorative star would usually go.
According to CNN, the photo which was posted to the department’s Facebook page Thursday was digitally altered; so at the very least, we can rest assured that officers with the MCSO aren’t actually sitting around their shrine of humans they locked up with a cup of hot cocoa talking about yule tidings and shit. Still, it’s clear these cops weren’t prepared for a world where not everyone believes being in jail automatically makes a person worthy of ridicule—especially when that ridicule is coming from cops at a time where there is a national discussion around systemic issues in policing.
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“We have decorated our Tree with THUGSHOTS to show how many Thugs we have taken off the streets of Mobile this year! We could not have done it without our faithful followers!” the post was captioned in part. (The caption also featured a couple of paragraphs of cop satire that no one thinks is funny except for cops and “back the blue” boot-lickers.)
Predictably (to everyone but the out-of-touch sheriff’s office), activist groups across Alabama weren’t having it.
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From CNN:
“This is inappropriate, shameful, disrespectful, despicable, disgusting and embarrassing to the citizens of Mobile County,” Mobile County’s NAACP chapter President Robert Clopton said in a statement Friday. “We live in a very volatile time...I mean, the relationships between law enforcement and the general public has been compromised.” Faith in Action Alabama, a religious organization fighting systematic racism, also criticized the post in a release Friday as dividing law enforcement and the community. “We cannot tolerate, accept, nor pardon the actions of those members of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office who took part in this deplorable act,” said Faith in Action Alabama. “We call on Sheriff Cochran to denounce these actions, impose disciplinary actions on those involved, and mandate cultural sensitivity training for the entire department. We expect this to be done in the next 72 hours.” Executive Director of the ACLU of Alabama JaTaune Bosby said, “The majority of people arrested for crimes struggle with mental illness and substance use issues. They need the community’s assistance and care, not open scorn from leaders.”
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The sheriff’s office eventually removed the post and released a whiny-ass statement about receiving “death threats” and making officers out to be the victims in all of this. (They could have just put “I was in fear for my life” on their official holiday greeting card and called it a day, but whatever.)
“We have removed our latest post on social media from Thug Thursday,” MCSO spokesperson Lori Myles said in the statement, CNN reports. “There is no post more important than the lives of our deputies and the work they do in our Community. The death threats, fire to our building and other negative messages were not from our community, however, if this post jeopardizes the relationship between law enforcement and other communities then we felt it best to remove it.”
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*record scratch*
Wait, the MCSO has a thing called “Thug Thursday?” What—and I can not stress this enough—the fuck?
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Again, some people really need to learn how to read a room.


theroot--2020-12-08--Rashida Jones Is the Next President of MSNBC News—and First Black Woman to Helm a Cable News Network

If you ’ ve been impressed with the amount of Black talent making it onto MSNBC ’ s roster as of late , prepare to be amazed .
On Monday , NBC Universal announced that the news channel ’ s current president , Phil Griffin , will be leaving on February 1 , 2021 , after a 25-year tenure with the company and 12 as its president .
Ascending to his place will be Senior Vice President Rashida Jones , who will become the first Black woman to helm a cable news network .
No , not that Rashida Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same name .
Jones initially joined MSNBC as an executive producer in 2013 ; as noted by Vogue , during this election season , she was the producer of two town hall broadcasts with Donald Trump and Joe Biden and helped to lead preparation for the second ( and highly successful ) presidential debate moderated by NBC correspondent Kristen Welker , the first Black woman to do so solo in decades .
Jones was also instrumental in leading coverage of the COVID-19 crisis and several editorial series pertinent to this pivotal moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Climate in Crisis .
“ If you ’ ve worked with Rashida on any of those endeavors , you know that she has an outstanding track record and she leads with a laser-like focus and grace under pressure , ” wrote NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde in a note to staff procured by the Wall Street Journal .
As further explained by Vogue : Jones , 39 ( who shares her name with a famed actress ) was most recently in charge of breaking-news coverage across both NBC News and MSNBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news programming at MSNBC .
She played a key role in reworking the network ’ s daytime and weekend schedules , recently giving more time to the rising star Nicolle Wallace , ( while , perhaps not coincidentally , also minimizing the presence of Meet the Press host of Chuck Todd ) , and adding more anchors from diverse backgrounds to the network ’ s Saturday and Sunday schedules .
The announcement of Jones ’ promotion to the top role comes less than a week after MSNBC announced Tiffany Cross and Jonathan Capehart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weekend slots abandoned by Joy Reid , who premiered her own nightly news show on the network in July , making her the first Black woman since the late Gwen Ifill to host a primetime news show .
As The Root ’ s Staff Writer Anne Branigin noted at the time , “ It could signal the direction Cesar Conde , the new chairman of NBC ’ s news networks [ as of May ] , wants to take his programming : focusing on younger , more diverse talent , content , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to head of the news division seems to cement that promise .
In further praise of the 39-year-old producer who will become president of the network on February 1 , Conde added : “ Rashida knows and understands MSNBC , in part because it ’ s where she started when she first joined NBCU seven years ago .
She knows that it is the people who work here that make it great , and she understands its culture .
She also appreciates the impact and potential of the brand .
”

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

If you’ve been impressed with the amount of Black talent making it onto MSNBC’s roster as of late, prepare to be amazed. On Monday, NBC Universal announced that the news channel’s current president, Phil Griffin, will be leaving on February 1, 2021, after a 25-year tenure with the company and 12 as its president. Ascending to his place will be Senior Vice President Rashida Jones, who will become the first Black woman to helm a cable news network.
No, not that Rashida Jones, Quincy Jones’ actress-producer daughter of the same name. Jones initially joined MSNBC as an executive producer in 2013; as noted by Vogue, during this election season, she was the producer of two town hall broadcasts with Donald Trump and Joe Biden and helped to lead preparation for the second (and highly successful) presidential debate moderated by NBC correspondent Kristen Welker, the first Black woman to do so solo in decades. Jones was also instrumental in leading coverage of the COVID-19 crisis and several editorial series pertinent to this pivotal moment in history, including Justice for All and Climate in Crisis.
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“If you’ve worked with Rashida on any of those endeavors, you know that she has an outstanding track record and she leads with a laser-like focus and grace under pressure,” wrote NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde in a note to staff procured by the Wall Street Journal.
As further explained by Vogue:
Jones, 39 (who shares her name with a famed actress) was most recently in charge of breaking-news coverage across both NBC News and MSNBC, as well as daytime and weekend news programming at MSNBC. She played a key role in reworking the network’s daytime and weekend schedules, recently giving more time to the rising star Nicolle Wallace, (while, perhaps not coincidentally, also minimizing the presence of Meet the Press host of Chuck Todd), and adding more anchors from diverse backgrounds to the network’s Saturday and Sunday schedules.
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The announcement of Jones’ promotion to the top role comes less than a week after MSNBC announced Tiffany Cross and Jonathan Capehart would each be launching new shows in the weekend slots abandoned by Joy Reid, who premiered her own nightly news show on the network in July, making her the first Black woman since the late Gwen Ifill to host a primetime news show.
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As The Root’s Staff Writer Anne Branigin noted at the time, “It could signal the direction Cesar Conde, the new chairman of NBC’s news networks [as of May], wants to take his programming: focusing on younger, more diverse talent, content, and audiences.”
The promotion of Jones to head of the news division seems to cement that promise. In further praise of the 39-year-old producer who will become president of the network on February 1, Conde added:
“Rashida knows and understands MSNBC, in part because it’s where she started when she first joined NBCU seven years ago. She knows that it is the people who work here that make it great, and she understands its culture. She also appreciates the impact and potential of the brand.”


theroot--2020-12-08--Scottie Pippen Wasn't Feeling The Last Dance, and Yes, He Let Michael Jordan Know All About It

Scottie Pippen is a man of principle , and at the end of the day , he just wants people to put some respect on his name .
His on-again , off-again ex-wife , Larsa , has already made his cushy gig as an NBA analyst unnecessarily complicated , and the last thing he needs is his former teammate—who just so happens to be the greatest basketball player of all-time—doing the same .
Like the rest of us trapped in our homes during this global pandemic , Pippen caught ESPN ’ s brilliant 10-part documentary series The Last Dance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season with the Chicago Bulls .
Some hailed it as a “ pulsating celebration of greatness , ” others dismissed it as an extraordinary work of fiction .
Jordan ’ s own teammates have even been divided on the matter , and apparently , the Lil ’ Cease to Jordan ’ s Notorious B.I.G .
wasn ’ t particularly fond of it either .
Despite his invaluable contributions to six NBA championships as a member of the Bulls , Pippen caught a few shots throughout The Last Dance .
His decision to delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1997-98 season was something that Jordan deemed as “ selfish , ” and in an interview with The Guardian , Pippen finally shared his feelings about how he was portrayed in the film .
“ I don ’ t think it was that accurate in terms of really defining what was accomplished in one of the greatest eras of basketball , but also by two of the greatest players—and one could even put that aside and say the greatest team of all time , ” he told The Guardian .
“ I didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the documentary .
I thought it was more about Michael trying to uplift himself and to be glorified [ the series was co-produced by Jordan ’ s Jump 23 company ] .
I think it also backfired to some degree in that people got a chance to see what kind of personality Michael had.
” So did he keep that same energy and tell His Airness how he really felt about the film ?
“ I told him I wasn ’ t too pleased with it , ” Pippen said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Hey , you ’ re right ’ .
That was pretty much it.
” If it makes Pippen feel any better , instead of Jordan cashing in on disparaging his good name , His Airness reportedly donated $ 2 million worth of proceeds from the series to help fight world hunger during the holidays , according to Feed America .
At the end of the day , the two made magic together on court .
And while The Last Dance might ’ ve been a valiant attempt to rewrite history , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a Chicago Bulls legend and all-time great .

Look, I get it.
Scottie Pippen is a man of principle, and at the end of the day, he just wants people to put some respect on his name.
His on-again, off-again ex-wife, Larsa, has already made his cushy gig as an NBA analyst unnecessarily complicated, and the last thing he needs is his former teammate—who just so happens to be the greatest basketball player of all-time—doing the same.
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Like the rest of us trapped in our homes during this global pandemic, Pippen caught ESPN’s brilliant 10-part documentary series The Last Dance, which revisited Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls. Some hailed it as a “pulsating celebration of greatness,” others dismissed it as an extraordinary work of fiction. Jordan’s own teammates have even been divided on the matter, and apparently, the Lil’ Cease to Jordan’s Notorious B.I.G. wasn’t particularly fond of it either.
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Despite his invaluable contributions to six NBA championships as a member of the Bulls, Pippen caught a few shots throughout The Last Dance. His decision to delay foot surgery until the beginning of the 1997-98 season was something that Jordan deemed as “selfish,” and in an interview with The Guardian, Pippen finally shared his feelings about how he was portrayed in the film.
“I don’t think it was that accurate in terms of really defining what was accomplished in one of the greatest eras of basketball, but also by two of the greatest players—and one could even put that aside and say the greatest team of all time,” he told The Guardian. “I didn’t think those things stood out in the documentary. I thought it was more about Michael trying to uplift himself and to be glorified [the series was co-produced by Jordan’s Jump 23 company]. I think it also backfired to some degree in that people got a chance to see what kind of personality Michael had.”
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So did he keep that same energy and tell His Airness how he really felt about the film?
“I told him I wasn’t too pleased with it,” Pippen said. “He accepted it. He said, ‘Hey, you’re right’. That was pretty much it.”
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Well, alrighty then.
If it makes Pippen feel any better, instead of Jordan cashing in on disparaging his good name, His Airness reportedly donated $2 million worth of proceeds from the series to help fight world hunger during the holidays, according to Feed America.
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At the end of the day, the two made magic together on court. And while The Last Dance might’ve been a valiant attempt to rewrite history, it will never compromise Pippen’s standing as a Chicago Bulls legend and all-time great.


theroot--2020-12-08--GTFOH Trump Watch: But You’re Supposed to Be a Businessman...

My cousin Mike and I have this ongoing argument that goes like this : My cousin is convinced that Trump might be the best politician to ever grace the White House .
His argument is predicated on the belief that Trump has elevated politicking .
He doesn ’ t believe that Trump is racist , but he admires how Trump uses racism to work his base .
He thinks that the whole thing is a savvy display of fuckshit which Trump has mastered .
He doesn ’ t care for Trump or his policies , just simply admires the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those around him to do his .
bidding , and to him , that ’ s the highest level of politics .
My position is that my cousin ’ s argument implies that Trump is some kind of manipulative genius , but I think Trump is an idiot—something like a broken clock that just so happens to take credit for landing on a correct time twice a day .
It isn ’ t even that he ’ s an idiot so much as he ’ s nothing close to the political mastermind that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly because he struggles to do the easy shit .
How hard was it not to create beef with a pandemic ?
How hard was it to wear a mask and make masks a thing amongst your followers ?
Or buy up all the possible COVID-19 vaccines available to the United States—because why the fuck not ?
Oh , you didn ’ t know ?
Let me tell you .
According to the New York Times , Trump and his bumbling collective of fuckups had an opportunity to commit to buying millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed on it .
That decision could delay the delivery of a second batch of vaccines because Pfizer sold the order it had reserved for the United States to foreign countries .
So now , the U.S. has to get in the back of the line .
If you ’ re confused as to what kind of person wouldn ’ t buy up all the vaccines available , let me explain .
Earlier this year , Pfizer agreed to make 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine , which would inoculate 50 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government a chance to purchase up to five times that amount and the federal government said , “ Nah , I ’ m good.
” Pfizer then called this summer and asked , “ You sure you don ’ t want to get these 100 million doses of the vaccine off me ?
” and the federal government was like , “ What part of ‘ Nah , I ’ m good ’ are you not understanding ?
” So Pfizer said “ Bet , ” and sold those to foreign countries who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me all the vaccines !
” Now , Pfizer ’ s got to fill large orders from other countries , including some 200 million doses from the European Union , before even thinking about making something for the U.S .
The Trump administration isn ’ t worried as they have the initial order for 100 million with Pfizer and are shopping around for vaccine candidates .
“ We are confident that we will have 100 million doses of Pfizer ’ s vaccine as agreed to in our contract , and beyond that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including 100 million doses on the way from Moderna , ” a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said in a statement to the Times .
What is this , the 1950s ?
Just when you think America has made some advancements—especially when it comes to workplace discrimination because that just requires everyone not to be an asshole to everyone they work with—the Trump administration said , “ fuck that.
” On Monday , the Trump administration finalized a sweeping new regulation that allows federal contractors to discriminate against racial and religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the name of protecting “ religious liberty.
” It effectively abolishes critical workplace protections for these contractors that have been in place for decades , reframing religious freedom as a near-limitless license to discriminate .
Monday ’ s move will force the Biden administration to waste countless hours and resources reversing this radical rewrite of federal law .
The rules restricting discrimination by federal contractors springs from Executive Order 11246 , which President Lyndon Johnson signed in 1965 .
Johnson ’ s order barred discrimination on the basis of race , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Presidents later added sex , sexual orientation , and gender identity to the list of protected traits .
Today , there are about 4 million employees of federal contractors who benefit from these protections .
The Department of Labor enforces presidential prohibitions against discrimination in these workplaces .
But the current Labor Secretary , Eugene Scalia , the son of late Justice Antonin Scalia , just crushed all of the Labor Department ’ s federal regulations that protected workers ’ rights , health and safety ... in a pandemic !
Slate notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his legacy will be stained with the blood of people who died from COVID-19 because he refused to enforce basic workplace safety rules in the middle of a pandemic .
Did I mention that we are in a pandemic ?
The Biden administration is surely going to repeal this bullshit once in office , but that could take months , even years as the process to roll a regulation back is clunky by design .
Never forget everything that the Trump administration has done to ruin American life so that we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things used to be .

My cousin Mike and I have this ongoing argument that goes like this: My cousin is convinced that Trump might be the best politician to ever grace the White House. His argument is predicated on the belief that Trump has elevated politicking. He doesn’t believe that Trump is racist, but he admires how Trump uses racism to work his base. He thinks that the whole thing is a savvy display of fuckshit which Trump has mastered. He doesn’t care for Trump or his policies, just simply admires the way that Trump has manipulated the system and those around him to do his. bidding, and to him, that’s the highest level of politics.
My position is that my cousin’s argument implies that Trump is some kind of manipulative genius, but I think Trump is an idiot—something like a broken clock that just so happens to take credit for landing on a correct time twice a day. It isn’t even that he’s an idiot so much as he’s nothing close to the political mastermind that my cousin believes him to be; mostly because he struggles to do the easy shit. How hard was it not to create beef with a pandemic? How hard was it to wear a mask and make masks a thing amongst your followers? Or buy up all the possible COVID-19 vaccines available to the United States—because why the fuck not?
Advertisement
Oh, you didn’t know? Let me tell you.
According to the New York Times, Trump and his bumbling collective of fuckups had an opportunity to commit to buying millions of additional doses of the coronavirus vaccine and passed on it. That decision could delay the delivery of a second batch of vaccines because Pfizer sold the order it had reserved for the United States to foreign countries. So now, the U.S. has to get in the back of the line.
Advertisement Advertisement
If you’re confused as to what kind of person wouldn’t buy up all the vaccines available, let me explain. Earlier this year, Pfizer agreed to make 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, which would inoculate 50 million Americans. They then gave the federal government a chance to purchase up to five times that amount and the federal government said, “Nah, I’m good.” Pfizer then called this summer and asked, “You sure you don’t want to get these 100 million doses of the vaccine off me?” and the federal government was like, “What part of ‘Nah, I’m good’ are you not understanding?”
So Pfizer said “Bet,” and sold those to foreign countries who were like “Fuck yeah, give me all the vaccines!” Now, Pfizer’s got to fill large orders from other countries, including some 200 million doses from the European Union, before even thinking about making something for the U.S.
Advertisement
The Trump administration isn’t worried as they have the initial order for 100 million with Pfizer and are shopping around for vaccine candidates.
“We are confident that we will have 100 million doses of Pfizer’s vaccine as agreed to in our contract, and beyond that, we have five other vaccine candidates, including 100 million doses on the way from Moderna,” a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said in a statement to the Times.
Advertisement
The failed businessman turned failed president has struck again.
What is this, the 1950s?
Just when you think America has made some advancements—especially when it comes to workplace discrimination because that just requires everyone not to be an asshole to everyone they work with—the Trump administration said, “fuck that.”
Advertisement
From Slate:
On Monday, the Trump administration finalized a sweeping new regulation that allows federal contractors to discriminate against racial and religious minorities, women, and especially LGBTQ people in the name of protecting “religious liberty.” It effectively abolishes critical workplace protections for these contractors that have been in place for decades, reframing religious freedom as a near-limitless license to discriminate. Monday’s move will force the Biden administration to waste countless hours and resources reversing this radical rewrite of federal law. The rules restricting discrimination by federal contractors springs from Executive Order 11246, which President Lyndon Johnson signed in 1965. Johnson’s order barred discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin. Presidents later added sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity to the list of protected traits. Today, there are about 4 million employees of federal contractors who benefit from these protections. The Department of Labor enforces presidential prohibitions against discrimination in these workplaces.
Advertisement
But the current Labor Secretary, Eugene Scalia, the son of late Justice Antonin Scalia, just crushed all of the Labor Department’s federal regulations that protected workers’ rights, health and safety...in a pandemic!
Slate notes that Scalia has always been an asshole and his legacy will be stained with the blood of people who died from COVID-19 because he refused to enforce basic workplace safety rules in the middle of a pandemic. Did I mention that we are in a pandemic?
Advertisement
The Biden administration is surely going to repeal this bullshit once in office, but that could take months, even years as the process to roll a regulation back is clunky by design.
Never forget everything that the Trump administration has done to ruin American life so that we can tell our grandchildren just how fucked up things used to be.


theroot--2020-12-08--Chill The Hell Out With Some Good Ol' Cornbread Hemp CBD, 50% off Sitewide [Exclusive]

Had a long week.
?
Same .
Why not kick it with some CBD goods to bring your weekend relaxation to another level ?
We will even help you out with an exclusive offer of 50 % off all products with the code KINJA50 .
If you ’ re not sure where to start , we recommend checking out Cornbread Hemp ’ s CBD oil .
It claims this is the strongest CBD oil you can find that is also USDA certified whole plant organic .
And if you ’ re stressed out from the holidays , you can grab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 53 after discount that can chill you the hell out so you can spend time with family , together or apart .
You can get a bottle of the original stuff ( which has 25MG CBD per milliliter ) for $ 32 after discount .
If you want even more CBD goodness packed into every drop , the extra strength version is available with 50MG per milliliter in a larger bottle for $ 82 after discount .
Cornbread Hemp ships to all 50 states and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making this purchase the least stressful thing about your weekend .
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher in September 2020 and updated with new information on 12/8/2020 .

Holiday Survival Kit | $53 | Cornbread Hemp | Promo code KINJA50
50% off Sitewide | Cornbread Hemp | Promo code KINJA50
Certified Organic CBD Oil | $32 | Cornbread Hemp | Promo code KINJA50
Had a long week.? Same. Why not kick it with some CBD goods to bring your weekend relaxation to another level? We will even help you out with an exclusive offer of 50% off all products with the code KINJA50.
If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend checking out Cornbread Hemp’s CBD oil. It claims this is the strongest CBD oil you can find that is also USDA certified whole plant organic.
And if you’re stressed out from the holidays, you can grab a Holiday Survival Kit, only $53 after discount that can chill you the hell out so you can spend time with family, together or apart.
You can get a bottle of the original stuff (which has 25MG CBD per milliliter) for $32 after discount. If you want even more CBD goodness packed into every drop, the extra strength version is available with 50MG per milliliter in a larger bottle for $82 after discount.
Cornbread Hemp ships to all 50 states and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with their products, making this purchase the least stressful thing about your weekend.
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher in September 2020 and updated with new information on 12/9/2020.


theroot--2020-12-09--On Finding Joy Where You Can During This Pandemic, Despite These Less Than Ideal Circumstances

I think it ’ s safe to say that it ’ s been a challenging year .
Unlike countless others , I ’ ve been extremely fortunate to remain gainfully employed and have somehow eluded the coronavirus entirely as it continues to wreak havoc upon so many I hold dear .
But while I ’ ve made it a point to count my blessings and remain positive , the fact remains that much like millions of other people , this pandemic has had a profound impact on me .
As someone who lives alone and has gone to extraordinary lengths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this period , I can ’ t even begin to describe how psychologically devastating it ’ s been to be deprived of something I think we all take for granted : social interaction .
The casual glances at a bar , the frenetic energy of a concert ; hell , even hugs have become a luxury during these unprecedented times .
And as much as we hear about the lives that have been lost and the catastrophic impact that COVID-19 has had on our economy , what we aren ’ t discussing enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had on our society .
Like I said before , it ’ s been a challenging year .
For me , the first couple of months were probably the worst .
I spent month after month trapped inside of my apartment , too paranoid to put my compromised immune system at risk of exposure and terrified that this virus would steal my son ’ s life ( who lives out of state ) .
Yet I kept my game face intact as I routinely called to check in on friends to lift their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as soon as I got off the phone , knowing that nobody ever thought to ask how I was doing or to check on their “ strong friend ” —which meant that the only companionship to be had was with my crippling anxiety .
Around June , as my mental health continued to erode , I began to have serious concerns about my well-being and realized that I had to do something before it was too late .
That ’ s when I hit up one of my homies who ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was struggling .
Bad .
Her suggestion ?
Establish a “ quaranteam ” of friends who were also keeping safe , and go for walks , hikes , and other outdoor activities while practicing social distancing .
In the time since , I ’ ve made it a point to explore Los Angeles—and the rest of California—in ways that I probably never would ’ ve otherwise .
I ’ ve visited national parks , rode jet skis for dozens of miles across the Pacific Ocean ( I still can ’ t believe I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clouds in a hot air balloon , escaped to Pismo Beach , rented hydro bikes , hiked countless trails , and a bunch of other shit all while having the time of my life among great company .
Most importantly , we ’ ve always been extremely safe while doing so , adhering to social distancing guidelines while keeping our groups small and always wearing our masks .
But while this new approach to surviving this pandemic has worked wonders on improving my quality of life and mental health , there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do .
If you live in Los Angeles , it ’ s almost impossible to cruise around the city without seeing them ; and the first time I saw a Polaris Slingshot , I was at a stoplight on Hollywood Boulevard and did a double-take because what in the fuck is that ?
!
Was it a car ?
Was it a motorcycle ?
As I gawked in awe , the driver threw me a head nod and proceeded to peel out in the closest thing I ’ ve ever seen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much like my affinity for crab legs , it was love at first sight—and I ’ ve been obsessed with getting behind the wheel of one ever since .
So imagine my delight when the fine folks at Polaris extended an invite to test drive the new 2021 Slingshot before that motherfucker even hit the streets .
In what sure as hell has been a trying year , the Lord heard my cry .
As someone who ’ s never driven a motorcycle or ever bothered to learn how to drive a stick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this thing was .
As I peeled the paint down Pacific Coast Highway and throughout the mountains of Malibu—at speeds Marty McFly would be proud of—all I could think about was how shitty this year has been for so many of us and how liberating it felt to enjoy a momentary escape .
After spending almost the entire year fortified in my apartment , at war with an unyielding solitude , getting slapped around by the ocean breeze as that Prostar engine roared beneath me is an experience I will never forget .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for all of us .
It ’ s been a collective traumatic experience that will take us years to recover from .
But in order to survive , we got ta learn to adapt and find pockets of joy wherever we can—albeit safely .
For me , I ’ ve found comfort and joy by finding activities that I can safely participate in while getting the hell out the damn house—like pleasing our ancestors by breaking the sound barrier in a Polaris Slingshot .
For anyone else struggling with loneliness or isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to not only be honest and vulnerable with your friends and loved ones about your struggles , but to seek out professional help if need be .
Also , do yourself a favor and treat yourself to some sunlight at least once a day .
Speaking from personal experience , it ’ ll work wonders for your mental health and could potentially save your life , too .
We ’ ll get through this together .

I think it’s safe to say that it’s been a challenging year.
Unlike countless others, I’ve been extremely fortunate to remain gainfully employed and have somehow eluded the coronavirus entirely as it continues to wreak havoc upon so many I hold dear. But while I’ve made it a point to count my blessings and remain positive, the fact remains that much like millions of other people, this pandemic has had a profound impact on me.
As someone who lives alone and has gone to extraordinary lengths to protect my health and safety throughout this period, I can’t even begin to describe how psychologically devastating it’s been to be deprived of something I think we all take for granted: social interaction. The casual glances at a bar, the frenetic energy of a concert; hell, even hugs have become a luxury during these unprecedented times. And as much as we hear about the lives that have been lost and the catastrophic impact that COVID-19 has had on our economy, what we aren’t discussing enough is the psychological toll this has had on society.
Advertisement
Like I said before, it’s been a challenging year.
For me, the first couple of months were probably the worst. I spent month after month trapped inside of my apartment, too paranoid to put my compromised immune system at risk of exposure and terrified that this virus would steal my son’s life (who lives out of state). Yet I kept my game face intact as I routinely called to check in on friends to lift their spirits, but that buoyant facade evaporated as soon as I got off the phone, knowing that nobody ever thought to ask how I was doing or to check on their “strong friend”—which meant that the only companionship to be had was with my crippling anxiety.
Advertisement Advertisement
Around June, as my mental health continued to erode, I began to have serious concerns about my well-being and realized that I had to do something before it was too late. That’s when I hit up one of my homies who’s a therapist and came clean: A nigga was struggling. Bad. Her suggestion? Establish a “quaranteam” of friends who were also keeping safe, and go for walks, hikes, and other outdoor activities while practicing social distancing.
This recommendation might’ve saved my life.
In the time since I’ve made it a point to explore Los Angeles—and the rest of California—in ways that I probably never would’ve otherwise. I’ve visited national parks, rode jet skis for dozens of miles across the Pacific Ocean (I still can’t believe I did this shit), floated among the clouds in a hot air balloon, escaped to Pismo Beach, rented hydro bikes, hiked countless trails, and a bunch of other shit all while having the time of my life among great company.
Advertisement
Most importantly, we’ve always been extremely safe while doing so, adhering to social distancing guidelines while keeping our groups small and always wearing our masks. But while this new approach to surviving this pandemic has worked wonders on improving my quality of life and mental health, there was still one thing I was still dying to do.
If you live in Los Angeles, it’s almost impossible to cruise around the city without seeing them; and the first time I saw a Polaris Slingshot, I was at a stoplight on Hollywood Boulevard and did a double-take because what in the fuck is that?!
Advertisement
Was it a car? Was it a motorcycle?
As I gawked in awe, the driver threw me a head nod and proceeded to peel out in the closest thing I’ve ever seen to a real-life Batmobile. As such, much like my affinity for crab legs, it was love at first sight—and I’ve been obsessed with getting behind the wheel of one ever since. So imagine my delight when the fine folks at Polaris extended an invite to test drive the new 2021 Slingshot before that motherfucker even hit the streets.
Advertisement
In what sure as hell has been a trying year, the Lord heard my cry.
As someone who’s never driven a motorcycle or ever bothered to learn how to drive a stick, I was astonished by how powerful this thing was. As I peeled the paint down Pacific Coast Highway and throughout the mountains of Malibu—at speeds Marty McFly would be proud of—all I could think about was how shitty this year has been for so many of us and how liberating it felt to enjoy a momentary escape. After spending almost the entire year fortified in my apartment, at war with an unyielding solitude, getting slapped around by the ocean breeze as that Prostar engine roared beneath me is an experience I will never forget.
Advertisement
This pandemic has been an incredibly difficult time for all of us. It’s been a collective traumatic experience that will take us years to recover from. But in order to survive, we gotta learn to adapt and find pockets of joy wherever we can—albeit safely. For me, I’ve found comfort and joy by finding activities that I can safely participate in while getting the hell out the damn house—like pleasing our ancestors by breaking the sound barrier in a Polaris Slingshot.
Advertisement
For anyone else struggling with loneliness or isolation during this time, I strongly encourage you to not only be honest and vulnerable with your friends and loved ones about your struggles but to seek out professional help if need be.
Also, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to some sunlight at least once a day. Speaking from personal experience, it’ll work wonders for your mental health and could potentially save your life, too.
Advertisement
We’ll get through this together.