theroot--2020-12-02--White Georgia Woman Faces Assault Charges After Threatening to Shoot 2 Black Boys Riding Bikes for '

White Georgia Woman Faces Assault Charges After Threatening to Shoot 2 Black Boys Riding Bikes for 'Trespassing'

According to 52-year-old Patricia Compton , her first response when a neighbor called to tell her that two people were on her property was to grab her gun and head down there .
Compton didn ’ t own the land , nor was her home located on the property in question .
But she had some animals there , and the plot was used for a construction shop .
Whatever her actual rights to the property were , Compton was ready to shoot someone to defend it , WGXA TV reports .
When the Peach County resident arrived at Rowland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 12-year-old Kaleb Barnes and 13-year-old Ethan Hollis , who were riding their bikes through the neighborhood .
For many folks , this would probably be the end of the story—oh , the “ trespassers ” are just children on bikes ?
Back to my little self-care Sunday .
But not for Compton .
According to the boys , she pointed her gun and told them , “ Stop , or I ’ ll shoot you.
” Compton now faces a slew of charges from the Nov. 22 incident , including several counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist threats , reports WMAZ TV .
According to a police report , Compton claims she didn ’ t realize the boys were kids .
One of the boys , Ethan , ran from the scene and brought back Venita Kennedy , Kaleb ’ s grandmother , who began recording the confrontation on Facebook Live .
When officers arrived , Compton claimed she didn ’ t realize the boys were children .
According to police reports , she told deputies that because there aren ’ t many Black kids in the neighborhood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were up to no good.
” She also claimed her right to self-defense , saying she wasn ’ t sure if the boys were armed .
But neither Kennedy nor the police were buying it .
“ When the officer was explaining the law to her , she then told the officer that if the kids had approached her , she would have shot them .
This is what we ’ re dealing with , ” Kennedy told WMAZ .
The arresting officer wrote in their report that Compton had “ ample time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , ” as well as conclude that they presented no danger to her .
They also noted the confrontation happened in broad daylight—around 3:40 pm—and believed , because the kids lived in the neighborhood and rode their bikes through it often , that Compton knew who the kids were .
“ With all of this information presented to her , she still decided to brandish a firearm , ” the deputy noted .
Speaking to reporters last Monday about Compton , Peach County Sheriff Terry Deese echoed his deputy ’ s assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present for her to claim self-defense .
“ The basics of it is you have to feel threatened that somebody ’ s about to do you serious bodily injury or death or serious damage to property .
”

According to 52-year-old Patricia Compton, her first response when a neighbor called to tell her that two people were on her property was to grab her gun and head down there.
Compton didn’t own the land, nor was her home located on the property in question. But she had some animals there, and the plot was used for a construction shop. Whatever her actual rights to the property were, Compton was ready to shoot someone to defend it, WGXA TV reports.
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When the Peach County resident arrived at Rowland Circle, she encountered two Black boys, 12-year-old Kaleb Barnes and 13-year-old Ethan Hollis, who were riding their bikes through the neighborhood.
For many folks, this would probably be the end of the story—oh, the “trespassers” are just children on bikes? Back to my little self-care Sunday. But not for Compton. According to the boys, she pointed her gun and told them, “Stop, or I’ll shoot you.”
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Compton now faces a slew of charges from the Nov. 22 incident, including several counts of aggravated assault, child cruelty and terrorist threats, reports WMAZ TV.
According to a police report, Compton claims she didn’t realize the boys were kids. One of the boys, Ethan, ran from the scene and brought back Venita Kennedy, Kaleb’s grandmother, who began recording the confrontation on Facebook Live.
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When officers arrived, Compton claimed she didn’t realize the boys were children. According to police reports, she told deputies that because there aren’t many Black kids in the neighborhood, “she thought it was strangers that were up to no good.” She also claimed her right to self-defense, saying she wasn’t sure if the boys were armed.
But neither Kennedy nor the police were buying it.
“When the officer was explaining the law to her, she then told the officer that if the kids had approached her, she would have shot them. This is what we’re dealing with,” Kennedy told WMAZ.
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The arresting officer wrote in their report that Compton had “ample time to react to their age and recognize them,” as well as conclude that they presented no danger to her. They also noted the confrontation happened in broad daylight—around 3:40 pm—and believed, because the kids lived in the neighborhood and rode their bikes through it often, that Compton knew who the kids were.
“With all of this information presented to her, she still decided to brandish a firearm,” the deputy noted.
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Speaking to reporters last Monday about Compton, Peach County Sheriff Terry Deese echoed his deputy’s assessment, saying there simply was no danger present for her to claim self-defense.
“The basics of it is you have to feel threatened that somebody’s about to do you serious bodily injury or death or serious damage to property.”
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(Updated 3/3/22 with new details)


theroot--2020-12-02--NAACP, Trade Unions Join Chorus of Folks Who Think Rahm Emanuel Is Trash

The NAACP has joined a number of labor unions and progressive activists in speaking out against Rahm Emanuel , the former mayor of Chicago and Barack Obama ’ s former chief-of-staff .
Multiple news outlets have reported in recent days that Emanuel is being considered for a position within Biden ’ s cabinet , either as transportation secretary or U.S trade representative .
“ As the former Mayor of Chicago , Rahm Emanuel has shown us that he is not a principled leader or person , ” Derrick Johnson , president of the NAACP , told HuffPost .
“ His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burdened with preventable scandal and abandonment of Chicago ’ s most vulnerable community .
How can we expect him to do better on a federal level ?
His actions and approach to governing are detrimental to the Biden Administration and , more importantly , the American people.
” Emanuel left office last year after first taking office in 2011 , reversing an earlier announcement that he would run for a third term as mayor of Chicago .
His handling of the police killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald made him the most unpopular mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 4 out of 10 Chicagoans calling for Emanuel to resign , including half of all Black and Latinx voters .
The former mayor blocked the release of dashcam footage showing former Chicago Police officer Jason Van Dyke shooting McDonald 16 times in October 2014 .
As the Chicago Tribune reported at the time , nearly three out of four Chicago voters didn ’ t believe his explanation about how he learned about the teen ’ s death , with a majority saying Emanuel wasn ’ t justified in withholding the incriminating footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stronger word than ‘ disqualifying , ’ but whatever that word is , that ’ s what it ought to be , ” former Georgia state Senate Whip Vincent Fort , a labor union lobbyist and Black progressive Democrat told HuffPost about Emanuel ’ s suppression of the police shooting video .
“ I can ’ t imagine a worse [ Cabinet ] nominee at this point.
” Emanuel has been floated as a possible Biden pick since late November .
Ishena Robinson wrote for The Root last month that such an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Biden ’ s part—dismissing the concerns of the very same bloc of voters that twice saved his bid for the presidency ( The Daily Beast appears to have agreed ) .
Labor unions said they also consider an Emanuel cabinet post a “ betrayal.
” “ Rahm Emanuel would be a nightmare , ” John Samuelsen , international president of the Transport Workers Union of America , AFL-CIO told The Intercept .
He noted that the trade union worked “ extremely hard ” to get Biden elected , particularly in Pennsylvania , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represents Philadelphia ’ s SEPTA transit , rail and bus workers , the Intercept writes .
This bad blood is rooted in Emanuel ’ s repeated clashes with unions during his time as mayor .
From the Intercept : We didn ’ t work our asses off to have Rahm Emanuel as the secretary of transportation , ” Samuelsen said .
“ He ’ s anti-trade union , he ’ s anti-worker.
” What ’ s the argument to consider him then ?
As Slate aptly summarizes , he ’ s considered politically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in dispute , to put it lightly .
But what he really might offer is a kind of identity politics , as Slate writes , he appeals to “ educated , financially successful people who think of themselves as proud Democrats , but were put off by ‘ liberals ’ in the Howard Dean era and are put off by ‘ leftists ’ now.
” But critics of Emanuel ’ s note that the GOP has changed its tactics markedly since Emanuel first took a seat in the Oval Office alongside Obama .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimate goal is to appeal to centrist , well-moneyed Democrats—there are many other candidates to pick from .
Maybe don ’ t select the man who closed Black schools and suppressed the murder of a Black teen .

The NAACP has joined a number of labor unions and progressive activists in speaking out against Rahm Emanuel, the former mayor of Chicago and Barack Obama’s former chief-of-staff. Multiple news outlets have reported in recent days that Emanuel is being considered for a position within Biden’s cabinet, either as transportation secretary or U.S trade representative.
“As the former Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel has shown us that he is not a principled leader or person,” Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, told HuffPost. “His time in public service proved to be burdened with preventable scandal and abandonment of Chicago’s most vulnerable community. How can we expect him to do better on a federal level? His actions and approach to governing are detrimental to the Biden Administration and, more importantly, the American people.”
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Emanuel left office last year after first taking office in 2011, reversing an earlier announcement that he would run for a third term as mayor of Chicago. His handling of the police killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald made him the most unpopular mayor in Chicago history at one point, with 4 out of 10 Chicagoans calling for Emanuel to resign, including half of all Black and Latinx voters.
The former mayor blocked the release of dashcam footage showing former Chicago Police officer Jason Van Dyke shooting McDonald 16 times in October 2014. As the Chicago Tribune reported at the time, nearly three out of four Chicago voters didn’t believe his explanation about how he learned about the teen’s death, with a majority saying Emanuel wasn’t justified in withholding the incriminating footage.
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“I can’t find a stronger word than ‘disqualifying,’ but whatever that word is, that’s what it ought to be,” former Georgia state Senate Whip Vincent Fort, a labor union lobbyist and Black progressive Democrat told HuffPost about Emanuel’s suppression of the police shooting video. “I can’t imagine a worse [Cabinet] nominee at this point.”
Emanuel has been floated as a possible Biden pick since late November. Ishena Robinson wrote for The Root last month that such an act would be an act of betrayal on Biden’s part—dismissing the concerns of the very same bloc of voters that twice saved his bid for the presidency (The Daily Beast appears to have agreed).
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Labor unions said they also consider an Emanuel cabinet post a “betrayal.”
“Rahm Emanuel would be a nightmare,” John Samuelsen, international president of the Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO told The Intercept. He noted that the trade union worked “extremely hard” to get Biden elected, particularly in Pennsylvania, a decisive battleground state. The union represents Philadelphia’s SEPTA transit, rail and bus workers, the Intercept writes.
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This bad blood is rooted in Emanuel’s repeated clashes with unions during his time as mayor. From the Intercept:
Emanuel pursued legislation making it harder for teachers to strike, laid off hundreds of teachers and school staff, closed some 50 schools, and threatened to lay off hundreds more city employees to cut costs in favor of privatizing city services.
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We didn’t work our asses off to have Rahm Emanuel as the secretary of transportation,” Samuelsen said. “He’s anti-trade union, he’s anti-worker.”
What’s the argument to consider him then? As Slate aptly summarizes, he’s considered politically uncanny—although the merits of that label are in dispute, to put it lightly. But what he really might offer is a kind of identity politics, as Slate writes, he appeals to “educated, financially successful people who think of themselves as proud Democrats, but were put off by ‘liberals’ in the Howard Dean era and are put off by ‘leftists’ now.”
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But critics of Emanuel’s note that the GOP has changed its tactics markedly since Emanuel first took a seat in the Oval Office alongside Obama. And in any case, if the ultimate goal is to appeal to centrist, well-moneyed Democrats—there are many other candidates to pick from. Maybe don’t select the man who closed Black schools and suppressed the murder of a Black teen.


theroot--2020-12-02--Laugh Now, Buy Later: Drake Is Releasing a Candle That Smells Like, Well...Drake

In news that should arguably surprise no one , rapper Drake has apparently released his own candle line , aptly entitled Better World Fragrance House .
InStyle has obtained new details on the Certified Lover Boy ’ s newest venture and y ’ all , if this ain ’ t the most on-brand thing Drake ’ s done , I don ’ t know what is .
The candle line ( there are five of them , by the way ) boasts both unique names and smells but one of them is sure to stand out : Carby Musk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ musk that ’ s an interpretation of your beautiful self , yet extrovertive as how you would want others to see your bold and brilliant self.
” ( I ’ m sorry , is this a product description or a pickup line ?
You know what ?
Nevermind .
Knowing Drake , it ’ s probably both . )
It also reportedly features hints of musk , amber , cashmere , suede and velvet and apparently , smells exactly like Mr. More Life himself .
At this point , I honestly don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feelings or hit the Toosie Slide .
Peep the rest of the descriptions for ‘ Sweeter Tings , ’ ‘ Williamsburg Sleepover , ’ ‘ Good Thoughts , ’ and ‘ Muskoka ’ here : Sweeter Tings : An addictive and nostalgic Oriental Gourmand fragrance with the subtleties of comfort and goodness .
Williamsburg Sleepover : A genderless and luminous floral-woody musk fragrance that captures the essence of an urban garden under shaded lights .
Good Thoughts : A bouquet of rich florals surrounded by a vibrant bright light of freshness for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oriental Woody fragrance that emulates the smoldering warmth of burning woods , golden embers , and the feeling of being cozy by the fire .
OK , ok.
I ’ m not laughing , you are .
Earlier this year , Drake seemingly teased at the future release by reposting an image of the blue and gold candles in a June Instagram story .
But the real story I want to talk about here is the timing .
This news drops less than 24 hours after rumors swirled about his ex-lover Rihanna potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And as The Root ’ s resident Drake stan , I find all of this very compelling ( read : hilarious ) and have several hard-hitting questions : How does one go from running with woes through the six to slow-burning soy candle wicks ?
Why isn ’ t there a maple-scented , cuffing season-approved candle called ‘ Views ’ that smells like backwoods , white wine , bad decisions and left-on-read messages ?
And why on Earth is there not an entire , pandemic-proof marketing rollout that features a virtual Marvin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all about these new products while crying into a diary ?
What ’ s not clicking ?
Unfortunately for both you and me , we probably won ’ t get the answers we ’ re looking for , just like we won ’ t be able to get any of the five candles—because they ’ re all sold out .
So until they restock , I guess we ’ ll have to settle for him dropping bars about the elusive aromas in his next album or Instagram post .
I can see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A $ AP was something I couldn ’ t handle .
So what else is there left for me to do now but sip Henny & light this candle ?
Drake , if you ’ re reading this and you take this line—it ’ s not too late to send me my marketing royalties in advance .
Thanks .

Shanelle Genai on The Glow Up, shared by Shanelle Genai to The Root

In news that should arguably surprise no one, rapper Drake has apparently released his own candle line, aptly entitled Better World Fragrance House.
InStyle has obtained new details on the Certified Lover Boy’s newest venture and y’all, if this ain’t the most on-brand thing Drake’s done, I don’t know what is. The candle line (there are five of them, by the way) boasts both unique names and smells but one of them is sure to stand out: Carby Musk. This particular fragrance touts “a smooth musk that’s an interpretation of your beautiful self, yet extrovertive as how you would want others to see your bold and brilliant self.” (I’m sorry, is this a product description or a pickup line? You know what? Nevermind. Knowing Drake, it’s probably both.) It also reportedly features hints of musk, amber, cashmere, suede and velvet and apparently, smells exactly like Mr. More Life himself. At this point, I honestly don’t know whether to be in my feelings or hit the Toosie Slide. Peep the rest of the descriptions for ‘Sweeter Tings,’ ‘Williamsburg Sleepover,’ ‘Good Thoughts,’ and ‘Muskoka’ here:
Sweeter Tings: An addictive and nostalgic Oriental Gourmand fragrance with the subtleties of comfort and goodness. Williamsburg Sleepover: A genderless and luminous floral-woody musk fragrance that captures the essence of an urban garden under shaded lights. Good Thoughts: A bouquet of rich florals surrounded by a vibrant bright light of freshness for a captivating positive energy. Muskoka: “Oriental Woody fragrance that emulates the smoldering warmth of burning woods, golden embers, and the feeling of being cozy by the fire.
Advertisement
OK, ok. I’m not laughing, you are. Earlier this year, Drake seemingly teased at the future release by reposting an image of the blue and gold candles in a June Instagram story. But the real story I want to talk about here is the timing. This news drops less than 24 hours after rumors swirled about his ex-lover Rihanna potentially being courted by A$AP Rocky. And as The Root’s resident Drake stan, I find all of this very compelling (read: hilarious) and have several hard-hitting questions: How does one go from running with woes through the six to slow-burning soy candle wicks? Why isn’t there a maple-scented, cuffing season-approved candle called ‘Views’ that smells like backwoods, white wine, bad decisions and left-on-read messages? And why on Earth is there not an entire, pandemic-proof marketing rollout that features a virtual Marvin’s Room where folks can learn all about these new products while crying into a diary? What’s not clicking?
Unfortunately for both you and me, we probably won’t get the answers we’re looking for, just like we won’t be able to get any of the five candles—because they’re all sold out. So until they restock, I guess we’ll have to settle for him dropping bars about the elusive aromas in his next album or Instagram post. I can see the caption now: You leaving me for A$AP was something I couldn’t handle. So what else is there left for me to do now but sip Henny & light this candle?
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Drake, if you’re reading this and you take this line—it’s not too late to send me my marketing royalties in advance. Thanks.


theroot--2020-12-02--Wrapping Paper Roll Call: 'Tis the Season to Upgrade Him

If you ’ re shopping for a man this holiday season , chances are , you have no idea what he really wants .
Whether it ’ s your dad , brother or significant other , most men are notoriously low-key or cryptic about requesting gifts , which means unless you ’ ve been quietly collecting clues all year , you may feel a little clueless when it comes to shopping for something they ’ ll love .
Sadly , even a direct ask doesn ’ t always yield a wealth of options , as men are frequently inclined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know why we do that , ” laughs Donnell Baldwin of Mr. Baldwin Style , the men ’ s styling site he co-founded with wife Courtney Arrington-Baldwin ( also the duo behind luxury wellness site Sanctuaire , which we featured earlier this week ) .
“ I ’ m generalizing , but like , I want like maybe one thing—you know , ‘ I really need some white t-shirts.
’ Like , really , really , really simple , really plain .
And I don ’ t know why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of like , ‘ No , I don ’ t think I really need much .
I need some more socks , all my socks got holes in them , ’ you know what I mean ?
Unfortunately , yes we do—but while cellophane packs of tube socks and tees might be an easy get , they ’ re not exactly the gesture of love we were hoping to send the men in our lives this season .
But Baldwin , who previously style editor of Mr. Porter after a substantial tenure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for satisfying those most basic of needs .
“ I have to admit , there ’ s nothing like getting stuff that you need versus what you want , and I think that if I had to make an assumption as to why a lot of guys say they don ’ t need anything , really what they ’ re saying is they don ’ t want anything , ” he explains .
“ Like , yeah , I want a Maserati , but are you all going to give me gift cards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The key to gifting the essentials is in prioritizing quality , says Baldwin , who graciously lent us his expertise as a co-curator of this list .
Giving elevated or luxury basics puts an indulgent spin on even the most utilitarian of gifts , giving him what he needs—but better than he ever thought possible .
And if you ’ re still in doubt , how about booking him a styling session with Baldwin himself ?
Now that it ’ s looking like we ’ ll actually be out of quarantine within a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for a refresher on how to dress .
So , what do you get the man who claims to have everything ?
From those ubiquitous t-shirts and socks to high-end shaving sets and streetwear , we ’ ve got plenty of ideas to get our menfolk in the spirit of the season .
“ This brand has created a new take on the classic scarf , ” says Baldwin .
“ I love it especially because it snaps in place and looks great with many looks and it ’ s great for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scarf !
” “ I ‘ ve got my eyes on a few of these tees and sweatshirts—it ’ s the simplicity for me !
” Baldwin exclaims.
” I love that these tees can be dressed up or down and just look so damn cool with everything .
I especially love the “ Teaneck ” logo tees where the actual logo placement is around the neckline—promoting this excellent Black-owned brand with a hint of collegiate Black prep and giving me A Different World vibes all day !
!
” If he absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of items—the white tee—why not make it the one Russell Wilson favors ?
The Hi-Vee Tee from Wilson ’ s Good Man Brand is a high-end option made of premium cotton in a wide array of other colors ( all of which are currently on sale ) with a trim fit—and 3 % goes to Wilson ’ s philanthropic efforts .
There are also plenty of great deals to be found in their Holiday Sale .
“ This brand speaks for itself .
I mean ... if you ’ re shopping for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is the place , ” says Baldwin of this luxury label .
“ There are so many elevated options here and you won ’ t be disappointed .
Also , check out their collab with legendary brand Zegna as well !
” We ’ re sure our Very Smart Brotha Damon Young isn ’ t the only man who ’ s abstained from a haircut this past nine months , but effectively leaning into the longer-haired life requires the proper tools , making the Twist It Up comb an ideal stocking stuffer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desired impact with all that extra texture .
If he ’ s more apt to accessorize that ‘ fro ( a la Questlove ) , we love the whimsical and culturally relevant designs of the straightforwardly named AfroPick , a Black family brand created “ to tell the stories that need to be told.
” Okay , so maybe the pandemic has leveled up his at-home grooming game .
If so , we always rely on Bevel for the most giftable blades in the game .
This season , they won our hearts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Created for Kings ” campaign , a short film narrated by New York Times bestselling author ( and recent guest on The Root ’ s literary podcast ) , Jason Reynolds .
Beyond the shaving bundles , there ’ s a whole range of great-smelling and performing personal care products , too .
If he ’ s embracing his # BeardGame during these unshaven months , Scotch Porter ’ s got all the goods to keep it lush and fresh—and right now , you can bundle and save .
In addition , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body care products and a new line of men ’ s fragrances .
Speaking of fragrance , Chris Collins has one of the best noses in the game , according to Baldwin , who says : “ I believe you can never have too many colognes .
I am a certified cologne-aholic so more is more for me in this department .
I like the incredible assortment that Collins offers—they ’ re literally perfect for everyday or special occasions ... his fragrances are incredible.
” The former face of Polo-turned-scent maker ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between , so don ’ t bother to choose for him ; buy him a discovery set ( $ 35 ) and supplement it with a gift card , so he can follow his nose .
Okay , so maybe you and your woes missed your shot to cop Drake ’ s debut candle line , but there ’ s a reason this New York-based candle line is making a repeat appearance in our gift guides this year : Baldwin ’ s ringing endorsement .
“ I have my eyes ( and nose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ candle as well as the ‘ The Ultimate Luxury Candle Gift Box ’ set , ” he says .
“ I absolutely love candles , and feel like it ’ s the perfect gift for someone who doesn ’ t really need clothes or ‘ fussy ’ stuff to clutter their closets !
Candles always have the ability to set a good mood and atmosphere in any space.
” There ’ s “ woke ” —and then , there ’ s Aware .
We dig this brand for its positive take on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sweats , tees and caps with a much-needed message of hope , love , and yes—awareness .
If he ’ s a denim connoisseur , why not gift him with a couture denim experience ?
Veteran denim designer and master craftsman Glenn Liburd runs this eponymous studio , where raw , washed and selvage-edged denim is sold in both his signature cuts and made to order for a fit your denim lover will never want to take off .
We ’ re huge fans of this Black-owned artist and designer collective , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has played host to pretty much every Black designer sneaker collab released this year , including Golf Wang , Wales Bonner Sheila Bridges , and that elusive Hammons-inspired Denim Tears Chuck 70 ( which may or may not be on my man ’ s Christmas list this year ) .
If he ’ s getting kicks , socks suddenly become much more gift-worthy—and Kind Socks strike the perfect balance between “ need ” and “ want.
” In fact , while founder Stephen Steele ’ s designs are colorful , fun , sustainable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his brand was simple : “ As with all good ideas , Kind Socks happened in the morning when I couldn ’ t find a pair of clean socks , ” he admits .
Since we ’ re on the subject of necessities , how about an instant upgrade on his boxer game with a few linen ( yes , linen ) pairs from Linoto ?
These breezy briefs are equally good under clothes or just around the house , and only get softer with every wash—as do their linen sheets , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his bedding , too .
We love Johnny Nelson ’ s irreverent yet reverential fusion of Black culture and iconography in his jewelry collection—and we ’ re not alone .
Whether featured on the pages of Vogue or worn by the celebrity set ( even to the Met Gala ! )
, Nelson ’ s designs always represent .
From elevated , tie-dyed lounge sets to custom-made suits , Waraire Boswell ’ s got that look .
If the man in question is worth the investment , let our upcoming reemergence into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clean and cut-to-measure in one of the designer ’ s incredible custom suits .
“ I would be doing you a disservice by not recommending a brand that is near and dear to me , ” says Baldwin of wife Courtney ’ s six-month-old brand .
In case you thought wellness was just for women , he urges us to check out Sanctuaire ’ s thoughtfully curated men ’ s list of essentials in the brand ’ s Instagram guides , which includes crystals , healing face masks , hair products , etc.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ use to help keep themselves centered , pampered and well taken care of .
”

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

If you’re shopping for a man this holiday season, chances are, you have no idea what he really wants. Whether it’s your dad, brother or significant other, most men are notoriously low-key or cryptic about requesting gifts, which means unless you’ve been quietly collecting clues all year, you may feel a little clueless when it comes to shopping for something they’ll love. Sadly, even a direct ask doesn’t always yield a wealth of options, as men are frequently inclined to think less indulgently than utilitarian.
“I don’t know why we do that,” laughs Donnell Baldwin of Mr. Baldwin Style, the men’s styling site he co-founded with wife Courtney Arrington-Baldwin (also the duo behind luxury wellness site Sanctuaire, which we featured earlier this week). “I’m generalizing, but like, I want like maybe one thing—you know, ‘I really need some white t-shirts.’ Like, really, really, really simple, really plain. And I don’t know why we do that. It’s kind of like, ‘No, I don’t think I really need much. I need some more socks, all my socks got holes in them,’ you know what I mean?
Advertisement
Unfortunately, yes we do—but while cellophane packs of tube socks and tees might be an easy get, they’re not exactly the gesture of love we were hoping to send the men in our lives this season. But Baldwin, who previously style editor of Mr. Porter after a substantial tenure at Ralph Lauren, makes a case for satisfying those most basic of needs.
Advertisement Advertisement
“I have to admit, there’s nothing like getting stuff that you need versus what you want, and I think that if I had to make an assumption as to why a lot of guys say they don’t need anything, really what they’re saying is they don’t want anything,” he explains. “Like, yeah, I want a Maserati, but are you all going to give me gift cards for the car I want?”
The key to gifting the essentials is in prioritizing quality, says Baldwin, who graciously lent us his expertise as a co-curator of this list. Giving elevated or luxury basics puts an indulgent spin on even the most utilitarian of gifts, giving him what he needs—but better than he ever thought possible. And if you’re still in doubt, how about booking him a styling session with Baldwin himself? Now that it’s looking like we’ll actually be out of quarantine within a year, it’s the perfect time for a refresher on how to dress.
Advertisement
So, what do you get the man who claims to have everything? From those ubiquitous t-shirts and socks to high-end shaving sets and streetwear, we’ve got plenty of ideas to get our menfolk in the spirit of the season.
Advertisement
“This brand has created a new take on the classic scarf,” says Baldwin. “I love it especially because it snaps in place and looks great with many looks and it’s great for gift-giving. We always need a great scarf!”
Advertisement
“I‘ve got my eyes on a few of these tees and sweatshirts—it’s the simplicity for me!” Baldwin exclaims.” I love that these tees can be dressed up or down and just look so damn cool with everything. I especially love the “Teaneck” logo tees where the actual logo placement is around the neckline—promoting this excellent Black-owned brand with a hint of collegiate Black prep and giving me A Different World vibes all day!!”
Advertisement
If he absolutely must have that unadorned and most basic of items—the white tee—why not make it the one Russell Wilson favors? The Hi-Vee Tee from Wilson’s Good Man Brand is a high-end option made of premium cotton in a wide array of other colors (all of which are currently on sale) with a trim fit—and 3% goes to Wilson’s philanthropic efforts. There are also plenty of great deals to be found in their Holiday Sale.
Advertisement
“This brand speaks for itself. I mean...if you’re shopping for a stylish guy, this is it. This is the place,” says Baldwin of this luxury label. “There are so many elevated options here and you won’t be disappointed. Also, check out their collab with legendary brand Zegna as well!”
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We’re sure our Very Smart Brotha Damon Young isn’t the only man who’s abstained from a haircut this past nine months, but effectively leaning into the longer-haired life requires the proper tools, making the Twist It Up comb an ideal stocking stuffer and an ultra-hygienic assist in cultivating the desired impact with all that extra texture.
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If he’s more apt to accessorize that ‘fro (a la Questlove), we love the whimsical and culturally relevant designs of the straightforwardly named AfroPick, a Black family brand created “to tell the stories that need to be told.”
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Okay, so maybe the pandemic has leveled up his at-home grooming game. If so, we always rely on Bevel for the most giftable blades in the game. This season, they won our hearts all over again with their new “Created for Kings” campaign, a short film narrated by New York Times bestselling author (and recent guest on The Root’s literary podcast), Jason Reynolds. Beyond the shaving bundles, there’s a whole range of great-smelling and performing personal care products, too.
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If he’s embracing his #BeardGame during these unshaven months, Scotch Porter’s got all the goods to keep it lush and fresh—and right now, you can bundle and save. In addition, they have a full array of face and body care products and a new line of men’s fragrances.
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Speaking of fragrance, Chris Collins has one of the best noses in the game, according to Baldwin, who says: “I believe you can never have too many colognes. I am a certified cologne-aholic so more is more for me in this department. I like the incredible assortment that Collins offers—they’re literally perfect for everyday or special occasions...his fragrances are incredible.” The former face of Polo-turned-scent maker’s blends may be to good to choose between, so don’t bother to choose for him; buy him a discovery set ($35) and supplement it with a gift card, so he can follow his nose.
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Okay, so maybe you and your woes missed your shot to cop Drake’s debut candle line, but there’s a reason this New York-based candle line is making a repeat appearance in our gift guides this year: Baldwin’s ringing endorsement. “I have my eyes (and nose) on the ‘Holiday Nightclub Map’ candle as well as the ‘The Ultimate Luxury Candle Gift Box’ set,” he says. “I absolutely love candles, and feel like it’s the perfect gift for someone who doesn’t really need clothes or ‘fussy’ stuff to clutter their closets! Candles always have the ability to set a good mood and atmosphere in any space.”
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There’s “woke”—and then, there’s Aware. We dig this brand for its positive take on streetwear, upgrading our now-extensive selection of sweats, tees and caps with a much-needed message of hope, love, and yes—awareness.
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If he’s a denim connoisseur, why not gift him with a couture denim experience? Veteran denim designer and master craftsman Glenn Liburd runs this eponymous studio, where raw, washed and selvage-edged denim is sold in both his signature cuts and made to order for a fit your denim lover will never want to take off.
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We’re huge fans of this Black-owned artist and designer collective, which boasts a slew of streetwear brands and has played host to pretty much every Black designer sneaker collab released this year, including Golf Wang, Wales Bonner Sheila Bridges, and that elusive Hammons-inspired Denim Tears Chuck 70 (which may or may not be on my man’s Christmas list this year).
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If he’s getting kicks, socks suddenly become much more gift-worthy—and Kind Socks strike the perfect balance between “need” and “want.” In fact, while founder Stephen Steele’s designs are colorful, fun, sustainable and ethically made, the origin of his brand was simple: “ As with all good ideas, Kind Socks happened in the morning when I couldn’t find a pair of clean socks,” he admits.
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Since we’re on the subject of necessities, how about an instant upgrade on his boxer game with a few linen (yes, linen) pairs from Linoto? These breezy briefs are equally good under clothes or just around the house, and only get softer with every wash—as do their linen sheets, if the fella could use an upgrade on his bedding, too.
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We love Johnny Nelson’s irreverent yet reverential fusion of Black culture and iconography in his jewelry collection—and we’re not alone. Whether featured on the pages of Vogue or worn by the celebrity set (even to the Met Gala!), Nelson’s designs always represent.
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From elevated, tie-dyed lounge sets to custom-made suits, Waraire Boswell’s got that look. If the man in question is worth the investment, let our upcoming reemergence into the world be an incentive to get him clean and cut-to-measure in one of the designer’s incredible custom suits.
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“I would be doing you a disservice by not recommending a brand that is near and dear to me,” says Baldwin of wife Courtney’s six-month-old brand. In case you thought wellness was just for women, he urges us to check out Sanctuaire’s thoughtfully curated men’s list of essentials in the brand’s Instagram guides, which includes crystals, healing face masks, hair products, etc., “highlighting items that men can use to help keep themselves centered, pampered and well taken care of.”


theroot--2020-12-02--My Chaotic and COVID-Influenced 2020 Spotify Wrapped, Explained

Are we ready to talk about this list ?
I think so .
I think I ’ m ready .
Let ’ s start at the top , then .
James Blake has pretty much cemented his status as the Blacks ’ favorite contemporary white in music .
This is true .
The Blacks love James Blake , and I am a Black .
I like him too !
But “ I ’ ll Come Too ” —a song about being a +1 on a girlfriend ’ s work trips—is your most listened to song this year ?
Explain yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really dig the chorus .
And it has this psychedelic angst thing happening , where it feels like you ’ re in someone else ’ s dream but can ’ t wake up from it .
Inception angst .
Also , there ’ s a line where he says “ Shall we drive from zone to zone ?
” but it sounds like “ from Zoom to Zoom ” and that ’ s basically been my year .
I ’ m glad you brought up the angst because that seems to be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two Fiona Apple tracks in your top six is an angsty as fuck year .
So , one of those songs is an accident .
“ I Want You To Love Me ” is fine .
I like it .
The piano stuff is great .
It ’ s fine .
But it ’ s there mostly because I LOVE the way it transitions into “ Shameika.
” So , “ Shameika.
” This essentially is a song about a Magical Negro , correct ?
Except the Magical Negro actually exists ?
Yup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real person .
( And a talented rapper ! )
And I ’ m still somewhat mortified Fiona Apple didn ’ t at least give her a pseudonym .
So why this song ?
I just love everything about it .
I love how it sounds like she recorded it on my patio .
I love the things she does with the piano .
I love how the music behind the hook changes a bit each time .
I love how chaotic all this shit sounds together—I just gave up trying to distinguish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the existential chaos of a white woman recording and releasing a track about a Magical Negro in 2020 .
Ok .
So “ SCAR ” might be the most puzzling choice here .
It is a song that is rapped and sung from the perspective of Scar from The Lion King—which makes it a song rapped and sung from the perspective of a dead fictional lion .
I mean , if there ’ s any year to be into rapped dead fictional lion angst , it ’ s 2020 , right ?
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So yeah , I discovered it while listening to Beyonce ’ s The Lion King : The Gift .
Which means I ’ ve only been listening to it for maybe three or four months , but I ’ ve listened to it enough in that stretch for it to climb to third .
It ’ s probably my favorite song this year .
And the best way to explain my affinity for it is that it sounds like something that could have been on Cruel Summer .
It is the Kanye-est non-Kanye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can see that .
It sounds like a sonic sibling of “ Sin City.
” So , I have to bring this up .
This is the first wrapped you ’ ve ever had that contains no Kanye in the top 10 .
I don ’ t want to talk about that .
That ’ s fair .
So , you ’ ve already written about “ Satisfied.
” Have your thoughts on that song changed at all ?
Nah .
Well , none aside from the fact that this song ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18th-century version of Issa Rae ’ s “ Broken Pussy.
” The whole song is Angelica essentially telling herself that Alexander will never be satisfied with Eliza because she got some broken pussy .
That ’ s quite the interesting takeaway .
Moving on , I had no idea you were a KOTA the Friend fan .
That ’ s because I had no idea who he was until someone dropped his name in a Facebook thread earlier this year .
I gave him a listen and liked what I heard .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t ?
A chemically and stylistically enhanced C**** T** R**** .
I want to be nice .
You ’ re funny .
So , there ’ s much less rap here than usual .
And all of the songs are pretty aggressively family-friendly .
Why is that ?
The way I listened to music fundamentally changed this year .
Pre-COVID , my car was my vehicle for that .
And so the songs I ’ d listened to most were the songs I ’ d play while driving , by myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or wherever .
Now though , I ’ m not going places as much—not going anywhere , really—and most of these songs are the ones I also play on my HomePod when the kids are home .
Also , we watch alooooooooooooooot of Disney Plus .
But yeah , you ’ d have to go all the way down to the 40s to find a stretch of songs that looks how a normal Wrapped would for me .
But even that has some Hamilton sneaking in there .
COVID-influenced playlist aside , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 % less into rap than I usually am , and I don ’ t see that changing .
Granted , 10 % for me just means my nine favorite songs are rap songs instead of my ten favorites but it ’ s still a change , and I don ’ t kn ow if I like it .
Please excuse me while I go listen to some M.O.P .

Damon Young on Very Smart Brothas, shared by Damon Young to The Root

Soooo...
Yeah?
Are we ready to talk about this list?
I think so. I think I’m ready.
Let’s start at the top, then. James Blake has pretty much cemented his status as the Blacks’ favorite contemporary white in music.
This is true. The Blacks love James Blake, and I am a Black.
I like him too! But “I’ll Come Too”—a song about being a +1 on a girlfriend’s work trips—is your most listened to song this year? Explain yourself!
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I just really, really, really dig the chorus. And it has this psychedelic angst thing happening, where it feels like you’re in someone else’s dream but can’t wake up from it. Inception angst. Also, there’s a line where he says “Shall we drive from zone to zone?” but it sounds like “from Zoom to Zoom” and that’s basically been my year.
I’m glad you brought up the angst because that seems to be the connecting theme here. Any year with two Fiona Apple tracks in your top six is an angsty as fuck year.
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So, one of those songs is an accident. “I Want You To Love Me” is fine. I like it. The piano stuff is great. It’s fine. But it’s there mostly because I LOVE the way it transitions into “Shameika.”
So, “Shameika.” This essentially is a song about a Magical Negro, correct?
Yup.
Except the Magical Negro actually exists?
Yup. Shameika (Stepney) is a real person. (And a talented rapper!) And I’m still somewhat mortified Fiona Apple didn’t at least give her a pseudonym.
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So why this song?
I just love everything about it. I love how it sounds like she recorded it on my patio. I love the things she does with the piano. I love how the music behind the hook changes a bit each time. I love how chaotic all this shit sounds together—I just gave up trying to distinguish all the different sounds here—and that includes the existential chaos of a white woman recording and releasing a track about a Magical Negro in 2020.
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You’re problematic.
I know.
Ok. So “SCAR” might be the most puzzling choice here. It is a song that is rapped and sung from the perspective of Scar from The Lion King—which makes it a song rapped and sung from the perspective of a dead fictional lion.
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I mean, if there’s any year to be into rapped dead fictional lion angst, it’s 2020, right?
You make a point. But still.
So yeah, I discovered it while listening to Beyonce’s The Lion King: The Gift. Which means I’ve only been listening to it for maybe three or four months, but I’ve listened to it enough in that stretch for it to climb to third. It’s probably my favorite song this year.
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And the best way to explain my affinity for it is that it sounds like something that could have been on Cruel Summer. It is the Kanye-est non-Kanye track I’ve ever heard.
SCAR 070 Shake · Song · 2020 Read more
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I can see that. It sounds like a sonic sibling of “Sin City.”
It does!
So, I have to bring this up. This is the first wrapped you’ve ever had that contains no Kanye in the top 10.
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I don’t want to talk about that.
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That’s fair. So, you’ve already written about “Satisfied.” Have your thoughts on that song changed at all?
Nah. Well, none aside from the fact that this song (from the Hamiton soundtrack) is the 18th-century version of Issa Rae’s “Broken Pussy.” The whole song is Angelica essentially telling herself that Alexander will never be satisfied with Eliza because she got some broken pussy.
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That’s quite the interesting takeaway. Moving on, I had no idea you were a KOTA the Friend fan.
That’s because I had no idea who he was until someone dropped his name in a Facebook thread earlier this year. I gave him a listen and liked what I heard.
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How would you describe him to people who haven’t?
A chemically and stylistically enhanced C**** T** R****. I want to be nice.
You’re funny. So, there’s much less rap here than usual. And all of the songs are pretty aggressively family-friendly. Why is that?
Advertisement
The way I listened to music fundamentally changed this year. Pre-COVID, my car was my vehicle for that. And so the songs I’d listened to most were the songs I’d play while driving, by myself, to LA Fitness or the barbershop or wherever. Now though, I’m not going places as much—not going anywhere, really—and most of these songs are the ones I also play on my HomePod when the kids are home.
Also, we watch alooooooooooooooot of Disney Plus.
But yeah, you’d have to go all the way down to the 40s to find a stretch of songs that looks how a normal Wrapped would for me. But even that has some Hamilton sneaking in there.
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Anything else?
COVID-influenced playlist aside, I do feel like I’m maybe 10% less into rap than I usually am, and I don’t see that changing. Granted, 10% for me just means my nine favorite songs are rap songs instead of my ten favorites but it’s still a change, and I don’t kn ow if I like it. Please excuse me while I go listen to some M.O.P.


theroot--2020-12-02--The 10 Best Deals of December 2, 2020

The 10 Best Deals of December 2, 2020

It ’ s December 2 , and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day .
Upgrade your earbuds with Anker Soundcore Life P2 .
Find the perfect holiday gift with Shiseido 4-Pc .
Benefiance Gift Set .
And perfect your home security system with Arlo Essential Spotlight .
If you ’ re still craving more deals , take a peek at Wednesday ’ s best deals overall .
If you ’ re a first-time PlayStation owner , you ’ re probably realizing that there ’ s a lot of extra fees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PlayStation 5 games are $ 70 , but then you ’ ll also need a PS Plus subscription if you want to play them online .
Then factor in PS Now , which is an entirely different service , and the cost of the console starts to balloon rather quickly .
Eneba is running a deal to help alleviate that that pain with the promo code PSFIRSTBUY .
The one-time use code drops the price of one year subscriptions to PS Plus and PS Now significantly .
You can also grab PlayStation gift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ code , making a $ 50 gift card $ 5 cheaper .
Shoppers can use the code PSSECONDBUY on subsequent purchases to buy more one year subscriptions and $ 50/ $ 25 gift cards at a slightly higher price .
It ’ s frankly a bit sneaky , but at least the rebuy prices only seem to be a dollar or two more .
Disclaimer : While we ’ ve heard your complaints about our use of Eneba links in the past , note the redirection to EU region-locked products has since been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Awin .
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio .
I ’ ve been using a pair of Anker ’ s Soundcore Life P2 since January , and they ’ ve been fantastic AirPods alternatives .
They were down to $ 50 back then , but Anker has dropped the price down to its lowest ever mark at $ 36 , no code necessary .
These buds feature CVC 8.0 microphones for noise reduction , 40 hours of total playtime ( seven in the buds , the rest in the charger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Bluetooth 5.0 AptX for a cleaner wireless connection .
More importantly , these little bundles of plastic acoustical joy deliver powerful sound from the graphene drivers inside .
If you ’ re new to the true wireless game , the Anker Soundcore Life P2 offers a perfect starting point .
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer .
For a first-gen Apple product , the new MacBooks featuring the company ’ s own custom chipset is reviewing surprisingly well , even from our friends at Gizmodo .
And , like clockwork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MacBook Pro are discounted $ 100 at Adorama , at least if you ’ re cool with 8 gigs of RAM and either a 256GB or 512GB SSD .
While souped-up versions of the lappy still adhere to their sticker prices , you can score the base model MacBook Air or double its storage for $ 899 and $ 1,149 , respectively .
The MacBook Pro , on the other hand , is down to $ 1,199 for 256GB of SSD space or $ 1,399 for 512GB .
This deal , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today .
Considering the M1 processor-packed MacBooks just came out last week , anyone planning to pick one up in one of these exact configurations ought to do it before the price hikes back up .
While you might think it ’ s a permanent , artificially discounted price intended to leverage sales of surplus product , it could actually be a temporary , artificially discounted price intended to leverage sales of surplus product .
We ’ ve seen it before , with AirPods Pro and the 4th Gen iPad Air on Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That said , all models are currently on backorder , so there ’ s no telling whether your order will arrive in time for Christmas , if that plays a factor in your purchase .
Here ’ s what Caitlin McGarry , Consumer Tech Editor at Gizmodo had to say : This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .
K beauty and J beauty have seen a rise in popularity over the years and it ’ s easy to understand why .
The products are amazing .
Shiseido has been keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This storied Japanese brand is well trusted in the beauty community and has long been a fan favorite in my house growing up .
Today get their best-selling Benefiance treatment for just $ 45 .
This 4-Pc .
Smooth Skin Set will make a great gift and you ’ re saving $ 25 on it , just use the code FRIEND at checkout .
Benefiance treatments are for those looking for a little help in the anti-aging department .
This four-step process makes fine lines and wrinkles less visible by adding moisture back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more youthful and glowy in no time .
I trust this because Japanese women are ageless and some of the most stunning in the world .
The gift set includes Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Day Cream , Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate , Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream , and Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream .
It ’ s never too soon to start taking care of your face .
You ’ ve only got one and you want to keep it as gorgeous as long as possible .
This gift set will ship for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Sheilah Villari .
Matte lipsticks are ideal for all-day wear and minimal smudging .
Today only take 50 % off Too Faced ’ s Melted Matte Lipstick an ultra version of this with intense color .
Each shade is highly pigmented and goes on liquid but dries as a gorgeous matte .
Each tube has a touch of Volulip to smooth out and plump the lips ever so slightly .
Avocado oil and vitamin E keep the lips from drying to perfect your pout .
There are 29 shades in this collection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of traditional pinks and reds ( Yes , Lady Balls is my shade . )
to pick from and even green and purple if you ’ re a little more adventurous with your looks .
The social edition Pumpkin Spice is included in this sale as are both Clover lipsticks .
Free shipping on all orders .
But if you spend over $ 75 get a free pink stocking exclusive for the holidays .
Just use the code PINKSTOCKING .
This deal was originally posted by Sheilah Villari .
Although we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even being away for a couple hours can be stressful if you ’ re waiting for an important package .
A good security camera can help make sure your cargo ’ s secure , and it ’ ll also help you have some peace of mind that no trouble ’ s afoot back home .
Arlo ’ s cameras should do the trick , and right now you can get the Essential Spotlight for $ 50 off at Home Depot , bringing it down to $ 80 .
That ’ ll get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , night vision , and two-way audio .
This deal was originally published by Jordan McMahon .
Now that you ’ ve chosen the perfect pine and decorated it with all your favorite ornaments it seems like something is missing .
There ’ s no skirt at the bottom of the tree .
This was my roommate and I last night .
We stood back admired our work and realized how naked the tree still looked .
Wayfair is having a huge sale on Christmas tree skirts and collars .
There are over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find one to jive with your other holiday decor .
We all have a friend or relative where everything in their house is white .
It ’ s like something out of Better Homes & Garden magazine .
It does look beautiful , pristine , and calm .
If this is you , you probably bring that aesthetic to the holiday season too .
This Hansell Holiday Christmas Tree Skirt ( $ 71 ) adds fuzzy faux fur fanciness to that .
This 56 '' will wrap around your tree and give the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom .
Your gifts will definitely pop with their bright wrapping on the flawless material underneath .
If the look is what you ’ re going for this one is sophisticated .
If color is more your jam this Poinsettia Tree Skirt ( $ 49 ) might be what you need .
It ’ s a classic .
That red will blend perfectly with the glistening green of your tree .
The embroidered poinsettia cutouts add a cool dimension and definitely make your space more festive .
And now for something a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jolly than ice skating dachshunds ( $ 47 ) dressed as Santa ?
You don ’ t need to be a dog lover to appreciate how cute and cheery this tree skirt is .
The beige and black actually make it a little more demure than you ’ d think it would be but hey it ’ s the holidays so have a little fun .
And in 2020 if dogs on skate make you smile you proudly dress your tree in this one .
Free shipping on all orders over $ 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheilah Villari .
A big TV deserves big savings .
Best Buy currently has Samsung ’ s 82 '' Class 8 $ 600 off its usual price .
Now down to $ 1,200 , this 4K TV has plenty of bells and whistles to justify its size .
It ’ s got two 10W speakers and has a 240 motion rate .
The built-in V-chip allows you to easily set parental locks on content so your kids don ’ t stumble into anything .
Then there ’ s the smart features , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV .
Streaming apps are integrated into it and you can control the TV .
All in all , there ’ s quite a lot this bad boy can do , making it a solid all-in-one option .
Just make sure you can fit it in your entertainment center .
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio .
Whether you ’ re nostalgic for the days hanging out in public pools or you simply need a multitude of emergency adhesive bandages to absorb the blood from your frequent boo-boos , you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In fact , it ’ s such a ubiquitous household name that most people didn ’ t know it was a trademarked brand at one point or another .
While 100 of these bad boys would normally set you back a whopping $ 12 , you can pay as little as a generic pack when you pick the Subscribe & Save option over on Amazon .
But even if you don ’ t care for recurring deliveries , a 43 % discount still ain ’ t bad .
Just make sure to pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falls off because otherwise that shit ’ s nasty .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .
Sometimes you just need a basic ass monitor , something that gets the job done as you ’ re working from home , and doesn ’ t hurt your wallet in the process .
The Dell 24 Monitor is a no-frills 1080p IPS display with a 60Hz refresh rate .
It has one port for HDMI and one for VGA .
Its contrast ratio , 1000:1 , is described as “ typical ” on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything someone who doesn ’ t really care what monitor they use could ever dream of and more .
There ’ s no HDR , no 4K , no swivel , no oversized panel , no bells and whistles to consider and think to yourself : Do I really need this ?
The Dell 24 monitor is perfectly fine for number crunching , writing , casual gaming—whatever it is you spend your time on , unless it ’ s serious design or photo work , or like , professional esports , this display @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s $ 100 , so who cares .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .

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

Wednesday’s Best Deals | Kinja Deals
It’s December 2, and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day. Upgrade your earbuds with Anker Soundcore Life P2. Find the perfect holiday gift with Shiseido 4-Pc. Benefiance Gift Set. And perfect your home security system with Arlo Essential Spotlight.
If you’re still craving more deals, take a peek at Wednesday’s best deals overall.
#1: Playstation gift cards
If you’re a first-time PlayStation owner, you’re probably realizing that there’s a lot of extra fees when it comes to the console. PlayStation 5 games are $70, but then you’ll also need a PS Plus subscription if you want to play them online. Then factor in PS Now, which is an entirely different service, and the cost of the console starts to balloon rather quickly. Eneba is running a deal to help alleviate that that pain with the promo code PSFIRSTBUY. The one-time use code drops the price of one year subscriptions to PS Plus and PS Now significantly. You can also grab PlayStation gift cards at a discount with that same code, making a $50 gift card $5 cheaper. Shoppers can use the code PSSECONDBUY on subsequent purchases to buy more one year subscriptions and $50/$25 gift cards at a slightly higher price. It’s frankly a bit sneaky, but at least the rebuy prices only seem to be a dollar or two more.
Disclaimer: While we’ve heard your complaints about our use of Eneba links in the past, note the redirection to EU region-locked products has since been resolved by our affiliate partners at Eneba and Awin.
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio.
#2: Anker soundcore life p2 earbuds
I’ve been using a pair of Anker’s Soundcore Life P2 since January, and they’ve been fantastic AirPods alternatives. They were down to $50 back then, but Anker has dropped the price down to its lowest ever mark at $36, no code necessary.
These buds feature CVC 8.0 microphones for noise reduction, 40 hours of total playtime (seven in the buds, the rest in the charger), an IPX7 water rating, and Bluetooth 5.0 AptX for a cleaner wireless connection. More importantly, these little bundles of plastic acoustical joy deliver powerful sound from the graphene drivers inside. If you’re new to the true wireless game, the Anker Soundcore Life P2 offers a perfect starting point.
This deal was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer.
#3: M1 Macbooks
For a first-gen Apple product, the new MacBooks featuring the company’s own custom chipset is reviewing surprisingly well, even from our friends at Gizmodo. And, like clockwork, both the M1-equipped MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are discounted $100 at Adorama, at least if you’re cool with 8 gigs of RAM and either a 256GB or 512GB SSD. While souped-up versions of the lappy still adhere to their sticker prices, you can score the base model MacBook Air or double its storage for $899 and $1,149, respectively. The MacBook Pro, on the other hand, is down to $1,199 for 256GB of SSD space or $1,399 for 512GB. This deal, according to the product listing pages, expires sometime today.
Considering the M1 processor-packed MacBooks just came out last week, anyone planning to pick one up in one of these exact configurations ought to do it before the price hikes back up. While you might think it’s a permanent, artificially discounted price intended to leverage sales of surplus product, it could actually be a temporary, artificially discounted price intended to leverage sales of surplus product. We’ve seen it before, with AirPods Pro and the 4th Gen iPad Air on Amazon, so it isn’t unprecedented. That said, all models are currently on backorder, so there’s no telling whether your order will arrive in time for Christmas, if that plays a factor in your purchase.
Here’s what Caitlin McGarry, Consumer Tech Editor at Gizmodo had to say:
... overall, the new MacBook Air is the best overall laptop I’ve ever used. It’s slim, it’s portable, its performance is killer, its battery life will absolutely change my life when I’m doing more work on the go again, and the base price for the improvements delivered by the M1 chip is unbeatable. This isn’t just the best MacBook Air, it’s the best Air by a mile.
I didn’t expect 2020 to be the year of the Mac, but, well, I didn’t expect anything about this year to unfold as it did. If you’re already a fan of Apple’s laptops, buying a new version with M1 is a no-brainer.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#4: shiseido gift set
K beauty and J beauty have seen a rise in popularity over the years and it’s easy to understand why. The products are amazing. Shiseido has been keeping people lovely for almost 150 years. This storied Japanese brand is well trusted in the beauty community and has long been a fan favorite in my house growing up. Today get their best-selling Benefiance treatment for just $45. This 4-Pc. Smooth Skin Set will make a great gift and you’re saving $25 on it, just use the code FRIEND at checkout.
Benefiance treatments are for those looking for a little help in the anti-aging department. This four-step process makes fine lines and wrinkles less visible by adding moisture back into the skin. You’ll be more youthful and glowy in no time. I trust this because Japanese women are ageless and some of the most stunning in the world. The gift set includes Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Day Cream, Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream, and Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream. It’s never too soon to start taking care of your face. You’ve only got one and you want to keep it as gorgeous as long as possible.
This gift set will ship for free.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#5: Too faced lipsticks
Matte lipsticks are ideal for all-day wear and minimal smudging. Today only take 50% off Too Faced’s Melted Matte Lipstick an ultra version of this with intense color. Each shade is highly pigmented and goes on liquid but dries as a gorgeous matte. Each tube has a touch of Volulip to smooth out and plump the lips ever so slightly. Avocado oil and vitamin E keep the lips from drying to perfect your pout.
There are 29 shades in this collection so definitely something for everyone. Plenty of traditional pinks and reds ( Yes, Lady Balls is my shade.) to pick from and even green and purple if you’re a little more adventurous with your looks. The social edition Pumpkin Spice is included in this sale as are both Clover lipsticks.
Free shipping on all orders. But if you spend over $75 get a free pink stocking exclusive for the holidays. Just use the code PINKSTOCKING.
This deal was originally posted by Sheilah Villari.
#6: Arlo essential spotlight
Although we’re all mostly staying at home right now, even being away for a couple hours can be stressful if you’re waiting for an important package. A good security camera can help make sure your cargo’s secure, and it’ll also help you have some peace of mind that no trouble’s afoot back home. Arlo’s cameras should do the trick, and right now you can get the Essential Spotlight for $50 off at Home Depot, bringing it down to $80. That’ll get you a single camera with 1080p recording, night vision, and two-way audio.
This deal was originally published by Jordan McMahon.
#7: Christmas Tree skirts
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect pine and decorated it with all your favorite ornaments it seems like something is missing. There’s no skirt at the bottom of the tree. This was my roommate and I last night. We stood back admired our work and realized how naked the tree still looked. Wayfair is having a huge sale on Christmas tree skirts and collars. There are over 800 options so you’ll definitely find one to jive with your other holiday decor.
We all have a friend or relative where everything in their house is white. It’s like something out of Better Homes & Garden magazine. It does look beautiful, pristine, and calm. If this is you, you probably bring that aesthetic to the holiday season too. This Hansell Holiday Christmas Tree Skirt ($71) adds fuzzy faux fur fanciness to that. This 56" will wrap around your tree and give the illusion of soft little snowflakes collecting at the bottom. Your gifts will definitely pop with their bright wrapping on the flawless material underneath. If the look is what you’re going for this one is sophisticated.
If color is more your jam this Poinsettia Tree Skirt ($49) might be what you need. It’s a classic. That red will blend perfectly with the glistening green of your tree. The embroidered poinsettia cutouts add a cool dimension and definitely make your space more festive.
And now for something a little whimsical. What’s more jolly than ice skating dachshunds ($47) dressed as Santa? You don’t need to be a dog lover to appreciate how cute and cheery this tree skirt is. The beige and black actually make it a little more demure than you’d think it would be but hey it’s the holidays so have a little fun. And in 2020 if dogs on skate make you smile you proudly dress your tree in this one.
Free shipping on all orders over $35.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#8: Samsung 82" tV
A big TV deserves big savings. Best Buy currently has Samsung’s 82" Class 8 $600 off its usual price. Now down to $1,200, this 4K TV has plenty of bells and whistles to justify its size. It’s got two 10W speakers and has a 240 motion rate. The built-in V-chip allows you to easily set parental locks on content so your kids don’t stumble into anything. Then there’s the smart features, because of course it’s a smart TV. Streaming apps are integrated into it and you can control the TV.
All in all, there’s quite a lot this bad boy can do, making it a solid all-in-one option. Just make sure you can fit it in your entertainment center.
This deal was originally published by Giovanni Colantonio.
Whether you’re nostalgic for the days hanging out in public pools or you simply need a multitude of emergency adhesive bandages to absorb the blood from your frequent boo-boos, you can’t go wrong with Band-Aid. In fact, it’s such a ubiquitous household name that most people didn’t know it was a trademarked brand at one point or another. While 100 of these bad boys would normally set you back a whopping $12, you can pay as little as a generic pack when you pick the Subscribe & Save option over on Amazon. But even if you don’t care for recurring deliveries, a 43% discount still ain’t bad. Just make sure to pick it up off the floor when one falls off because otherwise that shit’s nasty.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#10: Dell 24 monitor
Sometimes you just need a basic ass monitor, something that gets the job done as you’re working from home, and doesn’t hurt your wallet in the process. The Dell 24 Monitor is a no-frills 1080p IPS display with a 60Hz refresh rate. It has one port for HDMI and one for VGA. Its contrast ratio, 1000:1, is described as “typical” on the Dell website. It’s everything someone who doesn’t really care what monitor they use could ever dream of and more. There’s no HDR, no 4K, no swivel, no oversized panel, no bells and whistles to consider and think to yourself: Do I really need this?
The Dell 24 monitor is perfectly fine for number crunching, writing, casual gaming—whatever it is you spend your time on, unless it’s serious design or photo work, or like, professional esports, this display will probably suffice. And it’s $100, so who cares.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.


theroot--2020-12-02--Save $31 on the Secura Air Mattress and Prepare for Guests That Will Eventually Be Able to Visit

If things get a little better next year maybe , just maybe you ’ ll have friends and family visit you .
Having enough room for houseguests is number one when hosting and sometimes that means turning to a reliable way to do so .
This Secura Air Mattress is 34 % off and is just that item .
Grab this one now and always be prepared for a pal or sibling who needs to crash with you .
This air mattress is flocked on the top and sides which is such a fun soft material .
They make Calico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was used to construct this eco-friendly , puncture-proof , and water-resistant matress .
It ’ s got a Suregrip bottom so no worries about sliding around at night .
The built-in air pump is efficient so you ’ ll have this mattress fully inflated in just 3-5 minutes .
That being said it also takes about that time to get all the air out .
The mattress measures 80 '' x 60 '' x 20 '' which means two adults will easily fit on this .
It ’ s basically a queen size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s pretty comfy for an air mattress that won ’ t lose air while you slumber .
If you ’ ve read a few of our pieces on SideDeal before and you like what you ’ ve seen they offer a $ 5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many .
Otherwise , it ’ s a flat rate of $ 8 .

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

Secura Air Mattress | $59 | SideDeal
If things get a little better next year maybe, just maybe you’ll have friends and family visit you. Having enough room for houseguests is number one when hosting and sometimes that means turning to a reliable way to do so. This Secura Air Mattress is 34% off and is just that item. Grab this one now and always be prepared for a pal or sibling who needs to crash with you.
This air mattress is flocked on the top and sides which is such a fun soft material. They make Calico Critters out of that! Durable PVC was used to construct this eco-friendly, puncture-proof, and water-resistant matress. It’s got a Suregrip bottom so no worries about sliding around at night. The built-in air pump is efficient so you’ll have this mattress fully inflated in just 3-5 minutes. That being said it also takes about that time to get all the air out. The mattress measures 80" x 60" x 20" which means two adults will easily fit on this. It’s basically a queen size. All in all, it’s pretty comfy for an air mattress that won’t lose air while you slumber.
If you’ve read a few of our pieces on SideDeal before and you like what you’ve seen they offer a $5 monthly fee to get free shipping on all of your orders no matter how many. Otherwise, it’s a flat rate of $8.


theroot--2020-12-02--The Obamas Are Reportedly Producing a Comedy Series About Trump. Sadly, the Title 'Insecure' Is Alre

The Obamas Are Reportedly Producing a Comedy Series About Trump. Sadly, the Title 'Insecure' Is Already Taken

You know how you read something that ’ s too good to be true so you have to do a double ( and triple ) take ?
That happened to me just now .
I was lollygagging on our work Slack news channel when Staff Writer Jay Connor dropped a link to a Vanity Fair article titled , “ The Obamas Are Producing a Comedy Series About Trump Being a Giant F—kup.
” “ WHAT ?
!
” I exclaimed .
Surely this must be reported by a bootleg magazine called Ego Carnival or something .
This is a level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly gel with the well-known “ reach across the aisle ” branding , so this can ’ t be real !
Nope , my eyes did not deceive me—it was the actual legitimate publication Vanity Fair .
Yes , in news that will assuredly send Trump into an unhinged tailspin once he notices it , Barack and Michelle are reportedly producing a comedy series for Netflix “ based on the chaotic transition of power when Donald Trump became president in 2016.
” The show , titled The G Word With Adam Conover , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former first couple ’ s Higher Ground Productions , based on Michael Lewis ’ s book The Fifth Risk , which was born out of a September 2017 Vanity Fair article .
The book covers the historic chaos and mismanagement that occurred in the Departments of Agriculture , Commerce , and Energy during the handoff between the administrations .
While Obama team members had prepared briefing books for their successors , among the Trump people who showed up to fill the posts , of which there were very few , basically no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recall that Trump ’ s first energy secretary , Rick Perry , thought his job entailed overseeing the oil and gas sector , when it actually involved active nuclear warheads . )
It all lines up with the fact Higher Ground Productions acquired the rights to Lewis ’ s book in 2018 .
The G Word With Adam Conover is being described as comedy “ mixed with documentary elements.
” Per Deadline , production is set to begin in early 2021 , which means we don ’ t have much time until production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be too late .
But , I don ’ t see any trade announcements for staff yet so it doesn ’ t hurt to try !
Soooo , let ’ s get this out of the way… The Root hereby nominates Senior Editor Stephen A. Crockett Jr. , for the role of showrunner .
At the very least , he should be a producer or consultant for the series—I mean , have you read literally any coverage about Trump on this site ?
No one in all of digital ( or print ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump .
Then , as VF mentioned , there ’ s also the chaotic shenanigans that marked Chris Christie ’ s short-lived leadership of the White House transitioning team .
Well ... Crockett has Cake Boss Christie covered , too .
By the way , if you ’ re an actor who has the energy of a constipated fart bubble , please do audition for the pivotal role of Jared Kushner before it ’ s too late !
Anyway , I truly believe Crockett as showrunner makes the most sense because I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ room and Crockett would likely hire me because everyone knows it ’ s “ who you know ” in Hollywood .
Boom .
Overall , I feel like this is going to be for Americans what The Crown is for British folks and the entire world will tune in and talk about it on Twitter .
Let the Game of Drones begin ...

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

You know how you read something that’s too good to be true so you have to do a double (and triple) take?
That happened to me just now. I was lollygagging on our work Slack news channel when Staff Writer Jay Connor dropped a link to a Vanity Fair article titled, “The Obamas Are Producing a Comedy Series About Trump Being a Giant F—kup.”
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“WHAT?!” I exclaimed. Surely this must be reported by a bootleg magazine called Ego Carnival or something. This is a level of political pettiness that doesn’t exactly gel with the well-known “reach across the aisle” branding, so this can’t be real! Nope, my eyes did not deceive me—it was the actual legitimate publication Vanity Fair.
VF’s Bess Levin reports:
Yes, in news that will assuredly send Trump into an unhinged tailspin once he notices it, Barack and Michelle are reportedly producing a comedy series for Netflix “based on the chaotic transition of power when Donald Trump became president in 2016.” The show, titled The G Word With Adam Conover, is a collaboration between the comedian and the former first couple’s Higher Ground Productions, based on Michael Lewis’s book The Fifth Risk, which was born out of a September 2017 Vanity Fair article. The book covers the historic chaos and mismanagement that occurred in the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Energy during the handoff between the administrations. While Obama team members had prepared briefing books for their successors, among the Trump people who showed up to fill the posts, of which there were very few, basically no one was qualified. (You may recall that Trump’s first energy secretary, Rick Perry, thought his job entailed overseeing the oil and gas sector, when it actually involved active nuclear warheads.)
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It all lines up with the fact Higher Ground Productions acquired the rights to Lewis’s book in 2018. The G Word With Adam Conover is being described as comedy “mixed with documentary elements.” Per Deadline, production is set to begin in early 2021, which means we don’t have much time until production begins. Hell, we might already be too late. But, I don’t see any trade announcements for staff yet so it doesn’t hurt to try! Soooo, let’s get this out of the way…
The Root hereby nominates Senior Editor Stephen A. Crockett Jr., for the role of showrunner. At the very least, he should be a producer or consultant for the series—I mean, have you read literally any coverage about Trump on this site? No one in all of digital (or print) media covers Trump the way Crockett covers Trump. Then, as VF mentioned, there’s also the chaotic shenanigans that marked Chris Christie’s short-lived leadership of the White House transitioning team. Well...Crockett has Cake Boss Christie covered, too. By the way, if you’re an actor who has the energy of a constipated fart bubble, please do audition for the pivotal role of Jared Kushner before it’s too late!
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Anyway, I truly believe Crockett as showrunner makes the most sense because I’d love to be in this writers’ room and Crockett would likely hire me because everyone knows it’s “who you know” in Hollywood. Boom.
Overall, I feel like this is going to be for Americans what The Crown is for British folks and the entire world will tune in and talk about it on Twitter. Let the Game of Drones begin...


theroot--2020-12-02--Lakers Put a Ring on It, Sign LeBron James to $85 Million Extension

Yes , they have the unparalleled privilege of having the best players in the league routinely force trades to their team , or just sign outright as free agents , but they also take exceptional care of their superstars even when they ’ re well past their primes .
( I would imagine that my beloved Orlando Magic would do the same , but alas , players would rather swallow scissors or binge-watch Iggy Azalea freestyles than sign there . )
Magic Johnson infamously returned to the court during the 1995-96 NBA season after missing four years due to HIV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myriad of roles within the organization since his retirement , from coach to the former president of basketball operations despite being woefully inexperienced .
There ’ s also Kobe Bryant , who spent his last few seasons stinking it up on the court while remaining one of the highest-paid players in the league .
So perhaps eager to carry on tradition and not fuck up a good thing , ESPN reports that the Lakers have used their PPP small business loan and signed LeBron James to a two-year , $ 85 million extension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As a result of this deal , King James , who turns 36 this month—and is still somehow the best damn player in the entire league—will collect $ 39.2 million this season , $ 41.1 million in 2021-22 , and more money than I will ever make in my Black-ass life in 2022-23 .
Of additional note , that sum will propel his NBA career earnings to an otherworldly $ 435 million .
And did I mention that he ’ ll be a free agent just in time for his oldest son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2023 ?
Coming off of a championship season , the Lakers are making a smart play and this exactly the type of shit that will keep Anthony Davis on the payroll for the foreseeable future .
It ’ s also the type of move that could entice disgruntled stars like Bradley Beal or even Giannis Antetokounmpo to make a move out West in order to be treated like royalty .
I despise the Lakers with every molecule in my body—every single damn one ; I counted—but they know what the hell they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pray my Magic finally peek over their shoulder and just copy their paper .

The Lakers aren’t 17-time NBA champions by accident.
Yes, they have the unparalleled privilege of having the best players in the league routinely force trades to their team, or just sign outright as free agents, but they also take exceptional care of their superstars even when they’re well past their primes. (I would imagine that my beloved Orlando Magic would do the same, but alas, players would rather swallow scissors or binge-watch Iggy Azalea freestyles than sign there.)
Magic Johnson infamously returned to the court during the 1995-96 NBA season after missing four years due to HIV, and he’s held a myriad of roles within the organization since his retirement, from coach to the former president of basketball operations despite being woefully inexperienced. There’s also Kobe Bryant, who spent his last few seasons stinking it up on the court while remaining one of the highest-paid players in the league.
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So perhaps eager to carry on tradition and not fuck up a good thing, ESPN reports that the Lakers have used their PPP small business loan and signed LeBron James to a two-year, $85 million extension. Because of course, they did.
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As a result of this deal, King James, who turns 36 this month—and is still somehow the best damn player in the entire league—will collect $39.2 million this season, $41.1 million in 2021-22, and more money than I will ever make in my Black-ass life in 2022-23. Of additional note, that sum will propel his NBA career earnings to an otherworldly $435 million. And did I mention that he’ll be a free agent just in time for his oldest son, Bronny, to become NBA draft-eligible in 2023?
I didn’t? Oh.
Coming off of a championship season, the Lakers are making a smart play and this exactly the type of shit that will keep Anthony Davis on the payroll for the foreseeable future. It’s also the type of move that could entice disgruntled stars like Bradley Beal or even Giannis Antetokounmpo to make a move out West in order to be treated like royalty.
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I despise the Lakers with every molecule in my body—every single damn one; I counted—but they know what the hell they’re doing. Let us hope and pray my Magic finally peek over their shoulder and just copy their paper.


theroot--2020-12-02--The Coronavirus Has Already Reared Its Ugly Head and the NBA Season Hasn't Even Started Yet

By all accounts , the NBA bubble was a tremendous success .
Not only did it salvage an NBA season that was otherwise left for dead by a global pandemic , but it proved that sports could still thrive—on incredibly short notice—while protecting the health and safety of team personnel and professional athletes through rigorous testing , extensive social distancing protocols , and wearing your damn mask .
Unfortunately , despite the lingering impact of this pandemic , the upcoming season will see the league return to its much more traditional roots , which means that teams will be playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be far more susceptible to COVID-19 exposure .
We ’ ve seen the havoc that the coronavirus has wreaked on college football and the NFL this season , and according to a new report , it ’ s safe to assume that this NBA season could be just as turbulent .
At a time when teams throughout the league are gearing up for training camp , ESPN reports that two players on the Golden State Warriors have tested positive for COVID-19 .
“ As players have entered back into our market , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve reentered , ” Bob Myers , Warriors general manager and president of basketball operations , told ESPN .
“ I don ’ t think this is unexpected with all the guys coming back in from [ outside of the ] market .
It kind of proves that the protocols and testing are working .
That was the whole point to catch these things before we began.
” In what should come as a surprise to no one , Myers declined to disclose the names of the players .
But in response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back their individual workouts to Wednesday and group workouts to Dec. 7 .
“ We can ’ t control the environment like the league did with the bubble , ” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said .
“ We ’ re going into this thing with our eyes wide open .
I talk every day with [ Warriors President ] Rick [ Welts ] and Bob about our COVID protocols , the latest updates from the league , latest updates from our training staff , what ’ s happening .
As far as my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the league is going to do everything in their power to do things the right way and to protect us , protect the players and the staffs.
” The Warriors aren ’ t the only team dealing with the coronavirus already either , as Washington Wizard ’ s coach Scott Brooks confirmed earlier this week that a “ non-returning player ” contracted the virus as well .
There ’ s also Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba , who , despite testing positive nearly six months ago , is still “ a ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to action .
“ Well right now we ’ re hoping that he can get healthy enough to get back on the floor , ” Magic coach Steve Clifford said .
“ He ’ s going to be able to do some of the things early in camp , but he ’ s going to be limited .
He ’ s had kind of a tough stretch here in terms of how much he been able to do .
[ ... ] There ’ s no real timetable for him to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I love basketball as much as anyone , but the health and safety of these players takes the utmost precedence .
Hopefully , Bamba and other players battling this virus are able to return to the floor soon , but as the NBA already proved this summer , I have the utmost confidence that the league will do its best to deliver a quality product on the court while ensuring team personnel and players remain safe .

By all accounts, the NBA bubble was a tremendous success.
Not only did it salvage an NBA season that was otherwise left for dead by a global pandemic, but it proved that sports could still thrive—on incredibly short notice—while protecting the health and safety of team personnel and professional athletes through rigorous testing, extensive social distancing protocols, and wearing your damn mask.
Unfortunately, despite the lingering impact of this pandemic, the upcoming season will see the league return to its much more traditional roots, which means that teams will be playing in their home arenas and players will be far more susceptible to COVID-19 exposure. We’ve seen the havoc that the coronavirus has wreaked on college football and the NFL this season, and according to a new report, it’s safe to assume that this NBA season could be just as turbulent.
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At a time when teams throughout the league are gearing up for training camp, ESPN reports that two players on the Golden State Warriors have tested positive for COVID-19.
“As players have entered back into our market, two players have tested positive after they’ve reentered,” Bob Myers, Warriors general manager and president of basketball operations, told ESPN. “I don’t think this is unexpected with all the guys coming back in from [outside of the] market. It kind of proves that the protocols and testing are working. That was the whole point to catch these things before we began.”
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In what should come as a surprise to no one, Myers declined to disclose the names of the players. But in response to their diagnoses, the Warriors have pushed back their individual workouts to Wednesday and group workouts to Dec. 7.
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“We can’t control the environment like the league did with the bubble,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “We’re going into this thing with our eyes wide open. I talk every day with [Warriors President] Rick [Welts] and Bob about our COVID protocols, the latest updates from the league, latest updates from our training staff, what’s happening. As far as my confidence level, I’m confident that the league is going to do everything in their power to do things the right way and to protect us, protect the players and the staffs.”
The Warriors aren’t the only team dealing with the coronavirus already either, as Washington Wizard’s coach Scott Brooks confirmed earlier this week that a “non-returning player” contracted the virus as well. There’s also Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba, who, despite testing positive nearly six months ago, is still “a ways away” from being able to return to action.
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“Well right now we’re hoping that he can get healthy enough to get back on the floor,” Magic coach Steve Clifford said. “He’s going to be able to do some of the things early in camp, but he’s going to be limited. He’s had kind of a tough stretch here in terms of how much he been able to do. [...] There’s no real timetable for him to be able to come back and fully participate.”
I love basketball as much as anyone, but the health and safety of these players takes the utmost precedence. Hopefully, Bamba and other players battling this virus are able to return to the floor soon, but as the NBA already proved this summer, I have the utmost confidence that the league will do its best to deliver a quality product on the court while ensuring team personnel and players remain safe.
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COVID is no joke, y’all.


theroot--2020-12-02--Now That You've Picked Your Tree It's Time to Dress It up With a Skirt or Collar from Wayfair

Now that you ’ ve chosen the perfect pine and decorated it with all your favorite ornaments it seems like something is missing .
There ’ s no skirt at the bottom of the tree .
This was my roommate and I last night .
W e stood back admired our work and realized how naked the tree still looked .
Wayfair is having a huge sale on Christmas tr ee s kirts and c ollars .
There are over 800 options so you ’ ll definitely find one to jive with your other holiday decor .
We all have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their house is white .
It ’ s like something out of Better Homes & Garden magazine .
It does look beautiful , pristine , and calm .
If this is you , you probably bring that aesthetic to the holiday season too .
This Hansell Holiday Christmas Tree Skirt ( $ 71 ) adds fuzzy faux fur fanciness to that .
This 56 '' will wrap around your tree and give the illusion of soft little snow flakes collecting at the bottom .
Your gifts will definitely pop with their bright wrapping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the look is what you ’ re going for this one is sophisticated .
If color is more your jam this Poinsettia Tree Skirt ( $ 49 ) might be what you need .
It ’ s a classic .
That red will blend perfectly with the glistening green of your tree .
The embroidered poinsettia cutouts add a cool dimension and definitely make your space more festive .
And now for something a little whimsical .
What ’ s more jolly than ice skating dachshunds ( $ 47 ) dressed as Santa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a dog lover to appreciate how cute and cheery this tree skirt is .
The beige and black actually make it a little more demure than you ’ d think it would be but hey it ’ s the holidays so have a little fun .
And in 2020 if dogs on skate make you smile you proudly dress your tree in this one .
Free shipping on all orders over $ 35 .

Christmas Tree Skirts & Collars Sale | Wayfair
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect pine and decorated it with all your favorite ornaments it seems like something is missing. There’s no skirt at the bottom of the tree. This was my roommate and I last night. W e stood back admired our work and realized how naked the tree still looked . Wayfair is having a huge sale on Christmas tr ee s kirts and c ollars. There are over 800 options so you’ll definitely find one to jive with your other holiday decor.
We all have a friend or relative where everything in their house is white. It’s like something out of Better Homes & Garden magazine. It does look beautiful , pristine, and calm. If this is you, you probably bring that aesthetic to the holiday season too. This Hansell Holiday Christmas Tree Skirt ($71) adds fuzzy faux fur fanciness to that . This 56" will wrap around your tree and give the illusion of soft little snow flakes collecting at the bottom. Your gifts will definitely pop with their bright wrapping on the flawless material underneath . If the look is what you’re going for this one is sophisticated .
If color is more your jam this Poinsettia Tree Skirt ($49) might be what you need. It’s a classic. That red will blend perfectly with the glistening green of your tree. The embroidered poinsettia cutouts add a cool dimension and definitely make your space more festive.
And now for something a little whimsical. What’s more jolly than ice skating dachshunds ($47) dressed as Santa? You don’t need to be a dog lover to appreciate how cute and cheery this tree skirt is. The beige and black actually make it a little more demure than you’d think it would be but hey it’s the holidays so have a little fun. And in 2020 if dogs on skate make you smile you proudly dress your tree in this one .
Free shipping on all orders over $35.