theroot--2020-12-22--Study Finds Black Children 6 Times More Likely to be Fatally Shot by Police

In news that is as heartbreaking as it is predictable , a study has found that over the last 16 years , Black kids were six times more likely to be fatally shot by police than white children .
CNN reports that the study found that from 2006 to 2018 , 140 children were killed as a result of police intervention , and 131 of those cases involved a firearm with 93 percent of the victims being boys with an average age of 16 .
“ The results are not surprising , but that doesn ’ t take away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead researcher and director of Academic Affairs and Research at Children ’ s National , Dr. Monika K. Goyal told CNN .
“ When we see that this extends to children , it makes this issue even more tragic.
” There has been a renewed focus on police brutality this year for very obvious reasons .
This problem is nothing new and the fatal shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice six years ago proved then that not even age can protect a Black body from police violence .
“ These findings are likely an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Goyal told CNN .
“ This ( rate ) did not include children who were shot but didn ’ t die.
” This shit is just depressing .
Children dying is always a sad topic but it ’ s worse when it ’ s something that ’ s completely preventable .
I ’ ve seen white kids do some outlandish shit : pop off on the cops , and get a slap on the wrist—which is fine because they ’ re kids being dumb .
It would simply be nice if our children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dumb without it potentially costing them their life .
The study also found that 6,512 were fatally shot by police during this same time frame , with Black and Hispanic adults having the highest mortality rates .
“ Our country is truly reckoning with the differential use of police force in communities of color , ” Goyal said .
“ These disparities extend to youth , and my hope is that this data is a call to action to start engaging in that hard work to truly understand the policies that exacerbate these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the list of racial disparities that even children have to face .
The pandemic has disproportionately affected Black kids , with Black children more likely to be hospitalized and face complications from the virus .
Not to mention they ’ re more likely to face absurd levels of discipline and potentially racist environments when they enter the classroom .
“ As the country works to reform policing practices and strives to mitigate disparities in our justice system , it is essential we do not forget the disproportionate impact on children of color , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released by Children ’ s National .
“ Our study confirms these disparities that are stark and unacceptable .
”

In news that is as heartbreaking as it is predictable, a study has found that over the last 16 years, Black kids were six times more likely to be fatally shot by police than white children.
CNN reports that the study found that from 2006 to 2018, 140 children were killed as a result of police intervention, and 131 of those cases involved a firearm with 93 percent of the victims being boys with an average age of 16. “The results are not surprising, but that doesn’t take away from the tragedy of these results,” lead researcher and director of Academic Affairs and Research at Children’s National, Dr. Monika K. Goyal told CNN. “When we see that this extends to children, it makes this issue even more tragic.”
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There has been a renewed focus on police brutality this year for very obvious reasons. This problem is nothing new and the fatal shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice six years ago proved then that not even age can protect a Black body from police violence.
“These findings are likely an underestimate of the true toll,” Goyal told CNN. “This (rate) did not include children who were shot but didn’t die.”
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This shit is just depressing. Children dying is always a sad topic but it’s worse when it’s something that’s completely preventable. I’ve seen white kids do some outlandish shit: pop off on the cops, and get a slap on the wrist—which is fine because they’re kids being dumb. It would simply be nice if our children were also allowed to be young and dumb without it potentially costing them their life.
The study also found that 6,512 were fatally shot by police during this same time frame, with Black and Hispanic adults having the highest mortality rates. “Our country is truly reckoning with the differential use of police force in communities of color,” Goyal said. “These disparities extend to youth, and my hope is that this data is a call to action to start engaging in that hard work to truly understand the policies that exacerbate these disparities.”
Advertisement
This study just adds to the list of racial disparities that even children have to face. The pandemic has disproportionately affected Black kids, with Black children more likely to be hospitalized and face complications from the virus. Not to mention they’re more likely to face absurd levels of discipline and potentially racist environments when they enter the classroom.
“As the country works to reform policing practices and strives to mitigate disparities in our justice system, it is essential we do not forget the disproportionate impact on children of color,” Dr. Goyal said in a statement released by Children’s National. “Our study confirms these disparities that are stark and unacceptable.”


theroot--2020-12-22--Gov. Newsom Appoints California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to Replace Kamala Harris in U.S. Sen

Gov. Newsom Appoints California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to Replace Kamala Harris in U.S. Senate

Before becoming the first Black female vice president in U.S. history , Kamala Harris was the only Black woman in the U.S. Senate and only the second to serve in the Senate ever .
So it should come as no surprise that Black people—including 28 civil rights leaders , Black Lives Matter officials and California ’ s Legislative Black Caucus—called on Gov .
Gavin Newsom to replace Harris with another Black woman to fill her seat .
Welp , that didn ’ t happen , but the good news is that Newsom appointed the first Latino to represent California in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports that on Tuesday , Newsom chose his longtime political ally and current California secretary of state , Alex Padilla , to fill Harris ’ seat when she steps down next month .
Here ’ s a little history on Padilla as reported by the Times : The son of Mexican immigrants who settled in the San Fernando Valley , Padilla ’ s rise to the upper echelon of state politics closely shadowed the steady , decades-long ascension of Latino power and influence throughout California , from L.A. ’ s towering City Hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capitol .
At age 26 , Padilla won a seat on the Los Angeles City Council during the anti-immigrant tumult of the 1990s , after California voters approved measures requiring “ English-only ” public schools and banning immigrants who were in the U.S. illegally from government assistance and services .
Padilla , who earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology , went on to become the city ’ s youngest council president , a state senator and California ’ s current two-term secretary of state .
“ Through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grit , California is gaining a tested fighter in their corner who will be a fierce ally in D.C. , lifting up our state ’ s values and making sure we secure the critical resources to emerge stronger from this pandemic .
He will be a senator for all Californians , ” Newsom said in a statement Tuesday .
According to the Washington Post , Newsom faced pressure by Latino organizations to appoint a Latino—the state ’ s largest ethnic group—to fill the seat .
So it ’ s no surprise that Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Padilla ’ s ethnic background while praising his ascension to the Senate .
“ The son of Mexican immigrants—a cook and house cleaner—Alex Padilla worked his way from humble beginnings to the halls of MIT , the Los Angeles City Council and the State Senate , and has become a national defender of voting rights as California ’ s Secretary of State , ” Newsom said .
“ Now , he will serve in the halls of our nation ’ s Capitol.
” Of course , the state ’ s Legislative Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bass or Rep. Barbara Lee—both Black women with years of experience in Washington , unlike Padilla , as the Post notes—to fill Harris ’ seat .
Side note : Ultimately , this whole thing is just a reminder that only white people don ’ t have to worry about pushing for representation in the U.S. government .
Anyway ... “ I am honored and humbled by the trust placed in me by Gov .
Newsom , and I intend to work each and every day to honor that trust and deliver for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , the Times reports .
“ From those struggling to make ends meet to the small businesses fighting to keep their doors open to the healthcare workers looking for relief , please know that I am going to the Senate to fight for you .
”

Before becoming the first Black female vice president in U.S. history, Kamala Harris was the only Black woman in the U.S. Senate and only the second to serve in the Senate ever. So it should come as no surprise that Black people—including 28 civil rights leaders, Black Lives Matter officials and California’s Legislative Black Caucus—called on Gov. Gavin Newsom to replace Harris with another Black woman to fill her seat.
Welp, that didn’t happen, but the good news is that Newsom appointed the first Latino to represent California in the Senate.
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The Los Angeles Times reports that on Tuesday, Newsom chose his longtime political ally and current California secretary of state, Alex Padilla, to fill Harris’ seat when she steps down next month.
Here’s a little history on Padilla as reported by the Times:
The son of Mexican immigrants who settled in the San Fernando Valley, Padilla’s rise to the upper echelon of state politics closely shadowed the steady, decades-long ascension of Latino power and influence throughout California, from L.A.’s towering City Hall to the chandeliered chambers of the state Capitol. At age 26, Padilla won a seat on the Los Angeles City Council during the anti-immigrant tumult of the 1990s, after California voters approved measures requiring “English-only” public schools and banning immigrants who were in the U.S. illegally from government assistance and services. Padilla, who earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, went on to become the city’s youngest council president, a state senator and California’s current two-term secretary of state.
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“Through his tenacity, integrity, smarts and grit, California is gaining a tested fighter in their corner who will be a fierce ally in D.C., lifting up our state’s values and making sure we secure the critical resources to emerge stronger from this pandemic. He will be a senator for all Californians,” Newsom said in a statement Tuesday.
Advertisement
According to the Washington Post, Newsom faced pressure by Latino organizations to appoint a Latino—the state’s largest ethnic group—to fill the seat. So it’s no surprise that Newsom also made it a point to speak on Padilla’s ethnic background while praising his ascension to the Senate.
“The son of Mexican immigrants—a cook and house cleaner—Alex Padilla worked his way from humble beginnings to the halls of MIT, the Los Angeles City Council and the State Senate, and has become a national defender of voting rights as California’s Secretary of State,” Newsom said. “Now, he will serve in the halls of our nation’s Capitol.”
Advertisement
Of course, the state’s Legislative Black Caucus was pushing for either Rep. Karen Bass or Rep. Barbara Lee—both Black women with years of experience in Washington, unlike Padilla, as the Post notes—to fill Harris’ seat.
Side note: Ultimately, this whole thing is just a reminder that only white people don’t have to worry about pushing for representation in the U.S. government. Anyway...
Advertisement
“I am honored and humbled by the trust placed in me by Gov. Newsom, and I intend to work each and every day to honor that trust and deliver for all Californians,” Padilla said in a statement, the Times reports. “From those struggling to make ends meet to the small businesses fighting to keep their doors open to the healthcare workers looking for relief, please know that I am going to the Senate to fight for you.”


theroot--2020-12-22--The 10 Best Deals of December 22, 2020

The 10 Best Deals of December 22, 2020

It ’ s December 22 , and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day .
Perfect your holiday look by taking 20 % off qualifying items at Ulta .
Ward off your COVID-19 fears with the iHealth forehead thermometer .
And maybe even treat yourself with Ella Paradis ’ stocking stuffer bundle .
If you ’ re still craving more deals , take a peek at Tuesday ’ s best deals overall .
The one thing I can say about Ubisoft games is that , for better or worse , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in for .
This could not be more true of Assassin ’ s Creed Valhalla and Watch Dogs : Legion , both of which are now on sale for $ 71 as part of a bundle deal straight from the Microsoft Store .
Seeing as it would cost $ 75 to buy them separately at the current discounted rate , that only saves you about 5 % .
Still , at full price , the pack is $ 110 , so if you were already planning on swiping up the digital duo for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it before the deal runs out .
Because I ’ ve poured time into both of these games , I ’ m speaking from experience when I say you can count on the same shtick as the two Watch Dogs games and countless Assassin ’ s Creed titles that came before them .
A little bit of stealth here , some watered down RPG elements there , and a whole bunch of hand-holding quests may sound trite , and to an extent it is , but if you don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set of rules and mechanics , veterans of either series will catch on fast .
Valhalla , my favorite of the two , is especially a treat .
While the gameplay hasn ’ t changed a whole lot since Odyssey came out in 2018 , the story is a lot more focused without restraining the scope of its open-world maps , which there are a few of .
Since I wasn ’ t all that interested in vikings going in , I didn ’ t expect it to resonate with me as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ezio trilogy , Syndicate , and even Assassin ’ s Creed III : Liberation , but I couldn ’ t have been more wrong .
Although I ’ m currently stuck playing Cyberpunk 2077 , you can bet as soon as I wrap up the main story I ’ m time traveling back to building up my settlement in Valhalla .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .
This is one of those deals that are really great but take a bit of patience and finagling .
Until December 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the code 851679 .
So I say this is difficult because so many brands are currently on sale or have pretty good deals running .
But after playing around there are still quite a few items that this code will work with .
A great option is Pixi ’ s Purifying Trio Kit .
It looks like most Pixi products will vibe with the discount code .
This trio is all about keeping your face as glowing as possible .
In three easy steps cleanse , exfoliate , and purify .
Have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of the season with travel-friendly sizes of the Glow Mud Cleanser , Glow Tonic , and T-Zone Peel-Off Mask.A great option is Pixi ’ s Purifying Trio Kit .
It looks like most Pixi products will vibe with the discount code .
This trio is all about keeping your face as glowing as possible .
In three easy steps cleanse , exfoliate , and purify .
Have a wintery shimmer and hydrated skin for the rest of the season with travel-friendly sizes of the Glow Mud Cleanser , Glow Tonic , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even just general 2020 stress calls for a moment of self-care and a bath bomb can certainly help you take a pause .
I ’ ve had a few of these from da Bomb and this one is hands down my favorite .
It fizzes like fluffy pink cotton candy , smells awesome , and leaves your skin silky smooth .
Oh , and you get a prize once it fully dissolves .
There are thirty-two bombs to pick from so definitely something for everyone , even kids .
Free shipping on all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Few minor inconveniences sting more than having to get back up to switch a light after you ’ ve already gotten cozy .
Should you decide to leave that problem in the dust , you ’ ll want to pick up a couple smart bulbs .
Place them into your most-frequently-used sockets and you ’ ll never have to worry about hopping to your feet to kill the kitchen lights before bed again .
Right now , you can get a pack of three Philips Hue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexa , Google Assistant , and Siri , for $ 45 off at Best Buy , bringing the price down to $ 90 .
This deal was originally published by Jordan McMahon .
One of my New Year ’ s resolutions last year was to cook more meals at home .
Who knew that the wish I made at the top of 2020 would result in a worldwide pandemic , grossly mishandled by the United States , leaving me to make amazing food in my house while I socially distance myself from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the universe works in mysterious ways .
If you also want to cook more at home , I suggest these All-Clad Non-Stick Frying Pans .
They ’ re 40 % off their original list price , making them a low $ 30 .
They ’ re non-stick , so you can make eggs , sauteed spinach , and make fried rice as much as you please .
And these pans being All-Clad ?
Well , they ’ ll definitely last you a while .
I even mentioned the brand in my non-stick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and buy them—it ’ s worth the money .
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
It ’ s Wonder Woman week !
I can ’ t be the only one that ’ s super excited to see Wonder Woman ‘ 84 on Christmas ?
That ’ s ok , I know I ’ m not .
LEGO continues its awesome interpretations of our favorite comic book heroes with this kit straight from Diana ’ s new flick .
Save 20 % of this set and bring a little bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In this incredibly detailed replication of Diana and Barara ’ s fight scene , you get minifigures of each plus Pedro Pascal ’ s Maxwell Lord .
This two-sided model scales down a high-tech bunker and a revolving transmitter tower .
Here we have a winged Wonder Woman and Dr. Minerva in her Cheetah form .
The transmitter tower rotates and even moves up and down .
This set measures seven inches high and six inches wide but that won ’ t limit the imagination of any lover of Ms .
Prince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those eight and up because of all the small parts but a great gift for any DC fan or collector none the less .
One day shipping and guaranteed to arrive before the holiday .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Using a digital thermometer has made it much easier for measuring someone ’ s temperature in recent times .
With this iHealth model you can measure someone ’ s temperature by holding it up to 1.18 inches away from them , and by reading the LCD screen , day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accurate reading .
At $ 24 , it ’ s a fantastic price at 59 % off list .
As it comes with batteries , the iHealth Thermometer is also ready to use as soon as you take it out of the box .
This deal was originally published by Daryl Baxter .
Take it from me , someone who occasionally gets drunk and starts playing the same three chords repeatedly before ultimately putting it back on the wall and watching old NPR Tiny Desk videos of people who don ’ t suck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better time than like the present to learn a musical instrument .
And this Ibanez acoustic electric guitar seems like a good place to start for a reasonable price , $ 300 at Adorama , down 33 % from the sticker tag .
Because it ’ s an acoustic electric , the AEG50N comes with a built-on preamp , complete with an LCD tuner , two control knobs , volume , and shape .
Hook it up to an amp and annoy your lousy neighbors by putting on your own personal garage show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reputation among musicians .
While I wasn ’ t able to find a review of this exact model , Guitar Society called the similar , albeit analog acoustic , Ibanez AC240 's sound “ warm , detailed , and defined ” in its roundup of the best Ibanez guitars .
Because you ’ re buying from Adorama , you ’ ll also get the option of 6-month financing , in case you can ’ t afford or don ’ t want to pay upfront .
You can purchase extended warranties starting at $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s warranty lasts a lifetime , I ’ m not sure it ’ s necessary .
And yeah , I know it ’ s actually $ 300 and not $ 299 but the headline doesn ’ t rhyme otherwise .
If there ’ s one thing I know about success in music , it ’ s the importance of rhyming over literally everything else .
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey .
If you ’ ve been looking for a new toothbrush , I ’ d like to suggest the Waterpik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a wonderful fusion ( yes , that ’ s a pun ) of a Sonic toothbrush and Waterpik for just $ 135 .
Waterpiks gently remove food from in-between your teeth with spurts of water , and with the three modes of brushing , I ’ m sure your personal pearls will be squeaky-clean .
What are you waiting for ?
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher .
Ella Paradis has the perfect little bundle for a few extra Christmas goodies .
This Stocking Stuffer Bundle has just the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly jolly holiday .
In this set , you get two Better Love vibes .
Each is easy to use with one button and has ten vibration modes .
They ’ re made of safe silicone and one has a cute little bunny ear sleeve and the other a removable reindeer sleeve .
These vibes are powered by LR44 batteries which they say aren ’ t included but mine have always come with them .
( Yes , I said that . )
You ’ re also getting a travel-friendly lubricant in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There ’ s also some lady lube from Pjur .
The Nude Lube is water-based and specially developed for sensitive skin .
Everything in this bundle will make a wonderful yuletide just be sure the right presents are wrapped .
This item will ship for free .
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari .
Want to put the Caped Crusader under the tree later this week , or just in the mood to revisit the Dark Knight ’ s animated adventures ?
In any case , Amazon is holding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sets today , and there ’ s a few Batman picks in the bunch .
You can snag the Batman 80th Anniversary Collection , a Blu-ray set of 18 feature-length animated films , for just $ 37 right now—a 59 % savings .
There ’ s also Batman Beyond : The Complete Series on Blu-ray for $ 35 or DVD for $ 24 , while Batman : The Complete Animated Series is $ 55 on Blu-ray or $ 30 on DVD .
The sale also includes non-Batman sets , too , with highlights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for $ 40 , The Land Before Time 14-Film DVD Collection for under $ 17 , and The Mummy Ultimate Collection on Blu-ray for $ 12 .
This deal was originally published by Andrew Hayward .

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

Tuesday’s Best Deals | Kinja Deals
It’s December 22, and we at Kinja Deals are here to bring you the top 10 deals of the day. Perfect your holiday look by taking 20% off qualifying items at Ulta. Ward off your COVID-19 fears with the iHealth forehead thermometer. And maybe even treat yourself with Ella Paradis’ stocking stuffer bundle.
If you’re still craving more deals, take a peek at Tuesday’s best deals overall.
#1: Watch dogs: Legion + AC valhalla Bundle
The one thing I can say about Ubisoft games is that, for better or worse, you always know exactly what you’re in for. This could not be more true of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Watch Dogs: Legion, both of which are now on sale for $71 as part of a bundle deal straight from the Microsoft Store. Seeing as it would cost $75 to buy them separately at the current discounted rate, that only saves you about 5%. Still, at full price, the pack is $110, so if you were already planning on swiping up the digital duo for Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S, do it before the deal runs out.
Because I’ve poured time into both of these games, I’m speaking from experience when I say you can count on the same shtick as the two Watch Dogs games and countless Assassin’s Creed titles that came before them. A little bit of stealth here, some watered down RPG elements there, and a whole bunch of hand-holding quests may sound trite, and to an extent it is, but if you don’t have the patience to learn a whole new set of rules and mechanics, veterans of either series will catch on fast.
Valhalla, my favorite of the two, is especially a treat. While the gameplay hasn’t changed a whole lot since Odyssey came out in 2018, the story is a lot more focused without restraining the scope of its open-world maps, which there are a few of. Since I wasn’t all that interested in vikings going in, I didn’t expect it to resonate with me as much as entries from more familiar periods like the Ezio trilogy, Syndicate, and even Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Although I’m currently stuck playing Cyberpunk 2077, you can bet as soon as I wrap up the main story I’m time traveling back to building up my settlement in Valhalla.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#2: Ulta holiday sale
This is one of those deals that are really great but take a bit of patience and finagling. Until December 24 take 20% off qualifying items with the code 851679. So I say this is difficult because so many brands are currently on sale or have pretty good deals running. But after playing around there are still quite a few items that this code will work with.
A great option is Pixi’s Purifying Trio Kit. It looks like most Pixi products will vibe with the discount code. This trio is all about keeping your face as glowing as possible. In three easy steps cleanse, exfoliate, and purify. Have a wintery shimmer and hydrated skin for the rest of the season with travel-friendly sizes of the Glow Mud Cleanser, Glow Tonic, and T-Zone Peel-Off Mask.A great option is Pixi’s Purifying Trio Kit. It looks like most Pixi products will vibe with the discount code. This trio is all about keeping your face as glowing as possible. In three easy steps cleanse, exfoliate, and purify. Have a wintery shimmer and hydrated skin for the rest of the season with travel-friendly sizes of the Glow Mud Cleanser, Glow Tonic, and T-Zone Peel-Off Mask.
Post-holiday stress or even just general 2020 stress calls for a moment of self-care and a bath bomb can certainly help you take a pause. I’ve had a few of these from da Bomb and this one is hands down my favorite. It fizzes like fluffy pink cotton candy, smells awesome, and leaves your skin silky smooth. Oh, and you get a prize once it fully dissolves. There are thirty-two bombs to pick from so definitely something for everyone, even kids.
Free shipping on all orders over $35.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#3: Phillips hue blubs
Few minor inconveniences sting more than having to get back up to switch a light after you’ve already gotten cozy. Should you decide to leave that problem in the dust, you’ll want to pick up a couple smart bulbs. Place them into your most-frequently-used sockets and you’ll never have to worry about hopping to your feet to kill the kitchen lights before bed again. Right now, you can get a pack of three Philips Hue bulbs, which can work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, for $45 off at Best Buy, bringing the price down to $90.
This deal was originally published by Jordan McMahon.
#4: All-clad non-stick pans
One of my New Year’s resolutions last year was to cook more meals at home. Who knew that the wish I made at the top of 2020 would result in a worldwide pandemic, grossly mishandled by the United States, leaving me to make amazing food in my house while I socially distance myself from the people I love?
Well! They say the universe works in mysterious ways.
If you also want to cook more at home, I suggest these All-Clad Non-Stick Frying Pans. They’re 40% off their original list price, making them a low $30. They’re non-stick, so you can make eggs, sauteed spinach, and make fried rice as much as you please. And these pans being All-Clad? Well, they’ll definitely last you a while. I even mentioned the brand in my non-stick frying pan round up. Go ahead and buy them—it’s worth the money.
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#5: Wonder woman 84 lego set
It’s Wonder Woman week! I can’t be the only one that’s super excited to see Wonder Woman ‘84 on Christmas? That’s ok, I know I’m not. LEGO continues its awesome interpretations of our favorite comic book heroes with this kit straight from Diana’s new flick. Save 20% of this set and bring a little bit of girl power and Themyscira to your abode.
In this incredibly detailed replication of Diana and Barara’s fight scene, you get minifigures of each plus Pedro Pascal’s Maxwell Lord. This two-sided model scales down a high-tech bunker and a revolving transmitter tower. Here we have a winged Wonder Woman and Dr. Minerva in her Cheetah form. The transmitter tower rotates and even moves up and down. This set measures seven inches high and six inches wide but that won’t limit the imagination of any lover of Ms. Prince. This LEGO set is recommended for those eight and up because of all the small parts but a great gift for any DC fan or collector none the less.
One day shipping and guaranteed to arrive before the holiday.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#6: ihealth ir thermometer
Using a digital thermometer has made it much easier for measuring someone’s temperature in recent times. With this iHealth model you can measure someone’s temperature by holding it up to 1.18 inches away from them, and by reading the LCD screen, day or night, you will receive an accurate reading.
At $24, it’s a fantastic price at 59% off list. As it comes with batteries, the iHealth Thermometer is also ready to use as soon as you take it out of the box.
This deal was originally published by Daryl Baxter.
#7: Ibanez acoustic electric guitar
Take it from me, someone who occasionally gets drunk and starts playing the same three chords repeatedly before ultimately putting it back on the wall and watching old NPR Tiny Desk videos of people who don’t suck at guitar: there’s no better time than like the present to learn a musical instrument. And this Ibanez acoustic electric guitar seems like a good place to start for a reasonable price, $300 at Adorama, down 33% from the sticker tag. Because it’s an acoustic electric, the AEG50N comes with a built-on preamp, complete with an LCD tuner, two control knobs, volume, and shape. Hook it up to an amp and annoy your lousy neighbors by putting on your own personal garage show.
The Japanese brand has quite the reputation among musicians. While I wasn’t able to find a review of this exact model, Guitar Society called the similar, albeit analog acoustic, Ibanez AC240's sound “warm, detailed, and defined” in its roundup of the best Ibanez guitars. Because you’re buying from Adorama, you’ll also get the option of 6-month financing, in case you can’t afford or don’t want to pay upfront. You can purchase extended warranties starting at $69, but considering the manufacturer’s warranty lasts a lifetime, I’m not sure it’s necessary. And yeah, I know it’s actually $300 and not $299 but the headline doesn’t rhyme otherwise. If there’s one thing I know about success in music, it’s the importance of rhyming over literally everything else.
This deal was originally published by Gabe Carey.
#8: Waterpik flosser
If you’ve been looking for a new toothbrush, I’d like to suggest the Waterpik Sonic Fusion Flossing Toothbrush. It’s a wonderful fusion (yes, that’s a pun) of a Sonic toothbrush and Waterpik for just $135.
Waterpiks gently remove food from in-between your teeth with spurts of water, and with the three modes of brushing, I’m sure your personal pearls will be squeaky-clean. What are you waiting for?
This deal was originally published by Ignacia Fulcher.
#9: ella paradis stocking stuffer
Ella Paradis has the perfect little bundle for a few extra Christmas goodies. This Stocking Stuffer Bundle has just the right amount of whimsy and function for a truly jolly holiday.
In this set, you get two Better Love vibes. Each is easy to use with one button and has ten vibration modes. They’re made of safe silicone and one has a cute little bunny ear sleeve and the other a removable reindeer sleeve. These vibes are powered by LR44 batteries which they say aren’t included but mine have always come with them. (Yes, I said that.) You’re also getting a travel-friendly lubricant in an adorable fruit-shaped container in a grape scent. There’s also some lady lube from Pjur. The Nude Lube is water-based and specially developed for sensitive skin. Everything in this bundle will make a wonderful yuletide just be sure the right presents are wrapped.
This item will ship for free.
This deal was originally published by Sheilah Villari.
#10: batman animated box sets
Want to put the Caped Crusader under the tree later this week, or just in the mood to revisit the Dark Knight’s animated adventures? In any case, Amazon is holding a big sale on movie and TV box sets today, and there’s a few Batman picks in the bunch.
You can snag the Batman 80th Anniversary Collection, a Blu-ray set of 18 feature-length animated films, for just $37 right now—a 59% savings. There’s also Batman Beyond: The Complete Series on Blu-ray for $35 or DVD for $24, while Batman: The Complete Animated Series is $55 on Blu-ray or $30 on DVD.
The sale also includes non-Batman sets, too, with highlights including the Jurassic World 5-Movie 4K Collection for $40, The Land Before Time 14-Film DVD Collection for under $17, and The Mummy Ultimate Collection on Blu-ray for $12.
This deal was originally published by Andrew Hayward.


theroot--2020-12-22--10 Things You Should Buy With Your COVID Check

Late yesterday evening , Congress passed a wide-ranging relief bill that will send $ 600 to every taxpayer making less than $ 75,000 .
I haven ’ t done the math but , that probably only leaves out Bill Gates , Oprah and maybe Beyoncé .
Thankfully , the kind folks in the federal legislature have graciously doled out enough money to sustain unemployed broke-asses like Donald Trump , Kylie Jenner and two soon-to-be-jobless senators down in Georgia .
Now that Congress has agreed to make it rain on the regular people , I ’ m sure you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do with all of that money .
Instead of blowing it all on cocaine and white women , the financial team at The Root came up with a list of suggestions that will not only stimulate your personal economy but will ensure that your windfall will benefit you for minutes to come .
Rudy Giuliani reportedly charges $ 20,000 per day to represent the Trump campaign , which averages out to $ 833.33 per hour ( if you include time spent sleeping and dying his hair with Glidden satin interior paint ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a better track record .
I recommend the esteemed attorney Maxine Shaw .
Despite the fact that religious organizations don ’ t pay taxes , Joel Osteen received $ 4.4 million from the Personal Paycheck Protection Program and T.D .
Jakes got more than $ 2 million according to the Trinity Foundation , a religious watchdog group .
Of course , some people will say that these organizations provide valuable services to communities and employ people .
But , if a church isn ’ t required to pay taxes , then why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you didn ’ t have to pay taxes , wouldn ’ t you have a little extra set aside for a rainy day or a pandemic ?
Perhaps the reason that Black-owned businesses couldn ’ t get access to the program is that Jesus sells prayers to the highest bidder .
Anyway , thank God Jakes ’ Rolls-Royce didn ’ t get repossessed .
$ 600 could buy an unlimited supply because it doesn ’ t exist .
Now you can have your own superspreader event !
The government has entered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antibody treatment received by members of the Trump administration for $ 1,200 apiece .
You have just enough to pay for one COVID-free lung .
According to the Vera Institute of Justice , incarcerating a prisoner costs taxpayers an average of more than $ 31,000 per inmate , per year , although some states go as high as $ 70,000 .
But with $ 600 , you can chill in a mid-level penitentiary like the one Trump will be in after he ’ s president .
I know it seems like a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it ’ s cheaper than what we ’ ve been paying him to play golf .
The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in America is $ 1,207 , so you will still have to find a roommate if you plan on living in one place for an entire month .
Knowing most landlords , they will still evict you if you ’ re seven dollars short .
This also means that when you include electricity , water and food , it is cheaper to go to prison than live in America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had zero experience in government , public service or electoral politics before she was appointed to fill Georgia ’ s open Senate seat .
So how did she get the job ?
The Journal-Constitution reports that Loeffler and her husband donated $ 31 million to the Republican Party and individual candidates before she emerged out of nowhere and waltzed into America ’ s most powerful legislative body .
I know you ’ re thinking that Loeffler benefitted from privilege or wealth .
If you can get half a million of your closest friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you could do this , too !
A majority-white school district gets $ 2,226 dollars per student more than the average non-white school district , according to an extensive study by Edbuild .
So , if you work hard , teach your children the value of a good education and concentrate on family values , a COVID check and a little affirmative action could help a Black child reach 25 percent of a mediocre white kid ’ s potential .
A few years ago , we calculated the value of a Black life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the settlement amounts that courts , police departments , insurance companies , attorneys and the families of victims reached .
For each case , we also looked at the state , county or municipality that paid the settlement .
Using data from City-Data.com , we used the 2014 population for each entity ( which is the most current ) and divided each individual settlement by the number of people responsible for paying the amount that police gave the victim ’ s family , giving us the number each citizen must pay when police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these numbers , we concluded that a Black person ’ s life is worth about $ 3,364,875 million , or—on average—each taxpayer shells out $ 50.06 to extinguish a Black life .
So , good news , Karens !
The next 12 times you call the cops on a Black person , you don ’ t have to worry about the bill !
Black women make 62 cents for every dollar a white man makes .
Even when Black woman have the same education and experience , they are paid less even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than white men and white women .
In 2017 , the real median earnings of white men was about $ 29.03 per hour while the real median earnings of Black women was $ 17.66 , which means a Black woman has to work 25 extra hours to make what a white man makes in a 40-hour work-week .
But if you have $ 600 to throw away , you can get a Black woman ’ s labor for an entire week ( seven hours a day , five days a week with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t even take that amount for 24 hours of work .
Thank T.D .
Jakes ’ homey that slavery is over .

Late yesterday evening, Congress passed a wide-ranging relief bill that will send $600 to every taxpayer making less than $75,000. I haven’t done the math but, that probably only leaves out Bill Gates, Oprah and maybe Beyoncé. Thankfully, the kind folks in the federal legislature have graciously doled out enough money to sustain unemployed broke-asses like Donald Trump, Kylie Jenner and two soon-to-be-jobless senators down in Georgia.
Now that Congress has agreed to make it rain on the regular people, I’m sure you’re wondering what you’re going to do with all of that money.
Advertisement
Instead of blowing it all on cocaine and white women, the financial team at The Root came up with a list of suggestions that will not only stimulate your personal economy but will ensure that your windfall will benefit you for minutes to come.
10. 40 minutes of legal advice from Rudy Giuliani
Rudy Giuliani reportedly charges $20,000 per day to represent the Trump campaign, which averages out to $833.33 per hour (if you include time spent sleeping and dying his hair with Glidden satin interior paint).
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Or perhaps you can hire a lawyer with a better track record. I recommend the esteemed attorney Maxine Shaw.
9. A mini-blessing from Jesus
Despite the fact that religious organizations don’t pay taxes, Joel Osteen received $4.4 million from the Personal Paycheck Protection Program and T.D. Jakes got more than $2 million according to the Trinity Foundation, a religious watchdog group.
Advertisement
Of course, some people will say that these organizations provide valuable services to communities and employ people. But, if a church isn’t required to pay taxes, then why are taxpayers responsible for these organizations? If you didn’t have to pay taxes, wouldn’t you have a little extra set aside for a rainy day or a pandemic?
Perhaps the reason that Black-owned businesses couldn’t get access to the program is that Jesus sells prayers to the highest bidder.
Advertisement
Anyway, thank God Jakes’ Rolls-Royce didn’t get repossessed.
8. Widespread election fraud
$600 could buy an unlimited supply because it doesn’t exist.
7. Almost half of Trump’s COVID treatment
Now you can have your own superspreader event!
The government has entered a deal to purchase shots of the monoclonal antibody treatment received by members of the Trump administration for $1,200 apiece. You have just enough to pay for one COVID-free lung.
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Thank God for Medicare-for-some.
6. 11 days in prison
According to the Vera Institute of Justice, incarcerating a prisoner costs taxpayers an average of more than $31,000 per inmate, per year, although some states go as high as $70,000. But with $600, you can chill in a mid-level penitentiary like the one Trump will be in after he’s president.
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I know it seems like a lot to pay for a corrupt president, but it’s cheaper than what we’ve been paying him to play golf.
5. Two weeks rent
The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in America is $1,207, so you will still have to find a roommate if you plan on living in one place for an entire month. Knowing most landlords, they will still evict you if you’re seven dollars short. This also means that when you include electricity, water and food, it is cheaper to go to prison than live in America.
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Isn’t free-market capitalism great?
4. .002 percent of a Senate seat
Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga) had zero experience in government, public service or electoral politics before she was appointed to fill Georgia’s open Senate seat. So how did she get the job? The Journal-Constitution reports that Loeffler and her husband donated $31 million to the Republican Party and individual candidates before she emerged out of nowhere and waltzed into America’s most powerful legislative body.
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I know you’re thinking that Loeffler benefitted from privilege or wealth. If you can get half a million of your closest friends to put their stimulus checks together, you could do this, too!
3. One-fourth of a white education
A majority-white school district gets $2,226 dollars per student more than the average non-white school district, according to an extensive study by Edbuild. So, if you work hard, teach your children the value of a good education and concentrate on family values, a COVID check and a little affirmative action could help a Black child reach 25 percent of a mediocre white kid’s potential.
Advertisement
2. 12 Black Lives
A few years ago, we calculated the value of a Black life by using the publicly available data on the settlement amounts that courts, police departments, insurance companies, attorneys and the families of victims reached. For each case, we also looked at the state, county or municipality that paid the settlement. Using data from City-Data.com, we used the 2014 population for each entity (which is the most current) and divided each individual settlement by the number of people responsible for paying the amount that police gave the victim’s family, giving us the number each citizen must pay when police snuff out a Black life.
Advertisement
Using these numbers, we concluded that a Black person’s life is worth about $3,364,875 million, or—on average—each taxpayer shells out $50.06 to extinguish a Black life.
So, good news, Karens! The next 12 times you call the cops on a Black person, you don’t have to worry about the bill!
Advertisement
1. A week of free labor from a Black woman
Black women make 62 cents for every dollar a white man makes. Even when Black woman have the same education and experience, they are paid less even though they negotiate for promotion and raises more than white men and white women. In 2017, the real median earnings of white men was about $29.03 per hour while the real median earnings of Black women was $17.66, which means a Black woman has to work 25 extra hours to make what a white man makes in a 40-hour work-week.
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But if you have $600 to throw away, you can get a Black woman’s labor for an entire week (seven hours a day, five days a week with a lunch break) while a white man wouldn’t even take that amount for 24 hours of work.
Thank T.D. Jakes’ homey that slavery is over.


theroot--2020-12-22--Which Former NBA Player Just Bought Ebony Magazine for $14 Million?

As we ’ ve been documenting here at The Root for a while now , Ebony Magazine has been going through it .
From involuntary bankruptcy filings , to forcibly removing Willard Jackson as its CEO , to website outages , a class-action lawsuit , and even taking us to court—SPOILER WARNING : They lost—it ’ s been a gruesome couple of years for the once-proud publication .
And in the latest turn of events , it appears that the embattled magazine will have a new owner , according to the Chicago Tribune .
Bridgeman Sports and Media , owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Junior ” Bridgeman , placed the winning bid on Ebony Media ’ s assets in a Houston bankruptcy court on Friday .
That $ 14 million bid is expected to be approved by a federal bankruptcy judge Tuesday and could offer the struggling publication renewed life .
For those curious about Bridgeman , he retired in 1987 after 12 seasons in the NBA and built his enormous wealth—an estimated $ 600 million—by becoming a fast-food restaurant franchisee .
At one point , he owned over 160 restaurants before he sold them off in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bottling Company , which produces , sells , and distributes “ the highest quality and best-tasting beverages in the world.
” Its distribution territory includes Missouri , Kansas , and Southern Illinois .
In 2019 , Bridgeman tried to muscle his way into the editorial world by attempting to acquire Sports Illustrated but was unsuccessful .
This time around , however , it appears that the 67-year-old has emerged triumphant .
As we previously reported at The Root , on June 15 , 2016 , Texas-based private equity firm CVG Group announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ebony and Jet magazines—and that it would be managing the operations of both going forward .
However , since doing so , CVG has repeatedly failed to compensate employees and freelancers and has run into myriad problems attempting to keep the company afloat .
Based on his track record alone , Bridgeman might be the one to finally correct course .
So we ’ ll keep an eye on this story as it develops .

As we’ve been documenting here at The Root for a while now, Ebony Magazine has been going through it.
From involuntary bankruptcy filings, to forcibly removing Willard Jackson as its CEO, to website outages, a class-action lawsuit, and even taking us to court—SPOILER WARNING: They lost—it’s been a gruesome couple of years for the once-proud publication. And in the latest turn of events, it appears that the embattled magazine will have a new owner, according to the Chicago Tribune.
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Bridgeman Sports and Media, owned by retired Milwaukee Bucks forward Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman, placed the winning bid on Ebony Media’s assets in a Houston bankruptcy court on Friday. That $14 million bid is expected to be approved by a federal bankruptcy judge Tuesday and could offer the struggling publication renewed life.
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For those curious about Bridgeman, he retired in 1987 after 12 seasons in the NBA and built his enormous wealth—an estimated $600 million—by becoming a fast-food restaurant franchisee. At one point, he owned over 160 restaurants before he sold them off in 2017 in order to launch Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, which produces, sells, and distributes “the highest quality and best-tasting beverages in the world.” Its distribution territory includes Missouri, Kansas, and Southern Illinois.
In 2019, Bridgeman tried to muscle his way into the editorial world by attempting to acquire Sports Illustrated but was unsuccessful. This time around, however, it appears that the 67-year-old has emerged triumphant.
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As we previously reported at The Root, on June 15, 2016, Texas-based private equity firm CVG Group announced that it had acquired Ebony Media—which includes both Ebony and Jet magazines—and that it would be managing the operations of both going forward. However, since doing so, CVG has repeatedly failed to compensate employees and freelancers and has run into myriad problems attempting to keep the company afloat.
Based on his track record alone, Bridgeman might be the one to finally correct course. So we’ll keep an eye on this story as it develops.


theroot--2020-12-22--A Preview of an NBA Season That Shouldn't be Happening Because We're in a Raging Pandemic But I'm St

A Preview of an NBA Season That Shouldn't be Happening Because We're in a Raging Pandemic But I'm Still Watching Anyway and That Makes Me Complicit!

The NBA is back !
On the same week that news broke of a more contagious strain of a virus that has killed millions of people !
There ’ s no bubble this time either !
Just planes and airports and buses and hotels like any other non-pandemic time !
I am very excited for this season and I plan to watch as many games as I can .
I also hope none of the players get COVID !
Here is a preview of this season !
Teams that really should just stay in the house because they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t worth the risk of catching COVID Teams so bad you might actually catch COVID through your TV screen if you watch them Teams with the GOAT Dominican ballplayer and a No .
1 draft pick who literally just said he doesn ’ t really like basketball all that much Teams with a rookie who everyone is trying to find a historical comparison for but no one thinks of the simplest one ( Jason Williams !
!
! )
because he ’ s Black-ish and the other guy is white Decent teams who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fandom if you make a conscious decision to watch them on TV instead of doing something—literally anything—else with your life Teams whose recent construction and location provide more evidence for my theory that Russell Westbrook is secretly in the CIA Teams with a starting backcourt whose preferred methods of self-care and stress relief will likely personally finance beach homes , granite countertops , and 401Ks for night-shift ballet dancers throughout the Houston metropolitan area Teams that are legitimately exciting but still may be a year away from being legitimately good and also happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exports since She-Crab Soup

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

The NBA is back! On the same week that news broke of a more contagious strain of a virus that has killed millions of people! There’s no bubble this time either! Just planes and airports and buses and hotels like any other non-pandemic time! I am very excited for this season and I plan to watch as many games as I can. I also hope none of the players get COVID!
Here is a preview of this season!
Teams that really should just stay in the house because they’re so irrelevant that playing just ain’t worth the risk of catching COVID
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Orlando Magic
Sacramento Kings
Oklahoma City Thunder
Chicago Bulls
Detroit Pistons
Teams so bad you might actually catch COVID through your TV screen if you watch them
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New York Knicks
Teams with the GOAT Dominican ballplayer and a No. 1 draft pick who literally just said he doesn’t really like basketball all that much
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Minnesota Timberwolves
Teams with a rookie who everyone is trying to find a historical comparison for but no one thinks of the simplest one (Jason Williams!!!) because he’s Black-ish and the other guy is white
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Charlotte Hornets
Teams who feature Basketball Menudo
Atlanta Hawks
Decent teams who will test the limits of your NBA fandom if you make a conscious decision to watch them on TV instead of doing something—literally anything—else with your life
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San Antonio Spurs
Indiana Pacers
Teams whose recent construction and location provide more evidence for my theory that Russell Westbrook is secretly in the CIA
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Washington Wizards
Teams with a starting backcourt whose preferred methods of self-care and stress relief will likely personally finance beach homes, granite countertops, and 401Ks for night-shift ballet dancers throughout the Houston metropolitan area
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Houston Rockets
Teams that are legitimately exciting but still may be a year away from being legitimately good and also happen to feature the two best South Carolina exports since She-Crab Soup
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Memphis Grizzlies
New Orleans Pelicans
(Part two coming tomorrow)


theroot--2020-12-22--Virginia White Supremacist and ‘Child Sex Abuse Advocate’ Accused of Grooming and Kidnapping 12-Year

Virginia White Supremacist and ‘Child Sex Abuse Advocate’ Accused of Grooming and Kidnapping 12-Year-Old Girl

There are certain criminals in this world who are a potential danger to any and everyone who crosses their path — police in California just arrested what appears to be one of them .
A white supremacist from Virginia who ran for office multiple times and is a known child sex abuse advocate has been arrested and is accused of grooming a 12-year-old Fresno , Calif. , girl and coercing her into running away from home and flying out to see him .
And that ’ s only a sample of what investigators believe he is guilty of .
BuzzFeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is currently being held at Colorado ’ s Denver County Jail after being arrested in Denver last week and is facing a misdemeanor charge of harboring a minor .
In Fresno , he ’ s looking at felony charges of kidnapping , child abduction , soliciting child pornography from a minor , and meeting a child for the intention of sex .
On December 17th , Fauquier County ( VA ) Sheriff ’ s detectives , agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the Northern Virginia / District of Columbia Internet Crimes Against Children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a search warrant at Larson ’ s home located on the 9200 block of Prospect Ave. in Catlett , VA .
While at the house , Larson ’ s father , 69 year old Arthur Larson , assaulted a HSI agent .
He was arrested for assault and battery and later released from jail after posting bond .
During the investigation , detectives uncovered Nathan Larson has a deeply disturbing background .
He is a white supremacist and a well-known advocate for pedophilia .
This is a man who runs a website , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharing of naked photos and video of children being raped .
During the past two months , Larson was able to convince the Fresno girl , through manipulation and grooming , to send him pornographic images of herself .
According to the press release , Larson and an unidentified child were spotted by authorities boarding a plane bound for Washington , D.C. With the assistance of members of Fresno Airport Police and Homeland Security Investigations , the task force was able to identify Larson and , because his flight had a scheduled layover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assigned to the local FBI Task Force was able to locate Larson and arrest him .
“ One of the amazing aspects of this case is that from the time we got the first call to the time the girl was reunited with her family was only 12 hours , ” Lt. Brandon Pursell of the Fresno County Sheriff ’ s Office told the Fauquier Times Saturday .
“ It was one of those things , we were so fortunate that things fell into place so quickly .
The timing on everything was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airports in Fresno and in Denver were very helpful.
” Investigators believe that Larson “ has victimized other children in the past , but those cases have never been reported to law enforcement , ” and they urged the public to come forward with any information they have on him .
According to BuzzFeed , Larson—who unsuccessfully ran for local office in Virginia three times including his run for a congressional seat in 2018—spent 16 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to sending a letter to the Secret Service threatening to kill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unclear which president he threatened as George W. Bush was the sitting president and Barack Obama was the president-elect at the time .
But I ’ m going to go out on a limb and say he wanted the Black guy dead . )
USA Today reports that in a long-winded and hateful rant that Larson called his “ campaign manifesto ” —in which he promised to “ restore benevolent white supremacy ” and patriarchy ( as if those things currently need restoring—he advocated for the elimination of child labor laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pornography .
He also admitted proudly to being racist but denied claims that he threatened to kill Obama “ specifically ” or that his threat had anything to do with racism .
When asked whether he ’ s a pedophile or just writes about pedophilia , Larson told HuffPost , “ It ’ s a mix of both .
When people go over the top there ’ s a grain of truth to what they say.
” According to the Fresno County Sheriff ’ s Office press release , anyone who has had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information that will aid in his prosecution is asked to “ contact Fresno County Sheriff ’ s Lieutenant Brandon Pursell at ( 559 ) 600-8029 , brandon.pursell @ fresnosheriff.org or Sergeant Chad Stokes at ( 559 ) 600-8144 , chad.stokes @ fresnosheriff.org .
”

There are certain criminals in this world who are a potential danger to any and everyone who crosses their path — police in California just arrested what appears to be one of them.
A white supremacist from Virginia who ran for office multiple times and is a known child sex abuse advocate has been arrested and is accused of grooming a 12-year-old Fresno, Calif., girl and coercing her into running away from home and flying out to see him. And that’s only a sample of what investigators believe he is guilty of.
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BuzzFeed News reports that 40-year-old Nathan Daniel Larson is currently being held at Colorado’s Denver County Jail after being arrested in Denver last week and is facing a misdemeanor charge of harboring a minor. In Fresno, he’s looking at felony charges of kidnapping, child abduction, soliciting child pornography from a minor, and meeting a child for the intention of sex.
From the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office press release:
On December 17th, Fauquier County (VA) Sheriff’s detectives, agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the Northern Virginia / District of Columbia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force seized electronic devices while executing a search warrant at Larson’s home located on the 9200 block of Prospect Ave. in Catlett, VA. While at the house, Larson’s father, 69 year old Arthur Larson, assaulted a HSI agent. He was arrested for assault and battery and later released from jail after posting bond. During the investigation, detectives uncovered Nathan Larson has a deeply disturbing background. He is a white supremacist and a well-known advocate for pedophilia. This is a man who runs a website, which encourages the raping of children and sharing of naked photos and video of children being raped. During the past two months, Larson was able to convince the Fresno girl, through manipulation and grooming, to send him pornographic images of herself.
Advertisement Advertisement
According to the press release, Larson and an unidentified child were spotted by authorities boarding a plane bound for Washington, D.C. With the assistance of members of Fresno Airport Police and Homeland Security Investigations, the task force was able to identify Larson and, because his flight had a scheduled layover in Denver, a Denver police officer assigned to the local FBI Task Force was able to locate Larson and arrest him.
“One of the amazing aspects of this case is that from the time we got the first call to the time the girl was reunited with her family was only 12 hours,” Lt. Brandon Pursell of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office told the Fauquier Times Saturday. “It was one of those things, we were so fortunate that things fell into place so quickly. The timing on everything was so amazing. The folks in the airports in Fresno and in Denver were very helpful.”
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Investigators believe that Larson “has victimized other children in the past, but those cases have never been reported to law enforcement,” and they urged the public to come forward with any information they have on him.
According to BuzzFeed, Larson—who unsuccessfully ran for local office in Virginia three times including his run for a congressional seat in 2018—spent 16 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to sending a letter to the Secret Service threatening to kill the president in 2008. (It’s unclear which president he threatened as George W. Bush was the sitting president and Barack Obama was the president-elect at the time. But I’m going to go out on a limb and say he wanted the Black guy dead.)
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USA Today reports that in a long-winded and hateful rant that Larson called his “campaign manifesto”—in which he promised to “restore benevolent white supremacy” and patriarchy (as if those things currently need restoring—he advocated for the elimination of child labor laws and the legalization of incest and child pornography. He also admitted proudly to being racist but denied claims that he threatened to kill Obama “specifically” or that his threat had anything to do with racism.
When asked whether he’s a pedophile or just writes about pedophilia, Larson told HuffPost, “It’s a mix of both. When people go over the top there’s a grain of truth to what they say.”
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According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office press release, anyone who has had inappropriate contact with Larson or has any information that will aid in his prosecution is asked to “contact Fresno County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Brandon Pursell at (559) 600-8029, brandon.pursell@fresnosheriff.org or Sergeant Chad Stokes at (559) 600-8144, chad.stokes@fresnosheriff.org.”


theroot--2020-12-22--Air Force Investigation Finds Black Personnel Are Subject to More Disciplinary Action, Face Numerous

Air Force Investigation Finds Black Personnel Are Subject to More Disciplinary Action, Face Numerous Racial Disparities

I think it ’ s safe to say we live in a post-George Floyd world .
Floyd ’ s tragic , violent death has spurred a nationwide reckoning on racial injustice in just about every field , including the armed forces .
An investigation launched shortly after Floyd ’ s death has found that Black members of the United States Air Force are more likely to be disciplined and face widespread disparities .
According to NPR , a 150-page report published by the Air Force inspector general found that Black Air Force personnel were 72 percent more likely to face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Military Justice than their white counterparts .
The review was ordered on June 2 , just days after George Floyd died while in the custody of a group of Minneapolis police officers .
Over 123,000 current Air Force personnel responded to the Inspector General ’ s survey .
The results found that 2 out of 5 Black service members don ’ t trust their chain of command to adequately address instances of racism or bias , with 3 out of 5 Black service members believing they won ’ t get the same benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peers when it comes to disciplinary action .
The report also found disparities across multiple areas including criminal investigations , rate of promotions , and leadership opportunities .
The report did not go into the root causes of the disparities .
as the goal was for the report to be completed within 120 days and identifying them “ would have taken considerably more time.
” I mean , if I had to guess the root cause it would be the fact we live in an inherently racist society .
The Civil Rights Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the thing this entire country was built on .
I ’ m just saying , to me , “ the root core ” of all of this is pretty damn obvious .
One needs only to look at the racist hellhole that is the Virginia Military Institute and it ’ s pretty easy to put two and two together .
Add the fact that the military still hasn ’ t adequately addressed the issue of white supremacists in the armed forces , and is it really that surprising that the Air Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just about every damn business in American does ?
Is it a bummer ?
Of course , but America has been nothing if not one endless bummer .
The review has tasked the Air Force leadership with developing actionable measures to address the disparities raised in the report , as well as scheduling follow-up reviews to make sure the changes are implemented .
“ We ’ re analyzing root causes and taking appropriate actions to address these challenges , ” Gen. Charles Q .
Brown Jr. , chief of staff of the Air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Now we must all move forward with meaningful , lasting , and sustainable change .
”

I think it’s safe to say we live in a post-George Floyd world. Floyd’s tragic, violent death has spurred a nationwide reckoning on racial injustice in just about every field, including the armed forces. An investigation launched shortly after Floyd’s death has found that Black members of the United States Air Force are more likely to be disciplined and face widespread disparities.
According to NPR, a 150-page report published by the Air Force inspector general found that Black Air Force personnel were 72 percent more likely to face non-judicial punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice than their white counterparts. The review was ordered on June 2, just days after George Floyd died while in the custody of a group of Minneapolis police officers.
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Over 123,000 current Air Force personnel responded to the Inspector General’s survey. The results found that 2 out of 5 Black service members don’t trust their chain of command to adequately address instances of racism or bias, with 3 out of 5 Black service members believing they won’t get the same benefit of the doubt afforded to their white peers when it comes to disciplinary action.
The report also found disparities across multiple areas including criminal investigations, rate of promotions, and leadership opportunities. The report did not go into the root causes of the disparities. as the goal was for the report to be completed within 120 days and identifying them “would have taken considerably more time.”
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I mean, if I had to guess the root cause it would be the fact we live in an inherently racist society. The Civil Rights Act is only 56 years old. Racism was the thing this entire country was built on. I’m just saying, to me, “the root core” of all of this is pretty damn obvious.
One needs only to look at the racist hellhole that is the Virginia Military Institute and it’s pretty easy to put two and two together. Add the fact that the military still hasn’t adequately addressed the issue of white supremacists in the armed forces, and is it really that surprising that the Air Force has the same issue with race that just about every damn business in American does?
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Is it a bummer? Of course, but America has been nothing if not one endless bummer.
The review has tasked the Air Force leadership with developing actionable measures to address the disparities raised in the report, as well as scheduling follow-up reviews to make sure the changes are implemented.
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“We’re analyzing root causes and taking appropriate actions to address these challenges,” Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chief of staff of the Air Force, said in a statement. “Now we must all move forward with meaningful, lasting, and sustainable change.”


theroot--2020-12-22--Once Again It's On: Here Are the Storylines to Keep an Eye On as the NBA Makes Its Triumphant Return

Damn , the NBA is back already ?
!
I know , I know .
I t ’ s only been 72 days since the Lakers emerged victorious over the Miami Heat , but when your 2019-20 season is derailed by a global pandemic , you ’ ve got ta make some major sacrifices to get the NBA schedule back on track .
And in this case , that means that players , coaches , and everyone else are back at it after the shortest offseason in NBA history .
With the coronavirus still looming as the league attempts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season will look unlike any other .
So here are a few things to keep an eye on as the league kicks off what promises to be another compelling season of NBA basketball .
No Fans , No Problem—But What Else Is New ?
If last season ’ s bubble taught us anything , it ’ s that the league can adapt on the fly and still deliver quality basketball—even without fans in the stands .
But will fans be allowed to attend games this season ?
Ummmm , that depends on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( of course ) have announced plans to open their arenas to reduced seating capacity , but the rest of the league is assessing the situation on a team-by-team basis ( just don ’ t expect to attend any Clippers or Lakers games anytime soon ) .
As to what other changes you can expect , this season has been truncated from 82 games to 72 , and rosters have been expanded from 13 players to 15 so that teams can be better prepared for th e inevitable COVID-19 outbreak—as we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar note , while the league has been vehemently against resting healthy players in the past—remember when former NBA commissioner David Stern smacked fire out of the Spurs for doing that shit in a past life ?
—it will be easing up on that policy due to the short offseason and the possibility of players recovering from COVID-19 .
But don ’ t get it fucked up ; healthy players are still subject to six-figure fines for skipping out on nationally televised games .
There ’ s also the play-in tournament , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBA bubble .
Last season , it was the 8th and 9th seeds in each conference that dueled for the right to take their talents to the playoffs , and this year it will be expanded to include the 7th to 10th seeds .
So if you thought the Western Conference was a dog fight last year , it ’ s gon na be next level come playoff time next summer .
Between the coronavirus and major injuries , last season was a hot mess .
Thankfully , some familiar faces will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and keep things interesting .
While I ’ m not particularly fond of the trade , John Wall has finally escaped Washington and more importantly , will finally return to the court after battling what feels like an endless succession of major knee injuries .
With his game so heavily predicated on speed , the jury ’ s still out on if he ’ ll be able to regain top form—his last regular-season game was on Dec. 26 , 2018—but at the very least , Houston will afford him the opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baggage—he had with the Wizards .
Some other big-name players nipping at the bit to get back on the court include Steph Curry , who played a grand total of five games last season due to a broken left hand ; Kyrie Irving , who always misses at least 437 games a year ; and Kevin Durant , who missed the entire season after tearing his Achilles in the 2019 playoffs .
There ’ s also Zion Williamson , who ’ s finally healthy after giving us a glimpse of his tremendous potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players has the talent to tilt the balance of the entire league , so things can get very interesting for the Lakers as they make a valiant attempt to run it back .
In case you missed the memo , the Rockets have a James Harden problem .
Sure , they ’ ve won plenty of games together—excluding the playoffs—but the 31-year-old seems to have absolutely zero interest in doing anything conducive to playing the type of team ball that produces NBA championships .
As a result , tensions have escalated , perennial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harden is mapping out his grand exodus .
Part of the problem is that not only will it cost a king ’ s ransom to trade for the eight-time All-Star , but the dude isn ’ t exactly the easiest player to build around either .
So do you really want to trade for an all-time talent just to end up exactly like how the Houston Rockets already are now ?
Harden being on the wrong side of 30 doesn ’ t help matters either , but in a league short on superstars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pull the trigger .
The Heat , Boston , Raptors , and 76ers have been in the mix as potential landing spots , so it will be interesting to see how this all plays out—especially since Harden is reportedly cussing out teammates , throwing balls at rookies , and becoming more combustible by the day .
Can the Lakers Run It Back ?
Once the Temecula Clippers embarrassed themselves in the Western Conference Semifinals last season , it was a foregone conclusion that the Lakers would win their 17th NBA title .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ added spark plug Dennis Schroder , a gracefully aging Marc Gasol , and stole Montrezl Harrell from the Clippers , how in the hell is anyone supposed to beat these niggas ?
I really don ’ t see how , but my life-long disdain for all things purple and gold would love to be wrong .
Boston and Denver are on the brink of a championship leap , Doc Rivers joining the 76ers makes things interesting , the Nets are gods on paper if healthy , Giannis Antetokounmpo is foaming at the mouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clippers and Heat are out for redemption , but I don ’ t see any of the above giving the Lakers the business in a seven-game series .
I ’ m just glad the NBA is officially back and look forward to another season of NBA basketball .

Damn, the NBA is back already?!
I know, I know. I t’s only been 72 days since the Lakers emerged victorious over the Miami Heat, but when your 2019-20 season is derailed by a global pandemic, you’ve gotta make some major sacrifices to get the NBA schedule back on track. And in this case, that means that players, coaches, and everyone else are back at it after the shortest offseason in NBA history.
With the coronavirus still looming as the league attempts to return to some sense of normalcy, this season will look unlike any other. So here are a few things to keep an eye on as the league kicks off what promises to be another compelling season of NBA basketball.
Advertisement
No Fans, No Problem—But What Else Is New?
If last season’s bubble taught us anything, it’s that the league can adapt on the fly and still deliver quality basketball—even without fans in the stands. But will fans be allowed to attend games this season? Ummmm, that depends on the team. The Jazz and Hawks (of course) have announced plans to open their arenas to reduced seating capacity, but the rest of the league is assessing the situation on a team-by-team basis (just don’t expect to attend any Clippers or Lakers games anytime soon).
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As to what other changes you can expect, this season has been truncated from 82 games to 72, and rosters have been expanded from 13 players to 15 so that teams can be better prepared for th e inevitable COVID-19 outbreak—as we’ve seen throughout other sports.
Advertisement
On a similar note, while the league has been vehemently against resting healthy players in the past—remember when former NBA commissioner David Stern smacked fire out of the Spurs for doing that shit in a past life?—it will be easing up on that policy due to the short offseason and the possibility of players recovering from COVID-19. But don’t get it fucked up; healthy players are still subject to six-figure fines for skipping out on nationally televised games.
There’s also the play-in tournament, which was introduced to rave reviews during the NBA bubble. Last season, it was the 8th and 9th seeds in each conference that dueled for the right to take their talents to the playoffs, and this year it will be expanded to include the 7th to 10th seeds. So if you thought the Western Conference was a dog fight last year, it’s gonna be next level come playoff time next summer.
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Welcome Back, Kotter
Between the coronavirus and major injuries, last season was a hot mess. Thankfully, some familiar faces will be returning to the court to shake shit up and keep things interesting.
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While I’m not particularly fond of the trade, John Wall has finally escaped Washington and more importantly, will finally return to the court after battling what feels like an endless succession of major knee injuries.
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With his game so heavily predicated on speed, the jury’s still out on if he’ll be able to regain top form—his last regular-season game was on Dec. 26, 2018—but at the very least, Houston will afford him the opportunity to continue his career without the same expectations—or baggage—he had with the Wizards.
Some other big-name players nipping at the bit to get back on the court include Steph Curry, who played a grand total of five games last season due to a broken left hand; Kyrie Irving, who always misses at least 437 games a year; and Kevin Durant, who missed the entire season after tearing his Achilles in the 2019 playoffs. There’s also Zion Williamson, who’s finally healthy after giving us a glimpse of his tremendous potential with the Pelicans.
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Each of these players has the talent to tilt the balance of the entire league, so things can get very interesting for the Lakers as they make a valiant attempt to run it back.
Is James Harden Staying or Nah?
In case you missed the memo, the Rockets have a James Harden problem.
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Sure, they’ve won plenty of games together—excluding the playoffs—but the 31-year-old seems to have absolutely zero interest in doing anything conducive to playing the type of team ball that produces NBA championships. As a result, tensions have escalated, perennial failure has become commonplace, and now Harden is mapping out his grand exodus.
Part of the problem is that not only will it cost a king’s ransom to trade for the eight-time All-Star, but the dude isn’t exactly the easiest player to build around either. So do you really want to trade for an all-time talent just to end up exactly like how the Houston Rockets already are now? Harden being on the wrong side of 30 doesn’t help matters either, but in a league short on superstars, there will always be somebody willing to pull the trigger.
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The Heat, Boston, Raptors, and 76ers have been in the mix as potential landing spots, so it will be interesting to see how this all plays out—especially since Harden is reportedly cussing out teammates, throwing balls at rookies, and becoming more combustible by the day.
Can the Lakers Run It Back?
Once the Temecula Clippers embarrassed themselves in the Western Conference Semifinals last season, it was a foregone conclusion that the Lakers would win their 17th NBA title.
Advertisement
But after an offseason in which they added spark plug Dennis Schroder, a gracefully aging Marc Gasol, and stole Montrezl Harrell from the Clippers, how in the hell is anyone supposed to beat these niggas? I really don’t see how, but my life-long disdain for all things purple and gold would love to be wrong.
Advertisement
Boston and Denver are on the brink of a championship leap, Doc Rivers joining the 76ers makes things interesting, the Nets are gods on paper if healthy, Giannis Antetokounmpo is foaming at the mouth for his first championship, and the Clippers and Heat are out for redemption, but I don’t see any of the above giving the Lakers the business in a seven-game series.
I’m just glad the NBA is officially back and look forward to another season of NBA basketball.


theroot--2020-12-22--Fry up Some Food With a Pair of All-Clad Non-Stick Frying Pans, 40% Off

One of my New Year ’ s resolutions last year was to cook more meals at home .
Who knew @ @ @ @ @ at the top of 2020 would result in a worldwide pandemic , grossly mishandled by @ @ @ @ @ me to make amazing food in my house while I socially distance myself from the @ @ @ @ @ !
They say the universe works in mysterious ways .
If you also want to @ @ @ @ @ I suggest these All-Clad Non-Stick Frying Pans .
They ’ re 40 % off their @ @ @ @ @ them a low $ 30 .
They ’ re non-stick , so you can make @ @ @ @ @ and make fried rice as much as you please .
And these pans being All-Clad @ @ @ @ @ ll definitely last you a while .
I even mentioned the brand in my non-stick @ @ @ @ @ Go ahead and buy them—it ’ s worth the money .

Ignacia on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

All-Clad Non-Stick Frying Pans | $30 | Bed, Bath, and Beyond
One of my New Year’s resolutions last year was to cook more meals at home. Who knew that the wish I made at the top of 2020 would result in a worldwide pandemic, grossly mishandled by the United States, leaving me to make amazing food in my house while I socially distance myself from the people I love?
Well! They say the universe works in mysterious ways.
If you also want to cook more at home, I suggest these All-Clad Non-Stick Frying Pans. They’re 40% off their original list price, making them a low $30. They’re non-stick, so you can make eggs, sauteed spinach, and make fried rice as much as you please. And these pans being All-Clad? Well, they’ll definitely last you a while. I even mentioned the brand in my non-stick frying pan round up. Go ahead and buy them—it’s worth the money.


theroot--2020-12-22--Podcasts Are the New Black: Laverne Cox and Shonda Rhimes Team Up for Weekly Podcast Series

Emmy-nominated actress and Orange is the New Black star Laverne Cox will be debuting her very own podcast thanks to Shondaland Audio and iHeartMedia .
Per a press release sent to The Root , the weekly series , entitled for now as The Laverne Cox Show , “ will feature intimate conversations with guests who provoke thought and potentially new outlooks .
The show was created in hopes that it may foster perspectives that might inspire new behavior in each of us , to in turn get us closer to becoming the very best versions of ourselves , all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listeners to undergo a spiritual makeover together.
” Shondaland Chief Design and Digital Media Officer Sandie Bailey spoke on working with Cox and Shondaland saying : Laverne Cox is a one-of-a-kind talent and we are so excited that our Shondaland Audio division provides us the opportunity to continue our relationship with her .
We all know her onscreen talents and her role as a producer , but this show affords Laverne the opportunity to produce something very personal .
She ’ s clearly interested in engaging her listeners and herself in ways she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re committed to supporting her in doing just that .
Cox echoed similar sentiments saying , “ I ’ m thrilled to be continuing and expanding my relationship with Shondaland by doing my first podcast with Shonda ’ s amazing team along with iHeartRadio .
I can ’ t wait for everyone to hear the incredibly interesting conversations I have had with my guests.
” This podcast is just the latest addition to the Shondaland and iHeartMedia slate , joining a gang of other projects including : Katie ’ s Crib , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You Down ?
with Obama ’ s Other Daughters , hosted by the Black female comedy troupe of the same name , Go Ask Ali hosted by actress and author Ali Wentworth , and Criminalia , a historical true-crime podcast hosted by Holly Frey and co-host Maria Trimarchi .
There ’ s also the upcoming companion podcast to the Netflix regency-era series , Bridgerton , which is expected to drop sometime early next year .
Speaking of Netflix , Cox can be seen next in the upcoming Shonda Rhimes-helmed , limited series Inventing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Promising Young Woman , which hits theaters on Christmas Day .

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

Emmy-nominated actress and Orange is the New Black star Laverne Cox will be debuting her very own podcast thanks to Shondaland Audio and iHeartMedia.
Per a press release sent to The Root, the weekly series, entitled for now as The Laverne Cox Show, “will feature intimate conversations with guests who provoke thought and potentially new outlooks. The show was created in hopes that it may foster perspectives that might inspire new behavior in each of us, to in turn get us closer to becoming the very best versions of ourselves, all the while inviting Laverne, guests, and listeners to undergo a spiritual makeover together.”
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Shondaland Chief Design and Digital Media Officer Sandie Bailey spoke on working with Cox and Shondaland saying:
Laverne Cox is a one-of-a-kind talent and we are so excited that our Shondaland Audio division provides us the opportunity to continue our relationship with her. We all know her onscreen talents and her role as a producer, but this show affords Laverne the opportunity to produce something very personal. She’s clearly interested in engaging her listeners and herself in ways she hasn’t before. And we’re committed to supporting her in doing just that.
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Cox echoed similar sentiments saying, “I’m thrilled to be continuing and expanding my relationship with Shondaland by doing my first podcast with Shonda’s amazing team along with iHeartRadio. I can’t wait for everyone to hear the incredibly interesting conversations I have had with my guests.”
This podcast is just the latest addition to the Shondaland and iHeartMedia slate, joining a gang of other projects including: Katie’s Crib, hosted by Scandal actress Katie Lowes, You Down? with Obama’s Other Daughters, hosted by the Black female comedy troupe of the same name, Go Ask Ali hosted by actress and author Ali Wentworth, and Criminalia, a historical true-crime podcast hosted by Holly Frey and co-host Maria Trimarchi. There’s also the upcoming companion podcast to the Netflix regency-era series, Bridgerton, which is expected to drop sometime early next year.
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Speaking of Netflix, Cox can be seen next in the upcoming Shonda Rhimes-helmed, limited series Inventing Anna as well as Focus Features’ Promising Young Woman, which hits theaters on Christmas Day.


theroot--2020-12-22--'Push It' and Prosper at the 2021 Grammys: Salt-N-Pepa Among Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

The Recording Academy has now made their official announcement for 2021 ’ s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients !
Earlier this month , Rahiem from the Furious Five revealed that Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five will be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Grammys .
On Tuesday morning , the Recording Academy officially confirmed that Salt-N-Pepa and legendary jazz musician Lionel Hampton ( posthumously ) are the Black folks added to the acclaimed list , along with the Furious Five .
Additionally , Kenny “ Babyface ” Edmonds and saxophonist Benny Golson will be honored with the Trustees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we welcome the new class of Special Merit Award honorees , it gives us a chance to reward and recognize the influence they ’ ve had in the music community regardless of genre , ” Harvey Mason jr. , Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy said in a statement .
“ As a music creator and music lover , I am grateful that we are able to look back at our influences and see the impact that they have made on our community .
In a year where music has helped keep us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this iconic group of music creators.
” More info about the Black recipients via the Recording Academy ’ s official press release sent to The Root : Formed in the South Bronx of New York City in 1978 , Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five are among the pioneers of hip-hop .
The group ’ s use of turntablism , break-beat deejaying , choreographed stage routines , and lyricism was a significant force in the early development of the genre .
Lionel Hampton started his career as a drummer in Chicago in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louis Armstrong .
In the 1930s , he broke barriers with the Benny Goodman Quartet , one of the first integrated jazz bands in America .
In the 1940s , he formed his own Lionel Hampton Orchestra , which became one of the longest running orchestras in jazz history .
As one of the first all-female rap groups , Salt-N-Pepa broke down a number of doors for women in hip-hop .
Formed in Queens , New York , in 1985 , the group crafted hits such as “ Push It , ” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and the GRAMMY-winning “ None Of Your Business.
” They were also one of the first rap artists to crossover , laying the groundwork for the hip-hop ’ s widespread popularity in the early ‘ 90s .
Benny Golson is an international jazz legend who has composed more than 300 works over his 70-year career .
He has composed and arranged music for artists such as John Coltrane , Miles Davis , Ella Fitzgerald , Dizzy Gillespie , Benny Goodman , and Lionel Hampton , and is the only living artist to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing also includes scores for many hit TV series and films .
Kenny “ Babyface ” Edmonds is a poignant tunesmith , prolific producer , superstar recording artist , and revolutionary label owner .
An 11-time GRAMMY winner , including a record four Producer Of The Year , Non-Classical awards , Babyface has been instrumental in the careers of artists such as Toni Braxton , Usher and TLC and has crafted hundreds of pop and R & B hits with artists including Whitney Houston , the Whispers , Brandy , Boyz II Men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congrats to the recipients—well deserved !
The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards will take place on Jan. 31 .
Due to circumstances caused by the global pandemic , more details about the special ceremony will be announced at a later date .

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

The Recording Academy has now made their official announcement for 2021’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients!
Earlier this month, Rahiem from the Furious Five revealed that Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five will be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Grammys.
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On Tuesday morning, the Recording Academy officially confirmed that Salt-N-Pepa and legendary jazz musician Lionel Hampton (posthumously) are the Black folks added to the acclaimed list, along with the Furious Five. Additionally, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and saxophonist Benny Golson will be honored with the Trustees Award at the ceremony.
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“As we welcome the new class of Special Merit Award honorees, it gives us a chance to reward and recognize the influence they’ve had in the music community regardless of genre,” Harvey Mason jr., Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy said in a statement. “As a music creator and music lover, I am grateful that we are able to look back at our influences and see the impact that they have made on our community. In a year where music has helped keep us together, I look forward to honoring this iconic group of music creators.”
More info about the Black recipients via the Recording Academy’s official press release sent to The Root:
Formed in the South Bronx of New York City in 1978, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five are among the pioneers of hip-hop. The group’s use of turntablism, break-beat deejaying, choreographed stage routines, and lyricism was a significant force in the early development of the genre. Lionel Hampton started his career as a drummer in Chicago in the 1920s before he played the vibraphone with Louis Armstrong. In the 1930s, he broke barriers with the Benny Goodman Quartet, one of the first integrated jazz bands in America. In the 1940s, he formed his own Lionel Hampton Orchestra, which became one of the longest running orchestras in jazz history. As one of the first all-female rap groups, Salt-N-Pepa broke down a number of doors for women in hip-hop. Formed in Queens, New York, in 1985, the group crafted hits such as “Push It,” “Shoop,” “Whatta Man,” and the GRAMMY-winning “None Of Your Business.” They were also one of the first rap artists to crossover, laying the groundwork for the hip-hop’s widespread popularity in the early ‘90s. Benny Golson is an international jazz legend who has composed more than 300 works over his 70-year career. He has composed and arranged music for artists such as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and Lionel Hampton, and is the only living artist to write eight jazz standards. His prolific writing also includes scores for many hit TV series and films. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds is a poignant tunesmith, prolific producer, superstar recording artist, and revolutionary label owner. An 11-time GRAMMY winner, including a record four Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical awards, Babyface has been instrumental in the careers of artists such as Toni Braxton, Usher and TLC and has crafted hundreds of pop and R&B hits with artists including Whitney Houston, the Whispers, Brandy, Boyz II Men, Madonna, and Eric Clapton.
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Congrats to the recipients—well deserved! The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards will take place on Jan. 31. Due to circumstances caused by the global pandemic, more details about the special ceremony will be announced at a later date.


theroot--2020-12-22--Sylvie's Love Exclusive Clip: Tessa Thompson and Aja Naomi King Chat About Bops and Boys

While we ’ re still on lockdown for the holidays , a streaming platform is pretty much the gift that keeps on giving because at least it provides some sort of entertainment .
One of the much-anticipated examples of entertainment is Sylvie ’ s Love , which made its world premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and was subsequently acquired by Amazon Prime Video .
The film ’ s synopsis , via a press release sent to The Root : In Sylvie ’ s Love , the jazz is smooth and the air sultry in the hot New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asomugha ) , a saxophonist , spends late nights playing behind a less-talented but well-known bandleader , as member of a jazz quartet .
Sylvie ( Tessa Thompson ) , who dreams of a career in television , spends her summer days helping around her father ’ s record store , as she waits for her fiancé to return from war .
When Robert takes a part-time job at the record store , the two begin a friendship that sparks a deep passion in each of them unlike anything they have felt before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life takes them in different directions , bringing their relationship to an end .
Years pass , Sylvie ’ s career as a TV producer blossoms , while Robert has to come to terms with what the age of Motown is doing to the popularity of Jazz .
In a chance meeting , Sylvie and Robert cross paths again , only to find that while their lives have changed , their feelings for each other remain the same .
Writer/director Eugene Ashe combines romance and music into a sweeping story that brings together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the true price of love .
In an exclusive clip from the film obtained by The Root , Sylvie ( Thompson ) and Mona ( King ) are lounging on the rooftop and talking favorite songs from a movie and from their senior year of high school .
You know , just some typical girl chat .
Things get spicy when they talk about that fiiiiine boy Sylvie met at the store , though .
Check it out below : Sylvie ’ s Love - Tell Me About This Boy Exclusive Clip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( YouTube )

While we’re still on lockdown for the holidays, a streaming platform is pretty much the gift that keeps on giving because at least it provides some sort of entertainment.
One of the much-anticipated examples of entertainment is Sylvie’s Love, which made its world premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and was subsequently acquired by Amazon Prime Video.
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The film’s synopsis, via a press release sent to The Root:
In Sylvie’s Love, the jazz is smooth and the air sultry in the hot New York summer of 1957. Robert (Nnamdi Asomugha), a saxophonist, spends late nights playing behind a less-talented but well-known bandleader, as member of a jazz quartet. Sylvie (Tessa Thompson), who dreams of a career in television, spends her summer days helping around her father’s record store, as she waits for her fiancé to return from war. When Robert takes a part-time job at the record store, the two begin a friendship that sparks a deep passion in each of them unlike anything they have felt before. As the summer winds down, life takes them in different directions, bringing their relationship to an end. Years pass, Sylvie’s career as a TV producer blossoms, while Robert has to come to terms with what the age of Motown is doing to the popularity of Jazz. In a chance meeting, Sylvie and Robert cross paths again, only to find that while their lives have changed, their feelings for each other remain the same. Writer/director Eugene Ashe combines romance and music into a sweeping story that brings together changing times, a changing culture, and the true price of love.
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In an exclusive clip from the film obtained by The Root, Sylvie (Thompson) and Mona (King) are lounging on the rooftop and talking favorite songs from a movie and from their senior year of high school. You know, just some typical girl chat. Things get spicy when they talk about that fiiiiine boy Sylvie met at the store, though. Check it out below:
Sylvie’s Love - Tell Me About This Boy Exclusive Clip For The Root / Amazon Prime Video (YouTube)
Sylvie’s Love debuts on Amazon Prime Video on Dec. 23.