theroot--2020-10-29--About Face: After a Years-Long Impasse, André Leon Talley Praises Anna Wintour Amid Accusations of R

About Face: After a Years-Long Impasse, André Leon Talley Praises Anna Wintour Amid Accusations of Racism

Have we entered the season of forgiveness ?
In his 2020 bestselling memoir , The Chiffon Trenches fashion legend André Leon Talley referred to his former boss , Condé Nast Artistic Director Anna Wintour , as “ ruthless ” and “ not capable ” of human kindness.
” Following Wintour ’ s much-publicized apology for “ mistakes ” made with regard to Vogue ’ s treatment of Black talent and representation in June , Talley doubled down ; when appearing on Sandra Bernhard ’ s podcast in June , he called Wintour “ entitled , ” and “ a colonial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would “ ever let anything get in the way of her white privilege.
” In a damning exposé published by the New York Times last weekend , over a dozen former and current Black staffers also indicted Wintour for creating a culture at Vogue that was not only exclusive but outright exclusionary .
“ When we ’ d evaluate a shoot or a look , we ’ d say ‘ That ’ s Vogue , ’ or , ‘ That ’ s not Vogue , ’ ” said one former Black staffer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ thin , rich and white.
’ How do you work in that environment ?
” The statement echoed assertions made by Talley himself , who ’ d written that Wintour dumped him when he became “ too old , too overweight , [ and ] too uncool.
” However , recent social media posts from the former Vogue editor-at-large ’ s latest statements appear to indicate he feels the indictments of Wintour may have gone too far .
As a groundbreaking cover of Lizzo—the first plus-sized Black woman to appear on American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whittled herself down to a size 6 for her 1998 cover shoot ; she more recently appeared on the cover of British Vogue in August 2018 ) debuted in late September , Talley tempered his criticism as he lauded the cover on Instagram , writing in part : Dame Anna Wintour made a promise and she kept her word .
Her public apology was right on .
In the years I worked there , under her reign , this cover would have never been published , even if it were a trial .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Down .
Down .
That would be the demographics teams in the advertising side .
Lizzo ’ s cover and full story inside is the new norm .
Progress has soared over the top .
She once told one of my colleagues early in my career my fashion shoots were ” over the top ” .
Isn ’ t that what Vogue is meant to be ?
Last week , he issued praise again , calling a cover of now 50-year-old supermodel Naomi Campbell : So too , it seems , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the woman who helped foster his own decades-long reign in fashion .
“ We must live in the world of forgiveness , ” he added .
“ Both women represent the better angels of today who address the importance of giving back to better mankind.
” On Wednesday , Talley was apparently feeling nostalgic , posting a photo of himself and Wintour ar the 1999 Met Gala with the caption : In the realm of possibility of forgiveness , yours truly , in Tom Ford , custom , by @ gucci , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , @ dior climbing the stairs to The Met Gala .
( Dec. 1999 ) check that date .
Those were the halcyon days when we were at the apex of high fashion world .
We were our younger better angels .
Anna made history by making me the first African-American male EVER to be named as creative director of Vogue , in 1988 .
She crashed the glass ceiling .
From there , the possibility of Sir [ Edward Enninful ] , became the first Black male to EVER become editor in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Page Six , the post “ was liked by Enninful and several designers including Marc Jacobs , who added : ‘ Possibility is all we have .
And luckily that is a lot .
Possibility allows for hope.
’ ” Is there a possibility that Talley and Wintour could be calling a truce ?
Wintour previously wished Talley “ nothing but the best , ” following his memoir ’ s revelations ; but should he become a member of the small choir of Black voices whose praise help preserve Wintour ’ s legacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , indeed .

Have we entered the season of forgiveness? In his 2020 bestselling memoir, The Chiffon Trenches fashion legend André Leon Talley referred to his former boss, Condé Nast Artistic Director Anna Wintour, as “ruthless” and “not capable” of human kindness.” Following Wintour’s much-publicized apology for “mistakes” made with regard to Vogue’s treatment of Black talent and representation in June, Talley doubled down; when appearing on Sandra Bernhard’s podcast in June, he called Wintour “entitled,” and “a colonial dame” whom he did not think would “ever let anything get in the way of her white privilege.”
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In a damning exposé published by the New York Times last weekend, over a dozen former and current Black staffers also indicted Wintour for creating a culture at Vogue that was not only exclusive but outright exclusionary. “When we’d evaluate a shoot or a look, we’d say ‘That’s Vogue,’ or, ‘That’s not Vogue,’” said one former Black staffer, “and what that really meant was ‘thin, rich and white.’ How do you work in that environment?”
The statement echoed assertions made by Talley himself, who’d written that Wintour dumped him when he became “too old, too overweight, [and] too uncool.” However, recent social media posts from the former Vogue editor-at-large’s latest statements appear to indicate he feels the indictments of Wintour may have gone too far. As a groundbreaking cover of Lizzo—the first plus-sized Black woman to appear on American Vogue (including Oprah, who reportedly whittled herself down to a size 6 for her 1998 cover shoot; she more recently appeared on the cover of British Vogue in August 2018) debuted in late September, Talley tempered his criticism as he lauded the cover on Instagram, writing in part:
Dame Anna Wintour made a promise and she kept her word. Her public apology was right on. In the years I worked there, under her reign, this cover would have never been published, even if it were a trial. The marketeers would have shut it down. Down. Down. That would be the demographics teams in the advertising side. Lizzo’s cover and full story inside is the new norm. Progress has soared over the top. She once told one of my colleagues early in my career my fashion shoots were”over the top”. Isn’t that what Vogue is meant to be?
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Last week, he issued praise again, calling a cover of now 50-year-old supermodel Naomi Campbell:
A glorious visual cantata...Anna Wintour delivers again, with this celebrated cover of Naomi. Both have sung in clarion voices the talents of their better angels. This kind of cover will help heal wounds of intolerance. Anna made icon history by featuring Naomi Campbell on her first solo cover of American Vogue in September 1989 - history is cyclical.
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So too, it seems, is Talley’s respect and praise for the woman who helped foster his own decades-long reign in fashion. “We must live in the world of forgiveness,” he added. “Both women represent the better angels of today who address the importance of giving back to better mankind.”
On Wednesday, Talley was apparently feeling nostalgic, posting a photo of himself and Wintour ar the 1999 Met Gala with the caption:
In the realm of possibility of forgiveness, yours truly, in Tom Ford, custom, by @gucci , and Dame Anna Wintour, in Galliano couture, @dior climbing the stairs to The Met Gala. (Dec. 1999) check that date. Those were the halcyon days when we were at the apex of high fashion world. We were our younger better angels . Anna made history by making me the first African-American male EVER to be named as creative director of Vogue, in 1988. She crashed the glass ceiling. From there, the possibility of Sir [Edward Enninful], became the first Black male to EVER become editor in chief of Vogue U.K.
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As reported by Page Six, the post “was liked by Enninful and several designers including Marc Jacobs, who added: ‘Possibility is all we have. And luckily that is a lot. Possibility allows for hope.’”
Is there a possibility that Talley and Wintour could be calling a truce? Wintour previously wished Talley “nothing but the best,” following his memoir’s revelations; but should he become a member of the small choir of Black voices whose praise help preserve Wintour’s legacy, that would be a full-circle moment, indeed.


theroot--2020-10-27--Buy the AirPods Pro for $200 Before This Rare Offer Disappears

If you ’ re an iPhone user with some cash to blow , skip the pretenders and even the lesser AirPods to go for something better .
The AirPods Pro stepped the game up with rubber tips , noise cancellation , and better overall audio quality .
They ’ re a bit expensive and the price has dropped bit by bit over time , leading up to today ’ s opportunity to save $ 50 on a pair of your own , complete with a wireless charging case .
With active noise canceling , automatic pairing on iPhones and iPads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ em now is a no-brainer if you were already in the market for them .
We saw these drop just before Amazon Prime Day , and the price has held steady since .
However , B & H Photo has a similar offer that ’ s set to expire October 30 , which may be a signal that the opportunity is about to pass .
Be sure to get your order in while there ’ s still time !
This story was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer on 5/1/2020 and updated by Gabe @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Quentyn Kennemer, Gabe Carey, Andrew Hayward,  and Elizabeth Lanier on Kinja Deals, shared by Ignacia to The Root

Apple AirPods Pro | $190 | Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart
If you’re an iPhone user with some cash to blow, skip the pretenders and even the lesser AirPods to go for something better. The AirPods Pro step the game up with rubber tips, active noise cancellation, better overall audio quality, and a wirelessly-chargeable case as standard. They’re a bit expensive normally, but right now Walmart has ‘em for $59 off the list price.
This story was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer on 05/01/2020 and updated by Joe Tilleli with new information on 01/19/2022.


theroot--2020-10-29--Silence the Chaos With Your Vote—and Help Others Do the Same

Black communities have been dealing with a multitude of crises this year .
We ’ re all collectively outraged and emotionally exhausted by police violence , COVID-19 and the recession .
That ’ s why we ’ re already seeing a larger early voter turnout than previous years .
People are energized to show up and vote because they know what ’ s at stake for our communities—but once we vote early , there ’ s still work to be done to fight for others to have the same opportunity .
Some companies are forcing their employees to choose between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for voting .
Corporations like Amazon need to go beyond the statement to protect their employees and our democracy .
It ’ s not enough to tell people to vote , and voting is not a privilege for salaried workers .
In an election that will greatly shape the country ’ s pandemic response , essential workers have a right to cast their ballots .
If voting wasn ’ t important , bad actors and enablers would not be trying so hard to silence our voices at the polls .
Billion-dollar companies like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Depot , and major grocery store chain Albertsons rely on Black hourly workers to drive their profits , but they ’ re doing little to protect their voting rights .
Many of these essential , hourly working employees—the majority of whom are Black—have been risking their lives in the pandemic , yet are obligated to use paid time off if they want to participate in democracy .
When employers don ’ t offer paid time off to vote , that extra time spent voting translates to less money to pay the bills .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are on the ballot and with a few days left of voting , we still have a chance to make our voices heard by getting out and voting .
If you haven ’ t voted yet , it ’ s not too late to make your voting plan .
There are still several things you can do to help ensure a free , fair , and safe voting experience for yourself and other Black voters .
• For those voting in person on election day , know your polling location , stay in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who might be seeking to intimidate voters .
• If you ’ ve already submitted your ballot by mail , make sure to track it .
Most states allow you to go to your local election officials ’ website to confirm your ballot arrived and make sure it ’ s counted .
We ’ ve put together this quick guide to make sure that you have all the information you need to make sure your absentee vote gets counted this election .
• If your ballot was rejected , there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your vote is counted .
Many states allow voters to their ballots if they have been initially rejected .
• If you are interested in helping others vote , consider signing up to be a , or to protect democracy .
Poll workers are still urgently needed in many Black communities , especially in battleground states – they receive training and PPE , and are paid for their service in most states .
Corporations can ’ t say Black Lives Matter and profit from Black culture when they can ’ t even commit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or closing their franchises on Election Day so that their employees can vote .
While some people may have already voted early in person , there are still folks who depend on in-person voting to provide the accommodations they need .
We ’ ve already seen the long lines in early votes across the country—essential workers deserve to vote without paying a price financially .
Our Voting Justice Agenda can help you vote freely , fairly , and safely .
To vote is to vote for a better future—a future where racial and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s another way to build our political and community power alongside the protesting and organizing folks have done over the years to dismantle the systems and demand accountability from those who harm Black people .
We can use our votes as a form of protest and continue to advocate for the systemic changes our communities need to live and thrive safely .
Make a plan to vote today .
Don ’ t let them disrupt your rights .

Black communities have been dealing with a multitude of crises this year. We’re all collectively outraged and emotionally exhausted by police violence, COVID-19 and the recession. That’s why we’re already seeing a larger early voter turnout than previous years. People are energized to show up and vote because they know what’s at stake for our communities—but once we vote early, there’s still work to be done to fight for others to have the same opportunity.
Some companies are forcing their employees to choose between participating in democracy or being financially punished for voting. Corporations like Amazon need to go beyond the statement to protect their employees and our democracy. It’s not enough to tell people to vote, and voting is not a privilege for salaried workers. In an election that will greatly shape the country’s pandemic response, essential workers have a right to cast their ballots.
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If voting wasn’t important, bad actors and enablers would not be trying so hard to silence our voices at the polls. Billion-dollar companies like Amazon, AT&T, Home Depot, and major grocery store chain Albertsons rely on Black hourly workers to drive their profits, but they’re doing little to protect their voting rights. Many of these essential, hourly working employees—the majority of whom are Black—have been risking their lives in the pandemic, yet are obligated to use paid time off if they want to participate in democracy. When employers don’t offer paid time off to vote, that extra time spent voting translates to less money to pay the bills.
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Our health, safety, and lives are on the ballot and with a few days left of voting, we still have a chance to make our voices heard by getting out and voting. If you haven’t voted yet, it’s not too late to make your voting plan. There are still several things you can do to help ensure a free, fair, and safe voting experience for yourself and other Black voters.
Advertisement
Corporations can’t say Black Lives Matter and profit from Black culture when they can’t even commit to protecting their employees during a pandemic or closing their franchises on Election Day so that their employees can vote. While some people may have already voted early in person, there are still folks who depend on in-person voting to provide the accommodations they need. We’ve already seen the long lines in early votes across the country—essential workers deserve to vote without paying a price financially.
Our Voting Justice Agenda can help you vote freely, fairly, and safely.
To vote is to vote for a better future—a future where racial and economic justice is paramount. It’s another way to build our political and community power alongside the protesting and organizing folks have done over the years to dismantle the systems and demand accountability from those who harm Black people. We can use our votes as a form of protest and continue to advocate for the systemic changes our communities need to live and thrive safely. Make a plan to vote today. Don’t let them disrupt your rights.


theroot--2020-10-29--Video Shows Philadelphia Police Smash SUV Window With Child in Back Seat During Walter Wallace Unres

Video Shows Philadelphia Police Smash SUV Window With Child in Back Seat During Walter Wallace Unrest

Video footage has surfaced showing that during the first night of civil unrest over the shooting death of Walter Wallace Jr. by Philadelphia police , officers surrounded a slow-moving SUV , smashed its windows , pulled the driver and passenger out of the vehicle , threw them to the ground and then moments later , removed a child from the backseat .
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the video was shot just before 2 a.m. Tuesday by 30-year-old Aapril Rice , who filmed the chaos from the night while standing on the roof of her residence 10 blocks away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rice said she shot her video just after 1:45 a.m. , watching a crowd of people near a Foot Locker that was being burglarized .
After people in the crowd threw projectiles toward police , officers first backed away , then advanced down Chestnut Street from 52nd toward 53rd .
Two vehicles entered the scene : A pickup truck drove in the middle of the street near police , while a different vehicle , an SUV , was “ trying to turn around , ” according to Rice .
With dozens of officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the SUV , yelling for the driver to get out of the vehicle .
Rice ’ s video appears to show at least two officers bashing in the windows and then one officer repeatedly hitting the driver with a baton .
Officers then pull a second adult out of the vehicle , and then seconds later appeared to remove the child from the backseat .
Officials haven ’ t released any information as to what prompted the officers ’ attack on the SUV and the driver , but police said Wednesday that an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underway .
Neither the driver nor passenger has been identified , and it ’ s unclear whether they were arrested at the scene or charged with any crimes .
According to the Inquirer , the altercation took place less than 12 hours after Wallace was shot .
The incident preceded a second night of protests over the 27-year-old ’ s death .
Danielle Outlaw—the city ’ s first Black woman police commissioner—and Mayor Jim Kenney announced a 9 p.m. curfew Wednesday , and just as they promised a thorough investigation into Wallace ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of police officers ’ conduct during the protests this week .

Video footage has surfaced showing that during the first night of civil unrest over the shooting death of Walter Wallace Jr. by Philadelphia police, officers surrounded a slow-moving SUV, smashed its windows, pulled the driver and passenger out of the vehicle, threw them to the ground and then moments later, removed a child from the backseat.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the video was shot just before 2 a.m. Tuesday by 30-year-old Aapril Rice, who filmed the chaos from the night while standing on the roof of her residence 10 blocks away from where Wallace was shot and killed.
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From the Inquirer:
Rice said she shot her video just after 1:45 a.m., watching a crowd of people near a Foot Locker that was being burglarized. After people in the crowd threw projectiles toward police, officers first backed away, then advanced down Chestnut Street from 52nd toward 53rd. Two vehicles entered the scene: A pickup truck drove in the middle of the street near police, while a different vehicle, an SUV, was “trying to turn around,” according to Rice. With dozens of officers on the block, about 15 swarmed the SUV, yelling for the driver to get out of the vehicle. Rice’s video appears to show at least two officers bashing in the windows and then one officer repeatedly hitting the driver with a baton. Officers then pull a second adult out of the vehicle, and then seconds later appeared to remove the child from the backseat.
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Officials haven’t released any information as to what prompted the officers’ attack on the SUV and the driver, but police said Wednesday that an Internal Affairs investigation into the incident is underway. Neither the driver nor passenger has been identified, and it’s unclear whether they were arrested at the scene or charged with any crimes.
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According to the Inquirer, the altercation took place less than 12 hours after Wallace was shot. The incident preceded a second night of protests over the 27-year-old’s death.
Danielle Outlaw—the city’s first Black woman police commissioner—and Mayor Jim Kenney announced a 9 p.m. curfew Wednesday, and just as they promised a thorough investigation into Wallace’s death, they promised a review of police officers’ conduct during the protests this week.


theroot--2020-10-29--Raptors Guard Terence Davis Charged With Assault, Criminal Mischief After Allegedly Hitting Woman

Toronto Raptors guard Terence Davis was arrested and charged with third-degree assault and criminal mischief after allegedly striking a woman , according to ESPN and Yahoo Sports .
The incident , which occurred on Tuesday night , took place in an apartment building in the East Side of Manhattan shortly before 10 p.m .
According to a criminal complaint , the woman ’ s son was standing next to his mother and fell when Davis struck her .
A 20-year-old woman told police she went to visit her boyfriend , Davis , and that the two got into a verbal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davis then hit the woman in the face , hurting her eye , and grabbed her phone and broke its screen , Detective Sophia Mason said in a statement .
On Wednesday , Davis was arraigned on a total of seven misdemeanor charges : assault , attempted assault , endangering the welfare of a child , criminal mischief , aggravated harassment and harassment .
His defense attorney , Greg Esposito , has denied the charges and declined any further comment on behalf of his client .
The Raptors are aware of the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the matter .
“ Per the Raptors , they are aware of the Terence Davis arrest reports and are still in the process of seeking more information , ” The Athletic ’ s Blake Murphy tweeted .
Undrafted out of Ole Miss in 2019 , Davis joined the Raptors after delivering a standout performance during summer league for the Denver Nuggets .
In his rookie season , he averaged 7.5 points and 3.3 assists per game , and was named to the All-Rookie second team after becoming a valued contributor off the bench @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognizance and his next court date is set for December 11 .

Toronto Raptors guard Terence Davis was arrested and charged with third-degree assault and criminal mischief after allegedly striking a woman, according to ESPN and Yahoo Sports.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, took place in an apartment building in the East Side of Manhattan shortly before 10 p.m. According to a criminal complaint, the woman’s son was standing next to his mother and fell when Davis struck her.
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From ESPN:
A 20-year-old woman told police she went to visit her boyfriend, Davis, and that the two got into a verbal dispute, a police spokeswoman said. Davis then hit the woman in the face, hurting her eye, and grabbed her phone and broke its screen, Detective Sophia Mason said in a statement.
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On Wednesday, Davis was arraigned on a total of seven misdemeanor charges: assault, attempted assault, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief, aggravated harassment and harassment. His defense attorney, Greg Esposito, has denied the charges and declined any further comment on behalf of his client.
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The Raptors are aware of the situation but have yet to comment publicly on the matter.
“Per the Raptors, they are aware of the Terence Davis arrest reports and are still in the process of seeking more information,” The Athletic’s Blake Murphy tweeted.
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Undrafted out of Ole Miss in 2019, Davis joined the Raptors after delivering a standout performance during summer league for the Denver Nuggets. In his rookie season, he averaged 7.5 points and 3.3 assists per game, and was named to the All-Rookie second team after becoming a valued contributor off the bench.
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Davis was released on his own recognizance and his next court date is set for December 11.


theroot--2020-10-30--The Root's Clapback Mailbag: The Ditch and the Dookie - A Movement in Three Parts

Today ’ s mailbag is just one long story that ’ s actually three long stories that began a few months ago .
when I wrote an article about Pete Buttigieg : In that Pete Buttigieg piece , I wrote about a ditch that ran through the town where I grew up .
In the late 1940s , the city dug an eight-foot-deep reservoir that separated the B lack part of town from the white part of town .
It really didn ’ t matter , because the town was segregated .
But after the high schools desegregated in 1985 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t desegregate until the year 2000 ) , kids in the part of town where all B lack people lived had to cross that ditch to get to school .
Normally , there was a 2x4 that you could walk across to traverse the ditch .
But , on days when it would rain , assholes would move the boards so you would literally have to jump this huge ditch to get across .
And yes , you had to jump .
On rainy days , kids from downtown would gather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
And if you had a mean shoe game , forget it .
I have seen motherfuckers mistime their jumps and fall into that abyss like Buck Rogers into a black hole ( I ’ ve never seen Buck Rogers but there had to be an episode about a Black Hole , right ?
If not , they really missed a golden opportunity ) .
Of course , you could take the long way around— you could basically walk a mile out of the way , along the border of Hoptown until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path was to jump the ditch .
After I wrote that little story , people had a million questions .
They didn ’ t ask about education or racism .
In fact , most of them didn ’ t even ask about the facts of the story .
A lot of them just wanted to know why I was so upset about the ditch .
Many of them said : “ Well , Pete Buttigieg didn ’ t build the ditch , so why are you blaming him ?
” But of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story , the most common question posed to me by readers of that article perfectly explains why white people are the problem .
“ Hey , I read your story and while I don ’ t agree with it , I have a question , ” they invariably begin , before adding : “ Why didn ’ t you just ride the bus to school instead of jumping the ditch ?
” And that is the problem with white people .
This letter from John C. helped me find the answer to that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children in my hometown didn ’ t have to hop the ditch .
In the 1960s , Hartsville ’ s Black population expanded past the borders of that little segregated square and spilled over into an unsettled area south of town .
Most of the people who built homes in Southside there were middle-class factory workers , teachers and professionals .
They also attended the city ’ s Black high school .
But , because they were technically outside of the city limits , Southsiders weren ’ t subject to the regulations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city limits .
They built their own parks and community centers .
Southside Elementary was newer and better .
They even funded their own bus system .
Because they lived outside of the area where the majority-white city council controlled their lives , they essentially got to govern themselves .
Whenever Black people in the city limits spoke about racism , police brutality and unequal schools , the white people pointed to the B lack people on the Southside and said : “ The Southsiders seem to be doing OK without our help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other B lack people do it ?
” They never mentioned that the citizens of Southside weren ’ t paying property taxes to the city .
They completely ignored the fact that the Southsiders could create good neighborhoods because they didn ’ t have white people interfering with their economic and social progress .
And so , in 1985 , when Hartsville decided to shut down the all-B lack high school and send the B lack students to the all-white high school , the Southside was elated .
They would finally get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually close to the Southside ) instead of the Black school with all of us downtown kids .
Plus , they wouldn ’ t have to maintain their separate bus system .
All the Southsiders had to do was agree to be annexed into the city limits and pay city taxes .
The Black folks who lived downtown warned the Southsiders that this was a bad idea .
First of all , although the white high school was closer to Southside than the old Black high school , it was a long way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Southsiders had lifted themselves up by their own bootstraps and built their own thriving community .
They knew white people could be racist but they didn ’ t think it would affect them .
So they voted for annexation and , in a gesture of goodwill , they even donated their buses to the white school .
Maybe that would help the downtown negroes get on their level .
But , instead of giving the buses to the downtown areas , the school system used them for the white kids .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school district created a now-legendary map that proved that Hartsville High School was less than a mile away from the Black part of town .
The map wasn ’ t wrong , it just left out one small detail : So , to literally bridge the gap and make it to the new integrated high school , the Black kids found a way to traverse the literal hurdle to their education .
Every day , including today , dozens , if not a few hundred Black kids still “ hop the ditch.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to grow that the Southsiders were the “ good kids.
” Some parents wouldn ’ t even let their kids go to the old B lack neighborhood because it was now a “ bad area.
” But the people in the old Black neighborhood didn ’ t blame the Southsiders .
They blamed the system that had convinced the Southsiders to contribute to the oppression of the B lack people .
They knew that the allure of whiteness was an evil siren .
They watched the Southside gradually decline as the city allocated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white neighborhoods .
They watched the Southside become a “ bad area , ” too .
However , to this day , there is an air of superiority that Southsiders exude .
It isn ’ t necessarily divisive—they know they ’ re Black—but they assume that they live in a better part of town than the other Black people—the part of town where I grew up .
But that part of the Hartsville isn ’ t called “ The part of town where Michael Harriot grew up.
” The kids who still hop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name that was given to them by people from Southside .
I can ’ t even lie , I use it too .
If you were from my hometown you ’ d know exactly what I meant when I proudly say : This story is crazy but I swear on everything I know that it is true .
When I lived in Columbia , SC , I briefly dated someone who was always checking to make sure her car doors were locked .
Now , this was before every car came with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back to her car and check every door .
I always thought it was strange but I never asked any questions .
One weekend , I dropped my car off to get the oil changed and she picked me up .
But , instead of going to my house , we went to her house .
After a few hours , we went to pick up my car .
As we walked toward her car in her apartment complex ’ s parking lot , I could see the expression change on her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what had happened until we got to her car .
Someone had shit on her windshield .
( OK , maybe that shat .
Or is it “ shitted ?
” ) Anyway , there was dookie on her windshield .
It was human shit , too .
And it wasn ’ t solid but it wasn ’ t liquid .
It was the consistency of a hearty bowl of grits .
It was unsturdy , as if someone had eaten nothing but soup and collard greens for days while making sure they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what she did ?
She got in the car !
Yep .
She got in the car , hit the windshield wiper fluid button and sprayed that shit off her car as if she had just encountered the mailman or a ... “ DID YOU SEE THAT SHIT ON YOUR CAR ?
” I yelled .
I couldn ’ t play it off .
I don ’ t know what kind of existence you are living but I don ’ t encounter other people ’ s diaper gravy in my normal everyday life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m probably gon na mention it .
So she explained that sometimes her ex-boyfriend/baby daddy occasionally shits on her car .
It was just that simple .
He wasn ’ t violent .
He wasn ’ t confrontational .
He just had a habit of depositing his turds on her car if he suspected she wa s with someone else .
It wa s really a coping mechanism .
Oh , and he just happened to live in the same apartment complex .
Now , this wasn ’ t my first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I asked her why she hadn ’ t warned me about the possibility that I could encounter revenge poop .
“ Come on , ” she said .
“ It ain ’ t that bad .
At least he didn ’ t get in the car.
” She said nothing .
She said nothing .
Look , I don ’ t know how you were raised , but you don ’ t bring up the subject of something worse than spontaneous buttfudge and just let it go .
There must be some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is : What happens when he gets in the car ?
She replied so matter-of-factly that for a half-a-second , I thought I was in a special shitty episode of Punk ’ d .
I knew Aston Kutcher must have been somewhere close by , so I started looking for the hidden camera when she looked directly into my eyes and said : “ Welll ... then he shits in the car.
” What !
Am I sitting in the catbirdshit seat ?
( He usually does his business on the driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wiped some extra-soupy leftovers on the door handle . )
How do I know there aren ’ t remnants of diarrhea on my hand right now ?
( I don ’ t . )
What does he wipe with ?
( She doesn ’ t watch him do it , dummy ! )
How long has this been going on ?
( Two years . )
She said she ’ s called the police about it but they couldn ’ t do anything unless she had proof .
What ’ s she supposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defecates in her car ?
Then she dropped me off at my car and said she was heading to the carwash .
That was my last time speaking with her .
I didn ’ t stop seeing her because I am leery of dookie ( even though I am leery of dookie ) .
It wasn ’ t because of her crazy ex-boyfriend .
I left her alone for one reason : Maybe it was the look on my face , but she thought it was hilarious that I was so appalled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” before and , to be honest , I was appalled AF .
She was doubling over laughing , too .
She was wheezing and covering her face and holding her stomach like she was about to produce a second number two .
I thought I was going to have to rush in and get her asthma pump .
But she didn ’ t have asthma .
She was just out of breath from guffawing at my anti-feces face .
The dookie is a lot like racism or voter suppression .
It might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 times .
Of course , you ’ d still be mad .
But what about 20 times .
What about six months ?
Would you still be mad after a year of someone shitting in your car ?
If , after a year of shitting in your car , what if , they stop shitting in your car and started shitting on your car .
It sounds crazy now , but after 18 months of cleaning someone else ’ s feces , you ’ d thank God that someone was nice enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you even be disgusted after 2 years ?
For 400 years , we ’ ve just been trying to live our lives and go to the places we want to go—not to Disneyland or the strip club , but to school , home or to the goddamned oil change place .
And we ’ ve gotten so used to jumping ditches and wiping off other people ’ s shit , we ’ re not even alarmed by the audacity of whiteness anymore .
We just try to find a way to hurdle over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is coming to help us .
We spray that shit off and keep driving .
And sometimes we laugh .
Because , after suppressing , stealing , purging , discounting , and downright dismissing the Black vote for years , it ’ s funny to watch white people be appalled when it happens to them .
They are genuinely shocked that their votes might not count ; that there might be violence on or after election day , or that it ’ s so hard to vote .
They can ’ t imagine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So no , Celtics fan , I am not going to talk about white oppression .
But since you brought it up ...

Today’s mailbag is just one long story that’s actually three long stories that began a few months ago. when I wrote an article about Pete Buttigieg:
From: Tammie H.
To: Danielle Belton When you write articles about white people need to do this and white people did this again you are part of the problem. You are putting all white people in one category ignorantly. Common mistake with todays journalism. In my family we have have gay, straight, bi, transgender, white , black, Mexican, convicts and high scholars...we all get along fine regardless of our differences and skin color....so white people are the problem?
To: The Root From: Tom So, another unlawfully blatantly racist publication … The Root.
Dear Tammie and Tom,
In that Pete Buttigieg piece, I wrote about a ditch that ran through the town where I grew up.
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In the late 1940s, the city dug an eight-foot-deep reservoir that separated the B lack part of town from the white part of town. It really didn’t matter, because the town was segregated. But after the high schools desegregated in 1985 (the entire Darlington County school system didn’t desegregate until the year 2000), kids in the part of town where all B lack people lived had to cross that ditch to get to school.
Normally, there was a 2x4 that you could walk across to traverse the ditch. But, on days when it would rain, assholes would move the boards so you would literally have to jump this huge ditch to get across. And yes, you had to jump. On rainy days, kids from downtown would gather around the ditch to see who fell in. And if you had a mean shoe game, forget it.
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I have seen motherfuckers mistime their jumps and fall into that abyss like Buck Rogers into a black hole (I’ve never seen Buck Rogers but there had to be an episode about a Black Hole, right? If not, they really missed a golden opportunity). Of course, you could take the long way around— you could basically walk a mile out of the way, along the border of Hoptown until you got to the school—but the straightest path was to jump the ditch.
The ditch is a metaphor.
After I wrote that little story, people had a million questions.
They didn’t ask about education or racism. In fact, most of them didn’t even ask about the facts of the story. A lot of them just wanted to know why I was so upset about the ditch. Many of them said: “Well, Pete Buttigieg didn’t build the ditch, so why are you blaming him?”
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But of the million or so people who read that story, the most common question posed to me by readers of that article perfectly explains why white people are the problem.
“Hey, I read your story and while I don’t agree with it, I have a question,” they invariably begin, before adding:
“Why didn’t you just ride the bus to school instead of jumping the ditch?”
And that is the problem with white people.
This letter from John C. helped me find the answer to that question:
From: John C.
To: Michael Harriot Subject: I want to hear more I came across your name when reviewing a group, the “blackpac” they have videos on youtube calling Trump a racist. So I started to look at who supports him, and I came across this article from 2018, . I was honestly shocked that you took such a swipe at people in your own race, and put them into categories, further marginalizing your own people? Are Black people simply not allowed to be conservative and vote for Trump? I mean I’m white and like millions of other white people I voted for Obama, does that put me into some category of creamy white skinned folks trying to appease black people or maybe I was trying to impress my black fiance? I couldn’t just have my opinions about the guy right, we are all just categorical morons to you huh? I hope one day that we have a country that isn’t racist, but unfortunately with people as full of hate against anyone who doesn’t think like you or vote like you, it will never happen.
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Dear John C.
The answer is: Southside.
Most of the B lack children in my hometown didn’t have to hop the ditch. In the 1960s, Hartsville’s Black population expanded past the borders of that little segregated square and spilled over into an unsettled area south of town.
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Most of the people who built homes in Southside there were middle-class factory workers, teachers and professionals. They also attended the city’s Black high school. But, because they were technically outside of the city limits, Southsiders weren’t subject to the regulations of the Black people who lived within the city limits.
They built their own parks and community centers. Southside Elementary was newer and better. They even funded their own bus system. Because they lived outside of the area where the majority-white city council controlled their lives, they essentially got to govern themselves.
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And guess what happened?
Whenever Black people in the city limits spoke about racism, police brutality and unequal schools, the white people pointed to the B lack people on the Southside and said: “The Southsiders seem to be doing OK without our help. Why can’t all the other B lack people do it?”
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They never mentioned that the citizens of Southside weren’t paying property taxes to the city. They completely ignored the fact that the Southsiders could create good neighborhoods because they didn’t have white people interfering with their economic and social progress.
And so, in 1985, when Hartsville decided to shut down the all-B lack high school and send the B lack students to the all-white high school, the Southside was elated. They would finally get to attend a well-regarded school (which was actually close to the Southside) instead of the Black school with all of us downtown kids. Plus, they wouldn’t have to maintain their separate bus system.
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All the Southsiders had to do was agree to be annexed into the city limits and pay city taxes. The Black folks who lived downtown warned the Southsiders that this was a bad idea. First of all, although the white high school was closer to Southside than the old Black high school, it was a long way from the Black downtown area.
But the Southsiders had lifted themselves up by their own bootstraps and built their own thriving community. They knew white people could be racist but they didn’t think it would affect them. So they voted for annexation and, in a gesture of goodwill, they even donated their buses to the white school. Maybe that would help the downtown negroes get on their level.
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But, instead of giving the buses to the downtown areas, the school system used them for the white kids. And, to justify their move, the school district created a now-legendary map that proved that Hartsville High School was less than a mile away from the Black part of town. The map wasn’t wrong, it just left out one small detail:
Roads.
So, to literally bridge the gap and make it to the new integrated high school, the Black kids found a way to traverse the literal hurdle to their education. Every day, including today, dozens, if not a few hundred Black kids still “hop the ditch.”
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As years passed, a perception began to grow that the Southsiders were the “good kids.” Some parents wouldn’t even let their kids go to the old B lack neighborhood because it was now a “bad area.” But the people in the old Black neighborhood didn’t blame the Southsiders. They blamed the system that had convinced the Southsiders to contribute to the oppression of the B lack people.
They knew that the allure of whiteness was an evil siren. They watched the Southside gradually decline as the city allocated the Southside’s resources to the white neighborhoods. They watched the Southside become a “bad area,” too.
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However, to this day, there is an air of superiority that Southsiders exude. It isn’t necessarily divisive—they know they’re Black—but they assume that they live in a better part of town than the other Black people—the part of town where I grew up.
But that part of the Hartsville isn’t called “The part of town where Michael Harriot grew up.”
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It isn’t even called “Old Blacktowne.”
The kids who still hop the ditch, now proudly claim the name that was given to them by people from Southside. I can’t even lie, I use it too. If you were from my hometown you’d know exactly what I meant when I proudly say:
I’m from “Hoptown”
And finally:
To: Michael Harriot
From: Celticsman It would be nice if you highlighted the fact that ‘wypipo’ are also experiencing disenfranchisement not just African Americans. And the disenfranchised white people having their votes stolen because they support policies that will help your people.
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I actually responded to Celticsfan:
From: Michael Harriot
To: Celticsfan You’re right. I should treat everyone the same. I just checked your Twitter timeline and you’ve never mentioned voting rights, election inequality or a single thing about voter suppression until last month. But, because I am a fair man, expect me to write a scathing article on white voter disenfranchisement in the year 2420.
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To which Celticsfan replied:
From: Celticsfan
To: Michael Harriot You think its funny? You;d say I was racist if I wrote that.
Dear Celticsfan
This story is crazy but I swear on everything I know that it is true.
When I lived in Columbia, SC, I briefly dated someone who was always checking to make sure her car doors were locked. Now, this was before every car came with a keyfob remote, so she would always go back to her car and check every door. I always thought it was strange but I never asked any questions.
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One weekend, I dropped my car off to get the oil changed and she picked me up. But, instead of going to my house, we went to her house. After a few hours, we went to pick up my car. As we walked toward her car in her apartment complex’s parking lot, I could see the expression change on her face. I didn’t realize what had happened until we got to her car.
Someone had shit on her windshield.
(OK, maybe that shat. Or is it “shitted?”) Anyway, there was dookie on her windshield. It was human shit, too. And it wasn’t solid but it wasn’t liquid. It was the consistency of a hearty bowl of grits. It was unsturdy, as if someone had eaten nothing but soup and collard greens for days while making sure they were well hydrated.
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And you know what she did?
She got in the car!
Yep. She got in the car, hit the windshield wiper fluid button and sprayed that shit off her car as if she had just encountered the mailman or a...
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“DID YOU SEE THAT SHIT ON YOUR CAR?” I yelled.
I couldn’t play it off. I don’t know what kind of existence you are living but I don’t encounter other people’s diaper gravy in my normal everyday life. And when I do, I’m probably gonna mention it.
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So she explained that sometimes her ex-boyfriend/baby daddy occasionally shits on her car. It was just that simple. He wasn’t violent. He wasn’t confrontational. He just had a habit of depositing his turds on her car if he suspected she wa s with someone else. It wa s really a coping mechanism.
Oh, and he just happened to live in the same apartment complex.
Now, this wasn’t my first time at this woman’s house, so I asked her why she hadn’t warned me about the possibility that I could encounter revenge poop.
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“Come on,” she said. “It ain’t that bad. At least he didn’t get in the car.”
Then I waited.
She said nothing.
I waited.
She said nothing.
Look, I don’t know how you were raised, but you don’t bring up the subject of something worse than spontaneous buttfudge and just let it go. There must be some booboo-related follow-up questions, the first of which is: What happens when he gets in the car?
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She replied so matter-of-factly that for a half-a-second, I thought I was in a special shitty episode of Punk’d. I knew Aston Kutcher must have been somewhere close by, so I started looking for the hidden camera when she looked directly into my eyes and said:
“Welll...then he shits in the car.”
What! Am I sitting in the catbirdshit seat? (He usually does his business on the driver’s seat but one time he wiped some extra-soupy leftovers on the door handle.) How do I know there aren’t remnants of diarrhea on my hand right now? (I don’t.) What does he wipe with? (She doesn’t watch him do it, dummy!) How long has this been going on? (Two years.)
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TWO YEARS!
She said she’s called the police about it but they couldn’t do anything unless she had proof. What’s she supposed to do, take pictures while he defecates in her car? Then she dropped me off at my car and said she was heading to the carwash.
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That was my last time speaking with her.
I didn’t stop seeing her because I am leery of dookie (even though I am leery of dookie). It wasn’t because of her crazy ex-boyfriend. I left her alone for one reason:
She was laughing!
Maybe it was the look on my face, but she thought it was hilarious that I was so appalled. She had never seen anyone “appalled” before and, to be honest, I was appalled AF. She was doubling over laughing, too. She was wheezing and covering her face and holding her stomach like she was about to produce a second number two. I thought I was going to have to rush in and get her asthma pump. But she didn’t have asthma. She was just out of breath from guffawing at my anti-feces face.
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Now you understand Celticsfan.
The dookie is a lot like racism or voter suppression. It might be appalling but imagine if it happened 5 times. Of course, you’d still be mad. But what about 20 times. What about six months?
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Would you still be mad after a year of someone shitting in your car?
If, after a year of shitting in your car, what if, they stop shitting in your car and started shitting on your car. It sounds crazy now, but after 18 months of cleaning someone else’s feces, you’d thank God that someone was nice enough to shit on your car.
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Would you even be disgusted after 2 years?
How about 10 years?
Twenty?
How about 400 years?
For 400 years, we’ve just been trying to live our lives and go to the places we want to go—not to Disneyland or the strip club, but to school, home or to the goddamned oil change place. And we’ve gotten so used to jumping ditches and wiping off other people’s shit, we’re not even alarmed by the audacity of whiteness anymore. We just try to find a way to hurdle over the obstacles because we know no one is coming to help us. We spray that shit off and keep driving.
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And sometimes we laugh.
Because, after suppressing, stealing, purging, discounting, and downright dismissing the Black vote for years, it’s funny to watch white people be appalled when it happens to them. They are genuinely shocked that their votes might not count; that there might be violence on or after election day, or that it’s so hard to vote.
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They can’t imagine jumping that ditch.
They can’t imagine dealing with this shit every day.
So no, Celtics fan, I am not going to talk about white oppression. But since you brought it up...
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It is kinda funny.


theroot--2020-10-30--Buy the AirPods Pro for $200 Before This Rare Offer Disappears

If you ’ re an iPhone user with some cash to blow , skip the pretenders and even the lesser AirPods to go for something better .
The AirPods Pro stepped the game up with rubber tips , noise cancellation , and better overall audio quality .
They ’ re a bit expensive and the price has dropped bit by bit over time , leading up to today ’ s opportunity to save $ 50 on a pair of your own , complete with a wireless charging case .
With active noise canceling , automatic pairing on iPhones and iPads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ em now is a no-brainer if you were already in the market for them .
We saw these drop just before Amazon Prime Day , and the price has held steady since .
However , B & H Photo had a similar offer that was originally set to expire after today , which may be a signal that the opportunity is about to pass .
Be sure to get your order in while there ’ s still time !
This story was originally published by Quentyn Kennemer on 5/1/2020 and updated by Quentyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @


theroot--2020-10-31--After Philadelphia Police Yank Woman Out of Her Car and Attack Her, Police Union Uses Her Son in Pro

After Philadelphia Police Yank Woman Out of Her Car and Attack Her, Police Union Uses Her Son in Propaganda Photo

If the events of the current year haven ’ t driven the point home , cops are fucking trash .
They ’ re also fucking liars .
The latest instance of cops being trash-ass liars occurred in Philadelphia , where cops yanked a Black woman out of her car , attacked her , and then used her son in what was basically a propaganda photo .
Not all cops , though .
*rolls eyes* CBS News reports that the National Fraternal Order of Police posted a photo to their Facebook page of a police officer holding a Black boy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ This child was lost during the violent riots in Philadelphia , wandering around barefoot in an area that was experiencing complete lawlessness .
The only thing this Philadelphia police officer cared about in that moment was protecting this child.
” As you can imagine , that caption was a whole- ass lie , and the union released a statement saying they took down the post due to “ conflicting accounts of the circumstances under which the child came to be assisted by the officer.
” If you ’ re unaware , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests following the shooting death of Walter Wallace Jr. by Philadelphia police .
The child pictured is the son of 28-year-old Rickia Young .
Young was driving in an SUV when she was confronted by Philadelphia police officers .
Video of the true circumstances went viral and paints an entirely different picture than the one by the NFOP .
A video of the incident appears to show the boy and his mother being pulled from their vehicle and being separated .
The clip then appears to show the woman being assaulted by officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thomas O. Fitzpatrick , who are representing Young in a civil case , both called out the union .
Ross tweeted the photo is “ a lie.
” “ The only thing that could make what they did out there on that night any more reprehensible than what it already was , was how they followed it up by attempting to use it as some type of propaganda and spin it in through some type of positive thing for for the police department , ” Fitzpatrick told CBS News .
A short clip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swarming an SUV and hitting it with weapons .
The video shows officers dragging the driver , who Fitzpatrick identified as Young , out of the vehicle and beating her .
The boy is also seen carried out of the vehicle .
Young was detained , released without charges , and reunited with her son that same night .
According to Fitzpatrick , both Young and her son suffered physical injuries from the attack , though he said the “ emotional trauma of it all ” would be “ a much longer process.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ News in a statement that the incident is currently being investigated by the Internal Affairs Unit .

If the events of the current year haven’t driven the point home, cops are fucking trash. They’re also fucking liars. The latest instance of cops being trash-ass liars occurred in Philadelphia, where cops yanked a Black woman out of her car, attacked her, and then used her son in what was basically a propaganda photo.
Not all cops, though. *rolls eyes*
CBS News reports that the National Fraternal Order of Police posted a photo to their Facebook page of a police officer holding a Black boy in her arms with a caption that read: “This child was lost during the violent riots in Philadelphia, wandering around barefoot in an area that was experiencing complete lawlessness. The only thing this Philadelphia police officer cared about in that moment was protecting this child.”
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As you can imagine, that caption was a whole- ass lie, and the union released a statement saying they took down the post due to “conflicting accounts of the circumstances under which the child came to be assisted by the officer.”
If you’re unaware, Philadelphia has been the site of multiple protests following the shooting death of Walter Wallace Jr. by Philadelphia police.
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The child pictured is the son of 28-year-old Rickia Young. Young was driving in an SUV when she was confronted by Philadelphia police officers. Video of the true circumstances went viral and paints an entirely different picture than the one by the NFOP.
From CBS News:
A video of the incident appears to show the boy and his mother being pulled from their vehicle and being separated. The clip then appears to show the woman being assaulted by officers. Attorneys Riley H. Ross III and Thomas O. Fitzpatrick, who are representing Young in a civil case, both called out the union. Ross tweeted the photo is “a lie.” “The only thing that could make what they did out there on that night any more reprehensible than what it already was, was how they followed it up by attempting to use it as some type of propaganda and spin it in through some type of positive thing for for the police department,” Fitzpatrick told CBS News. A short clip taken from a nearby building showed officers swarming an SUV and hitting it with weapons. The video shows officers dragging the driver, who Fitzpatrick identified as Young, out of the vehicle and beating her. The boy is also seen carried out of the vehicle.
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Young was detained, released without charges, and reunited with her son that same night. According to Fitzpatrick, both Young and her son suffered physical injuries from the attack, though he said the “emotional trauma of it all” would be “a much longer process.”
The Philadelphia Police Department told CBS News in a statement that the incident is currently being investigated by the Internal Affairs Unit.


theroot--2020-10-30--Pack It All up in the Best Fanny Packs, According To Reviewers

Fanny packs have seen a resurgence over the past few years , and for good reason : they ’ re a fun way to add a bit of pop to your fits , while adding some often much-needed storage space for those extra trinkets that won ’ t fit in your pockets .
From the old-fashioned packs you strap around your waist to newer models meant for slinging across your chest , there ’ s plenty of fanny packs to choose from , suiting every functional and fashionable need .
After combing through reviews of Amazon ’ s most popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few of my favorites , here are the best fanny packs you can get right now .
For the best mixture of style and function , I like Dagne Dover ’ s Ace Fanny Pack .
Its cushiony appearance might be offputting—I wasn ’ t a fan at first—but it grows on you , and it ’ s the most suitable for outfits ranging from your lazy day sweats and hoodie to a good pair of jeans and a nice jacket .
Dagne Dover ’ s standard range of colors offers plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partial to Dune ’ s washed-out pink look .
It ’ s not just pretty , though .
It ’ s my favorite fanny pack , thanks to its neoprene exterior , which keeps all my trinkets dry when the weather ’ s harsh .
It even packs pockets inside and on the back to keep things tidy .
A clip hangs onto your keys if you ’ re prone to losing them in your mangled cords and loose receipts .
Its strap , though somewhat wide , keeps the pack secure on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rides and long walks .
There ’ s plenty of space , too , with enough room to house my iPhone 11 Pro , Kindle Paperwhite , and daily essentials like my wallet and keys .
At $ 85 , it ’ s not the cheapest pack you can get , but if you ’ re devoted in the hip-pack lifestyle , the Ace Fanny Pack is a welcome , and comfy , addition to your wardrobe .
If you need a no-fuss fanny pack that ’ ll cover your essentials without drawing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like JanSport ’ s Fifth Avenue pack .
It has the same classic JanSport look middle schoolers in the early aughts came to recognize every first day of school and covers all the basics of a good fanny pack without a hefty price tag .
A pouch on the front is perfect for storing tiny things , like a pen or chapstick , and a main compartment that ’ ll house your essentials , but not much more .
So things—like your phone , smaller wallets , a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but your Kindle and camera may need to stay behind .
It usually sells around $ 25 , well below the Ace , and comes in plenty of colors to suit your style .
With 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon , it ’ s among one of the top fanny packs available on Amazon , and JanSport ’ s gear is solid enough to keep the pack in your rotation for years to come .
Maybe you ’ d rather nobody see your new pack strapped across your waist .
Fanny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it ’ s fine , there ’ s nothing wrong with subtlety .
Where Dagne Dover ’ s pack makes a statement through its bold materials and color options , Fjallraven ’ s hip pack focuses on keeping your stash secure without making too much of a fuss .
It ’ s waterproof , so like the Ace your stuff should be safe from splashes , and can be worn around your waist or cross-body .
It ’ s currently sitting at 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as ability to store even things like sippy cups for parents whose hands are always too full .
If you ’ d rather ditch the Dagne Dover ’ sfashion-forward design and go all-in on function before your next bike ride , you should get the Road Runner Lil Guy mini pack .
It isn ’ t as cushiony as the Dagne , and the colors aren ’ t as exciting , but Road Runner makes excellent bags for outdoor use .
I take the Lil Guy with me on any bike ride that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Though it ’ s technically a fanny pack , I ’ ve found it works best as a cross-body bag , especially if you ’ re using its included loops to house your bike lock .
It ’ s a handy feature that I ’ ve come to rely on , but if you ’ re not careful , or if your lock is too long , it can get a bit uncomfortable .
That aside , there ’ s enough room to hold everything the Dagne can , plus a portable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency .
For the avid or aspiring cyclist , the Lil Guy makes a great pal .

Jordan McMahon on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Top Product: WATERFLY Waist Bag with Water Bottle Holder | $23 | Amazon
Fanny packs have crept up back in style over the last few years and for a good reason. They’re fun, functional, and can tie together any outfit. For men and women alike, these packs add create much-needed storage space for those belongings that won’t fit in your pockets.
From waist packs to sling packs, there are plenty of bags to choose from, depending on your needs and sense of style.
After combing through reviews of multiple online retailers, we’ve compiled a list of the best fanny packs that you can get right now.
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Made from premium water-resistant nylon, the Zorfin Fanny Pack is a beautiful bag that is durable, anti-abrasion, and guaranteed to protect your belongings from rain. The flexible strap features a strong and reliable buckle that allows shoppers to wear the bag in an array of different styles, including over the shoulder, under the arm, and around the waist. As a bonus, this bag comes with four pockets and three compartments for maximum storage capacity.
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Banking waterproof fanny packs in your wardrobe is a great idea, especially if you’re going on vacation somewhere tropical.
Riptide Water Resistant 2-Pack Fanny Packs are lightweight with durable, triple seal protection to ensure that you’re belongings stay safe as you’re swimming. These packs’ transparent design makes it easy to keep track of your belongings. Plus, the polymer material is touchscreen compatible, so you can still take photos by the pool.
Whether you’re on a rainy, outdoor adventure or taking a sim, these pouches will keep your belongings safe and dry.
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Use the promo code SHOP for 20% off
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L ooking for a fusion of contemporary style and genuine leather ? Search no further than t he Mancini Men’s Slim Waist Bag. This item features two zippered pockets, an adjustable waist strap, and the main compartment with a flap for maximum storage potential.
This product also comes with a limited one-year warranty in case there are any hiccups. Plus, it even comes in the color black.
Right now, this bag qualifies fo r an additional 20% off by using the promo code SHOP.
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Looking to combine style and versatility in one bag? Look no further! This adjustable hip pack has the signature Kanken that’s timeless. This bag is durable, made from dirt- and water-resistant Vinylon F fabric that easily wipes clean. It has a zippered main compartment, a sleeve pocket, and a key clip to fit all of your organizational needs. It’s perfect for traveling to the city or the great outdoors. Take your pick!
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Don’t you hate going on a hike and forgetting to take your water bottle? Me too! Well, it’s time to cash in on a compact bag that comes with a stable water bottle holder that will keep your beverage safe while exercising. The Waterfly Fanny Pack. This product sits comfortably around your waist with a buckle closure that can be easily fastened and released. It’s also super breathable and comes with reflective strips, so you can see it in the dark!
This story was originally published by Jordan McMahon on 10/30/2020 and updated with new information by Juliana Clark on 07/29/2021.


theroot--2020-10-30--More Spooky-Ass Games at Spooky-Ass Prices Because It’s Halloween Eve, Baybee

Wooooo !
Ya boy is going full Ric Flair because it ’ s mother , fucking , Halloween bay-beeeeeeee !
I mean , what ’ s not to like ?
There ’ s spooky costumes , mad candy goes on sale , countless great movies ... did I mention sale candy , fun parties , and , perhaps most importantly : sale candy .
Now , as a result of the ongoing pandemic , the fun parties part is out of the equation—unless , that is , you ’ re trying to make the following two weeks fear-inducing , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , why not play video games ?
Today ’ s list will be exclusively composed of horror bangers available across multiple platforms , so let ’ s get into it .
I remember being 16 and playing the first Dead Space .
I was alone , in my room , and I was fucking terrified .
Two years later , I found myself alone , in my room , even more terrified but also delighted that Dead Space 2 managed to outdo the original .
The story of the first game follows Isaac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the starship Kellion to answer a distress call sent by his girlfriend , Nicole , who is stationed on the starship Ishimura .
Once they arrive , they find that alien necromorphs have killed almost all of the crew , and they kill a good chunk of the Kellion ’ s crew upon arrival as well .
As Isaac ventures through the Ishimura to try and find a way to escape , he learns more about the Ishimura ’ s true mission and the presence of the necromorphs .
The sequel is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trauma endured in the first game while also trying to , uh , stop some shit from happening .
Dead Space 2 is a sequel-ass sequel , in that it ’ s directly about the aftermath of the first game , so if you haven ’ t played the first , I ’ m not trying to spoil the second .
The Dead Space series clearly takes inspiration from Alien with its futuristic setting , but the story and designs for both the technology and monsters are entirely its own .
The game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immersive experience , with all essential information being displayed through in-game holographic displays , not a traditional Heads-Up Display .
If you missed these games when they originally came out , or just haven ’ t revisited them in a while , why not give them a run-through this weekend ?
I mean , you can cop both for under 10 bucks .
Avoid Dead Space 3 , though .
You don ’ t need that kind of disappointment in your life .
Dead By Daylight- Free on Xbox Game Pass , $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bummed that you and your crew can ’ t get together to celebrate spooky season , why not give Dead by Daylight a go ?
The game is an asymmetrical multiplayer game where one player is tasked as a killer , and four others are put in the role of survivors .
The survivors can ’ t physically fight the killer , and must use obstacles in the environment to avoid the killer while activating a series of power generators to escape the area .
The killer is tasked with bodying everybody and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ritual sacrifice .
So , you know , fun for the whole family .
The game is simple but incredibly effective , and multiple DLC packs allow you to play as horror icons such as Leatherface , Pyramid Head from Silent Hill , and Ghost Face from Scream .
I guess you could say , this game lets you be a real Ghost Face Killer .
Get it ?
What ’ s that ?
It ’ s corny and you want me to eat a— Well .
No need to be rude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next game .
Or , games , in this case .
If you ever wanted to get into the Castlevania series , now would probably be the perfect time .
Straight up , the Castlevania games have never really been my jam .
They ’ re hard , elaborate , and dammit , I just don ’ t have the patience or skill those games take .
They ’ re classics for a reason , and the gothic horror settings of the series make them perfect for making a nice hot drink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just vibing in Dracula ’ s castle .
The games are known for their sprawling and elaborate level design which requires precise platforming , a smart approach to combat , and an incredible amount of backtracking .
The commonly held high point of the series , Symphony of the Night , is currently only $ 5 on Xbox .
So if you want to play a critically acclaimed , gothic horror masterpiece without breaking the bank , there ya go .
Ghostbusters : The Video Game- Remastered : Free on the Epic Games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Video Game filed under “ games that are way too good for what they are ” for the last decade .
Thankfully , the remaster released last year has kept it there .
While it didn ’ t make any real quality-of-life improvements to modernize the game , the core gameplay is still a fun romp .
With an original story written by Harold Ramis and Dan Akroyd , and the entire original cast returning to voice the characters , this is , in my opinion , the official Ghostbusters 3 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ why people keep asking for Ghostbusters 3 when it ’ s been here .
You just play it instead of watching it , this time .
The game is currently available to PC gamers for free on the Epic Games Store this weekend .
It ’ s also on sale on Xbox for $ 7.49 and available at its regular price of $ 29.99 on PSN .
So no matter what you play it on , it shouldn ’ t break the bank .
This was a bit of a longer list but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Steam , the Epic Games Store , Xbox , and Playstation all currently have some solid list of spooky games on sale .
Got any personal horror faves ?
Leave them in the comments !
As always , stay safe , watch Blade II , keep the vibes spooky , and play more video games .

Wooooo! Ya boy is going full Ric Flair because it’s mother, fucking, Halloween bay-beeeeeeee!
I mean, what’s not to like? There’s spooky costumes, mad candy goes on sale, countless great movies...did I mention sale candy, fun parties, and, perhaps most importantly: sale candy.
Advertisement
Now, as a result of the ongoing pandemic, the fun parties part is out of the equation—unless, that is, you’re trying to make the following two weeks fear-inducing, as well. So, instead of partying, why not play video games?
Today’s list will be exclusively composed of horror bangers available across multiple platforms, so let’s get into it.
Advertisement Advertisement
Dead Space 1&2: $3.74-$4.99 (Xbox One)
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I remember being 16 and playing the first Dead Space. I was alone, in my room, and I was fucking terrified. Two years later, I found myself alone, in my room, even more terrified but also delighted that Dead Space 2 managed to outdo the original.
The story of the first game follows Isaac, an engineer who joins the crew of the starship Kellion to answer a distress call sent by his girlfriend, Nicole, who is stationed on the starship Ishimura. Once they arrive, they find that alien necromorphs have killed almost all of the crew, and they kill a good chunk of the Kellion’s crew upon arrival as well. As Isaac ventures through the Ishimura to try and find a way to escape, he learns more about the Ishimura’s true mission and the presence of the necromorphs.
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The sequel is about Isaac trying to navigate the psychological trauma endured in the first game while also trying to, uh, stop some shit from happening. Dead Space 2 is a sequel-ass sequel, in that it’s directly about the aftermath of the first game, so if you haven’t played the first, I’m not trying to spoil the second.
The Dead Space series clearly takes inspiration from Alien with its futuristic setting, but the story and designs for both the technology and monsters are entirely its own. The game’s innovative design creates a fully immersive experience, with all essential information being displayed through in-game holographic displays, not a traditional Heads-Up Display.
Advertisement
If you missed these games when they originally came out, or just haven’t revisited them in a while, why not give them a run-through this weekend? I mean, you can cop both for under 10 bucks.
Avoid Dead Space 3, though. You don’t need that kind of disappointment in your life.
Advertisement
Dead By Daylight- Free on Xbox Game Pass, $11.99 on PS4
Advertisement
If you’re bummed that you and your crew can’t get together to celebrate spooky season, why not give Dead by Daylight a go? The game is an asymmetrical multiplayer game where one player is tasked as a killer, and four others are put in the role of survivors. The survivors can’t physically fight the killer, and must use obstacles in the environment to avoid the killer while activating a series of power generators to escape the area.
The killer is tasked with bodying everybody and putting their bodies on hooks to start a ritual sacrifice. So, you know, fun for the whole family.
Advertisement
The game is simple but incredibly effective, and multiple DLC packs allow you to play as horror icons such as Leatherface, Pyramid Head from Silent Hill, and Ghost Face from Scream.
I guess you could say, this game lets you be a real Ghost Face Killer.
Get it? What’s that? It’s corny and you want me to eat a—
Well. No need to be rude.
Let’s move on to the next game. Or, games, in this case.
The Castlevania Series- $6.59-$9.99 (Xbox One)
Advertisement
If you ever wanted to get into the Castlevania series, now would probably be the perfect time. Straight up, the Castlevania games have never really been my jam. They’re hard, elaborate, and dammit, I just don’t have the patience or skill those games take.
But!
They’re classics for a reason, and the gothic horror settings of the series make them perfect for making a nice hot drink, maybe rolling something up, and just vibing in Dracula’s castle.
Advertisement
The games are known for their sprawling and elaborate level design which requires precise platforming, a smart approach to combat, and an incredible amount of backtracking. The commonly held high point of the series, Symphony of the Night, is currently only $5 on Xbox.
So if you want to play a critically acclaimed, gothic horror masterpiece without breaking the bank, there ya go.
Advertisement
Ghostbusters: The Video Game- Remastered: Free on the Epic Games Store
Advertisement
I’ve had Ghostbusters: The Video Game filed under “games that are way too good for what they are” for the last decade. Thankfully, the remaster released last year has kept it there.
While it didn’t make any real quality-of-life improvements to modernize the game, the core gameplay is still a fun romp. With an original story written by Harold Ramis and Dan Akroyd, and the entire original cast returning to voice the characters, this is, in my opinion, the official Ghostbusters 3.
Advertisement
Like, I don’t get why people keep asking for Ghostbusters 3 when it’s been here. You just play it instead of watching it, this time.
The game is currently available to PC gamers for free on the Epic Games Store this weekend. It’s also on sale on Xbox for $7.49 and available at its regular price of $29.99 on PSN. So no matter what you play it on, it shouldn’t break the bank.
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This was a bit of a longer list but dammit, it really could be longer. Steam, the Epic Games Store, Xbox, and Playstation all currently have some solid list of spooky games on sale. Got any personal horror faves? Leave them in the comments!
As always, stay safe, watch Blade II, keep the vibes spooky, and play more video games.


theroot--2020-10-30--Get an Early Start on Your Black Friday Shopping in Amazon’s Holiday Dash Sale

Prime Day might be done , but the savings haven ’ t stopped .
Amazon ’ s Holiday Dash sale collects all sorts of bargains from across the site , from headphones to smartphones , toys , candy , DNA tests , and plenty more .
Each day brings new deals , and we ’ ll be updating this space daily to bring you the best of the sales in the weeks ahead .
Whether you ’ re starting your holiday shopping early or just want to keep an eye out for serious savings , be sure to check back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Marvel Toys , Games , Apparel If you ’ ve got Marvel fans in the house , then you ’ ll definitely want to scope out this Holiday Dash deal .
Amazon has a bunch of Marvel Comics stuff , including action figures , board games , collectible pins , licensed watches , and apparel for as much as 55 % off right now .
We ’ ve picked a few standout options below , but be sure to browse the full sale .
Save $ 50 off the price of Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now .
They have a redesigned fit and rubberized tips for added comfort , and pack fuller sound alongside active noise canceling smarts .
The case is also wirelessly chargeable , making it easy to toss it on a charging pad to ensure your ‘ Pods are always ready to rock .
If you need a couple new sets of sheets to ensure a cozy winter wrapped up in bed , Amazon ’ s own line of microfiber sheets is on sale across the board today .
Amazon has numerous styles available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combo is in stock , and they range from $ 10 to $ 19 depending on size .
Be sure to browse through all of the options !
Looking for a serious clean for your teeth ?
Right now , Amazon has this Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7500 Electric Toothbrush for $ 30 off the list price .
Available in black , white , and pink versions , this feature-rich tooth-scrubber has a pressure sensor that alerts you if you ’ re brushing too hard , plus it syncs via Bluetooth to a smartphone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ habits .
Looking for a no-contact thermometer ?
FACEIL ’ s infrared forehead thermometer is just $ 17 at Amazon right now , a savings of $ 9 .
This handy device measures someone ’ s temperature at a distance of a few centimeters or less , delivering an near-instant reading for adults , kids , and infants alike .
Most new TVs these days have streaming apps built into them , but if you don ’ t have a Smart TV and just want a really easy , affordable way to upgrade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a pretty perfect option .
It just plugs right into an HDMI port and gives you access to Netflix , Hulu , Disney+ , and Amazon ’ s own offerings , of course , along with plenty more .
It ’ s 40 % off right now .
Save $ 80 right now on the Amazon Echo Show ( 2nd Gen ) , an Alexa-powered smart screen and speaker that can be a handy companion around your home .
Whether used in the kitchen as a screen for recipes or watching streaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room for video calls , streaming music , or smart home gadget controls , it ’ s a versatile device .
Save $ 21 right now on Amazon ’ s compact Echo Dot , one of the easiest and most affordable ways to bring the Alexa voice assistant into your home .
With Alexa and the Echo Dot , you can call up tunes from various streaming services , control smart home gadgets , ask a wide array of questions , and plenty more .
This small Wi-Fi speaker is an ideal way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , and the other perks are just the cherry on top .
If you ’ re willing to invest a bit more cash , an OLED TV can seriously impress with its deeper black levels and dazzling contrast over typical LCD sets .
This LG CX 55 ” 4K HDR set is an excellent option , and right now it ’ s down to $ 1,397 on Amazon—a 30 % savings .
Save nearly half-off the regular price of Bio Bidet ’ s SlimEdge toilet attachment , which easily hooks up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding rear-end spitzing capabilities with minimal fuss .
Save on toilet paper and get a more refreshing finish by adding a bidet attachment to your toilet .
Save Up to 40 % off Le Creuset Cookware Le Creuset ’ s cast iron cookware and stoneware is serious business and it commands serious prices , as well .
Luckily , Amazon has a bunch of it on deep discount right now , including 40 % off of an Enameled Cast Iron Signature Sauteuse Oven , now $ 180 , plus a cast iron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 stoneware salt and pepper shakers .

Andrew Hayward on Roundups, shared by Gabe Carey to The Root

Black Friday weekend hit a little different this year, and for your sake and everyone’s, we hope you did all of your deals shopping online. Luckily, retailers far and wide served up fantastic deals all weekend long, and they’re not stopping.
We’ve seen loads of great Cyber Monday deals, ranging from cheap earbuds and bath towels to PS4 games, cookware, apparel, cosmetics, and more. Here are some of the best deals around right now, updated daily through the rest of this weekend to bring even more can’t-miss bargains.
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This isn’t a deal in terms of price, but if you’re still looking to secure a Nintendo Switch before Christmas, Amazon has the standard console with red and blue Joy-Con controllers up for grabs at $300. It’s currently listed as being in stock on December 15 as of this writing, although that’s sure to change as people snap ‘em up.
Meanwhile, Best Buy has the newly-announced Fortnite Wildcat Bundle in stock, which comes with a specially-branded console along with the free-to-play game pre-downloaded on the system, plus 2,000 V-Bucks and exclusive in-game content. That’s also $300. And lastly, it won’t ship until January, but Amazon also has the adorable Animal Crossing-themed Switch console available for purchase at regular price.
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Amazon has a big Cyber Monday sale on smartphones that includes models from a variety of brands and is mostly focused on budget-friendly hardware. But there are a few big discounts on flagship phones here, too.
Standouts include the new OnePlus 8T for $630, a $120 savings from the list price, as well as the higher-end OnePlus 8 Pro for $750—that’s $250 off. Other bargains include the Moto G Power for $175, Google Pixel 3a XL for $299, and even a Tracfone Apple iPhone 7 for $130. Check out the full deal listing for several sub-$100 phones, as well.
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Got a Nintendo Switch or is someone you love getting it as a holiday gift? If you haven’t already played Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario Party, they’re two of the must-play multiplayer gems on the console. And right now, Target is slashing $40 off the combined price for these hits with this discounted bundle. Now that’s a heck of a deal.
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JACHS NY dropped prices up to 70% off for Black Friday, but the deals are even more serious for Cyber Monday, with items now up to 90% off without a coupon or code. JACHS NY primarily specializes in men’s apparel and accessories, but also has a handful of women’s pieces in the mix. Whether you’re looking to stock up for winter or grab some cheap bargains for the rest of the year, now’s the time to save big.
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Clip coupon and use code D3O7SXCN at checkout
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Looking for affordable wireless earbuds that won’t break the bank? You won’t find a much better deal than Mpow’s M5 wireless earbuds for just $30 at Amazon right now. This deal is exclusively for Prime members, mind you, and you’ll have to clip the coupon and use code D3O7SXCN at checkout. These earbuds have a strong 4.4-star rating at Amazon and deliver up to 6 hours of battery life per charge, with an additional 36 hours of charge available in the case.
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If you grew up in a certain era (say, the early-to-mid ‘90s), then you might remember these classic Tiger Electronics handheld video games. They were cheap, featured great licenses, and were a fun way to kill some time. Well, they’re back: these X-Men and Transformers games have been revived exactly as they were back when, and right now they’re $10 each at Amazon. Stuff one of these in a nostalgic fan’s stocking.
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If your dull blades aren’t slicing through proteins like butter these days, then it might be time for a kitchen upgrade. Luckily, Macy’s has these color-coded Cuisinart knives for just $15 right now, a savings of $25. You get five stainless steel blades here, each with a cover for safe storage, ranging from a lil’ 3.5” paring knife up to an 8” chef’s knife.
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Get your game on from essentially anywhere with the Acer Nitro 5, a notebook primed for high-quality PC gaming. This portable beast has an Intel Core i5 chip alongside a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, plus the 15.6” screen has a smooth 144Hz refresh rate and there’s a hefty 1TB hard drive here and a speedy 256GB SSD alongside too. It’s $300 off the list price at Walmart right now.
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If it’s high time to upgrade your entertainment center, especially ahead of the long winter ahead, then scope out this massive deal on a massive Samsung 4K TV from Best Buy. Right now, you can save $600 off the list price of this 82” Class 8 set, which will look super crisp in Ultra HD glory. Whether paired with a new game console or even just for streaming Netflix, it’s bound to be a beauty. Just make sure you have something large enough to hold it!
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Apple’s latest Macs are powered by its own brand new M1 chips, which are shockingly more powerful than the old Intel-driven models. Amazingly, you can already save $100 off the list price of either the base 256GB or larger 512GB models of the super-thin MacBook Air, which are now $899 and $1,149 respectively at Adorama. They’re significantly more powerful than the old Air laptops, making them more capable options for content creation.
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Clip coupon and use promo code KINGSO456G at checkout
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If your old artificial tree isn’t looking the part anymore, or if you’re finally ready to be done with buying a real tree each year, KingSo is offering discounts on fake Christmas trees at Amazon. A 7.5-foot tree is $60 when you clip the coupon on the page and use promo code KINGSO456G at checkout. A snow-flecked version of the same tree comes out to $72 when you clip the coupon and put in the same code.
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AirPods-like wireless earbuds don’t have to break the bank or even stress your wallet much at all. Amazon has these Boltune wireless earbuds for $26 right now, a savings of $14 from the already-low list price. They have a 4.5-star rating from Amazon customers and provide about 4 hours of playback per charge, with another 34 hours’ worth of charges available in the case.
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Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is an incredible value, delivering 100+ playable games for Xbox One/Series X/Series S and PC players, including all of the company’s own big first-party games and lots of other gems large and small. It’s usually $15 a month, which includes an Xbox Live Gold subscription, but right now Target is offering a three-month subscription card for a mere $20. Check it out now if you haven’t, or add extra time to keep gaming through the winter.
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If you need a cheap and easy way to transform a “dumb” TV into a smart one, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick Lite can do the trick. This tiny lil’ stick plugs right into an HDMI port and provides easy access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon’s own video offerings. It comes with a remote, too, and is marked down 40% to just $18 right now.
Looking for something that can hit 4K resolution? The Fire TV Stick 4K is also 40% off at $30 today.
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Home ownership may seem forever out of reach for some of us, but right now you can bestow such a wondrous gift on your feline friend(s) for a mere $39 from Chewy. FRISCO’s 33” faux fur cat tree and condo has a couple of cubbies, a big laying platform at the top, and a dangly ball to bat around. The full savings will show up in your cart.
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Paper Mario: The Origami King was one of the standout releases in a relatively quiet year for the Nintendo Switch, so if you didn’t check it out earlier in 2020, now’s the time to dive in. This role-playing adventure is currently $10 off at Amazon—a rare discount indeed.
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If you have a die-hard Dragon Ball fan on your list, then you can ensure an enormous grin on their face this holiday with the Dragon Ball Z Complete Box Set. Currently half off the list price from Amazon, this set comes with 26 (!) paperback books that tell the entire saga—and thankfully without the added filler of the anime adaptation.
Clip the coupon on the page
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If sitting all the time at your home desk isn’t doing any favors for your back, then you might want to consider upgrading to a standing desk. Flexispot’s adjustable desk converts from sitting to standing heights with the simple buttons, and right now Amazon is slashing $100 off the list price. Reap the potential health benefits with this affordable standing setup. Just clip the coupon on the page to snag the savings.
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If you need a beautiful new screen for your stay-at-home cinematic exploits, check out this Sony X800H 65-inch 4K HDR set. This LED display is sure to be a stunner, and would undoubtedly pair well with the new PlayStation 5… or Xbox Series X or S, even. Save $202 at Amazon.
Clip the coupon on the page
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Looking for one of those infrared thermometers that scans someone’s temperature without actually touching their forehead? You’re in luck: Amazon has iHealth’s forehead thermometer for just $20 , a 6 0% savings over the list price, when you clip the coupon.
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Some might scoff at the idea of an adult cruising around on an electric scooter, but we bet you’d feel pretty boss roaming around town on this thing. Segway’s Ninebot ES4 electric kick scooter is a premium model and priced accordingly, but right now it’s $270 off the list price — that’s just $500 at Amazon right now.
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If you’ve been curious about Apple’s famed wireless earbuds but didn’t want to pay full price, here’s your chance: Amazon has the AirPods for just $110 right now. That’s a $49 savings off the regular list price. Or you can snag the version with a wirelessly-chargeable case for $140, which is $59 off list. In either case, you get compact ‘buds that charge within the case, pair easily with iOS devices and Macs (but work with others too), and last up to 5 hours per charge.
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Snag one of the season’s hottest new video games for the adventurer in your family. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla shifts the action to the Viking conquest of England, with dazzling terrain, brutal action, and captivating storytelling. Right now, you can save $10 off the list price on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or Xbox (works on Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One) at Amazon.
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If you’re looking to bring the Amazon Alexa voice assistant into your home, whether it’s for the first time or you’re expanding into new rooms and spaces, now’s the time. Amazon is offering up to 60% off various models, including $30 off the brand new globe-shaped Echo, $21 off the smaller new Echo Dot, and half-off the screen packing Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8.
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Right now is a rough time for spotty home Wi-Fi connectivity, especially for those of us working from home and doubly so for those of us with kids doing remote learning. If your old Wi-Fi router isn’t cutting it anymore, consider an Eero mesh router. These handy whole-home systems use multiple access points to blanket your entire space with seamless, smooth internet access. Right now, Amazon has multiple sets and devices for 20% off the list price.
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Snag the heart of your next gaming rig with this 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900K Coffee Lake processor, which is marked down $230 right now from the original list price at Newegg. Along with a powerful chip for your new desktop, you’ll also get an Intel software bundle—valued at $150—which has creativity and productivity tools alongside some in-game goodies for titles like Fortnite and Auto Chess.
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Rev up your next quiet afternoon or evening with a LEGO Speed Champions building kit. These officially-licensed sets let you create blocky recreations of iconic sports cars and other rides, including the McLaren Senna, Ferrari F40 Competizione, and Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0, along with many others, and several sets are marked down 20% right now at Amazon.
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If you need a better streaming solution for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or any of your other favorite services, why not snag a Roku? The company’s most popular devices are on sale right now, with the Roku Ultra down to $69 (from $100), the Roku Streaming Stick+ for just $30 (down from $50), and the Roku Premiere for $24 (usually $40). They all have 4K video support, but otherwise have various features.
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Use code SUPERSALE at checkout
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The Always Pan is a recent cookware sensation: a well-designed, attractive, multi-function ceramic non-stick pan that can potentially replace all of the old pots and pans in your kitchen. Whether braising, steaming, frying, boiling, and more, it’s a super-handy addition that includes a modular lid, steaming basket and colander, easy-pour spouts, and beech wood spatula with a built-in rest. It’s not cheap, but right now you can save $50 off the list price directly from Our Place with the promo code SUPERSALE. Some color options won’t ship until late December, however, so be sure to check if you need it sooner.
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Secure virtual private network (VPN) service into early 2023 with this great NordVPN Black Friday bargain. You’ll save 68% off the regular price for two years of service, and then they’ll toss in another three free months on top of that. All told, you’ll get 27 months of VPN service for just $89 right now, and the popular provider has 5,400+ global servers to connect through and lets you use up to six simultaneous devices.
Use promo code 4STUDENT at checkout + mail-in rebate
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Save $300 total off of a powerful MSI GL75 Leopard 17.3-inch gaming laptop at Newegg right now with this promotion. This beast has a 10th-gen Intel Core i7 chip with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card, 16GB RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and 512GB SSD. There’s $100 instant savings and the promo code 4STUDENT will knock another $100 off, and then the last $100 savings comes via a mail-in rebate (don’t forget!).