Big Easy Movie Revews: The Craft: Legacy - Big Easy Magazine

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Is The Craft: Legacy a new cult classic or does it have a premise that’s light as a feather and a plot that’s stiff as a board?

“Ya’ll witches ready?”

Right on time for Halloween comes the new Craft film (hereafter simply known as Legacy). The original film, The Craft, which came out 24 years ago, did relatively well at the box office and despite rather poor reviews, soon became a cult classic. With that said, Legacy has a lot to live up to.

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The story begins with three young witches sitting in a dimly lit room. Lourdes (Zoey Luna), Tabby (Lovie Simone), and Frankie (Gideon Adlon) call to the spirits of earth, fire, and air, North, South, and East. But one person is missing from their coven, water, also known as West. Without their West, there’s no way they can do their time-freezing spell. So, despite their attempts, and using what looks like a book you can pick up at your local Barnes and Noble, they fail. But being the outcasts in high school, no one else wants to join their coven. Besides, no one else seems to carry magic anyway.

Enter Lilly (Cailee Spaeny). Along with her mother Helen, she has moved far from their home to reside with Helen’s boyfriend Adam (played by the “he’s still got it,” David Duchovny) a men’s empowerment motivational speaker. Lilly, who was friendless in her previous town, doesn’t expect to make any new friends.

On her first day of class, Lilly menstruates so heavily that it soaks through her clothes, even dripping onto the floor, to the mockery of the class bully, Timmy (Nicholas Galitzine) who compares it to a crime scene.

Lilly flees the classroom and hides, crying, in a restroom stall until the coven approaches her with a pair of gym shorts. They all quickly become fast friends, especially after she throws Timmy across a hallway using telekinesis and speaks to her new friends using telepathy.

From there, the story really takes off. Now that the girls have their fourth, they begin to excel at magic, using it for fun, using it for what they think are morally sound reasons.

“If we get to stage 4, I’m low key turning myself into Kristen Stewart.”

Legacy has several things going for it, with the major players being primarily women, including writer/director Zoe Lister-Jones. It exudes female empowerment and the assaults on that empowerment throughout the movie. If you’re into woke magic, Legacy will provide it in spades.

But Legacy comes with some problems, too. The pacing of the movie is flawed. Despite some attempts at foreshadowing, part of the third act of the film feels disjointed and almost tacked on. I had the sense that the best way to properly understand it, was to see the original Craft, something I’m not going to do again. After all, this is The Craft, not The Godfather series.

In fact, sometimes I forgot I was watching a ($20.00 rental) movie and was instead watching an updated episode of Bewitched—Samantha: the Teenage Years.

The music isn’t bad, but not much of it really stands out as far as the soundtrack is concerned unless you’ve missed Alanis Morrissette.

As far as the acting goes, there is little that stands out. Although David Duchovny reliably manages to make things extremely uncomfortable scene for scene.

“You girls oughta be careful in the woods at night. There’s a lot of weirdos out here.”

“We are the weirdos, Mr.”

This is not to say the film is bad. There’s been a lot of harsh criticism of Legacy out in the review landscape and I just want to say that I disagree. While Legacy is no masterpiece, it is good dumb fun, with the themes being the magic of friendship, girl power, and the heavily emphasized evil of the patriarchy. It works. And unlike the original film, the girls are not punished for exercising their magical ability.

Legacy is unlikely to be a cult classic like the previous film, but I could be wrong. I admit I liked it enough to voluntarily watch it twice, primarily so I could understand anything I missed, but I still enjoyed it on a second viewing. Will I be watching it every Halloween as part of some ritual? No, but if you decide to, there’s no shame in it. I think the same people who enjoyed The Craft will enjoy Legacy as well. Maybe just not as much.

“Blessed be.”

Rating: 3.5/5

The Link Lonk


November 01, 2020 at 06:08AM
https://www.bigeasymagazine.com/2020/10/31/big-easy-movie-revews-the-craft-legacy/

Big Easy Movie Revews: The Craft: Legacy - Big Easy Magazine

https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

'It’s brought a lot of joy': Mesa mom hosts virtual Easy-Bake Oven baking contest - 12news.com KPNX

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An East Valley mom and her family are hosting a quarantine Easy-Bake baking contest with a couple dozen tiny ovens she’s collected during the pandemic.

MESA, Ariz — Making mini versions of cakes or brownies with lightbulb cooking. Sound familiar?   

Chances are you or one of your friends probably owned an Easy-Bake Oven back in the day. It’s a childhood toy many kids looked forward to getting their hands on!  

Well, an East Valley mom and her family are bringing the fun back, hosting a quarantine Easy-Bake baking contest with a couple dozen tiny ovens she’s collected during the pandemic.   

Meet Gina Favela, also known as the “Easy-Bake Oven Queen.”   

“If you would’ve asked me a year ago or tell me a year ago, I was going to have the whole collection of Easy-Bake ovens, I would have laughed and said no, you’re crazy,” she said.  

But now?   

“Now, I have the whole… just about the whole collection,” said Favela.  

After all, she had to do something to pass time during the pandemic.   

“I thought oh my gosh, we have to have like an easy bake zoom party or something,” she said.    

In July, her daughter and sister-in-law came up with a fun idea to have a zoom baking contest for her birthday.  

“But the thing is, we didn’t have Easy-Bakes, because we were past that age quite a bit,” she said.    

MORE LIKE THIS: Scottsdale man donates gifts, money to kids in DCS care

The idea was put on hold when multiple family members and friends contracted COVID.   

 “COVID hit my family really hard,” said Favela. “There were a lot of members in my family that had it… I lost a dear friend and my aunt in July to COVID and so it just wasn’t the right time,” she said.    

But fast forward to fall and the idea resurfaced.   

“After I bought my first one, I couldn’t stop looking,” she said.  

MORE LIKE THIS: 6-year-old's build-your-own airplane business takes off during COVID-19 pandemic

Gina recently learned November 4th is actually National Easy Bake Oven Day!   

“I came across the one that I had as a child and that was the Holly Hobbie version, and so when I had that, it was like game on,” said Favela.    

Since June, she’s purchased almost every model since the 1st 1963 Easy-Bake to the 50th edition, even the recalled hard to find model. About 20 tiny ovens now make up her Easy-Bake collection.

“Mine is run by a lightbulb… one little lightbulb,” said Trish Favela, Gina’s sister-in-law.  

MORE LIKE THIS: Makeup artist turns her talents to body art during coronavirus pandemic

Perfect for that Easy-Bake party contest they’re holding on National Easy-Bake Oven Day virtually.   

“It’s brought a lot of joy,” she said. “It’s been a good distraction," she said. 

While the judges won’t be able to taste test the delectable chocolate cakes since it will be virtual, they will judge on decorations to improvise.  

Gina tells us the winner will get bragging rights and she may even let them pick out one of her Easy-Bake Ovens to take home. 

The Link Lonk


November 01, 2020 at 04:13AM
https://www.12news.com/article/news/community/mesa-mom-hosts-virtual-easy-bake-oven-baking-contest/75-643e8c05-bef3-4f4e-9f70-fc1ef495fff1

'It’s brought a lot of joy': Mesa mom hosts virtual Easy-Bake Oven baking contest - 12news.com KPNX

https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

The best exercise for weight loss and cardio is easy: just cycle up Mount Everest! - T3

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Do you like cycling uphill? If so, you are one of the few people who do. Cycling uphill is hard, to say the least, and it requires an incredible amount of determination, strength and stamina. Having decent cycling gear, such as the best road bikes and best cycling computers, doesn't hurt either.

And if there is one person who knows what it takes to climb the steepest stretches of winding mountain roads is Sean Gardener, the new 'Everesting' world record holder. 'Everesting' is a relatively new sport that requires a cyclist to ride 8,848 vertical meters (the height of Mount Everest) in an under 7-hour time limit.

If you ever tried cycling uphill for longer than a few minutes, you know full well how draining it is. Doing it for hours on end is only possible if you have a plan in place and train the right way. Following Sean's uphill cycling tips might also help, listed below.

Uphill cycling tips from Sean Gardener, new 'Everesting' world record holder

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Plan carefully

It’s worth knowing what you’re getting yourself in for and make sure you choose the right hill for your skill level – Sean recommends starting on roads with a 6-7% incline rate. As you may have guessed, going uphill is the hardest part of cycling so "you need to be very conscious of your climbing ability", says Sean. 

Also, make sure you don't confuse a flat 20-mile ride with a mountainous 20-mile ride. They might look similar on Google Maps the in real life, these routes are very different and the latter will take substantially longer. to make gruelling climbs at least somewhat bearable, Sean says it's best to pick routes with a nice view if you can: "Climbing often takes you to some beautiful locations you wouldn’t normally see so be sure to hit the iconic climbs and take in the view at the top."

Wahoo KICKR CLIMB Grade Simulator | Buy it for £449 at Wiggle
You might not be able to see lovely mountainous areas indoors but you also won't get hit by a car or get rained on, so one can say cycling indoors has its benefits. And if you want to train for incline, you'll need the Wahoo Kickr Climb Grade Simulator. The Climb is capable of recreating inclines up to 20% and declines up to -10%. Compatible with the new Wahoo KICKR and the new KICKR SNAP.View Deal

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Prep your core

We love to preach about core training here on T3. A strong trunk can help you in many ways, from improving your posture to increasing general well-being. And, as it turns out, core training is beneficial for cycling uphill, too. 

Your training should naturally consist of as much cycling as possible, but that shouldn’t be at the expense of other muscles. "Finding the time to focus on core workouts is VERY important", Sean adds. During off-season months, Sean also likes to swim and/or run to maintain his cardio performance and to give his cycling muscles a bit of a rest.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Carb up the night before

As with running a marathon, consuming enough carbohydrates the day before will be key to ensuring your body and muscles have the energy required to complete the uphill challenge. Sean points out that "the night before you definitely don't want to skimp on food but you also don't want to eat so much that you are bloated and feel horrible."

Just like in most other parts in life, fuelling your body the night before big rides is all about balance and finding the middle ground. Sean recommends eating and drinking as much as you can during the ride as you will need all the energy to keep you going. A few of Sean's on-the-bike favourites are Poptarts, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, rice cakes and granola bars.

Supersapiens' energy management system, powered by the Abbott Libre Sensor Glucose Sport Biosensor, can help you 'fuel up' more accurately for races and training. This biosensor can monitor blood glucose levels and provides a live feedback through the Supersapiens app. You can take the guesswork out of fuelling with this handy device.

Keep your goals in mind

Riding uphill is just as much of a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Sean would suggest breaking up the climb into segments, especially for beginner cyclists. "Be aware that you are going so slow that you can really take in every aspect of the climb. Maybe concentrate on making it to the next switchback or the next mailbox", he adds. 

More advanced cyclist could also benefit from this technique. "I think even Tour de France riders are scared from time to time of tackling huge uphills all at once and tend to divide up the climb into segments to make it more manageable", Sean explains.

Make sure your motivation is clearly defined and always keep in mind that once you reached the top of the climb, the only way from there is downhill. "The descent is the biggest reward for making it to the top of the climb", Sean explains, "thinking about the descent will help you have something to hold onto during the tough moments and you can just enjoy coasting all the way back down."

(Image credit: Hammerhead)

Choose your tech wisely (or potentially get lost)

"I always plan my rides with the Karoo", Sean says, "it’s by far the best navigation computer on the market." Most cycling computers are pretty similar in the data they are able to track, they have Bluetooth capabilities and are fairly compact. Big brands such as Garmin and Wahoo offer a wide range of bike computers too.

Sean swears by the mapping feature found on his Karoo: "where the Karoo stands out is their mapping features – you are able to create and plan for complex climbs and uphill routes ahead of time to explore new areas but this even allows you to reroute on the fly if needed." 

But that's not all. "Another one of my favorite features is the ability to input destinations on the fly. So when I’m feeling the bonk coming halfway through my ride, I can type in ‘coffee’ to the Karoo and will plan my route to the nearest coffee shop!", Sean exclaims.

(Image credit: Therabody)

Recover right

Although strenuous uphill rides cause less structural damage to muscles and ligaments than running a marathon, it’s still an incredibly physical challenge. Afterwards it’s pretty common for your energy levels to be pretty low so eat loads and rest to help your muscles recover. Taking some protein can help muscle recovery too.

"Plan for a recovery ride the next day which is effectively a "non training day" that’s meant to be incredibly easy", Sean says, "It actually requires a lot of concentration to go this slow but that is where all the magic happens. Aim for an easy spin that’s less than an hour to regain strength in your legs and boost energy levels."

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The Link Lonk


October 31, 2020 at 08:56PM
https://www.t3.com/us/features/the-best-exercise-for-weight-loss-and-cardio-is-easy-just-cycle-up-mount-everest

The best exercise for weight loss and cardio is easy: just cycle up Mount Everest! - T3

https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Easy Thanksgiving Recipes: 27 Delicious Low-Stress Dishes - Greatist

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From complicated oven configurations to endless prep time to the turkey (that STILL isn’t done), Thanksgiving can be a lot.

But what if there was another way? What if you could throw together a delicious and fulfilling Thanksgiving spread without throwing out your back?

Well, we’re here to say you totally can. We went ahead and gathered a whole menu and more worth of recipes that you can whip up in 30 minutes or less (besides the turkey, that would require magic). Bon appétit!

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu

This spread may be small but it’s all you need to celebrate the bounty of Thanksgiving.

Roasted sweet potatoes

Knocking out the sides in advance gives you more time to handle your protein. These roasted sweet potatoes are super easy to partially cook or reheat prior to your meal.

Get the recipe!

Creamed spinach

An American classic, creamed spinach will add a creamy, rich component to your dinner table. Popeye would approve.

Get the recipe!

Roast turkey breast

The sheet volume of even the smallest whole turkey makes it an ordeal to prep and cook. If you want to cut down on time and still enjoy this Thanksgiving classic, roasting just the breast is a smart move.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to salt the turkey in advance for maximum flavor!

Get the recipe!

Make-ahead cranberry sauce

Avoid leaving the cranberry sauce till the last minute (which always seems to happen for some reason) and make it the day before. Since it’s served chilled, all you need to do is take it out of the fridge.

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Baked Brie

This super easy baked brie is a cheesy and sweet delight for your taste buds. Pair it with some sliced bread, crackers, and apples for a treat.

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Pigs in a blanket

Wrap these little piggies in pre-made croissant dough, pop them in the oven, and serve to all the hungry people. It’s that easy.

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Grilled shrimp

This simple shrimp dish (best marinaded a couple of days in advance to allow the flavors to permeate) goes well with pretty much anything. Grill them on the grill or heat them on the stovetop. Either way will be a hit.

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Prosciutto wrapped asparagus

The best way to prep these mouth-watering puppies is to roll them a day ahead of time so they’re all ready to pop in the oven day-of.

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2-hour turkey

Turkeys can take days to prep and get cooked for the big feast. This recipe gives you a whole moist turkey in just 2 hours.

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Easy roast turkey breast

We dare you to read the ingredients in this simple turkey breast recipe — butter, white wine, lemon, fresh thyme — without fantasizing about taking a bite.

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Roasted Cornish hens

Did you know Cornish hens are actually a small breed of chicken? At 1 to 2 pounds a piece, they’re a fraction of the size of a turkey. This is a great recipe for an intimate Thanksgiving dinner [INSERT THANKSGIVING FOR TWO].

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Deep fried turkey with herbs

Deep frying a turkey can seem daunting. But this recipe keeps it simple and takes you step-by-step. And the crunchy on the outside, super juicy on the inside result, will definitely make it worth it.

Note: Be sure to do this outside and away from eaves, trees, or anything flammable.

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Easy stuffing

It doesn’t get quicker than this no-frills stuffing recipe (It only takes 15 minutes to prep!) Eat it straight off the stovetop or stuff it into a bird for added flavor.

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Simple stuffing

If you always make the same kind of stuffing, try switching it up with this hearty and creative recipe. Sausage, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, and lots of seasonings give this dish all kinds of flavor.

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Vegan stovetop stuffing

Whether you’re throwing a plant-based friendly Thanksgiving this year [INSERT VEGAN THANKSGIVING ARTICLE], or just looking for a simple stuffing recipe, this herb dish should make it onto your menu.

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5-ingredient apple sausage stuffing

The star ingredient chicken apple sausage makes this five-ingredient stuffing taste much more extravagant than it looks. Give it a whirl, you won’t be disappointed.

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Cranberry orange sauce

Add a little juice and zest to your cranberry sauce to balance the bitterness of those fresh cranberries.

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Cornbread muffins

Sweet, sweet cornbread, oh we love thee! Though never in a title role, cornbread is an invaluable sidekick at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Pro tip: Making muffins instead of a whole tray of cornbread takes slicing and plating off of your to-do list.

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Blistered green beans with garlic

Tossed in salt, pepper, garlic, and chili oil, these green beans are “blistered” in the broiler so their skins are a little browned. It’s a great dish for a cold night.

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Roasted Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a classic at Thanksgiving. But they’re easy to mess up. Follow the steps in this foolproof recipe, and you’ll roast them to perfection.

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Easy gravy

A well-made gravy can add so much flavor to your Thanksgiving dinner. This one from Cooking Classy is delish. Make sure you make enough for everyone to top their first and second servings!

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Savory mashed sweet potatoes

This savory mashed sweet potato recipe makes magic with these core ingredients: parley, butter, garlic, and sour cream.

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Easy mashed potatoes

Buttery, creamy, and fluffy, mashed potatoes are the definition of comfort food. Whip these up in just 30 minutes.

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Microwaved mashed potatoes

For even faster mashed potatoes, try this recipe that cooks the potatoes in the microwave.

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Pound cake trifle

Feel free to use whatever fruits you have on hand or find them at your local store to assemble this super-easy trifle.

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Peach hand pies

Making a lattice top for a peach cobbler can be a lengthy process. Give everyone their own individual desserts with this hand pie recipe.

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Easy pumpkin pie

Pumpkin pie usually takes about an hour or more to bake and set. But this recipe gets the job done in just 35 minutes.

Note: You’ll need to buy a pre-made crust.

Get the recipe!

The Link Lonk


October 31, 2020 at 04:04AM
https://greatist.com/eat/recipe/easy-thanksgiving-recipes

Easy Thanksgiving Recipes: 27 Delicious Low-Stress Dishes - Greatist

https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

The pandemic and political atmosphere are making life tough. Voting is still safe and easy. - Sahan Journal

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Telling stories about immigrants and refugees you won’t find anywhere else. Get them in your inbox.

Voting should be easy. But this year, the coronavirus, the political stakes, and shifting guidance for when and how to vote have created extra stress for many voters. The new procedures can be especially challenging for immigrants who don’t speak or read English well, or don’t have access to the internet.

But voting in Minnesota is still safe and easy. It’s just a little different this year than before.

One change will help voters from immigrant and refugee communities. In the past, there was a limit to the number of voters any person could help at the polls. This year, that limit is not in effect. So if you’re the only English speaker in your family and were previously only able to translate for three people, now you can translate for your whole family.

With all the confusion this year, we spoke to Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon to clarify what voters—especially from immigrant and refugee communities—need to know about voting this year.

What’s the most important thing voters should know about how to vote in the next few days?

“The most important thing is for voters to know not to put an absentee ballot in the mail, period,” Simon said. “It’s too risky. Don’t do it.” That’s because of a confusing last-minute federal court decision that indicated ballots that arrive after Election Day might not count toward the total.

You have several alternatives:

-If you have an absentee ballot, you can hand-deliver it between now and 3 p.m. on Election Day, November 3. (Check your local elections office to find a site to drop your ballot; in Minneapolis, you can find a map here.) In most circumstances, Simon said, you can also ask someone else to hand-deliver your ballot for you.

-You can also decide to vote in-person by absentee. That’s also known as early voting. Every county in the state must have at least one early voting location open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. Depending on where you live, there might be additional hours and days for early voting too. Check with your city or county elections office to find hours near you.

-You can also vote at your polling place on Election Day.

You can vote in-person early or on Election Day, even if you’ve requested a mail ballot. 

“There are many options available to folks,” Simon said. “But do not use the mail right now.”

What if I already voted by mail and I’m not sure whether my ballot will arrive on time?

You can use the ballot tracker on the Secretary of State’s website to see whether your ballot has arrived. If it hasn’t been accepted yet, you can vote in-person early or on Election Day and override the in-transit ballot, Simon said.

OK, so I’m voting in person now. What precautions are in place to make voting in person safe?

“In an unprecedented way, we have spent the time, energy, and money to purchase and distribute to all 3,000 polling places in Minnesota PPE,” Simon said. That means high-grade masks for all election workers, disposable masks for all voters, hand sanitizer, pumps, wipes, disinfectant, and rules that cover social distancing and wiping down polling surfaces after voters use them. 

“We already had a good dress rehearsal in the primary election on August 11,” Simon said. “We had the same strategy, and it worked really well. We got excellent reports. People felt it was a hygienic, safe atmosphere that reduced risk.”

As far as his office knows, no one reported any cases of COVID-19 that were traced back to the August primary, he said. “So that is encouraging,” he said. “There’s never any guarantee. But we’ve done everything we can to minimize the risk.”

The high numbers of absentee and early voters this year also mean the polling place will be less crowded than usual, which will also help with safety, he added.

What should I do if I run into someone who’s trying to intimidate voters at the polls?

The first thing you should do is talk to the election judges, meaning the poll workers, Simon said. “They are trained on exactly the laws pertaining to voter intimidation and interference and they know what to do—up to and including going to law enforcement.” That means local police, and federal agencies are on notice as well.

“I have confidence the law will be enforced,” he said. “The rules with respect to poll challengers are very clear. And fortunately, they’re very pro-voter.”

Want more? Get news that illuminates the lives and experiences of Minnesota’s immigrants and communities of color.

Each party is allowed one poll challenger per polling station, designated in writing. They can’t come within six feet of a voter, or talk to a voter. Any challenges to voters must be made in writing and based on personal knowledge. “Not a hunch, not a vibe, not a feeling, not a question,” Simon said. “Personal knowledge.” For example, if they happen to know their neighbor’s daughter is 17 and not eligible to vote, they could raise a challenge.

You can also call law enforcement yourself, Simon said, but he recommends going through the election judges because they have built relationships for this purpose.

I’m the only one in my family who speaks English. Can I help my family vote?

Yes! You can help as many people as want your help. Under federal law, any voter who requires assistance is entitled to help from the person of their choosing.

Previously, any individual could only help three people vote. That was tough in communities where not everyone speaks or reads English, Simon said in a Hmong webcast this week. “You could help mom, dad, and uncle, but not mom, dad, uncle, and aunt,” he said.

After a lawsuit settlement earlier this year, that requirement is no longer enforced.

“Now there is no limitation,” he said. “You can help mom, dad, uncle, aunt, neighbor, spouse, child. You can never vote for someone. But you can help them fill out the ballot.”

What if we need interpretation services?

The best thing to do, Simon said, is to call your local elections office in advance to make sure they have translation services ready for you when you get there. So if you plan to vote Tuesday at 11 a.m., tell them, and they will have Somali interpretation ready at that time, in-person if possible or by phone. “They have to make those things available,” Simon said in the Hmong webcast. “The more notice you can give, the better.”

That’s true even if you don’t call in advance: there’s a translation phone line available to voters at the polling place, during in-person early voting and on Election Day.

What would you say to a voter who’s stressed out or confused over all the changes this year?

“Like so many other areas of our lives in this pandemic,” Simon said, including jobs, schools, and democracy, “we just have to adapt and be flexible.” 

What are you feeling hopeful and optimistic about?

“Minnesota is No. 1 in the nation for voter turnout for a reason, and that is because Minnesotans always find a way to vote,” Simon said. “I think we will again. People are fired up to vote, and they have already been planning to do so despite a once-in-a-century pandemic. I think nothing and no one will slow Minnesotans down or deter them from voting. You can feel it in the air, you can feel the energy, you can feel the determination, and we’re going to overcome this.”

Sahan Journal is a dedicated publication where stories about Minnesota’s immigrants and refugees are a top priority. No other news source covers them all and we do it with one of the most diverse newsrooms in the state. The coverage we provide is deep, real and exclusive. That’s what you deserve. That’s why we are asking you to help out now.

The Link Lonk


October 31, 2020 at 07:40AM
https://sahanjournal.com/election-2020/minnesota-voting-rules/

The pandemic and political atmosphere are making life tough. Voting is still safe and easy. - Sahan Journal

https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Here's the easy way new Mets owner Steve Cohen can distinguish himself in his first season - CBS Sports

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For new Mets owner Steve Cohen, whose bid was formally accepted and approved on Friday, it's enough that he's merely not Fred Wilpon. 

After losing $500 million or so when Bernie Madoff's scheme collapsed, the Wilpons used the Mets to prop up their personal finances for years. That meant a level of investment that in no way befitted the team that shares the largest market in MLB. So Cohen starts off with an outsized benefit of the doubt just by virtue of his someone else-ness. Noah Syndergaard's palpable enthusiasm drives this point home. Really, though, Cohen has before him a singular opportunity to announce his new presence loudly and boldly far beyond the merits of not being a Wilpon family fail-smith. That has to do with the emerging reality that almost no other team owner is going to be investing in the on-field product this offseason. 

As a group, the current gaggle of MLB owners cares far more about keeping payroll down than winning baseball games. Early indications are that the trend will reach new extremes in the winter of 2020-21. MLB and its constituent owners no doubt lost money during the 2020 season because the COVID-19 pandemic whittled down the regular season to 60 games and didn't allow for fan attendance until the last rounds of the playoffs. Players agreed to pro-rate their 2021 salaries downward, which offset those losses to an extent, but strip away all that gate, parking, and concession revenue and it's a genuine hit. The league has floated a total figure of roughly $3 billion. That figure is very likely exaggerated, since MLB is not required to publicly disclose its financials, and whatever the figure is, it's spread across 30 ownership groups. So it's almost certainly not as dire as it sounds. 

That said, owners are already using those (almost certainly overstated) losses as an excuse to undertake extreme austerity measures leading up to next season. Already we're seeing signs of this. Teams are declining entirely reasonable options on highly useful players -- Kolten Wong in St. Louis, Brad Hand in Cleveland, and Charlie Morton -- the Rays' likely Game 7 starter in the World Series, had they lived to play another day -- for instance. The non-tender market figures to be similarly brutal, and all of that is going to contribute to a depressed free agent market. 

Therein lies Cohen's opportunity to make a bold first impression on fans and -- no less laudable -- a negative first impression on his fellow owners, who much prefer lockstep to good-faith competition. The Mets have a contention-worthy core of Jacob deGrom, Pete Alonso, Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, Robinson Cano (assuming he continues to stave off deep decline), and Jeff McNeil, among others. That's a core you build around, not dismantle or allow to drift along in benign neglect. 

Relatedly, the Mets appear to be more than $70 million under the luxury tax threshold for 2021. Given that they've never been over the line, Cohen should pay no heed to that figure. Throw in the opportunities for adding talent that will abound this offseason, Cohen should be prepared to heavily invest in the roster. While the 2020-21 class of free agents isn't the strongest it's ever been, names like J.T. Realmuto, George Springer, Trevor Bauer, DJ LeMahieu, and Marcus Stroman are available for hire. Cohen and Mets should be looking to hire no fewer than two or maybe even three of them. That's in addition to trawling the lower reaches of the free agent pool and non-tender market for additional help. Such an investment would yield drastically increased fan enthusiasm and drastically increased World Series odds for the debutante owner. 

To be sure, Cohen has to do more than "just" add stars to the roster. The Mets under the Wilpons were far too lightly invested in analytics and advanced player development methods. The new owner must address those efficiencies in a hurry, but in terms of the near- to mid-term, it's about adding talent in advance of the 2021 season by spending money. Speaking which, here's what Cohen said about that prospect in the statement he released on Friday: 

An investor like Cohen doesn't need to be told that when everyone else is doing one thing, there's opportunity in moving in the opposite direction. This offseason, MLB owners en masse will likely be looking to invest as little as possible in payroll with little regard to roster needs or contending status. Cohen, though, doesn't have to play their self-defeating game. He can and should move boldly to make the Mets legitimate World Series contenders in his first season as owner. All it takes is something he has plenty of to spare -- money. 

The Link Lonk


October 31, 2020 at 04:51AM
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/heres-the-easy-way-new-mets-owner-steve-cohen-can-distinguish-himself-in-his-first-season/

Here's the easy way new Mets owner Steve Cohen can distinguish himself in his first season - CBS Sports

https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Easy DIY Halloween Experiments to Do With Kids - NBC Chicago

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The Link Lonk


October 31, 2020 at 12:34AM
https://www.nbcchicago.com/entertainment/chicago-today/easy-diy-halloween-experiments-to-do-with-kids/2361741/

Easy DIY Halloween Experiments to Do With Kids - NBC Chicago

https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

This App Makes it Easy to Manage Remote Computers - Entrepreneur

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Streamline your remote workforce with this intuitive app.

Grow Your Business, Not Your Inbox

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October 30, 2020 2 min read

Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you'll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

In the age of remote work, you may find yourself constantly juggling office and home computers. While there are benefits to keeping work and play separate, it's inevitable that there will come a time when you've accidentally saved a file or started a project on the wrong computer. Rather than go back to the office to pick up what you need, make your life easier with Getscreen.me.

Getscreen.me is a simple solution for remote access to all of your systems without having to worry about IDs, passwords, and other nuisances. Whether you're the system administrator, a support specialist, or just somebody with multiple devices, Getscreen.me lets you create a personal network to access all of your machines from anywhere. You can connect to any desktop using the web, whether you're on a computer, mobile phone, or tablet, making it easy to access all of the files you need immediately.

Once you've connected your devices, you can transfer files in both directions, copy and paste text information on a remote computer, and even communicate with the operator of a remote computer using the built-in chat or voice call features. With the Starter Plan, you can access ten desktops, switching between each with a simple click so you can seamlessly manage your entire work team's technology from a single location. Plus, with proprietary plugins, you can easily integrate Getscreen.me into your existing infrastructure.

Getscreen.me is an elegant solution to managing multiple computers in remote environments. That's why it's earned 400 upvotes on Product Hunt and 4.5 stars on Capterra. Right now, you can get a great discount on a three-year subscription to Getscreen.me. Get the Starter Plan for 66 percent off $144 at $47.99,  the Optimal Plan for 66 percent off $684 at $228.99, or the Premium Plan for 66 percent off $3,564 at $1,188.

The Link Lonk


October 30, 2020 at 07:00PM
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/358148

This App Makes it Easy to Manage Remote Computers - Entrepreneur

https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Big Easy in Buffalo virtual meat raffle - Niagara Frontier Publications

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Submitted

Fri, Oct 30th 2020 07:00 am

Join The Big Easy in Buffalo at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, for a livestream event featuring 12 rounds (and three bonus rounds) of meat, including steak, turkeys, bacon and more; plus a 50/50 cash split, live(stream) music, a NOLA food cooking demo from Dick & Jenny's, gift cards to local restaurants, bars, breweries and distilleries. The ticket price is $50.

Tickets are available at www.thebigeasyinbuffalo.org or www.facebook.com/TheBigEasyInBuffalo.

Proceeds benefit the nonprofit organization and its mission to bring New Orleans bands to Western New York to work with local professional and student musicians, and to perform free and low-cost public shows. The Big Easy in Buffalo is currently showcasing local bands in a live and livestream series, as well as sharing livestreams by New Orleans bands, all at www.facebook.com/TheBigEasyInBuffalo.

All winners will be notified by email.

The Link Lonk


October 30, 2020 at 06:02PM
https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/2020/10/30/143742/big-easy-in-buffalo-virtual-meat-raffle

Big Easy in Buffalo virtual meat raffle - Niagara Frontier Publications

https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

Court Reform Is Now Inevitable: John Roberts Can Do This The Easy Way Or The Hard Way - Above the Law

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(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

At first, the idea of meaningful judicial reform, particularly Supreme Court reform, seemed far-fetched. Despite the Constitution saying remarkably little about how the Supreme Court is composed or intended to operate, the “nine justices reigning for life” model has calcified in the imaginations of most Americans. Few even know that the Supreme Court hasn’t always had nine justices, or that the current number was only chosen to reflect the number of appellate circuits at the time… which now number 13. Hmmm…

But the last few weeks have changed all that. A 5-4 conservative majority off the back of sniping Merrick Garland’s seat was not enough for Republicans staring into what’s shaping up to be a brutal shellacking at the polls, and they reversed course on their own deeply held principles^TM from 2016 and rushed Amy Coney Barrett onto the Supreme Court without letting any minor issue like “nearly killing the president” slow them down. Now, court expansion proposals are now running rampant throughout the legal commentariat.

Two more justices, four more justices, 20 more justices… everyone’s got a theory. Except Joe Biden, of course, but he’s willing to pawn this off on a “committee” which is usually where reform goes to die, but at this point reform is becoming so mainstream that even the committee looks poised to pitch something meaningful. Court expansion may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s certainly pushed the Overton Window.

Mitch McConnell is unfazed by the threat of court expansion — which should terrify its advocates. Liberals paint McConnell as a serial power-grabber, but in reality he’s a vampire who must be invited in first. His well-worn playbook is to frustrate liberals into some measured retaliation and then use that as justification for a more extensive breach down the road. Midterm elections are always a nightmare for the White House party and 2024 will, in theory, bring a ticket that’s mostly succeeding on the basis of being “not Trump” into a race bogged down by the ongoing economic and public health fallout Trump caused. Republicans returning to full control in January 2025 isn’t necessarily likely, but it’s not an unreasonable assumption for McConnell. That said, one of the more compelling arguments for liberals taking the risk is that this past week underscores that Republicans may not be able to ever win another election without courts engaging in direct voter suppression efforts. One could argue that expanding the Court once is all it would take. That seems overly confident and reminiscent of when liberal court watchers scoffed when I suggested not banking everything on Hillary winning in 2016, but the logic is decent.

But what might be good for Mitch is not necessarily what’s good for the institution of the Supreme Court. That’s why John Roberts needs to channel his Charles Evans Hughes and starting thinking about what he wants the Court to look like going forward. Because change is coming and like the headline says, “we can do this the easy way or the hard way.”

The easy way, and the way that would be best for the country, would be a term limit system that cycled justices off of the “Supreme Court” after 18 years. This is the bill proposed by Reps. Ro Khanna, Don Beyer, and Joe Kennedy III which would give every presidential term two justice appointments that cannot be ignored by the Senate. This would end the macabre practice of basing the Republic on the lifespan of an elderly woman, ensure that the Court remains a lagging reflection of the will of the country, and allow more talented jurists to serve on the nation’s top court by increasing routine turnover. For Democrats, it could actually encourage their voters to regularly care about the judiciary by guaranteeing that each election carries two prospective justices with it.

This is also a provision that cannot be turned around the next time the political winds shift. Tit-for-tat is an easier sell than putting the toothpaste back in the tube. Adding four liberals just turns into adding six conservatives. But by the earliest opportunity for the GOP to do anything about term limits, the proposal (that’s already broadly popular!) will have already put two justices on the Court. It will already be a routine.

The problem is, there are constitutional questions about a term limit proposal. The Constitution says that justices shall “shall hold their offices during good behaviour” which common law interprets as “for life.” A term limit for active duty service is not the same as firing a justice, who would still remain in the judiciary and could be called upon to hear active panel matters in the event of vacancy or recusal, but the Supreme Court could say this bill is unconstitutional. Though in theory it could be passed with a proviso that it is excluded from the Court’s jurisdiction, which is explicitly constitutional.

And that’s where Roberts has a choice. A term limits bill passed in the first days of 2021 would send someone to measure drapes in Clarence Thomas’s office by April 2021. The Court would have to make a ruling immediately on whether or not this regime passes muster because they need to know who actually has the job. Court expansion can be held in reserve and put the screws to Roberts and his innate institutionalism (Thomas would obviously be unable to take part in a case that he’d have brought himself as the only person who would have standing). Bless term limits or watch the Court become a pinball machine for the next 50 years — by the end of which it could have 20-30 members and be a joke like the Swiss Supreme Court and its 38 judges.

It wouldn’t immediately reverse the conservative majority on the Supreme Court, though it would return it to the 5-4 lead that it would be if the Senate maintained internal consistency and either put Garland/Barrett on or installed Gorsuch and left this seat open. It would make the 2024 election a direct referendum on the future of the Court with Roberts and Alito to be replaced by the winner of that election. And it has the advantage of ending an aristocratic stain on America’s ostensible democracy.

So what’s it going to be, John?

Earlier: Liberal Calls For Court Packing Gain Steam, And Mitch McConnell Couldn’t Be Happier
Congress Introduces First Supreme Court Term Limits Bill!

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Joe Patrice is a senior editor at Above the Law and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. Feel free to email any tips, questions, or comments. Follow him on Twitter if you’re interested in law, politics, and a healthy dose of college sports news. Joe also serves as a Managing Director at RPN Executive Search.

The Link Lonk


October 31, 2020 at 12:22AM
https://abovethelaw.com/2020/10/court-reform-is-now-inevitable-john-roberts-can-do-this-the-easy-way-or-the-hard-way/

Court Reform Is Now Inevitable: John Roberts Can Do This The Easy Way Or The Hard Way - Above the Law

https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en