Category: News

Congress finally passing a coronavirus stimulus bill is good news for the millions of Americans who have endured a difficult year of economic struggles and unemployment. But as is often the case with political dealings and life in 2020, there are plenty of other weird things that were included in the omnibus bill that passed after lengthy negotiations with potentially deadly consequences for Americans desperate for help from the federal government.

Not much gets done quickly in Congress, which is why these large bills often have lengthy addendums and other strangeness. It’s a complicated game of congressmen often slipping other projects into a bill meant for something very different.

And apparently one of those things is language that could make illegally streaming media content a felony that results in a hefty jail sentence. Via THR:

Perhaps most surprising, according to the text of the bill being circulated, illegal streaming for commercial profit could become a felony:

It’s been less than two weeks since Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) released his proposal to increase the penalties for those who would dare stream unlicensed works. In doing so, the North Carolina Senator flirted with danger. About a decade ago, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar made a similar proposal before it ended up dying as people worried about sending Justin Bieber to jail. (No, seriously.) This time, Tillis’ attempt was winning better reviews for more narrowly tailoring the provisions towards commercial operators rather than users. That said, it’s had very little time to circulate before evidently becoming part of the spending package. If passed, illegal streaming could carry up to 10 years in jail.

THR also notes that tax relief for funding TV and film productions is part of the language as well as a revamping of the U.S Copyright Office. That’s a lot of TV and media importance, but one has to also remember that those industries also provide jobs to many thousands of Americans. There’s no easy answer here, but it’s also clear that Americans are frustrated with the individual “stimulus” portion of the bill, so Congress may end up back where they started, sooner rather than later.

(Via Hollywood Reporter)

Monday evening was the deadline for contract extensions around the NBA and there was plenty of money flying around as teams locked in players from the 2017 draft class to keep them from hitting restricted free agency next summer.

Among those that got an extension was Luke Kennard, the fourth-year sharpshooter out of Duke who the Clippers traded for on Draft night in a three-team deal sending Landry Shamet to the Brooklyn Nets. Kennard inked a four-year, $64 million extension on Monday, the same money the Clippers gave fellow wing Marcus Morris this offseason, which could very well look like a good deal for both sides provided Kennard’s knee issues don’t keep him off the court — which is why the deal includes $8 million of “reachable incentives” that likely protect L.A. some in case he misses significant time.

The Kennard extension makes sense for a Clippers team that has no real way of adding significant help with their cap situation as it stands and likely won’t moving forward — particularly if they’re able to work out a deal next summer to keep Kawhi Leonard in town. Still, for former Clipper Montrezl Harrell, who is now with the Lakers after not being offered what he wanted from the Clippers this summer or last when he was extension eligible, seeing Kennard get paid when he didn’t as the Sixth Man of the Year caused him to be a bit confused.

Harrell laughs it off in his response on Twitter, but it probably does sting a bit to see this happen given how much he gave to the Clippers. A strong season in the other Staples Center locker room, however, will put Harrell in prime position to get paid next summer and if he can help the Lakers repeat, he will be laughing again in July.

Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is set to be an important moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and a big move for its star, Canadian actor Simu Liu. Liu has tweeted about representation in films often, and as recently as Sunday, he celebrated the casting news for Shang-Chi and its focus on amplifying Asian voices throughout its cast and crew.

But news of another casting announcement drew some criticism of Liu after a tweet criticizing a member of its cast for his history with Asian-Americans seemingly disappeared. Word spread over the weekend that Liu would be involved with Mark Wahlberg in Arthur the King.

But the casting news made many recall a critical 2018 tweet from Liu about Mark Wahlberg’s violent past regarding Asian-Americans. Wahlberg was twice charged with race-related crimes growing up in Boston, once serving time in jail for the assault of two Vietnamese men while apparently under the influence of drugs. Several people shared screenshots of the tweet, and others realized that the tweet no longer existed on Twitter.

On Monday, Liu shared an Instagram message that included a screenshot of one tweet critical of him, which also contained the now-deleted tweet in question. In the post’s caption, he addressed why he deleted the tweet in light of his role now working on the Shang-Chi project.

“I signed on to Arthur the King because I absolutely adored the script,” Liu wrote. “I was and am very passionate about bringing this story to the screen, and playing a character that is undoubtedly a positive representation of an Asian man.”

He then addressed the tweets he deleted, though he didn’t address Wahlberg by name in explaining which tweets he deleted and why.

“I deleted a couple of tweets I made regarding the past actions of one of my costars as a gesture of professionalism and to open to door to progressive conversations and (hopefully) positive change. Obviously it’d be pretty weird to go to work with that tweet still up,” he said. “I meant what I said in the moment; I was very angry hearing about what happened. But that doesn’t mean I don’t think there’s room to grow and work together to find an opportunity to educate and do some good- which I’m excited to do in addition to shooting the movie. Progressive discussion will lead to dialogue, and dialogue will lead to action.”

It’s good that Liu addressed what he did honestly, and at least provided a good explanation for why the tweets went missing and that he’s willing to create “progressive discussion” about something that is often quietly discussed when Wahlberg is involved in projects. Deleting old critical tweets is far less a crime than what Wahlberg actually did and pleaded guilty to doing, but it certainly created its own stir over the weekend.

Contract extension news was flying around on Monday afternoon as the deadline rapidly approached, and for the Toronto Raptors they managed to work out a pretty terrific deal for all sides with OG Anunoby.

Anunoby is coming off of his best season as a pro, taking on a bigger role after the departure of Kawhi Leonard and thriving, averaging 10.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for the Raptors on strong efficiency, hitting 50.5 percent from the field and 39 percent from three. There was some significant money being spent on the extension deadline day, headlined by Jonathan Issac and Luke Kennard, with Anunoby somewhat surprisingly falling in middle of those two deals at four years, $72 million. However, the big reason for that apparent bargain was the Raptors giving Anunoby a player option for 2024, which will allow him to enter free agency right as he hits his prime years, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The player option is often overlooked in terms of the value players and agents put on that, and it helped the Raptors get his overall salary down considerably in order to maintain flexibility for next summer — his cap hit next year will be just over four million more than his cap hold as a restricted free agent.

Anunoby has become a fast rising star for a Toronto team that has become one of the best in the league at developing home grown talent. They now have Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Anunoby locked in for four more years, making for a very intriguing young core that they’ll look to add a splash signing to in 2021 to try and make a push for another title run.

The average American knows 600 people, according to a recent study by The New York Times. Now, you may have 900 “friends” on Facebook, but you probably don’t “know” all of them.

Another study found that the average American adult has 16 friends. They have “three friends for life, five people they really like and would hang out with one-on-one, and eight people they like but don’t spend time with one-on-one or seek out.”

Now, there are all different kinds of friends. There are those that you see just to have a good time. There are those that you go out with on couples’ dates. And there are those you may share a hobby or interest with, but the relationship doesn’t go much further than that.

---

What sets acquaintances, friends, and best friends apart is how comfortable we feel around them. Two ways to judge how they make you feel is whether you spending a lot of time together and if they can be trusted.

Author Ross McCammon created a simple test to gain some clarity about the level of comfort he feels about someone, he calls it the “Two Beers and a Puppy Test.”

The test is: To find out how you actually feel about someone, ask yourself: “Would I have two beers with this person?” And: “Would I allow this person to look after my puppy over a weekend?”

Some people are no and no. These people are to be avoided at all costs. Some people are yes and no. These people are to be cautiously trusted. Some people are no and yes. These people are no fun but they make the world a better place — for puppies, especially. And some people are yes and yes. These people are wonderful people and your life and work are better for having them in your life. Seek them out. Collaborate with them. Enjoy their company.

No, No — This is probably someone who shouldn’t be in your life. You don’t enjoy their company and they’re not someone that you can rely on when you need someone to lend a hand.

No, Yes — Unfortunately, this person isn’t that great of a hang, but they can be relied upon in a pinch. These are great people to have as neighbors.

Yes, No — These people are a lot of fun, but you can’t depend on them to be there when you really need them. These are like drinking buddies.

Yes, Yes — These are the golden people that you should work to keep in your life.

The test is a great way to evaluate people in your life but it’s also a way to look at ourselves. How would you rate yourself as a friend?

via Wikimedia Commons

Another fun way to evaluate people is a test I developed based on a quote by Oscar Wilde, the legendary 19th-century Irish poet, playwright, and author of “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

“It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious,” Wilde once said.

Now, this test is more for those who aren’t shopping around from someone to watch their puppy but want to find people who are the most enjoyable to spend time around. I picture it as a spectrum with charming on one side and tedious on the other.

Charming Tedious

Someone can have a great sense of humor and make you laugh (charming) but at the same time like to complain a whole lot (tedious). So they’d fall in the middle.

There are others who are nothing but a joy to be around and are self-aware enough not to impose their drama or neurotic tendencies on you. These people would fall on the charming end of the spectrum.

Then they are those people who bring little to the table in terms of good humor and likeability but have a whole lot of baggage. These people would be ranked further down the tedious scale.

To put things even more simply, as Wilde once said, “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.”

Upworthy may earn a portion of proceeds from these purchases as part of our affiliate program. We don’t recommend anything we don’t love though and your support helps support the work we do here!

There is no Fountain of Youth, but we do have serums and creams and ointments that work just as good as drinking magical water. And you don’t need to travel across the world on a rickety old galleon to get your liver-spotted hands on them. Immortality (or at least the next best thing – collagen) is available with one easy click. Here are some of the best anti-aging products that would’ve made Ponce de Leon stay at home had he had access to them.

Andalou Naturals Instant Lift and Firm Hydro Serum Facial Mask

These sheet masks do exactly what they claim to do – lift and firm, instantly. They come in a six pack, so you can stock up and save when you’re feeling like the Crypt Keeper and need a quick pick me up before a special occasion. The masks contain Resveratrol Q10, a super antioxidant complex which helps inhibit cellular damage as well as stimulate collagen and elastin.

Six per case, $21.99; Amazon

---

Belei Triple-Peptide Eye Cream

Who says you have to use an expensive eye cream to get the job done? This cheap, but powerful eye cream contains caffeine, which gives sleepy-looking eyes a boost by reducing puffiness. A tri peptide blend supports firmness, and hyaluronic acid targets wrinkles. Plus, it’s fragrance free!

0.5 fl oz, $18; Amazon

Tree of Life Anti Aging Serum

Talk about a triple threat! This pack contains the holy trinity of anti-aging skincare – vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid reduces wrinkles, while vitamin C brightens skin and promotes collagen. Retinol smooths and refines skin, but remember – retinol can be drying and can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to pair it with a sunscreen when using.

Pack of three 3 oz. bottles, $15.96; Amazon

BODIPURE HandPure Moisturizing Gloves

Your hands can be one of the first places on your body to show signs of aging. However, they don’t get nearly as much attention as your face – until now. These one-size fits all moisturizing gloves were designed to be touch-screen friendly, so you can sit back, relax and still work your iPhone while getting the supple hands of a 15-year-old.

Pack of three, $7; Amazon

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder

An anti-aging routine worth its salt also focuses on creating youthful skin from the inside out. This collagen powder is part Jennifer Aniston’s “go to collagen routine.” Just one scoop in your morning coffee can promote collagen production, which supports hair, skin, nail, bone, and joint health. Because nothing gives away your age like creaky joints.

20 oz. unflavored, $39.31; Amazon

Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 110

Sun damage can accelerate the aging process, which is why it’s important to shield your skin with a good sunscreen. This sunscreen is made with a special formula called Helioplex, which prevents the sunscreen from losing its efficiency over time. Not only that, it’s also designed to hydrate your skin while it protects from sun damage. And at $10 a bottle, it’s practically a steal!

3 fl. Oz, $10.97; Amazon

Besito Anti-Aging Neck Firming Cream

Do you really need a separate cream to stave off wrinkles on your neck? Maybe not. But should you get one? Absolutely. This cream is specifically formulated to keep that turkey neck at bay, and many reviewers note it gives their skin a “silky feeling.” Not bad!

2 oz. $14.95; Amazon

DaBaby has been making some major moves this year. Not only was the rapper recently nominated for four Grammys, but he released two projects during the pandemic and his song “Rockstar” earned him his first no. 1 song. While the rapper continues to level up with his music, he recently revealed that he’s giving his rap career a five-year time limit: DaBaby said he plans on retiring as a rapper in just five years from now.

Speaking to XXL in a recent interview, DaBaby revealed his five-year plan, saying that he wants to pivot his focus from being a rapper to instead dedicate his time to his Billion Dollar Baby Entertainment label. “Five years, I’ma be retired in five years,” he said. “I won’t be rapping in five years. I won’t be rapping. I’ll be creating other superstars.”

Elsewhere in the interview, DaBaby recapped some of the moves he’s been making during the pandemic. “During the pandemic, I’ve been the longest-lasting artist on Billboard so I feel like I definitely adapted to it and and made it happen. I like the results. Dropping an album during the pandemic was definitely a different thing. You don’t got none of the resources and marketing tools that you would normally have when dropping a brand new project.”

DaBaby isn’t the first musician to speak of retirement this year. Among others, Logic, Denzel Curry, and Teyana Taylor all recently announced their plans to retire from rap in the near future.

The Orlando Magic have been busy on this contract extension deadline Monday, first inking Markelle Fultz to a three-year, $50 million extension to keep the former top-overall pick in Orlando through 2024 as their starting point guard. They followed that up by knocking out an extension for their budding defensive star, Jonathan Isaac, who will likely miss all of the 2020-21 season with a torn ACL, but has shown flashes of being one of the league’s elite defenders.

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Isaac agreed to a four-year, $80 million extension that will keep him in Orlando through the 2025 season.

If Isaac returns to his pre-injury form next season and continues developing as a two-way player this contract could very well become a steal for the Magic. As for Isaac, he gets some long-term financial security despite his torn ACL, and if he can play above value on this deal he figures to be in for a major payday in 2025 as he’s entering his prime years.

Isaac averaged 11.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in 2019-20 over 34 games, but his impact defensively is where he shines best. He put up 2.3 blocks and 1.6 steals per game last season and his length and versatility makes him exceptionally valuable in the modern NBA — and in an Eastern Conference where Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the top dog for the foreseeable future, it’s even more important.

Markelle Fultz has taken quite the journey over his first three seasons in the NBA, as the former first overall pick of the Philadelphia 76ers suffered a bizarre shoulder injury that derailed his career before it started and he’s spent the last two-plus seasons working his way back to gaining both the form and confidence that made him such a highly touted prospect.

Fultz was dealt to Orlando two summers ago in a deal for Jonathan Simmons that was, effectively, just Philly trying to get rid of him, and with the Magic he’s rehabbed his shoulder back to full strength and last season emerged as one of the league’s best stories. He’s now firmly the starter in Orlando after averaging 12.1 points and 5.1 assists per game last season, and his progress has been good enough for the Magic to work out a new three-year, $50 million extension with him that will keep him in Orlando through 2024, as first broken by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The final year of the deal will be a team option, per The Athletic’s Josh Robbins.

It’s pretty tremendous that Fultz has been able to recoup that much value in such a short time and for the Magic it represents a strong investment in their belief that he can continue improving. Should he become the player Philly thought he could be when they drafted him first overall, this deal could be an absolute steal, but even if not, he seems on his way to being a solid starter in the league and at the point guard position, that’s worth this money.

Back in October, Timberwolves swingman Malik Beasley was arrested on a variety of charges including making threats of violence and fifth-degree drug possession. Beasley, who has had an interesting offseason to say the least, recently inked a four-year, $60 million deal with the Wolves this summer as a restricted free agent, as they were apparently comfortable with his situation.

Beasley was released from jail shortly after his arrest and, at the time, it was indicated that there were not charges, but the investigation was ongoing. Charges were eventually filed and on Monday, Beasley’s attorneys informed Shams Charania of The Athletic that he had pled guilty to the threats of violence charge, but all drug charges had been dropped and any jail or house arrest time he could face would not take place until after the NBA season.

This seems to put an end to this saga for Beasley, who hopefully can put it behind him once he serves any time deemed necessary by a judge and move on with his career in Minnesota. The Timberwolves have high hopes for what he can bring to the team and paid him as such this summer, and he appears to be cleared to play all season without any concern for a situation like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had where he was unable to leave the state for a brief period during the season.