The makers of Nivea skin creams canceled a print ad that triggered online complaints of racism. The ad shows a well-groomed black man tossing a rubber face-mask with scruffy facial hair and a large Afro, and the headline reads “Re-civilize yourself.” Those offended said the ad clearly suggests black people with natural hair are “uncivilized.” They also noted that other ads in the campaign showed white models tossing their pre-Nivea scruffy faces, but did not use the word “civilize.” Read More

Natchez, Miss., Judge Charlie Vess and his wife found a mortar shell on their patio and called the sheriff, who brought in the bomb disposal team from nearby Fort Polk, La. The mortar was taken away, blown up and later determined not to have been a live round. In fact, it turned out that the judge collects military memorabilia and a friend had left the mortar as a gift — without bothering to also include an explanatory note. Read More

Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law Assemblyman Jerry Hill’s bill awarding the Electoral College votes of California to the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote of the United States. Proponents of the National Popular Vote movement say it would force the candidates to campaign vigorously in all 50 states, and Hill believes California would receive more attention then we’re getting now. Read More

Despite the recent replacement of San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Executive Director Nathaniel Ford with Ed Reiskin and a new labor contract, it is not yet a new day at Muni. Read More