upi--2020-02-06--Boeing delivers first modified F/A-18 Super Hornet to Navy

Feb. 6 ( UPI ) -- Boeing has delivered the F/A-18 Super Hornet upgraded under its Service Life Modification contract to the U.S. Navy , the company announced on Thursday .
According to Boeing , five more upgraded Super Hornets will be delivered this year , with the second rolling out as soon as the end of February .
`` SLM is going to provide a critical resource for the Navy to re-capitalize on long-serving aircraft to return them to the fleet in a near new condition , '' Capt .
Stephen May , co-lead for E/F/G Air Vehicles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will reduce burden on our maintainers , our supply system and our depot level assets within the enterprise . ''
In May 2019 , Boeing was awarded $ 163.9 million to continue modernizing Super Hornets under the service life modification program , which it announced in 2016 .
According to Boeing , there are now 15 Super Hornets in the SLM program on production lines in St. Louis and San Antonio , and it takes 18 months to complete modifications on an F/A-18 , though that time is expected to decrease as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upgrades are expected to extend each aircraft 's service life from 6,000 to 7,500 flight hours , with future modification plans extending the flight life to 10,000 hours .
In addition to undergoing modifications that increase their flight life , the aircraft will undergo Block III conversion , which includes enhanced network capability , conformal fuel tanks , an advanced cockpit system , signature improvements and an improved communication system .

An F/A-18 Super Hornet with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing prepares for takeoff in support of Exercise Winter Fury in January at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California. Photo by Victor Mackson/U.S. Marine Corps
Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Boeing has delivered the F/A-18 Super Hornet upgraded under its Service Life Modification contract to the U.S. Navy, the company announced on Thursday. According to Boeing, five more upgraded Super Hornets will be delivered this year, with the second rolling out as soon as the end of February. Advertisement
"SLM is going to provide a critical resource for the Navy to re-capitalize on long-serving aircraft to return them to the fleet in a near new condition," Capt. Stephen May, co-lead for E/F/G Air Vehicles, said in a statement. "It will reduce burden on our maintainers, our supply system and our depot level assets within the enterprise."
In May 2019, Boeing was awarded $163.9 million to continue modernizing Super Hornets under the service life modification program, which it announced in 2016.
According to Boeing, there are now 15 Super Hornets in the SLM program on production lines in St. Louis and San Antonio, and it takes 18 months to complete modifications on an F/A-18, though that time is expected to decrease as the program progresses.
The SLM programs's upgrades are expected to extend each aircraft's service life from 6,000 to 7,500 flight hours, with future modification plans extending the flight life to 10,000 hours.
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In addition to undergoing modifications that increase their flight life, the aircraft will undergo Block III conversion, which includes enhanced network capability, conformal fuel tanks, an advanced cockpit system, signature improvements and an improved communication system.


upi--2020-02-06--Look: Moonbyul shares concept video for 'Dark Side of the Moon'

Feb. 6 ( UPI ) -- Mamamoo member Moonbyul is gearing up to release her new solo album .
The @ @ @ @ @ concept video Thursday for the album , titled Dark Side of the Moon .
The @ @ @ @ @ Moonbyul in shadow and under a red light .
The trailer ends with the album @ @ @ @ @ Feb. 14 .
Moonbyul released a choreography prologue for Dark Side of the Moon on @ @ @ @ @ Moonbyul sitting on a chair and performing part of a dance routine .
Moonbyul announced @ @ @ @ @ in January .
The singer released her debut solo album , Selfish , in May @ @ @ @ @ Moonbyul , Solar , Wheein and Hwasa .
The group shared a music video for @ @ @ @ @ single `` Hip '' this week , and will release a Japanese version of its @ @ @ @ @ March .

Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Mamamoo member Moonbyul is gearing up to release her new solo album.
The 27-year-old K-pop star shared a concept video Thursday for the album, titled Dark Side of the Moon.
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The moody teaser shows glimpses of Moonbyul in shadow and under a red light. The trailer ends with the album title and release date, Feb. 14.
Moonbyul released a choreography prologue for Dark Side of the Moon on Wednesday. The video shows Moonbyul sitting on a chair and performing part of a dance routine.
Moonbyul announced Dark Side of the Moon in January. The singer released her debut solo album, Selfish, in May 2018.
Mamamoo consists of Moonbyul, Solar, Wheein and Hwasa. The group shared a music video for the Japanese version of its single "Hip" this week, and will release a Japanese version of its album Reality in Black in March.


upi--2020-02-06--Report reveals elevated benzene levels at 10 U.S. oil refineries

Feb. 6 ( UPI ) -- Air monitoring data analyzed by scientists with the Environmental Integrity Project suggests at least 10 oil refineries in the United States have been emitting benzene at levels above EPA limits , so called EPA `` action levels . ''
The oil refineries are n't breaking the law , but according to EPA rules , owners of the facilities must investigate the cause of the elevated emissions and work to reduce them .
`` These results highlight refineries that need to do a better job of installing pollution controls and implementing safer workplace practices to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into local communities , '' Eric Schaeffer , executive director of the Environmental Integrity Project , said in a statement .
Previous studies suggest prolonged exposure to benzene can have negative effects on the blood and nervous systems .
Research shows communities exposed to elevated benzene levels are likely to experience elevated cancer rates .
`` EPA 's Integrated Risk Information System indicates that inhaling benzene concentrations as low as 13 micrograms per cubic meter over a lifetime is likely to cause one additional cancer case for every 10,000 people exposed , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environmental Integrity Project .
Air monitors along the fence line at the HollyFrontier Navajo Artesia refinery in Artesia , New Mexico , recorded a two-week net sampling period concentration of 998 micrograms per cubic meter .
Most of the offending refineries identified by the new report are located in Texas and Louisiana , but one of the worst benzene emitters is located in Philadelphia .
`` The refinery with the highest benzene levels at the end of the third quarter of 2019 was the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in Pennsylvania , whose annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EPA standard , '' according to the report .
In 2012 , the Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice filed a lawsuit against the EPA on behalf of communities adjacent to the fence lines of polluting oil refineries .
Benzene is one of several hydrocarbons emitted when petroleum refineries convert crude oil into gasoline .
`` Often these working-class neighborhoods have high proportions of African-American and Hispanic households , '' report authors wrote .
In 2015 , the EPA adopted rules mandating oil refineries measure benzene emissions using systems of air monitors along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules by industry groups proved unsuccessful and refineries were forced to begin monitoring benzene emissions in 2018 .
`` EPA in 2015 imposed regulations to better monitor benzene and protect people living near refineries , often in working-class neighborhoods , '' Schaeffer said .
`` Now , EPA needs to enforce these rules . ''
The Total Port Arthur Refinery in Texas was one the refineries found to have exceeded EPA action levels .
`` We are committed to comply with EPA rules , '' a spokesperson for the refinery told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility to reduce our environmental footprint .
Our refinery employees live and have families in this community . ''
Benzene is one of the most widely monitored air toxins , as it is released through a variety processes .
`` Benzene is found in the air from emissions from burning coal and oil , gasoline service stations , and motor vehicle exhaust , '' according to the EPA .
In addition to more serious health problems , such as leukemia , exposure to benzene is also known to cause dizziness and headaches , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiratory tract irritation .

Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Air monitoring data analyzed by scientists with the Environmental Integrity Project suggests at least 10 oil refineries in the United States have been emitting benzene at levels above EPA limits, so called EPA "action levels."
The oil refineries aren't breaking the law, but according to EPA rules, owners of the facilities must investigate the cause of the elevated emissions and work to reduce them.
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"These results highlight refineries that need to do a better job of installing pollution controls and implementing safer workplace practices to reduce the leakage of this cancer-causing pollutant into local communities," Eric Schaeffer, executive director of the Environmental Integrity Project, said in a statement.
Previous studies suggest prolonged exposure to benzene can have negative effects on the blood and nervous systems. Research shows communities exposed to elevated benzene levels are likely to experience elevated cancer rates.
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"EPA's Integrated Risk Information System indicates that inhaling benzene concentrations as low as 13 micrograms per cubic meter over a lifetime is likely to cause one additional cancer case for every 10,000 people exposed," according to the new report by the Environmental Integrity Project.
Air monitors along the fence line at the HollyFrontier Navajo Artesia refinery in Artesia, New Mexico, recorded a two-week net sampling period concentration of 998 micrograms per cubic meter.
Most of the offending refineries identified by the new report are located in Texas and Louisiana, but one of the worst benzene emitters is located in Philadelphia.
"The refinery with the highest benzene levels at the end of the third quarter of 2019 was the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in Pennsylvania, whose annual average net concentration was nearly five times the EPA standard," according to the report.
In 2012, the Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice filed a lawsuit against the EPA on behalf of communities adjacent to the fence lines of polluting oil refineries. Benzene is one of several hydrocarbons emitted when petroleum refineries convert crude oil into gasoline.
"Often these working-class neighborhoods have high proportions of African-American and Hispanic households," report authors wrote.
In 2015, the EPA adopted rules mandating oil refineries measure benzene emissions using systems of air monitors along their fence lines. Several challenges to the rules by industry groups proved unsuccessful and refineries were forced to begin monitoring benzene emissions in 2018.
Advertisement
"EPA in 2015 imposed regulations to better monitor benzene and protect people living near refineries, often in working-class neighborhoods," Schaeffer said. "Now, EPA needs to enforce these rules."
The Total Port Arthur Refinery in Texas was one the refineries found to have exceeded EPA action levels.
"We are committed to comply with EPA rules," a spokesperson for the refinery told The Hill. "We take seriously our responsibility to reduce our environmental footprint. Our refinery employees live and have families in this community."
Benzene is one of the most widely monitored air toxins, as it is released through a variety processes.
"Benzene is found in the air from emissions from burning coal and oil, gasoline service stations, and motor vehicle exhaust," according to the EPA.
In addition to more serious health problems, such as leukemia, exposure to benzene is also known to cause dizziness and headaches, as well as eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation.


upi--2020-02-06--Yovanovitch says it's 'the American way' to expose wrongdoing

Feb. 6 ( UPI ) -- Former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch said that it 's `` the American way '' to expose wrongdoing by speaking up about it like she and other civil servants did in testimony to Congress last year .
The former U.S .
Ambassador to Ukraine said it was important to speak out during the House impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump 's dealings with Kiev last year , which resulted in acquittal in the Senate Wednesday , despite the administration 's efforts to silence witnesses .
`` We did this because it is the American way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Washington Post in an editorial .
`` I have seen dictatorships around the world , where blind obedience is the norm and truth-tellers are threatened with punishment or death .
We must not allow the United States to become a country where standing up to our government is a dangerous act . ''
The House probe sought to determine if Trump withheld military aid approved by Congress to Kiev as leverage to persuade Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son , Hunter Biden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was accused of using the aid as leverage to get Zelensky to investigate a conspiracy theory debunked by U.S. intelligence that Ukraine was involved in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee server in 2016 .
Yovanovitch testified in October in a closed-door deposition during the House impeachment inquiry and again in November publicly during the impeachment hearing that produced articles of impeachment for abuse of power , and obstruction of Congress .
She testified that she made enemies in Ukraine by fighting corruption there , but did n't expect U.S. citizens to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rudy Guiliani confirmed telling Trump that Yovanovitch was blocking requests to investigate Biden .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last month he would investigate allegations that private U.S. citizens intent on Yovanovich 's removal were surveilling her and possibly threatening harm .
Like other civil servants who testified in the hearings , Yovanovitch talked about how she loved the United States as an immigrant whose family came to the country to have `` a better life . ''
She retired from her 33-year career in the State Department last month after Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Ukraine post in May despite six former ambassadors raising concern about a smear campaign against her and praising her work .
`` It has been shocking to experience the storm of criticism , lies and malicious conspiracies that have preceded and followed my public testimony , but I have no regrets , '' she said .
`` I did -- we did -- what our conscience called us to do .
We did what the gift of U.S. citizenship requires us to do . ''
Yovanovitch added that the last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight for democracy .
The administration has `` undermined our democratic institutions , making the public question the truth and leaving public servants without the support and example of ethical behavior that they need to do their jobs and advance U.S. interests , '' she said .
Still , she has hope for the future .
`` Like my parents before me , I remain optimistic about our future , '' she said .
`` The events of the past year , while deeply disturbing , show that even though our institutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways that few of us ever expected , we will endure , we will persist and we will prevail . ''

Marie Yovanovitch, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, testified before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence as part of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, in November. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch said that it's "the American way" to expose wrongdoing by speaking up about it like she and other civil servants did in testimony to Congress last year. The former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine said it was important to speak out during the House impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump's dealings with Kiev last year, which resulted in acquittal in the Senate Wednesday, despite the administration's efforts to silence witnesses. Advertisement
"We did this because it is the American way to speak up about wrongdoing," she told the Washington Post in an editorial. "I have seen dictatorships around the world, where blind obedience is the norm and truth-tellers are threatened with punishment or death. We must not allow the United States to become a country where standing up to our government is a dangerous act."
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The House probe sought to determine if Trump withheld military aid approved by Congress to Kiev as leverage to persuade Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, for his personal gain. Trump also was accused of using the aid as leverage to get Zelensky to investigate a conspiracy theory debunked by U.S. intelligence that Ukraine was involved in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee server in 2016.
Yovanovitch testified in October in a closed-door deposition during the House impeachment inquiry and again in November publicly during the impeachment hearing that produced articles of impeachment for abuse of power, and obstruction of Congress. She testified that she made enemies in Ukraine by fighting corruption there, but didn't expect U.S. citizens to partner with them.
Trump's lawyer Rudy Guiliani confirmed telling Trump that Yovanovitch was blocking requests to investigate Biden. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last month he would investigate allegations that private U.S. citizens intent on Yovanovich's removal were surveilling her and possibly threatening harm.
Like other civil servants who testified in the hearings, Yovanovitch talked about how she loved the United States as an immigrant whose family came to the country to have "a better life."
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She retired from her 33-year career in the State Department last month after Trump pressured the State Department to dismiss her from the Ukraine post in May despite six former ambassadors raising concern about a smear campaign against her and praising her work.
"It has been shocking to experience the storm of criticism, lies and malicious conspiracies that have preceded and followed my public testimony, but I have no regrets," she said. "I did -- we did -- what our conscience called us to do. We did what the gift of U.S. citizenship requires us to do."
Yovanovitch added that the last year shows us that we need to continue to fight for democracy.
The administration has "undermined our democratic institutions, making the public question the truth and leaving public servants without the support and example of ethical behavior that they need to do their jobs and advance U.S. interests," she said.
Still, she has hope for the future.
"Like my parents before me, I remain optimistic about our future," she said. "The events of the past year, while deeply disturbing, show that even though our institutions and fellow citizens are being challenged in ways that few of us ever expected, we will endure, we will persist and we will prevail."


upi--2020-02-06--Three-ticket lottery hot streak ends with $250,000 jackpot

The Florence man told South Carolina Education Lottery officials he bought a scratch-off ticket at Diya Food Mart in Lamar @ @ @ @ @ more when the ticket turned out to be a $ 15 winner .
The first @ @ @ @ @ gave him a $ 50 prize and the second capped off his winning streak with @ @ @ @ @ The man said he decided not to press his luck and did n't buy anymore @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I feel great , '' the winner said .
`` It took the @ @ @ @ @ ticket that earned the man his big prize was a $ 10 Gold Rush scratch-off @

A South Carolina man who won $15 from a scratch-off lottery ticket said he spent the money on two more tickets that earned him $50 and $250,000. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Feb. 6 (UPI) -- A South Carolina man hit a three-ticket hot streak playing scratch-off lottery games that ended with a $250,000 jackpot. The Florence man told South Carolina Education Lottery officials he bought a scratch-off ticket at Diya Food Mart in Lamar and decided to buy two more when the ticket turned out to be a $15 winner. Advertisement
The first ticket purchased with his winnings gave him a $50 prize and the second capped off his winning streak with a $250,000 jackpot.
The man said he decided not to press his luck and didn't buy anymore tickets after the big winner.
"I feel great," the winner said. "It took the stress off."
The ticket that earned the man his big prize was a $10 Gold Rush scratch-off.


upi--2020-02-06--World's richest race draws world-class field to Saudi Arabia

Feb. 6 ( UPI ) -- The world 's richest horse race has attracted a field worthy of its status with top-ranked competitors from around the globe lining up for the initial running of the $ 20 million Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh Feb. 29 .
And the Saudi Cup itself is only the cherry atop a day of racing with total purses of $ 29.2 million that has drawn 66 horses from overseas , 21 of them already Grade or Group 1 winners .
Among them , they have accounted for 32 top-level wins .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the eager participation from around the world is impressive as few international owners or trainers have experience racing in Saudi Arabia and the infrastructure , long established for local racing , is unknown to foreigners .
`` The establishment of the Saudi Cup is a great moment in the history of horse racing in Saudi Arabia and I am gratified that the global racing community has embraced our new concept with such enthusiasm , '' said HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal , chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contested at 1,800 meters ( about 1 1/8 miles ) on the dirt , has a distinctly American flavor .
The field includes Much Gusto , winner of last month 's Grade I Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park , and McKinzie , a stablemate in trainer Bob Baffert 's barn .
Also in the mix is Maximum Security , who has gone on to multiple graded stakes glory since being disqualified from victory in last year 's Kentucky Derby .
Midnight Bisou , winner of seven of her last eight starts for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Magic Wand as the distaff contingent in the race .
The other Americans are Gift Box , trained by John Sadler , and Tacitus , conditioned by Bill Mott -- both multiple graded stakes winners .
Dubai-based and Saeed Bin Suroor-trained Benbatl celebrated the announcement of his nomination with a handy victory Thursday in the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 in Dubai .
Another UAE-based contender , Gronkowski , was third .
Grade 1 stars Chrysoberyl and Gold Dream , trained by Hidetaka Otonashi and Mitsuru Hashida respectively , represent Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the subtexts of the race day will be whether this is the start of a new , informal `` circuit '' of multimillion-dollar dirt races encompassing the Pegasus , the Saudi Cup and the $ 12 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan in late March .
Should Mucho Gusto perform on one month 's rest after an intercontinental journey , he would provide support for the concept .
More likely is a Saudi-Dubai `` double '' which requires a journey of only some 625 miles .
The remainder of the Feb. 29 card @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turf course , another first for Saudi racing , continues the theme of world-wide excellence .
Deirdre , a Group 1 winner in both England and Japan , tops an announced field of eight for the $ 1 million Neom Turf Cup at 2,100 meters .
The field for this event also represents France , Ireland , England , the United States and Bahrain .
Five of the eight runners named to the $ 1.5 million Saudia Sprint at 1,200 meters on the dirt represent the United States .
Prominent among those are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose resume also includes a third-place finish in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen last March , and Shancelot , second in November 's Breeders ' Cup Sprint .
Dubai-based runners Drafted and Gladiator King will provide some tough competition in a likely preview of this year 's Golden Shaheen .
The 2018 Melbourne Cup winner , Cross Counter , will contest the $ 2.5 million Longines Turf Handicap at 3,000 meters , facing rivals from Ireland , England , France and the United Arab Emirates .
Among the UAE-based runners is Dee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runner-up .
The $ 1 million 1351 Turf Sprint at 1,351 meters features French-bred Suedois , already a winner at this year 's Dubai World Cup Carnival ; Godolphin runners Glorious Journey , who won the Group 2 Al Fahadi Fort at Meydan last month , and Space Blues , who was competitive at the highest level in France last fall ; Royal Intervention , a Group 2 winner at Baden-Baden in Germany last fall for owner Lord Andrew Lloyd-Weber .
Six are named to the $ 800,000 Saudi Derby at 1 mile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Billy Batts , second in last fall 's Breeders ' Cup Juvenile Turf ; Rowdy Yates , recent winner of the Riley Allison Derby in New Mexico ; Full Flat , an American-bred , Japan-based colt who finished fifth in the Breeders ' Cup Juvenile ; and three Godolphin runners from Dubai -- Final Song , third in the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial , winner of the Dubai Trophy a Meydan , and Well of Wisdom , second in Group 2 events in Germany and France last fall .
Rounding out the program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Handicap and the $ 1.9 million Obaiya Arabian Classic .
The fields for each race will be completed with the addition of two local runners , which will be selected following the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques race day Feb. 8 .
`` Since the launch of the Saudi Cup less than seven months ago , the level of support and assistance we have received from our friends in the world of horse racing has been quite overwhelming , and I could not be happier with the quality of the horses set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over three weeks ' time , '' said Tom Ryan , director of strategy and international racing for the JCSA .

1/2
Maximum Security (pink silks) wins the Bold Ruler Handicap in October at Belmont Park. Photo courtesy of New York Racing Association
Feb. 6 (UPI) -- The world's richest horse race has attracted a field worthy of its status with top-ranked competitors from around the globe lining up for the initial running of the $20 million Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh Feb. 29. And the Saudi Cup itself is only the cherry atop a day of racing with total purses of $29.2 million that has drawn 66 horses from overseas, 21 of them already Grade or Group 1 winners. Among them, they have accounted for 32 top-level wins. Advertisement
While the fields remain subject to late changes, the eager participation from around the world is impressive as few international owners or trainers have experience racing in Saudi Arabia and the infrastructure, long established for local racing, is unknown to foreigners.
"The establishment of the Saudi Cup is a great moment in the history of horse racing in Saudi Arabia and I am gratified that the global racing community has embraced our new concept with such enthusiasm," said HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.
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The Saudi Cup, to be contested at 1,800 meters (about 1 1/8 miles) on the dirt, has a distinctly American flavor. The field includes Much Gusto, winner of last month's Grade I Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, and McKinzie, a stablemate in trainer Bob Baffert's barn. Also in the mix is Maximum Security, who has gone on to multiple graded stakes glory since being disqualified from victory in last year's Kentucky Derby.
Midnight Bisou, winner of seven of her last eight starts for trainer Steve Asmussen, joins Irish-trained globetrotter Magic Wand as the distaff contingent in the race. The other Americans are Gift Box, trained by John Sadler, and Tacitus, conditioned by Bill Mott -- both multiple graded stakes winners.
Dubai-based and Saeed Bin Suroor-trained Benbatl celebrated the announcement of his nomination with a handy victory Thursday in the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 in Dubai. Another UAE-based contender, Gronkowski, was third. Grade 1 stars Chrysoberyl and Gold Dream, trained by Hidetaka Otonashi and Mitsuru Hashida respectively, represent Japan in the Saudi Cup.
One of the subtexts of the race day will be whether this is the start of a new, informal "circuit" of multimillion-dollar dirt races encompassing the Pegasus, the Saudi Cup and the $12 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan in late March. Should Mucho Gusto perform on one month's rest after an intercontinental journey, he would provide support for the concept. More likely is a Saudi-Dubai "double" which requires a journey of only some 625 miles.
Advertisement
The remainder of the Feb. 29 card, including three races on a brand-new turf course, another first for Saudi racing, continues the theme of world-wide excellence.
Deirdre, a Group 1 winner in both England and Japan, tops an announced field of eight for the $1 million Neom Turf Cup at 2,100 meters. The field for this event also represents France, Ireland, England, the United States and Bahrain.
Five of the eight runners named to the $1.5 million Saudia Sprint at 1,200 meters on the dirt represent the United States. Prominent among those are four-time Grade I winner Imperial Hint, whose resume also includes a third-place finish in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen last March, and Shancelot, second in November's Breeders' Cup Sprint. Dubai-based runners Drafted and Gladiator King will provide some tough competition in a likely preview of this year's Golden Shaheen.
The 2018 Melbourne Cup winner, Cross Counter, will contest the $2.5 million Longines Turf Handicap at 3,000 meters, facing rivals from Ireland, England, France and the United Arab Emirates. Among the UAE-based runners is Dee Ex Bee, the 2018 Investec Derby runner-up.
The $1 million 1351 Turf Sprint at 1,351 meters features French-bred Suedois, already a winner at this year's Dubai World Cup Carnival; Godolphin runners Glorious Journey, who won the Group 2 Al Fahadi Fort at Meydan last month, and Space Blues, who was competitive at the highest level in France last fall; Royal Intervention, a Group 2 winner at Baden-Baden in Germany last fall for owner Lord Andrew Lloyd-Weber.
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Six are named to the $800,000 Saudi Derby at 1 mile on the dirt. Among them are Billy Batts, second in last fall's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf; Rowdy Yates, recent winner of the Riley Allison Derby in New Mexico; Full Flat, an American-bred, Japan-based colt who finished fifth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile; and three Godolphin runners from Dubai -- Final Song, third in the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial, winner of the Dubai Trophy a Meydan, and Well of Wisdom, second in Group 2 events in Germany and France last fall.
Rounding out the program are the $500,000 Jockey Club Local Handicap and the $1.9 million Obaiya Arabian Classic.
The fields for each race will be completed with the addition of two local runners, which will be selected following the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques race day Feb. 8.
"Since the launch of the Saudi Cup less than seven months ago, the level of support and assistance we have received from our friends in the world of horse racing has been quite overwhelming, and I could not be happier with the quality of the horses set to contest our big races in just over three weeks' time," said Tom Ryan, director of strategy and international racing for the JCSA.


upi--2020-02-06--Tyler Hilton, Megan Park celebrate baby girl's birth: 'We're a family!'

Feb. 6 ( UPI ) -- Tyler Hilton and Megan Park are celebrating the birth of their first child .
The 36-year-old singer and actor and 33-year-old actress announced Thursday on Instagram that they recently welcomed their first child , daughter Winnie .
Hilton shared a pair of photos , including a picture of himself and Park kissing while holding Winnie .
`` Remember that project I said I was working on ... ?
The one I told you was my favorite thing I 've ever been apart of and it killed me to keep it a secret from u @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I have kept it to ourselves long enough .
Everyone ... meet the newest member of our crew , our daughter , Winnie Hilton , '' Hilton captioned the post .
`` It feels like we 've known her our whole lives already and being her Dad the most natural thing I 've ever done .
To say I 'm obsessed does n't quite do it justice , '' he said .
`` Meg was incredible , both she and Winnie are doing great , and just like that ... we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news in a post on her own account .
`` @ tylerhilton and I thought we understood joy , love , purpose and life before but ... turns out we were n't even close until we met Miss .
Winnie , '' she wrote .
Hilton 's former One Tree Hill co-star Hilarie Burton was among those to congratulate the couple in the comments .
`` My family .
I love you beauties so so much ! ''
Burton wrote .
Hilton and Park kept Park 's pregnancy quiet .
Hilton teased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which reads , `` Working on a little somethin ' I can not WAIT to share ... '' Hilton is known for playing Chris Keller on One Tree Hill and Charlie Arthurs on Extant .
He is also a singer who released the new album City on Fire in 2019 .
Park portrayed Grace Bowman on The Secret Life of the American Teenager .
She and Hilton recently co-starred in the TV movie A Christmas Wish .

Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Tyler Hilton and Megan Park are celebrating the birth of their first child.
The 36-year-old singer and actor and 33-year-old actress announced Thursday on Instagram that they recently welcomed their first child, daughter Winnie.
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Hilton shared a pair of photos, including a picture of himself and Park kissing while holding Winnie.
"Remember that project I said I was working on...? The one I told you was my favorite thing I've ever been apart of and it killed me to keep it a secret from u...?? Welp, @meganparkithere and I have kept it to ourselves long enough. Everyone... meet the newest member of our crew, our daughter, Winnie Hilton," Hilton captioned the post.
"It feels like we've known her our whole lives already and being her Dad the most natural thing I've ever done. To say I'm obsessed doesn't quite do it justice," he said. "Meg was incredible, both she and Winnie are doing great, and just like that... we're a family!!"
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Park confirmed the news in a post on her own account.
"@tylerhilton and I thought we understood joy, love, purpose and life before but... turns out we weren't even close until we met Miss. Winnie," she wrote.
Hilton's former One Tree Hill co-star Hilarie Burton was among those to congratulate the couple in the comments.
"My family. I love you beauties so so much!" Burton wrote.
Hilton and Park kept Park's pregnancy quiet. Hilton teased the news in his Instagram biography, which reads, "Working on a little somethin' I cannot WAIT to share..."
Hilton is known for playing Chris Keller on One Tree Hill and Charlie Arthurs on Extant. He is also a singer who released the new album City on Fire in 2019.
Park portrayed Grace Bowman on The Secret Life of the American Teenager. She and Hilton recently co-starred in the TV movie A Christmas Wish.


upi--2020-02-06--Poll: More Americans favor Democrats over President Donald Trump to drive U.S.

Feb. 6 ( UPI ) -- Heading into a presidential election year , most Americans say they would prefer Democrats in Congress steer the direction of the United States than President Donald Trump -- a break from tradition under two of the last three presidents .
Gallup said in a new survey Thursday 49 percent of respondents said they 'd prefer congressional Democrats have more influence , compared to 43 percent who favor Trump having that control .
The split differs a bit from past Gallup surveys that asked the same question .
Under former President Barack Obama before his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they preferred he drive the U.S. direction , compared to 42 percent who favored Republicans in Congress .
When former President Bill Clinton ran for re-election in 1996 , 54 percent said he should have more control , compared to 41 percent who favored congressional Republicans .
Gallup did not ask the question when former President George W. Bush ran for re-election in 2004 .
But the pollster posed the question in 2006 , following lengthy wars in Iraq and Afghanistan , which showed 61 percent preferred control rest with Democrats in Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Four years earlier , following the Sept. 11 , 2001 , attacks , 59 percent of Americans preferred Bush have more influence .
Thursday 's poll also showed 54 percent of whites said they would like to see Trump have more influence , compared to 71 percent of nonwhites who favor congressional Democrats .
Gallup polled more than 1,000 adults for the survey , which has a margin of error of 4 points .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tears up a copy of President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday night. She later called it a "manifesto of mistruths." Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Heading into a presidential election year, most Americans say they would prefer Democrats in Congress steer the direction of the United States than President Donald Trump -- a break from tradition under two of the last three presidents. Gallup said in a new survey Thursday 49 percent of respondents said they'd prefer congressional Democrats have more influence, compared to 43 percent who favor Trump having that control. Advertisement
The survey noted a 44 percent approval rating for Trump.
The split differs a bit from past Gallup surveys that asked the same question.
Under former President Barack Obama before his re-election in 2012, 46 percent said they preferred he drive the U.S. direction, compared to 42 percent who favored Republicans in Congress.
When former President Bill Clinton ran for re-election in 1996, 54 percent said he should have more control, compared to 41 percent who favored congressional Republicans.
Gallup did not ask the question when former President George W. Bush ran for re-election in 2004. But the pollster posed the question in 2006, following lengthy wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which showed 61 percent preferred control rest with Democrats in Congress. Just 31 percent favored Bush. Four years earlier, following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, 59 percent of Americans preferred Bush have more influence.
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Thursday's poll also showed 54 percent of whites said they would like to see Trump have more influence, compared to 71 percent of nonwhites who favor congressional Democrats.
Gallup polled more than 1,000 adults for the survey, which has a margin of error of 4 points.


upi--2020-02-06--Box containing two newborn bear cubs left at N.C. man's house

Feb. 6 ( UPI ) -- A North Carolina man who spotted a box on his front walkway when he returned from the store looked into the container and was shocked to discover two bear cubs inside .
Cornelius Williams of Camden said he had only been away from home for about 10 minutes when he returned to find the box on his front walkway last week .
`` I see the box sitting right on my walkway -- right here close to my car -- and I looked inside and thought I saw Tasmanian devils , '' Williams told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animals in the box were two newborn bear cubs .
`` If the mama bear would have seen me in the yard , I would have been a Happy Meal , '' Williams said .
`` A little strange ; we just do n't run up on this all the time , '' Camden County Sheriff Kevin Jones said .
`` Bears are not strangers to Camden County .
We have a very large population , but why would someone leave them deliberately at someone 's home ? ''
Williams said he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left on his property .
The cubs are being cared for by the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro .

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Feb. 6 (UPI) -- A North Carolina man who spotted a box on his front walkway when he returned from the store looked into the container and was shocked to discover two bear cubs inside.
Cornelius Williams of Camden said he had only been away from home for about 10 minutes when he returned to find the box on his front walkway last week.
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"I see the box sitting right on my walkway -- right here close to my car -- and I looked inside and thought I saw Tasmanian devils," Williams told WTKR-TV.
A closer look revealed the animals in the box were two newborn bear cubs.
"If the mama bear would have seen me in the yard, I would have been a Happy Meal," Williams said.
Williams contacted the Camden County Sheriff's Office.
"A little strange; we just don't run up on this all the time," Camden County Sheriff Kevin Jones said. "Bears are not strangers to Camden County. We have a very large population, but why would someone leave them deliberately at someone's home?"
Williams said he is baffled as to why the bears were left on his property.
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The cubs are being cared for by the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.


upi--2020-02-06--Kerry Washington is 'really vigilant' about her kids' privacy

Feb. 6 ( UPI ) -- Kerry Washington says she 's `` really , really vigilant '' when it comes to her kids ' privacy .
The 43-year-old actress and producer discussed the challenges of raising her children in the spotlight in the March issue of InStyle magazine .
Washington has two children , daughter Isabelle , 5 , and son Caleb , 3 , with her husband , actor and former football player Nnamdi Asomugha .
Asomugha also has a daughter from a previous relationship .
Washington said she does her best to protect her kids from the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the star said .
`` It 's not about pulling a Rapunzel and hiding them away in a castle from the world -- we do n't want to do that . ''
`` I think any parent would want to keep kids from a situation that causes them to feel scared , '' she explained .
`` I do n't want them to be exploited , particularly in this social-media world . ''
Washington did share that she and her family enjoy swimming .
`` My husband teased me that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23andMe , it would come back 11 percent mermaid .
My kids are the same way .
They 're just fish , '' she said .
Washington previously said in an interview with Today that she avoids posting photos of her kids on social media by sending the pictures to her parents or her therapist instead .
`` I have moments where I take pictures or videos of one of my three amazing kids and I want to post it online , and I tend to just sent it to my parents or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are so cute and I do n't want to post about them , so look at how cute they are ! '
'' she said .
Washington will star in the forthcoming Hulu miniseries Little Fires Everywhere , which premieres March 18 .
The series is based on the Celeste Ng novel of the same name , and co-stars Reese Witherspoon and Rosemarie DeWitt .

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Kerry Washington said she does her best to protect her children from the public eye. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Kerry Washington says she's "really, really vigilant" when it comes to her kids' privacy. The 43-year-old actress and producer discussed the challenges of raising her children in the spotlight in the March issue of InStyle magazine. Advertisement
Washington has two children, daughter Isabelle, 5, and son Caleb, 3, with her husband, actor and former football player Nnamdi Asomugha. Asomugha also has a daughter from a previous relationship.
Washington said she does her best to protect her kids from the public eye.
"These are their lives," the star said. "It's not about pulling a Rapunzel and hiding them away in a castle from the world -- we don't want to do that."
"I think any parent would want to keep kids from a situation that causes them to feel scared," she explained. "I don't want them to be exploited, particularly in this social-media world."
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Washington did share that she and her family enjoy swimming.
"My husband teased me that if I did the [DNA test] 23andMe, it would come back 11 percent mermaid. My kids are the same way. They're just fish," she said.
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Washington previously said in an interview with Today that she avoids posting photos of her kids on social media by sending the pictures to her parents or her therapist instead.
"I have moments where I take pictures or videos of one of my three amazing kids and I want to post it online, and I tend to just sent it to my parents or to my shrink instead. 'My kids are so cute and I don't want to post about them, so look at how cute they are!'" she said.
Washington will star in the forthcoming Hulu miniseries Little Fires Everywhere, which premieres March 18. The series is based on the Celeste Ng novel of the same name, and co-stars Reese Witherspoon and Rosemarie DeWitt.


upi--2020-02-06--Actor Kirk Douglas through the years

Actor Kirk Douglas through the years

Actor Kirk Douglas , who made his film debut in 1956 , died on February 5 , 2020 at age @ @ @ @ @ career , Douglas -- father of actor Michael Douglas -- earned three Academy Award nominations @ @ @ @ @ Achievement and the Presidential Medal of Freedom .

Nancy Reagan (C) presents the American Cancer Society's Courage Award to Cincinnati Bengals coach Forrest Gregg (R) while actor Kirk Douglas, National Crusade Chairman, looks on in a ceremony at the White House on May 21,1982. UPI File Photo


upi--2020-02-06--Look: 'Fortnite' Harley Quinn joins the battle in new crossover

Feb. 6 ( UPI ) -- DC Comics ' Harley Quinn has come to Fortnite in the form of new @ @ @ @ @ shooter .
Players can purchase a Harley Quinn Bundle that includes the Lil Monster XoXo @ @ @ @ @ Suicide Squad starting Thursday at 7 p.m. EST .
The bundle also includes the Harley @ @ @ @ @ Completing a set of challenges will then unlock the Always Fantabulous Harley costume that is @ @ @ @ @ Birds of Prey , which arrives in theaters Friday .
Harley Quinn will be available @ @ @ @ @ item shop until Feb. 17 .
`` I 'm the one they should be scared @ @ @ @ @ HARLEY FRICKIN ' QUINN !
, '' the official Twitter account for Fortnite said .
@ @ @ @ @ started a crossover with Star Wars that included Stormtrooper costumes .

I'm the one they should be scared of. BECAUSE I'M HARLEY FRICKIN' QUINN!#HarleyQuinn is ready for mayhem and bringing Gotham's havoc straight to Fortnite. Grab the Harley Quinn Bundle tonight starting at 7PM ET, learn more about the bundle in our blog: https://t.co/JUkKl7KNep pic.twitter.com/iFb335rIfC— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) February 6, 2020
Feb. 6 (UPI) -- DC Comics' Harley Quinn has come to Fortnite in the form of new costumes for the online multiplayer shooter.
Players can purchase a Harley Quinn Bundle that includes the Lil Monster XoXo Harley costume from 2016's Suicide Squad starting Thursday at 7 p.m. EST.
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The bundle also includes the Harley Hitter and Punchline Picaxes.
Completing a set of challenges will then unlock the Always Fantabulous Harley costume that is based on her look from Birds of Prey, which arrives in theaters Friday.
Harley Quinn will be available for purchase in Fortnite's item shop until Feb. 17.
"I'm the one they should be scared of. BECAUSE I'M HARLEY FRICKIN' QUINN!," the official Twitter account for Fortnite said.
Fortnite, in November, started a crossover with Star Wars that included Stormtrooper costumes.


upi--2020-02-07--NBA All-Star Game: LeBron drafts Davis, Leonard, Doncic

Feb. 7 ( UPI ) -- LeBron James selected Anthony Davis , Kawhi Leonard , Luka Doncic and James Harden as the first four picks on his team during the NBA 's 2020 All-Star Player Draft .
James made the selections Thursday as the Western Conference 's leading vote-getter .
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo -- the Eastern Conference 's top vote-getter -- picked Joel Embiid , Pascal Siakam , Kemba Walker and Trae Young with his first four picks .
Team Giannis also includes : Khris Middleton , Bam Adebayo , Rudy Gobert , Jimmy Butler , Kyle Lowry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Team LeBron also includes : Damian Lillard , Ben Simmons , Nikola Jokic , Jayson Tatum , Chris Paul , Russell Westbrook and Domantas Sabonis .
Harden is averaging a league-high 35.4 points per game .
Antetokounmpo has the second-most points per game and most in the Eastern Conference , averaging 30.2 points per bout .
The `` Greek Freak '' is also averaging 13.4 rebounds per game .
Lillard is averaging 29.6 points per game , while Young is averaging 29.3 points per game .
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal rounds out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game , but did not make the All-Star team .
James is averaging 29.9 points and a league and career-high 10.8 assists per game this season .
James wore a hooded sweatshirt with a yellow heart and a white heart on the front during the 2020 All-Star Player Draft .
The hearts had the numbers 8 , 24 and 2 on them , referencing Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna .
He picked Davis , his Lakers teammate , No .
1 for the second consecutive year .
Team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Team LeBron will wear No .
2 in the All-Star Game , honoring Kobe and Gianna .
This year 's All-Star Game will included a new format .
Each quarter will be a mini-game for charity .
The final quarter will be untimed and have a target score to determine who wins .
The scores from the first and second quarters will be reset , before being restored to start the final frame .
The 2020 NBA All-Star game tips off at 8 p.m. EST Sunday , Feb. 16 at United Center in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is the captain of the Western Conference All-Star team after receiving the most votes from fans. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 7 (UPI) -- LeBron James selected Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic and James Harden as the first four picks on his team during the NBA's 2020 All-Star Player Draft. James made the selections Thursday as the Western Conference's leading vote-getter. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo -- the Eastern Conference's top vote-getter -- picked Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, Kemba Walker and Trae Young with his first four picks. Advertisement
Team Giannis also includes: Khris Middleton, Bam Adebayo, Rudy Gobert, Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Brandon Ingram and Donovan Mitchell. Team LeBron also includes: Damian Lillard, Ben Simmons, Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook and Domantas Sabonis.
Harden is averaging a league-high 35.4 points per game. Antetokounmpo has the second-most points per game and most in the Eastern Conference, averaging 30.2 points per bout. The "Greek Freak" is also averaging 13.4 rebounds per game.
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Lillard is averaging 29.6 points per game, while Young is averaging 29.3 points per game. Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal rounds out the top five with 29.2 points per game, but did not make the All-Star team.
James is averaging 29.9 points and a league and career-high 10.8 assists per game this season.
James wore a hooded sweatshirt with a yellow heart and a white heart on the front during the 2020 All-Star Player Draft. The hearts had the numbers 8, 24 and 2 on them, referencing Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. He picked Davis, his Lakers teammate, No. 1 for the second consecutive year.
Team Giannis will wear No. 24 and Team LeBron will wear No. 2 in the All-Star Game, honoring Kobe and Gianna. This year's All-Star Game will included a new format. Each quarter will be a mini-game for charity. The final quarter will be untimed and have a target score to determine who wins. The scores from the first and second quarters will be reset, before being restored to start the final frame.
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The 2020 NBA All-Star game tips off at 8 p.m. EST Sunday, Feb. 16 at United Center in Chicago. It will air on TNT.


upi--2020-02-07--Coronavirus deaths top 600 in China; dozens of new cases from cruise ship

Feb. 7 ( UPI ) -- More than 600 people have now died in China from exposure to the coronavirus amid dozens of new cases worldwide , including dozens more from a cruise ship off the Japanese coast .
Princess Cruises ' Diamond Princess has been quarantined at the Yokohama Port since Monday .
Officials said since its docking , the ship has produced a total of 61 passengers who have tested positive for the 2019-nCoV coronavirus .
Forty-one are new cases .
Japan 's health ministry said those infected will be sent to infectious disease wards in Tokyo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prefectures .
`` Those who are transported include elderly people and foreign nationals , and it is necessary to take measures that take into account their physical conditions , '' the ministry said in a statement .
Twenty-one Japanese nationals , eight Americans , five Canadians , five Australians , one Briton and one Argentinian comprise the new cases , Princess Cruises said .
`` The Japanese Ministry of Health has confirmed this is the last batch to be tested and the quarantine end date will be Feb. 19 , unless there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruise company said in a statement .
The vessel had departed Yokohama Jan. 20 and was scheduled to return Monday , but docking was delayed 24 hours to allow health officials to examine passengers after a passenger who disembarked early in Hong Kong tested positive for the coronavirus .
The WHO said Friday 24 countries have at least one confirmed case .
There are 31,100 cases in mainland China and 216 cases outside of China , officials said .
Most of the cases have connections to China , where health officials announced 73 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hubei province , where the outbreak began .
China 's State Supervisory Committee announced it will send an anti-corruption investigation team to Wuhan following the death of Li Wenliang -- an ophthalmologist at Wuhan Central Hospital who died Friday .
He was accused of spreading rumors about online during the early stages of the outbreak .
Li had messaged friends about patients coming into his hospital with an unusual new disease similar to SARS that had killed some 800 people in China and Hong Kong in the early 200s .
For doing so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement admitting to having committed a `` misdemeanor '' and promising not to commit further `` unlawful acts . ''
The State Supervisory Committee said the team with conduct `` a comprehensive investigation on the relevant issues reported by the massas about Dr. Li Wenliang . ''
Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai mourned the doctor 's death .
`` He was a devoted doctor , '' Cui said on Twitter .
`` we are so grateful to him for what he has done in our joint efforts fighting against @ @ @

Pedestrians wear protective face masks to guard against the coronavirus threat on a street in downtown Beijing, China, Monday. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 7 (UPI) -- More than 600 people have now died in China from exposure to the coronavirus amid dozens of new cases worldwide, including dozens more from a cruise ship off the Japanese coast. Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess has been quarantined at the Yokohama Port since Monday. Officials said since its docking, the ship has produced a total of 61 passengers who have tested positive for the 2019-nCoV coronavirus. Forty-one are new cases. Advertisement
Japan's health ministry said those infected will be sent to infectious disease wards in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures.
"Those who are transported include elderly people and foreign nationals, and it is necessary to take measures that take into account their physical conditions," the ministry said in a statement.
Twenty-one Japanese nationals, eight Americans, five Canadians, five Australians, one Briton and one Argentinian comprise the new cases, Princess Cruises said.
"The Japanese Ministry of Health has confirmed this is the last batch to be tested and the quarantine end date will be Feb. 19, unless there are any other unforeseen developments," the cruise company said in a statement.
The vessel had departed Yokohama Jan. 20 and was scheduled to return Monday, but docking was delayed 24 hours to allow health officials to examine passengers after a passenger who disembarked early in Hong Kong tested positive for the coronavirus.
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The WHO said Friday 24 countries have at least one confirmed case. There are 31,100 cases in mainland China and 216 cases outside of China, officials said.
Most of the cases have connections to China, where health officials announced 73 new deaths on Friday -- most in Hubei province, where the outbreak began.
China's State Supervisory Committee announced it will send an anti-corruption investigation team to Wuhan following the death of Li Wenliang -- an ophthalmologist at Wuhan Central Hospital who died Friday. He was accused of spreading rumors about online during the early stages of the outbreak.
Li had messaged friends about patients coming into his hospital with an unusual new disease similar to SARS that had killed some 800 people in China and Hong Kong in the early 2000s. For doing so, law enforcement forced him to sign a statement admitting to having committed a "misdemeanor" and promising not to commit further "unlawful acts."
The State Supervisory Committee said the team with conduct "a comprehensive investigation on the relevant issues reported by the massas about Dr. Li Wenliang."
Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai mourned the doctor's death.
"He was a devoted doctor," Cui said on Twitter. "We are so grateful to him for what he has done in our joint efforts fighting against 2019-nCoV."


upi--2020-02-07--Watch: Justin Bieber, Quavo donate to charity in 'Intentions' video

Feb. 7 ( UPI ) -- Justin Bieber and Quavo raise awareness and money for non-profit organization Alexandria House in the new music video for the singer 's latest single , `` Intentions . ''
The clip , released on Friday , highlights the stories of three women who used Alexandria House in order to get back on their feet and how they want to improve their communities .
Bieber and Quavo meet with the three women and their families , offering donations such as a car , school supplies and studio time .
The pop star also launches the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help support families at Alexandria House .
A link is also provided for fans to donate as well .
`` Picture perfect , you do n't need no filter/ Gorgeous , make 'em drop dead you a killer/ Shower you with all my attention/ Yeah these are my only intentions , '' Bieber sings on the track .
`` Intentions '' will appear on Bieber 's new album titled Changes , which will be released on Feb. 14 .
Post Malone , Lil Dicky , Travis Scott and Kehlani are set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Justin Bieber and Quavo raise awareness and money for non-profit organization Alexandria House in the new music video for the singer's latest single, "Intentions."
The clip, released on Friday, highlights the stories of three women who used Alexandria House in order to get back on their feet and how they want to improve their communities.
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Alexandria House helps less fortunate families move into permanent housing.
Bieber and Quavo meet with the three women and their families, offering donations such as a car, school supplies and studio time.
The pop star also launches the "Intentions" fund with $200,000 to help support families at Alexandria House. A link is also provided for fans to donate as well.
"Picture perfect, you don't need no filter/ Gorgeous, make 'em drop dead you a killer/ Shower you with all my attention/ Yeah these are my only intentions," Bieber sings on the track.
"Intentions" will appear on Bieber's new album titled Changes, which will be released on Feb. 14. Post Malone, Lil Dicky, Travis Scott and Kehlani are set to make guest appearances in addition to Quavo.


upi--2020-02-07--Demi Lovato to host talk show for Quibi

Demi Lovato to host talk show for Quibi

Feb. 7 ( UPI ) -- Entertainer Demi Lovato has signed on to host a 10-episode talk show for Quibi @ @ @ @ @ announced .
The news comes shortly after Lovato 's stunning performances at the Super Bowl @ @ @ @ @ She can also now be seen acting on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace .
@ @ @ @ @ Lovato , she will chat with experts and celebrities about activism , body positivity , @ @ @ @ @ media and wellness .
`` I 've always considered myself someone that speaks honestly about @ @ @ @ @ , '' Lovato said in a statement Thursday .
`` We 're excited to bring @ @ @ @ @ public forum , where people can have the opportunity to relate to the topics and @ @ @ @ @ for laughter and learning . ''
Quibi will offer new shows with episodes that are @ @ @ @ @ when it launches on April 6 .

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Demi Lovato is getting her own talk show on Quibi. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Entertainer Demi Lovato has signed on to host a 10-episode talk show for Quibi, the mobile streaming service announced. The news comes shortly after Lovato's stunning performances at the Super Bowl and Grammy Awards ceremony. She can also now be seen acting on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace. Advertisement
In Pillow Talk with Demi Lovato, she will chat with experts and celebrities about activism, body positivity, sex, relationships, social media and wellness.
"I've always considered myself someone that speaks honestly about issues that face my generation," Lovato said in a statement Thursday. "We're excited to bring those frank conversations to a public forum, where people can have the opportunity to relate to the topics and guests, while finding room for laughter and learning."
Quibi will offer new shows with episodes that are less than 10 minutes each when it launches on April 6.


upi--2020-02-07--7 Democrats set for debate in New Hampshire after Iowa fiasco

Feb. 7 ( UPI ) -- Seven presidential candidates will take the stage for the eighth Democratic debate in New Hampshire Friday night -- four days before the state votes in the second official nominating contest of the primary season , following the electoral chaos in Iowa .
The debate will be staged at Saint Anselm College in Manchester , N.H. , and will air for three hours beginning at 8 p.m .
It will be broadcast and moderated by ABC News .
The candidates who have qualified for the contest are former Vice President Joe Biden , former South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota , Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont , Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and entrepreneurs Tom Steyer and Andrew Yang .
Candidates who did not meet party requirements to participate are former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg , Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado , Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii and former Massachusetts Gov .
Deval Patrick .
Former Maryland Rep. John Delaney dropped out of the race since the last debate in January .
Qualifications for Friday 's debate are that a candidate must have 5 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early primary states , excluding Iowa .
A candidate automatically qualifies if they received at least one pledged delegate in the Iowa caucuses .
Bloomberg has a legitimate gripe about not being included in Friday 's debate .
He 's met the polling requirement but not the donor mandate , because the billionaire media mogul has declined to take any donations .
He 's paying for his campaign entirely by himself .
Gabbard met the donor requirement but not the polling mandate .
The automatic qualification became a bit sticky , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tumultuous vote on Tuesday when a technical glitch in a ballot-reporting application only gave Iowa Democratic leaders partial results .
Officials cited inconsistencies , but reported Thursday 100 percent of the results showed Buttgieg ( 26.2 percent ) and Sanders ( 26.1 percent ) in a virtual tie for first place .
Both received 11 pledged delegates .
Warren placed third ( 18 percent/5 delegates ) , followed by Biden ( 15.8 percent/2 delegates ) , Klobuchar ( 12.3 percent/1 delegate ) and Yang ( 1 percent ) .
Moderators at Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Stephanopoulos , World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir and ABC News correspondent Linsey Davis .
WMUR-TV Political Director Adam Sexton and WMUR-TV News Anchor Monica Hernandez will also participate .
The next Democratic debate will be held in Las Vegas on Feb. 9 .

Seven Democratic presidential candidates (L-R) Andrew Yang, Pete Buttigieg, Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Amy Klobuchar and Tom Steyer debate at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, Friday night. Photo by John Tlumacki/Boston Globe/EPA-EFE
Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Surging presidential front-runners Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders came in for sustained criticism from their rivals, as well as from each other, Friday night at the eighth Democratic debate in New Hampshire. Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Ind., and Sanders, a U.S. senator from neighboring Vermont, entered with momentum after finishing in a virtual tie at Monday's Iowa caucuses, and in a crucial debate featuring five other Democratic presidential contenders were subjected to repeated attacks over their electability, experience and campaign contributors. Advertisement
They shared the stage with fellow competitors including former Vice President Joe Biden; Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota; Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and entrepreneurs Tom Steyer and Andrew Yang as all vied for support ahead of next Tuesday's New Hampshire primary election.
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Some of the most pointed salvos directed at Buttigieg and Sanders came from each other.
Buttigieg portrayed himself as a moderate alternative to the staunchly progressive Sanders, saying that to beat President Donald Trump in November, the Democratic candidate had to be broadly inclusive and not to subscribe to a "my way or the highway" brand of politics.
Sanders, however, attacked Buttigieg for accepting donations from dozens of billionaires and their spouses, saying, "The way you bring people together is by presenting an agenda that works for the working people of this country, not for the billionaire class. The way you bring people together ... you raise the minimum wage to 15 bucks an hour."
Klobuchar, competing for the same moderate voters as Buttigieg, criticized his inexperience, saying, "We have a newcomer in the White House, and look where it got us."
Biden, too, focused on Buttigieg's thin resume while also highlighting his perceived lack of support among minority voters.
"Mayor Buttigieg is a great guy and a real patriot," Biden said, "but he was the mayor of a small city but has not demonstrated the ability to get a broad scope of support including among African Americans and Latinos."
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The 37-year-old Buttigieg, however, said it was time to "turn the page" on the broken politics of the past, in a remark seemingly aimed at the 76-year-old former vice president.
Biden, who finished a disappointing fourth in Iowa, also took a swing at Sanders' perceived electability.
"Bernie has labeled himself, not me, a democratic socialist," he said "I think that's the label that the president is going to lay on everyone running with Bernie if he is the nominee."
The debate was staged at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., and was broadcast and moderated by ABC News.
Candidates who did not meet party requirements to participate are former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii and former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. Former Maryland Rep. John Delaney dropped out of the race since the last debate in January.
Qualifications for Friday's debate were that a candidate must have 5 percent support nationally or 7 percent support in early primary states, excluding Iowa. A candidate automatically qualifies if they received at least one pledged delegate in the Iowa caucuses.
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Bloomberg took exception to being left out of Friday's debate. He's met the polling requirement but not the donor mandate, because the billionaire media mogul has declined to take any donations. His campaign is entirely self-funded. Gabbard met the donor requirement but not the polling mandate.
The automatic qualification became a bit sticky, however, as party officials were still recovering from a tumultuous vote on Tuesday when a technical glitch in a ballot-reporting application only gave Iowa Democratic leaders partial results. Officials cited inconsistencies, but reported Thursday 100 percent of the results showed Buttgieg (26.2 percent) and Sanders (26.1 percent) in a virtual tie for first place. Both received 11 pledged delegates.
Warren placed third (18 percent/five delegates), followed by Biden (15.8 percent/two delegates), Klobuchar (12.3 percent/one delegate) and Yang (1 percent).
The next Democratic debate will be held in Las Vegas on Feb. 19.


upi--2020-02-07--Paul Rudd, Jack McBrayer to lead voice cast of Audible comedy

Feb. 7 ( UPI ) -- Ant-Man actor Paul Rudd and 30 Rock alum Jack McBrayer are lending their vocal talents to characters in the Audible Original comedy series , Escape from Virtual Island .
Set to debut on April 2 , the audio show 's voice cast will also include Paula Pell , Amber Ruffin , Scott Adsit , Jane Krakowski , Seth Meyers , Jason Sudeikis , Kenan Thompson , Olivia Wilde and Henry Winkler .
The series takes place in a futuristic island resort where clients live out their fantasies through virtual reality technology .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known for his work on Saturday Night Live , Late Night with Seth Meyers and 30 Rock .
`` This astonishing group of comedy all-stars took a hilarious script and turned it into a wildly imaginative and brilliant series , '' David Blum , editor-in-chief of Audible Originals , said in a statement Thursday .
`` When we kicked off our collaboration with Broadway Video in 2017 , we did so with the vision of creating distinctive new Audible Originals with the top talents in the business .
We 're working to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talents working today .
And we ca n't wait for our listeners to join these familiar voices on a wild comedy adventure series like no other . ''

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Paul Rudd is to voice a character in the new Audible Originals comedy series "Escape From Virtual Island." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Ant-Man actor Paul Rudd and 30 Rock alum Jack McBrayer are lending their vocal talents to characters in the Audible Original comedy series, Escape from Virtual Island. Set to debut on April 2, the audio show's voice cast will also include Paula Pell, Amber Ruffin, Scott Adsit, Jane Krakowski, Seth Meyers, Jason Sudeikis, Kenan Thompson, Olivia Wilde and Henry Winkler. Advertisement
The series takes place in a futuristic island resort where clients live out their fantasies through virtual reality technology. It was written by John Lutz, who is known for his work on Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Seth Meyers and 30 Rock.
"This astonishing group of comedy all-stars took a hilarious script and turned it into a wildly imaginative and brilliant series," David Blum, editor-in-chief of Audible Originals, said in a statement Thursday. "When we kicked off our collaboration with Broadway Video in 2017, we did so with the vision of creating distinctive new Audible Originals with the top talents in the business. We're working to make Audible the home for the top creative talents working today. And we can't wait for our listeners to join these familiar voices on a wild comedy adventure series like no other."


upi--2020-02-07--John Mulaney, Daniel Craig booked to guest host 'SNL'

Feb. 7 ( UPI ) -- Comedian John Mulaney and film star Daniel Craig have been booked as guest hosts @ @ @ @ @ winter .
Mulaney will take the reins on Feb. 29 , but accepting the gig @ @ @ @ @ stand-up engagement he had planned .
`` I am terribly sorry to move the show @ @ @ @ @ rescheduled for April 10 .
I will be there no matter what .
I love @ @ @ @ @ 'm afraid of Lorne so I do what he says , '' Mulaney tweeted , @ @ @ @ @ Michaels .
Former Talking Heads lead singer David Byrne will also perform on SNL Feb. @ @ @ @ @ the March 7 edition of the show when singer-songwriter The Weeknd will provide the musical @ @ @ @ @ James Bond adventure No Time to Die is due in theaters on April 10 .
@ @ @ @ @ episode of SNL will be entertainer RuPaul and pop star Justin Bieber .

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John Mulaney is set to guest host "Saturday Night Live" on Feb. 29. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Comedian John Mulaney and film star Daniel Craig have been booked as guest hosts for Saturday Night Live this winter. Mulaney will take the reins on Feb. 29, but accepting the gig required him to cancel a stand-up engagement he had planned. Advertisement
"I am terribly sorry to move the show again. It is now rescheduled for April 10. I will be there no matter what. I love you Toronto. Also I'm afraid of Lorne so I do what he says," Mulaney tweeted, referring to SNL boss Lorne Michaels.
Former Talking Heads lead singer David Byrne will also perform on SNL Feb. 29.
Craig will host the March 7 edition of the show when singer-songwriter The Weeknd will provide the musical entertainment.
Craig's next James Bond adventure No Time to Die is due in theaters on April 10.
Appearing on this weekend's episode of SNL will be entertainer RuPaul and pop star Justin Bieber.


upi--2020-02-07--5 killed in Alaska plane crash

5 killed in Alaska plane crash

Feb. 7 ( UPI ) -- Five people were killed when a passenger plane crashed in western Alaska , authorities @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement it was notified Thursday of an overdue Yute Commuter Service aircraft @ @ @ @ @ to Kipnuk near the western edge of mainland Alaska .
The agency found the plane @ @ @ @ @ about 12 miles southwest of Tuntutuliak , which is near Bethel , authorities said .
@ @ @ @ @ from Bethel to the scene where authorities confirmed the four passengers and the pilot had @ @ @ @ @ said it is attempting to contact the victims ' families .
In a statement on @ @ @ @ @ announced it had canceled all service for Friday .
Earlier Thursday , Yute said it @ @ @ @ @ hold `` due to low ceiling in Bethel . ''
The National Transpiration Safety Board @ @ @ @ @ crash , authorities said .

Alaska State Troopers discovered the plane crashed at around 1:50 p.m. Thursday about 12 miles southwest of Tuntutliak. Image courtesy of Google Maps
Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Five people were killed when a passenger plane crashed in western Alaska, authorities said. Alaska State Troopers said in a statement it was notified Thursday of an overdue Yute Commuter Service aircraft that was traveling from Bethel to Kipnuk near the western edge of mainland Alaska. Advertisement
The agency found the plane crashed at around 1:50 p.m. about 12 miles southwest of Tuntutuliak, which is near Bethel, authorities said.
A Blackhawk helicopter was dispatched from Bethel to the scene where authorities confirmed the four passengers and the pilot had died.
Alaska State Troopers said it is attempting to contact the victims' families.
In a statement on its Facebook page, Yute announced it had canceled all service for Friday. Earlier Thursday, Yute said it had put morning flights on hold "due to low ceiling in Bethel."
The National Transpiration Safety Board has been notified of the crash, authorities said.


upi--2020-02-07--Nurses at higher risk for suicide than general population

Nurses are at elevated risk for suicide , but the issue gets little attention , researchers report .
Their study of 2005-2016 U.S. government data found the suicide rate among female nurses was significantly higher , at 10 per 100,000 , than that of the general female population , at 7 per 100,000 .
The rate among male nurses , at 33 per 100,000 , was also higher than in the general male population , which is 27 per 100,000 .
The findings show `` that male and female nurses are at a higher risk for suicide , confirming our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ author Judy Davidson , a research scientist at the University of California , San Diego .
`` Female nurses have been at greater risk since 2005 and males since 2011 .
Unexpectedly , the data does not reflect a rise in suicide , but rather that nurse suicide has been unaddressed for years , '' Davidson said in a university news release .
Drugs -- namely opioids and benzodiazepines -- were the most commonly used method of suicide in females .
This indicates `` a need to further support nurses with pain management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study co-author Dr. Sidney Zisook , a psychiatry professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine .
`` The use of firearms was most common in male nurses , and rising in female nurses .
Given these results , suicide prevention programs are needed , '' Zisook said in the release .
The study was published online Feb. 3 in the journal WORLDviews on Evidence Based-Nursing .
Another paper in the same issue outlined the effectiveness of a health care provider suicide prevention program called the Healer Education Assessment and Referral , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested at UC San Diego .
The program provides education about suicide risk factors and offers screening .
It is listed as a best practice in suicide prevention by the American Medical Association .
`` It is time to take urgent action to protect our nursing workforce .
The HEAR program is ready for replication at the national level to address this newly recognized risk among nurses , '' said Davidson , co-chair of an American Nurses Association task force on nurse suicide .
Talk-based therapy to build resiliency would complement the program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute of Mental Health has more on suicide prevention .

Female nurses have been at greater risk for suicide than the general public since 2005, and males since 2011, researchers say. Photo by HalcyonMarine /Pixbay
Nurses are at elevated risk for suicide, but the issue gets little attention, researchers report. Their study of 2005-2016 U.S. government data found the suicide rate among female nurses was significantly higher, at 10 per 100,000, than that of the general female population, at 7 per 100,000. The rate among male nurses, at 33 per 100,000, was also higher than in the general male population, which is 27 per 100,000. Advertisement
The findings show "that male and female nurses are at a higher risk for suicide, confirming our previous studies," said study senior author Judy Davidson, a research scientist at the University of California, San Diego.
"Female nurses have been at greater risk since 2005 and males since 2011. Unexpectedly, the data does not reflect a rise in suicide, but rather that nurse suicide has been unaddressed for years," Davidson said in a university news release.
Drugs -- namely opioids and benzodiazepines -- were the most commonly used method of suicide in females. This indicates "a need to further support nurses with pain management and mental health issues," said study co-author Dr. Sidney Zisook, a psychiatry professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine.
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"The use of firearms was most common in male nurses, and rising in female nurses. Given these results, suicide prevention programs are needed," Zisook said in the release.
The study was published online Feb. 3 in the journal WORLDviews on Evidence Based-Nursing.
Another paper in the same issue outlined the effectiveness of a health care provider suicide prevention program called the Healer Education Assessment and Referral, or HEAR, program, which has been tested at UC San Diego.
The program provides education about suicide risk factors and offers screening. It is listed as a best practice in suicide prevention by the American Medical Association.
"It is time to take urgent action to protect our nursing workforce. The HEAR program is ready for replication at the national level to address this newly recognized risk among nurses," said Davidson, co-chair of an American Nurses Association task force on nurse suicide.
Talk-based therapy to build resiliency would complement the program, she added.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has more on suicide prevention.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-02-07--Snow moon to shine all weekend

Snow moon to shine all weekend

Feb. 7 ( UPI ) -- The next full moon will officially appear on Sunday , but NASA said the moon will appear full on Friday and Saturday evenings , too , making this a full moon weekend .
The second full moon of winter , February 's only full moon , is sometimes called the snow moon .
The full moon gets its nickname from the lunar naming traditions of Native American tribes in the Northeast .
`` Across North America , there are many different tribes with different languages and different names for the full moons throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The snow moon arrives during one of the snowiest months of the year .
For Native Americans , the heavy snow storms that blanketed the Northeast during January and February made hunting difficult , which is why some tribes called the winter 's second full moon the storm moon or hunger moon .
The Maine Farmer 's Almanac first published Native American nicknames for calendar 's full moons in the 1930s .
Cherokee Indians refer to February 's full moon as the bone moon , another reference to the season 's scarcity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ peak brightness at 2:33 a.m .
ET on Sunday morning .
On Saturday evening , as dusk turns to darkness , Regulus , the brightest star in the constellation Leo the Lion , will trace the moon 's path into the eastern sky .
`` Because the moon is opposite the sun at full moon , the February full moon mimics the path of the sun six months from now , or in early August , '' according to EarthSky .
`` From around the world , the August sun -- like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due east and sets north of due west . ''
Some are describing this weekend 's full moon as a supermoon , though not everyone agrees on the definition of the term or whether February 's full moon qualifies .
Supermoons are full moons that occur when the moon is considerably closer to Earth , or those during the perigean portion of the moon 's orbit .
Of the 13 full moons expected in 2020 , February 's full moon is the fourth closest .
Some consider the top four closest full moons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only the two closest , the full moons of March and April , qualify .

A Super Snow Moon rises behind One World Trade Center and the Manhattan skyline shorty after sunset on February 19, 2019, in New York City. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 7 (UPI) -- The next full moon will officially appear on Sunday, but NASA said the moon will appear full on Friday and Saturday evenings, too, making this a full moon weekend. The second full moon of winter, February's only full moon, is sometimes called the snow moon. The full moon gets its nickname from the lunar naming traditions of Native American tribes in the Northeast. Advertisement
"Across North America, there are many different tribes with different languages and different names for the full moons throughout the year," according to NASA.
The snow moon arrives during one of the snowiest months of the year. For Native Americans, the heavy snow storms that blanketed the Northeast during January and February made hunting difficult, which is why some tribes called the winter's second full moon the storm moon or hunger moon.
The Maine Farmer's Almanac first published Native American nicknames for calendar's full moons in the 1930s.
Cherokee Indians refer to February's full moon as the bone moon, another reference to the season's scarcity.
This year's snow moon will reach peak brightness at 2:33 a.m. ET on Sunday morning.
On Saturday evening, as dusk turns to darkness, Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo the Lion, will trace the moon's path into the eastern sky.
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"Because the moon is opposite the sun at full moon, the February full moon mimics the path of the sun six months from now, or in early August," according to EarthSky. "From around the world, the August sun -- like the February full moon -- rises north of due east and sets north of due west."
Some are describing this weekend's full moon as a supermoon, though not everyone agrees on the definition of the term or whether February's full moon qualifies.
Supermoons are full moons that occur when the moon is considerably closer to Earth, or those during the perigean portion of the moon's orbit. Of the 13 full moons expected in 2020, February's full moon is the fourth closest.
Some consider the top four closest full moons to be supermoons, while others claim only the two closest, the full moons of March and April, qualify.


upi--2020-02-07--Famous birthdays for Feb. 7: James Spader, Garth Brooks

Feb. 7 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Aquarius .
-- Army @ @ @ @ @ the only conscientious object to receive the Medal of Honor , and subject of Hacksaw @ @ @ @

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James Spader arrives for the premiere of "Avengers: Age of Ultron" at the Dolby Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on April 13, 2015. The actor turns 60 on February 7. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Aquarius. They include: Advertisement
-- English statesman/writer Thomas More in 1478
-- Farm equipment manufacturer John Deere in 1804
-- English novelist Charles Dickens in 1812
-- Author Laura Ingalls Wilder in 1867
-- Novelist Sinclair Lewis in 1885
-- Ragtime composer and pianist Eubie Blake in 1887
UPI File Photo
-- Army Cpl. Desmond Doss, the only conscientious object to receive the Medal of Honor, and subject of Hacksaw Ridge, in 1919
-- Writer Gay Talese in 1932 (age 88)
-- Actor Pete Postlethwaite in 1946
-- Actor Miguel Ferrer in 1955
-- Comedian Emo Philips in 1956 (age 64)
-- Actor James Spader in 1960 (age 60)
-- Actor Eddie Izzard in 1962 (age 58)
-- Country singer Garth Brooks in 1962 (age 58)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- Comedian Chris Rock in 1965 (age 55)
-- Actor Essence Atkins in 1972 (age 48)
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-- Actor Ashton Kutcher in 1978 (age 42)
-- Actor Deborah Ann Woll in 1985 (age 35)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI


upi--2020-02-07--'Spotlight' director takes kids seriously in 'Timmy Failure'

Feb. 7 ( UPI ) -- Oscar-winning director Tom McCarthy directed the new Disney+ film Timmy Failure : Mistakes Were Made .
It is his first film since winning the Academy Award for the 2015 film Spotlight , which told the story of the Boston Globe 's reporting of the Catholic church molestation scandal .
`` It certainly was an enjoyable sort of pivot in a way , '' McCarthy told UPI in a phone interview .
`` Maybe it was even unconscious on some level , but really it was just a matter of timing . ''
McCarthy directed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jumped on the opportunity when the lighter fare was ready to go first .
He had directed child actors as supporting characters in Win Win and The Cobbler , but Timmy features fifth-graders in the lead role and main cast .
`` This one was a little more intense , in terms of where these kids were at in their experience , '' McCarthy said .
`` Once we kind of got everybody locked in , the machine ran pretty smoothly and they really responded to direction .
Once I think I adjusted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent directing and maybe 10 percent panicking , it just felt like work . ''
Winslow Fegley plays Timmy Failure , who wants to get a real office for his investigation agency , but he 's only in fifth grade .
He still has to go to school and deal with classmates and teachers , but he is on the case of potential Russian invaders in Portland , Ore. '' The movie is from Timmy 's perspective and how he sees the world , '' McCarthy said .
`` I think it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is at moments .
He 's obviously a kid with a really active imagination and uses that imagination as a way of coping and dealing with the world . ''
Timmy imagines himself in a Broadway musical or serving hard time in prison as detention .
The film takes Timmy 's vision of the world as seriously as the character does .
`` The stakes are super-high and it can pivot quickly , '' McCarthy said .
`` Just about everyone who worked on the movie had kids so it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interact . ''
Timmy would rather follow leads than go to gym class .
McCarthy suggested Timmy 's sleuth work and his fantasies are a way of deflecting his real-life problems .
`` I think also it 's Timmy 's way of coping and making sense of the world , '' McCarthy said .
`` Obviously , he 's got a blind spot about who he is . ''
Timmy has a single mother ( Ophelia Lovibond ) , who is dating again , and he 's at a new middle school .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they 're safer to him .
`` It 's a scary time in life , and I think his mother and him have been struggling a bit in terms of getting along , '' McCarthy said .
`` There 's some tension at home , and he 's changing schools , too .
His friends are growing up a little faster than him , and it 's a lot of those things at that age where it 's as big stakes as you can get . ''
Author Stephan Pastis , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the screenplay with McCarthy .
McCarthy said Pastis supported changes he wanted to make to the source material .
`` Stephan 's very good about not being precious [ with his material ] , '' McCarthy said .
`` The only thing he 's precious about was protecting Timmy and the authenticity and the views of that character , and I was down with that . ''
Bringing Pastis ' title character to life required a six- to nine-month casting search , McCarthy said .
Timmy Failure is 10-year-old Fegley 's first movie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of kid , '' McCarthy said .
`` We looked at every race , shape and size .
Winslow was it -- no question about it . ''
McCarthy cast some established actors in the adult roles .
Wallace Shawn plays a teacher , Craig Robinson a school counselor and Kyle Bornheimer the new love interest to Timmy 's mother .
McCarthy discovered some Portland local actors on location .
Comedian Caitlin Weierhauser plays Flo , the librarian who refuses to help Timmy find information on Russians .
`` For whatever reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience , '' McCarthy said .
`` They love the friction and tension she has . ''
The one co-star McCarthy could not cast is Total , Timmy 's pet polar bear .
Every scene with Total is a visual effect .
`` I found out that real polar bears had a habit of eating children and it was impressed upon us that that was not Disney-acceptable , '' McCarthy joked .
`` So we had to make do without . ''
If the first Timmy Failure movie is a success on Disney+ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the subsequent books .
He 'd have to film them quickly before Fegley outgrows the part .
`` I 'd love that , '' McCarthy said .
`` We 've got to make it happen . ''

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Winslow Fegley plays the title character in "Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made." Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Oscar-winning director Tom McCarthy directed the new Disney+ film Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made. It is his first film since winning the Academy Award for the 2015 film Spotlight, which told the story of the Boston Globe's reporting of the Catholic church molestation scandal. "It certainly was an enjoyable sort of pivot in a way," McCarthy told UPI in a phone interview. "Maybe it was even unconscious on some level, but really it was just a matter of timing." Advertisement
McCarthy directed another adult-centered film after Timmy Failure but jumped on the opportunity when the lighter fare was ready to go first. He had directed child actors as supporting characters in Win Win and The Cobbler, but Timmy features fifth-graders in the lead role and main cast.
"This one was a little more intense, in terms of where these kids were at in their experience," McCarthy said. "Once we kind of got everybody locked in, the machine ran pretty smoothly and they really responded to direction. Once I think I adjusted to the idea that it was 90 percent directing and maybe 10 percent panicking, it just felt like work."
Advertisement
Winslow Fegley plays Timmy Failure, who wants to get a real office for his investigation agency, but he's only in fifth grade. He still has to go to school and deal with classmates and teachers, but he is on the case of potential Russian invaders in Portland, Ore.
"The movie is from Timmy's perspective and how he sees the world," McCarthy said. "I think it's for an audience to judge how sincere he is at moments. He's obviously a kid with a really active imagination and uses that imagination as a way of coping and dealing with the world."
Timmy imagines himself in a Broadway musical or serving hard time in prison as detention. The film takes Timmy's vision of the world as seriously as the character does.
"The stakes are super-high and it can pivot quickly," McCarthy said. "Just about everyone who worked on the movie had kids so it was a constant conversation of how they react and interact."
Timmy would rather follow leads than go to gym class. McCarthy suggested Timmy's sleuth work and his fantasies are a way of deflecting his real-life problems.
"I think also it's Timmy's way of coping and making sense of the world," McCarthy said. "Obviously, he's got a blind spot about who he is."
Advertisement
Timmy has a single mother (Ophelia Lovibond), who is dating again, and he's at a new middle school. McCarthy suggested he retreats into his investigations because they're safer to him.
"It's a scary time in life, and I think his mother and him have been struggling a bit in terms of getting along," McCarthy said. "There's some tension at home, and he's changing schools, too. His friends are growing up a little faster than him, and it's a lot of those things at that age where it's as big stakes as you can get."
Author Stephan Pastis, who wrote seven Timmy Failure novels, co-wrote the screenplay with McCarthy. McCarthy said Pastis supported changes he wanted to make to the source material.
"Stephan's very good about not being precious [with his material]," McCarthy said. "The only thing he's precious about was protecting Timmy and the authenticity and the views of that character, and I was down with that."
Bringing Pastis' title character to life required a six- to nine-month casting search, McCarthy said. Timmy Failure is 10-year-old Fegley's first movie role.
"We looked at every kind of kid," McCarthy said. "We looked at every race, shape and size. Winslow was it -- no question about it."
Advertisement
McCarthy cast some established actors in the adult roles. Wallace Shawn plays a teacher, Craig Robinson a school counselor and Kyle Bornheimer the new love interest to Timmy's mother. McCarthy discovered some Portland local actors on location.
Comedian Caitlin Weierhauser plays Flo, the librarian who refuses to help Timmy find information on Russians.
"For whatever reason, the kids love her in the audience," McCarthy said. "They love the friction and tension she has."
The one co-star McCarthy could not cast is Total, Timmy's pet polar bear. Every scene with Total is a visual effect.
"I found out that real polar bears had a habit of eating children and it was impressed upon us that that was not Disney-acceptable," McCarthy joked. "So we had to make do without."
If the first Timmy Failure movie is a success on Disney+, McCarthy hopes to make movies out of the subsequent books. He'd have to film them quickly before Fegley outgrows the part.
"I'd love that," McCarthy said. "We've got to make it happen."
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made premieres Friday on Disney+.