upi--2020-12-24--Watch: Kevin Spacey talks suicide prevention in third annual Christmas video

Dec. 24 ( UPI ) -- Kevin Spacey released a Christmas Eve video message for a third consecutive year , this time using the opportunity to encourage suicide prevention .
Spacey , who was fired from Netflix series House of Cards following accusations of sexual assault from several men , including actor Anthony Rapp , released Christmas Eve videos in 2018 and 2019 using the Frank Underwood character from the series to make veiled references to his own life and legal woes .
The latest Christmas Eve video sees Spacey channeling the character for only the first line of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what would Christmas Eve be without a message from me ? ''
Spacey then switches to using his own voice to address the camera about people he has spoken with in the past year who have struggled with depression .
`` A lot of people have reached out to me this past year and have shared their own struggles , '' Spacey says .
`` And my ability to be there for them has really only been possible because of my own difficulties .
And while it 's been a privilege to offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frankly , it 's also been beyond my abilities , and it 's bigger than me . ''
Spacey says some of those who he has spoken to have told him they 've `` contemplated taking their own lives . ''
`` And that 's enough for me to want to take an entirely different approach this year , to acknowledge their pain and say to anyone out there who 's struggling , or contemplating that idea : please , please do not take that step , '' he says .
Spacey encourages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find someone to talk to rather than acting on those impulses .
`` And so I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas , a great 2021 , and say to all of those out there who might be suffering : It gets better .
It does get better .
Happy holidays , everyone . ''
Rapp and another actor identified only by the initials C.D .
filed a civil lawsuit against Spacey in September in New York .
The suit alleges the plaintiffs endured psychological damage from abuses they suffered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Los Angeles County District Attorney 's Office dropped a sexual assault case against Spacey in October 2019 after the death of one of his accusers .

Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Kevin Spacey released a Christmas Eve video message for a third consecutive year, this time using the opportunity to encourage suicide prevention.
Spacey, who was fired from Netflix series House of Cards following accusations of sexual assault from several men, including actor Anthony Rapp, released Christmas Eve videos in 2018 and 2019 using the Frank Underwood character from the series to make veiled references to his own life and legal woes.
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The latest Christmas Eve video sees Spacey channeling the character for only the first line of the message: "That's right, what would Christmas Eve be without a message from me?"
Spacey then switches to using his own voice to address the camera about people he has spoken with in the past year who have struggled with depression.
"A lot of people have reached out to me this past year and have shared their own struggles," Spacey says. "And my ability to be there for them has really only been possible because of my own difficulties. And while it's been a privilege to offer support, I have to say, frankly, it's also been beyond my abilities, and it's bigger than me."
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Spacey says some of those who he has spoken to have told him they've "contemplated taking their own lives."
"And that's enough for me to want to take an entirely different approach this year, to acknowledge their pain and say to anyone out there who's struggling, or contemplating that idea: please, please do not take that step," he says.
Spacey encourages anyone suffering from depression or suicidal ideation to find someone to talk to rather than acting on those impulses.
"And so I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a great 2021, and say to all of those out there who might be suffering: It gets better. It does get better. Happy holidays, everyone."
Rapp and another actor identified only by the initials C.D. filed a civil lawsuit against Spacey in September in New York. The suit alleges the plaintiffs endured psychological damage from abuses they suffered during encounters with Spacey in the 1980s.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office dropped a sexual assault case against Spacey in October 2019 after the death of one of his accusers.


upi--2020-12-24--State Department approves $128.1M aircraft sale to Kazakhstan

Dec. 24 ( UPI ) -- The State Department approved a possible $ 128.1 million deal this week to sell three King Air Scorpion aircraft to Kazakhstan , according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency .
The DSCA delivered the notification of sale to Congress earlier this week .
The deal would fulfill a request from Kazakhstan 's government to buy three aircraft , three Raytheon AST TITAN Communications Intelligence Sensor Suites and three WESCAM MX-15HDi Elector Optical Infrared Turret Electro Optical Infrared Sensors .
If the deal goes through the United States would also provide spare parts and technical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documentation and training .
`` This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Central Asia , '' DSCA said Wednesday in a press release .
`` The proposed sale will improve Kazakhstan 's capability to meet current and future threats by improving its capability to deter regional threats and conduct border security operations . ''
The principal contractor for this deal would be Sierra Nevada @ @ @ @ @ @

Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The State Department approved a possible $128.1 million deal this week to sell three King Air Scorpion aircraft to Kazakhstan, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
The DSCA delivered the notification of sale to Congress earlier this week.
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The deal would fulfill a request from Kazakhstan's government to buy three aircraft, three Raytheon AST TITAN Communications Intelligence Sensor Suites and three WESCAM MX-15HDi Elector Optical Infrared Turret Electro Optical Infrared Sensors.
If the deal goes through the United States would also provide spare parts and technical and logistical support services, including technical documentation and training.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Central Asia," DSCA said Wednesday in a press release.
"The proposed sale will improve Kazakhstan's capability to meet current and future threats by improving its capability to deter regional threats and conduct border security operations."
The principal contractor for this deal would be Sierra Nevada Corporation in Hagerstown, Md.


upi--2020-12-24--USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group leaves for deployment

Dec. 24 ( UPI ) -- The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group began its scheduled deployment this week after completing a sustainment exercise , the Navy announced .
On Dec. 8 , the Roosevelt left its home port in San Diego with little fanfare in order to conduct operations in West Coast waters .
At the time a spokesman for the strike group declined to comment on the ship 's scheduled deployment , which began Wednesday .
`` Our Sailors worked incredibly hard to make sure we set sail with a healthy , capable and ready crew , '' Capt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commanding officer , said in a Navy press release .
According to the Navy , the sustainment exercise was an `` integrated and comprehensive exercise designed to test the strike group 's ability to compete and win in a high-end fight . ''
`` The entire strike group team came together during a challenging time to train and ultimately prove that it is ready to answer any call , '' said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo , Commander of Carrier Strike Group Nine , said .
The TRCSG includes the Carrier Strike Group 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wing 11 , the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill , Destroyer Squadron 23 and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Russell and USS John Finn .
Before leaving their respective homeports , the strike group 's sailors -- more than 5,500 of them -- completed what the Navy describes as a `` pre-deployment sequester '' to reduce the risk of COVID infection and establish `` a COVID-free strike group bubble . ''
In July , the Roosevelt returned to San Diego after a deployment in the Pacific that increased in length due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sickened about one-fifth of its crew of 4,800 sailors , and killed one .
That outbreak was ultimately attributed to aircraft carrier activity on the vessel .
Before its departure for the sustainment exercise , the strike group had been in quarantine since mid-November , and in October the Navy confirmed two new cases of COVID-19 on board the Roosevelt .

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt flies a replica of Capt. Oliver Hazard Perry’s “Don’t Give Up the Ship” flag as Theodore Roosevelt approaches Apra Harbor, Guam in June. Photo by Will Bennett/U.S. Navy
Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group began its scheduled deployment this week after completing a sustainment exercise, the Navy announced. On Dec. 8, the Roosevelt left its home port in San Diego with little fanfare in order to conduct operations in West Coast waters. Advertisement
At the time a spokesman for the strike group declined to comment on the ship's scheduled deployment, which began Wednesday.
"Our Sailors worked incredibly hard to make sure we set sail with a healthy, capable and ready crew," Capt. Eric Anduze, Theodore Roosevelt's commanding officer, said in a Navy press release.
According to the Navy, the sustainment exercise was an "integrated and comprehensive exercise designed to test the strike group's ability to compete and win in a high-end fight."
"The entire strike group team came together during a challenging time to train and ultimately prove that it is ready to answer any call," said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, Commander of Carrier Strike Group Nine, said.
The TRCSG includes the Carrier Strike Group 9, USS Theodore Roosevelt, Carrier Air Wing 11, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill, Destroyer Squadron 23 and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Russell and USS John Finn.
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Before leaving their respective homeports, the strike group's sailors -- more than 5,500 of them -- completed what the Navy describes as a "pre-deployment sequester" to reduce the risk of COVID infection and establish "a COVID-free strike group bubble."
In July, the Roosevelt returned to San Diego after a deployment in the Pacific that increased in length due to a COVID-19 outbreak on board that sickened about one-fifth of its crew of 4,800 sailors, and killed one.
That outbreak was ultimately attributed to aircraft carrier activity on the vessel.
Before its departure for the sustainment exercise, the strike group had been in quarantine since mid-November, and in October the Navy confirmed two new cases of COVID-19 on board the Roosevelt.


upi--2020-12-24--Shemar Moore says he has COVID-19

Shemar Moore says he has COVID-19

Dec. 24 ( UPI ) -- Shemar Moore said on Instagram Thursday he has COVID-19 and the actor reassured his fans he 'd get through it .
`` I have COVID !
Just found out moments ago , '' the 50-year-old S.W.A.T .
actor and former Criminal Minds star said in an Instagram post early Thursday .
`` I am going to stay wrapping presents .
.
.
Yes .
I have been tested and told that I have COVID ! ''
Moore also said in the post that when he became ill , he believed he had food poisoning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' throughout the day , but he `` still can smell , taste , no cough , no runny nose . ''
`` I feel fine now , '' he said .
`` But I have to be responsible !
My Xmas n New Years is clearly not gon na be the best . ''
In February , Moore announced the death of his mother , Marylin Joan Wilson-Moore , at age 76 , who suffered `` heart issues '' and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999 , in an Instagram post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` best friend . ''
`` My last year and a half has not been the best , '' Moore said in his post Thursday .
`` But I will be okay !
This is a hard time for all of us .
.
.
the world !
But I believe in the sun shining through the rain !
Stay safe and appreciate everything and everybody you have and had !
Much love ! ''
A few days before the post announcing his COVID-19 diagnosis , the actor posted a photo of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and family a happy holiday .
`` Covid sucks !
But be merry anyway !
2020 is about to be in the rear view mirror , '' the post read .
Several other celebrities have also recently announced they have COVID-19 .
Among them , Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe , 35 , who won this season 's Dancing with the Stars , and Jason Tartick , 34 , who was eliminated as a contestant on the Bachelorette , but later reunited with and started dating Bristowe .
The couple tested positive for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holidays , who had tested negative for COVID-19 four days in a row prior to going there , but they found out the next day the friend tested positive the day she came over , according to Bristowe 's Instagram post Thursday .
`` Unfortunately , this is our Christmas card this year .
We have Covid , '' Bristowe posted on Instagram , adding a crying emoji .
`` Jason and I had been trying to quarantine before seeing family .
We thought we were making a responsible decision to have one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily for work . ''
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres announced she had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month .

Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Shemar Moore said on Instagram Thursday he has COVID-19 and the actor reassured his fans he'd get through it.
"I have COVID! Just found out moments ago," the 50-year-old S.W.A.T. actor and former Criminal Minds star said in an Instagram post early Thursday. "I am going to stay wrapping presents . . . Yes. I have been tested and told that I have COVID!"
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Moore also said in the post that when he became ill, he believed he had food poisoning and had "chills and aches," throughout the day, but he "still can smell, taste, no cough, no runny nose."
"I feel fine now," he said. "But I have to be responsible! My Xmas n New Years is clearly not gonna be the best."
In February, Moore announced the death of his mother, Marylin Joan Wilson-Moore, at age 76, who suffered "heart issues" and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, in an Instagram post, and who he described as his "best friend."
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"My last year and a half has not been the best," Moore said in his post Thursday. "But I will be okay! This is a hard time for all of us . . . the world! But I believe in the sun shining through the rain! Stay safe and appreciate everything and everybody you have and had! Much love!"
A few days before the post announcing his COVID-19 diagnosis, the actor posted a photo of a Christmas tree on Instagram, wishing friends and family a happy holiday.
"Covid sucks! But be merry anyway! 2020 is about to be in the rear view mirror," the post read.
Several other celebrities have also recently announced they have COVID-19. Among them, Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe, 35, who won this season's Dancing with the Stars, and Jason Tartick, 34, who was eliminated as a contestant on the Bachelorette, but later reunited with and started dating Bristowe.
The couple tested positive for COVID-19 after having a friend visit before the holidays, who had tested negative for COVID-19 four days in a row prior to going there, but they found out the next day the friend tested positive the day she came over, according to Bristowe's Instagram post Thursday.
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"Unfortunately, this is our Christmas card this year. We have Covid," Bristowe posted on Instagram, adding a crying emoji. "Jason and I had been trying to quarantine before seeing family. We thought we were making a responsible decision to have one person over, who had been tested daily for work."
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres announced she had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month.


upi--2020-12-24--Watch: Socially distanced Surfing Santas take to the waves in Florida

Dec. 24 ( UPI ) -- The 11th annual Surfing Santa event in Florida went ahead Thursday with a smaller-than-usual @ @ @ @ @ to the waves while observing COVID-19 safety protocols .
The organizers of the annual Christmas @ @ @ @ @ earlier announced it would be livestreamed virtually this year due to the pandemic , and @ @ @ @ @ encouraged to hit the waves individually while practicing social distancing .
`` It 's about @ @ @ @ @ number of surfers ... but it 's still fun , '' Santa-suited participant Gregg Galzerano @ @ @ @ @ included hundreds of families , but was noticeably smaller than the usual gathering of tens @ @ @ @ @

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Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The 11th annual Surfing Santa event in Florida went ahead Thursday with a smaller-than-usual number of St. Nicks taking to the waves while observing COVID-19 safety protocols.
The organizers of the annual Christmas Eve event in Cocoa Beach earlier announced it would be livestreamed virtually this year due to the pandemic, and surfers in Santa suits were encouraged to hit the waves individually while practicing social distancing.
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"It's about a tenth of the normal number of surfers ... but it's still fun," Santa-suited participant Gregg Galzerano told WKMG-TV.
The crowd included hundreds of families, but was noticeably smaller than the usual gathering of tens of thousands of spectators.


upi--2020-12-24--Watch Live: NORAD tracking Santa Claus' journey around the world

Dec. 24 ( UPI ) -- The North American Aerospace Defense Command , better known as NORAD , is tracking Santa Claus on his Christmas Eve journey across the globe for the 65th year .
NORAD is live-streaming a virtual map of Santa 's journey on its `` NORAD Tracks Santa '' website , and callers to 1-877-HI-NORAD can receive updates on St. Nick 's progress into the evening .
The organization previously announced its number of volunteers would be scaled back this year due to COVID-19 , so callers to the hotline may receive a recording instead of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent via email to noradtrackssanta @ outlook.com .
`` While NORAD understands the call center is an important tradition for many families around the world , we [ are reducing ] the health risks posed by attempting to conduct a large , indoor , in-person call center during the pandemic , '' officials said in a statement .
Santa also is being tracked on NORAD 's social media pages , as well as via Amazon Alexa , Onstar and a new mobile app .
The combined defense agency of the United States and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and control in the defense of North America as it identifies hostile aircraft across the Arctic region .
The `` NORAD tracks Santa '' program had its genesis in 1955 , when Air Force Col. Harry Shoup answered a call from a child who dialed a misprinted Santa hotline number from a newspaper department store ad .

Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The North American Aerospace Defense Command, better known as NORAD, is tracking Santa Claus on his Christmas Eve journey across the globe for the 65th year.
NORAD is live-streaming a virtual map of Santa's journey on its "NORAD Tracks Santa" website, and callers to 1-877-HI-NORAD can receive updates on St. Nick's progress into the evening.
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The organization previously announced its number of volunteers would be scaled back this year due to COVID-19, so callers to the hotline may receive a recording instead of a live volunteer. Questions can also be sent via email to [email protected].
"While NORAD understands the call center is an important tradition for many families around the world, we [are reducing] the health risks posed by attempting to conduct a large, indoor, in-person call center during the pandemic," officials said in a statement.
Santa also is being tracked on NORAD's social media pages, as well as via Amazon Alexa, Onstar and a new mobile app.
The combined defense agency of the United States and Canada normally conducts aerospace and maritime warning and control in the defense of North America as it identifies hostile aircraft across the Arctic region.
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The "NORAD tracks Santa" program had its genesis in 1955, when Air Force Col. Harry Shoup answered a call from a child who dialed a misprinted Santa hotline number from a newspaper department store ad.


upi--2020-12-24--Researchers use DNA to track original settlers of Caribbean islands

Dec. 24 ( UPI ) -- The origins of the Caribbean 's first islanders can be traced to two distinct groups , thousands of years apart , suggesting the archipelago was settled by highly mobile people , with distant relatives often living on different islands , a study published Thursday by Nature found .
The islands ' first inhabitants , a group of stone tool-users , boated to Cuba about 6,000 years ago , gradually expanding eastward to other islands during the region 's Archaic Age , the researchers said .
Where they came from remains unclear , as their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group , according to the researchers .
However , similar artifacts found in Belize and Cuba may suggest a Central American origin , study co-author William Keegan said in a press release .
Following that first wave , about 2,500-3,000 years ago , farmers and potters related to the Arawak-speakers of northeast South America established a second pathway into the Caribbean from present-day Venezuela , the researchers said .
This group settled initially in Puerto Rico before moving westward and ushering in the region 's Ceramic Age , marked by agriculture and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the researchers .
This `` moves our understanding of the Caribbean forward dramatically in one fell swoop , '' said Keegan , curator at the Florida Museum of Natural History .
`` The methods [ used in the study ] helped address questions I did n't even know we could address , '' he said .
In the researchers describe as the largest study of ancient human DNA in the Americas to date , David Reich of Harvard Medical School and his team developed a new genetic technique for estimating past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 263 individuals , researchers found that the number of people living in the Caribbean when Europeans arrived was far smaller than previously thought -- likely in the tens of thousands , rather than in the one million or more range reported by Columbus and others , the researchers said .
The findings are based on an analysis of DNA extracted from 174 people who lived in the Caribbean and Venezuela between 400 and 3,100 years ago , which was compared to genetic data from 89 previously sequenced individuals , they said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ricans are the descendants of Ceramic Age people , as well as European immigrants and enslaved Africans , with only marginal evidence of Archaic Age ancestry , according to researchers .
Highlighting the region 's inter-connectivity , a study of male X chromosomes uncovered 19 pairs of `` genetic cousins '' living on different islands -- people who share the same amount of DNA as biological cousins but may be separated by generations , the researchers said .
For example , one man was buried in the Bahamas while his relative was laid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Dominican Republic , they said .
`` Showing relationships across different islands is really an amazing step forward , '' Keegan said .
Uncovering such a high proportion of genetic cousins in a sample of fewer than 100 men is another indicator that the region 's total population size was small , according to Reich , a professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard .
`` One of the most significant outcomes of this study is that it demonstrates just how important culture is in understanding human societies , '' Keegan said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measurable units , but the human genome is culturally created , '' he said .

Archaeologists have pointed to shifts in Caribbean pottery styles as evidence of new migrations, but new genetics research shows all the styles were created by one group of people over time. Photo by Corinne Hofman and Menno Hoogland
Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The origins of the Caribbean's first islanders can be traced to two distinct groups, thousands of years apart, suggesting the archipelago was settled by highly mobile people, with distant relatives often living on different islands, a study published Thursday by Nature found. The islands' first inhabitants, a group of stone tool-users, boated to Cuba about 6,000 years ago, gradually expanding eastward to other islands during the region's Archaic Age, the researchers said. Advertisement
Where they came from remains unclear, as their genetics do not match any particular Indigenous group, according to the researchers.
However, similar artifacts found in Belize and Cuba may suggest a Central American origin, study co-author William Keegan said in a press release.
Following that first wave, about 2,500-3,000 years ago, farmers and potters related to the Arawak-speakers of northeast South America established a second pathway into the Caribbean from present-day Venezuela, the researchers said.
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This group settled initially in Puerto Rico before moving westward and ushering in the region's Ceramic Age, marked by agriculture and the widespread production and use of pottery, according to the researchers.
This "moves our understanding of the Caribbean forward dramatically in one fell swoop," said Keegan, curator at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
"The methods [used in the study] helped address questions I didn't even know we could address," he said.
In the researchers describe as the largest study of ancient human DNA in the Americas to date, David Reich of Harvard Medical School and his team developed a new genetic technique for estimating past population size.
After analyzing the genomes of 263 individuals, researchers found that the number of people living in the Caribbean when Europeans arrived was far smaller than previously thought -- likely in the tens of thousands, rather than in the one million or more range reported by Columbus and others, the researchers said.
The findings are based on an analysis of DNA extracted from 174 people who lived in the Caribbean and Venezuela between 400 and 3,100 years ago, which was compared to genetic data from 89 previously sequenced individuals, they said.
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Many present-day Cubans, Dominicans and Puerto Ricans are the descendants of Ceramic Age people, as well as European immigrants and enslaved Africans, with only marginal evidence of Archaic Age ancestry, according to researchers.
Highlighting the region's inter-connectivity, a study of male X chromosomes uncovered 19 pairs of "genetic cousins" living on different islands -- people who share the same amount of DNA as biological cousins but may be separated by generations, the researchers said.
For example, one man was buried in the Bahamas while his relative was laid to rest about 600 miles away in the Dominican Republic, they said.
"Showing relationships across different islands is really an amazing step forward," Keegan said.
Uncovering such a high proportion of genetic cousins in a sample of fewer than 100 men is another indicator that the region's total population size was small, according to Reich, a professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard.
"One of the most significant outcomes of this study is that it demonstrates just how important culture is in understanding human societies," Keegan said.
"Genes may be discrete, measurable units, but the human genome is culturally created," he said.


upi--2020-12-24--120-year-old chocolate found in Australian poet's papers

Dec. 24 ( UPI ) -- Staff members at the National Library of Australia said they were stunned when they found a 120-year-old box of chocolate hidden in papers of the late poet and journalist A.B .
`` Banjo '' Paterson .
They were was going through the recently acquired papers of the Australian poet when they stumbled on the souvenir tin filled with chocolate .
The chocolate still was in its straw packaging and silver foil wrapping .
Staffers were unpacking the contents of a box with Paterson 's papers so they could be digitized .
The tins were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent to soldiers in South Africa during the Boer War around 1900 as a gift to the troops .
It is believed Paterson most likely bought the chocolate from one of the soldiers while working as a war correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age .
`` There was quite an interesting smell when they were unwrapped , '' National Library of Australia conservator Jennifer Todd said Tuesday .
`` [ It was ] an old tin of chocolates , belonging to Banjo , with the chocolates still wrapped in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chocolate bar in his writing , but the commemorative chocolate tins became a trading item at the front .
Paterson served as a war correspondent in South Africa for nearly a year starting in October 1899 before returning to Australia .
His papers were passed down by his family after his death in 1941 before the library donation in 2019 .

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Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Staff members at the National Library of Australia said they were stunned when they found a 120-year-old box of chocolate hidden in papers of the late poet and journalist A.B. "Banjo" Paterson.
They were was going through the recently acquired papers of the Australian poet when they stumbled on the souvenir tin filled with chocolate. The chocolate still was in its straw packaging and silver foil wrapping.
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Staffers were unpacking the contents of a box with Paterson's papers so they could be digitized. The tins were commissioned by Britain's Queen Victoria and sent to soldiers in South Africa during the Boer War around 1900 as a gift to the troops.
It is believed Paterson most likely bought the chocolate from one of the soldiers while working as a war correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
"There was quite an interesting smell when they were unwrapped," National Library of Australia conservator Jennifer Todd said Tuesday. "[It was] an old tin of chocolates, belonging to Banjo, with the chocolates still wrapped in the box."
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Paterson never referenced the chocolate bar in his writing, but the commemorative chocolate tins became a trading item at the front.
Paterson served as a war correspondent in South Africa for nearly a year starting in October 1899 before returning to Australia. His papers were passed down by his family after his death in 1941 before the library donation in 2019.


upi--2020-12-24--First female commanding officer of an aircraft carrier will helm USS Abraham Lincoln

Dec. 24 ( UPI ) -- Capt .
Amy Bauernschmidt will assume command of USS Abraham Lincoln , making her the first female commanding officer of an aircraft carrier , the Navy announced this week .
Bauernschmidt will take command of the Lincoln this summer , after she completes training , aviation and leadership training required of aircraft carrier commanding officer .
`` I am incredibly honored and humbled to be selected , '' Bauernschmidt said Wednesday in a Navy press release .
`` I love leading sailors and I take that responsibility extremely seriously . ''
A Milwaukee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United Stated Naval Academy in May 1994 , the first graduating class in which women were allowed to serve aboard combatant ships and aircraft .
She was designated as a naval aviator in 1996 and served with several helicopter squadrons throughout her career , previously commanding the `` Spartans '' of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron and and amphibious transport dock USS San Diego .
Earlier in December Bauernschmidt was the first woman recommended to command an aircraft carrier .
She was also the first woman to serve as the executive officer on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from September 2016 to January 2019 -- also on the Lincoln .

Capt. Amy N. Bauernschmidt, pictured reading the petty officer advancement results over the USS Abraham Lincoln's announcement system in Nov. 2018, has been named commanding officer of the aircraft carrier. Photo by Gwendelyn Ohrazda/U.S. Navy
Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt will assume command of USS Abraham Lincoln, making her the first female commanding officer of an aircraft carrier, the Navy announced this week. Bauernschmidt will take command of the Lincoln this summer, after she completes training, aviation and leadership training required of aircraft carrier commanding officer. Advertisement
"I am incredibly honored and humbled to be selected," Bauernschmidt said Wednesday in a Navy press release. "I love leading sailors and I take that responsibility extremely seriously."
A Milwaukee, Wisc., native, Bauernschmidt graduated from the United Stated Naval Academy in May 1994, the first graduating class in which women were allowed to serve aboard combatant ships and aircraft.
She was designated as a naval aviator in 1996 and served with several helicopter squadrons throughout her career, previously commanding the "Spartans" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron and and amphibious transport dock USS San Diego.
Earlier in December Bauernschmidt was the first woman recommended to command an aircraft carrier.
She was also the first woman to serve as the executive officer on an aircraft carrier, which she did from September 2016 to January 2019 -- also on the Lincoln.
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upi--2020-12-25--U.S. now requires negative COVID-19 test for all air travelers from Britain

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- Federal regulators have ordered that all air travelers to the United States from Britain must now test negative for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before the flight .
The new edict , which takes effect on Monday , comes as Britain struggles to control a new coronavirus variant , forcing fresh shutdowns around the country , including London .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ordered the rule change late Thursday .
`` Viruses constantly change through mutation , and preliminary analysis in [ Britain ] suggests that this new variant may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than previously circulating variants , '' the CDC said in a statement .
`` This new order is consistent with the measures that have been taken so far to increase our ability to detect and contain COVID-19 proactively and aggressively . ''
Passengers headed for the United States from Britain must show a negative result from either a polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) or antigen test within three days before they board the flight .
Airlines must also confirm the negative test results for all passengers before they are allowed to travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be denied access to the flight .
`` This additional testing requirement will fortify our protection of the American public to improve their health and safety and ensure responsible international travel , '' the CDC added .
According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control , the new variant that 's appeared in Britain appears to be `` significantly more transmissible , '' but infections are no more severe .
Canada and other nations have also imposed new restrictions on travelers departing from Britain .
Some health experts , like former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO Ugur Sahin , have expressed confidence that the coronavirus vaccines approved for use in the United States will also be effective in blocking the new variant .

Masked travelers walk through a nearly empty terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, Calif., on November 25. A sign in the foreground announces availability of coronavirus testing at the airport, which is one of the United States' busiest hubs for international travel. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Federal regulators have ordered that all air travelers to the United States from Britain must now test negative for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before the flight. The new edict, which takes effect on Monday, comes as Britain struggles to control a new coronavirus variant, forcing fresh shutdowns around the country, including London. Advertisement
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ordered the rule change late Thursday.
"Viruses constantly change through mutation, and preliminary analysis in [Britain] suggests that this new variant may be up to 70% more transmissible than previously circulating variants," the CDC said in a statement.
"This new order is consistent with the measures that have been taken so far to increase our ability to detect and contain COVID-19 proactively and aggressively."
Passengers headed for the United States from Britain must show a negative result from either a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test within three days before they board the flight.
Airlines must also confirm the negative test results for all passengers before they are allowed to travel. Those who refuse to test will be denied access to the flight.
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"This additional testing requirement will fortify our protection of the American public to improve their health and safety and ensure responsible international travel," the CDC added.
According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the new variant that's appeared in Britain appears to be "significantly more transmissible," but infections are no more severe.
Canada and other nations have also imposed new restrictions on travelers departing from Britain.
Some health experts, like former FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Gottlieb and BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin, have expressed confidence that the coronavirus vaccines approved for use in the United States will also be effective in blocking the new variant.


upi--2020-12-25--Gruden refuses to name Raiders QB, but signs point to Carr

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- This week , Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden has refused to name the team 's starting quarterback , but signs point to Derek Carr taking the first snap in Week 16 .
Carr injured his groin in the Raiders Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota played well in three quarters and overtime in relief and was expected to start this week before Carr returned to practice .
`` Derek practiced [ Wednesday and Thursday ] and so did Mariota , '' Gruden told reporters on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ Friday ] in terms of which way we will go .
We will have two quarterbacks prepared to play . ''
The Raiders host the Miami Dolphins on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise , Nev .
The Dolphins have allowed the fewest points per game in the NFL .
Gruden would not confirm that Carr will be active on Saturday , but said it was his `` plan '' to have the quarterback available to play .
`` [ Carr ] has shown a lot of good things , '' Gruden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to let the cat out of the bag .
I 'm going to make sure he 's OK .
I want to make sure he can do all the things he needs to do when going against a defense that blitzes almost every play . ''
Carr has completed 68.1 % of his throws for 3,396 yards , 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 14 games this season .
The Raiders and Dolphins kick off at 8:15 p.m. EST Saturday .

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden (R) said he is "optimistic" that quarterback Derek Carr will be active for the team's game against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday in Paradise, Nev. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- This week, Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden has refused to name the team's starting quarterback, but signs point to Derek Carr taking the first snap in Week 16. Carr injured his groin in the Raiders Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota played well in three quarters and overtime in relief and was expected to start this week before Carr returned to practice. Advertisement
"Derek practiced [Wednesday and Thursday] and so did Mariota," Gruden told reporters on Thursday. "We'll see what happens [Friday] in terms of which way we will go. We will have two quarterbacks prepared to play."
The Raiders host the Miami Dolphins on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev. The Dolphins have allowed the fewest points per game in the NFL.
Gruden would not confirm that Carr will be active on Saturday, but said it was his "plan" to have the quarterback available to play.
"[Carr] has shown a lot of good things," Gruden said. "I'm not going to let the cat out of the bag. I'm going to make sure he's OK. I want to make sure he can do all the things he needs to do when going against a defense that blitzes almost every play."
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Carr has completed 68.1% of his throws for 3,396 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 14 games this season.
The Raiders and Dolphins kick off at 8:15 p.m. EST Saturday.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-25--New Mexico Bowl: Hawaii uses defense, special teams to beat Houston

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- The Hawaii defense had five sacks and forced three turnovers to spark a 28-14 win over Houston in the New Mexico Bowl on Thursday .
Hawaii quarterback Chevan Cordeiro also threw three touchdown passes in the victory at Toyota Stadium in Frisco , Texas .
Hawaii ( 5-4 ) beat Houston ( 3-5 ) despite being out-gained 307 to 267 in total yards .
Houston also had 20 first downs , while Hawaii had 11 first downs .
The Rainbow Warriors began the game with a punt on their first possession before Penei Pavihi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .
Hawaii then took over at the Houston eight-yard line .
Cordeiro found Dae Dae Hunter on a three-yard touchdown toss to end that possession with a score .
The Cougars and Rainbow Warriors punted on the next three drives before Cordeiro threw his second touchdown toss of the first quarter .
He quarterback threw a four-yard pass to Jonah Laulu for that score , which gave Hawaii a 21-0 lead with 8:05 remaining in the second quarter .
Neither team scored for the rest of the first half .
The Cougars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second half with a 17-play , 75-yard drive .
Tune ended that drive with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Nathaniel Dell .
The Cougars then forced a three-and-out from the Rainbow Warriors before they added another score .
Tune threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to tight end Christian Trahan to end the Cougars second drive of the second half and cut the Rainbow Warriors lead to seven points .
Hawaii immediately snatched back momentum when Calvin Turner returned the next kickoff for a 92-yard touchdown .
Darius Muasau then intercepted Tune on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warriors missed a field goal on the resulting possession .
Neither team scored down the stretch .
Cordeiro completed 15 of 23 passes for 136 yards , in addition to his three touchdown tosses .
Hawaii defensive back Khoury Bethley had a game-high 14 tackles , three tackles for a loss , two sacks and a pass defensed .
Linebacker Jeremiah Pritchard also had two sacks in the win .
Muasau had nine tackles , a tackle for a loss , a sack and an interception for Hawaii .
Tune completed 20 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touchdowns and three interceptions for the Cougars .

Dec. 25 (UPI) -- The Hawaii defense had five sacks and forced three turnovers to spark a 28-14 win over Houston in the New Mexico Bowl on Thursday.
Hawaii quarterback Chevan Cordeiro also threw three touchdown passes in the victory at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
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Hawaii (5-4) beat Houston (3-5) despite being out-gained 307 to 267 in total yards. Houston also had 20 first downs, while Hawaii had 11 first downs.
The Rainbow Warriors began the game with a punt on their first possession before Penei Pavihi intercepted Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune three plays later.
Hawaii then took over at the Houston eight-yard line. Cordeiro found Dae Dae Hunter on a three-yard touchdown toss to end that possession with a score.
Hawai'i went coast-to-coast for 92 yards pic.twitter.com/DBCXXounBe— ESPN (@espn) December 24, 2020 Remove
The Cougars and Rainbow Warriors punted on the next three drives before Cordeiro threw his second touchdown toss of the first quarter. He quarterback threw a four-yard pass to Jonah Laulu for that score, which gave Hawaii a 21-0 lead with 8:05 remaining in the second quarter.
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Neither team scored for the rest of the first half.
The Cougars came alive on the first possession of the second half with a 17-play, 75-yard drive. Tune ended that drive with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Nathaniel Dell.
The Cougars then forced a three-and-out from the Rainbow Warriors before they added another score. Tune threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to tight end Christian Trahan to end the Cougars second drive of the second half and cut the Rainbow Warriors lead to seven points.
Hawaii immediately snatched back momentum when Calvin Turner returned the next kickoff for a 92-yard touchdown. Darius Muasau then intercepted Tune on the next drive, but the Rainbow Warriors missed a field goal on the resulting possession.
Neither team scored down the stretch.
Mr. Do It All can be referred to as New Mexico Bowl Most Outstanding Offensive Player of the Game, too!@_ctjr #HawaiiFB #WinEveryDay pic.twitter.com/05EjTOWhSP— Hawaii Football (@HawaiiFootball) December 25, 2020
Cordeiro completed 15 of 23 passes for 136 yards, in addition to his three touchdown tosses. Hawaii defensive back Khoury Bethley had a game-high 14 tackles, three tackles for a loss, two sacks and a pass defensed.
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Linebacker Jeremiah Pritchard also had two sacks in the win. Muasau had nine tackles, a tackle for a loss, a sack and an interception for Hawaii.
Tune completed 20 of 38 passes for 216 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions for the Cougars.


upi--2020-12-25--Some U.S. cities have banned a favorite winter pastime -- snow sledding

Dec 25 -- As snow piles up in yards and parks across the United States this winter , many children will be hitting their neighborhood hills to sled on their days away from school .
Common injuries centered around the time-honored winter activity , however , have led some cities in the Midwest to put the brakes on sledding .
According to a study from The Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children 's Hospital , more than 20,000 Americans younger than age 19 receive treatment for sledding-related injuries each year .
Some cities in Nebraska , Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on steep hills in recent years , and other municipalities have posted warning signs cautioning people to sled at their own risk .
Dubuque , Iowa , is among the cities that have banned the popular pastime .
In 2015 , the city council voted to ban sledding in 48 of the city 's 50 public parks .
Violators at the time would risk a fine of $ 750 .
Des Moines , Iowa , Montville , N.J. , Lincoln , Neb.
, and Columbia City , Ind.
, have all imposed sledding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Kansas City Star .
`` Sledding is a time-honored tradition in cities that have hills ( but ) sledding is a risky activity , '' the Dubuque city manager wrote in a letter in 2015 , NBC 's Today reported at the time .
The cities began taking action against sledding after some high-profile lawsuits involving sledding accidents were filed in recent years .
Some have cost the cities millions of dollars in settlements , including cases against Omaha , Neb.
, and Sioux City , Iowa .
`` Even in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we are going to see people trying to enjoy this activity , '' Maureen Vogel , director of communications for the National Safety Council , told AccuWeather 's Emmy Victor .
`` We just want to make sure if that 's the case that people are doing it as safely as they can . ''
The most common injuries caused by sledding are concussions , broken bones and frostbite , according to the NSC .
Injuries can be prevented by wearing helmets , dressing warmly and sledding feet first .
The NSC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the age of 10 to sled unattended .
To ensure safety , the group suggests that parents ensure all sledding equipment is in good condition , with no cracks or sharp edges .
The council also suggests selecting `` spacious , gently sloping hills with a level run-off at the end so the sled can safely stop '' and to inspect the slopes prior to check for gaps , fences or anything else that could obstruct the ride .
It also warns against sledding near frozen bodies of water .
Vogel also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with some sort of braking and steering mechanisms .
`` They 're not terribly expensive , and they 're very much worth the investment , '' Vogel explained .

A snowman is pictured between 44th and 43rd Streets in New York City's Times Square during heavy snowfall on December 16. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec 25 -- As snow piles up in yards and parks across the United States this winter, many children will be hitting their neighborhood hills to sled on their days away from school. Common injuries centered around the time-honored winter activity, however, have led some cities in the Midwest to put the brakes on sledding. Advertisement
According to a study from The Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital, more than 20,000 Americans younger than age 19 receive treatment for sledding-related injuries each year.
Some cities in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana have banned sledding on steep hills in recent years, and other municipalities have posted warning signs cautioning people to sled at their own risk.
Image by AccuWeather
Dubuque, Iowa, is among the cities that have banned the popular pastime. In 2015, the city council voted to ban sledding in 48 of the city's 50 public parks. Violators at the time would risk a fine of $750.
Des Moines, Iowa, Montville, N.J., Lincoln, Neb., and Columbia City, Ind., have all imposed sledding restrictions in recent years, according to The Kansas City Star.
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"Sledding is a time-honored tradition in cities that have hills (but) sledding is a risky activity," the Dubuque city manager wrote in a letter in 2015, NBC's Today reported at the time.
The cities began taking action against sledding after some high-profile lawsuits involving sledding accidents were filed in recent years. Some have cost the cities millions of dollars in settlements, including cases against Omaha, Neb., and Sioux City, Iowa.
Photo by Getty Images/DGLimages
"Even in the places [where sledding is] banned, we are going to see people trying to enjoy this activity," Maureen Vogel, director of communications for the National Safety Council, told AccuWeather's Emmy Victor.
"We just want to make sure if that's the case that people are doing it as safely as they can."
The most common injuries caused by sledding are concussions, broken bones and frostbite, according to the NSC. Injuries can be prevented by wearing helmets, dressing warmly and sledding feet first.
The NSC recommends that parents not allow children under the age of 10 to sled unattended. To ensure safety, the group suggests that parents ensure all sledding equipment is in good condition, with no cracks or sharp edges.
Advertisement
The council also suggests selecting "spacious, gently sloping hills with a level run-off at the end so the sled can safely stop" and to inspect the slopes prior to check for gaps, fences or anything else that could obstruct the ride. It also warns against sledding near frozen bodies of water.
Vogel also said the NSC recommends sleds that are outfitted with some sort of braking and steering mechanisms.
"They're not terribly expensive, and they're very much worth the investment," Vogel explained.
Reporting by Emmy Victor


upi--2020-12-25--Marsquakes, water on other planets, asteroid hunting highlight 2020 in space

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- In 2020 , the COVID-19 pandemic demanded the attention of thousands of scientists , but they had a lot to look in to , including vaccines and treatments for the novel coronavirus .
But not all science remained earthbound .
Many scientists kept their attention on the skies , searching for answers to cosmic mysteries and preparing for the next chapter in the history of human spaceflight .
Here are five of the most astounding space-related scientific breakthroughs and discoveries made over the last 12 months .
These discoveries have set the stage for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead -- a year during which NASA hopes to fly a helicopter on Mars and send its first Artemis test flights to the moon .
While scientists have insight into the inner workings of the sun , there is much about the star that researchers still do n't understand , like why its atmosphere is hotter than its surface or what exactly fuels coronal mass ejections .
In 2020 , scientists got a closer look at some of the sun 's most perplexing phenomena , thanks to a pair of observatories : NASA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sub-orbital telescope called Hi-C and the agency 's Solar Orbiter , a space probe jointly managed with the European Space Agency .
This spring , scientists working on the Hi-C mission shared the sharpest-ever photos of the sun , revealing fine magnetic threads of super heated plasma that make up the sun 's outer layer .
`` These new Hi-C images give us a remarkable insight into the Sun 's atmosphere , '' said Amy Winebarger , Hi-C principal investigator at NASA 's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville , Ala. Not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agency researchers working on the Solar Orbiter mission released the closest images yet taken of the Earth 's host star .
`` These amazing images will help scientists piece together the sun 's atmospheric layers , '' Holly Gilbert , NASA project scientist for the mission at NASA 's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt , Md.
, said in a press release .
`` [ That understanding ] is important for understanding how it drives space weather near the Earth and throughout the solar system , '' Gilbert said .
In 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ utilizing data collected by NASA 's InSight lander .
Since the spacecraft began its scientific mission in late 2018 , its seismometer has detected hundreds of Marsquakes .
The frequencies of the seismic waves recorded by InSight 's instruments suggest the craft landed on a large patch of sand that extends a few feet below the Martian surface .
According to analysis by researchers at NASA and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich , Mars ' composition beneath the sandy topsoil a lot like Earth 's crystalline crust , but more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the Red Planet 's quakes to a volcanically active region known as Cerberus Fossae , which is characterized by a pair of deep channels that were created by lava flows some 10 million years ago .
`` It 's just about the youngest tectonic feature on the planet , '' planetary geologist Matt Golombek , of NASA 's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena , Calif. , said in a news release .
`` The fact that we 're seeing evidence of shaking in this region is n't a surprise , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ search for life continues to dominate the field of planetary science .
It has inspired a variety of investigations by different kinds of scientists , from geochemists to astrobiologists , but it is also has centered largely on the never-ending hunt for extraterrestrial water .
This summer , scientists at NASA used sophisticated mathematical models to predict whether Earth-like exoplanets near our solar system host water .
Lynnae Quick , planetary scientist at the Goddard Space Flight Center , found a quarter of the 53 exoplanets analyzed are likely to be ocean worlds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of water encased in layers of ice -- like Saturn 's moon Enceladus and Jupiter 's moon Europa .
`` Forthcoming missions will give us a chance to see whether ocean moons in our solar system could support life , '' Quick said in a NASA news release .
`` If we find chemical signatures of life , we can try to look for similar signs at interstellar distances . ''
Last year , China became the first space-faring nation to put a spacecraft on the dark side of the moon .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first in decades to collect and return lunar rock samples to Earth .
In early December , China 's Chang ' e-5 lander touched down on Mons Rumker , a 1.2-billion-year-old volcanic plain inside Oceanus Procellarum , also known as the Ocean of Storms , situated on the near side of the moon .
After collecting 4.4 pounds of rock samples , the lander lifted off from the surface of the moon and rendezvoused with the spacecraft 's orbiter .
On Dec. 17 , the Chang ' e-5 return capsule , having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,000 miles above the southern Atlantic Ocean , touched down in Inner Mongolia .
This year , NASA became the second nation to successfully collect rocks and dust from the surface of an asteroid .
In early October , NASA 's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft performed a touch-and-go maneuver while circling the asteroid Bennu .
The rock samples were successfully sealed in a capsule and are ready for their trip home .
The journey back to Earth will begin next year , but the rock samples are n't expected to touch down until 2023 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ decipher the solar system 's early history , as well as aid `` planetary defense '' engineers with missions to protect earth from rogue asteroids .
Bennu is believed to offer a window into the solar system 's past since it 's a pristine , carbon-rich body carrying building blocks of both planets and life .
While NASA waits for its own asteroid rocks , Japan 's space agency reported its own asteroid sample return mission , Hayabusa-2 , was a success .
In early December , the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency successfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryugu and gas from deep space .

1/3
In July, NASA released pictures of the sun from the closest a human spacecraft has been, including a collection of "campfires" spotted by the Solar Orbiter on the surface of the star. Photo by Solar Orbiter/EUI Team/ESA/NASA
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic demanded the attention of thousands of scientists, but they had a lot to look in to, including vaccines and treatments for the novel coronavirus. But not all science remained earthbound. Advertisement
Many scientists kept their attention on the skies, searching for answers to cosmic mysteries and preparing for the next chapter in the history of human spaceflight.
Here are five of the most astounding space-related scientific breakthroughs and discoveries made over the last 12 months.
These discoveries have set the stage for even more compelling advances in the year ahead -- a year during which NASA hopes to fly a helicopter on Mars and send its first Artemis test flights to the moon.
Hottest picture in space
While scientists have insight into the inner workings of the sun, there is much about the star that researchers still don't understand, like why its atmosphere is hotter than its surface or what exactly fuels coronal mass ejections.
Advertisement
In 2020, scientists got a closer look at some of the sun's most perplexing phenomena, thanks to a pair of observatories: NASA's High Resolution Coronal Imager, a sub-orbital telescope called Hi-C and the agency's Solar Orbiter, a space probe jointly managed with the European Space Agency.
This spring, scientists working on the Hi-C mission shared the sharpest-ever photos of the sun, revealing fine magnetic threads of super heated plasma that make up the sun's outer layer.
"These new Hi-C images give us a remarkable insight into the Sun's atmosphere," said Amy Winebarger, Hi-C principal investigator at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.
Not to be outdone, NASA and European Space Agency researchers working on the Solar Orbiter mission released the closest images yet taken of the Earth's host star.
"These amazing images will help scientists piece together the sun's atmospheric layers," Holly Gilbert, NASA project scientist for the mission at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., said in a press release.
"[That understanding] is important for understanding how it drives space weather near the Earth and throughout the solar system," Gilbert said.
Quakes on Mars
In 2020, researchers published the first scientific papers utilizing data collected by NASA's InSight lander. Since the spacecraft began its scientific mission in late 2018, its seismometer has detected hundreds of Marsquakes.
Advertisement
The frequencies of the seismic waves recorded by InSight's instruments suggest the craft landed on a large patch of sand that extends a few feet below the Martian surface.
According to analysis by researchers at NASA and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Mars' composition beneath the sandy topsoil a lot like Earth's crystalline crust, but more fractured.
Researchers were able to link some of the Red Planet's quakes to a volcanically active region known as Cerberus Fossae, which is characterized by a pair of deep channels that were created by lava flows some 10 million years ago.
"It's just about the youngest tectonic feature on the planet," planetary geologist Matt Golombek, of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., said in a news release. "The fact that we're seeing evidence of shaking in this region isn't a surprise, but it's very cool."
Watery exoplanets
The search for life continues to dominate the field of planetary science. It has inspired a variety of investigations by different kinds of scientists, from geochemists to astrobiologists, but it is also has centered largely on the never-ending hunt for extraterrestrial water.
This summer, scientists at NASA used sophisticated mathematical models to predict whether Earth-like exoplanets near our solar system host water.
Advertisement
Lynnae Quick, planetary scientist at the Goddard Space Flight Center, found a quarter of the 53 exoplanets analyzed are likely to be ocean worlds. This means they feature large bodies of water encased in layers of ice -- like Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's moon Europa.
"Forthcoming missions will give us a chance to see whether ocean moons in our solar system could support life," Quick said in a NASA news release. "If we find chemical signatures of life, we can try to look for similar signs at interstellar distances."
Lunar rocks
Last year, China became the first space-faring nation to put a spacecraft on the dark side of the moon. This year, China's space agency became the first in decades to collect and return lunar rock samples to Earth.
In early December, China's Chang'e-5 lander touched down on Mons Rumker, a 1.2-billion-year-old volcanic plain inside Oceanus Procellarum, also known as the Ocean of Storms, situated on the near side of the moon.
After collecting 4.4 pounds of rock samples, the lander lifted off from the surface of the moon and rendezvoused with the spacecraft's orbiter.
On Dec. 17, the Chang'e-5 return capsule, having safely separated from the main spacecraft some 3,000 miles above the southern Atlantic Ocean, touched down in Inner Mongolia.
Advertisement
Asteroid hunting
This year, NASA became the second nation to successfully collect rocks and dust from the surface of an asteroid.
In early October, NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft performed a touch-and-go maneuver while circling the asteroid Bennu.
The rock samples were successfully sealed in a capsule and are ready for their trip home. The journey back to Earth will begin next year, but the rock samples aren't expected to touch down until 2023.
Scientists hope the samples will help scientists decipher the solar system's early history, as well as aid "planetary defense" engineers with missions to protect earth from rogue asteroids.
Bennu is believed to offer a window into the solar system's past since it's a pristine, carbon-rich body carrying building blocks of both planets and life.
While NASA waits for its own asteroid rocks, Japan's space agency reported its own asteroid sample return mission, Hayabusa-2, was a success.
In early December, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency successfully retrieved capsules carrying rocks from the asteroid Ryugu and gas from deep space.
Out-of-this-world images from space
The International Space Station is pictured from the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour during a flyaround of the orbiting lab that took place following its undocking from the Harmony module’s space-facing port on November 8. Photo courtesy of NASA


upi--2020-12-25--On This Day, Dec. 25: Pope Benedict XVI reveals new-style nativity

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In about 3 B.C.
, according to Christian belief , Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem .
Calendar miscalculations of the time make it impossible to be certain of the year .
In 1066 , William the Conqueror was crowned King William I of England .
In 1818 , the first known Christmas carol was sung at Oberndorf , Austria .
It was `` Silent Night , Holy Night , '' composed by organist Franz Gruber and the Rev .
Joseph Mohr .
In 1938 , after auditioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David O. Selznick chose British actress Vivien Leigh to play Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With The Wind .
In 1986 , the hijackers of an Iraqi Airways Boeing 737 en route from Baghdad to Amman , Jordan , exploded grenades , causing a fiery crash in Saudi Arabia .
Sixty-seven of the 107 people aboard died .
In 1991 , Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as Soviet president the day before Russia 's Supreme Soviet ( the name for the USSR 's legislative bodies ) voted to end the Soviet Union .
In 1995 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 78 .
In 2000 , U.S. President Bill Clinton offered a Middle East peace plan that , among other things , included proposals for Israel to give up sovereignty over the Temple Mount and for Palestinians to surrender right of refugees to return to Israel .
In 2000 , a fire broke out at a Christmas party at an unlicensed disco in Luoyang , China , killing more than 300 people .
In 2003 , Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf survived a second assassination attempt in a little over a week but 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a suicide attack .
In 2007 , Pope Benedict XVI revealed a new-style nativity scene in the Vatican 's St. Peter 's Square .
It depicted Jesus ' birth in Joseph 's house , with no mention of a manger or journey to Bethlehem .
The Christmas scene was apparently based on St. Matthew 's version of the nativity .
In 2009 , a 23-year-old Nigerian man was charged with trying to blow up a Detroit-bound U.S. airliner with explosives hidden in his underwear on Christmas Day .
The bomb failed to detonate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2012 , Pope Benedict XVI called for an end to fighting in war-torn Syria .
`` I appeal for an end to the bloodshed , easier access for the relief of refugees and the displaced , '' the pope said in his Christmas message .
`` May peace spring up for the people of Syria , deeply wounded and divided by a conflict which does not spare even the defenseless and reaps innocent victims . ''
In 2013 , at the Vatican , Pope Francis , in his first Christmas message as leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out against wars that `` shatter and hurt so many lives '' and called on the opposing sides in the Syrian conflict to `` guarantee access to humanitarian aid . ''
In Baghdad , car bombs , including one near a Catholic church and another a half-mile away , at a place where Christians gather , killed 37 people and wounded dozens .
In 2016 , an aging jetliner belonging to the Russian government crashed into the Black Sea off the country 's west coast , killing more than 90 people , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choir band .

1/3
Pope Benedict XVI prays at the nativity scene after celebrating Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on December 24, 2012. On December 25, 2007, the pope revealed a new-style nativity scene in the Vatican's St. Peter's Square. It depicted Jesus' birth in Joseph's house, with no mention of a manger or journey to Bethlehem. File Photo by Stefano Spazani/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In about 3 B.C., according to Christian belief, Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem. Calendar miscalculations of the time make it impossible to be certain of the year. Advertisement
In 1066, William the Conqueror was crowned King William I of England.
In 1818, the first known Christmas carol was sung at Oberndorf, Austria. It was "Silent Night, Holy Night," composed by organist Franz Gruber and the Rev. Joseph Mohr.
In 1938, after auditioning numerous women for the role, producer David O. Selznick chose British actress Vivien Leigh to play Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With The Wind.
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
In 1941, British Hong Kong surrendered to Japanese forces.
In 1986, the hijackers of an Iraqi Airways Boeing 737 en route from Baghdad to Amman, Jordan, exploded grenades, causing a fiery crash in Saudi Arabia. Sixty-seven of the 107 people aboard died.
Advertisement
In 1991, Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as Soviet president the day before Russia's Supreme Soviet (the name for the USSR's legislative bodies) voted to end the Soviet Union.
In 1995, actor-singer Dean Martin died at the age of 78.
In 2000, U.S. President Bill Clinton offered a Middle East peace plan that, among other things, included proposals for Israel to give up sovereignty over the Temple Mount and for Palestinians to surrender right of refugees to return to Israel.
In 2000, a fire broke out at a Christmas party at an unlicensed disco in Luoyang, China, killing more than 300 people.
In 2003, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf survived a second assassination attempt in a little over a week but 14 others were killed and 40 injured in a suicide attack.
File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI
In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI revealed a new-style nativity scene in the Vatican's St. Peter's Square. It depicted Jesus' birth in Joseph's house, with no mention of a manger or journey to Bethlehem. The Christmas scene was apparently based on St. Matthew's version of the nativity.
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In 2009, a 23-year-old Nigerian man was charged with trying to blow up a Detroit-bound U.S. airliner with explosives hidden in his underwear on Christmas Day. The bomb failed to detonate and he was quickly subdued.
In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI called for an end to fighting in war-torn Syria. "I appeal for an end to the bloodshed, easier access for the relief of refugees and the displaced," the pope said in his Christmas message. "May peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict which does not spare even the defenseless and reaps innocent victims."
In 2013, at the Vatican, Pope Francis, in his first Christmas message as leader of the Roman Catholic Church, spoke out against wars that "shatter and hurt so many lives" and called on the opposing sides in the Syrian conflict to "guarantee access to humanitarian aid." In Baghdad, car bombs, including one near a Catholic church and another a half-mile away, at a place where Christians gather, killed 37 people and wounded dozens.
In 2016, an aging jetliner belonging to the Russian government crashed into the Black Sea off the country's west coast, killing more than 90 people, including journalists and members of a prominent military choir band.
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upi--2020-12-25--Famous birthdays for Dec. 25: Sissy Spacek, Jimmy Buffett

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Capricorn .
-- Robert @ @ @ @ @ '' Ripley in 1890

Sissy Spacek arrives for the world premiere of "The Death and Life of John F. Donovan" at the Winter Garden Theatre during the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2018. The actor turns 71 on December 25. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Capricorn. They include: Advertisement
-- American Red Cross founder Clara Barton in 1821
-- Hotelier Conrad Hilton in 1887
-- Robert "Believe It or Not" Ripley in 1890
-- Actor Humphrey Bogart in 1899
-- Anwar Sadat, Egyptian president/Nobel Peace Prize laureate, in 1918
-- Actor Gary Sandy in 1945 (age 75)
-- Singer Jimmy Buffett in 1946 (age 74)
File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI
-- Singer Barbara Mandrell in 1948 (age 72)
-- Actor Sissy Spacek in 1949 (age 71)
-- Political adviser Karl Rove in 1950 (age 70)
-- Actor CCH Pounder in 1952 (age 68)
-- British singer Annie Lennox in 1954 (age 66)
-- Baseball Hall of Fame member Rickey Henderson in 1958 (age 62)
-- Model/photographer Helena Christensen in 1968 (age 52)
-- British singer Dido Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong in 1971 (age 49)
-- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 1971 (age 49)
File Photo by Heinz Ruckemann/UPI


upi--2020-12-25--NFL, NBA, college football bowls fill holiday weekend sports slate

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- Many of the world 's best athletes will provide entertainment over the holiday weekend as dozens of NFL , NBA and college basketball and football games are scheduled from Friday through Sunday .
This week 's NFL slate features games on all three days .
The start of the 2020-21 NBA season continues with five Christmas Day matchups .
Eight college football teams will end their seasons with bowl games Friday and Saturday .
Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans launch NBA action with a Christmas game against Jimmy Butler 's Miami Heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Pelicans beat the Toronto Raptors in their first game of the season Wednesday .
The Heat lost to the Orlando Magic in their season opener .
`` We started the season 1-0 , but we ca n't keep focusing on that , '' Williamson told reporters Wednesday .
`` We have to move on .
It 's the NBA .
Every team is good . ''
Stephen Curry 's Golden State Warriors will face Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in Friday 's second game at 2:30 p.m. EST on ABC .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ season with losses earlier this week .
Kevin Durant , Kyrie Irving , Jayson Tatum , Luka Doncic , LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard are among the other basketball stars in action on Christmas .
The Atlanta Hawks take on the Memphis Grizzlies in the first of three NBA games Saturday .
The Philadelphia 76ers then face the New York Knicks , and then the Portland Trail Blazers host the Houston Rockets in the nightcap .
Doncic , Leonard , Irving , Durant and James are among the NBA stars who will play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face Leonard 's Clippers at 3:30 p.m. EST Sunday in Los Angeles .
Durant and Irving 's Nets then face the Charlotte Hornets at 7 p.m. EST Sunday .
James ' Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves in the last NBA game of the weekend at 10 p.m. EST on Sunday .
Marshall ( 7-2 ) battles Buffalo ( 5-1 ) in the 2020 Camellia Bowl in the first college football game of the weekend .
The Thundering Herd and Bulls take the field at 2:30 p.m. EST Friday , and the game airs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes on undefeated Coastal Carolina ( 11-0 ) in the Cure Bowl at noon EST Saturday on ESPN .
Louisiana ( 9-1 ) then battles UTSA ( 7-4 ) in the First Responder Bowl at 3:30 p.m. EST Saturday on ABC .
Western Kentucky ( 5-6 ) faces Georgia State ( 5-4 ) in the LendingTree Bowl at 3:30 p.m. EST Saturday on ESPN .
Just two weeks remain in the 2020 NFL regular season .
The Week 16 schedule did not feature a Thursday Night Football matchup , but does have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sunday .
The New Orleans Saints host the Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m. EST Friday on Fox and NFL Network .
The Saints ( 10-4 ) need to win to hold the No .
2 seed in the NFC playoffs .
The Vikings ( 6-8 ) are out of the playoff picture .
Tom Brady 's Tampa Bay Buccaneers start the Saturday slate with a matchup against the Detroit Lions .
That game kicks off at 1 p.m. EST and airs on NFL Network .
The Arizona Cardinals then host the San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon Prime -- a first for that platform .
Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins then have a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders .
That game airs at 8:15 p.m. EST on NFL Network .
Sunday 's NFL schedule features 11 more games and many of those contests have playoff implications .
The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Indianapolis Colts in one of the most-significant 1 p.m. EST matchups .
The Dallas Cowboys host the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC East divisional matchup at 4:25 p.m. EST .
The Los Angeles Rams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seahawks at 4:25 p.m. EST .
The 10-4 Tennessee Titans take on the 11-3 Green Bay Packers in the nightcap .
The Sunday Night Football broadcast airs at 8:20 p.m. EST on NBC .
Pelicans at Heat at noon EST on ESPN Warriors at Bucks at 2:30 p.m. EST on ABC Nets at Celtics at 5 p.m. EST on ABC Mavericks at Lakers at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN Clippers at Nuggets at 10:30 p.m. EST on ESPN Wisconsin at Michigan State at 12:30 p.m. EST on Fox Maryland at Purdue at 2:30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 6 p.m. EST on Big Ten Network Iowa at Minnesota at 8 p.m. EST on Big Ten Network Camellia Bowl : Marshall vs. Buffalo at 2:30 p.m. EST on ESPN Vikings at Saints at 4:30 p.m. EST on Fox , NFL Network Cure Bowl : Liberty vs. Coastal Carolina at noon EST on ESPN First Responder Bowl : Louisiana vs. UTSA at 3:30 p.m. EST on ABC LendingTree Bowl : Western Kentucky vs. Georgia State at 3:30 p.m. EST on ESPN Premier League : Arsenal vs. Chelsea at 12:30 p.m. EST on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EST on ESPN Houston at UCF at 2 p.m. EST on ESPN2 Gonzaga vs. Virginia at 4 p.m. EST on CBS Buccaneers at Lions at 1 p.m. EST on NFL Network 49ers at Cardinals at 4:30 p.m. EST on Amazon Prime Dolphins at Raiders at 8:15 p.m. EST on NFL Network Hawks at Grizzlies at 5 p.m. EST on NBA TV 76ers at Knicks at 7:30 p.m. EST on NBA TV Rockets at Blazers at 10 p.m. EST on NBA TV Colts at Steelers at 1 p.m. EST on CBS Falcons at Chiefs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Jaguars at 1 p.m. EST on CBS Bengals at Texans at 1 p.m. EST on Fox Giants at Ravens at 1 p.m. EST on Fox Browns at Jets at 1 p.m. EST on CBS Panthers at Washington at 4:05 p.m. EST on CBS Broncos at Chargers at 4:05 p.m. EST on CBS Eagles at Cowboys at 4:25 p.m. EST on Fox Rams at Seahawks at 4:25 p.m. EST on Fox Titans at Packers at 8:20 p.m. EST on NBC Mavericks at Clippers at 3:30 p.m. EST on NBA TV Nets at Hornets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Timberwolves at Lakers at 10 p.m. EST on NBA TV DePaul at Providence at 4:30 p.m. EST on FS1

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Jimmy Butler (pictured) and the Miami Heat battle Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans in the first game of the NBA's Christmas Day schedule at noon EST Friday on ESPN. Photo by John G. Mabanglo/EPA-EFE
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Many of the world's best athletes will provide entertainment over the holiday weekend as dozens of NFL, NBA and college basketball and football games are scheduled from Friday through Sunday. This week's NFL slate features games on all three days. The start of the 2020-21 NBA season continues with five Christmas Day matchups. Eight college football teams will end their seasons with bowl games Friday and Saturday. Advertisement
Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans launch NBA action with a Christmas game against Jimmy Butler's Miami Heat at noon EST Friday on ESPN.
The Pelicans beat the Toronto Raptors in their first game of the season Wednesday. The Heat lost to the Orlando Magic in their season opener.
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"We started the season 1-0, but we can't keep focusing on that," Williamson told reporters Wednesday.
"We have to move on. It's the NBA. Every team is good."
Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors will face Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in Friday's second game at 2:30 p.m. EST on ABC. The Warriors and Bucks each started the season with losses earlier this week.
Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard are among the other basketball stars in action on Christmas.
The Atlanta Hawks take on the Memphis Grizzlies in the first of three NBA games Saturday. The Philadelphia 76ers then face the New York Knicks, and then the Portland Trail Blazers host the Houston Rockets in the nightcap.
Doncic, Leonard, Irving, Durant and James are among the NBA stars who will play Friday and Sunday. Doncic's Mavericks face Leonard's Clippers at 3:30 p.m. EST Sunday in Los Angeles. Durant and Irving's Nets then face the Charlotte Hornets at 7 p.m. EST Sunday.
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James' Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves in the last NBA game of the weekend at 10 p.m. EST on Sunday.
Bowl weekend
Marshall (7-2) battles Buffalo (5-1) in the 2020 Camellia Bowl in the first college football game of the weekend. The Thundering Herd and Bulls take the field at 2:30 p.m. EST Friday, and the game airs on ESPN.
Saturday's bowl game slate features three games.
Liberty (9-1) takes on undefeated Coastal Carolina (11-0) in the Cure Bowl at noon EST Saturday on ESPN.
Louisiana (9-1) then battles UTSA (7-4) in the First Responder Bowl at 3:30 p.m. EST Saturday on ABC.
Western Kentucky (5-6) faces Georgia State (5-4) in the LendingTree Bowl at 3:30 p.m. EST Saturday on ESPN.
NFL Week 16
Just two weeks remain in the 2020 NFL regular season. The Week 16 schedule did not feature a Thursday Night Football matchup, but does have a Christmas day game and games on Saturday and Sunday.
The New Orleans Saints host the Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m. EST Friday on Fox and NFL Network. The Saints (10-4) need to win to hold the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. The Vikings (6-8) are out of the playoff picture.
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Saturday's slate features a trio of games.
Tom Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers start the Saturday slate with a matchup against the Detroit Lions. That game kicks off at 1 p.m. EST and airs on NFL Network.
The Arizona Cardinals then host the San Francisco 49ers at 4:30 p.m. EST on Amazon Prime -- a first for that platform. Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins then have a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. That game airs at 8:15 p.m. EST on NFL Network.
Sunday's NFL schedule features 11 more games and many of those contests have playoff implications. The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Indianapolis Colts in one of the most-significant 1 p.m. EST matchups.
The Dallas Cowboys host the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC East divisional matchup at 4:25 p.m. EST. The Los Angeles Rams have a divisional matchup against the Seattle Seahawks at 4:25 p.m. EST.
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The 10-4 Tennessee Titans take on the 11-3 Green Bay Packers in the nightcap. The Sunday Night Football broadcast airs at 8:20 p.m. EST on NBC.
Friday
NBA
Pelicans at Heat at noon EST on ESPN
Warriors at Bucks at 2:30 p.m. EST on ABC
Nets at Celtics at 5 p.m. EST on ABC
Mavericks at Lakers at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN
Clippers at Nuggets at 10:30 p.m. EST on ESPN
College basketball
Wisconsin at Michigan State at 12:30 p.m. EST on Fox
Maryland at Purdue at 2:30 p.m. EST on FS1
Michigan at Nebraska at 6 p.m. EST on Big Ten Network
Iowa at Minnesota at 8 p.m. EST on Big Ten Network
College football
Camellia Bowl: Marshall vs. Buffalo at 2:30 p.m. EST on ESPN
NFL
Vikings at Saints at 4:30 p.m. EST on Fox, NFL Network
Saturday
College football
Cure Bowl: Liberty vs. Coastal Carolina at noon EST on ESPN
First Responder Bowl: Louisiana vs. UTSA at 3:30 p.m. EST on ABC
LendingTree Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. Georgia State at 3:30 p.m. EST on ESPN
Soccer
Premier League: Arsenal vs. Chelsea at 12:30 p.m. EST on NBC
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College basketball
Kentucky at Louisville at 1 p.m. EST on ESPN
Houston at UCF at 2 p.m. EST on ESPN2
Gonzaga vs. Virginia at 4 p.m. EST on CBS
NFL
Buccaneers at Lions at 1 p.m. EST on NFL Network
49ers at Cardinals at 4:30 p.m. EST on Amazon Prime
Dolphins at Raiders at 8:15 p.m. EST on NFL Network
NBA
Hawks at Grizzlies at 5 p.m. EST on NBA TV
76ers at Knicks at 7:30 p.m. EST on NBA TV
Rockets at Blazers at 10 p.m. EST on NBA TV
Sunday
NFL
Colts at Steelers at 1 p.m. EST on CBS
Falcons at Chiefs at 1 p.m. EST on Fox
Bears at Jaguars at 1 p.m. EST on CBS
Bengals at Texans at 1 p.m. EST on Fox
Giants at Ravens at 1 p.m. EST on Fox
Browns at Jets at 1 p.m. EST on CBS
Panthers at Washington at 4:05 p.m. EST on CBS
Broncos at Chargers at 4:05 p.m. EST on CBS
Eagles at Cowboys at 4:25 p.m. EST on Fox
Rams at Seahawks at 4:25 p.m. EST on Fox
Titans at Packers at 8:20 p.m. EST on NBC
NBA
Mavericks at Clippers at 3:30 p.m. EST on NBA TV
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Nets at Hornets at 7 p.m. EST on NBA TV
Timberwolves at Lakers at 10 p.m. EST on NBA TV
College basketball
DePaul at Providence at 4:30 p.m. EST on FS1


upi--2020-12-24--San Francisco 49ers star TE George Kittle to return vs. Arizona Cardinals

Dec. 24 ( UPI ) -- The San Francisco 49ers are expected to activate Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle from injured reserve , clearing the way for him to play against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday .
Kittle has n't played since suffering a fractured cuboid bone in his right foot during a Nov. 1 loss to the division rival Seattle Seahawks .
He missed the team 's next six games because of that foot injury .
`` He looked great this week , '' 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Thursday .
`` Just talked to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after practice so I 'm expecting him to go . ''
The 49ers plan to remove Kittle from injured reserve despite being eliminated from postseason contention .
The star pass-catcher wanted to return even though the 49ers ( 5-9 ) have little to play for in the last two weeks of the regular season .
`` [ Shanahan ] asked me if I wanted to play and I said , 'Hell yes , ' '' Kittle told reporters .
`` And he said , 'Sounds good . '
That was our conversation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming back , because I have a very sour taste in my mouth .
I hate losing football games and I hate it when I do n't perform at a high level , so ending on an injury is not very fun and I know that anybody can say that who has missed games .
`` So , the fact I get two opportunities , especially against division opponents , I can let them know that I 'm still here and I will be for multiple years to come .
I 'm really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play these next two weeks . ''
In six games this season , Kittle -- a two-time Pro Bowl selection -- has recorded 37 receptions for 474 yards and two touchdowns .
The 49ers will play the Cardinals ( 8-6 ) at 4:30 p.m. EST Saturday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale , Ariz .

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has missed the past six games because of a foot injury. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The San Francisco 49ers are expected to activate Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle from injured reserve, clearing the way for him to play against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday. Kittle hasn't played since suffering a fractured cuboid bone in his right foot during a Nov. 1 loss to the division rival Seattle Seahawks. He missed the team's next six games because of that foot injury. Advertisement
"He looked great this week," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Thursday. "Just talked to him, he said he felt good here after practice so I'm expecting him to go."
The 49ers plan to remove Kittle from injured reserve despite being eliminated from postseason contention. The star pass-catcher wanted to return even though the 49ers (5-9) have little to play for in the last two weeks of the regular season.
"[Shanahan] asked me if I wanted to play and I said, 'Hell yes,'" Kittle told reporters. "And he said, 'Sounds good.' That was our conversation.
"... That's why I'm coming back, because I have a very sour taste in my mouth. I hate losing football games and I hate it when I don't perform at a high level, so ending on an injury is not very fun and I know that anybody can say that who has missed games.
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"So, the fact I get two opportunities, especially against division opponents, I can let them know that I'm still here and I will be for multiple years to come. I'm really excited about that to get a chance to play these next two weeks."
In six games this season, Kittle -- a two-time Pro Bowl selection -- has recorded 37 receptions for 474 yards and two touchdowns.
The 49ers will play the Cardinals (8-6) at 4:30 p.m. EST Saturday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-25--Boko Haram kills 7, abducts 7, burns church in Christmas Eve attack

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- At least seven people were killed Thursday in a Boko Haram gun attack in Nigeria 's Borno state , a local official said .
Kachallah Usma , secretary of the Chibok local government area , told CNN the organization killed seven people and kidnapped another seven , including a pastor in the majority-Christian village of Pemi .
`` The terrorists killed seven people , burnt 10 homes and looted food supplies that were meant to be distributed to residents to celebrate Christmas , '' militia leader Abwaku Kabu said .
According to Usma , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a dispensary and several houses .
Pemi is located about 12 miles from Chibok , where the group kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls six years ago .
A man purporting to be Abubakar Shekau , one of the group 's factions , has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of more than 300 schoolboys earlier in December , but governor Aminu Bello Masari has disputed this claim .
Audu Chiwar , a former secretary of the Chibok community , said he received a call from a local resident saying gunmen had opened fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a church had burned .
One eyewitness said a Christian youth organization had been holding a Christmas parade in Pemi when the attack began .

At least seven people were killed Thursday after gunmen thought to be associated with Boko Haram opened fire on a village in Nigeria. Image via Google Satellite
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- At least seven people were killed Thursday in a Boko Haram gun attack in Nigeria's Borno state, a local official said. Kachallah Usma, secretary of the Chibok local government area, told CNN the organization killed seven people and kidnapped another seven, including a pastor in the majority-Christian village of Pemi. Advertisement
"The terrorists killed seven people, burnt 10 homes and looted food supplies that were meant to be distributed to residents to celebrate Christmas," militia leader Abwaku Kabu said.
According to Usma, the group also burned down a church, a dispensary and several houses.
Pemi is located about 12 miles from Chibok, where the group kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls six years ago.
A man purporting to be Abubakar Shekau, one of the group's factions, has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of more than 300 schoolboys earlier in December, but governor Aminu Bello Masari has disputed this claim.
Audu Chiwar, a former secretary of the Chibok community, said he received a call from a local resident saying gunmen had opened fire in the village and that several houses and a church had burned.
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One eyewitness said a Christian youth organization had been holding a Christmas parade in Pemi when the attack began.


upi--2020-12-25--Police say RV emitted warning message before 'intentional' bomb blast in Nashville

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- Local and federal authorities are investigating an explosion in downtown Nashville on Friday they believe was an intentional act .
The explosion occurred outside a building on Second Avenue North at about 6:30 a.m. CST , police said .
Nashville police said they were initially called by a report of a shooting in the area .
When they arrived , they saw no indication of gunfire but noticed a suspicious RV parked nearby .
As police were calling for a hazardous response team , an explosion went off inside the RV .
No serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately known if anyone had been in the recreational vehicle .
Three people were taken to hospital with minor injuries .
On Friday afternoon Police Chief John Drake told reporters authorities had found tissue they believe could be human remains .
Drake said the tissue has been sent to the medical examiner 's office to assess whether it is human remains .
He did not say how close the tissue was to the vehicle that exploded .
Officials also said the explosion disrupted AT & T service in the region and caused a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main airport , with connectivity issues persisting in the region Friday evening .
`` Everything on the street was on fire , '' witness Buck McCoy told CNN .
`` There were three cars that were fully engulfed . ''
Police said in an afternoon briefing that the RV had broadcast a warning message , advising people within earshot to clear the area , about 15 minutes before the bomb blast .
`` We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible , '' Tennessee Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning . ''
Mayor John Cooper said nearly two dozen buildings nearby received at least some damage from the blast .
Authorities , including federal agents from the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco and Firearms , are investigating the blast and say it appears to be an intentional act .
`` Acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen was briefed on the Nashville incident early this morning and directed that all [ federal ] resources be made available to assist in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
The White House said President Donald Trump , who is spending Christmas at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida , has been briefed on the explosion and is receiving updates .

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Debris is seen in downtown Nashville, Tenn., on Friday after a large explosion that authorities say detonated inside a recreational vehicle. Investigators say the blast was intentional. Photo courtesy Nashville Fire Department/Twitter
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Local and federal authorities are investigating an explosion in downtown Nashville on Friday they believe was an intentional act. The explosion occurred outside a building on Second Avenue North at about 6:30 a.m. CST, police said. Advertisement
Nashville police said they were initially called by a report of a shooting in the area. When they arrived, they saw no indication of gunfire but noticed a suspicious RV parked nearby.
As police were calling for a hazardous response team, an explosion went off inside the RV.
No serious injuries were reported and it wasn't immediately known if anyone had been in the recreational vehicle. Three people were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
On Friday afternoon Police Chief John Drake told reporters authorities had found tissue they believe could be human remains.
Drake said the tissue has been sent to the medical examiner's office to assess whether it is human remains. He did not say how close the tissue was to the vehicle that exploded.
Officials also said the explosion disrupted AT&T service in the region and caused a brief ground stop at the city's main airport, with connectivity issues persisting in the region Friday evening.
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"Everything on the street was on fire," witness Buck McCoy told CNN. "There were three cars that were fully engulfed."
Police said in an afternoon briefing that the RV had broadcast a warning message, advising people within earshot to clear the area, about 15 minutes before the bomb blast.
"We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible," Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee tweeted. "We thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning."
Mayor John Cooper said nearly two dozen buildings nearby received at least some damage from the blast.
Authorities, including federal agents from the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, are investigating the blast and say it appears to be an intentional act.
"Acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen was briefed on the Nashville incident early this morning and directed that all [federal] resources be made available to assist in the investigation," the U.S. Justice Department said in a statement.
The White House said President Donald Trump, who is spending Christmas at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, has been briefed on the explosion and is receiving updates.


upi--2020-12-25--Christmas storm knocks out power for 300,000 in Northeast

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- Thousands of people lost power across the Northeast lost power Christmas morning due a storm that swept the region Thursday night and early Friday morning .
The storm began as cold and snow in the Midwest Wednesday and reached the East Coast late Thursday , with high winds and heavy rain disrupting power in New York , New Jersey and Connecticut .
`` You had a little bit ( or a lot ) of everything with the storm : bitter cold , strong winds , severe thunderstorms , heavy snow , flooding rain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In terms of weather hazards , it really brought a full Christmas stocking . ''
About 300,000 people across the region woke up without power Christmas morning , including more than 108,000 in New York state and more than 100,000 in New Jersey .
According to ConEd , one of the two large power providers in New York , about 3,000 customers were out of power by Friday evening .
Earlier in the day , 14,000 households had lost power .
PSEG , New York City 's other major electricity provider , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midday and 158 by evening .
Wind gusts reached 71 mph in Greenwich , Conn. , 76 mph in New York 's Suffolk County and 67 mph in New York City .
New England saw wind gusts reaching up to 65 mph , which knocked out power in thousands of homes .
Pennsylvanians were warned about flash flooding after the state received more than 3.5 inches of rain .
But others in the region woke up to a white Christmas , with heavy snow falling from Buffalo , N.Y. , to Cleveland to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cleveland receiving the most snow -- 9.4 inches .

A winter storm swept across the Northeast Thursday night and Friday morning, knocking out power for more than 300,000 customers across the area. Image courtesy of NOAA
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Thousands of people lost power across the Northeast lost power Christmas morning due a storm that swept the region Thursday night and early Friday morning. The storm began as cold and snow in the Midwest Wednesday and reached the East Coast late Thursday, with high winds and heavy rain disrupting power in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Advertisement
"You had a little bit (or a lot) of everything with the storm: bitter cold, strong winds, severe thunderstorms, heavy snow, flooding rain," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Jake Sojda. "In terms of weather hazards, it really brought a full Christmas stocking."
About 300,000 people across the region woke up without power Christmas morning, including more than 108,000 in New York state and more than 100,000 in New Jersey.
According to ConEd, one of the two large power providers in New York, about 3,000 customers were out of power by Friday evening. Earlier in the day, 14,000 households had lost power.
PSEG, New York City's other major electricity provider, reported 3,000 outages on Long Island by midday and 158 by evening.
Wind gusts reached 71 mph in Greenwich, Conn., 76 mph in New York's Suffolk County and 67 mph in New York City. New England saw wind gusts reaching up to 65 mph, which knocked out power in thousands of homes.
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Pennsylvanians were warned about flash flooding after the state received more than 3.5 inches of rain.
But others in the region woke up to a white Christmas, with heavy snow falling from Buffalo, N.Y., to Cleveland to some parts of North Carolina, with Cleveland receiving the most snow -- 9.4 inches.