upi--2020-08-13--Friendships in Iraqi soccer league show 'contact hypothesis' works, but has limits

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- Christian soccer players who played alongside Muslim teammates in an interfaith soccer league in Iraq were more likely change their behavior for the better toward Muslim players .
The experiment , detailed Thursday in the journal Science , however , revealed the limits of the `` contact hypothesis '' -- while players built relationships on the field , the benefits of the hypothesis did not extend far beyond the soccer-based relationships .
The contact hypothesis is the idea that intergroup contact , under certain conditions , can reduce prejudice between majority and minority group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ancient roots , but those antagonisms have been exacerbated in recent decades by the destabilizing effects of the U.S. invasion , and more recently , by the violence of ISIS .
In the parts of Iraq where ISIS seized power , many Christians were forced to flea their homes to avoid persecution .
Across the war-torn country , the ISIS invasion made tolerance more difficult .
`` On the whole , neighbors became suspicious of neighbors , '' Salma Mousa , a doctoral candidate in political science at Stanford University , told reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` These group boundaries really hardened and people really dug in . ''
In an effort to understand whether intergroup contact can build social cohesion in the aftermath of war , Mousa intervened in a soccer league .
She randomly assigned Christian Iraqi refugees to soccer teams that were composed of either all Christian players or a mixture of Christian and Muslim players .
Mousa said her experiment proved that the `` contact hypothesis '' extends to amateur sport .
Christian players who played on interfaith teams were more likely than those on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sportsmanship and performance awards .
Members of interfaith teams were also more likely to sign up for interfaith teams for the following season .
`` They would invite each other for tea or coffee and hang out at the local cafe , '' Mousa said of the Muslims and Christian players on mixed teams .
`` They described it as these brotherly love bonds that did n't exist before . ''
But Mousa found that the positive behavioral effects were limited to interpersonal relationships within the soccer league .
Christian players were not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mosul previously controlled by ISIS , and surveys showed the positive feelings Christian players developed for their Muslim teammates did not extend more broadly to Muslim groups outside the context of soccer .
`` Soccer can build friendships between Muslims and Christians without making Christians comfortable hanging out in the former ISIS capital , '' Mousa said .
`` It 's much more challenging to extend these positive benefits to everyday life after a war . ''
Mousa said to make lasting changes , interventions must address the structural causes of sectarian conflicts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international affairs at Harvard University who studies sectarianism in Lebanon , said she thinks Mousa 's study is important and was well-designed , but that she was n't necessarily surprised by the findings .
`` You can see the same kinds of limitations among Israeli-Palestinian youth groups , '' Cammett told UPI .
Still , Cammett said Mousa 's work reveals sport to be an ideal setting for improving interpersonal relationships among members of rival groups .
`` It is really valuable because people love sports and they can have a really unifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But I 'm not surprised that it did n't necessarily change underlying prejudice . ''
Cammett agrees that long-term solutions to sectarian conflicts require interventions that address the roots of the problem -- the larger political issues .
`` You 're not going to see meaningful change until the underlying systems that sustain the politicization of sects is modified , '' she said .
`` Unfortunately , this is very difficult because you have patronage structures that build up around this sectarianism . ''
`` Its very hard to form alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all monopolized by leaders who have vested interests in the sectarian status quo , '' Cammett said .

While players in an Iraqi soccer league built relationships on the field, the benefits of the hypothesis did not extend far beyond the soccer-based relationships, researchers say. Photo by AnnRos /Pixabay
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Christian soccer players who played alongside Muslim teammates in an interfaith soccer league in Iraq were more likely change their behavior for the better toward Muslim players. The experiment, detailed Thursday in the journal Science, however, revealed the limits of the "contact hypothesis" -- while players built relationships on the field, the benefits of the hypothesis did not extend far beyond the soccer-based relationships. Advertisement
The contact hypothesis is the idea that intergroup contact, under certain conditions, can reduce prejudice between majority and minority group members.
Sectarian tension in Iraq has ancient roots, but those antagonisms have been exacerbated in recent decades by the destabilizing effects of the U.S. invasion, and more recently, by the violence of ISIS.
In the parts of Iraq where ISIS seized power, many Christians were forced to flea their homes to avoid persecution. Across the war-torn country, the ISIS invasion made tolerance more difficult.
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"On the whole, neighbors became suspicious of neighbors," Salma Mousa, a doctoral candidate in political science at Stanford University, told reporters during a telephone call this week. "These group boundaries really hardened and people really dug in."
In an effort to understand whether intergroup contact can build social cohesion in the aftermath of war, Mousa intervened in a soccer league. She randomly assigned Christian Iraqi refugees to soccer teams that were composed of either all Christian players or a mixture of Christian and Muslim players.
Mousa said her experiment proved that the "contact hypothesis" extends to amateur sport.
Christian players who played on interfaith teams were more likely than those on all-Christian teams to vote for Muslims for sportsmanship and performance awards. Members of interfaith teams were also more likely to sign up for interfaith teams for the following season.
"They would invite each other for tea or coffee and hang out at the local cafe," Mousa said of the Muslims and Christian players on mixed teams. "They described it as these brotherly love bonds that didn't exist before."
But Mousa found that the positive behavioral effects were limited to interpersonal relationships within the soccer league.
Christian players were not more likely to visit the area of Mosul previously controlled by ISIS, and surveys showed the positive feelings Christian players developed for their Muslim teammates did not extend more broadly to Muslim groups outside the context of soccer.
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"Soccer can build friendships between Muslims and Christians without making Christians comfortable hanging out in the former ISIS capital," Mousa said. "It's much more challenging to extend these positive benefits to everyday life after a war."
Mousa said to make lasting changes, interventions must address the structural causes of sectarian conflicts.
Melani Cammett, a professor of international affairs at Harvard University who studies sectarianism in Lebanon, said she thinks Mousa's study is important and was well-designed, but that she wasn't necessarily surprised by the findings.
"You can see the same kinds of limitations among Israeli-Palestinian youth groups," Cammett told UPI.
Still, Cammett said Mousa's work reveals sport to be an ideal setting for improving interpersonal relationships among members of rival groups.
"It is really valuable because people love sports and they can have a really unifying effect on people," she said. "But I'm not surprised that it didn't necessarily change underlying prejudice."
Cammett agrees that long-term solutions to sectarian conflicts require interventions that address the roots of the problem -- the larger political issues.
"You're not going to see meaningful change until the underlying systems that sustain the politicization of sects is modified," she said. "Unfortunately, this is very difficult because you have patronage structures that build up around this sectarianism."
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"Its very hard to form alternative political groups, because the resources are all monopolized by leaders who have vested interests in the sectarian status quo," Cammett said.


upi--2020-08-13--Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp withdraws lawsuit over Atlanta mask mandate

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp on Thursday withdrew his lawsuit challenging a mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions issued by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms .
Kemp announced the decision in a statement declaring he would sign a new executive order regarding COVID-19 restrictions after his current coronavirus order expires on Saturday .
`` I sued the City of Atlanta to immediately stop the shuttering of local businesses and protect local workers from economic instability , '' Kemp wrote .
`` For weeks , we have worked in good faith with Mayor Bottoms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phase One roll-back plan , which included business closures and a shelter in place order .
Unfortunately , the Mayor has made it clear that she will not agree to a settlement that safeguards the rights of private property owners in Georgia . ''
Bottoms later issued a statement saying she was thankful the lawsuit was dropped .
`` From the start of this pandemic , my only goal has been to help save lives , '' Bottoms wrote .
`` While it is unfortunate that the governor seeks to intentionally mislead the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woefully inaccurate statement regarding our good faith negotiations and the city 's reopening recommendations , I am grateful that this lawsuit has been withdrawn and the time and resources of our city and state can be better used to combat COVID-19 . ''
Kemp filed the lawsuit in July , challenging Bottoms ' decision to require face masks be worn in public and to revert the city to the first phase of its re-opening guidelines , closing restaurant dining rooms and calling on residents to only leave their homes for essential activities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive order overruling local governments that enacted ordinances requiring face coverings and prohibited similar orders in the future and asserting the state 's right to impose its own less-stringent guidelines , in which residents are merely `` strongly urged '' to wear masks `` as practicable '' in public .

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday withdrew his lawsuit against Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms over her decision to issue a mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions. File Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday withdrew his lawsuit challenging a mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions issued by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Kemp announced the decision in a statement declaring he would sign a new executive order regarding COVID-19 restrictions after his current coronavirus order expires on Saturday. Advertisement
"I sued the City of Atlanta to immediately stop the shuttering of local businesses and protect local workers from economic instability," Kemp wrote. "For weeks, we have worked in good faith with Mayor Bottoms and she agreed to abandon the city's Phase One roll-back plan, which included business closures and a shelter in place order. Unfortunately, the Mayor has made it clear that she will not agree to a settlement that safeguards the rights of private property owners in Georgia."
Bottoms later issued a statement saying she was thankful the lawsuit was dropped.
"From the start of this pandemic, my only goal has been to help save lives," Bottoms wrote. "While it is unfortunate that the governor seeks to intentionally mislead the people of our state by issuing a woefully inaccurate statement regarding our good faith negotiations and the city's reopening recommendations, I am grateful that this lawsuit has been withdrawn and the time and resources of our city and state can be better used to combat COVID-19."
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Kemp filed the lawsuit in July, challenging Bottoms' decision to require face masks be worn in public and to revert the city to the first phase of its re-opening guidelines, closing restaurant dining rooms and calling on residents to only leave their homes for essential activities.
At the time he also signed an executive order overruling local governments that enacted ordinances requiring face coverings and prohibited similar orders in the future and asserting the state's right to impose its own less-stringent guidelines, in which residents are merely "strongly urged" to wear masks "as practicable" in public.


upi--2020-08-13--Oprah Winfrey joins HBO special 'Between the World and Me'

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- Oprah Winfrey is part of the first wave of performers in HBO 's adaptation of Between the World and Me , based on the New York Times bestselling book of the same name by author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates , HBO said in a statement .
Other performers in the first wave include Angela Bassett , Alicia Garza , Joe Morton , Phylicia Rashad , Tariq `` Black Thought '' Trotter , Courtney B. Vance , Pauletta Washington , Susan Kelechi Watson , with additional cast to be announced later .
The HBO special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will premiere this fall on HBO and will also be available to stream on HBO Max .
In 2018 , the Apollo Theater , originally adapted the book Between the World and Me for the stage .
The HBO special will combine elements of the 2018 production , such as readings from Coates ' book .
The special will also include documentary footage from the actors ' home lives , archival footage and animation .
Apollo Theater Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes will also direct the HBO special , along with Coates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Williams ' production company One Story Up produces .
The 2015 nonfiction book was written as a letter to Coates ' teenage son about being Black in the United States , including his experience as a Black youth growing up in Baltimore 's inner city and thoughts on systemic racism .

Oprah Winfrey will star in the HBO Special, 'Between the World and Me.' File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI. | License Photo
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Oprah Winfrey is part of the first wave of performers in HBO's adaptation of Between the World and Me, based on the New York Times bestselling book of the same name by author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates, HBO said in a statement. Other performers in the first wave include Angela Bassett, Alicia Garza, Joe Morton, Phylicia Rashad, Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter, Courtney B. Vance, Pauletta Washington, Susan Kelechi Watson, with additional cast to be announced later. Advertisement
The HBO special, currently in production under COVID-19 guidelines, will premiere this fall on HBO and will also be available to stream on HBO Max.
In 2018, the Apollo Theater, originally adapted the book Between the World and Me for the stage.
The HBO special will combine elements of the 2018 production, such as readings from Coates' book. The special will also include documentary footage from the actors' home lives, archival footage and animation.
Apollo Theater Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes will also direct the HBO special, along with Coates, Susan Kelechi Watson and Roger Ross Williams. Williams' production company One Story Up produces.
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The 2015 nonfiction book was written as a letter to Coates' teenage son about being Black in the United States, including his experience as a Black youth growing up in Baltimore's inner city and thoughts on systemic racism.


upi--2020-08-13--Watch: California's 95-year-old 'Bicycle Bob' rides his 100,000th mile

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- A 95-year-old California man known to neighbors as `` Bicycle Bob '' was treated @ @ @ @ @ logged his 100,000th mile of cycling .
Bob Mettauer , known as `` Bicycle Bob @ @ @ @ @ he took up cycling when he retired in the 1990s and has been logging his @ @ @ @ @ logged his 100,000th mile Tuesday and was treated to a celebration by friends and neighbors @ @ @ @ @ Estates in Santa Maria .
Mettauer said he rides his bike 9 miles every day @ @ @ @ @ .
The cycling enthusiast said he plans to take a few days to rest after @ @ @ @ @ , but he has no plans to quit his hobby .
`` On Sept. 18 @ @ @ @ @ old , and I 'm going to keep on going , '' he told KEYT-TV @

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Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A 95-year-old California man known to neighbors as "Bicycle Bob" was treated to a celebration after he logged his 100,000th mile of cycling.
Bob Mettauer, known as "Bicycle Bob" to locals, said he took up cycling when he retired in the 1990s and has been logging his miles ever since.
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Mettauer logged his 100,000th mile Tuesday and was treated to a celebration by friends and neighbors at Casa Grande Senior Mobile Estates in Santa Maria.
Mettauer said he rides his bike 9 miles every day, regardless of the weather.
The cycling enthusiast said he plans to take a few days to rest after reaching the 100,000 mile mark, but he has no plans to quit his hobby.
"On Sept. 18 I'll be 96 years old, and I'm going to keep on going," he told KEYT-TV.


upi--2020-08-13--Watch: California city hunting aggressive turkey that forced park closure

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- Officials in a California said they are attempting to capture and relocate a wild turkey that was a longtime beloved resident before becoming so aggressive he forced the closure of a local park .
Residents of the Grand Lake neighborhood of Oakland said Gerald the turkey has been a longtime resident of the area and was beloved by locals before he started becoming territorial and aggressive toward humans earlier in the summer -- about the time turkey mating season began .
Gerald 's behavior became so aggressive that city officials ordered the closing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He 's still there , '' Ann Dunn , director of Oakland Animal Services , told the East Bay Times .
`` A Department of Fish and Wildlife officer tried to trap him and could n't , so he gave up . ''
Officials said efforts are underway to capture and relocate the turkey .
`` Right now , the city of Oakland is trying to catch Gerald , '' Ken Paglia , spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife , told KGO-TV .
`` And if they do catch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Fish and Wildlife , has permission from an East Bay property owner to relocate Gerald there . ''
Residents said Gerald 's behavior calmed as turkey mating season came to a close , but officials said they still want him relocated in case he becomes aggressive again .

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Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Officials in a California said they are attempting to capture and relocate a wild turkey that was a longtime beloved resident before becoming so aggressive he forced the closure of a local park.
Residents of the Grand Lake neighborhood of Oakland said Gerald the turkey has been a longtime resident of the area and was beloved by locals before he started becoming territorial and aggressive toward humans earlier in the summer -- about the time turkey mating season began.
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Gerald's behavior became so aggressive that city officials ordered the closing of the neighborhood's Morcom Rose Garden.
"He's still there," Ann Dunn, director of Oakland Animal Services, told the East Bay Times. "A Department of Fish and Wildlife officer tried to trap him and couldn't, so he gave up."
Officials said efforts are underway to capture and relocate the turkey.
"Right now, the city of Oakland is trying to catch Gerald," Ken Paglia, spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, told KGO-TV. "And if they do catch him, then my department, Department of Fish and Wildlife, has permission from an East Bay property owner to relocate Gerald there."
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Residents said Gerald's behavior calmed as turkey mating season came to a close, but officials said they still want him relocated in case he becomes aggressive again.


upi--2020-08-13--Lady Gaga to perform at 2020 VMAs

Lady Gaga to perform at 2020 VMAs

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- Lady Gaga announced Thursday she will perform live at the MTV Video Music Awards .
It will be her first live performance off her 2020 album Chromatica .
`` I 've been at home dreaming of # Chromatica , '' Gaga tweeted .
`` It 's finally time to take off for the first live performance . ''
A video accompanied the tweet .
In the 30 second video , Gaga is having a drink outside her house wearing headgear that includes two large , pink feathers .
Gaga released the Chromatica album May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Keke Palmer is hosting the VMAs on Aug. 30 .
MTV decided to hold the show outdoors with a limited audience , or no audience at all pending discussions with health officials .
MTV originally booked the Barclays Center in Brooklyn , N.Y. , and said the networks hopes to return to the venue in 2021 .
BTS , Doja Cat and Balvin have also confirmed live performances for the show .
Gaga is also a nominee with nine nominations .
Ariana Grande , Billie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 2020 Video Music Awards .
Lady Gaga has been a VMA nominee since 2009 for `` Poker Face '' and `` Paparazzi , '' which won three awards between them .
Her last win was 2011 for `` Born This Way . ''
Her song `` Shallow '' from A Star Is Born was nominated in 2019 and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song .

Lady Gaga will perform a song from "Chromatica" live at the MTV Video Music Awards Aug. 30. File Photo by Gregg DeGuire/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Lady Gaga announced Thursday she will perform live at the MTV Video Music Awards. It will be her first live performance off her 2020 album Chromatica. "I've been at home dreaming of #Chromatica," Gaga tweeted. "It's finally time to take off for the first live performance." Advertisement
A video accompanied the tweet. In the 30 second video, Gaga is having a drink outside her house wearing headgear that includes two large, pink feathers.
I've been at home dreaming of #Chromatica, and it's finally time to take off for the first live performance Tune in to the #VMAs on 8/30!  pic.twitter.com/CwKWdsITtO— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 13, 2020
Gaga released the Chromatica album May 29. She has not been able to tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keke Palmer is hosting the VMAs on Aug. 30. MTV decided to hold the show outdoors with a limited audience, or no audience at all pending discussions with health officials. MTV originally booked the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and said the networks hopes to return to the venue in 2021.
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BTS, Doja Cat and Balvin have also confirmed live performances for the show.
Gaga is also a nominee with nine nominations. Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and The Weeknd are also nominated for 2020 Video Music Awards.
Lady Gaga has been a VMA nominee since 2009 for "Poker Face" and "Paparazzi," which won three awards between them. Her last win was 2011 for "Born This Way." Her song "Shallow" from A Star Is Born was nominated in 2019 and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Moments from Lady Gaga's music career


upi--2020-08-13--Navy acquisition chief says the branch needs COVID-19 relief funds to avoid cuts

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- The Navy will need to make cuts to procurement and modernization efforts if it does n't get relief funding to cover acquisition costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic , according to Navy acquisition chief James Geurts .
Guerts told reporters Wednesday that the Navy needs the relief funding to sustain a ready force .
According to a memo obtained by Inside Defense last week , the Pentagon is asking Congress for $ 11 billion in emergency supplemental funding to cover cost increases incurred between March 15 and June 15 `` because of inefficiencies caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly $ 4.7 billion for the Navy , which Guerts described on Wednesday as `` a good estimate '' for the Navy 's slice of acquisition relief funding .
The Navy attributes the increased costs to a variety of factors , including remote work and purchasing personal protective equipment .
The Navy has also adjusted assessments throughout the branch based on shipyard and program performance , Guerts said .
In April , Guerts said the Navy would award some contracts earlier than planned in an effort to offset the impact of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @

Navy acquisition chief James Guerts, shown here during an August 2019 all-hands call in Keyport, Wash., said Wednesday that the Navy may need to cut acquisition and modernization programs if it doesn't receive COVID-19 relief. Photo by Shayna Gosney/U.S. Navy
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The Navy will need to make cuts to procurement and modernization efforts if it doesn't get relief funding to cover acquisition costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Navy acquisition chief James Geurts. Guerts told reporters Wednesday that the Navy needs the relief funding to sustain a ready force. Advertisement
According to a memo obtained by Inside Defense last week, the Pentagon is asking Congress for $11 billion in emergency supplemental funding to cover cost increases incurred between March 15 and June 15 "because of inefficiencies caused by COVID-19."
The memo requests nearly $4.7 billion for the Navy, which Guerts described on Wednesday as "a good estimate" for the Navy's slice of acquisition relief funding.
The Navy attributes the increased costs to a variety of factors, including remote work and purchasing personal protective equipment. The Navy has also adjusted assessments throughout the branch based on shipyard and program performance, Guerts said.
In April, Guerts said the Navy would award some contracts earlier than planned in an effort to offset the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the defense industry.


upi--2020-08-13--Watch: Dennis Quaid adopts shelter cat named Dennis Quaid

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- A Virginia animal shelter said a cat named Dennis Quaid will soon be on his way to a new happy home -- with actor Dennis Quaid .
The Far From Heaven actor said he happened to see a WSLS-TV story about a cat that shares his name at the Lynchburg Humane Society and decided he had to give the feline a home .
`` It was really off the wall , but I just could n't resist .
I had to , '' Quaid told the TV station .
`` I 'm out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world . ''
The actor said he recently launched a pet-themed podcast with Jimmy Jellinek and Dennis Quaid the cat will have a new home at the office they share .
`` Maybe they should start naming animals in shelters after different celebrities and see who bites , '' Quaid said .
Danielle Ulmer , the adoption center manager for the Lynchburg Humane Society , said staff were initially in disbelief .
`` I was like there is no way this is real , like , someone is pranking us , '' Ulmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Virginia from Los Angeles during the upcoming weekend to bring Dennis Quaid the cat home .

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Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A Virginia animal shelter said a cat named Dennis Quaid will soon be on his way to a new happy home -- with actor Dennis Quaid.
The Far From Heaven actor said he happened to see a WSLS-TV story about a cat that shares his name at the Lynchburg Humane Society and decided he had to give the feline a home.
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"It was really off the wall, but I just couldn't resist. I had to," Quaid told the TV station. "I'm out to save all the Dennis Quaids of the world."
The actor said he recently launched a pet-themed podcast with Jimmy Jellinek and Dennis Quaid the cat will have a new home at the office they share.
"Maybe they should start naming animals in shelters after different celebrities and see who bites," Quaid said.
Danielle Ulmer, the adoption center manager for the Lynchburg Humane Society, said staff were initially in disbelief.
"I was like there is no way this is real, like, someone is pranking us," Ulmer said.
Jellinek is planning to fly to Virginia from Los Angeles during the upcoming weekend to bring Dennis Quaid the cat home.


upi--2020-08-13--Arkansas Air National Guard to install UV lights to prevent COVID spread

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- The Arkansas Air National Guard 's 189th Airlift Wing plans to install 50 Krypton Light Disinfection UV lights throughout the Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas and eventually find ways to use the light sources inside aircraft .
The Pentagon said Thursday it has awarded FAR UV Technologies , a Missouri-based disinfectant technology company with a $ 1 million contract to initiate the project with the wing , which is the first unit in the Department of Defense to use the system .
The system is part of a set of preventive measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 .
`` This will add an extra layer of protection in addition to our current risk mitigation strategies , '' Air Force Lt. Col. ( Dr. ) Thomas DeGraff III said in a statement .
`` I see this as increasing exposure time to in-person interactions and decreasing the odds of viral exposure as well as decreasing the risk of infection , '' said DeGraff , 189th AW senior flight surgeon and member of the Team DUCIMUS Think Tank group .
`` We do n't have the medical peer-reviewed data to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do know that it kills pathogens and does n't cause cancer or cataracts in humans . ''
According to Dr. David Brenner , an independent safety expert from Columbia University Medical Center and subcontractor on the project , the lights use a measure of ultraviolet light -- 222 nanometers -- that can kill large numbers of surface and air pathogens but is still safe for humans .
Traditional UV sanitization systems , such as those used by hospitals to disinfect personal protective equipment , can operate at up to 254 nanometers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A field engineer for FAR UV Technologies installs an ultraviolet light in the Arkansas Air National Guard’s 189th Operations Group ceiling at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., in July. Photo by Jessica Roles/Arkansas Air National Guard
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The Arkansas Air National Guard's 189th Airlift Wing plans to install 50 Krypton Light Disinfection UV lights throughout the Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas and eventually find ways to use the light sources inside aircraft. The Pentagon said Thursday it has awarded FAR UV Technologies, a Missouri-based disinfectant technology company with a $1 million contract to initiate the project with the wing, which is the first unit in the Department of Defense to use the system. Advertisement
The system is part of a set of preventive measures DoD is testing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"This will add an extra layer of protection in addition to our current risk mitigation strategies," Air Force Lt. Col. (Dr.) Thomas DeGraff III said in a statement.
"I see this as increasing exposure time to in-person interactions and decreasing the odds of viral exposure as well as decreasing the risk of infection," said DeGraff, 189th AW senior flight surgeon and member of the Team DUCIMUS Think Tank group. "We don't have the medical peer-reviewed data to back that up 100 percent, but we do know that it kills pathogens and doesn't cause cancer or cataracts in humans."
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According to Dr. David Brenner, an independent safety expert from Columbia University Medical Center and subcontractor on the project, the lights use a measure of ultraviolet light -- 222 nanometers -- that can kill large numbers of surface and air pathogens but is still safe for humans.
Traditional UV sanitization systems, such as those used by hospitals to disinfect personal protective equipment, can operate at up to 254 nanometers, which can damage sensitive skin cells.


upi--2020-08-13--Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts join Sean Penn's 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' table read

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- Sean Penn 's nonprofit CORE said Thursday that several celebrities will participate in a live virtual table read of Fast Times at Ridgemont High to benefit COVID-19 relief efforts .
Along with co-founder Penn , Jennifer Aniston , Morgan Freeman , Julia Roberts , Matthew McConaughey , Shia LaBeouf and Henry Golding , will participate in the reading of the 1982 teen film , the nonprofit CORE , which stands for Community Organized Relief Effort , announced on Instagram and Facebook posts .
The event will benefit CORE 's COVID-19 relief efforts and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison population from COVID-19 , along with passing laws to reform the criminal justice system .
Comedian Dane Cook will host the charity event titled Feelin ' A Live : Fast Times At Ridgemont High to air on Aug. 20 at 9 p.m .
ET on CORE 's official Facebook page and TikTok .
`` On behalf of our dedicated team at CORE , I 'm appreciative of the support Dane has given and continues to give to our work , '' Penn said .
`` I 'm always game for a giggle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a night of laughs with so many talented folks while providing CORE with much-needed resources to continue our vital work , then consider us fully onboard to play ! ''
Penn , now 59 , played Jeff Spicoli in the teen comedy , but someone else will play that role in the live reading .
`` I 'm very confident in the new guy , '' Penn said .

Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Sean Penn's nonprofit CORE said Thursday that several celebrities will participate in a live virtual table read of Fast Times at Ridgemont High to benefit COVID-19 relief efforts.
Along with co-founder Penn, Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman, Julia Roberts, Matthew McConaughey, Shia LaBeouf and Henry Golding, will participate in the reading of the 1982 teen film, the nonprofit CORE, which stands for Community Organized Relief Effort, announced on Instagram and Facebook posts.
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The event will benefit CORE's COVID-19 relief efforts and the REFORM alliance, focused on protecting the prison population from COVID-19, along with passing laws to reform the criminal justice system.
Comedian Dane Cook will host the charity event titled Feelin' A Live: Fast Times At Ridgemont High to air on Aug. 20 at 9 p.m. ET on CORE's official Facebook page and TikTok.
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"On behalf of our dedicated team at CORE, I'm appreciative of the support Dane has given and continues to give to our work," Penn said. "I'm always game for a giggle. So, to gather remotely for a night of laughs with so many talented folks while providing CORE with much-needed resources to continue our vital work, then consider us fully onboard to play!"
Penn, now 59, played Jeff Spicoli in the teen comedy, but someone else will play that role in the live reading.
"I'm very confident in the new guy," Penn said.
Jennifer Aniston's career: 'Friends,' red carpets, awards


upi--2020-08-14--Watch: Christina Aguilera shares video for 'Loyal Brave True' from 'Mulan'

Aug. 14 ( UPI ) -- Christina Aguilera is back with a new music video .
The 39-year-old singer and actress released a video Friday for her song `` Loyal Brave True '' from Disney 's live-action remake of Mulan .
The `` Loyal Brave True '' video shows Aguilera performing against a red background as scenes from the movie play in silhouette .
The video was directed by Mulan director Niki Caro .
`` Should I ask myself in the water / What a warrior would do ?
/ Tell me , underneath my armor / Am I loyal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sings .
Aguilera also recorded a new version of `` Reflection , '' the song she performed for Disney 's 1998 animated version of Mulan , for the remake .
She celebrated the film 's impending release in an Instagram post Thursday .
`` It 's been a long awaited project that had to be postponed in the beginning of the year when all the theatres got shut down ... but now we can reveal this beautiful movie and unveil the songs and music videos that I recorded in both English and Spanish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coincide with this movie 's score , '' Aguilera said .
`` A very nostalgic and special moment -- seeing as this movie started it all for me .
Leading to a record deal and the rest of my career to follow , '' she said of the original `` Reflection . ''
`` Disney has always been the beginning of many magical things for me and I 'm proud to now share this one ! ''
`` Loyal Brave True '' and the new version of `` Reflection '' will both appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's soundtrack .
`` Loyal Brave True '' was written by Jamie Hartman , Harry Gregson-Williams , Rosi Golan and Billy Crabtree .
The Mulan remake was initially scheduled to open in theaters in March but was delayed due to the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic .
The movie will now be released Sept. 4 as a rental for $ 29.99 on Disney+ .

Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Christina Aguilera is back with a new music video.
The 39-year-old singer and actress released a video Friday for her song "Loyal Brave True" from Disney's live-action remake of Mulan.
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The "Loyal Brave True" video shows Aguilera performing against a red background as scenes from the movie play in silhouette. The video was directed by Mulan director Niki Caro.
"Should I ask myself in the water / What a warrior would do? / Tell me, underneath my armor / Am I loyal, brave and true?" Aguilera sings.
Aguilera also recorded a new version of "Reflection," the song she performed for Disney's 1998 animated version of Mulan, for the remake. She celebrated the film's impending release in an Instagram post Thursday.
"It's been a long awaited project that had to be postponed in the beginning of the year when all the theatres got shut down... but now we can reveal this beautiful movie and unveil the songs and music videos that I recorded in both English and Spanish. Including a reimagined 'Reflection' to coincide with this movie's score," Aguilera said.
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"A very nostalgic and special moment -- seeing as this movie started it all for me. Leading to a record deal and the rest of my career to follow," she said of the original "Reflection." "Disney has always been the beginning of many magical things for me and I'm proud to now share this one!"
"Loyal Brave True" and the new version of "Reflection" will both appear in the film and on the movie's soundtrack. "Loyal Brave True" was written by Jamie Hartman, Harry Gregson-Williams, Rosi Golan and Billy Crabtree.
The Mulan remake was initially scheduled to open in theaters in March but was delayed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The movie will now be released Sept. 4 as a rental for $29.99 on Disney+.


upi--2020-08-14--Final Kentucky Derby prep highlights weekend horse racing

Aug. 14 ( UPI ) -- Weekend horse racing will bring the 45th and final stop on the `` Road to the Kentucky Derby and Breeders ' Cup `` Win and You 're In '' races at Saratoga and Deauville on the coast of France .
Also on offer are the Saratoga Derby Invitational and Oaks Invitational , each worth $ 500,000 this year , the Woodbine Oaks and the Plate Trial in Canada .
For all his fans , Pink Lloyd is back in action at Woodbine , too .
The Road to the Roses Saturday 's $ 150,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , finally , the last of Churchill Downs ' expanded `` Road to the Kentucky Derby '' races .
For those who have not been keeping score at home , this is the 45th race along the `` Road '' , counting both divisions of the Risen Star at Fair Grounds and Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park .
The UAE Derby and the Wood Memorial , both 100-points races , the Sunland Derby and the Lexington were canceled .
In addition , seven heats in the `` European Road to the Kentucky Derby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Road to the Kentucky Derby '' failed to produce a viable candidate for the Run for the Roses .
An eighth European race was canceled .
For all of that , it looks quite possible fewer than 20 horses will start in the Derby , which would be ironic as Churchill Downs is slated to roll out its new , 20-stall starting gate designed specifically to accommodate a full field in the Run for the Roses .
It is to replace the old main- and auxiliary-gate system .
The 1 1/16-miles Pegasus offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , four and two points to the minor placings .
The 20 points might just be enough to sneak into the field .
Among the eight entries , Pneumatic already has amassed 25 points to rank No .
22 , and Jesus ' Team stands at No .
29 with 10 points .
We will sort all this out after the weekend action .
Swiss Skydiver returns to competition against rivals of her own gender in Saturday 's $ 500,000 Grade I Alabama at Saratoga , a `` Win and You 're In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Daredevil filly took a swing at the boys in the Grade II Blue Grass at Keeneland in her last start , finishing second .
Earlier , she reeled off consecutive victories in the Grade II Gulfstream Park Oaks , the Grade II Fantasy at Oaklawn Park and the Grade II Santa Anita Oaks .
She has enough points to run in the Kentucky Derby , but trainer Kenny McPeek said the Oaks is a more likely target .
The other six in the Alabama include Envoutante , an Uncle Mo filly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coaching Club American Oaks runner-up Crystal Ball and Fair Grounds Oaks winner Bonny South .
Saturday 's $ 500,000 ( Canadian ) Woodbine Oaks is for Canadian-bred 3-year-old fillies , but the morning-line pick is Lasting Union , who meets the qualification , but races for the first time north of the border .
The Union Rags filly also makes her first start on an all-weather track and first start in a stakes race .
Top choices among the locals are Curlin 's Voyage and Mervilleux , neither of whom has set many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careers .
Decorated Invader is a heavy favorite on the morning line for Saturday 's $ 500,000 Saratoga Derby Invitational .
The Declaration of War colt , trained by Christophe Clement , won the Grade I Summer Stakes at Woodbine last fall , then finished fourth in the Breeders ' Cup Juvenile Turf .
He 's 3-for-3 this year with the most recent score coming in the Grade III National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes over the course July 18 .
Chad Brown , who targets this kind of race , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingman colt who was third in the Hall of Fame after two earlier wins against easier .
Gufo , Colonel Liam and Field Pass all deserve a look .
Sunday 's $ 500,000 Saratoga Oaks Invitational has a cast of seven , most of them graded stakes veterans despite their tender age .
The two inside gates will be occupied by Speaktomeofsummer , winner of the Grade II Lake Placid in her last start , and Enola Gay , victorious in the Grade II Appalachian at Keeneland in her last outing .
Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juddmonte Farms homebred daughter of Camelot , making her U.S. debut after winning twice in three starts earlier this year in England .
If Etoile can figure out what time zone she 's in , or even what country , she should be a solid favorite among six set for Saturday 's $ 175,000 ( Canadian ) Grade II Dance Smartly at Woodbine .
The 4-year-old , French-bred filly by Siyouni was competitive at the highest levels last year in her native land , finishing fourth , beaten less than 1 length , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Longines before tailing off when facing softer going late in the season .
Her new trainer , Chad Brown , shipped her all the way to Santa Anita for her first U.S. start May 25 and she was gaining ground at the end of the Grade I Gamely when the wire came too quickly .
She 's been training at Saratoga and Saturday 's 1 1/4 miles should suit .
The main opposition in the Dance Smartly looks to be Elizabeth Way , who comes off a win over the course but tacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Romantic Pursuit , a Godolphin homebred filly by Medaglia d'Oro , has flashed talent but needs a breakthrough .
A field of seven is assembled for Friday 's $ 150,000 Perfect Sting Stakes at Saratoga .
The two Chad Brown entries , Altea and Café Americano , are the morning-line favorites .
Another Broad goes only if the race comes off the turf .
Some nice invaders are entered in Saturday 's $ 175,000 ( Canadian ) Grade II King Edward at Woodbine , but the favorite on the morning line is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has won both his previous starts this season .
Brown brings New York-based Delaware , a Frankel colt who might be ready to rock and/or roll in his third U.S. start .
March to the Arch shipped in a week early for trainer Mark Casse .
His infrequent wins include one in his only previous visit to the Toronto area .
Eight will go .
How can you not like a horse who 's 24-for-29 over the course with winning streaks of up to 11 straight races ?
That 's Pink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 125,000 ( Canadian ) Grade III Bold Venture on the Woodbine all-weather track and the answer is , you do like him .
How could you not ?
Disregarding a starting gate misadventure in last year 's Bold Venture that resulted in him being declared a non-starter , the 8-year-old Old Forester gelding has an eight-race streak on the line .
Enjoy .
Eight are entered for Sunday 's $ 125,000 ( Canadian ) Grade III Seaway Stakes at 7 furlongs on the Woodbine all-weather course , including the top two from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles last month on the same strip .
Souper Escape won that by daylight over Painting , who has been third in each of her last three starts , all graded stakes .
The rest of the field is well matched .
Thoughtfully was shuffled back to last of five early in Wednesday 's $ 150,000 Adirondack at Saratoga but , as an even-money favorite should , rallied into the stretch and quickly drew clear , winning by 5 lengths .
Make Mischief was second , followed by the early leader , Ava @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filly from the Seeking the Gold mare Pension , ran 6 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:17.20 with Ricardo Santana Jr. up .
The Steve Asmussen trainee now is 2-for-2 with the earlier win coming at Churchill Downs .
Saturday 's $ 150,000 Plate Trial on the all-weather track only drew six .
The morning-line pick is Clayton , a Bodemeister colt who 's 2-for-3 with all races at Woodbine .
Steve Asmussen ships in Halo Again from Churchill Downs .
In two earlier visits , he won the Coronation Futurity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the book : Newly Minted pressed the pace in Thursday 's $ 85,000 Union Avenue Handicap for New York-bred fillies and mares , opened a lead in the lane and held off Mrs. Orb by a head under the wire .
Forever Changed was third , 3/4 length farther back .
Newly Minted , a 4-year-old daughter of Central Banker , got 7 furlongs on a fast track in 1:23.84 with Jose Lezcano in the irons .
Fancy Liquor led most of the way in Wednesday 's $ 150,000 Caesar 's Stakes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to win by a neck over Juggernaut .
Kinenos was third , another 2 lengths back .
Fancy Liquor , a Lookin at Lucky colt , ran 1 mile on yielding turf in 1:39.62 with Deshawn Parker riding .
Hendy Woods started near the back of the full field in Wednesday 's $ 150,000 Indiana Grand Stakes for 3-year-old fillies , then rallied outside of rivals down the stretch to win by a neck from Pranked .
The early leader , Evil Lyn , salvaged third .
Hendy Woods , an Uncle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the grass in 1:39.82 .
Declan Carroll rode .
Guildsman had only one rival beaten in the first furlong of Monday 's $ 75,000 Tom Ridge Stakes for 3-year-olds but at the finish , he had them all beaten .
So Street was second , 3 lengths behind , with the pacesetter , Alfie Solomons , a head farther back in third .
Guildsman , a French-bred gelding by Wootton Bassett , ran 6 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:10.55 with Pablo Morales riding .
The host track for the 2004 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stakes races for state-breds on Tuesday 's program , two for accredited juveniles and two for older Texas-breds .
In the $ 113,647 Texas Thoroughbred Futurity , Super Stock won the early pace battle , then drew off to win the race by 3 1/2 lengths with Lucky Promise along to finish second .
Super Stock , a Dialed In colt , ran 5 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:04.95 with Keith Asmussen in the irons .
The filly version went to odds-on favorite Kandy Ginger .
The Kantharos filly trailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scored by an emphatic 3 1/4 lengths with Becca 's Bouquet best of the rest .
With Stewart Elliot up , Kandy Ginger reported in 1:05.36 .
Ima Discreet Lady showed the way in the $ 50,000 Fiesta Mile for fillies and mares and survived a late challenge from Corluna to win by a head .
She 's Our Fastest was third and the favorite , Herbs Love , checked in seventh .
Ima Discreet Lady , a 4-year-old Discreet Cat filly , ran 1 mile on firm going in 1:36.32 with Ramon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stubborn Kenai Bob in the closing yards of the $ 50,000 Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame Stakes to win by 1/2 length .
Sunlit Song was third , another 1 1/4 lengths in arrears .
Redatory , a 5-year-old Oratory gelding , ran 1 1/16 miles on the green course in 1:42.21 with Lane Luzzi at the controls .
Around the world , around the clock : Saturday , the Group 2 Prix Guillaume D'Ornano is the feature at Deauville .
It 's a short field of five but worthy of note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Victor Ludorum , who was third in the Jockey Club , or French Derby after winning the Poule d'Essai des Poulains or French 2000 Guineas .
Sunday at Deauville , the Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois is a `` Win and You 're In '' for the TVG Breeders ' Cup Mile .
Palace Pier is the antepost favorite but , pending declarations , it promises to be a deep and well-matched field with Persian King , Circus Maximus , Alpine Star and Romanized all in the mix .

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Swiss Skydiver, shown winning the Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park, is the favorite in Saturday's Grade I Alabama at Saratoga. Photo courtesy of Oaklawn Park
Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Weekend horse racing will bring the 45th and final stop on the "Road to the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" races at Saratoga and Deauville on the coast of France. Also on offer are the Saratoga Derby Invitational and Oaks Invitational, each worth $500,000 this year, the Woodbine Oaks and the Plate Trial in Canada. Advertisement
For all his fans, Pink Lloyd is back in action at Woodbine, too.
Onward and northward.
The Road to the Roses
Saturday's $150,000 TVG.com Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth Park is, finally, the last of Churchill Downs' expanded "Road to the Kentucky Derby" races.
For those who have not been keeping score at home, this is the 45th race along the "Road", counting both divisions of the Risen Star at Fair Grounds and Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park.
The UAE Derby and the Wood Memorial, both 100-points races, the Sunland Derby and the Lexington were canceled.
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In addition, seven heats in the "European Road to the Kentucky Derby" and six in the "Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby" failed to produce a viable candidate for the Run for the Roses. An eighth European race was canceled.
For all of that, it looks quite possible fewer than 20 horses will start in the Derby, which would be ironic as Churchill Downs is slated to roll out its new, 20-stall starting gate designed specifically to accommodate a full field in the Run for the Roses. It is to replace the old main- and auxiliary-gate system.
The 1 1/16-miles Pegasus offers 20 points to the winner with eight, four and two points to the minor placings. The 20 points might just be enough to sneak into the field. Among the eight entries, Pneumatic already has amassed 25 points to rank No. 22, and Jesus' Team stands at No. 29 with 10 points.
We will sort all this out after the weekend action.
Distaff/Oaks
Swiss Skydiver returns to competition against rivals of her own gender in Saturday's $500,000 Grade I Alabama at Saratoga, a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Distaff.
The Daredevil filly took a swing at the boys in the Grade II Blue Grass at Keeneland in her last start, finishing second. Earlier, she reeled off consecutive victories in the Grade II Gulfstream Park Oaks, the Grade II Fantasy at Oaklawn Park and the Grade II Santa Anita Oaks.
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She has enough points to run in the Kentucky Derby, but trainer Kenny McPeek said the Oaks is a more likely target.
The other six in the Alabama include Envoutante, an Uncle Mo filly also trained by McPeek, Grade I Coaching Club American Oaks runner-up Crystal Ball and Fair Grounds Oaks winner Bonny South.
Saturday's $500,000 (Canadian) Woodbine Oaks is for Canadian-bred 3-year-old fillies, but the morning-line pick is Lasting Union, who meets the qualification, but races for the first time north of the border.
The Union Rags filly also makes her first start on an all-weather track and first start in a stakes race. Top choices among the locals are Curlin's Voyage and Mervilleux, neither of whom has set many hearts aflutter at this point in their careers.
Turf
Decorated Invader is a heavy favorite on the morning line for Saturday's $500,000 Saratoga Derby Invitational.
The Declaration of War colt, trained by Christophe Clement, won the Grade I Summer Stakes at Woodbine last fall, then finished fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. He's 3-for-3 this year with the most recent score coming in the Grade III National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes over the course July 18.
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Chad Brown, who targets this kind of race, sends out Domestic Spending, a British-bred Kingman colt who was third in the Hall of Fame after two earlier wins against easier. Gufo, Colonel Liam and Field Pass all deserve a look.
Filly & Mare Turf
Sunday's $500,000 Saratoga Oaks Invitational has a cast of seven, most of them graded stakes veterans despite their tender age.
The two inside gates will be occupied by Speaktomeofsummer, winner of the Grade II Lake Placid in her last start, and Enola Gay, victorious in the Grade II Appalachian at Keeneland in her last outing.
Bill Mott saddles two with Ricetta, a Juddmonte Farms homebred daughter of Camelot, making her U.S. debut after winning twice in three starts earlier this year in England.
If Etoile can figure out what time zone she's in, or even what country, she should be a solid favorite among six set for Saturday's $175,000 (Canadian) Grade II Dance Smartly at Woodbine.
The 4-year-old, French-bred filly by Siyouni was competitive at the highest levels last year in her native land, finishing fourth, beaten less than 1 length, in the Group 1 Prix de Diane Longines before tailing off when facing softer going late in the season.
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Her new trainer, Chad Brown, shipped her all the way to Santa Anita for her first U.S. start May 25 and she was gaining ground at the end of the Grade I Gamely when the wire came too quickly. She's been training at Saratoga and Saturday's 1 1/4 miles should suit.
The main opposition in the Dance Smartly looks to be Elizabeth Way, who comes off a win over the course but tacks on 1/4 mile more to that trip. Romantic Pursuit, a Godolphin homebred filly by Medaglia d'Oro, has flashed talent but needs a breakthrough.
A field of seven is assembled for Friday's $150,000 Perfect Sting Stakes at Saratoga. The two Chad Brown entries, Altea and Café Americano, are the morning-line favorites. Another Broad goes only if the race comes off the turf.
Turf Mile
Some nice invaders are entered in Saturday's $175,000 (Canadian) Grade II King Edward at Woodbine, but the favorite on the morning line is the local boy, 5-year-old Silent Poet, who has won both his previous starts this season.
Brown brings New York-based Delaware, a Frankel colt who might be ready to rock and/or roll in his third U.S. start. March to the Arch shipped in a week early for trainer Mark Casse. His infrequent wins include one in his only previous visit to the Toronto area. Eight will go.
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Sprint
How can you not like a horse who's 24-for-29 over the course with winning streaks of up to 11 straight races?
That's Pink Lloyd's record entering Saturday's $125,000 (Canadian) Grade III Bold Venture on the Woodbine all-weather track and the answer is, you do like him. How could you not?
Disregarding a starting gate misadventure in last year's Bold Venture that resulted in him being declared a non-starter, the 8-year-old Old Forester gelding has an eight-race streak on the line. Enjoy.
Filly & Mare Sprint
Eight are entered for Sunday's $125,000 (Canadian) Grade III Seaway Stakes at 7 furlongs on the Woodbine all-weather course, including the top two from the Grade III Trillium Stakes at 1 1/16 miles last month on the same strip.
Souper Escape won that by daylight over Painting, who has been third in each of her last three starts, all graded stakes. The rest of the field is well matched.
Juvenile Fillies
Thoughtfully was shuffled back to last of five early in Wednesday's $150,000 Adirondack at Saratoga but, as an even-money favorite should, rallied into the stretch and quickly drew clear, winning by 5 lengths.
Make Mischief was second, followed by the early leader, Ava's Grace. Thoughtfully, a Tapit filly from the Seeking the Gold mare Pension, ran 6 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:17.20 with Ricardo Santana Jr. up. The Steve Asmussen trainee now is 2-for-2 with the earlier win coming at Churchill Downs.
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In other North American action:
Woodbine
Saturday's $150,000 Plate Trial on the all-weather track only drew six. The morning-line pick is Clayton, a Bodemeister colt who's 2-for-3 with all races at Woodbine.
Steve Asmussen ships in Halo Again from Churchill Downs. In two earlier visits, he won the Coronation Futurity and the Queenston Stakes.
Already in the book:
Saratoga
Newly Minted pressed the pace in Thursday's $85,000 Union Avenue Handicap for New York-bred fillies and mares, opened a lead in the lane and held off Mrs. Orb by a head under the wire.
Forever Changed was third, 3/4 length farther back. Newly Minted, a 4-year-old daughter of Central Banker, got 7 furlongs on a fast track in 1:23.84 with Jose Lezcano in the irons.
Indiana Grand
Fancy Liquor led most of the way in Wednesday's $150,000 Caesar's Stakes for 3-year-olds, was headed late and came back to win by a neck over Juggernaut.
Kinenos was third, another 2 lengths back. Fancy Liquor, a Lookin at Lucky colt, ran 1 mile on yielding turf in 1:39.62 with Deshawn Parker riding.
Hendy Woods started near the back of the full field in Wednesday's $150,000 Indiana Grand Stakes for 3-year-old fillies, then rallied outside of rivals down the stretch to win by a neck from Pranked.
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The early leader, Evil Lyn, salvaged third. Hendy Woods, an Uncle Mo filly, finished the 1 mile on the grass in 1:39.82. Declan Carroll rode.
Presque Isle Downs
Guildsman had only one rival beaten in the first furlong of Monday's $75,000 Tom Ridge Stakes for 3-year-olds but at the finish, he had them all beaten.
So Street was second, 3 lengths behind, with the pacesetter, Alfie Solomons, a head farther back in third. Guildsman, a French-bred gelding by Wootton Bassett, ran 6 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:10.55 with Pablo Morales riding.
Lone Star Park
The host track for the 2004 Breeders' Cup World Championships had four stakes races for state-breds on Tuesday's program, two for accredited juveniles and two for older Texas-breds.
In the $113,647 Texas Thoroughbred Futurity, Super Stock won the early pace battle, then drew off to win the race by 3 1/2 lengths with Lucky Promise along to finish second.
Super Stock, a Dialed In colt, ran 5 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:04.95 with Keith Asmussen in the irons.
The filly version went to odds-on favorite Kandy Ginger. The Kantharos filly trailed early, made a four-wide move and scored by an emphatic 3 1/4 lengths with Becca's Bouquet best of the rest. With Stewart Elliot up, Kandy Ginger reported in 1:05.36.
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Ima Discreet Lady showed the way in the $50,000 Fiesta Mile for fillies and mares and survived a late challenge from Corluna to win by a head.
She's Our Fastest was third and the favorite, Herbs Love, checked in seventh. Ima Discreet Lady, a 4-year-old Discreet Cat filly, ran 1 mile on firm going in 1:36.32 with Ramon Vazquez riding.
Redatory got by a stubborn Kenai Bob in the closing yards of the $50,000 Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame Stakes to win by 1/2 length. Sunlit Song was third, another 1 1/4 lengths in arrears.
Redatory, a 5-year-old Oratory gelding, ran 1 1/16 miles on the green course in 1:42.21 with Lane Luzzi at the controls.
Around the world, around the clock:
France
Saturday, the Group 2 Prix Guillaume D'Ornano is the feature at Deauville. It's a short field of five but worthy of note with Prix du Jockey Club winner Mishriff and Victor Ludorum, who was third in the Jockey Club, or French Derby after winning the Poule d'Essai des Poulains or French 2000 Guineas.
Sunday at Deauville, the Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois is a "Win and You're In" for the TVG Breeders' Cup Mile. Palace Pier is the antepost favorite but, pending declarations, it promises to be a deep and well-matched field with Persian King, Circus Maximus, Alpine Star and Romanized all in the mix.


upi--2020-08-14--Bad Bunny wins big at Premios Juventud 2020

Aug. 14 ( UPI ) -- Bad Bunny took home a leading eight awards at the 2020 Premios Juventud awards show .
The annual youth awards took place Thursday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood , Fla. , and featured artists appearing both physically and digitally due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Bad Bunny won Trendsetter ; The Quarentune for his song `` En Casita , '' which was released during the pandemic ; OMG Collaboration for track `` Soy El Diablo ( Remix ) '' also featuring Cano ; Ca n't Get Enough ; Scroll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nailed It for having the best manicure .
Karol G and J Balvin won five awards each while Anuel AA took home four .
Anuel AA 's song `` China '' featuring Karol G , Balvin , Daddy Yankee and Ozuna won Traffic Jam which honors songs listened to while stuck in traffic and The Perfect Mix .
Karol G and Anuel AA also won Together They Fire Up My Feed , which awards couples or friends that appear on each others ' social media feeds .
Ricky Martin , Becky G and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Change award for their activism .

Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Bad Bunny took home a leading eight awards at the 2020 Premios Juventud awards show.
The annual youth awards took place Thursday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and featured artists appearing both physically and digitally due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Bad Bunny won Trendsetter; The Quarentune for his song "En Casita," which was released during the pandemic; OMG Collaboration for track "Soy El Diablo (Remix)" also featuring Cano; Can't Get Enough; Scroll Stopper; High Fashion; Sneakerhead and Nailed It for having the best manicure.
Karol G and J Balvin won five awards each while Anuel AA took home four.
Anuel AA's song "China" featuring Karol G, Balvin, Daddy Yankee and Ozuna won Traffic Jam which honors songs listened to while stuck in traffic and The Perfect Mix. Karol G and Anuel AA also won Together They Fire Up My Feed, which awards couples or friends that appear on each others' social media feeds.
Ricky Martin, Becky G and Pitbull was honored with the Agent of Change award for their activism.


upi--2020-08-14--John Legend, Billie Eilish, The Chicks to perform at Democratic National Convention

Aug. 14 ( UPI ) -- The 2020 Democratic National Convention will feature performances from John Legend , Billie Eilish and The Chicks .
Organizers announced a lineup for the event in a press release Friday .
Jennifer Hudson , Common , Billy Porter , Leon Bridges , Maggie Rogers , Prince Royce , Stephen Stills and other stars will also perform .
The DNC will take place Aug. 17-20 in Milwaukee , Wisc .
Senator Kamala Harris will officially accept the party 's vice presidential nomination Aug. 19 , while former vice president Joe Biden will formally accept the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In just three days , we will kick off a Democratic National Convention that will look and feel very different than past conventions .
It will truly be a convention across America , and these incredible artists will help us tell the story of where we are as a country today under Donald Trump 's failed leadership , and the promise of what we can and should be with Joe Biden as president , '' DNC program executive Stephanie Cutter said .
`` These artists are committed to engaging with , registering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the finish line in November , '' she added .
The performances will include renditions of the national anthem , American classics and new songs .
Monday 's event will feature a performance of the national anthem from youth choir members across America .
Organizers previously announced a list of speakers for the convention .
Speakers include former first lady Michelle Obama ( Aug. 17 ) , Jill Biden ( Aug. 18 ) and president Barack Obama ( Aug. 19 ) .
The convention will air Aug. 17-20 from 9-11 p.m. EDT on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demconvention.com/watch and via select TV providers .

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John Legend, Billie Eilish, The Chicks, Jennifer Hudson, Common, Billy Porter and other stars will take the stage at the DNC in Milwaukee, Wisc. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 14 (UPI) -- The 2020 Democratic National Convention will feature performances from John Legend, Billie Eilish and The Chicks. Organizers announced a lineup for the event in a press release Friday. Jennifer Hudson, Common, Billy Porter, Leon Bridges, Maggie Rogers, Prince Royce, Stephen Stills and other stars will also perform. Advertisement
The DNC will take place Aug. 17-20 in Milwaukee, Wisc. Senator Kamala Harris will officially accept the party's vice presidential nomination Aug. 19, while former vice president Joe Biden will formally accept the party's presidential nomination Aug. 20.
"In just three days, we will kick off a Democratic National Convention that will look and feel very different than past conventions. It will truly be a convention across America, and these incredible artists will help us tell the story of where we are as a country today under Donald Trump's failed leadership, and the promise of what we can and should be with Joe Biden as president," DNC program executive Stephanie Cutter said.
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"These artists are committed to engaging with, registering and mobilizing voters to get us over the finish line in November," she added.
The performances will include renditions of the national anthem, American classics and new songs. Monday's event will feature a performance of the national anthem from youth choir members across America.
Organizers previously announced a list of speakers for the convention. Speakers include former first lady Michelle Obama (Aug. 17), Jill Biden (Aug. 18) and president Barack Obama (Aug. 19).
The convention will air Aug. 17-20 from 9-11 p.m. EDT on the Democratic National Convention app, at demconvention.com/watch and via select TV providers.
Moments from John Legend's career


upi--2020-08-14--In photos: Moments from Major League Baseball for the week of Aug. 9, 2020

The Cleveland Indians ' Francisco Lindor ( L ) fields a ball in front of Indians César Hernández in a @ @ @ @ @ in Cleveland on Wednesday .
The Cubs defeated the Indians 7-2 .
Photo by Aaron @

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole pitches against the Boston Red Sox in New York City on Friday. Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI


upi--2020-08-14--Genomic analysis suggests climate change caused the extinction of wooly rhinos

Aug. 14 ( UPI ) -- New genomic analysis suggests the decline of the wooly rhinos across ancient Siberia was triggered by climate change , not by overhunting .
Scientists collected and sequenced DNA samples from the frozen remains of 14 well-preserved woolly rhinoceros specimens .
Their analysis , detailed this week in the journal Current Biology , showed their population size and genetic diversity was stable in the lead-up to their demise .
Researchers used to think humans showed up in northeastern Siberia just 15,000 years ago , but scientists have since discovered evidence of human habitation dating to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards extinction of the woolly rhinoceros does n't coincide so much with the first appearance of humans in the region , '' senior study author Love Dalén , a professor of evolutionary genetics at the Center for Palaeogenetics , a joint venture between Stockholm University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History , said in a news release .
`` If anything , we actually see something looking a bit like an increase in population size during this period . ''
Dalén and his colleagues collected DNA from tissue , bone and hair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped researchers measure genetic diversity and gauge the health of ancient populations .
`` We examined changes in population size and estimated inbreeding , '' said co-first author Nicolas Dussex , a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Palaeogenetics .
`` We found that after an increase in population size at the start of a cold period some 29,000 years ago , the woolly rhino population size remained constant and that at this time , inbreeding was low . ''
The data showed the size and health of wooly rhino populations remained stable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of humans .
The decline of the region 's megafauna more closely aligns with the rise in temperatures in the region .
The new genomic analysis also showed that like wooly mammoths , wooly rhinos had several genetic mutations that allowed them to adapt to Siberia 's frigid environs .
`` We 're coming away from the idea of humans taking over everything as soon as they come into an environment , and instead elucidating the role of climate in megafaunal extinctions , '' said co-first author Edana Lord , a doctoral student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although we ca n't rule out human involvement , we suggest that the woolly rhinoceros ' extinction was more likely related to climate . ''
To get a more precise understanding of the extinction of wooly rhinos and other larger herbivores , researchers hope to collect DNA from rhinos that lived and died closer to when Siberia 's megafauna began their rapid decline , around 14,000 years ago .

Genomic analysis suggests the wooly rhinoceros was uniquely adapted to Siberia's frigid climate. Photo by Fedor Shidlovskiy
Aug. 14 (UPI) -- New genomic analysis suggests the decline of the wooly rhinos across ancient Siberia was triggered by climate change, not by overhunting. Scientists collected and sequenced DNA samples from the frozen remains of 14 well-preserved woolly rhinoceros specimens. Their analysis, detailed this week in the journal Current Biology, showed their population size and genetic diversity was stable in the lead-up to their demise. Advertisement
Researchers used to think humans showed up in northeastern Siberia just 15,000 years ago, but scientists have since discovered evidence of human habitation dating to 30,000 years ago.
"The decline towards extinction of the woolly rhinoceros doesn't coincide so much with the first appearance of humans in the region," senior study author Love Dalén, a professor of evolutionary genetics at the Center for Palaeogenetics, a joint venture between Stockholm University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History, said in a news release. "If anything, we actually see something looking a bit like an increase in population size during this period."
Dalén and his colleagues collected DNA from tissue, bone and hair samples from wooly rhinos. The data helped researchers measure genetic diversity and gauge the health of ancient populations.
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"We examined changes in population size and estimated inbreeding," said co-first author Nicolas Dussex, a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Palaeogenetics. "We found that after an increase in population size at the start of a cold period some 29,000 years ago, the woolly rhino population size remained constant and that at this time, inbreeding was low."
The data showed the size and health of wooly rhino populations remained stable for thousands of years after the arrival of humans. The decline of the region's megafauna more closely aligns with the rise in temperatures in the region.
The new genomic analysis also showed that like wooly mammoths, wooly rhinos had several genetic mutations that allowed them to adapt to Siberia's frigid environs.
"We're coming away from the idea of humans taking over everything as soon as they come into an environment, and instead elucidating the role of climate in megafaunal extinctions," said co-first author Edana Lord, a doctoral student at the Center for Palaeogenetics. "Although we can't rule out human involvement, we suggest that the woolly rhinoceros' extinction was more likely related to climate."
To get a more precise understanding of the extinction of wooly rhinos and other larger herbivores, researchers hope to collect DNA from rhinos that lived and died closer to when Siberia's megafauna began their rapid decline, around 14,000 years ago.


upi--2020-08-14--British gov't secures 90M doses of potential COVID-19 vaccines

Aug. 14 ( UPI ) -- The British government announced Friday it has a deal for 90 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines now under development at U.S. company Novavax and a European subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson .
The `` agreement in principal '' includes 60 million doses of the Novavax vaccine and 30 million doses of a vaccine from U.K. Janssen Pharmaceutica , British business secretary Alok Sharma said in a statement .
`` Today 's agreements will not only benefit people in the U.K. but will ensure fair and equitable access of a vaccine around the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
The deal agrees to fund a large-scale clinical trial of the Janssen vaccine candidate later this year .
Its primary endpoint will be to determine if two doses will provide long-term protection against the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 .
In return , the vaccine , if proven effective , will be made available worldwide on a not-for-profit basis .
A stage-three trial for Novavax vaccine will also have government support in exchange for a commitment to test and manufacture in Britain , in collaboration with FUJIFILM Diosynth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third quarter and will include 9,000 adults , Novavax CEO Stanley Erck said .
`` Our Phase 3 clinical trial in the U.K. will be a critical component to assess the efficacy of NVX-CoV2373 , which in a Phase 1 trial has already demonstrated to be generally well-tolerated and to elicit robust antibody responses , '' he said .
With the new agreements , the British government said it has access to six different candidates for its portfolio of potential COVID-19 vaccines and hopes one or more will be safe and effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinical trial of its potential vaccine in Australia has shown favorable immune responses .
A number of potential coronavirus vaccines are now in various stages of development .
Click here for our COVID-19 vaccine tracker .

Maryland-based Novavax has a deal with the British government to provide 60 million doses of its potential coronavirus vaccine. File Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE
Aug. 14 (UPI) -- The British government announced Friday it has a deal for 90 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines now under development at U.S. company Novavax and a European subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. The "agreement in principal" includes 60 million doses of the Novavax vaccine and 30 million doses of a vaccine from U.K. Janssen Pharmaceutica, British business secretary Alok Sharma said in a statement. Advertisement
"Today's agreements will not only benefit people in the U.K. but will ensure fair and equitable access of a vaccine around the world, potentially protecting hundreds of millions of lives," he said.
The deal agrees to fund a large-scale clinical trial of the Janssen vaccine candidate later this year. Its primary endpoint will be to determine if two doses will provide long-term protection against the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
In return, the vaccine, if proven effective, will be made available worldwide on a not-for-profit basis.
A stage-three trial for Novavax vaccine will also have government support in exchange for a commitment to test and manufacture in Britain, in collaboration with FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. That trial will begin in the third quarter and will include 9,000 adults, Novavax CEO Stanley Erck said.
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"Our Phase 3 clinical trial in the U.K. will be a critical component to assess the efficacy of NVX-CoV2373, which in a Phase 1 trial has already demonstrated to be generally well-tolerated and to elicit robust antibody responses," he said.
With the new agreements, the British government said it has access to six different candidates for its portfolio of potential COVID-19 vaccines and hopes one or more will be safe and effective.
Novavax said last week that a clinical trial of its potential vaccine in Australia has shown favorable immune responses.
A number of potential coronavirus vaccines are now in various stages of development. Click here for our COVID-19 vaccine tracker.


upi--2020-08-14--Golfers Varner, Hoge, Sloan share lead at Wyndham Championship

Aug. 14 ( UPI ) -- Harold Varner III , Roger Sloan and Tom Hoge each carded 8-under par 62s for a three-way share of the lead in the first round of the 2020 Wyndham Championship .
Hoge had seven birdies , an eagle and one bogey Thursday at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro , N.C. Varner birdied eight times .
Sloan sank nine birdies and had one bogey .
Varner , Hoge and Sloan each are in search of their first career PGA Tour victory .
Thirty-three players did not finish the first round because play was suspended due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan Brehm tied for fourth place and are one stroke behind the leaders as they start the second round Friday in Greensboro .
Si Woo Kim , Patrick Reed , Wesley Bryan , Brian Harman , Chesson Hadley , Talor Gooch and Hank Lebioda were 5-under par and tied for sixth place after the first round .
World No .
7 Brooks Koepka shot a 2-over par 72 and tied for 125th in the first round .
No .
6 Webb Simpson carded a 4-under par 66 .
No .
9 Patrick Reed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first round .
The projected third-round cut line is set at 2-under par .
World No .
1 Jon Rahm , No .
2 Justin Thomas , No .
3 Rory McIlroy , No .
4 Dustin Johnson , No .
5 Collin Morikawa , No .
8 Bryson DeChambeau , No .
10 Adam Scott and No .
16 Tiger Woods are not in the tournament field .
The 2020 Wyndham Championship runs through Sunday in Greensboro and is the final tournament of the PGA Tour season before the FedEx Cup playoffs @

Harold Varner III had a share of the first-round lead at the 2020 Wyndham Championship on Thursday and will attempt to win his first career PGA Tour tournament this weekend in Greensboro, N.C. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Harold Varner III, Roger Sloan and Tom Hoge each carded 8-under par 62s for a three-way share of the lead in the first round of the 2020 Wyndham Championship. Hoge had seven birdies, an eagle and one bogey Thursday at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C. Varner birdied eight times. Sloan sank nine birdies and had one bogey. Varner, Hoge and Sloan each are in search of their first career PGA Tour victory. Advertisement
Thirty-three players did not finish the first round because play was suspended due to bad weather.
Harris English and Ryan Brehm tied for fourth place and are one stroke behind the leaders as they start the second round Friday in Greensboro.
Si Woo Kim, Patrick Reed, Wesley Bryan, Brian Harman, Chesson Hadley, Talor Gooch and Hank Lebioda were 5-under par and tied for sixth place after the first round.
World No. 7 Brooks Koepka shot a 2-over par 72 and tied for 125th in the first round. No. 6 Webb Simpson carded a 4-under par 66. No. 9 Patrick Reed fired a 5-under par 65 in the first round.
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The projected third-round cut line is set at 2-under par.
World No. 1 Jon Rahm, No. 2 Justin Thomas, No. 3 Rory McIlroy, No. 4 Dustin Johnson, No. 5 Collin Morikawa, No. 8 Bryson DeChambeau, No. 10 Adam Scott and No. 16 Tiger Woods are not in the tournament field.
The 2020 Wyndham Championship runs through Sunday in Greensboro and is the final tournament of the PGA Tour season before the FedEx Cup playoffs.


upi--2020-08-14--Afghanistan begins releasing last Taliban prisoners

Aug. 14 ( UPI ) -- The government of Afghanistan has begun releasing the final 400 Taliban prisoners it has in custody , as part of a U.S. agreement brokered earlier this year .
Kabul said Thursday it has released dozens of high-value Taliban prisoners from the group and will release more .
Afghanistan 's Loya Jirga , the grand assembly of Afghan elders , approved the releases last week in a key step toward intra-Afghan negotiations .
In remarks to the Council on Foreign Relations Thursday , Ghani said Kabul is committed to fulfilling the required release , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to pose a danger both to us and to [ the United States ] and to the world because it is the drug dealers and hardened criminals , '' he said .
`` That has been shared with all our allies and friends but again this is a step that we have considered necessary . ''
Ghani said because his government was not part of the deal between the U.S. administration and the Taliban , he feels it is taking the bulk of the risk .
`` We were not a party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but out of the imperative of wanting peace in the conviction , we did it , '' he said .
Ghani 's government and the Taliban are expected to start peace talks in Qatar once all prisoners are released .
In an interview with Axios earlier this month , U.S. President Donald Trump said American troop levels in Afghanistan could fall below 5,000 by November .
His administration agreed to remove all U.S. troops from Afghanistan as part of the peace deal with the Taliban .
`` We 're going down to 4,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Trump said .
`` I do n't want to tell you [ when ] .
But I 've always said we will get largely out . ''

Afghan security officials show a group of suspected militants accused of planning attacks on government and security forces, in Jalalabad, Afghanistan on March 10. File Photo by Ghulamullah Habibi/EPA-EFE
Aug. 14 (UPI) -- The government of Afghanistan has begun releasing the final 400 Taliban prisoners it has in custody, as part of a U.S. agreement brokered earlier this year. Kabul said Thursday it has released dozens of high-value Taliban prisoners from the group and will release more. Advertisement
Afghanistan's Loya Jirga, the grand assembly of Afghan elders, approved the releases last week in a key step toward intra-Afghan negotiations.
Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani warned the freed prisoners could pose a threat.
In remarks to the Council on Foreign Relations Thursday, Ghani said Kabul is committed to fulfilling the required release, despite his misgivings.
"The list is likely to pose a danger both to us and to [the United States] and to the world because it is the drug dealers and hardened criminals," he said. "That has been shared with all our allies and friends but again this is a step that we have considered necessary."
Ghani said because his government was not part of the deal between the U.S. administration and the Taliban, he feels it is taking the bulk of the risk.
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"We were not a party to an agreement to release 5,000 Taliban but out of the imperative of wanting peace in the conviction, we did it," he said.
Ghani's government and the Taliban are expected to start peace talks in Qatar once all prisoners are released.
In an interview with Axios earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump said American troop levels in Afghanistan could fall below 5,000 by November. His administration agreed to remove all U.S. troops from Afghanistan as part of the peace deal with the Taliban.
"We're going down to 4,000, we're negotiating right now," Trump said. "I don't want to tell you [when]. But I've always said we will get largely out."


upi--2020-08-14--Damian Lillard scores 42, lifts Blazers into NBA play-in series

Aug. 14 ( UPI ) -- Damian Lillard scored 42 points to help the Portland Trail Blazers squeak out a narrow win over the Brooklyn Nets and clinch a spot in the NBA playoff play-in series .
Lillard -- who scored 61 points on Tuesday -- made 13 of his 22 attempts and eight 3-pointers in the Blazers ' 134-133 triumph Thursday in Orlando , Fla .
He also had a game-high 12 assists in the one-point win .
`` They were double-teaming me even before I got to half court , '' Lillard said .
`` They just kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make the right play . ''
The Blazers will now face the Memphis Grizzlies in the first Western Conference play-in game at 2:30 p.m. EDT Saturday in Orlando .
The Blazers will earn a first-round playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers if they win on Saturday .
A Grizzlies win will result in a second play-in game against the Blazers on Sunday .
The Grizzlies need to win both games to advance to the postseason .
The Blazers trailed 126-122 with 3:26 remaining on Thursday before Lillard made three free throws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one point .
Lillard then assisted a Jusuf Nurkic shot for a 127-126 lead with 2:53 remaining .
The Nets answered with a Caris LeVert fadeaway jumper before Lillard assisted a Gary Trent Jr. 3-pointer for a 130-128 Blazers lead .
The Nets tied the score again with 1:52 remaining before Nurkic put Portland ahead 132-130 five seconds later .
The Blazers held onto the lead down the stretch to clinch the win .
Lillard scored 17 points in the first half to help the Blazers hold a 73-67 lead at the break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third quarter before he netted 12 points in the final frame .
Nurkic scored 22 points and had 10 rebounds in the win .
C.J .
McCollum scored 25 points and had seven assists , four rebounds and three steals for the Blazers .
Trent scored 16 points .
LeVert led the Nets with 37 points and nine assists .
Joe Harris and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot scored 19 points apiece for Brooklyn .
Jarrett Allen had 14 points and 11 rebounds in the loss .
Garrett Temple had 15 points and 10 rebounds @ @ @ @

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (R) had a game-high 12 assists -- in addition to 42 points -- in a win over the Brooklyn Nets Thursday in Orlando, Fla. Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA-EFE
Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Damian Lillard scored 42 points to help the Portland Trail Blazers squeak out a narrow win over the Brooklyn Nets and clinch a spot in the NBA playoff play-in series. Lillard -- who scored 61 points on Tuesday -- made 13 of his 22 attempts and eight 3-pointers in the Blazers' 134-133 triumph Thursday in Orlando, Fla. He also had a game-high 12 assists in the one-point win. Advertisement
"They were double-teaming me even before I got to half court," Lillard said. "They just kept sending bodies and I was just trying to make the right play."
The Blazers will now face the Memphis Grizzlies in the first Western Conference play-in game at 2:30 p.m. EDT Saturday in Orlando. The Blazers will earn a first-round playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers if they win on Saturday. A Grizzlies win will result in a second play-in game against the Blazers on Sunday. The Grizzlies need to win both games to advance to the postseason.
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The Blazers trailed 126-122 with 3:26 remaining on Thursday before Lillard made three free throws to cut the Nets' lead to one point. Lillard then assisted a Jusuf Nurkic shot for a 127-126 lead with 2:53 remaining. The Nets answered with a Caris LeVert fadeaway jumper before Lillard assisted a Gary Trent Jr. 3-pointer for a 130-128 Blazers lead.
The Nets tied the score again with 1:52 remaining before Nurkic put Portland ahead 132-130 five seconds later. The Blazers held onto the lead down the stretch to clinch the win.
Lillard scored 17 points in the first half to help the Blazers hold a 73-67 lead at the break. He chipped in 13 points in the third quarter before he netted 12 points in the final frame.
Nurkic scored 22 points and had 10 rebounds in the win. C.J. McCollum scored 25 points and had seven assists, four rebounds and three steals for the Blazers. Trent scored 16 points.
LeVert led the Nets with 37 points and nine assists. Joe Harris and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot scored 19 points apiece for Brooklyn. Jarrett Allen had 14 points and 11 rebounds in the loss. Garrett Temple had 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Nets.


upi--2020-08-14--Drake plays basketball with Kevin Durant in 'Laugh Now Cry Later' video

Aug. 14 ( UPI ) -- Drake gets together with a number of sports stars in his latest music video @ @ @ @ @ Cry Later '' featuring Lil Durk .
The rapper plays basketball with NBA star Kevin @ @ @ @ @ NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. and gets tackled by NFL star Marshawn Lynch in the @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
Drake also shops at a Nike store , hits a few baseballs , @ @ @ @ @ with Durk .
`` Laugh Now Cry Later '' is available on music streaming services @ @ @ @ @ Music , Amazon Music , Pandora , Tidal , Soundcloud and Deezer .
Drake , @ @ @ @ @ image of himself and Durk from the NBA Draft scene where he states that the @ @ @ @ @ next studio album titled Certified Lover Boy .
Drake last released his fifth studio album @ @ @ @ @ .
The release featured the singles `` God 's Plan , '' `` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ My Feelings . ''

Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Drake gets together with a number of sports stars in his latest music video for single "Laugh Now Cry Later" featuring Lil Durk.
The rapper plays basketball with NBA star Kevin Durant, plays football with NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. and gets tackled by NFL star Marshawn Lynch in the video which was released on Thursday.
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Drake also shops at a Nike store, hits a few baseballs, and channels the NBA Draft with Durk.
"Laugh Now Cry Later" is available on music streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, Tidal, Soundcloud and Deezer.
Drake, on Instagram, posted an image of himself and Durk from the NBA Draft scene where he states that the song will appear on his next studio album titled Certified Lover Boy.
Drake last released his fifth studio album titled Scorpion in June 2018. The release featured the singles "God's Plan," "I'm Upset" and "In My Feelings."


upi--2020-08-14--New U.S. COVID-19 cases decline to 51K; California tops 600,000

Aug. 14 ( UPI ) -- New COVID-19 cases in the United States declined on Thursday by a few thousand , updated data from researchers at Johns Hopkins University showed Friday .
The data from Johns Hopkins ' Center for Systems Science and Engineering showed 51,400 new cases , a decline from just under 56,000 the day before .
Prior to that , the national tally was under 50,000 for three days in a row .
The new data Friday showed there have been 5.254 million COVID-19 cases and 167,200 deaths in the United States to date .
COVID-19-related deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data showed , a decline from 1,500 the day before -- the highest single-day toll since late May .
Robert Redfield , director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , warned Thursday that the fall might be the `` worst ever '' for public health unless more Americans start to follow recommendations like face coverings , self-isolation and distancing .
Speaking to the health website WebMD in a video chat , Redfield said combining the pandemic with the flu season could create a substantial crisis .
`` For your country right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're in against COVID , I 'm asking you to do four simple things : wear a mask , social distance , wash your hands and be smart about crowds , '' he said .
Redfield also said he 's `` very cautiously optimistic '' for a coronavirus vaccine before the end of the year .
`` No one can predict scientific success , but we think from a scientific threshold , developing a COVID vaccine is not as complex as ... an HIV vaccine , '' he said .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have one or more vaccines available . ''
In California , total cases surpassed 600,000 -- the first state to reach the mark .
No state has seen more cases since the pandemic began early this year .
In the San Francisco Bay Area , Stanford University said Thursday it 's canceled nearly all in-person instruction for the fall .
President Marc Tessier-Lavigne said the school had suspended plans to provide on-campus housing to freshmen , sophomores and incoming transfer students .
`` As eager as we have been to bring undergraduates back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year as possible , we have concluded for reasons I will explain below that the public health situation due to COVID-19 simply does not make it feasible at this time , '' Tessier-Lavigne wrote in an update to students and parents .
The San Francisco Bay Area has been placed on a statewide `` watch list '' due to worsening public health indicators .
The National Park Service in San Francisco announced it will reopen outdoor areas of Alcatraz Island to visitors starting Monday .
The island -- site of the infamous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served by ferries , although with reduced capacity .
`` The health and safety of our visitors and employees are our highest priority , '' said Laura Joss , general superintendent of Golden Gate National Recreation Area .
In Florida , deaths declined on Thursday after the state saw a record high the day before .
More than 9,000 people have died in the state since the start of the pandemic .
The state , which saw dramatic spikes in cases in June and July , also recorded fewer than 10,000 new cases @ @ @ @ @ @

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on August 4 amid negotiations between Democratic leaders and White House Republicans concerning the next stimulus package. Photo by Sarah Silbiger/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 14 (UPI) -- New COVID-19 cases in the United States declined on Thursday by a few thousand, updated data from researchers at Johns Hopkins University showed Friday. The data from Johns Hopkins' Center for Systems Science and Engineering showed 51,400 new cases, a decline from just under 56,000 the day before. Prior to that, the national tally was under 50,000 for three days in a row. Advertisement
The new data Friday showed there have been 5.254 million COVID-19 cases and 167,200 deaths in the United States to date.
COVID-19-related deaths totaled just under 1,100 Thursday, the data showed, a decline from 1,500 the day before -- the highest single-day toll since late May.
Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned Thursday that the fall might be the "worst ever" for public health unless more Americans start to follow recommendations like face coverings, self-isolation and distancing.
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Speaking to the health website WebMD in a video chat, Redfield said combining the pandemic with the flu season could create a substantial crisis.
"For your country right now and for the war that we're in against COVID, I'm asking you to do four simple things: wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands and be smart about crowds," he said.
Redfield also said he's "very cautiously optimistic" for a coronavirus vaccine before the end of the year.
"No one can predict scientific success, but we think from a scientific threshold, developing a COVID vaccine is not as complex as ... an HIV vaccine," he said. "I'm very optimistic that we're going to have one or more vaccines available."
In California, total cases surpassed 600,000 -- the first state to reach the mark. No state has seen more cases since the pandemic began early this year.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, Stanford University said Thursday it's canceled nearly all in-person instruction for the fall. President Marc Tessier-Lavigne said the school had suspended plans to provide on-campus housing to freshmen, sophomores and incoming transfer students.
"As eager as we have been to bring undergraduates back to campus and to pursue as normal a year as possible, we have concluded for reasons I will explain below that the public health situation due to COVID-19 simply does not make it feasible at this time," Tessier-Lavigne wrote in an update to students and parents.
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The San Francisco Bay Area has been placed on a statewide "watch list" due to worsening public health indicators.
The National Park Service in San Francisco announced it will reopen outdoor areas of Alcatraz Island to visitors starting Monday. The island -- site of the infamous former federal prison -- will again be served by ferries, although with reduced capacity.
"The health and safety of our visitors and employees are our highest priority," said Laura Joss, general superintendent of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
In Florida, deaths declined on Thursday after the state saw a record high the day before. More than 9,000 people have died in the state since the start of the pandemic.
The state, which saw dramatic spikes in cases in June and July, also recorded fewer than 10,000 new cases for the 19th consecutive day.


upi--2020-08-14--In Photos: Steve Martin turns 75: a look back

Left to right , Chevy Chase , Martin Short and Martin clown together at the opening night party of the @ @ @ @ @ musical `` Little Me '' in New York City on November 12 , 1998 .
@ @ @ @ @ Martin and Short would team up for more comedy specials together .
Photo by Ezio @

Left to right, Chevy Chase, Martin Short and Martin clown together at the opening night party of the revival production of the Broadway musical "Little Me" in New York City on November 12, 1998. Later in their careers, Martin and Short would team up for more comedy specials together. Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI