upi--2020-01-14--South Korea fishermen kidnapped to North found not guilty of espionage

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- A crew of South Korean fishermen abducted to the North more than 50 years ago have been cleared of North Korea espionage charges .
Nam Jung-gil , one of the six fishermen captured then released by North Korea in 1968 , said he is `` immeasurably happy '' following the verdict , South Korean news service News 1 reported Tuesday .
Nam may be one of the few surviving members of the fishing vessel Gongjin .
Park Nam-ju , the boat 's chief engineer at the time of the incident , died two years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the crew 's repatriation from the North .
The abduction of South Korean citizens took place on May 24 , 1968 near Yeonpyeong Island , according to Yonhap on Tuesday .
The Gongjin crossed a maritime border into the North while fishing .
The crew was apprehended and taken to North Korea , where they were detained for five months , according to the report .
The crew , including Nam , were repatriated to the South in October 1968 , but were arrested upon their return home and subjected to torture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Punishment included water torture , beatings and sleep deprivation .
In 1969 , the crew 's case went to a South Korean court .
Each defendant was sentenced to one to three years in prison .
According to Gwangju High Court on Tuesday , the men were found not guilty of previous crimes , including the country 's anti-communist law of the time .
The court also suggested the crew were subjected to forced confessions of espionage in 1969 .
`` Even if the defendants have confessed [ to spying ] in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe the confessions are reliable , '' the Gwangju court verdict read , citing `` illegal detention and torture '' at the hands of South Korean authorities at the time .
The defendants were previously accused of praising North Korea upon their return .
Nam developed brain hemorrhage after being tortured in prison , according to News 1 .

South Korean fishermen operating near Yeongpyeong Island then captured by North Koreans in 1968 have been cleared of espionage convictions. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- A crew of South Korean fishermen abducted to the North more than 50 years ago have been cleared of North Korea espionage charges. Nam Jung-gil, one of the six fishermen captured then released by North Korea in 1968, said he is "immeasurably happy" following the verdict, South Korean news service News 1 reported Tuesday. Advertisement
Nam may be one of the few surviving members of the fishing vessel Gongjin. Park Nam-ju, the boat's chief engineer at the time of the incident, died two years after being released from South Korean custody following the crew's repatriation from the North.
The abduction of South Korean citizens took place on May 24, 1968 near Yeonpyeong Island, according to Yonhap on Tuesday.
The Gongjin crossed a maritime border into the North while fishing. The crew was apprehended and taken to North Korea, where they were detained for five months, according to the report.
The crew, including Nam, were repatriated to the South in October 1968, but were arrested upon their return home and subjected to torture in South Korean prison for suspected espionage.
Punishment included water torture, beatings and sleep deprivation. In 1969, the crew's case went to a South Korean court. Each defendant was sentenced to one to three years in prison.
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According to Gwangju High Court on Tuesday, the men were found not guilty of previous crimes, including the country's anti-communist law of the time.
The court also suggested the crew were subjected to forced confessions of espionage in 1969.
"Even if the defendants have confessed [to spying] in the past, it is hard to believe the confessions are reliable," the Gwangju court verdict read, citing "illegal detention and torture" at the hands of South Korean authorities at the time.
The defendants were previously accused of praising North Korea upon their return.
Nam developed brain hemorrhage after being tortured in prison, according to News 1.


upi--2020-01-14--Watch: Suzanne Somers on Barry Manilow friendship, confirming wedding

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- Suzanne Somers says she apologized to longtime friend and fellow performer Barry Manilow after publicly confirming his wedding .
The 73-year-old actress said on Monday 's episode of Watch What Happens Live that she 's still friends with Manilow after unintentionally outing the singer as gay in 2015 .
Somers had discussed Manilow 's wedding to Garry Kief during an appearance on WWHL in April 2015 , prior to Manilow 's public coming out .
`` His husband got very mad at me , '' Somers told host Andy Cohen on Monday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm so sorry .
But Andy , you know Andy , he puts you on the spot . '
Barry said , 'It 's OK. ' '' '' We 're good , '' she added , before alluding that her relationship with Kief is still on the rocks .
Manilow explained his former reluctance to publicly come out in an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2017 .
`` It never really dawned on me [ to say anything ] , '' he said .
`` This is my life , we 've been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows that we 're a team .
Everybody that I know knows . ''
Manilow told People that he kept quiet about his sexuality for years for fear of letting down fans .
`` I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew I was gay .
So I never did anything , '' the star said .
`` When they found out that Garry and I were together , they were so happy .
The reaction was so beautiful -- strangers commenting , 'Great for you ! '
I 'm just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
On WWHL , Somers also discussed her celebrity life in the 1970s .
She said she once turned down Frank Sinatra for a date , but then said she was lying .
Somers is known for playing Chrissy Snow on Three 's Company and Carol Foster Lambert on Step by Step .
She released the book A New Way to Age : The Most Cutting-Edge Advances in Antiaging this month .

Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Suzanne Somers says she apologized to longtime friend and fellow performer Barry Manilow after publicly confirming his wedding.
The 73-year-old actress said on Monday's episode of Watch What Happens Live that she's still friends with Manilow after unintentionally outing the singer as gay in 2015.
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Somers had discussed Manilow's wedding to Garry Kief during an appearance on WWHL in April 2015, prior to Manilow's public coming out.
"His husband got very mad at me," Somers told host Andy Cohen on Monday. "I said to Barry, 'I'm so sorry. But Andy, you know Andy, he puts you on the spot.' Barry said, 'It's OK.'"
"We're good," she added, before alluding that her relationship with Kief is still on the rocks.
Manilow explained his former reluctance to publicly come out in an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2017.
"It never really dawned on me [to say anything]," he said. "This is my life, we've been together for all these years. Everybody knows that we're a team. Everybody that I know knows."
Manilow told People that he kept quiet about his sexuality for years for fear of letting down fans.
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"I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew I was gay. So I never did anything," the star said.
"When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was so beautiful -- strangers commenting, 'Great for you!' I'm just so grateful for it," he added.
On WWHL, Somers also discussed her celebrity life in the 1970s. She said she once turned down Frank Sinatra for a date, but then said she was lying.
Somers is known for playing Chrissy Snow on Three's Company and Carol Foster Lambert on Step by Step. She released the book A New Way to Age: The Most Cutting-Edge Advances in Antiaging this month.


upi--2020-01-14--WNBA players get salary increase, family planning benefits in new agreement

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- The WNBA and WNBA Players Association reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement Tuesday , which includes a salary increase for the league 's highest-paid players and improved travel standards .
The agreement , pending ratification by the players and the WNBA 's board of governors , runs from the start of this year 's season through 2027 .
The deal includes a 53 percent increase in total cash compensation , including base salary , additional bonuses , prize pools for new in-season competitions and league and team marketing deals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ player-first agenda , and I am pleased that this agreement guarantees substantial increases in compensation and progressive benefits for the women of the WNBA , '' WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a news release .
The salary increase for the highest-paid WNBA players improves their annual base salaries to $ 215,000 from $ 117,500 .
The agreement includes a minimum of $ 1.6 million in off-season league and team marketing agreements , highlighting top performances and the diversity of the WNBA .
Up to $ 300,000 in additional annual cash compensation will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimum of $ 750,000 in prize money will be available for players who participate in special competitions , starting in 2021 .
The WNBA and players union also agreed to a 50-50 split in revenue sharing starting in 2021 , based on the WNBA reaching revenue growth targets from broadcast agreements , marketing partnerships and licensing deals .
Players who win performance awards like WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year will also receive increased cash bonuses .
All players will now travel in premium economy class on flights during the regular season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accommodation in hotel rooms .
The agreement also addressed motherhood and family planning .
Players will receive their full salary while on maternity leave .
They can also get an annual childcare stipend of $ 5,000 .
The agreement guarantees two-bedroom apartments for players with children .
The WNBA 's family planning benefits include up to a $ 60,000 reimbursement for veteran players for costs directly related to adoption , surrogacy , oocyte cryopreservation or fertility/infertility treatment .
`` Cathy Engelbert , the first WNBA commissioner , brought her perspective as a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a business professional and her passion for the game to these negotiations , '' WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said .
`` We found common ground in areas that confirmed the league 's and the players ' intentions to not only make meaningful improvements in working conditions and overall professional experience , but also to improve the business with strategic planning and intentional marketing that will keep the WNBA front and center year-round . ''
Free agent players will now have unrestricted status a year earlier than under the prior agreement .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times a player can be given the `` core '' designation .
The designation gives teams exclusive negotiating rights with that player .
Teams can now designate a player as `` core '' four times , but will only be able to do it three times beginning in 2020 .
Players will only be eligible for `` core '' designation two times in 2022 .
The eight-year agreement has a mutual opt-out provision after six years .
The 2020 WNBA season begins in May .
`` With cautious optimism and trusting the league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players demonstrated a willingness to 'lean in ' themselves and show an even greater commitment and investment in the W , '' WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson said .
`` There are significant gains all across the board in this new agreement , and everything is in place for our players and the league to thrive . ''

Elena Delle Donne won her second WNBA MVP award and led the Washington Mystics to a WNBA championship last season. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- The WNBA and WNBA Players Association reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement Tuesday, which includes a salary increase for the league's highest-paid players and improved travel standards. The agreement, pending ratification by the players and the WNBA's board of governors, runs from the start of this year's season through 2027. The deal includes a 53 percent increase in total cash compensation, including base salary, additional bonuses, prize pools for new in-season competitions and league and team marketing deals. Advertisement
"We approached these negotiations with a player-first agenda, and I am pleased that this agreement guarantees substantial increases in compensation and progressive benefits for the women of the WNBA," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a news release.
The salary increase for the highest-paid WNBA players improves their annual base salaries to $215,000 from $117,500.
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The agreement includes a minimum of $1.6 million in off-season league and team marketing agreements, highlighting top performances and the diversity of the WNBA. Up to $300,000 in additional annual cash compensation will be available for select players.
A minimum of $750,000 in prize money will be available for players who participate in special competitions, starting in 2021. The WNBA and players union also agreed to a 50-50 split in revenue sharing starting in 2021, based on the WNBA reaching revenue growth targets from broadcast agreements, marketing partnerships and licensing deals.
Players who win performance awards like WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year will also receive increased cash bonuses.
All players will now travel in premium economy class on flights during the regular season. Each player will also get individual accommodation in hotel rooms.
The agreement also addressed motherhood and family planning. Players will receive their full salary while on maternity leave. They can also get an annual childcare stipend of $5,000. The agreement guarantees two-bedroom apartments for players with children.
The WNBA's family planning benefits include up to a $60,000 reimbursement for veteran players for costs directly related to adoption, surrogacy, oocyte cryopreservation or fertility/infertility treatment.
"Cathy Engelbert, the first WNBA commissioner, brought her perspective as a former women's basketball student-athlete, her experience as a business professional and her passion for the game to these negotiations," WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said.
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"We found common ground in areas that confirmed the league's and the players' intentions to not only make meaningful improvements in working conditions and overall professional experience, but also to improve the business with strategic planning and intentional marketing that will keep the WNBA front and center year-round."
Free agent players will now have unrestricted status a year earlier than under the prior agreement. The new agreement also decreases the amount of times a player can be given the "core" designation. The designation gives teams exclusive negotiating rights with that player. Teams can now designate a player as "core" four times, but will only be able to do it three times beginning in 2020. Players will only be eligible for "core" designation two times in 2022.
The eight-year agreement has a mutual opt-out provision after six years. The 2020 WNBA season begins in May.
"With cautious optimism and trusting the league's renewed commitment and investment, the players demonstrated a willingness to 'lean in' themselves and show an even greater commitment and investment in the W," WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson said. "There are significant gains all across the board in this new agreement, and everything is in place for our players and the league to thrive."


upi--2020-01-14--Madelaine Petsch, Vanessa Morgan feel 'so comfortable' with 'Riverdale' love scenes

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- Madelaine Petsch says she and her Riverdale co-star Vanessa Morgan feel `` so comfortable '' with their love scenes on the show .
The 25-year-old actress discussed the CW series and her friendship with Morgan , 27 , during Monday 's episode of A Little Late with Lilly Singh .
Petsch and Morgan play Cheryl Blossom and Toni Topaz on Riverdale .
The characters started dating in Season 2 and share love scenes on the show .
Petsch said it 's `` amazing '' to work with Morgan , her best friend , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met Morgan when the actress initially auditioned to play Josie McCoy .
`` We tested for Cheryl and Josie together , '' Petsch said .
`` We became best friends instantly . ''
`` It 's great , because I think when you have onscreen love interests ... it can be a little awkward and you do n't really know each other , you 're not comfortable , '' she added .
`` Vanessa and I are so comfortable that we 'll write ourselves love scenes .
We 're like , 'Oh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let 's make out . '
'' Petsch was a bridesmaid at Morgan 's wedding to MLB player Michael Kopech in Florida this month .
Petsch shared a photo with Morgan on Instagram last week that was taken prior to the nuptials .
`` I was lucky enough to be by my best friends side while she married one of the most genuine people I know .
Still crying tbh .
Love you V , '' Petsch captioned the post .
`` My bridesmaids & brides-men , there are no words to describe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for making this day so special for me , '' she wrote .
Riverdale co-stars KJ Apa , Lili Reinhart , Camila Mendes and Cole Sprouse .
The series premiered a fourth season in October and was renewed for a fifth season this month .

Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Madelaine Petsch says she and her Riverdale co-star Vanessa Morgan feel "so comfortable" with their love scenes on the show.
The 25-year-old actress discussed the CW series and her friendship with Morgan, 27, during Monday's episode of A Little Late with Lilly Singh.
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Petsch and Morgan play Cheryl Blossom and Toni Topaz on Riverdale. The characters started dating in Season 2 and share love scenes on the show.
Petsch said it's "amazing" to work with Morgan, her best friend, on set. She recalled how she first met Morgan when the actress initially auditioned to play Josie McCoy.
"We tested for Cheryl and Josie together," Petsch said. "We became best friends instantly."
"It's great, because I think when you have onscreen love interests ... it can be a little awkward and you don't really know each other, you're not comfortable," she added. "Vanessa and I are so comfortable that we'll write ourselves love scenes. We're like, 'Oh, we're not making out here? Let's make out.'"
Petsch was a bridesmaid at Morgan's wedding to MLB player Michael Kopech in Florida this month. Petsch shared a photo with Morgan on Instagram last week that was taken prior to the nuptials.
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"I was lucky enough to be by my best friends side while she married one of the most genuine people I know. Still crying tbh. Love you V," Petsch captioned the post.
Morgan posted a group picture the next day.
"My bridesmaids & brides-men, there are no words to describe how much I love you. Thankyou for making this day so special for me," she wrote.
Riverdale co-stars KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes and Cole Sprouse. The series premiered a fourth season in October and was renewed for a fifth season this month.


upi--2020-01-14--Prosecutors seek 5-year prison sentence for Former Rep. Chris Collins

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- Former Rep. Chris Collins should be sentenced to nearly five years in prison for insider trading , federal prosecutors told a U.S. district court judge in filings Monday .
Collins , 69 , opted to continue serving in Congress while lying about his case to federal investigators , prosecutors said in a letter to a federal judge for the Southern District of New York .
Collins , who was the first Congressman to endorse President Donald Trump 's 2016 campaign , in October , pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit securities fraud and making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indictment .
Authorities accused Collins of telling his son , Cameron Collins , and Stephen Zarsky , Cameron Collins ' prospective father-in-law , to sell their stocks in Australian biotech firm Innate Immunotherapeutics after receiving insider information .
The three avoided losing $ 768,000 in the move .
Collins , who served as a board member for the company , was arrested in August 2018 in connection with illegal trading but initially denied the charges .
Despite the charges , he edged out Democrat Nate McMurray by 1,087 votes to retain his seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year just before he entered his guilty pleas in federal court .
`` In committing insider trading and later lying to federal agents to cover it up , and in continuing to actively serve in the House of Representatives during that time period , Collins came to embody the cynical idea that those in power who make the laws are not required to follow them , '' prosecutors said .
`` This surely was not lost on him , but it did not cause him to hesitate in making the choice to commit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most visible and prestigious jobs in the United States , '' prosecutors said .
Attorneys for the former congressman , as well as numerous former colleagues , including ex-House speaker John Boehner , have asked that Collins be given no jail time , citing his public service in his district .

Former Rep. Chris Collins, R-NY, shown nominating Donald Trump for president at the Republican National Convention in 2016. Prosecutors asked a federal judge Monday to sentence Collins to nearly five years in prison for insider trading. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Former Rep. Chris Collins should be sentenced to nearly five years in prison for insider trading, federal prosecutors told a U.S. district court judge in filings Monday. Collins, 69, opted to continue serving in Congress while lying about his case to federal investigators, prosecutors said in a letter to a federal judge for the Southern District of New York. Advertisement
Collins, who was the first Congressman to endorse President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, in October, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit securities fraud and making false statements after initially facing an 11-count indictment.
Authorities accused Collins of telling his son, Cameron Collins, and Stephen Zarsky, Cameron Collins' prospective father-in-law, to sell their stocks in Australian biotech firm Innate Immunotherapeutics after receiving insider information.
The three avoided losing $768,000 in the move. Collins, who served as a board member for the company, was arrested in August 2018 in connection with illegal trading but initially denied the charges. Despite the charges, he edged out Democrat Nate McMurray by 1,087 votes to retain his seat three months later.
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Collins resigned last year just before he entered his guilty pleas in federal court.
"In committing insider trading and later lying to federal agents to cover it up, and in continuing to actively serve in the House of Representatives during that time period, Collins came to embody the cynical idea that those in power who make the laws are not required to follow them," prosecutors said.
"This surely was not lost on him, but it did not cause him to hesitate in making the choice to commit multiple crimes while holding one of the most visible and prestigious jobs in the United States," prosecutors said.
Attorneys for the former congressman, as well as numerous former colleagues, including ex-House speaker John Boehner, have asked that Collins be given no jail time, citing his public service in his district.


upi--2020-01-14--Nancy Pelosi sets vote on Trump impeachment articles for Wednesday

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- House Democrats plan to vote Wednesday to send two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate and to appoint managers for his trial .
Democratic caucus members told reporters after emerging from a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday that she will allow a vote on a resolution transmitting the articles to the upper chamber after delaying the move for weeks .
Rep. Diana DeGette , D-Colo. , said Pelosi also would hold a vote on the House 's trial managers Wednesday .
Other Democrats said the speaker did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pelosi said Friday she would send the articles of impeachment to the Senate this week , ending a weeks-long impasse with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell .
The Democrat from California has delayed sending the articles to the Senate since the House voted to impeach Trump on Dec. 18 .
Pelosi said last week she 'd withhold the articles until McConnell unveiled a resolution detailing the guidelines for the Senate impeachment trial , including whether witnesses and new evidence would be allowed .
But McConnell gained enough to support from Republican colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment on witnesses and on Friday Pelosi hinted the standoff would soon end .
`` I have asked judiciary committee Chairman Jerry Nadler to be prepared to bring to the floor next week a resolution to appoint managers and transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate , '' she wrote in a letter to House Democrats on Friday .

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi emerges from a closed-door Democratic caucus meeting Tuesday at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Photo by Sarah Silbiger/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Three House committees shared additional evidence with the House judiciary committee Tuesday for referral to the Senate ahead of a planned vote to advance two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. The House intelligence, oversight and foreign affairs committees sent the new information provided by Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani. His counsel said Parnas provided the records in response to a September subpoena. Advertisement
The records include 59 pages of communications describing an attempted meeting between Giuliani and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and an effort to oust U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, ABC News reported.
House Democrats plan to vote Wednesday to send two the articles of impeachment to the Senate and to appoint managers for his trial.
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Democratic caucus members told reporters after emerging from a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday that she will allow a vote on a resolution transmitting the articles to the upper chamber after delaying the move for weeks.
Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., said Pelosi also would hold a vote on the House's trial managers Wednesday. Other Democrats said the speaker did not name the managers at the meeting.
If Pelosi sends through the articles Wednesday as planned, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said the Senate's trial on impeachment of Trump will likely begin Tuesday.
McConnell said he has the support of 53 Republican senators on an initial resolution of how to move forward in the trial, including setting up arguments from the prosecution and defense, and then providing a period for the senators to submit written questions.
"Then after that," he said, "The more contentious issue of witnesses would be addressed by the Senate."
Four Senate Republicans have said they could be open to hearing witnesses if needed, though most of them said they wouldn't decide until after opening arguments.
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Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said he was "pleased" that some Republicans were coming around to wanting witnesses for the trial.
"If you want the truth, you have to have witnesses, you have to have documents. Who has ever heard of a trial without witnesses or documents?," Schumer said. "Let's remember what this trial is for -- for a president, any president, to threaten a foreign country with the cutoff of aid unless they interfere in our elections, is what the Founding Fathers felt is one of the worst abuses a president can have.
"The charges are deep and serious and all we can say is we join the American people in wanting the truth," Schumer added.
McConnell said it's unlikely the trial will be dismissed outright despite Trump calling for that over the weekend.
"There's little or no sentiment in the Republican conference for a motion to dismiss," McConnell said. "Our members feel that we have an obligation to listen to the arguments."
Trump tweeted Sunday that failure to dismiss the case outright "gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility."
Pelosi said Friday she would send the articles of impeachment to the Senate this week, ending a weeks-long impasse with McConnell.
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The Democrat from California has delayed sending the articles to the Senate since the House voted to impeach Trump on Dec. 18. Pelosi said last week she'd withhold the articles until McConnell unveiled a resolution detailing the guidelines for the Senate impeachment trial, including whether witnesses and new evidence would be allowed.
But McConnell gained enough support from Republican colleagues to begin the trial without making a commitment on witnesses and on Friday Pelosi hinted the standoff would soon end.
"I have asked judiciary committee Chairman Jerry Nadler to be prepared to bring to the floor next week a resolution to appoint managers and transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate," she wrote in a letter to House Democrats on Friday.


upi--2020-01-14--Jennifer Lopez regrets turning down 'Unfaithful'

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- Jennifer Lopez says she regrets turning down the 2002 film Unfaithful .
The 50-year-old singer and actress said in an interview with Vanity Fair published Tuesday that she was offered Diane Lane 's Oscar-nominated role in the movie .
Unfaithful , directed by Adrian Lyne , ultimately starred Lane and Richard Gere .
The film follows a couple whose marriage goes awry after the wife ( Lane ) has an affair with a stranger .
`` There was a movie called Unfaithful .
And it was offered to me and the script , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .
I should have known that Adrian Lyne was going to kill it , but I did n't , '' Lopez said .
Lane was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Connie Sumner in the film .
`` Diane Lane was so perfect for it , and it was obviously meant to be her , but when I think about that ...
I want to literally , like , shoot my toe off .
I do , '' Lopez said .
Lopez most recently starred in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theaters in September .
Lopez was nominated at the Golden Globes this month for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role as Ramona .
`` It was the first time I got to play a character who was unapologetically out for herself and kind of bad , actually taken over by greed , '' Lopez said of Ramona .
`` She was so many different things .
The best mom to this little girl , a best friend , and then a total savage .
That was really new for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for acting , saying she has never really considered giving it up .
`` I always felt like this is what I wanted to do .
It was this or nothing .
There was not really an option for me .
It 's just what I love , '' she said .
Lopez will star in the upcoming romantic comedy Marry Me .
She will also perform during the Super Bowl LIV halftime show with Shakira in February .

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Jennifer Lopez said she was offered Diane Lane's Oscar-nominated role in the movie "Unfaithful." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Jennifer Lopez says she regrets turning down the 2002 film Unfaithful. The 50-year-old singer and actress said in an interview with Vanity Fair published Tuesday that she was offered Diane Lane's Oscar-nominated role in the movie. Advertisement
Unfaithful, directed by Adrian Lyne, ultimately starred Lane and Richard Gere. The film follows a couple whose marriage goes awry after the wife (Lane) has an affair with a stranger.
"There was a movie called Unfaithful. And it was offered to me and the script, for me, wasn't all the way there. I should have known that Adrian Lyne was going to kill it, but I didn't," Lopez said.
Lane was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Connie Sumner in the film.
"Diane Lane was so perfect for it, and it was obviously meant to be her, but when I think about that... I want to literally, like, shoot my toe off. I do," Lopez said.
Lopez most recently starred in the movie Hustlers, which opened in theaters in September. Lopez was nominated at the Golden Globes this month for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role as Ramona.
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"It was the first time I got to play a character who was unapologetically out for herself and kind of bad, actually taken over by greed," Lopez said of Ramona. "She was so many different things. The best mom to this little girl, a best friend, and then a total savage. That was really new for me."
Lopez voiced her love for acting, saying she has never really considered giving it up.
"I always felt like this is what I wanted to do. It was this or nothing. There was not really an option for me. It's just what I love," she said.
Lopez will star in the upcoming romantic comedy Marry Me. She will also perform during the Super Bowl LIV halftime show with Shakira in February.


upi--2020-01-14--1 in 4 Medicare recipients undergoes cardiac rehab after heart event

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- Only one in four Medicare recipients undergo cardiac rehabilitation following a heart attack or other heart-related health event , a study has found .
In research published Tuesday in the journal Circulation : Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes , researchers found that about 25 percent of Medicare beneficiaries participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program .
Of those who did , only 24 percent initiated the program within 21 days of the acute cardiac event or surgery , and only 27 percent completed the full course of the recommended 36 or more cardiac rehabilitation sessions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcomes .
An estimated 1.3 million U.S. adults with heart disease may qualify for cardiac rehabilitation annually .
The care program has been shown to improve health outcomes among patients who have heart failure , have suffered heart attacks or have undergone a cardiac procedure such as coronary artery bypass surgery .
`` The low participation and completion rates observed translate to upwards of 7 million missed opportunities in this study to potentially improve health outcomes if 70 percent of those covered by Medicare who had a heart attack or acute heart event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed 36 sessions , '' lead study author Matthew D. Ritchey , a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention , said in a statement .
In their observational study , Ritchey and his colleagues reviewed the records of more than 366,000 patients covered by Medicare who were eligible for outpatient cardiac rehabilitation in 2016 .
In addition to the low overall participation figures , they found that participation in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation decreased with increasing age , with only about 10 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older receiving the service , compared to 32 percent among those between 65 and 74 years of age .
Participation was also lower among women than men -- approximately 19 percent versus approximately 29 percent -- while non-Hispanic whites had the highest participation rate at about 26 percent , versus 16 percent for Asians , 14 percent for non-Hispanic blacks and 13 percent for Hispanics .
Researchers noted that there are `` systematic , logistical and cultural barriers '' to attending and completing an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program : Some may not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs or the time needed to participate in the program versus returning to work and other personal commitments .
In 2019 , AHA published a scientific statement that described the need for and benefits of home-based cardiac rehabilitation programs to improve patient access and health outcomes , outlining the range of health , care and cost benefits to patients .
`` Cardiac rehabilitation has strong evidence demonstrating its lifesaving and life-enhancing benefits , and Medicare Part B provides coverage for the program , '' Ritchey said .

Structured rehab following a heart attack or other event can improve patient outcomes, but too few Medicare recipients receive it, a new study finds. Photo by Joanna Dubaj/Pixabay
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Only one in four Medicare recipients undergo cardiac rehabilitation following a heart attack or other heart-related health event, a study has found. In research published Tuesday in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, researchers found that about 25 percent of Medicare beneficiaries participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Advertisement
Of those who did, only 24 percent initiated the program within 21 days of the acute cardiac event or surgery, and only 27 percent completed the full course of the recommended 36 or more cardiac rehabilitation sessions, which have been shown to improve health outcomes.
An estimated 1.3 million U.S. adults with heart disease may qualify for cardiac rehabilitation annually. The care program has been shown to improve health outcomes among patients who have heart failure, have suffered heart attacks or have undergone a cardiac procedure such as coronary artery bypass surgery.
"The low participation and completion rates observed translate to upwards of 7 million missed opportunities in this study to potentially improve health outcomes if 70 percent of those covered by Medicare who had a heart attack or acute heart event or surgery participated in cardiac rehabilitation and completed 36 sessions," lead study author Matthew D. Ritchey, a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, said in a statement.
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In their observational study, Ritchey and his colleagues reviewed the records of more than 366,000 patients covered by Medicare who were eligible for outpatient cardiac rehabilitation in 2016.
In addition to the low overall participation figures, they found that participation in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation decreased with increasing age, with only about 10 percent of those 85 years of age and older receiving the service, compared to 32 percent among those between 65 and 74 years of age.
Participation was also lower among women than men -- approximately 19 percent versus approximately 29 percent -- while non-Hispanic whites had the highest participation rate at about 26 percent, versus 16 percent for Asians, 14 percent for non-Hispanic blacks and 13 percent for Hispanics.
Researchers noted that there are "systematic, logistical and cultural barriers" to attending and completing an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program: Some may not be able to afford rehabilitation due to the costs or the time needed to participate in the program versus returning to work and other personal commitments.
In 2019, AHA published a scientific statement that described the need for and benefits of home-based cardiac rehabilitation programs to improve patient access and health outcomes, outlining the range of health, care and cost benefits to patients.
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"Cardiac rehabilitation has strong evidence demonstrating its lifesaving and life-enhancing benefits, and Medicare Part B provides coverage for the program," Ritchey said.


upi--2020-01-14--Report: Russian hack indicates Moscow may again meddle in U.S. election

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- A cybersecurity firm says Russian spies successfully hacked the Ukrainian oil and gas company that 's part of a scandal involving President Donald Trump that led to his impeachment , and it may be a signal Moscow will again interfere in this fall 's U.S. elections .
The group , Area 1 Security , said in a report it found evidence Russian military intelligence targeted Burisma with a `` phishing '' attack last fall for access to employee passwords and email accounts .
It also said Moscow 's military intelligence agency , the GRU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight-page report said the discovery could indicate Russia is planning to interfere in the 2020 U.S. presidential election .
Burisma became part of Trump 's impeachment investigation when the U.S. president pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce investigations of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter , who was a Burisma board member between 2014 and 2019 .
Area 1 said in its report the timing of the Burisma hack in November suggests possible meddling by Moscow , as it was found by U.S. intelligence analysts to have done the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our report is not noteworthy because we identify the GRU launching a phishing campaign , nor is the targeting of a Ukrainian company particularly novel .
It is significant because Burisma Holdings is publicly entangled in U.S. foreign and domestic politics , '' the report said .
`` [ This ] raises the spectre that this is an early warning of what we have anticipated since the successful cyberattacks undertaken during the 2016 U.S .
elections . ''
`` They appear , if this reporting is correct , to be in the midst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation designed to influence another election , '' he told NBC News .

The Russian Embassy in northwest Washington, D.C. The cybersecurity report said the timing of the hack may indicate Moscow is again planning to try and interfere in November's U.S. presidential election. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- A cybersecurity firm says Russian spies successfully hacked the Ukrainian oil and gas company that's part of a scandal involving President Donald Trump that led to his impeachment, and it may be a signal Moscow will again interfere in this fall's U.S. elections. The group, Area 1 Security, said in a report it found evidence Russian military intelligence targeted Burisma with a "phishing" attack last fall for access to employee passwords and email accounts. It also said Moscow's military intelligence agency, the GRU, was behind the attacks. Advertisement
The eight-page report said the discovery could indicate Russia is planning to interfere in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Burisma became part of Trump's impeachment investigation when the U.S. president pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce investigations of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who was a Burisma board member between 2014 and 2019.
Area 1 said in its report the timing of the Burisma hack in November suggests possible meddling by Moscow, as it was found by U.S. intelligence analysts to have done the same thing four years ago.
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"Our report is not noteworthy because we identify the GRU launching a phishing campaign, nor is the targeting of a Ukrainian company particularly novel. It is significant because Burisma Holdings is publicly entangled in U.S. foreign and domestic politics," the report said. "[This] raises the spectre that this is an early warning of what we have anticipated since the successful cyberattacks undertaken during the 2016 U.S. elections."
House intelligence committee Chairman Rep. Adam Schiff has acknowledged the report.
"They appear, if this reporting is correct, to be in the midst of another hacking and potentially another dumping operation designed to influence another election," he told NBC News.


upi--2020-01-14--Clemson lost 'heart and soul' of defense with James Skalski ejection

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- Clemson struggled in the College Football Playoff national championship after losing linebacker James Skalski due to an ejection .
Tigers tackle Tremayne Anchrum called Skalski the `` heart and soul '' of the defense .
Skalski was ejected after being called for targeting during the third quarter of LSU 's 42-25 win against Clemson Monday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans .
LSU had a 1st-and-10 play from the Clemson 16-yard line during the sequence .
Star quarterback Joe Burrow stepped back in the pocket and threw a pass to his right , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Skalski came running into the play and hit Jefferson to bring him down for a tackle .
Referees did not initially call a penalty on Skalski , but reviewed the play .
They then called Skalski for a personal foul for targeting , which includes an automatic ejection .
Skalski screamed and pounded on his helmet after being kicked out of the game .
`` It hurts me because that 's the most passionate guy I know that plays this game , '' Anchrum told reporters , when asked about Skalski .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that defense .
When we lost him I know that hurt us enormously .
`` I saw him in the locker room , he told me he loved me .
We dapped up [ greeted each other ] and kind of just hugged it out , but my message to him is 'learn from it , grow from it and come back and be the leader and be the passionate man that you are and take this team to another level . ''
`` I did n't get to see [ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said .
`` But listen , that 's football .
There 's no excuses .
We 're not making any excuses .
That 's football .
Next guy up .
As a matter of fact I thought Jake Venables went in there and played well .
I thought Jake did some really good things and got some good experience in a critical game like that .
`` I hate it for Jamey .
He 's such a wonderful young man and such a great leader and all that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the better team . ''
Clemson entered the game with the best defense in the country , allowing just 244.7 yards and 10.6 points per game .
LSU had the best offense in the country , averaging 564.1 yards and 48.9 points per game .
Clemson allowed 628 total yards to LSU .
Burrow completed 31 of 49 passes for 463 yards and five scores , while also rushing for a touchdown , in the win .

1/3
Clemson linebacker James Skalski (47) had five tackles and a sack before being ejected during the Tigers' loss to LSU in the College Football Playoff national championship Monday in New Orleans. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Clemson struggled in the College Football Playoff national championship after losing linebacker James Skalski due to an ejection. Tigers tackle Tremayne Anchrum called Skalski the "heart and soul" of the defense. Skalski was ejected after being called for targeting during the third quarter of LSU's 42-25 win against Clemson Monday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Advertisement
LSU had a 1st-and-10 play from the Clemson 16-yard line during the sequence. Star quarterback Joe Burrow stepped back in the pocket and threw a pass to his right, finding senior wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Skalski came running into the play and hit Jefferson to bring him down for a tackle.
Referees did not initially call a penalty on Skalski, but reviewed the play. They then called Skalski for a personal foul for targeting, which includes an automatic ejection.
Skalski screamed and pounded on his helmet after being kicked out of the game.
"It hurts me because that's the most passionate guy I know that plays this game," Anchrum told reporters, when asked about Skalski. "He's the real heart and soul of that defense. When we lost him I know that hurt us enormously.
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"I saw him in the locker room, he told me he loved me. We dapped up [greeted each other] and kind of just hugged it out, but my message to him is 'learn from it, grow from it and come back and be the leader and be the passionate man that you are and take this team to another level."
Clemson's James Skalski was ejected for targeting on this hit.#NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/KNl5FBH9cA— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 14, 2020
LSU outscored Clemson 14-0 after the ejection.
"I didn't get to see [the Skalski hit] very clear," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. "But listen, that's football. There's no excuses. We're not making any excuses. That's football. Next guy up. As a matter of fact I thought Jake Venables went in there and played well. I thought Jake did some really good things and got some good experience in a critical game like that.
"I hate it for Jamey. He's such a wonderful young man and such a great leader and all that. But you know, they were just the better team."
LSU wins College Football Playoff National Championship
LSU's Patrick Queen stands with teammate Grant Delpit as he raises the trophy after defeating Clemson to win the college national championship. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Clemson entered the game with the best defense in the country, allowing just 244.7 yards and 10.6 points per game. LSU had the best offense in the country, averaging 564.1 yards and 48.9 points per game. Clemson allowed 628 total yards to LSU. Burrow completed 31 of 49 passes for 463 yards and five scores, while also rushing for a touchdown, in the win.


upi--2020-01-14--7 billion-year-old stardust found in Australian meteorite

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- Scientists have found stardust older than the sun trapped in the Murchison meteorite , which crashed into Australia in 1969 .
`` These are the oldest solid materials ever found , and they tell us about how stars formed in our galaxy , '' Philipp Heck , a curator at the Field Museum and associate professor at the University of Chicago , said in a news release .
Presolar grains are bits of stardust that were formed before the birth of the sun .
The grains are rare , found in just 5 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large concentration of presolar grains , scientists first had to isolate them from the rest of the meteorite .
`` It starts with crushing fragments of the meteorite down into a powder , '' Jennika Greer , a graduate student at the Field Museum and the University of Chicago , said in a news release .
`` Once all the pieces are segregated , it 's a kind of paste , and it has a pungent characteristic -- it smells like rotten peanut butter . ''
Scientists then dissolved the paste in acid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's like burning down the haystack to find the needle , '' said Philipp Heck , a curator at the Field Museum and associate professor at the University of Chicago .
Scientists were able to calculate the age of the presolar grains by measuring the amount of novel elements they contained .
In space , material is constantly bombarded with cosmic rays .
These rays penetrate the materials they collide with .
`` Some of these cosmic rays interact with the matter and form new elements , '' Heck said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the more those elements form . ''
The analysis , detailed this week in the journal PNAS , revealed most of the grains to be between 4.6 to 4.9 billion years old .
Some of the grains were 5.5 billion years old .
The sun is only 4.6 billion years old , while the Earth is 4.5 billion years old .
Because the presolar grain existed inside their host stars for several hundred million years before they were cast out into space by supernovae , researchers estimate some of the grains are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect the abundance of presolar grains trapped in the meteorite were produced during a period of increased star formation in the Milky Way .
`` We have more young grains that we expected , '' says Heck .
`` Our hypothesis is that the majority of those grains , which are 4.9 to 4.6 billion years old , formed in an episode of enhanced star formation .
There was a time before the start of the Solar System when more stars formed than normal . ''
The findings support the theory that star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not constant , but characterized by brief periods of intense formation followed by prolonged periods during which very few stars are born .

Scientists estimated the age of the tiny presolar grains by measuring the concentration of new elements inside them, forged by prolonged exposure to cosmic rays. Photo by Janaína N. Ávila/Field Museum
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Scientists have found stardust older than the sun trapped in the Murchison meteorite, which crashed into Australia in 1969. "These are the oldest solid materials ever found, and they tell us about how stars formed in our galaxy," Philipp Heck, a curator at the Field Museum and associate professor at the University of Chicago, said in a news release. Advertisement
Presolar grains are bits of stardust that were formed before the birth of the sun. The grains are rare, found in just 5 percent of meteorites.
To study the unusually large concentration of presolar grains, scientists first had to isolate them from the rest of the meteorite.
"It starts with crushing fragments of the meteorite down into a powder," Jennika Greer, a graduate student at the Field Museum and the University of Chicago, said in a news release. "Once all the pieces are segregated, it's a kind of paste, and it has a pungent characteristic -- it smells like rotten peanut butter."
Scientists then dissolved the paste in acid until only the presolar grains remained.
"It's like burning down the haystack to find the needle," said Philipp Heck, a curator at the Field Museum and associate professor at the University of Chicago.
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Scientists were able to calculate the age of the presolar grains by measuring the amount of novel elements they contained. In space, material is constantly bombarded with cosmic rays. These rays penetrate the materials they collide with.
"Some of these cosmic rays interact with the matter and form new elements," Heck said. "And the longer they get exposed, the more those elements form."
The analysis, detailed this week in the journal PNAS, revealed most of the grains to be between 4.6 to 4.9 billion years old. Some of the grains were 5.5 billion years old. The sun is only 4.6 billion years old, while the Earth is 4.5 billion years old.
Because the presolar grain existed inside their host stars for several hundred million years before they were cast out into space by supernovae, researchers estimate some of the grains are nearly 7 billion years old.
Scientists suspect the abundance of presolar grains trapped in the meteorite were produced during a period of increased star formation in the Milky Way.
"We have more young grains that we expected," says Heck. "Our hypothesis is that the majority of those grains, which are 4.9 to 4.6 billion years old, formed in an episode of enhanced star formation. There was a time before the start of the Solar System when more stars formed than normal."
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The findings support the theory that star formation rates in the Milky Way are not constant, but characterized by brief periods of intense formation followed by prolonged periods during which very few stars are born.


upi--2020-01-14--Watch: Tim Allen on 'Toy Story 4' co-star Keanu Reeves

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- Tim Allen says there 's `` nothing not like '' about his Toy Story 4 co-star Keanu Reeves .
The 66-year-old actor discussed Reeves , 55 , during an interview Monday on Jimmy Kimmel Live !
Allen and Reeves voice Buzz Lightyear and Duke Caboom , respectively , in Toy Story 4 , which opened in theaters in June .
Allen jokingly said the movie had `` too much of Keanu Reeves . ''
`` That Caboom character was pretty funny , right ?
I did n't like that .
He was cooler than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told host Jimmy Kimmel .
Allen recalled how he and Reeves attended the Toy Story 4 premiere together .
While at the event , Allen and Reeves discussed Reeves ' titular role in the John Wick movies , a retired hitman .
`` He shows up and I 'd just finished [ John ] Wick 3 .
700 murders in a minute .
I 've never seen more murders .
He calls it a 'ballet of violence . '
What does that mean ? ''
Allen said .
Allen pitched his idea for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I go into this whole thing , 'Hey , Keanu .
Here 's what I would do if I was in the movie , if I was one of the villains .
I 'd say , 'Hey , look .
Let 's keep him out of enclosed spaces , ' '' Allen recalled .
`` 'What I would do , is I 'd wait until you come out of your house , because you have a little dog that you walk .
I 'd be across the street with a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off coming out of the house . '
'' `` He does n't even blink , '' he said of Reeves .
`` He goes , 'Wick would know you were there . '
'' `` He 's the nicest guy in the world , which I hate .
Nothing not to like about him , '' he said .
Reeves will return as Wick in John Wick 4 , which opens in theaters in 2021 .
The actor said in the May issue of GQ that he will continue to star in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a demand .
`` As far as my legs can take me , '' he said .
`` As far as the audience wants to go . ''
Allen plays Mike Baxter on the Fox series Last Man Standing , which premiered an eighth season this month .

Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Tim Allen says there's "nothing not like" about his Toy Story 4 co-star Keanu Reeves.
The 66-year-old actor discussed Reeves, 55, during an interview Monday on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
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Allen and Reeves voice Buzz Lightyear and Duke Caboom, respectively, in Toy Story 4, which opened in theaters in June. Allen jokingly said the movie had "too much of Keanu Reeves."
"That Caboom character was pretty funny, right? I didn't like that. He was cooler than Buzz at one point," he told host Jimmy Kimmel.
Allen recalled how he and Reeves attended the Toy Story 4 premiere together. While at the event, Allen and Reeves discussed Reeves' titular role in the John Wick movies, a retired hitman.
"He shows up and I'd just finished [John] Wick 3. 700 murders in a minute. I've never seen more murders. He calls it a 'ballet of violence.' What does that mean?" Allen said.
Allen pitched his idea for how a villain might take out Wick.
"I go into this whole thing, 'Hey, Keanu. Here's what I would do if I was in the movie, if I was one of the villains. I'd say, 'Hey, look. Let's keep him out of enclosed spaces,'" Allen recalled. "'What I would do, is I'd wait until you come out of your house, because you have a little dog that you walk. I'd be across the street with a big rifle and I'd just pick you off coming out of the house.'"
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"He doesn't even blink," he said of Reeves. "He goes, 'Wick would know you were there.'"
Allen ended by praising Reeves.
"He's the nicest guy in the world, which I hate. Nothing not to like about him," he said.
Reeves will return as Wick in John Wick 4, which opens in theaters in 2021. The actor said in the May issue of GQ that he will continue to star in John Wick films as long as there is a demand.
"As far as my legs can take me," he said. "As far as the audience wants to go."
Allen plays Mike Baxter on the Fox series Last Man Standing, which premiered an eighth season this month.


upi--2020-01-14--North Korea students mobilized to work in construction, state media says

Jan. 13 ( UPI ) -- Tens of thousands of North Korean university students are being mobilized to work at construction sites in wintertime , according to Pyongyang 's state media .
Propaganda service Meari said Tuesday the students are using their vacation to contribute to state efforts in building power plants and raising output in mines and cooperative farms .
`` Political projects were carried out in various ways and supported efforts and contributed to physical strength '' required for the projects , Meari said .
More than 10 universities , including Kim Il Sung University in Pyongyang , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labor mobilization .
Students engaged in hard manual labor including cutting up stone blocks , while giving `` strength and courage '' to the working class , Meari said .
The North Korean groups were also deployed to Sunchon Phosphate Fertilizer Factory under construction in Sunchon , north of the capital , according to state media .
Kim Jong Un visited the factory earlier this year , where he called for `` self-regeneration '' and economic initiatives that defy sanctions .
South Korea could be monitoring North Korea 's financial activities overseas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of North Korean workers in December .
South Korean news service NK Economy reported Tuesday Seoul 's Financial Services Commission 's Financial Intelligence Unit has produced a classified report on North Korea 's money-laundering activities in the Russian Far East , with a focus on Vladivostok , Ussuriysk , Khabarovsk and Sakhalin .
The FIU is not sharing their findings with the media or the public , citing national security concerns , according to the report .
North Korea has turned down talks with the South in recent months but Seoul has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seoul on Tuesday said the two Koreas should engage in an `` international cooperation project '' to save North Korean forests , Yonhap reported .
Lee Woo-kyun , a professor of environmental science and ecological engineering at Korea University , said at a forum on Korean unification a `` master plan '' is needed to restore the environment in the North .

North Korean university students are working at key sites, including a fertilizer factory Kim Jong Un visited in early January, according to state media. File Photo by How Hwee Young/EPA-EFE
Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Tens of thousands of North Korean university students are being mobilized to work at construction sites in wintertime, according to Pyongyang's state media. Propaganda service Meari said Tuesday the students are using their vacation to contribute to state efforts in building power plants and raising output in mines and cooperative farms. Advertisement
"Political projects were carried out in various ways and supported efforts and contributed to physical strength" required for the projects, Meari said.
More than 10 universities, including Kim Il Sung University in Pyongyang, took part in the "voluntary" labor mobilization. Students engaged in hard manual labor including cutting up stone blocks, while giving "strength and courage" to the working class, Meari said.
The North Korean groups were also deployed to Sunchon Phosphate Fertilizer Factory under construction in Sunchon, north of the capital, according to state media.
Kim Jong Un visited the factory earlier this year, where he called for "self-regeneration" and economic initiatives that defy sanctions.
South Korea could be monitoring North Korea's financial activities overseas, following a U.N. deadline on the repatriation of North Korean workers in December.
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South Korean news service NK Economy reported Tuesday Seoul's Financial Services Commission's Financial Intelligence Unit has produced a classified report on North Korea's money-laundering activities in the Russian Far East, with a focus on Vladivostok, Ussuriysk, Khabarovsk and Sakhalin.
The FIU is not sharing their findings with the media or the public, citing national security concerns, according to the report.
North Korea has turned down talks with the South in recent months but Seoul has not changed its pro-engagement strategy.
Analysts in Seoul on Tuesday said the two Koreas should engage in an "international cooperation project" to save North Korean forests, Yonhap reported.
Lee Woo-kyun, a professor of environmental science and ecological engineering at Korea University, said at a forum on Korean unification a "master plan" is needed to restore the environment in the North.
North Korea has experienced deforestation for decades.


upi--2020-01-14--Watch: Selena Gomez plays 'Can You Feel It?' with Jimmy Fallon on 'Tonight Show'

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- Selena Gomez played a round of Can You Feel It ?
with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show .
The singer and late night host were tasked on Monday with sticking their hands inside mystery boxes that were filled with slimy or disgusting objects .
Gomez and Fallon then had to guess what they were touching without looking inside the box .
Fallon started things off by placing his hands inside of a box filled with raw eggs .
Gomez was more fearless and quickly stuck her hands into the box to grab hair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued on with Fallon having to touch a cow brain and Gomez a toy bear .
The pair ended things by both placing their hands into a pile of meal worms .
The singer was taken aback by the smell of the worms .
Gomez also discussed with Fallon her recently released album Rare , her first album since 2015 's Revival .
`` I think I was holding my breath for four years and then finally I just exhaled , '' the 27-year-old said .
Fallon pointed out to the pop star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Channel series Wizards of Waverley Place inspired Billie Eilish 's song `` Bad Guy . ''

Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Selena Gomez played a round of Can You Feel It? with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show.
The singer and late night host were tasked on Monday with sticking their hands inside mystery boxes that were filled with slimy or disgusting objects.
Advertisement
Gomez and Fallon then had to guess what they were touching without looking inside the box. Fallon started things off by placing his hands inside of a box filled with raw eggs.
Gomez was more fearless and quickly stuck her hands into the box to grab hair in a shower drain. The game continued on with Fallon having to touch a cow brain and Gomez a toy bear.
The pair ended things by both placing their hands into a pile of meal worms. The singer was taken aback by the smell of the worms.
Gomez also discussed with Fallon her recently released album Rare, her first album since 2015's Revival.
"I think I was holding my breath for four years and then finally I just exhaled," the 27-year-old said.
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Fallon pointed out to the pop star that the theme song to her Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverley Place inspired Billie Eilish's song "Bad Guy."
Selena Gomez turns 30: a look back


upi--2020-01-14--Class of diabetes drugs may lower risk for gout

Medications called SGLT2 inhibitors lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes .
And new research suggests these drugs may have an added benefit -- lowering the risk of gout .
Compared with people taking another class of diabetes drugs -- GLP1 receptor agonists -- those taking the SGLT2 drugs had 36 percent reduced odds of developing gout , the painful condition that usually starts in the foot .
`` SGLT2s are one of the most effective classes of medications for people with type 2 diabetes , and they might also reduce risk of gout , '' said study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general internist at the University of Toronto .
SGLT2 inhibitors are a newer class of prescription medicines for use in adults with type 2 diabetes , according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
These medications make the kidneys remove sugar from the body through the urine .
Drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor class include canagliflozin ( Invokana ) , dapagliflozin ( Farxiga ) , and empagliflozin ( Jardiance ) .
People with type 2 diabetes often have too much of a substance called uric acid in their blood .
Crystals from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joints , causing gout , the authors said in background notes .
Gout is a type of arthritis that affects millions of Americans , according to the U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases .
Gout symptoms often first appear in the big toe .
Symptoms can include intense joint pain and swelling .
SGLT2 inhibitors are n't without risk .
The FDA has required warnings about potential low bone density and an increased risk of fractures for people taking these drugs .
The FDA has also found a higher risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Almost 300,000 adults with type 2 diabetes were included in the study .
Their average age was 54 .
All had recently been prescribed an SGLT2 inhibitor , or a GLP1 receptor agonist , drugs from another new class of diabetes medications that include dulaglutide ( Trulicity ) , liraglutide ( Victoza ) , exenatide ( Byetta ) , and semaglutide ( Ozempic ) .
Of the nearly 152,000 adults taking an SGLT2 inhibitor , 636 developed gout .
In the almost 144,000 people taking a GLP1 , 836 developed gout , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice chair of family medicine at Northwell Health in Glen Cove , N.Y. She reviewed the study and noted that it had some limitations , but it was large and well-controlled .
`` The results revealed a difference in the patients who developed gout between the two groups , which is significant , '' Keber said .
There are n't other similar studies for comparison , however .
`` More studies need to be performed before this can be translated into clinical practice for use in reduction of gout in high-risk patients , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , `` With every person I see with type 2 diabetes , I 'm always weighing the risks and benefits and costs of a drug .
These drugs [ SGLT2s ] are very expensive .
But SGLT2 inhibitors do n't lead to hypoglycemia [ low blood sugar ] and do n't cause weight gain .
And among individuals who have gout or have an increased risk of gout , these data suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors could reduce their risk . ''
Fralick worked at Brigham and Women 's Hospital in Boston in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the study was conducted .
Dr. James Trapasso , an internal medicine physician at New York-Presbyterian Medical Group Hudson Valley , is a fan of SGLT2 inhibitors .
He was not part of the study but also reviewed the findings .
`` This class of medicine is one of my favorites for type 2 diabetes .
The possibility of gout reduction or prevention is icing on the cake .
It 's always nice to have another reason to use a drug , '' Trapasso said .
The study findings were published Jan. 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brigham and Women 's Hospital funded the study .
Learn more about gout from the U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases .

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints, with symptoms often starting in the big toe. Photo by Alexis /Pixabay
Medications called SGLT2 inhibitors lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. And new research suggests these drugs may have an added benefit -- lowering the risk of gout. Compared with people taking another class of diabetes drugs -- GLP1 receptor agonists -- those taking the SGLT2 drugs had 36 percent reduced odds of developing gout, the painful condition that usually starts in the foot. Advertisement
"SGLT2s are one of the most effective classes of medications for people with type 2 diabetes, and they might also reduce risk of gout," said study lead author Dr. Michael Fralick, a general internist at the University of Toronto.
SGLT2 inhibitors are a newer class of prescription medicines for use in adults with type 2 diabetes, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These medications make the kidneys remove sugar from the body through the urine. Drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor class include canagliflozin (Invokana), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and empagliflozin (Jardiance).
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People with type 2 diabetes often have too much of a substance called uric acid in their blood. Crystals from uric acid can build up in your joints, causing gout, the authors said in background notes.
Gout is a type of arthritis that affects millions of Americans, according to the U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases.
Gout symptoms often first appear in the big toe. Symptoms can include intense joint pain and swelling.
SGLT2 inhibitors aren't without risk. The FDA has required warnings about potential low bone density and an increased risk of fractures for people taking these drugs. The FDA has also found a higher risk of serious infections and lower limb amputations.
Almost 300,000 adults with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. Their average age was 54. All had recently been prescribed an SGLT2 inhibitor, or a GLP1 receptor agonist, drugs from another new class of diabetes medications that include dulaglutide (Trulicity), liraglutide (Victoza), exenatide (Byetta), and semaglutide (Ozempic).
Of the nearly 152,000 adults taking an SGLT2 inhibitor, 636 developed gout. In the almost 144,000 people taking a GLP1, 836 developed gout, the study found.
Dr. Barbara Keber is vice chair of family medicine at Northwell Health in Glen Cove, N.Y. She reviewed the study and noted that it had some limitations, but it was large and well-controlled.
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"The results revealed a difference in the patients who developed gout between the two groups, which is significant," Keber said.
There aren't other similar studies for comparison, however. "More studies need to be performed before this can be translated into clinical practice for use in reduction of gout in high-risk patients," she said.
Study author Fralick said, "With every person I see with type 2 diabetes, I'm always weighing the risks and benefits and costs of a drug. These drugs [SGLT2s] are very expensive. But SGLT2 inhibitors don't lead to hypoglycemia [low blood sugar] and don't cause weight gain. And among individuals who have gout or have an increased risk of gout, these data suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors could reduce their risk."
Fralick worked at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston in the division of pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics when the study was conducted.
Dr. James Trapasso, an internal medicine physician at New York-Presbyterian Medical Group Hudson Valley, is a fan of SGLT2 inhibitors. He was not part of the study but also reviewed the findings.
"This class of medicine is one of my favorites for type 2 diabetes. The possibility of gout reduction or prevention is icing on the cake. It's always nice to have another reason to use a drug," Trapasso said.
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The study findings were published Jan. 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Brigham and Women's Hospital funded the study.
More information
Learn more about gout from the U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-01-14--Visa to buy fintech provider Plaid in $5.3B deal

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- Visa has announced it will pay more than $ 5 billion to acquire financial @ @ @ @ @ produces software for startups to connect to users ' bank accounts .
Some of Plaid @ @ @ @ @ Venmo , investing app Robinhood and cryptocurrency exchanges Coinbase and Gemini .
The firm was @ @ @ @ @ based in San Francisco .
The deal is worth $ 5.3 billion , the companies @ @ @ @ @ of the world 's online consumers used a financial technology , or fintech , application @ @ @ @ @ , up from just 18 percent in 2015 .
It also said about 25 percent @ @ @ @ @ used Plaid to connect to more than 2,600 fintech developers .
`` Plaid 's mission @ @ @ @ @ for everyone , and we are excited for this opportunity to continue delivering on that @ @ @ @ @ , '' Plaid co-founder Zach Perret said .
Visa said it the deal should close @ @ @ @ @ .

Visa said it expects the deal to be finalized in a few months. File Photo by Joerg Carstensen/EPA-EFE
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Visa has announced it will pay more than $5 billion to acquire financial technology company Plaid, which produces software for startups to connect to users' bank accounts. Some of Plaid's clients include payment app Venmo, investing app Robinhood and cryptocurrency exchanges Coinbase and Gemini. The firm was founded in 2013 and is based in San Francisco. Advertisement
The deal is worth $5.3 billion, the companies said.
Visa said three-fourths of the world's online consumers used a financial technology, or fintech, application to move money in 2019, up from just 18 percent in 2015. It also said about 25 percent of U.S. bank accounts have used Plaid to connect to more than 2,600 fintech developers.
"Plaid's mission is to make money easier for everyone, and we are excited for this opportunity to continue delivering on that promise at a global scale," Plaid co-founder Zach Perret said.
Visa said it the deal should close in three to six months.


upi--2020-01-14--'This Is Us' character will 'go a little sideways,' Sterling K. Brown says

LOS ANGELES , Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- This Is Us returns Tuesday to begin resolving the new drama launched by the fall finale cliffhanger .
The last episode revealed that at some point in the future , Randall ( Sterling K. Brown ) and Kevin ( Justin Hartley ) stop speaking .
Before that , Randall worries about his mother Rebecca ( Mandy Moore ) becoming forgetful and evasive .
Cast members Brown , Moore and Chris Sullivan and show creator Dan Fogelman were on a Television Critics Association panel recently to discuss where the show is headed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with anxiety issues that lead to the conflicts hinted at in the fall finale .
`` Fogelman and our writers came up with a storyline that I think is quite compelling , '' Brown said .
`` It allows us to sort of delve further into Randall 's mental health and how he takes care of himself .
What 's right and what 's wrong about how he takes care of himself and how he could possibly do a better job at that . ''
Brown also told This Is Us viewers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Tuesday 's episode .
`` Then , like , this moment happens where you 're like , 'Oh .
Oh , [ expletive ] .
This is about to kind of go a little sideways , ' '' Brown said .
Flash forwards also revealed that Randall 's mother 's forgetfulness could be more serious than forgetting her phone or getting lost in town .
She confessed to Randall that she went to a movie and forgot what she was there to see .
This Is Us has not revealed Rebecca 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mystery ailment .
`` It 's something that I have done a lot of research on and something I 've paid a careful amount of attention to , '' Moore said .
`` I want to thoughtfully approach what Rebecca is sort of going through at this stage in her life with as much care and consideration .
I ca n't imagine being in that position . ''
Moore feels it 's too soon to reveal what exactly Rebecca is experiencing .
She said This Is Us will uncover it as Rebecca finds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak too much to it , because obviously , I want people to watch the season unfold and [ go on ] this journey that she 's on with her family , '' Moore said .
Also in the fall finale , Randall and Beth Watson 's adopted daughter , Deja ( Lyric Ross ) , invited her mother to Christmas dinner .
Beth and Randall fostered Deja and eventually adopted her .
If her biological mother is now stable , Beth and Randall wonder if Deja still needs them for stability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Deja 's mother .
Watson said Beth is able to focus on the foundation that she and Randall gave Deja , regardless of what comes next .
`` I 'm just grateful she is 18 , and she 's going to be out of the nest and finding her way in the world , '' Watson said .
`` We can be the people who set her up for that and then let her have her wings to fly .
Her former years are already set .
She was in another household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But we have a chance to set her up for something greater . ''
In Kate ( Chrissy Metz ) and Toby 's ( Sullivan ) story , their marriage is becoming strained .
They have parental stress dealing with a blind infant .
Even more friction comes from Toby 's sudden weight loss .
Sullivan revealed his physique in a shirtless scene on This Is Us .
It was a surprise to Kate because he would n't tell her he was going to the gym .
`` I just got too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actor appreciated the complexity of his Season 4 story .
On the surface , getting in shape should be a positive change for Toby .
On This Is Us , it 's more complicated than that .
`` Even things that can be perceived as healthy can find their way to be detrimental if they 're not approached in a conscious fashion , '' Sullivan said .
This is Us is renewed through Season 6 , at which point Fogelman says the show will end .
It continues to introduce new threads , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Rebecca 's deteriorating health and a forthcoming feud between Randall and Kevin .
As epic as the Pearson family becomes , Fogelman says it is driving to an intimate conclusion .
`` As we wind the show down eventually , it becomes in a strange way kind of much like the pilot was , which is just a very intimate story of this family , '' Fogelman said .
`` When we 're able to just kind of sit inside of ourselves and also find propulsive ways to keep the audience excited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're hitting our sweet spot , I think . ''
This Is Us airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC .

1/3
Sterling K. Brown's character on "This Is Us," Randall, continues to struggle with anxiety this season. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- This Is Us returns Tuesday to begin resolving the new drama launched by the fall finale cliffhanger. The last episode revealed that at some point in the future, Randall (Sterling K. Brown) and Kevin (Justin Hartley) stop speaking. Before that, Randall worries about his mother Rebecca (Mandy Moore) becoming forgetful and evasive. Advertisement
Cast members Brown, Moore and Chris Sullivan and show creator Dan Fogelman were on a Television Critics Association panel recently to discuss where the show is headed.
Brown said Randall continues to struggle with anxiety issues that lead to the conflicts hinted at in the fall finale.
"Fogelman and our writers came up with a storyline that I think is quite compelling," Brown said. "It allows us to sort of delve further into Randall's mental health and how he takes care of himself. What's right and what's wrong about how he takes care of himself and how he could possibly do a better job at that."
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Brown also told This Is Us viewers to expect another shocking revelation at the end of Tuesday's episode.
"Then, like, this moment happens where you're like, 'Oh. Oh, [expletive]. This is about to kind of go a little sideways,'" Brown said.
Flash forwards also revealed that Randall's mother's forgetfulness could be more serious than forgetting her phone or getting lost in town. She confessed to Randall that she went to a movie and forgot what she was there to see.
This Is Us has not revealed Rebecca's diagnosis yet, but Moore knows the mystery ailment.
"It's something that I have done a lot of research on and something I've paid a careful amount of attention to," Moore said. "I want to thoughtfully approach what Rebecca is sort of going through at this stage in her life with as much care and consideration. I can't imagine being in that position."
Moore feels it's too soon to reveal what exactly Rebecca is experiencing. She said This Is Us will uncover it as Rebecca finds out.
"I don't want to speak too much to it, because obviously, I want people to watch the season unfold and [go on] this journey that she's on with her family," Moore said.
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Also in the fall finale, Randall and Beth Watson's adopted daughter, Deja (Lyric Ross), invited her mother to Christmas dinner. Beth and Randall fostered Deja and eventually adopted her. If her biological mother is now stable, Beth and Randall wonder if Deja still needs them for stability.
They also feel guilty feeling competitive with Deja's mother. Watson said Beth is able to focus on the foundation that she and Randall gave Deja, regardless of what comes next.
"I'm just grateful she is 18, and she's going to be out of the nest and finding her way in the world," Watson said. "We can be the people who set her up for that and then let her have her wings to fly. Her former years are already set. She was in another household, and that's what that is. But we have a chance to set her up for something greater."
In Kate (Chrissy Metz) and Toby's (Sullivan) story, their marriage is becoming strained. They have parental stress dealing with a blind infant. Even more friction comes from Toby's sudden weight loss.
Sullivan revealed his physique in a shirtless scene on This Is Us. It was a surprise to Kate because he wouldn't tell her he was going to the gym.
Advertisement
"I just got too ripped," Sullivan joked.
The actor appreciated the complexity of his Season 4 story. On the surface, getting in shape should be a positive change for Toby. On This Is Us, it's more complicated than that.
"Even things that can be perceived as healthy can find their way to be detrimental if they're not approached in a conscious fashion," Sullivan said.
This is Us is renewed through Season 6, at which point Fogelman says the show will end.
It continues to introduce new threads, like Kate and Toby's grown-up son, Rebecca's deteriorating health and a forthcoming feud between Randall and Kevin. As epic as the Pearson family becomes, Fogelman says it is driving to an intimate conclusion.
"As we wind the show down eventually, it becomes in a strange way kind of much like the pilot was, which is just a very intimate story of this family," Fogelman said. "When we're able to just kind of sit inside of ourselves and also find propulsive ways to keep the audience excited and invested, that's when we're hitting our sweet spot, I think."
This Is Us airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC.


upi--2020-01-14--In photos: LSU wins College Football Playoff National Championship

LSU 's Patrick Queen stands with teammate Grant Delpit as he raises the trophy after defeating Clemson to win the @ @ @ @ @ by Pat Benic/UPI

LSU's Patrick Queen stands with teammate Grant Delpit as he raises the trophy after defeating Clemson to win the college national championship. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI


upi--2020-01-14--Britain, France, Germany file dispute over Iran JCPOA violations

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- The leaders of three of the European Union 's most influential nations announced Tuesday they have invoked a dispute provision of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in a bid to preserve the pact and hold Tehran accountable for its violations .
Britain , France and Germany , all signatories of the agreement , said in a joint statement they were `` left with no choice , given Iran 's actions . ''
The resolution mechanism is the most serious dispute option available under the terms of the deal .
All three nations have said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the withdrawal of the United States , but their leaders want to hold Iran accountable for a series of steps it 's taken away from the agreement , known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action .
Under the landmark deal , Iran agreed to restrict its nuclear research to the laboratory in exchange for the lifting of severe economic sanctions .
The aim of the agreement is to keep Tehran from developing nuclear weapons capabilities .
By invoking the dispute mechanism , the nations put the complaints before a commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties to the deal -- Britain , France , Germany , Iran , Russia , China and the European Union .
If no resolution is found in committee , the matter will advance to the United Nations Security Council .
If the Security Council ca n't reach a solution , the original sanctions would be reimposed in an action known as a `` snapback . ''
`` We do this in good faith with the overarching objective of preserving the JCPOA and in the sincere hope of finding a way forward to resolve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while preserving the agreement and remaining within its framework , '' the foreign ministers of Britain , France and Germany said in the joint announcement .
The ministers stressed the move does not mean they 're joining a campaign to `` implement maximum pressure against Iran , '' as U.S. President Donald Trump has declared with his moves to establish new , unilateral sanctions against Tehran .
Iran in recent months has instituted a five-step process to reduce their commitments to the deal .
Despite warnings from the European signatories to reverse course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week -- ignoring the limit on the number of uranium enrichment centrifuges it can operate .
Last year , it exceeded the deal 's limit for stockpiled enriched uranium , a key element of nuclear weapons .
Trump urged Britain , France and Germany last week to follow the U.S. lead and drop out of the `` foolish '' agreement .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson , French President Emanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela said this week they are committed to the deal , as long as Iran complies with its terms @

A nuclear power plant is seen in Bushehr, Iran, south of Tehran. Britain, France and Germany invoked the dispute mechanism on Tuesday in an effort to save the 2015 agreement. File Photo by Maryam Rahmanianon/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- The leaders of three of the European Union's most influential nations announced Tuesday they have invoked a dispute provision of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in a bid to preserve the pact and hold Tehran accountable for its violations. Britain, France and Germany, all signatories of the agreement, said in a joint statement they were "left with no choice, given Iran's actions." The resolution mechanism is the most serious dispute option available under the terms of the deal. Advertisement
All three nations have said they continue to support the accord, after the withdrawal of the United States, but their leaders want to hold Iran accountable for a series of steps it's taken away from the agreement, known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Under the landmark deal, Iran agreed to restrict its nuclear research to the laboratory in exchange for the lifting of severe economic sanctions. The aim of the agreement is to keep Tehran from developing nuclear weapons capabilities.
By invoking the dispute mechanism, the nations put the complaints before a commission comprised of officials from from the primary parties to the deal -- Britain, France, Germany, Iran, Russia, China and the European Union. If no resolution is found in committee, the matter will advance to the United Nations Security Council. If the Security Council can't reach a solution, the original sanctions would be reimposed in an action known as a "snapback."
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"We do this in good faith with the overarching objective of preserving the JCPOA and in the sincere hope of finding a way forward to resolve the impasse through constructive diplomatic dialogue, while preserving the agreement and remaining within its framework," the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany said in the joint announcement.
The ministers stressed the move does not mean they're joining a campaign to "implement maximum pressure against Iran," as U.S. President Donald Trump has declared with his moves to establish new, unilateral sanctions against Tehran.
Iran in recent months has instituted a five-step process to reduce their commitments to the deal. Despite warnings from the European signatories to reverse course, Tehran announced the fifth step last week -- ignoring the limit on the number of uranium enrichment centrifuges it can operate. Last year, it exceeded the deal's limit for stockpiled enriched uranium, a key element of nuclear weapons.
Trump urged Britain, France and Germany last week to follow the U.S. lead and drop out of the "foolish" agreement. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela said this week they are committed to the deal, as long as Iran complies with its terms.


upi--2020-01-14--PlayStation to skip E3 for second year in a row

Jan. 14 ( UPI ) -- Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced PlayStation will not be present at the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo or E3 , for the second year in a row .
E3 is the premiere , video game industry event where leaders Sony , Microsoft and Nintendo make big announcements and showcase new games .
The event is run by the Entertainment Software Association or ESA .
`` After thorough evaluation SIE has decided not to participate in E3 2020 .
We have great respect for the ESA as an organization , but we do not feel the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venue for what we are focused on this year , '' Sony said in a statement .
`` We will build upon our global event strategy in 2020 by participating in hundreds of consumer events across the globe .
Our focus is on making sure fans feel part of the PlayStation family and have access to play their favorite content .
We have a fantastic lineup of titles coming to PlayStation 4 , and with the upcoming launch of PlayStation 5 , we are truly looking forward to a year of celebration with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The ESA , in response , highlighted the new experiences coming to E3 2020 .
`` E3 is a signature event celebrating the video game industry and showcasing the people , brands and innovations redefining entertainment loved by billions of people around the world .
E3 2020 will be an exciting , high-energy show featuring new experiences , partners , exhibitor spaces , activations , and programming that will entertain new and veteran attendees alike .
Exhibitor interest in our new activations is gaining the attention of brands that view E3 as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game fans worldwide , '' the ESA said .
PlayStation first skipped E3 in 2019 , the first time the gaming brand was not present at the event in 24 years .
Sony has started the State of Play series in lieu of press conferences like the ones given at E3 .
State of Play showcases new games and is livestreamed on YouTube and Twitch .

Sony has announced that PlayStation will not be a part of E3 2020. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced PlayStation will not be present at the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo or E3, for the second year in a row. E3 is the premiere, video game industry event where leaders Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo make big announcements and showcase new games. The event is run by the Entertainment Software Association or ESA. Advertisement
"After thorough evaluation SIE has decided not to participate in E3 2020. We have great respect for the ESA as an organization, but we do not feel the vision of E3 2020 is the right venue for what we are focused on this year," Sony said in a statement.
"We will build upon our global event strategy in 2020 by participating in hundreds of consumer events across the globe. Our focus is on making sure fans feel part of the PlayStation family and have access to play their favorite content. We have a fantastic lineup of titles coming to PlayStation 4, and with the upcoming launch of PlayStation 5, we are truly looking forward to a year of celebration with our fans," the company continued.
The ESA, in response, highlighted the new experiences coming to E3 2020.
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"E3 is a signature event celebrating the video game industry and showcasing the people, brands and innovations redefining entertainment loved by billions of people around the world. E3 2020 will be an exciting, high-energy show featuring new experiences, partners, exhibitor spaces, activations, and programming that will entertain new and veteran attendees alike. Exhibitor interest in our new activations is gaining the attention of brands that view E3 as a key opportunity to connect with video game fans worldwide," the ESA said.
PlayStation first skipped E3 in 2019, the first time the gaming brand was not present at the event in 24 years.
Sony has started the State of Play series in lieu of press conferences like the ones given at E3. State of Play showcases new games and is livestreamed on YouTube and Twitch.