upi--2020-11-17--Sri Lankan lawmaker bites raw fish to bolster slumping sales

Nov. 17 ( UPI ) -- A lawmaker in Sri Lanka bit into a raw fish during a news conference @ @ @ @ @ fish and help bolster the slumping industry .
Dilip Wedaarachchi , an opposition lawmaker who @ @ @ @ @ 's fisheries minister , said during his news conference that the COVID-19 pandemic had led @ @ @ @ @ Lanka 's fish industry , a major source of the country 's revenue .
Wedaarachchi @ @ @ @ @ large hit when a coronavirus outbreak was traced to the Central Fish Marker in Colombo @ @ @ @ @ capital .
`` I am making an appeal to the people of this country to @ @ @ @ @ n't be afraid .
The coronavirus will not infect you , '' the lawmaker said @ @ @ @ @ out of a raw fish .

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
Nov. 17 (UPI) -- A lawmaker in Sri Lanka bit into a raw fish during a news conference to encourage residents to buy fish and help bolster the slumping industry.
Dilip Wedaarachchi, an opposition lawmaker who formerly served as the country's fisheries minister, said during his news conference that the COVID-19 pandemic had led to a slump in Sri Lanka's fish industry, a major source of the country's revenue.
Advertisement
Wedaarachchi said fish sales took a large hit when a coronavirus outbreak was traced to the Central Fish Marker in Colombo, the country's commercial capital.
"I am making an appeal to the people of this country to eat this fish. Don't be afraid. The coronavirus will not infect you," the lawmaker said, before taking a bite out of a raw fish.


upi--2020-11-17--Woman finds month-old winning lottery ticket while cleaning kitchen

Nov. 17 ( UPI ) -- A British Columbia woman said she was completely unaware of her nearly $ 45,000 @ @ @ @ @ cleaning her kitchen a month after the drawing and discovered a trio of forgotten tickets @ @ @ @ @ told British Columbia Lottery Corp. officials she was cleaning her kitchen this month when she @ @ @ @ @ tickets tucked behind a radio .
Bauer checked the tickets and discovered one of them @ @ @ @ @ drawn numbers and the bonus number from the Oct. 7 drawing .
She said the @ @ @ @ @ won a free play , the second ticket had won $ 1 and the third @ @ @ @ @ winner .
`` It is surreal , I had to pinch myself , '' Bauer @ @

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
Nov. 17 (UPI) -- A British Columbia woman said she was completely unaware of her nearly $45,000 lottery jackpot until she was cleaning her kitchen a month after the drawing and discovered a trio of forgotten tickets.
Carolyn Bauer of Delta told British Columbia Lottery Corp. officials she was cleaning her kitchen this month when she found three forgotten Lotto 6/49 tickets tucked behind a radio.
Advertisement
Bauer checked the tickets and discovered one of them matched five of the six drawn numbers and the bonus number from the Oct. 7 drawing.
She said the first ticket she scanned had won a free play, the second ticket had won $1 and the third was the $44,683.98 big winner.
"It is surreal, I had to pinch myself," Bauer said.


upi--2020-11-17--Pentagon to withdraw 2,500 troops from Afghanistan, Iraq

Nov. 17 ( UPI ) -- Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller announced Tuesday that the United States plans to withdraw 2,500 troops from Afghanistan and Iraq by Jan. 15 .
`` I am formally announcing that we will implement President [ Donald ] Trump 's orders to continue our repositioning of forces from those two countries , '' he said .
Miller said he has spoken with and alerted congressional leaders as well as allies abroad .
`` This decision by the president is based on continuous engagement with his national security Cabinet over the past several months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues across the United States government , '' Miller added .
The drawdown will come less than one week before President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated into office .
And the announcement comes a week after Trump fired former Defense Secretary Mark Esper after months of tension between the two .
Before Esper 's departure , he sent a classified memo to the White House recommending that troops not be reduced in Afghanistan until certain conditions were met , officials with knowledge of the memo told CNN .
The recommendation was backed by U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frank '' McKenzie and Gen. Austin Miller , NATO 's head of command in Afghanistan .
Miller did not elaborate on whether those conditions for a drawdown in Afghanistan had been met .
There are currently 4,500 U.S. troops in Afghanistan and 3,000 in Iraq .

Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller said President Donald Trump ordered the troop withdrawal to take place January 15. File Photo by Tom Williams/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller announced Tuesday that the United States plans to withdraw 2,500 troops from Afghanistan and Iraq by Jan. 15. "I am formally announcing that we will implement President [Donald] Trump's orders to continue our repositioning of forces from those two countries," he said. Advertisement
Miller said he has spoken with and alerted congressional leaders as well as allies abroad.
"This decision by the president is based on continuous engagement with his national security Cabinet over the past several months, including ongoing discussions with me and my colleagues across the United States government," Miller added.
The drawdown will come less than one week before President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated into office. And the announcement comes a week after Trump fired former Defense Secretary Mark Esper after months of tension between the two.
Before Esper's departure, he sent a classified memo to the White House recommending that troops not be reduced in Afghanistan until certain conditions were met, officials with knowledge of the memo told CNN. The recommendation was backed by U.S. Central Command head Marine Gen. Kenneth "Frank" McKenzie and Gen. Austin Miller, NATO's head of command in Afghanistan.
Advertisement
Miller did not elaborate on whether those conditions for a drawdown in Afghanistan had been met.
There are currently 4,500 U.S. troops in Afghanistan and 3,000 in Iraq.


upi--2020-11-17--Look: Apparent decapitated body on Florida beach was a store mannequin

Nov. 17 ( UPI ) -- An environmental nonprofit in Florida said a volunteer walking on a beach discovered what @ @ @ @ @ scene -- but turned out to be a washed-up store mannequin .
Ocean Hour , @ @ @ @ @ beach clean-up events , said a volunteer named Kathleen was walking the beach on the @ @ @ @ @ when she came across what initially seemed to be human body that was missing its @ @ @ @ @ another witness on the scene called 911 , but Kathleen took a closer look and @ @ @ @ @ a headless store mannequin that had apparently spent a good amount of time in the @ @ @ @ @ the beach .
`` We are glad it was n't a real body , '' @ @ @ @ @ Facebook post .

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
Nov. 17 (UPI) -- An environmental nonprofit in Florida said a volunteer walking on a beach discovered what seemed to be a macabre scene -- but turned out to be a washed-up store mannequin.
Ocean Hour, a Florida nonprofit that organizes beach clean-up events, said a volunteer named Kathleen was walking the beach on the intercoastal side of Perdido Key when she came across what initially seemed to be human body that was missing its head.
Advertisement
The nonprofit said another witness on the scene called 911, but Kathleen took a closer look and discovered the barnacle-encrusted form was a headless store mannequin that had apparently spent a good amount of time in the water before washing up on the beach.
"We are glad it wasn't a real body," Ocean Hour said in a Facebook post.


upi--2020-11-17--UN launches fund to support global sanitation and hygiene

Nov. 17 ( UPI ) -- A U.N.-backed fund launched Tuesday aims to address the need for basic hand-washing and hygiene facilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council , a U.N.-hosted organization to improve global sanitation , hygiene and menstrual health , launched the fund in a Twitter video message .
Launch event moderator and international broadcaster Zeinab Badawi , who introduced U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed during the video said that The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund is a `` fundamental , social and human right . ''
The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund is especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grip of the COVID-19 pandemic , '' Badawi added .
More than 4 billion people around the world lack access to basic sanitation and hygiene facilities and menstrual health services , including over 3 billion who lack access to hand-washing facilities with water and soap at home to control the coronavirus , according to the United Nations .
The WSSCC has launched the fund as part of its sustainable development goals as `` many of the world 's most serious diseases stem from poor sanitation and hygiene , '' a U.N. statement said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustainability development goals , such as water and sanitation , were already falling short before the COVID-19 pandemic , but the pandemic has exacerbated the problem .
Water and sanitation services are `` critical to the response that we want to see , first , because it is about human dignity ; second it is a health issue , '' Mohammed said in regard to pandemic recovery .
The U.N. Office for Project Services hosts the fund , which is designed as a global financing mechanism to provide accelerated funding to countries in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitation and hygiene facilities in the household , school and healthcare facilities , and ensuring menstrual health services are among the key goals of the fund , which aims to raise $ 2 billion over the next five years to support its efforts .
U.N. Children 's Fund Executive Director Henrietta Fore called sanitation and hygiene `` a great equalizer for children , '' in a U.N. statement .
`` During a lockdown , how do you cope with the fact that your household does not have a toilet ?
This is particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone had access to sanitation and hygiene in households , in their school , in their health facilities and communities , it would make an enormous difference in our world , '' Fore said .
`` Good sanitation has to be a public good , '' Fore added .
`` Governments have to own the fact that sanitation is their problem to solve , and that they have ways to solve it . ''

Jonathan Pasley turns on the water to wash his hands with cold water and no soap at a station hooked up to a fire hydrant for those on the street during the COVID-19 pandemic. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 17 (UPI) -- A U.N.-backed fund launched Tuesday aims to address the need for basic hand-washing and hygiene facilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, a U.N.-hosted organization to improve global sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health, launched the fund in a Twitter video message. Advertisement
Launch event moderator and international broadcaster Zeinab Badawi, who introduced U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed during the video said that The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund is a "fundamental, social and human right."
The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund is especially needed "as we are in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic," Badawi added.
More than 4 billion people around the world lack access to basic sanitation and hygiene facilities and menstrual health services, including over 3 billion who lack access to hand-washing facilities with water and soap at home to control the coronavirus, according to the United Nations.
The WSSCC has launched the fund as part of its sustainable development goals as "many of the world's most serious diseases stem from poor sanitation and hygiene," a U.N. statement said.
Mohammed said in the video message sustainability development goals, such as water and sanitation, were already falling short before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the pandemic has exacerbated the problem.
Advertisement
Water and sanitation services are "critical to the response that we want to see, first, because it is about human dignity; second it is a health issue," Mohammed said in regard to pandemic recovery.
The U.N. Office for Project Services hosts the fund, which is designed as a global financing mechanism to provide accelerated funding to countries in the most need. Expanding access to sanitation and hygiene facilities in the household, school and healthcare facilities, and ensuring menstrual health services are among the key goals of the fund, which aims to raise $2 billion over the next five years to support its efforts.
U.N. Children's Fund Executive Director Henrietta Fore called sanitation and hygiene "a great equalizer for children," in a U.N. statement.
"During a lockdown, how do you cope with the fact that your household does not have a toilet? This is particularly difficult for girls and women. If everyone had access to sanitation and hygiene in households, in their school, in their health facilities and communities, it would make an enormous difference in our world," Fore said.
"Good sanitation has to be a public good," Fore added. "Governments have to own the fact that sanitation is their problem to solve, and that they have ways to solve it."
Advertisement


upi--2020-11-18--Gallup: Life not yet 'normal' amid COVID-19, but politics driving behaviors

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- The vast majority of Americans say their lives have not yet fully returned to normal , the way they were before COVID-19 , but there 's a wide political divide about the ways they 're living as the crisis worsens in the United States , a Gallup survey said Wednesday .
According to the poll , 62 % of respondents said their lives are `` not yet back to normal '' and about a third said they 're `` somewhat '' back to normal .
Just 3 % said their lives are `` completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taken between Oct. 19 and Nov. 1 , before a rapid surge in cases nationwide and two straight weeks of more than 100,000 new U.S. coronavirus cases per day .
Although almost all respondents acknowledged their lives have n't fully returned to normal -- and 70 % said COVID-19 has disrupted their lives a `` great deal '' or `` fair amount '' -- the survey shows a great political divide when it comes to the ways they are behaving with the pandemic .
When it comes to interacting with people outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they `` always , '' `` mostly '' or `` partially '' isolate .
That figure among Republicans is just 49 % .
In fact , the greatest share of Republicans , 32 % , said they `` make no attempt '' to isolate .
When it comes to physically distancing , 88 % of Democrats said they do it `` always '' or `` very often . ''
Among Republicans , the share is 52 % .
`` Just as Republicans are more likely than Democrats and independents to say their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal , so too are they more likely to say the coronavirus situation has not significantly disrupted their life , '' Gallup wrote .
`` Fifty-one percent of Republicans , 81 % of Democrats and 74 % of independents say the pandemic has affected their life at least a fair amount .
`` Partisanship remains the most significant driver of the public 's perceptions of the disease and their behaviors in response to it . ''
The partisan divide can at least partly be attributed to leadership under President Donald Trump , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and distancing seriously , and other GOP leaders like South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem and White House adviser Scott Atlas who have echoed his calls to reject health recommendations .
A Gallup survey earlier this week , however , found that more Americans say they are now willing to take a coronavirus vaccine than were two months ago .
Gallup polled nearly 3,000 U.S. adults for Wednesday 's survey , which has a margin of error of 3 points .

Masked pedestrians walk past empty tables in University City, Mo., on Tuesday. Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page has ordered all restaurants in St. Louis County to close indoor seating. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The vast majority of Americans say their lives have not yet fully returned to normal, the way they were before COVID-19, but there's a wide political divide about the ways they're living as the crisis worsens in the United States, a Gallup survey said Wednesday. According to the poll, 62% of respondents said their lives are "not yet back to normal" and about a third said they're "somewhat" back to normal. Just 3% said their lives are "completely" back to normal. Advertisement
The survey was taken between Oct. 19 and Nov. 1, before a rapid surge in cases nationwide and two straight weeks of more than 100,000 new U.S. coronavirus cases per day.
Although almost all respondents acknowledged their lives haven't fully returned to normal -- and 70% said COVID-19 has disrupted their lives a "great deal" or "fair amount" -- the survey shows a great political divide when it comes to the ways they are behaving with the pandemic.
When it comes to interacting with people outside their homes, 78% of Democrats said they "always," "mostly" or "partially" isolate. That figure among Republicans is just 49%. In fact, the greatest share of Republicans, 32%, said they "make no attempt" to isolate.
Advertisement
When it comes to physically distancing, 88% of Democrats said they do it "always" or "very often." Among Republicans, the share is 52%.
"Just as Republicans are more likely than Democrats and independents to say their life is at least somewhat back to normal, so too are they more likely to say the coronavirus situation has not significantly disrupted their life," Gallup wrote. "Fifty-one percent of Republicans, 81% of Democrats and 74% of independents say the pandemic has affected their life at least a fair amount.
"Partisanship remains the most significant driver of the public's perceptions of the disease and their behaviors in response to it."
The partisan divide can at least partly be attributed to leadership under President Donald Trump, who's never taken COVID-19 countermeasures like masks and distancing seriously, and other GOP leaders like South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and White House adviser Scott Atlas who have echoed his calls to reject health recommendations.
A Gallup survey earlier this week, however, found that more Americans say they are now willing to take a coronavirus vaccine than were two months ago.
Gallup polled nearly 3,000 U.S. adults for Wednesday's survey, which has a margin of error of 3 points.


upi--2020-11-18--Billie Eilish, Sam Smith to perform at 2020 ARIA Awards

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- Billie Eilish and Sam Smith have been tapped to perform at the ARIA Awards @ @ @ @ @ Australian Recording Industry Association announced .
Eilish will be performing her new single `` Therefore @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles .
Smith will perform remotely from Abbey Road Studios in London .
`` @ @ @ @ @ a special place in my heart , and I am so honored to be a @ @ @ @ @ ARIA Awards !
I 'll be crossing live from London with a very special performance @ @ @ @ @ ca n't wait to see you soon ! ''
Smith said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ Sampa The Great , Lime Cordiale and Amy Shark are also scheduled to perform .
@ @ @ @ @ ARIA Awards winner , is hosting the ceremony .
The ARIA Awards showcase the achievements @ @ @ @ @ .
The awards show will be held at the Star Event Centre in Sydney and @ @ @ @ @ Nine Network .
Performances will stream on YouTube .

1/2
Billie Eilish is scheduled to perform at the 2020 ARIA Awards, along with Sam Smith. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Billie Eilish and Sam Smith have been tapped to perform at the ARIA Awards on Nov. 25, the Australian Recording Industry Association announced. Eilish will be performing her new single "Therefore I Am" virtually from Los Angeles. Smith will perform remotely from Abbey Road Studios in London. Advertisement
"Australia has always held such a special place in my heart, and I am so honored to be a part of this year's ARIA Awards! I'll be crossing live from London with a very special performance for you all. I can't wait to see you soon!" Smith said in a statement.
Sia, Tame Impala, Sampa The Great, Lime Cordiale and Amy Shark are also scheduled to perform.
Delta Goodrem, a 12-time ARIA Awards winner, is hosting the ceremony. The ARIA Awards showcase the achievements of the Australian music industry.
The awards show will be held at the Star Event Centre in Sydney and broadcast around Australia on the Nine Network. Performances will stream on YouTube.


upi--2020-11-18--CIA thinks North Korean missiles could reach U.S. targets, analyst says

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- North Korea may have developed intercontinental ballistic missiles with sufficient atmospheric reentry capabilities that can reach the United States , a former CIA analyst says .
Bruce Klingner , senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation , said in a new report the CIA has made the assessments of `` definite threats to the U.S .
homeland . ''
`` Although North Korea has not yet conducted an ICBM flight test that successfully demonstrated a re-entry vehicle capability , the CIA has assessed that Pyongyang 's ICBM re-entry vehicles would likely perform adequately if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. targets , '' Klingner says in the think tank 's 2021 Index of U.S. Military Strength .
North Korean missile tests in recent years have led to speculation about whether Pyongyang has mastered atmospheric reentry for projectiles capable of targeting the United States .
In 2017 , missile expert Michael Elleman of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London said a test of the Hwasong-14 missile as seen in Japanese television footage indicates a vehicle used during the test may not have survived the `` rigors of re-entry . ''
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capable of withstanding temperatures of 6,000 to 7,000 degrees Celsius , or about 10,000 to 12,000 degrees Fahrenheit .
Klingner said in his report the North has become increasingly dangerous , developing weapons at a steady pace even as Kim Jong Un met three times with U.S. President Donald Trump at historic summits .
`` Secretary of State Michael Pompeo repeatedly claimed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had accepted U.N.-mandated complete , verifiable , and irreversible dismantling of his nuclear , missile and biological and chemical weapons programs , '' Klingner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February 2019 Trump-Kim summit , it became clear that Kim has not agreed to do so . ''
The U.S. State Department continues to call for negotiations with North Korea .
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said Wednesday he has hope and confidence the North Korean nuclear issue could be resolved through talks , Yonhap reported .
Biegun made remarks to a South Korean delegation visiting Washington , according to the report .

North Korea's ballistic missile capability is growing, a U.S. think tank says in a report of threats to U.S. national security. File Photo by KCNA/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- North Korea may have developed intercontinental ballistic missiles with sufficient atmospheric reentry capabilities that can reach the United States, a former CIA analyst says. Bruce Klingner, senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said in a new report the CIA has made the assessments of "definite threats to the U.S. homeland." Advertisement
"Although North Korea has not yet conducted an ICBM flight test that successfully demonstrated a re-entry vehicle capability, the CIA has assessed that Pyongyang's ICBM re-entry vehicles would likely perform adequately if flown on a normal trajectory to continental U.S. targets," Klingner says in the think tank's 2021 Index of U.S. Military Strength.
North Korean missile tests in recent years have led to speculation about whether Pyongyang has mastered atmospheric reentry for projectiles capable of targeting the United States.
In 2017, missile expert Michael Elleman of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London said a test of the Hwasong-14 missile as seen in Japanese television footage indicates a vehicle used during the test may not have survived the "rigors of re-entry."
A successful launch would require core ICBM technology capable of withstanding temperatures of 6,000 to 7,000 degrees Celsius, or about 10,000 to 12,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Advertisement
Klingner said in his report the North has become increasingly dangerous, developing weapons at a steady pace even as Kim Jong Un met three times with U.S. President Donald Trump at historic summits.
"Secretary of State Michael Pompeo repeatedly claimed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had accepted U.N.-mandated complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantling of his nuclear, missile and biological and chemical weapons programs," Klingner says. "However, during the February 2019 Trump-Kim summit, it became clear that Kim has not agreed to do so."
The U.S. State Department continues to call for negotiations with North Korea.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said Wednesday he has hope and confidence the North Korean nuclear issue could be resolved through talks, Yonhap reported.
Biegun made remarks to a South Korean delegation visiting Washington, according to the report.


upi--2020-11-18--Watch: Karlie Kloss confirms pregnancy with baby bump video

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- Karlie Kloss is going to be a mom .
The 28-year-old model is expecting her first child with her husband , Joshua Kushner .
Kloss confirmed her pregnancy Tuesday in a video on Instagram .
In the clip , Kloss shows her baby bump while wishing her unborn child a good morning .
`` Good morning .
Hello , baby , '' she says .
Models Lily Aldridge , Romee Strijd and Karolina Kurkova and actress Reese Witherspoon were among those to congratulate Kloss in the comments .
`` How far along are you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited for you !
!
! ''
People reported in October that Kloss was expecting her first child .
Kloss and Kushner married in New York in October 2018 .
The couple marked their second wedding anniversary by dedicating posts to each other on Instagram .
`` I fall more in love with you every day , '' Kloss wrote .
`` Happy 2nd anniversary @ joshuakushner . ''
`` Happy anniversary karlie .
i pinch myself every day , '' Kushner said on his own account .
Kloss is a former Victoria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Nike , L'Oreal Paris , Dior , Dolce & Gabbana and Alexander McQueen .
Kushner is a businessman and the brother of President Donald Trump 's adviser Jared Kushner , who is married to the president 's daughter Ivanka Trump .

Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Karlie Kloss is going to be a mom.
The 28-year-old model is expecting her first child with her husband, Joshua Kushner.
Advertisement
Kloss confirmed her pregnancy Tuesday in a video on Instagram. In the clip, Kloss shows her baby bump while wishing her unborn child a good morning.
"Good morning. Hello, baby," she says.
Models Lily Aldridge, Romee Strijd and Karolina Kurkova and actress Reese Witherspoon were among those to congratulate Kloss in the comments.
"Yayyyyy," Strijd wrote.
"How far along are you," Kurkova asked. "So excited for you!!!"
"Awwwww. The sweetest thing," Witherspoon said.
People reported in October that Kloss was expecting her first child.
Kloss and Kushner married in New York in October 2018. The couple marked their second wedding anniversary by dedicating posts to each other on Instagram.
Advertisement
"I fall more in love with you every day," Kloss wrote. "Happy 2nd anniversary @joshuakushner."
"Happy anniversary karlie. i pinch myself every day," Kushner said on his own account.
Kloss is a former Victoria's Secret model who has also modeled for Nike, L'Oreal Paris, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Alexander McQueen. Kushner is a businessman and the brother of President Donald Trump's adviser Jared Kushner, who is married to the president's daughter Ivanka Trump.


upi--2020-11-18--Eleanor of Aquitaine series in the works at Starz

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- Starz said it is working on a drama series inspired by the life of @ @ @ @ @ of Aquitaine .
No casting has been announced for the show , which will be @ @ @ @ @ Alison Weir 's biography , Eleanor of Aquitaine : A Life , and its companion @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm thrilled at the opportunity to bring Eleanor 's story to life -- @ @ @ @ @ experienced are truly epic , '' writer and producer Susie Conklin said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ captivated at how a woman who lived over 800 years ago can be so strikingly @ @ @ @ @ to live her life on her own terms , and the ways she goes about @ @ @ @ @ Starz is also the home of the royal dramas , The White Princess , starring @ @ @ @ @ Spanish Princess , starring Charlotte Hope .

Starz -- the cable television home of Jodie Comer's "The White Princess" -- is working on a new drama about another historical royal figure, Eleanor of Aquitaine. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Starz said it is working on a drama series inspired by the life of the British medieval queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. No casting has been announced for the show, which will be based on author and historian Alison Weir's biography, Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life, and its companion novel, Captive Queen. Advertisement
"I'm thrilled at the opportunity to bring Eleanor's story to life -- the drama and adventures she experienced are truly epic," writer and producer Susie Conklin said in a statement.
"I'm also captivated at how a woman who lived over 800 years ago can be so strikingly modern. She's determined to live her life on her own terms, and the ways she goes about that are extraordinary."
Starz is also the home of the royal dramas, The White Princess, starring Jodie Comer, and The Spanish Princess, starring Charlotte Hope.


upi--2020-11-18--New NBA season: 72 games per team, tip-off Dec. 22

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- The 2020-21 NBA season will start on Dec. 22 and feature 72 games per team , a two-part schedule release and a play-in tournament , the league announced .
The first half of the regular-season schedule will be released near the start of training camp , which is planned for Dec. 1 .
The second half of the schedule will be released near the end of the first half of the season .
First-half games will run from Dec. 22 to March 4 .
The All-Star break is scheduled for March 5-10 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to May 16 .
Each NBA team will play three games against each opponent in their respective conference for a total of 42 games apiece .
Those games will include either two home games and a road game or one home game and two road games for each team and respective opponent .
The NBA has randomly assigned which opponents will play twice at home or twice on the road .
Each team also will play two games against each opponent from the alternate conference for a total of 30 games per team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow the league to include games that are postponed from the first half to be played in the second half .
The league 's play-in tournament -- planned for May 18 to 21 -- will determine teams that fill the No .
7 and No .
8 playoff seeds for the Eastern Conference and Western Conference , respectively .
The play-in tournament will feature the teams with the seventh-highest through the 10th-highest winning percentages in each conference .
The play-in tournament was approved Thursday by a vote from the league 's board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from May 22 to July 22 .
First half of regular season : Dec. 22 to March 4 Second half of regular season : March 11 to May 16

1/3
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are scheduled to begin their title defense in late December, the NBA announced. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The 2020-21 NBA season will start on Dec. 22 and feature 72 games per team, a two-part schedule release and a play-in tournament, the league announced. The first half of the regular-season schedule will be released near the start of training camp, which is planned for Dec. 1. The second half of the schedule will be released near the end of the first half of the season. Advertisement
First-half games will run from Dec. 22 to March 4. The All-Star break is scheduled for March 5-10. The second half is scheduled for March 11 to May 16.
Each NBA team will play three games against each opponent in their respective conference for a total of 42 games apiece. Those games will include either two home games and a road game or one home game and two road games for each team and respective opponent. The NBA has randomly assigned which opponents will play twice at home or twice on the road.
Each team also will play two games against each opponent from the alternate conference for a total of 30 games per team.
The break in schedule release will allow the league to include games that are postponed from the first half to be played in the second half.
Advertisement
The league's play-in tournament -- planned for May 18 to 21 -- will determine teams that fill the No. 7 and No. 8 playoff seeds for the Eastern Conference and Western Conference, respectively. The play-in tournament will feature the teams with the seventh-highest through the 10th-highest winning percentages in each conference.
The play-in tournament was approved Thursday by a vote from the league's board of governors.
The 2020-21 NBA playoffs are from May 22 to July 22.
Tentative NBA schedule for 2020-2021
Preseason games: Dec. 11 to 19
First half of regular season: Dec. 22 to March 4
All-Star break: March 5 to 10
Second half of regular season: March 11 to May 16
Play-in tournament: May 18 to 21
NBA playoffs: May 22 to July 22


upi--2020-11-18--Watch: Whoopi Goldberg expresses her love for Baby Yoda on 'Tonight Show'

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- Whoopi Goldberg appeared on The Tonight Show to discuss her love for Baby Yoda from Star Wars series The Mandalorian and her experience performing at The Comedy Store .
Goldberg spoke virtually on Tuesday 's show with host Jimmy Fallon and had multiple Baby Yoda toys behind her .
The comedian said she has a relationship with Baby Yoda and petted one of the toys .
`` You know , he does an extraordinary job and it 's just great .
And you want to be part of it , and you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's fun and you know , you need it .
And you need a Baby Yoda in your life , '' Goldberg continued .
Goldberg recently appeared in Showtime documentary series The Comedy Store about the legendary comedy venue of the same name .
The 65-year-old spoke about seeing legends like the late Richard Pryor performing onstage in a wheelchair .
`` He was in the wheelchair and still slaying people .
He would say stuff and you think , 'You are saying this and your life has shifted , and here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bar none , one of the greats , ' '' Goldberg said .
Goldberg will next be seen in the CBS All Access television adaptation of Stephen King 's The Stand , which arrives on Dec. 17 .

Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Whoopi Goldberg appeared on The Tonight Show to discuss her love for Baby Yoda from Star Wars series The Mandalorian and her experience performing at The Comedy Store.
Goldberg spoke virtually on Tuesday's show with host Jimmy Fallon and had multiple Baby Yoda toys behind her. The comedian said she has a relationship with Baby Yoda and petted one of the toys.
Advertisement
Goldberg then praised The Mandalorian creator Jon Favreau.
"You know, he does an extraordinary job and it's just great. And you want to be part of it, and you want to watch," she said.
"It's fun and you know, you need it. And you need a Baby Yoda in your life," Goldberg continued.
Goldberg recently appeared in Showtime documentary series The Comedy Store about the legendary comedy venue of the same name. The 65-year-old spoke about seeing legends like the late Richard Pryor performing onstage in a wheelchair.
"He was in the wheelchair and still slaying people. He would say stuff and you think, 'You are saying this and your life has shifted, and here you are, and you are still, bar none, one of the greats,'" Goldberg said.
Advertisement
Goldberg will next be seen in the CBS All Access television adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand, which arrives on Dec. 17.


upi--2020-11-18--Harvey Weinstein under close watch after becoming ill in New York prison

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- Convicted Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is being closely watched after he became ill with a fever at a New York correctional facility , his representative says .
Weinstein , once one of the most powerful producers in the motion picture business , started serving a 23-year sentence in March after he was found guilty of a first-degree criminal sexual offense and third-degree rape .
Weinstein representative Juda Engelmayer said she would `` neither confirm nor deny '' that the former producer has tested positive for COVID-19 , but said he 's being monitored carefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are working with the [ corrections officials ] and the excellent team at Wende [ Correctional Facility ] to ensure Mr. Weinstein receives the proper medical attention he needs , '' Engelmayer said Tuesday .
Prison officials put Weinstein in isolation in March after he first tested positive for the coronavirus disease .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says although COVID-19 reinfection is rare , it is investigating how it occurs .
`` Based on what we know from similar viruses , some reinfections are expected , '' the CDC said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about COVID-19 . ''
Weinstein was hospitalized in February for high blood pressure , right after his conviction .
Engelmayer said at the time he was on 10 medications , had back surgery and had been certified disabled by doctors .
Weinstein still faces criminal charges in Los Angeles .
Prosecutors there have said he will face several new charges of sexual assault stemming from incidents that occurred more than a decade ago .

Former film producer Harvey Weinstein is pictured arriving at Manhattan Supreme Court during his rape trial on February 24. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Convicted Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is being closely watched after he became ill with a fever at a New York correctional facility, his representative says. Weinstein, once one of the most powerful producers in the motion picture business, started serving a 23-year sentence in March after he was found guilty of a first-degree criminal sexual offense and third-degree rape. Advertisement
Weinstein representative Juda Engelmayer said she would "neither confirm nor deny" that the former producer has tested positive for COVID-19, but said he's being monitored carefully by prison health officials.
"We are working with the [corrections officials] and the excellent team at Wende [Correctional Facility] to ensure Mr. Weinstein receives the proper medical attention he needs," Engelmayer said Tuesday.
Prison officials put Weinstein in isolation in March after he first tested positive for the coronavirus disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says although COVID-19 reinfection is rare, it is investigating how it occurs.
"Based on what we know from similar viruses, some reinfections are expected," the CDC said. "We are still learning more about COVID-19."
Advertisement
Weinstein was hospitalized in February for high blood pressure, right after his conviction. Engelmayer said at the time he was on 10 medications, had back surgery and had been certified disabled by doctors.
Weinstein still faces criminal charges in Los Angeles. Prosecutors there have said he will face several new charges of sexual assault stemming from incidents that occurred more than a decade ago.


upi--2020-11-18--Carrie Underwood holiday special to stream on HBO Max

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- HBO Max has announced plans to start streaming My Gift : A Christmas Special @ @ @ @ @ 3 .
The country music star is expected to sing holiday classics and original material @ @ @ @ @ , My Gift , which was released this fall .
She will be accompanied by @ @ @ @ @ orchestra and choir , HBO said .
`` Just like the album , I hope @ @ @ @ @ some much-needed joy and become part of the soundtrack to people 's holiday festivities this @ @ @ @ @ the season and beyond , '' Underwood said in a statement .
The project is @ @ @ @ @ Goetzman and Tom Hanks for Playtone .
Underwood last month earned the top honors of @ @ @ @ @ Female Video of the Year for `` Drinking Alone '' at the CMT Awards .

1/3
Carrie Underwood's new holiday special will premiere on HBO Max on Dec. 3. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- HBO Max has announced plans to start streaming My Gift: A Christmas Special From Carrie Underwood on Dec. 3. The country music star is expected to sing holiday classics and original material from her first Christmas album, My Gift, which was released this fall. Advertisement
She will be accompanied by her band, a live orchestra and choir, HBO said.
"Just like the album, I hope this special will help bring some much-needed joy and become part of the soundtrack to people's holiday festivities this year as it streams throughout the season and beyond," Underwood said in a statement.
The project is being executive produced by Gary Goetzman and Tom Hanks for Playtone.
Underwood last month earned the top honors of Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year for "Drinking Alone" at the CMT Awards.
So excited to share #MyGift with you all starting December 3rd on @hbomax! Find out more: https://t.co/XO7qJ9MjWS pic.twitter.com/SZMVjHALw7— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) November 17, 2020


upi--2020-11-18--Pfizer finishes final COVID-19 vaccine trial, says it's proven 95% effective

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- Pfizer and BioNTech announced Wednesday that their COVID-19 vaccine candidate has completed a final-stage clinical trial and was found to be 95 % effective , and they 'll seek U.S. approvals in the coming days .
The companies said the results of the finished final large-scale study of their BNT162b2 vaccine candidate found it has an efficacy rate of 95 % in human volunteers who had both prior and no prior coronavirus infection .
The results were based on 170 cases of COVID-19 , of which 162 were observed in a group administered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers given the BNT162b2 vaccine .
Pfizer and BioNTech said they will submit an emergency authorization request to the Food and Drug Administration `` within days '' based on the results , which improve on a on 90 % efficacy finding last week that was based on early data of the final-stage trial .
`` The study results mark an important step in this historic eight-month journey to bring forward a vaccine capable of helping to end this devastating pandemic , '' Pfizer Chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the speed of science to compile all the data collected thus far and share with regulators around the world .
With hundreds of thousands of people around the globe infected every day , we urgently need to get a safe and effective vaccine to the world . ''
Pfizer said the 95 % efficacy rate applied to all ages and races participating in the 40,000-person study , and side effects were described as negligible .
Monday , Moderna said interim results from its final-stage study showed its competing vaccine was also close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on `` messenger RNA '' technology , in which genetic sequences are used to `` trick '' the body into turning on cells to fight or prevent a given disease .
Pfizer has said it will manufacture 50 million doses of the vaccine this year and more than a billion doses next year .

Pfizer and Moderna said their vaccine's 95% efficacy rate applied to all ages and races participating in the 40,000-person study, and side effects were described as negligible. File Photo by Ronald Wittek and Andrew Gombert/EPA-EFE
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Pfizer and BioNTech announced Wednesday that their COVID-19 vaccine candidate has completed a final-stage clinical trial and was found to be 95% effective, and they'll seek U.S. approvals in the coming days. The companies said the results of the finished final large-scale study of their BNT162b2 vaccine candidate found it has an efficacy rate of 95% in human volunteers who had both prior and no prior coronavirus infection. Advertisement
The results were based on 170 cases of COVID-19, of which 162 were observed in a group administered a placebo against just eight cases in trial volunteers given the BNT162b2 vaccine.
Pfizer and BioNTech said they will submit an emergency authorization request to the Food and Drug Administration "within days" based on the results, which improve on a on 90% efficacy finding last week that was based on early data of the final-stage trial.
"The study results mark an important step in this historic eight-month journey to bring forward a vaccine capable of helping to end this devastating pandemic," Pfizer Chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla said in a statement.
Advertisement
"We continue to move at the speed of science to compile all the data collected thus far and share with regulators around the world. With hundreds of thousands of people around the globe infected every day, we urgently need to get a safe and effective vaccine to the world."
Pfizer said the 95% efficacy rate applied to all ages and races participating in the 40,000-person study, and side effects were described as negligible.
Monday, Moderna said interim results from its final-stage study showed its competing vaccine was also close to 95% effective.
Both vaccines are based on "messenger RNA" technology, in which genetic sequences are used to "trick" the body into turning on cells to fight or prevent a given disease.
Pfizer has said it will manufacture 50 million doses of the vaccine this year and more than a billion doses next year.


upi--2020-11-18--Spain hands Germany historic lopsided soccer loss

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- Spain scored six goals in a shutout of Germany in a UEFA Nations League game in Seville , Spain .
The lopsided result was Germany 's worst setback since a 6-0 loss to Austria in 1931 .
Midfielder Ferran Torres recorded a hat trick in the victory on Tuesday .
Fellow Spanish midfielder Fabian had three assists .
Spain scored three goals in each half of the group stage triumph .
Spain held 70 % of the possession in the dominant performance .
The loss was Germany 's first of 2020 .
Spain had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the win .
Neither of Germany 's two shots were on frame .
Fabian lifted a corner kick toward the far post of the German box for the first score of the game in the 17th minute .
Striker Alvaro Morata then headed the feed into the right side of the net to beat German keeper Manuel Neuer .
Torres then scored his first of three goals in the 33rd minute .
Spain 's Dani Olmo hit the crossbar with a head ball before Torres collected the rebound and buried a half-volley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ net from about five yards away .
Rodri then scored the final goal of the first half in the 38th minute .
That score came off another Fabian corner kick .
Rodri ran into the box and used his head to flick the low feed backwards and into the far-post netting during that sequence .
Left back Jose Gaya set up the first score of the second half .
The Spanish defender raced up the left flank before he collected a chipped pass and dribbled into the box in the 55th minute .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ right for Torres , who ripped a shot into the near-post netting to beat Neuer for a fourth time .
Fabian recorded his final assist during a Spain breakaway in the 71st minute .
The midfielder raced between defenders before he lifted his head and used the outside of his left foot to slip a pass into the box for Torres during that play .
Torres used his first touch to curl a low shot just inside the right post .
Spanish striker Mikel Oyarzabal netted the final score in the 89th minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left post to start that play .
He then took his dribble just in front of the goal before he slipped a pass to Oyarzabal , who ripped a shot in from point-blank range .
Spain now leads the group over second-place Germany , third-place Ukraine and last-place Switzerland .
They face Sweden in June in a UEFA Euro 2020 matchup .
Germany also battles France in June in the group stage of UEFA Euro 2020 .

Spanish striker Alvaro Morata (R) scored the first of his team's six goals in a win over Germany in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, Spain. Photo by Julio Munoz/EPA-EFE
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Spain scored six goals in a shutout of Germany in a UEFA Nations League game in Seville, Spain. The lopsided result was Germany's worst setback since a 6-0 loss to Austria in 1931. Midfielder Ferran Torres recorded a hat trick in the victory on Tuesday. Fellow Spanish midfielder Fabian had three assists. Spain scored three goals in each half of the group stage triumph. Advertisement
Spain held 70% of the possession in the dominant performance. The loss was Germany's first of 2020. Spain had 23 shots, with 10 on target in the win.
Neither of Germany's two shots were on frame.
Fabian lifted a corner kick toward the far post of the German box for the first score of the game in the 17th minute. Striker Alvaro Morata then headed the feed into the right side of the net to beat German keeper Manuel Neuer.
Torres then scored his first of three goals in the 33rd minute. Spain's Dani Olmo hit the crossbar with a head ball before Torres collected the rebound and buried a half-volley shot into the left side of the net from about five yards away.
Advertisement
Rodri then scored the final goal of the first half in the 38th minute. That score came off another Fabian corner kick. Rodri ran into the box and used his head to flick the low feed backwards and into the far-post netting during that sequence.
Left back Jose Gaya set up the first score of the second half. The Spanish defender raced up the left flank before he collected a chipped pass and dribbled into the box in the 55th minute. He then sent a pass to his right for Torres, who ripped a shot into the near-post netting to beat Neuer for a fourth time.
Fabian recorded his final assist during a Spain breakaway in the 71st minute. The midfielder raced between defenders before he lifted his head and used the outside of his left foot to slip a pass into the box for Torres during that play.
Torres used his first touch to curl a low shot just inside the right post.
Spanish striker Mikel Oyarzabal netted the final score in the 89th minute. Gaya collected a pass near the left post to start that play. He then took his dribble just in front of the goal before he slipped a pass to Oyarzabal, who ripped a shot in from point-blank range.
Advertisement
Spain now leads the group over second-place Germany, third-place Ukraine and last-place Switzerland. They face Sweden in June in a UEFA Euro 2020 matchup.
Germany also battles France in June in the group stage of UEFA Euro 2020.


upi--2020-11-18--Watch live: U.S. astronaut to aid Russian spacewalkers

ORLANDO , Fla. , Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- A NASA astronaut plans to assist two Russians walk in space Wednesday at the International Space Station , which has the largest crew living on board in recent years .
Cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov plan to begin the spacewalk about 9:30 a.m. EST .
NASA astronaut Kate Rubins will help them prepare their spacesuits and monitor the event from inside the space station .
The spacewalkers will prepare the Russian Pirs module of the space station for retirement .
The Russian space agency , Roscosmos , plans in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was launched into space in 2001 .
A Russian capsule will then carry the module lower into the atmosphere until it burns up .
Decommissioning Pirs , which has an airlock and docking ports for cargo and crew vessels , will make way for the long-awaited Russian Multipurpose Laboratory Module , named Nauka -- Russian for science .
The Russian space agency , Roscosmos , is preparing the Nauka lab for launch from Kazakhstan in spring 2021 .
The module includes its own thrusters , an activity area and crew resting space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nauka has been under development and construction for over 20 years and will be the first major Russian addition to the space station in 10 years , according to Russian media .
Seven people are living aboard the orbiting platform for the first time in years , prompting NASA to accelerate science and exploration aboard the laboratory .
Spacewalker Ryzhikov is the commander of the current space station crew , Expedition 64 , which includes Rubins .
Crew-1 astronauts Michael Hopkins , Victor Glover , Shannon Walker and Soichi Noguchi arrived Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Russian spacewalkers plan to use an airlock on the Russian Poisk module for the first time , which will necessitate inspection of the airlock , according to NASA .
They also plan to salvage an antenna from the Pirs module and relocate it to the Poisk , among other tasks .
Besides repairs , the cosmonauts will retrieve hardware that measures space debris impacts and reposition an instrument used to measure residue from thruster firings .
The event will be the 47th Russian spacewalk and the first for both cosmonauts .

1/5
Russian cosmonauts try to replace an old fluid flow regulator unit from outside their nation's portion of the International Space Station during a spacewalk Wednesday, but were unable to open the container because of a balky bolt. Photo courtesy of NASA
ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Two cosmonauts re-entered the International Space Station late Wednesday afternoon EST after a spacewalk that used an airlock on a Russian module for the first time. NASA astronaut Kate Rubins helped the Russians don their spacesuits and monitored the spacewalk from inside the space station, which has the largest crew living on board in recent years. Advertisement
Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov spent a little more than 30 minutes verifying pressure in the airlock on the space station's Russian Poisk module.
They began the spacewalk at 10:12 a.m. EST, about 42 minutes later than scheduled, and spent 6 hours, 48 minutes on their chores.
During the walk, the spacewalkers helped to prepare another Russian section of the space station, the Pirs module, for retirement. The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, plans in April to detach the Pirs module, which was launched into space in 2001.
A Russian capsule will carry the module lower into the atmosphere until it burns up.
Besides repairs, the cosmonauts repositioned an instrument used to measure residue from thruster firings. They also retrieved and replaced hardware that measures space debris impacts.
The two men used towels to wipe off their spacesuits following the recovery of the space debris instrument before re-entering the space station, and they threw those towels off into space.
Advertisement
The Russian spacewalkers used an airlock on the Russian Poisk module for the first time, and also inspected the airlock, according to NASA. The duo salvaged an antenna from the Pirs module and reconnected it to the Poisk, among other tasks.
The cosmonauts were unable to install a new fluid flow regulator on the Russian Zarya module, the first section of the space station, which was launched in 1998. They are to try again at another time.
Decommissioning Pirs, which has an airlock and docking ports for cargo and crew vessels, will make way for the long-awaited Russian Multipurpose Laboratory Module, named Nauka -- Russian for science.
Roscosmos is preparing the Nauka lab for launch from Kazakhstan in spring 2021. The module includes its own thrusters, an activity area and crew resting space, in addition to a science laboratory.
Nauka has been under development and construction for over 20 years and will be the first major Russian addition to the space station in 10 years, according to Russian media. The space community recently marked the 20th anniversary of people living aboard the orbiting space platform.
Seven people are living aboard the orbiting platform for the first time in years, prompting NASA to accelerate science and exploration aboard the laboratory.
Advertisement
Spacewalker Ryzhikov is the commander of the current space station crew, Expedition 64, which includes Rubins.
Crew-1 astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker and Soichi Noguchi arrived Monday night aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.
The event was the 47th Russian spacewalk and the first for both cosmonauts.
20 years aboard the International Space Station
The International Space Station is photographed by Expedition 56 crew members from a Soyuz spacecraft after undocking on October 4, 2018. NASA astronauts Andrew Feustel and Ricky Arnold and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev executed a fly-around of the orbiting laboratory to take pictures of the space station before returning home after spending 197 days in space. Photo courtesy of NASA/Roscosmos


upi--2020-11-18--Quentin Tarantino penning 'Once Upon a Time' novel

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino is writing a novel based on his Best Picture Oscar contender , Once Upon a Time in Hollywood .
Set for release next summer , the book is part of a deal Tarantino made with Harper , an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers .
`` In the 1970s , movie novelizations were the first adult books I grew up reading , '' Tarantino said in a statement Tuesday .
`` And , to this day , I have a tremendous amount of affection for the genre .
So as a movie-novelization aficionado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Upon a Time in Hollywood as my contribution to this often marginalized , yet beloved sub-genre in literature .
I 'm also thrilled to further explore my characters and their world in a literary endeavor that can ( hopefully ) sit alongside its cinematic counterpart . ''
The story takes place in the 1960s and follows a popular television cowboy and his stunt double as they fight to remain relevant in an industry where tastes and opportunities are changing .
The film starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt , who won the Best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Quentin Tarantino 's literary talents have been in plain sight since his first scripts , but to see how skillfully he endows his characters with life on the page and how he constantly takes a reader by surprise , even one who knows the movie by heart , is to see a master storyteller trying on a new form and making it his own , '' added Noah Eaker , the company 's vice president and executive editor , who acquired North American rights from the William Morris Endeavor Agency .
Tarantino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Harper called Cinema Speculation , which focuses on the movies of the 1970s .
The two-time Oscar-winner is known for writing and directing Reservoir Dogs , Pulp Fiction , Jackie Brown , Kill Bill , Inglourious Basterds , Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight .

1/3
Quentin Tarantino is writing two books for Harper. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino is writing a novel based on his Best Picture Oscar contender, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Set for release next summer, the book is part of a deal Tarantino made with Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Advertisement
"In the 1970s, movie novelizations were the first adult books I grew up reading," Tarantino said in a statement Tuesday.
"And, to this day, I have a tremendous amount of affection for the genre. So as a movie-novelization aficionado, I'm proud to announce Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as my contribution to this often marginalized, yet beloved sub-genre in literature. I'm also thrilled to further explore my characters and their world in a literary endeavor that can (hopefully) sit alongside its cinematic counterpart."
The story takes place in the 1960s and follows a popular television cowboy and his stunt double as they fight to remain relevant in an industry where tastes and opportunities are changing.
The film starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance.
"Quentin Tarantino's literary talents have been in plain sight since his first scripts, but to see how skillfully he endows his characters with life on the page and how he constantly takes a reader by surprise, even one who knows the movie by heart, is to see a master storyteller trying on a new form and making it his own," added Noah Eaker, the company's vice president and executive editor, who acquired North American rights from the William Morris Endeavor Agency.
Advertisement
Tarantino is also working on a non-fiction book for Harper called Cinema Speculation, which focuses on the movies of the 1970s.
The two-time Oscar-winner is known for writing and directing Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Kill Bill, Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight.


upi--2020-11-18--Grounded for almost 2 years, Boeing's 737 Max cleared by FAA to return

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- After the longest grounding of any commercial aircraft in history , which has lasted for nearly two years , federal regulators on Wednesday lifted the ban against Boeing 's 737 Max fleet to allow it to return to the skies -- as long as the planemaker makes the required changes .
The Federal Aviation Administration issued the order early Wednesday ending the flight ban , which came after the model was involved in two plane crashes in 2018 and 2019 and a lengthy regulatory review in the United States .
The crashes killed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 737 Max has been out of service around the world for 20 months .
`` The FAA has identified the required return-to-service activities for operators of the 737 Max and heightened surveillance and tracking of those related activities for aviation safety inspectors , '' the FAA said in its order Wednesday .
Among the changes ordered by the FAA are installing new flight control computer software , revising the existing Airplane Flight Manual to incorporate new and revised flight crew procedures , installing new Max display system software , changing the horizontal stabilizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ angle-of-attack sensor system test and performing an operational readiness flight .
In the United States , only American Airlines , Southwest Airlines and United Airlines operate the 737 Max .
Alaska Airlines has ordered some of the aircraft but has yet to operate any .
Boeing has been working since March 2019 on a fix for the model 's automated flight software , a process that has been delayed by lengthy crash and oversight investigations , software development and the COVID-19 pandemic .
Any return to the skies has always been contingent on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FAA .
FAA Administrator Steven Dickson said last week that an announcement detailing the necessary changes from Boeing for the 737 Max to return to service was expected `` in the coming days . ''
The agency has previously released proposed software upgrades as well as plans for revised pilot training , and Bloomberg reported Tuesday that the FAA has already begun notifying the aviation industry of the schedule .
Now that the 737 Max is certified to fly again , the training process at U.S. carriers is expected to last for months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Southwest and United Airlines have said that likely wo n't be until sometime next year , while American Airlines expects it to return in late December .
The first crash , in October 2018 , of an Indonesian Lion Air flight killed all 189 people aboard .
Less than six months later , 157 more died in the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max .
In both cases , the planes crashed shortly after takeoff and were attributed to failures in the automated flight system .
Crash investigators later said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activated after receiving inaccurate sensor data that put both airliners into a nose-down position from which the pilots were n't able to recover .
In September , U.S. congressional investigators concluded that Boeing prioritized profits over safety in rushing to complete the model 's design before it entered service in 2017 , and that the FAA provided `` grossly insufficient oversight '' during the approval process .
The European Aviation Safety Agency , the chief aviation regulator for the European Union , became the first major governmental regulator to endorse the 737 Max @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the level of safety reached is high enough for us . ''
Since the model was grounded , Boeing also has n't been able to deliver any new 737 Max airliners anywhere in the world .
In the first 10 months of 2020 , Boeing lost almost 400 orders for the model .
Buoyed by news of a return , Boeing stock has climbed more than 40 % so far this month , including a 4 % rise on Tuesday amid optimism of imminent FAA certification .
Shares remain down almost 40 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic has heavily hampered the global air travel industry .
Tuesday , the House unanimously passed a resolution requiring reforms to the FAA 's aircraft certification process , a direct result of the 737 Max crashes .

The final Southwest Airlines 737 Max 8 airliner in the sky arrives at St. Louis-Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, Mo., on March 13, 2019, after the United States ordered the model to be grounded. The FAA on Wednesday detailed a series of fixes to allow the model to return to flight. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- After the longest grounding of any commercial aircraft in history, which has lasted for nearly two years, federal regulators on Wednesday lifted the ban against Boeing's 737 Max fleet to allow it to return to the skies -- as long as the planemaker makes the required changes. The Federal Aviation Administration issued the order early Wednesday ending the flight ban, which came after the model was involved in two plane crashes in 2018 and 2019 and a lengthy regulatory review in the United States. The crashes killed a total of nearly 350 people. Advertisement
The 737 Max has been out of service around the world for 20 months.
"The FAA has identified the required return-to-service activities for operators of the 737 Max and heightened surveillance and tracking of those related activities for aviation safety inspectors," the FAA said in its order Wednesday.
Advertisement
Among the changes ordered by the FAA are installing new flight control computer software, revising the existing Airplane Flight Manual to incorporate new and revised flight crew procedures, installing new Max display system software, changing the horizontal stabilizer trim wire routing installations, completing an angle-of-attack sensor system test and performing an operational readiness flight.
In the United States, only American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines operate the 737 Max. Alaska Airlines has ordered some of the aircraft but has yet to operate any.
Boeing has been working since March 2019 on a fix for the model's automated flight software, a process that has been delayed by lengthy crash and oversight investigations, software development and the COVID-19 pandemic. Any return to the skies has always been contingent on a fix that was approved by the FAA.
FAA Administrator Steven Dickson said last week that an announcement detailing the necessary changes from Boeing for the 737 Max to return to service was expected "in the coming days."
The agency has previously released proposed software upgrades as well as plans for revised pilot training, and Bloomberg reported Tuesday that the FAA has already begun notifying the aviation industry of the schedule.
Advertisement
Now that the 737 Max is certified to fly again, the training process at U.S. carriers is expected to last for months before the plane can take off again. Southwest and United Airlines have said that likely won't be until sometime next year, while American Airlines expects it to return in late December.
The first crash, in October 2018, of an Indonesian Lion Air flight killed all 189 people aboard. Less than six months later, 157 more died in the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max. In both cases, the planes crashed shortly after takeoff and were attributed to failures in the automated flight system.
Crash investigators later said the planes' automated flight systems were adversely activated after receiving inaccurate sensor data that put both airliners into a nose-down position from which the pilots weren't able to recover.
In September, U.S. congressional investigators concluded that Boeing prioritized profits over safety in rushing to complete the model's design before it entered service in 2017, and that the FAA provided "grossly insufficient oversight" during the approval process.
The European Aviation Safety Agency, the chief aviation regulator for the European Union, became the first major governmental regulator to endorse the 737 Max's comeback last month, saying "the level of safety reached is high enough for us."
Advertisement
Since the model was grounded, Boeing also hasn't been able to deliver any new 737 Max airliners anywhere in the world. In the first 10 months of 2020, Boeing lost almost 400 orders for the model.
Buoyed by news of a return, Boeing stock has climbed more than 40% so far this month, including a 4% rise on Tuesday amid optimism of imminent FAA certification. Shares remain down almost 40% for the year, however, as the COVID-19 pandemic has heavily hampered the global air travel industry.
Tuesday, the House unanimously passed a resolution requiring reforms to the FAA's aircraft certification process, a direct result of the 737 Max crashes.


upi--2020-11-18--Watch: Matt James' journey begins in new 'The Bachelor' Season 25 teaser

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- Matt James kicks off his search for love in a new teaser for The @ @ @ @ @ , 28 , meets the women that are competing for his heart in the clip @ @ @ @ @ `` The women are literally falling for you , '' series host Chris Harrison says @ @ @ @ @ walking up a set of stairs to greet James .
James also admits to Harrison @ @ @ @ @ in love , gives a toast and kisses multiple contestants .
The Bachelor Season 25 @ @ @ @ @ p.m. EST on ABC .
James was announced as the next Bachelor in June .
@ @ @ @ @ the first Black man to be cast as the series lead .

Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Matt James kicks off his search for love in a new teaser for The Bachelor Season 25.
James, 28, meets the women that are competing for his heart in the clip, released on Tuesday.
Advertisement
"The women are literally falling for you," series host Chris Harrison says after one contestant trips while walking up a set of stairs to greet James.
James also admits to Harrison that he has never been in love, gives a toast and kisses multiple contestants.
The Bachelor Season 25 premieres Jan. 4 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
James was announced as the next Bachelor in June. The real estate broker is the first Black man to be cast as the series lead.


upi--2020-11-18--Kansas City Chiefs to sign former New York Giants CB Deandre Baker

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to sign defensive back Deandre Baker , a former first-round pick who was released by the New York Giants in September due to off-the-field issues .
Sources told NFL Network , ESPN and Yahoo Sports that the Chiefs plan to sign the cornerback to their practice squad .
Baker , 23 , faced four counts of robbery with a firearm from an alleged May incident in Fort Lauderdale , Fla. , but the charges were dropped on Monday .
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinto Dunbar originally was accused of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was cleared .
Baker -- a University of Georgia product -- had 61 total tackles , eight passes defensed and two tackles for a loss in 16 games during his rookie campaign in 2019 .
The Giants selected Baker with the No .
30 overall pick in the NFL Draft that year .
Baker could soon find his way to Kansas City 's active roster due to the team 's lack of depth at the cornerback position caused by injuries .
Charvarius Ward , Bashaud Breeland , Antonio Hamilton , Rashad Fenton and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chiefs ' active roster .
The NFL still could opt to discipline Baker after it completes an investigation .
The Chiefs had a bye last week and will travel to play the Las Vegas Raiders at 8:20 p.m. EST on Sunday .

Former New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker (L) on Monday was cleared of armed robbery charges and is expected to join the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to sign defensive back Deandre Baker, a former first-round pick who was released by the New York Giants in September due to off-the-field issues. Sources told NFL Network, ESPN and Yahoo Sports that the Chiefs plan to sign the cornerback to their practice squad. Advertisement
Baker, 23, faced four counts of robbery with a firearm from an alleged May incident in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., but the charges were dropped on Monday. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinto Dunbar originally was accused of assisting Baker during the incident, but was cleared.
Baker -- a University of Georgia product -- had 61 total tackles, eight passes defensed and two tackles for a loss in 16 games during his rookie campaign in 2019. The Giants selected Baker with the No. 30 overall pick in the NFL Draft that year.
Baker could soon find his way to Kansas City's active roster due to the team's lack of depth at the cornerback position caused by injuries.
Charvarius Ward, Bashaud Breeland, Antonio Hamilton, Rashad Fenton and Bopete Keyes are the cornerbacks on the Chiefs' active roster.
Advertisement
The NFL still could opt to discipline Baker after it completes an investigation.
The Chiefs had a bye last week and will travel to play the Las Vegas Raiders at 8:20 p.m. EST on Sunday.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-11-18--Look: WWE's Becky Lynch posts maternity photos with Seth Rollins

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- WWE star Becky Lynch has uploaded to Instagram pictures from her maternity photo shoot @ @ @ @ @ `` Coming soon ... .
, '' Lynch captioned the images , which featured the @ @ @ @ @ .
Rollins , also a WWE star , appears in photos standing next to Lynch @ @ @ @ @ as she dons a variety of outfits .
Lynch announced that she was pregnant with @ @ @ @ @ during an episode of WWE 's Raw .
The professional wrestler , who was the @ @ @ @ @ of all-time , relinquished her title to Asuka .
Lynch and Rollins became engaged in @ @ @ @ @ to compete in WWE and appears on SmackDown .

Nov. 18 (UPI) -- WWE star Becky Lynch has uploaded to Instagram pictures from her maternity photo shoot with fiancé Seth Rollins.
"Coming soon....," Lynch captioned the images, which featured the grappler displaying her baby bump.
Advertisement
Rollins, also a WWE star, appears in photos standing next to Lynch or holding her from behind as she dons a variety of outfits.
Lynch announced that she was pregnant with her first child in May during an episode of WWE's Raw. The professional wrestler, who was the longest-reigning Raw Women's Champion of all-time, relinquished her title to Asuka.
Lynch and Rollins became engaged in August 2019. Rollins continues to compete in WWE and appears on SmackDown.


upi--2020-11-18--BBC to air 'Vicar of Dibley in Lockdown' specials

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- Comedian Dawn French is returning for a trio of pandemic-themed mini-episodes of her beloved British sitcom , The Vicar of Dibley .
`` During lockdown , post lockdown and pre-another-lockdown , Geraldine has been writing and delivering monthly sermons to her parishioners via Zoom ... when she can make it work , '' the BBC said in a press release , referring to the small-town reverend French is famous for playing .
`` These new thoughts on life ( and chocolate ) will air after repeat showings of classic episodes of the multi-award winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on BBC One . ''
The 10-minute shows are expected to air weekly in December leading up to Dec. 25 when all three episodes will air together as a 30-minute special .
`` Back in the dog collar , back in Dibley and back on your telly at Xmas .
I could n't be happier .
Bless you , '' French said in a statement .
Created by Love Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral scribe Richard Curtis , The Vicar of Dibley initially aired 1994-98 , and has been followed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fleet , another of the show 's original cast members , will also appear in the new episodes .
Several ensemble actors have died , including Emma Chambers ( Alice , ) John Bluthal ( Frank ) and Roger Lloyd-Pack ( Owen , ) since the show went off the air .
The most recent Vicar of Dibley revival was a sketch for a BBC fundraiser for Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need in April .

Three new episodes of Dawn French's "The Vicor of Dibley" are set to air on the BBC next month. File Photo by Rune Hellestad/ UPI | License Photo
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Comedian Dawn French is returning for a trio of pandemic-themed mini-episodes of her beloved British sitcom, The Vicar of Dibley. "During lockdown, post lockdown and pre-another-lockdown, Geraldine has been writing and delivering monthly sermons to her parishioners via Zoom... when she can make it work," the BBC said in a press release, referring to the small-town reverend French is famous for playing. Advertisement
"These new thoughts on life (and chocolate) will air after repeat showings of classic episodes of the multi-award winning The Vicar of Dibley, this Christmas on BBC One."
The 10-minute shows are expected to air weekly in December leading up to Dec. 25 when all three episodes will air together as a 30-minute special.
"Back in the dog collar, back in Dibley and back on your telly at Xmas. I couldn't be happier. Bless you," French said in a statement.
Created by Love Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral scribe Richard Curtis, The Vicar of Dibley initially aired 1994-98, and has been followed by numerous specials throughout the years.
James Fleet, another of the show's original cast members, will also appear in the new episodes.
Advertisement
Several ensemble actors have died, including Emma Chambers (Alice,) John Bluthal (Frank) and Roger Lloyd-Pack (Owen,) since the show went off the air.
The most recent Vicar of Dibley revival was a sketch for a BBC fundraiser for Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need in April.


upi--2020-11-18--Joe Biden, Kamala Harris receiving national security briefings from outside experts

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- After two weeks of stonewalling from the Trump administration , President-elect Joe Biden is now receiving national security briefings from a variety of experts outside government , transition officials say .
Traditionally , an incoming president will receive cooperation from the sitting president 's government on many matters to mitigate complications for the transfer of power .
President Donald Trump , however , has refused to concede that he lost the election and is not cooperating at all -- even though experts have said that 's particularly dangerous in the middle of a deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris instead have received security assessments from `` some of our country 's most experienced national security experts about the challenges facing our country and our institutions . ''
Tuesday 's meeting was conducted with the experts appearing remotely .
The security experts briefed the incoming leaders on the `` diplomatic , defense , and intelligence challenges the administration will inherit on day one , '' transition officials said .
They focused on `` both the strategic landscape as well as the readiness of our foreign policy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You know that I 've been unable to get the briefing that ordinarily would have come by now , '' Biden said at the start of Tuesday 's briefing .
`` So I just want to get your input on what you see ahead . ''
Among those participating in the briefing were former Deputy Secretary of State and deputy national security adviser Tony Blinken and former CIA Deputy Director Avril Haines .
Biden 's transition team has been blocked from receiving briefings from any government agencies , including classified intelligence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murphy , the Trump-appointed head of the General Services Administration , has still not affirmed , or `` ascertained , '' Biden 's electoral win and the transition .
Doing so would unlock millions in federal funding that , by law , are earmarked for transfers of power .
Created in 1949 , the GSA is supposed to be an independent support agency of the federal government .
Murphy 's GSA has said it will make an ascertainment once there is a `` clear '' winner , although Biden is the projected winner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threshold required to win the presidency by virtually every major news outlet .
Four years ago , there was no delay in ascertainment when Trump 's margin of victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton was narrower than Biden 's .

The White House in Washington, D.C., is seen on Monday as the trees shed their leaves in the fall season. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- After two weeks of stonewalling from the Trump administration, President-elect Joe Biden is now receiving national security briefings from a variety of experts outside government, transition officials say. Traditionally, an incoming president will receive cooperation from the sitting president's government on many matters to mitigate complications for the transfer of power. President Donald Trump, however, has refused to concede that he lost the election and is not cooperating at all -- even though experts have said that's particularly dangerous in the middle of a deadly pandemic. Advertisement
Transition officials said Tuesday that Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris instead have received security assessments from "some of our country's most experienced national security experts about the challenges facing our country and our institutions."
Tuesday's meeting was conducted with the experts appearing remotely.
The security experts briefed the incoming leaders on the "diplomatic, defense, and intelligence challenges the administration will inherit on day one," transition officials said. They focused on "both the strategic landscape as well as the readiness of our foreign policy and national security departments and agencies."
Advertisement
"You know that I've been unable to get the briefing that ordinarily would have come by now," Biden said at the start of Tuesday's briefing. "So I just want to get your input on what you see ahead."
Among those participating in the briefing were former Deputy Secretary of State and deputy national security adviser Tony Blinken and former CIA Deputy Director Avril Haines.
Biden's transition team has been blocked from receiving briefings from any government agencies, including classified intelligence.
Part of the problem is that Emily Murphy, the Trump-appointed head of the General Services Administration, has still not affirmed, or "ascertained," Biden's electoral win and the transition. Doing so would unlock millions in federal funding that, by law, are earmarked for transfers of power.
Created in 1949, the GSA is supposed to be an independent support agency of the federal government.
Murphy's GSA has said it will make an ascertainment once there is a "clear" winner, although Biden is the projected winner by at least 20 electoral votes over the threshold required to win the presidency by virtually every major news outlet. Four years ago, there was no delay in ascertainment when Trump's margin of victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton was narrower than Biden's.


upi--2020-11-18--People magazine names Michael B. Jordan Sexiest Man Alive for 2020

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- People magazine has declared Michael B. Jordan the Sexiest Man Alive for 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ feeling , '' the actor told the magazine about the honor .
`` You know @ @ @ @ @ joke , like , 'Mike , this is the one thing you 're probably not @ @ @ @ @ But it 's a good club to be a part of . ''
Jordan 's @ @ @ @ @ 's edition of Jimmy Kimmel Live !
The 33-year-old actor is known for his roles @ @ @ @ @ Night Lights , Fruitvale Station , Creed , Black Panther and Just Mercy .
He @ @ @ @ @ the film , Tom Clancy 's Without Remorse .
Last year 's Sexiest Man Alive @ @ @ @ @ Luther star Idris Elba held the title in 2018 and country music artist Blake Shelton @ @ @ @ @ .

1/3
Michael B. Jordan has been named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive in 2020. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- People magazine has declared Michael B. Jordan the Sexiest Man Alive for 2020. "It's a cool feeling," the actor told the magazine about the honor. Advertisement
"You know, everybody always made that joke, like, 'Mike, this is the one thing you're probably not going to get.' But it's a good club to be a part of."
Michael B. Jordan Is PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive 2020: 'The Women in My Family Are Proud of This One' https://t.co/RcwUKqAUYn (@michaelb4jordan) pic.twitter.com/SEAZTl13xs— People (@people) November 18, 2020
Jordan's award was announced on Tuesday's edition of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The 33-year-old actor is known for his roles in The Wire, Friday Night Lights, Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther and Just Mercy. He will soon be seen in the film, Tom Clancy's Without Remorse.
Last year's Sexiest Man Alive was singer John Legend. Luther star Idris Elba held the title in 2018 and country music artist Blake Shelton had the distinction in 2017.


upi--2020-11-18--Donald Trump could learn from Woodrow Wilson's transition

Nov. 18 ( UPI ) -- At first , comparisons between Woodrow Wilson and Donald Trump as presidents a century apart would seem misplaced .
The only commonality was that both were confronted with pandemics : the Spanish flu of 1918-20 and COVID-19 of 2020 .
The first came at the end of World War I at a time of great disruption and civil unrest in America with massive arrests under the Sedition and Insurrection Acts used to repress all forms of dissent .
By the time the Spanish flu dissipated , nearly 700,000 of 106 million Americans died .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been infected and a quarter-million have died in 2020 .
But vaccines are entering the distribution phase .
The world is not at war .
And Americans are not subject to deprivation of civil liberties for criticizing the government , the flag or men in uniform .
Wilson was an intellectual , college president , governor and an internationalist .
Trump could never be considered an intellectual as a real estate developer and television celebrity .
And his policy of `` America first '' and withdrawal from numerous international organizations and agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican senators who rejected Wilson 's League of Nations and the Versailles Peace Treaty .
Yet , both Wilson and Trump had a great deal in common .
Both were infected by their respective pandemics , Wilson far more seriously .
Both were in denial .
Wilson refused to acknowledge the Spanish flu pandemic .
And possibly as an after effect of contracting it , suffered a debilitating stroke .
For the last year of his term , his wife , Edith Wilson , was acting as the de facto president .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chose to downplay the seriousness of the virus so as not to `` alarm '' the public .
During the presidential campaign , he repeatedly claimed we were `` turning the corner , '' even though record levels of infections and hospitalizations were being surpassed every day .
Given monthly production rates for the most promising vaccine of 25 million to 30 million doses , with two doses required for over 300 million Americans , it could take nearly two years to complete the vaccination program , even if a second drug came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed legal attempts to reverse the election results , the president has not accepted his defeat .
Unlike Wilson , who had many months left in office , Trump has nine weeks .
As Wilson could not accomplish anything , what might Trump decide to do before President Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20 ?
Several positive actions could enhance the president 's legacy .
First and most importantly , he could authorize the transition process to start .
Denying the president-elect intelligence briefings and the resources mandated by the Presidential Transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The lessons of the 2000 election in which five weeks were lost before the Supreme Court awarded George W. Bush Florida and the election are relevant .
As the 9/11 Commission tartly concluded , that delay hurt the transition and the nation .
Second , in 2016 when Trump took office , the state of the union was sound .
President Barack Obama extended the president-elect every courtesy .
And , required by law , the new team was briefed on potential crises , including a pandemic .
Trump could emulate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as ordering a hasty , year 's end exit from Afghanistan or signing executive orders that will complicate the next administration 's agenda , possibly restricting its options .
Third , Trump could be gracious and begin the process of closing the huge political divides and animosities that divide America and both parties .
The best outcome would be for Trump to emulate Woodrow Wilson and purposely incapacitate himself over the coming weeks by refraining from making decisions unless a crisis intervenes .
That extends to firing senior appointees that his 30-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the president or who need to be punished for past transgressions .
Biden has enough on his plate .
Ironically , when he and Obama took office , both were dealt the worst hand of any president since FDR and the Great Depression .
The financial meltdown of 2008 and two unwinnable wars topped the list of those challenges .
By comparison , 2009 seemed like the good old days .
COVID-19 , economic distress , two endless wars still in progress , intractable political differences , a hostile Russia and China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are what a Biden administration faces .
But will that make a difference ?
Or will Trump do his worst to ensure Biden fails by not following the example of Wilson and let someone else run the country for the coming weeks ?
Harlan Ullman is senior adviser at the Atlantic Council and author of the upcoming book , `` The Fifth Horseman and MAD : How Massive Attacks of Disruption Endanger , Infect and Engulf Us and the World . ''

President Woodrow Wilson, like Donald Trump, refused to acknowledge the pandemic of his day. File Photo courtesy of Library of Congress
Nov. 18 (UPI) -- At first, comparisons between Woodrow Wilson and Donald Trump as presidents a century apart would seem misplaced. The only commonality was that both were confronted with pandemics: the Spanish flu of 1918-20 and COVID-19 of 2020. The first came at the end of World War I at a time of great disruption and civil unrest in America with massive arrests under the Sedition and Insurrection Acts used to repress all forms of dissent. By the time the Spanish flu dissipated, nearly 700,000 of 106 million Americans died. Advertisement
Thus far, over 11 million Americans have been infected and a quarter-million have died in 2020. But vaccines are entering the distribution phase. The world is not at war. And Americans are not subject to deprivation of civil liberties for criticizing the government, the flag or men in uniform.
Wilson was an intellectual, college president, governor and an internationalist. Trump could never be considered an intellectual as a real estate developer and television celebrity. And his policy of "America first" and withdrawal from numerous international organizations and agreements put him in the company of isolationist Republican senators who rejected Wilson's League of Nations and the Versailles Peace Treaty.
Advertisement
Yet, both Wilson and Trump had a great deal in common. Both were infected by their respective pandemics, Wilson far more seriously. Both were in denial. Wilson refused to acknowledge the Spanish flu pandemic. And possibly as an after effect of contracting it, suffered a debilitating stroke. For the last year of his term, his wife, Edith Wilson, was acting as the de facto president.
Trump also was in denial. He first chose to downplay the seriousness of the virus so as not to "alarm" the public. During the presidential campaign, he repeatedly claimed we were "turning the corner," even though record levels of infections and hospitalizations were being surpassed every day. Given monthly production rates for the most promising vaccine of 25 million to 30 million doses, with two doses required for over 300 million Americans, it could take nearly two years to complete the vaccination program, even if a second drug came on line.
So far, despite failed legal attempts to reverse the election results, the president has not accepted his defeat. Unlike Wilson, who had many months left in office, Trump has nine weeks. As Wilson could not accomplish anything, what might Trump decide to do before President Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20?
Advertisement
Several positive actions could enhance the president's legacy. First and most importantly, he could authorize the transition process to start. Denying the president-elect intelligence briefings and the resources mandated by the Presidential Transition Act is childish, petty and dangerous. The lessons of the 2000 election in which five weeks were lost before the Supreme Court awarded George W. Bush Florida and the election are relevant. As the 9/11 Commission tartly concluded, that delay hurt the transition and the nation.
Second, in 2016 when Trump took office, the state of the union was sound. President Barack Obama extended the president-elect every courtesy. And, required by law, the new team was briefed on potential crises, including a pandemic. Trump could emulate that and especially refrain from taking any actions such as ordering a hasty, year's end exit from Afghanistan or signing executive orders that will complicate the next administration's agenda, possibly restricting its options.
Third, Trump could be gracious and begin the process of closing the huge political divides and animosities that divide America and both parties.
The best outcome would be for Trump to emulate Woodrow Wilson and purposely incapacitate himself over the coming weeks by refraining from making decisions unless a crisis intervenes. That extends to firing senior appointees that his 30-year-old director of personnel believes are insufficiently loyal to the president or who need to be punished for past transgressions.
Advertisement
Biden has enough on his plate. Ironically, when he and Obama took office, both were dealt the worst hand of any president since FDR and the Great Depression. The financial meltdown of 2008 and two unwinnable wars topped the list of those challenges.
By comparison, 2009 seemed like the good old days.
COVID-19, economic distress, two endless wars still in progress, intractable political differences, a hostile Russia and China and America's international reputation in tatters are what a Biden administration faces. But will that make a difference? Or will Trump do his worst to ensure Biden fails by not following the example of Wilson and let someone else run the country for the coming weeks?
Harlan Ullman is senior adviser at the Atlantic Council and author of the upcoming book, "The Fifth Horseman and MAD: How Massive Attacks of Disruption Endanger, Infect and Engulf Us and the World."