upi--2020-01-10--Facebook post tips Louisiana couple off to $2 million Powerball win

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- A Louisiana couple said they had no idea that they had won a $ @ @ @ @ @ seeing a Facebook post about the unclaimed prize weeks later .
Tammi and James Miller @ @ @ @ @ officials they bought a ticket for the Oct. 26 drawing from Superior Discount in Metairie @ @ @ @ @ give the ticket much thought until weeks later .
`` I saw on Facebook that @ @ @ @ @ 2 million on Powerball , '' Tammi Miller said .
`` I did n't think @ @ @ @ @ could be my ticket though , so I took my time finding it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ the ticket and was shocked to see it was the $ 2 million jackpot winner @ @ @ @ @ feel `` thrilled , happy and blessed '' to have won the jackpot .

A Louisiana couple said they had no idea that they had a $2 million winning Powerball ticket until they saw a Facebook post weeks after the drawing. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Jan. 10 (UPI) -- A Louisiana couple said they had no idea that they had won a $2 million Powerball jackpot until seeing a Facebook post about the unclaimed prize weeks later. Tammi and James Miller of Metairie told Louisiana Lottery officials they bought a ticket for the Oct. 26 drawing from Superior Discount in Metairie, but they didn't give the ticket much thought until weeks later. Advertisement
"I saw on Facebook that someone in Metairie won $2 million on Powerball," Tammi Miller said. "I didn't think there was any way it could be my ticket though, so I took my time finding it."
Miller was able to locate the ticket and was shocked to see it was the $2 million jackpot winner.
The couple said they feel "thrilled, happy and blessed" to have won the jackpot.


upi--2020-01-10--Watch: Horse rescued from old water well in Oklahoma

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Firefighters in Oklahoma said it took about an hour and a half to rescue @ @ @ @ @ an old water well on its owner 's property .
The Oklahoma City Fire Department @ @ @ @ @ 2 p.m. Tuesday to a property where the 1 1/2-year-old horse , named Ava , @ @ @ @ @ well enclosure .
`` After a brief medical evaluation by the veterinarians and a quick @ @ @ @ @ of what equipment would be needed to remove the horse , the team went to @ @ @ @ @ said .
Firefighters said it took about an hour and a half , as well @ @ @ @ @ neighbor with a backhoe , to bring Ava back to solid ground .
The department @ @ @ @ @ appear to have any serious injuries .

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Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Oklahoma said it took about an hour and a half to rescue a horse that fell into an old water well on its owner's property.
The Oklahoma City Fire Department said crews responded just before 2 p.m. Tuesday to a property where the 1 1/2-year-old horse, named Ava, had fallen into the old well enclosure.
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"After a brief medical evaluation by the veterinarians and a quick assessment by fire department personnel of what equipment would be needed to remove the horse, the team went to work," the department said.
Firefighters said it took about an hour and a half, as well as some assistance from a neighbor with a backhoe, to bring Ava back to solid ground.
The department said the horse did not appear to have any serious injuries.


upi--2020-01-10--Study pinpoints the timing of earliest human migration

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Sangiran , a World Heritage archeological site on the island of Java , is home to dozens of hominin fossils , comprising three different species , including evidence of the earliest hominid migration to Southeast Asia .
Until now , scientists have struggled to figure out the precise timing of the hominin migrations that populated Java .
New estimates , based on a unique fossil dating survey , suggest Homo erectus , the most successful archaic human , first arrived at Sangiran between between 1.3 and 1.5 million years ago -- some 300,000 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the most important hominin fossil sites in Southeast Asia , but the site 's uncertain chronology has made it hard for scientists to understand the movement of early humans across the region .
To more precisely date the arrival of Homo erectus on Java , scientists use a combination of two dating techniques , fission-track and uranium/lead , FT and U/Pb , to determine the age of volcanic zircons located above , below and within the layers containing hominin remains .
Both of the methods measure chemical changes inside of zircons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dating methods are unique , each help ensure the accuracy of the other , narrowing the precision of the final dating estimate .
`` Zircon U-Pb dates of a volcanic ash layer represent ages when zircon grains had a closed system ( around or higher than 900 degrees Celsius ) in a magma chamber , that have a range depending on the life of a magma chamber , '' Masayuki Hyodo , researcher at Kobe University in Japan , told UPI in an email .
`` Therefore the youngest age of zircon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age of a volcanic ash .
On the other hand , fission-track dates of zircon represent an eruption age ( this clock starts to work at about 240 degrees Celsius , during cooling after eruption ) .
Therefore U-Pb dates of a volcanic ash layer must be older than or equal to a FT-date . ''
The results of the new dating survey , published this week in the journal Science , suggests Java Man -- the name given to one of the first Homo erectus fossils to be unearthed -- originally came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1.5 million years ago at the earliest .
Previously , scientists estimated Homo erectus arrived 1.7 million years ago , which complicated attempts to reconcile Sangiran chronology with the dates of other hominin sites in Asia .
`` Our study revealed the time of beginning of human history in Java , '' Hyodo said .
`` Our findings revealed another important thing .
Homo erectus fossils in Sangiran are divided into two groups ; the older ( more primitive ) and younger hominin assemblages .
The younger assemblage arrived in Java at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than just helping researchers understand the movement of archaic hominins through Asia , the latest findings have implications for the evolutionary origins of Homo erectus .
The previous date for the species early arrival on Java led some scientists to argue Homo erectus first emerged in Asia .
The latest study undermines such a theory .
Instead , the new research suggests the species emerged in Africa nearly 2 million years ago , and made its way into Asia over a few hundred thousand years .
Moving forward , authors of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will help scientists better understand the morphological adaptations that characterize different Homo erectus populations .
`` It would be interesting for paleoanthropologists [ to determine ] whether the comparative primitive morphology of the Javanese H. erectus of the older chronological group represents primitive retentions or derived features independently acquired in this hominin lineage , '' Shuji Matsu'ura , researcher at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Japan , told UPI .

Dozens of hominin fossils, including several Homo erectus skulls, have been found at the Sangiran archaeological site on the island of Java. Photo by Gerbil/ Wikimedia Commons
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Sangiran, a World Heritage archeological site on the island of Java, is home to dozens of hominin fossils, comprising three different species, including evidence of the earliest hominid migration to Southeast Asia. Until now, scientists have struggled to figure out the precise timing of the hominin migrations that populated Java. New estimates, based on a unique fossil dating survey, suggest Homo erectus, the most successful archaic human, first arrived at Sangiran between between 1.3 and 1.5 million years ago -- some 300,000 years later than previous estimates. Advertisement
Sangiran is one of the most important hominin fossil sites in Southeast Asia, but the site's uncertain chronology has made it hard for scientists to understand the movement of early humans across the region.
To more precisely date the arrival of Homo erectus on Java, scientists use a combination of two dating techniques, fission-track and uranium/lead, FT and U/Pb, to determine the age of volcanic zircons located above, below and within the layers containing hominin remains.
Advertisement
Both of the methods measure chemical changes inside of zircons, tiny silicon crystals. But because the dating methods are unique, each help ensure the accuracy of the other, narrowing the precision of the final dating estimate.
"Zircon U-Pb dates of a volcanic ash layer represent ages when zircon grains had a closed system (around or higher than 900 degrees Celsius) in a magma chamber, that have a range depending on the life of a magma chamber," Masayuki Hyodo, researcher at Kobe University in Japan, told UPI in an email. "Therefore the youngest age of zircon grains provides a constraint to the eruption age of a volcanic ash. On the other hand, fission-track dates of zircon represent an eruption age (this clock starts to work at about 240 degrees Celsius, during cooling after eruption). Therefore U-Pb dates of a volcanic ash layer must be older than or equal to a FT-date."
The results of the new dating survey, published this week in the journal Science, suggests Java Man -- the name given to one of the first Homo erectus fossils to be unearthed -- originally came to Sangiran some 1.3 million years ago, 1.5 million years ago at the earliest.
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Previously, scientists estimated Homo erectus arrived 1.7 million years ago, which complicated attempts to reconcile Sangiran chronology with the dates of other hominin sites in Asia.
"Our study revealed the time of beginning of human history in Java," Hyodo said. "Our findings revealed another important thing. Homo erectus fossils in Sangiran are divided into two groups; the older (more primitive) and younger hominin assemblages. The younger assemblage arrived in Java at about 0.9 million years ago."
More than just helping researchers understand the movement of archaic hominins through Asia, the latest findings have implications for the evolutionary origins of Homo erectus. The previous date for the species early arrival on Java led some scientists to argue Homo erectus first emerged in Asia.
The latest study undermines such a theory. Instead, the new research suggests the species emerged in Africa nearly 2 million years ago, and made its way into Asia over a few hundred thousand years.
Moving forward, authors of the new study suggest the revised Sangiran chronology will help scientists better understand the morphological adaptations that characterize different Homo erectus populations.
"It would be interesting for paleoanthropologists [to determine] whether the comparative primitive morphology of the Javanese H. erectus of the older chronological group represents primitive retentions or derived features independently acquired in this hominin lineage," Shuji Matsu'ura, researcher at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Japan, told UPI.


upi--2020-01-10--Justin Chambers to leave 'Grey's Anatomy' after 16 seasons

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Actor Justin Chambers announced he will leave ABC medical drama Grey 's Anatomy after 16 seasons on the show .
Chambers , 49 , one of only four original cast members to remain a series regular for the 16th season , announced he will not be returning to the medical drama after last being seen in the 350th episode of Grey 's Anatomy , which aired Nov. 14 .
`` There 's no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that 's defined so much of my life for the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement to Deadline .
`` For some time now , however , I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices . ''
Dr. Alex Karev , Chambers ' character , was last seen leaving his position as chief of staff and chief of surgery at Pacific Northwest General Hospital to take care of his ailing mother .
`` As I move on from Grey 's Anatomy , I want to thank the ABC family , Shonda Rimes , original cast members Ellen Pompeo , Chandra Wilson and James Pickens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast and crew , both past and present , and , of course , the fans for an extraordinary ride , '' Chambers said .
Grey 's Anatomy has been renewed through Season 17 .

Actor Justin Chambers said he is leaving ABC medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" after 16 seasons. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Actor Justin Chambers announced he will leave ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy after 16 seasons on the show. Chambers, 49, one of only four original cast members to remain a series regular for the 16th season, announced he will not be returning to the medical drama after last being seen in the 350th episode of Grey's Anatomy, which aired Nov. 14. Advertisement
"There's no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that's defined so much of my life for the past 15 years," Chambers said in a statement to Deadline. "For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices."
Chambers' exit was confirmed by ABC.
Dr. Alex Karev, Chambers' character, was last seen leaving his position as chief of staff and chief of surgery at Pacific Northwest General Hospital to take care of his ailing mother.
"As I move on from Grey's Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rimes, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride," Chambers said.
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Grey's Anatomy has been renewed through Season 17.


upi--2020-01-10--14 die in bomb explosion in Quetta, Pakistan, mosque

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- A bomb attack , the second this week , killed at least 14 people in a Quetta , Pakistan , mosque Friday .
Another 20 were injured , eight critically , when a bomb exploded during sunset prayers .
Officials believe the suspects are members of an insurgent group seeking independence for Balochistan province , of which Quetta , a high-elevation city with a population of 4.6 million , is the capital .
The group has targeted security officials , and Amanullah , the city 's deputy superintendent of police , was among those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His son was shot to death last month while deployed at the city 's Police Training College .
Earlier this week , two people died when explosive material left on a motorbike detonated in a commercial area of the city .
Nearby shops were damaged and 14 people were injured .
While the Baluch separatists took responsibility for Tuesday 's attack , no group has come forward in regard to the mosque bombing .
Pakistan 's army chief Gen. Qamar Bajwa said the army will assist police in investigating the bombing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directed provincial security agencies to ensure the safety of citizens .
The mineral-rich province in southwestern Pakistan is sparsely populated but the country 's largest .

Hospital workers move the bodies of those who died in an explosion in a Quetta, Pakistan, mosuw on Friday. At least 14 people were killed. Photo by Jamal Tasgai/EPA-EFE/UPI
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- A bomb attack, the second this week, killed at least 14 people in a Quetta, Pakistan, mosque Friday. Another 20 were injured, eight critically, when a bomb exploded during sunset prayers. Advertisement
Officials believe the suspects are members of an insurgent group seeking independence for Balochistan province, of which Quetta, a high-elevation city with a population of 4.6 million, is the capital. The group has targeted security officials, and Amanullah, the city's deputy superintendent of police, was among those killed in the bombing, police said. His son was shot to death last month while deployed at the city's Police Training College.
Earlier this week, two people died when explosive material left on a motorbike detonated in a commercial area of the city. Nearby shops were damaged and 14 people were injured. While the Baluch separatists took responsibility for Tuesday's attack, no group has come forward in regard to the mosque bombing.
Pakistan's army chief Gen. Qamar Bajwa said the army will assist police in investigating the bombing, and Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan directed provincial security agencies to ensure the safety of citizens. The mineral-rich province in southwestern Pakistan is sparsely populated but the country's largest.


upi--2020-01-10--Appeals court blocks Air Force from discharging HIV-positive service members

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a ruling blocking the U.S. Air Force from discharging two service members who are HIV-positive .
The 4th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the two unnamed men -- dubbed Victor Voe and Richard Roe in the lawsuit -- who argued that advances in medicine mean they 're not at risk of transmitting the virus to other service members .
The appeals court upheld the ruling of a district judge in Maryland , who said the Air Force was operating under `` outdated '' policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men based on their HIV status .
`` A ban on deployment may have been justified at a time when HIV treatment was less effective at managing the virus and reducing transmission risks , '' the panel said in its opinion .
`` But any understanding of HIV that could justify this ban is outmoded and at odds with current science .
Such obsolete understandings can not justify a ban , even under a deferential standard of review and even according appropriate deference to the military 's professional judgments . ''
Lambda Legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LGBTQ communities and those living with HIV and AIDS , represented the two service members .
The group hailed the victory against `` bigoted ideas about HIV . ''
Voe issued a statement saying he was relieved at Friday 's outcome .
`` Serving in the U.S. military has been the greatest honor of my life and I 'm thrilled to see this court affirm the lower court ruling in our favor .
No one should be discharged or discriminated against because of HIV when it does not interfere whatsoever with our capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The court said advances in medicine mean the two service members are unlikely to transmit the virus to others. Photo by R. Nial Bradshaw/U.S. Air Force | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a ruling blocking the U.S. Air Force from discharging two service members who are HIV-positive. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the two unnamed men -- dubbed Victor Voe and Richard Roe in the lawsuit -- who argued that advances in medicine mean they're not at risk of transmitting the virus to other service members. Advertisement
The appeals court upheld the ruling of a district judge in Maryland, who said the Air Force was operating under "outdated" policies when it moved to discharge the two men based on their HIV status.
"A ban on deployment may have been justified at a time when HIV treatment was less effective at managing the virus and reducing transmission risks," the panel said in its opinion.
"But any understanding of HIV that could justify this ban is outmoded and at odds with current science. Such obsolete understandings cannot justify a ban, even under a deferential standard of review and even according appropriate deference to the military's professional judgments."
Lambda Legal, an organization that provides defense for LGBTQ communities and those living with HIV and AIDS, represented the two service members. The group hailed the victory against "bigoted ideas about HIV."
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Voe issued a statement saying he was relieved at Friday's outcome.
"Serving in the U.S. military has been the greatest honor of my life and I'm thrilled to see this court affirm the lower court ruling in our favor. No one should be discharged or discriminated against because of HIV when it does not interfere whatsoever with our capacity to serve," he said.


upi--2020-01-10--350-pound grouper caught in Florida believed to be 50 years old

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Researchers said a 350-pound Warsaw grouper caught off the Florida coast is believed to @ @ @ @ @ .
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute said the grouper caught Dec. 28 in @ @ @ @ @ off Southwest Florida is the oldest sample collected for the institute 's aging program .
@ @ @ @ @ Jason Boyll , who posted photos of the big fish to Instagram .
The largest @ @ @ @ @ Florida was 436 pounds , 12 ounces .

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Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Researchers said a 350-pound Warsaw grouper caught off the Florida coast is believed to be about 50 years old.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute said the grouper caught Dec. 28 in about 600 feet of water off Southwest Florida is the oldest sample collected for the institute's aging program.
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The grouper was landed by Jason Boyll, who posted photos of the big fish to Instagram.
The largest Warsaw grouper on record in Florida was 436 pounds, 12 ounces.


upi--2020-01-10--Dow crosses 29,000 for first time

Dow crosses 29,000 for first time -- but only briefly

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached another all-time high Friday -- crossing the 29,000 @ @ @ @ @ for the first time .
The benchmark 30-stock average began Friday 's session at a @ @ @ @ @ the 29,000 threshold about 40 minutes after the start of trading .
It fell back @ @ @ @ @ , after the U.S. Labor Department said 145,000 jobs were added in December .
Analysts @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump praised the Dow 's performance since he took office in 2017 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ Dow in the 3 years since the election of President Trump , '' he tweeted @ @ @ @ @ happened before in that time frame . ''
The S & P 500 and Nasdaq @ @ @ @ @ Friday after both hit record highs at the close of trading Thursday .
Stocks this @ @ @ @ @ of a military conflict between the United States and Iran .
The Dow fell more @ @ @ @ @

1/4
A board on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange shows the Dow Jones Industrial Average at over 29,000 January 10, 2020. The DJIA hit 29,000 for the first time ever early in the trading day. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached another all-time high Friday -- crossing the 29,000 mark, albeit briefly, for the first time. The benchmark 30-stock average began Friday's session at a record 28,977 and momentarily crossed the 29,000 threshold about 40 minutes after the start of trading. It fell back to 28,844 shortly after noon, after the U.S. Labor Department said 145,000 jobs were added in December. Analysts had expected 160,000. Advertisement
President Donald Trump praised the Dow's performance since he took office in 2017.
"11,000 points gained in the Dow in the 3 years since the election of President Trump," he tweeted. "That has NEVER happened before in that time frame."
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices posted marginal gains on Friday after both hit record highs at the close of trading Thursday.
Stocks this week were buffeted by fears of a military conflict between the United States and Iran. The Dow fell more than 200 points Monday.


upi--2020-01-10--Watch: U.S. Navy: Russian warship 'aggressively' approached in Arabian Sea

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- A Russian warship `` aggressively '' approached a U.S. destroyer , the USS Farragut , while in the North Arabian Sea , the U.S. military announced Friday .
The interaction took place Thursday and nearly caused a collision between the two vessels .
`` While conducting routine operations in the North Arabian Sea , USS Farragut ( DDG 99 ) was aggressively approached by a Russian Navy ship , '' the U.S. 5th Fleet said in a Twitter post .
Officials on board the Farragut captured video of the encounter , which shows the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veering off to avoid a collision .
`` Farragut sounded five short blasts , the international maritime signal for danger of a collision , and requested the Russian ship alter course in accordance with international rules of the road , '' the 5th Fleet said .
`` While the Russian ship took action , the initial delay in complying with international rules while it was making an aggressive approach increased the risk of collision .
`` The U.S. Navy continues to remain vigilant and is trained to act in a professional manner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ between U.S. and Russian naval assets in the past several months .
The USS Chancellorsville , a guided-missile cruiser , came within 50 feet to 100 feet of Russian destroyer the Admiral Vinogradov last June in the Philippine Sea .
The U.S. Navy said the Russian vessel made an `` unsafe maneuver '' against the Chancellorsville .

Jan. 10 (UPI) -- A Russian warship "aggressively" approached a U.S. destroyer, the USS Farragut, while in the North Arabian Sea, the U.S. military announced Friday.
The interaction took place Thursday and nearly caused a collision between the two vessels.
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"While conducting routine operations in the North Arabian Sea, USS Farragut (DDG 99) was aggressively approached by a Russian Navy ship," the U.S. 5th Fleet said in a Twitter post.
Officials on board the Farragut captured video of the encounter, which shows the Russian ship heading toward the destroyer before veering off to avoid a collision.
Farragut sounded five short blasts, the international maritime signal for danger of a collision, and requested the Russian ship alter course in accordance with international rules of the road. pic.twitter.com/OGCeAGKOy3— U.S. 5th Fleet (@US5thFleet) January 10, 2020
"Farragut sounded five short blasts, the international maritime signal for danger of a collision, and requested the Russian ship alter course in accordance with international rules of the road," the 5th Fleet said.
"While the Russian ship took action, the initial delay in complying with international rules while it was making an aggressive approach increased the risk of collision.
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"The U.S. Navy continues to remain vigilant and is trained to act in a professional manner."
Friday's was the second near-collision between U.S. and Russian naval assets in the past several months. The USS Chancellorsville, a guided-missile cruiser, came within 50 feet to 100 feet of Russian destroyer the Admiral Vinogradov last June in the Philippine Sea.
The U.S. Navy said the Russian vessel made an "unsafe maneuver" against the Chancellorsville.


upi--2020-01-10--Losing 'tongue fat' could ease sleep apnea

Jan. 10 -- People with sleep apnea are often told to lose weight to ease their symptoms .
Now a new study suggests that shedding fat in a particular trouble spot may be key : the tongue .
If you did n't know the tongue harbors body fat , you 're probably not alone .
`` Most people are n't thinking about tongue fat , '' said senior researcher Dr. Richard Schwab , chief of sleep medicine at the University of Pennsylvania .
When it comes to sleep apnea , however , the anatomy of the tongue may be critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is a disorder in which the muscles of the throat fail to keep the airways open during sleep .
That results in repeated interruptions in breathing -- along with symptoms such as loud snoring and daytime grogginess due to poor sleep .
OSA is common -- affecting an estimated 25 million Americans , according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine .
While it can affect people at any weight , obesity raises the risk .
Not everyone who is obese develops OSA , though .
And in a 2014 study , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compare obese individuals with and without sleep apnea , those with the disorder typically have larger tongues with more fat tissue .
That brought up the question of whether losing tongue fat improves sleep apnea .
Weight loss is known to help ease the condition , Schwab said -- but the precise pathways are not completely clear .
To see whether trimmer tongues might be one , his team studied 67 OSA patients who were obese and went through a weight-loss program -- with either surgery or lifestyle changes alone .
In all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- about 14 percent of their starting weight , on average .
The other 20 patients gained weight or remained stable .
Not surprisingly , patients who lost weight showed improvement in their sleep apnea : Before the study , they were having an average of 41 apnea `` events '' -- pauses in breathing -- every hour as they slept .
After losing weight , that dropped to fewer than 19 per hour .
But MRI images done before and after the weight loss revealed some finer details : There was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and patients ' symptom improvement .
In fact , slimmer tongues explained about 30 percent of the benefit of patients ' weight loss .
People who lost weight also showed reductions in certain jaw and airway muscles -- and those changes , too , seemed to improve apnea symptoms .
But tongue fat was a more important factor .
The results were published Jan. 10 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine .
The findings are `` not really surprising , '' said Dr. Sabra Abbott , an assistant professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago .
She was not part of the study .
Given the nature of sleep apnea , she said , it makes sense that such changes in the anatomy of the upper airways would improve symptoms .
`` This should n't take away from the importance of overall weight loss , '' Abbott said .
Not only will it ease apnea symptoms , she noted , but it should also be a boon to a person 's general health .
Plus , Abbott pointed out , there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tongue fat .
`` Until someone comes up with a tongue-selective form of fat loss , you have to lose overall body weight , '' she said .
Schwab said that tongue liposuction is not in the cards .
For one , the tongue does not hold big depots of fat that can easily be removed .
`` It 's more like a steak that 's marbled , '' he explained .
But Schwab does not discount the possibility of tongue-targeting therapies .
One question , he said , is whether specific diet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or fat loss , in the tongue .
He also noted that certain upper-airway exercises can improve sleep apnea -- which he said raises the question , does tongue fat change when you do these exercises ?
Finally , Schwab said studies might investigate noninvasive `` cold therapy , '' which is sometimes used to reduce small pockets of body fat by `` freezing '' and breaking down fat cells .
But Abbott was skeptical about cold therapy for the tongue .
`` I would n't want to be the first person to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Both doctors , however , said the findings underscore the value of weight loss for obese patients with OSA .
There are various treatments for the condition , including CPAP breathing machines and oral appliances worn during sleep .
`` But weight loss is the only way we have to cure it , '' Abbott said .
The National Sleep Foundation has more on sleep apnea .

Jan. 10 -- People with sleep apnea are often told to lose weight to ease their symptoms. Now a new study suggests that shedding fat in a particular trouble spot may be key: the tongue.
If you didn't know the tongue harbors body fat, you're probably not alone.
Advertisement
"Most people aren't thinking about tongue fat," said senior researcher Dr. Richard Schwab, chief of sleep medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
When it comes to sleep apnea, however, the anatomy of the tongue may be critical.
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a disorder in which the muscles of the throat fail to keep the airways open during sleep. That results in repeated interruptions in breathing -- along with symptoms such as loud snoring and daytime grogginess due to poor sleep.
OSA is common -- affecting an estimated 25 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. While it can affect people at any weight, obesity raises the risk.
Advertisement
Not everyone who is obese develops OSA, though. And in a 2014 study, Schwab's team found that when you compare obese individuals with and without sleep apnea, those with the disorder typically have larger tongues with more fat tissue.
That brought up the question of whether losing tongue fat improves sleep apnea.
Weight loss is known to help ease the condition, Schwab said -- but the precise pathways are not completely clear.
To see whether trimmer tongues might be one, his team studied 67 OSA patients who were obese and went through a weight-loss program -- with either surgery or lifestyle changes alone.
In all, 47 managed to shed some pounds -- about 14 percent of their starting weight, on average. The other 20 patients gained weight or remained stable.
Not surprisingly, patients who lost weight showed improvement in their sleep apnea: Before the study, they were having an average of 41 apnea "events" -- pauses in breathing -- every hour as they slept. After losing weight, that dropped to fewer than 19 per hour.
But MRI images done before and after the weight loss revealed some finer details: There was a direct correlation between loss of tongue fat and patients' symptom improvement.
Advertisement
In fact, slimmer tongues explained about 30 percent of the benefit of patients' weight loss.
People who lost weight also showed reductions in certain jaw and airway muscles -- and those changes, too, seemed to improve apnea symptoms. But tongue fat was a more important factor.
The results were published Jan. 10 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
The findings are "not really surprising," said Dr. Sabra Abbott, an assistant professor of sleep medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. She was not part of the study.
Given the nature of sleep apnea, she said, it makes sense that such changes in the anatomy of the upper airways would improve symptoms.
"This shouldn't take away from the importance of overall weight loss," Abbott said. Not only will it ease apnea symptoms, she noted, but it should also be a boon to a person's general health.
Plus, Abbott pointed out, there's no way to "spot reduce" tongue fat. "Until someone comes up with a tongue-selective form of fat loss, you have to lose overall body weight," she said.
Schwab said that tongue liposuction is not in the cards. For one, the tongue does not hold big depots of fat that can easily be removed.
Advertisement
"It's more like a steak that's marbled," he explained.
But Schwab does not discount the possibility of tongue-targeting therapies. One question, he said, is whether specific diet compositions affect the amount of fat, or fat loss, in the tongue.
He also noted that certain upper-airway exercises can improve sleep apnea -- which he said raises the question, does tongue fat change when you do these exercises?
Finally, Schwab said studies might investigate noninvasive "cold therapy," which is sometimes used to reduce small pockets of body fat by "freezing" and breaking down fat cells.
But Abbott was skeptical about cold therapy for the tongue. "I wouldn't want to be the first person to have that," she said.
Both doctors, however, said the findings underscore the value of weight loss for obese patients with OSA.
There are various treatments for the condition, including CPAP breathing machines and oral appliances worn during sleep. "But weight loss is the only way we have to cure it," Abbott said.
More information
The National Sleep Foundation has more on sleep apnea.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-01-10--House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to send impeachment articles to Senate next week

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday she plans to send two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate next week , ending a weeks-long impasse with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell .
The Democrat from California has delayed sending the articles to the Senate after the House voted to impeach Trump on Dec. 18 .
Earlier this week , Pelosi said she 'd withhold the articles until McConnell unveiled a resolution detailing the guidelines for the Senate impeachment trial .
She suggested an end to the standoff Friday .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be prepared to bring to the floor next week a resolution to appoint managers and transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate , '' she wrote in a letter to House Democrats Friday .
Despite the concession , Pelosi again took aim at McConnell for trying to `` stonewall a fair trial '' for Trump .
On Thursday , he showed support for a resolution to dismiss the charges against Trump .
`` A dismissal is a coverup and deprives the American people of the truth , '' Pelosi wrote .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indication of the fear that he and President Trump have regarding the facts of the president 's violations for which he was impeached .
`` Clearly , Leader McConnell does not want to present witnesses and documents to Senators and the American people so they can make an independent judgment about the President 's actions . ''
McConnell said Tuesday he had enough votes in the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial without first making a decision on whether to call witnesses sought by Democrats .
He said the question of witnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case .
Responding to Pelosi 's plans to send the articles next week , McConnell told reporters , `` about time . ''
Pelosi did n't say exactly when , however , the House would send them over .

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi accused Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of stonewalling the impeachment process. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday she plans to send two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate next week, ending a weeks-long impasse with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. The Democrat from California has delayed sending the articles to the Senate after the House voted to impeach Trump on Dec. 18. Earlier this week, Pelosi said she'd withhold the articles until McConnell unveiled a resolution detailing the guidelines for the Senate impeachment trial. Advertisement
She suggested an end to the standoff Friday.
"I have asked judiciary committee Chairman Jerry Nadler to be prepared to bring to the floor next week a resolution to appoint managers and transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate," she wrote in a letter to House Democrats Friday.
Despite the concession, Pelosi again took aim at McConnell for trying to "stonewall a fair trial" for Trump. On Thursday, he showed support for a resolution to dismiss the charges against Trump.
"A dismissal is a coverup and deprives the American people of the truth," Pelosi wrote. "Leader McConnell's tactics are a clear indication of the fear that he and President Trump have regarding the facts of the president's violations for which he was impeached.
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"Clearly, Leader McConnell does not want to present witnesses and documents to Senators and the American people so they can make an independent judgment about the President's actions."
McConnell said Tuesday he had enough votes in the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial without first making a decision on whether to call witnesses sought by Democrats. He said the question of witnesses will be decided after opening arguments in the case.
Responding to Pelosi's plans to send the articles next week, McConnell told reporters, "about time." Pelosi didn't say exactly when, however, the House would send them over.


upi--2020-01-10--Iraq asks Trump administration to start planning U.S. troop withdrawal

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi wants U.S. President Donald Trump 's chief diplomat to send a team to Iraq and come up with a plan to withdraw American troops from the Middle Eastern nation , Mahdi 's office said Friday .
The prime minister 's office said Mahdi asked U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call Thursday to send delegates to `` lay down the mechanisms '' for safely withdrawing troops from Iraq , where the American military has had a presence for more than 15 years .
Mahdi 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unanimously passed by Iraqi lawmakers last weekend , which calls for the government to end the `` presence of all foreign troops on Iraqi soil . ''
The vote , which was boycotted by Sunni Arab and Kurdish lawmakers , followed a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad that killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and the leader of an Iraqi militia allied with Iran .
During his conversation with Pompeo , Mahdi rejected `` all operations that violate [ Iraq 's ] sovereignty , '' including Iranian missile attacks on Wednesday that targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office said .
He also lodged a complaint about U.S. forces and drones entering Iraq `` without permission . ''
Iraq 's description of Mahdi 's call with Pompeo differed from a readout supplied by by the U.S. State Department -- which makes no mention of a request for a U.S. withdrawal or troop movements , CBS News reported Friday .
Meanwhile , protesters returned to the streets of Iraq on Friday .
Thousands rallied in Baghdad 's Tahrir Square , reviving a months-long protest movement against the government and adding criticism of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their chants .
Demonstrators have been demanding regime change , amendments to the constitution and efforts to curb widespread poverty and corruption .
Trump has threatened to sanction Iraq economically if it asks for the withdrawal of U.S. troops .
`` We 've spent a lot of money in Iraq , '' he said last weekend .
`` We will charge them sanctions like they 've never seen before ever .
It 'll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame . ''
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday the United States has n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His remarks followed reports of a U.S. Army memo that told Baghdad American troops were preparing for an exit .

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Iraqi anti-government demonstrators carry a national flag as they protest in Baghdad's Tahrir square on Friday. Thousands of Iraqis rallied across the country, reviving a months-long protest movement against the government and adding criticism of the United States and Iran to their chants. Photo by Humam Mohamed/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi wants U.S. President Donald Trump's chief diplomat to send a team to Iraq and come up with a plan to withdraw American troops from the Middle Eastern nation, Mahdi's office said Friday. The prime minister's office said Mahdi asked U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call Thursday to send delegates to "lay down the mechanisms" for safely withdrawing troops from Iraq, where the American military has had a presence for more than 15 years. Advertisement
Mahdi's office referred to a non-binding resolution that was unanimously passed by Iraqi lawmakers last weekend, which calls for the government to end the "presence of all foreign troops on Iraqi soil."
The vote, which was boycotted by Sunni Arab and Kurdish lawmakers, followed a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad that killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and the leader of an Iraqi militia allied with Iran.
During his conversation with Pompeo, Mahdi rejected "all operations that violate [Iraq's] sovereignty," including Iranian missile attacks on Wednesday that targeted two U.S. bases in Iraq, his office said. He also lodged a complaint about U.S. forces and drones entering Iraq "without permission."
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Iraq's description of Mahdi's call with Pompeo differed from a readout supplied by by the U.S. State Department -- which makes no mention of a request for a U.S. withdrawal or troop movements, CBS News reported Friday.
Meanwhile, protesters returned to the streets of Iraq on Friday. Thousands rallied in Baghdad's Tahrir Square, reviving a months-long protest movement against the government and adding criticism of both the United States and Iran to their chants.
Demonstrators have been demanding regime change, amendments to the constitution and efforts to curb widespread poverty and corruption.
Trump has threatened to sanction Iraq economically if it asks for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
"We've spent a lot of money in Iraq," he said last weekend. "We will charge them sanctions like they've never seen before ever. It'll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame."
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday the United States hasn't decided whether to recall troops from Iraq. His remarks followed reports of a U.S. Army memo that told Baghdad American troops were preparing for an exit.
UPI photographer Humam Mohamed contributed to this report.


upi--2020-01-10--Oliver Luck: High-scoring XFL to have fantasy football component

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Commissioner Oliver Luck says the XFL 's new rules are designed to create fast-paced and high-scoring games .
The XFL is also talking to several providers to make fantasy football an in-game component .
The XFL -- a planned professional football league -- originally started in 2001 , but lasted one season .
WWE chairman Vince McMahon relaunched the league in January , with the new season to kick off Feb. 8 .
Luck and XFL head of officiating Dean Blandino worked to create the league 's rules .
Blandino previously served as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The XFL engaged with focus groups to create the rule book , finding fans wanted a faster game with more rhythm and flow compared to other football leagues .
`` We took that information and said , 'How can we build our league around a game that is uptempo and fast-paced and has the same number of plays of an NFL or major college game , that is exciting and ideally high-scoring ?
How can we develop that game ? '
All of the innovations we did are grounded in that rationale .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , feature major differences compared to the NFL .
Teams have three options after scoring a touchdown .
They can opt for a 1-point play from the 2-yard line , a 2-point play from the 3-yard line or a 3-point play from the 10-yard line .
There is no option to kick an extra point .
XFL teams will play shootout style in overtime , with each team getting five single-play possessions from the 5-yard line .
Teams are allowed to have two forward passes per offensive play , compared to the one-pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer will be glued to the TV , deciding if a player got at least two feet down after making a catch , as the XFL requires just one foot in-bounds .
The game clock will keep moving even after an incomplete pass or a player goes out of bounds , except during the final two minutes of each half .
The XFL is targeting 2-hour , 45-minute game times , nearly 30 minutes shorter than an NFL game .
The rule tweaks should also be more exciting for fantasy football players .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a long layoff following the Super Bowl , but will now be able to play during the NFL off-season .
`` We are in discussions with a number of potential fantasy providers , '' Luck said .
`` I ca n't give a timeline .
Obviously , we start the season in 30 days .
We need to get it announced and done by then , but there will be a fantasy component to our league . ''
Luck -- who was an NFL quarterback before his career as an executive in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing in the XFL .
`` I put my old player helmet on sometimes , '' Luck said .
`` I would absolutely love to play quarterback in this league .
`` I like that we are going to be playing with tempo .
I think that rewards the teams that are prepared .
...
I think there are some strategies we are going to be watching closely .
Anytime you bring additional strategy to the game , fans like it . ''
While Andrew Luck is n't officially tied to the NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dad input during the XFL 's development .
The former Indianapolis Colts quarterback retired from the NFL in August and welcomed his first child in November .
`` We spent a lot of time together , so I would ask him his thoughts on this or that , '' Oliver Luck said .
`` He was n't a formal adviser , but we certainly have chatted about it over a cup of coffee or a beer . ''
Despite seeking advice from the former NFL star , Oliver Luck said the league wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world 's most popular football league .
NFL fans will likely stop at some names when scanning an XFL roster .
Former Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Landry Jones , ex-Carolina Panthers running back Cameron Artis-Payne and ex-Buffalo Bills quarterback Cardale Jones are a few of the players on rosters who have NFL experience .
Dozens of other players in the league are fighting for playing time to catch the eye of NFL executives .
Luck is aware of players ' goals , but the XFL does n't want to simply be a feeder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to do is build what we like to call a standalone , sustainable league , with league brand identity and our teams having brand identity in our markets , '' Luck said .
`` Our goal is not to develop players for another league .
`` Having said that , we recognize that a lot of players in our league -- guys in training camp right now in Houston , probably the vast majority of them -- view our league as not just a place to play football , earn a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a place to showcase their talents with the goal of getting an NFL opportunity .
`` Most of our guys have been through an NFL camp or two or three .
What we are trying to build with our franchises is a standalone brand that we want .
Players play for lots of different reasons . ''

Oliver Luck was named commissioner and CEO of the XFL in June. Photo courtesy of the XFL
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Commissioner Oliver Luck says the XFL's new rules are designed to create fast-paced and high-scoring games. The XFL is also talking to several providers to make fantasy football an in-game component. The XFL -- a planned professional football league -- originally started in 2001, but lasted one season. WWE chairman Vince McMahon relaunched the league in January, with the new season to kick off Feb. 8. Advertisement
Luck and XFL head of officiating Dean Blandino worked to create the league's rules. Blandino previously served as the NFL's vice president of officiating. The XFL engaged with focus groups to create the rule book, finding fans wanted a faster game with more rhythm and flow compared to other football leagues.
"We took that information and said, 'How can we build our league around a game that is uptempo and fast-paced and has the same number of plays of an NFL or major college game, that is exciting and ideally high-scoring? How can we develop that game?' All of the innovations we did are grounded in that rationale."
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Rule differences
The XFL rules, revealed Tuesday, feature major differences compared to the NFL. Teams have three options after scoring a touchdown. They can opt for a 1-point play from the 2-yard line, a 2-point play from the 3-yard line or a 3-point play from the 10-yard line. There is no option to kick an extra point.
XFL teams will play shootout style in overtime, with each team getting five single-play possessions from the 5-yard line. Teams are allowed to have two forward passes per offensive play, compared to the one-pass limit in other leagues.
Fans no longer will be glued to the TV, deciding if a player got at least two feet down after making a catch, as the XFL requires just one foot in-bounds. The game clock will keep moving even after an incomplete pass or a player goes out of bounds, except during the final two minutes of each half.
Quick games
The XFL is targeting 2-hour, 45-minute game times, nearly 30 minutes shorter than an NFL game. The rule tweaks should also be more exciting for fantasy football players. Many fans of the virtual game typically have a long layoff following the Super Bowl, but will now be able to play during the NFL off-season.
Advertisement
"We are in discussions with a number of potential fantasy providers," Luck said. "I can't give a timeline. Obviously, we start the season in 30 days. We need to get it announced and done by then, but there will be a fantasy component to our league."
Luck -- who was an NFL quarterback before his career as an executive in multiple leagues -- said he would enjoy playing in the XFL.
"I put my old player helmet on sometimes," Luck said. "I would absolutely love to play quarterback in this league.
"I like that we are going to be playing with tempo. I think that rewards the teams that are prepared. ... I think there are some strategies we are going to be watching closely. Anytime you bring additional strategy to the game, fans like it."
Son Andrew gave advice
While Andrew Luck isn't officially tied to the NFL or XFL, he did give his dad input during the XFL's development. The former Indianapolis Colts quarterback retired from the NFL in August and welcomed his first child in November.
"We spent a lot of time together, so I would ask him his thoughts on this or that," Oliver Luck said. "He wasn't a formal adviser, but we certainly have chatted about it over a cup of coffee or a beer."
Advertisement
Despite seeking advice from the former NFL star, Oliver Luck said the league wants to build a model independent of the world's most popular football league.
XFL a standalone league
NFL fans will likely stop at some names when scanning an XFL roster. Former Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Landry Jones, ex-Carolina Panthers running back Cameron Artis-Payne and ex-Buffalo Bills quarterback Cardale Jones are a few of the players on rosters who have NFL experience.
Dozens of other players in the league are fighting for playing time to catch the eye of NFL executives. Luck is aware of players' goals, but the XFL doesn't want to simply be a feeder for the NFL.
"What we want to do is build what we like to call a standalone, sustainable league, with league brand identity and our teams having brand identity in our markets," Luck said. "Our goal is not to develop players for another league.
"Having said that, we recognize that a lot of players in our league -- guys in training camp right now in Houston, probably the vast majority of them -- view our league as not just a place to play football, earn a little money and have fun, but also a place to showcase their talents with the goal of getting an NFL opportunity.
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"Most of our guys have been through an NFL camp or two or three. What we are trying to build with our franchises is a standalone brand that we want. Players play for lots of different reasons."


upi--2020-01-10--Democrat Marianne Williamson ends presidential campaign

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- The field of Democratic presidential candidates got smaller Friday , with the departure of author Marianne Williamson .
In an announcement by her campaign , Williamson cited a critical lack of support for the decision to end her White House bid .
After participating in the first two , she failed to qualify for the party 's last four primary debates .
A spiritual adviser who 's written self-help books , who often spoke of love as the ideal strategy for challenging President Donald Trump in November , is the 14th Democratic candidate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she does n't want to be an obstacle to front-running candidates in early voting states like New Hampshire and Iowa .
`` We will not be able to garner enough votes in the election to elevate our conversation any more than it is now , '' she said .
`` The primaries might be tightly contested among the top contenders , and I do n't want to get in the way of a progressive candidate winning any of them .
As of today , therefore , I 'm suspending my campaign . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unveiled a platform that included reparations for minorities historically affected by slavery , and creating a Cabinet-level `` Department of Peace . ''
Although she failed to qualify for the recent debates -- and has averaged less than 1 percent in polling -- her campaign raised $ 6.1 million over the first three quarters of 2019 .
At July 's debate in Detroit , Williamson called the primary process `` wonky . ''
`` If you think any of this wonkiness is going to deal with this dark psychic force of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in this country , then I 'm afraid that the Democrats are going to see some very dark days , '' she said .
Williamson sought political office once before , in 2014 as an independent candidate for California 's 33rd congressional District , but lost to then-Democratic incumbent Rep. Henry Waxman .
She is perhaps best known for 12 self-help books she 's written and her acquaintances with celebrities including Oprah Winfrey .
`` To the remaining Democratic candidates , I wish you all my best on the road ahead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an honor being among you .
`` Whichever one of you wins the nomination , I will be there with all my energy and in full support . ''

Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson (L) speaks at a primary debate in Detroit, Mich., on July 30, 2019. She attended the first two debates but failed to qualify for the next four after the party tightened participation requirements. File Photo by Edward M. PioRoda/CNN/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The field of Democratic presidential candidates got smaller Friday, with the departure of author Marianne Williamson. In an announcement by her campaign, Williamson cited a critical lack of support for the decision to end her White House bid. After participating in the first two, she failed to qualify for the party's last four primary debates. Advertisement
A spiritual adviser who's written self-help books, who often spoke of love as the ideal strategy for challenging President Donald Trump in November, is the 14th Democratic candidate to quit the race.
Williamson also said she doesn't want to be an obstacle to front-running candidates in early voting states like New Hampshire and Iowa.
"We will not be able to garner enough votes in the election to elevate our conversation any more than it is now," she said. "The primaries might be tightly contested among the top contenders, and I don't want to get in the way of a progressive candidate winning any of them. As of today, therefore, I'm suspending my campaign."
Williamson announced her campaign last April, and unveiled a platform that included reparations for minorities historically affected by slavery, and creating a Cabinet-level "Department of Peace."
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Although she failed to qualify for the recent debates -- and has averaged less than 1 percent in polling -- her campaign raised $6.1 million over the first three quarters of 2019.
At July's debate in Detroit, Williamson called the primary process "wonky."
"If you think any of this wonkiness is going to deal with this dark psychic force of the collectivized hatred that this president is bringing up in this country, then I'm afraid that the Democrats are going to see some very dark days," she said.
Williamson sought political office once before, in 2014 as an independent candidate for California's 33rd congressional District, but lost to then-Democratic incumbent Rep. Henry Waxman. She is perhaps best known for 12 self-help books she's written and her acquaintances with celebrities including Oprah Winfrey.
"To the remaining Democratic candidates, I wish you all my best on the road ahead," she added Friday. "It was an honor being among you.
"Whichever one of you wins the nomination, I will be there with all my energy and in full support."


upi--2020-01-10--NCT 127 to perform at Houston rodeo in March

Event organizers announced in a press release Thursday that the K-pop group will take the stage March 10 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo .
RodeoHouston runs from March 3-22 .
Other performers include Willie Nelson , Becky G , Maren Morris , Chris Young , Kane Brown , Keith Urban , Gwen Stefani , Khalid , Chris Stapleton , Brad Paisley and Luke Bryan .
`` The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is proud to bring such a wide range of musical genres to the RodeoHouston stage , '' rodeo president Joel Cowley said .
NCT 127 will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the rodeo , which takes place annually at NRG Stadium .
The stadium seats over 70,000 people , with 200,000 people expected to attend this year 's rodeo .
NCT 127 consists of Taeil , Johnny , Taeyong , Yuta , Doyoung , Jaehyun , Winwin , Jungwoo , Mark and Haechan .
The group is a subunit of the boy band NCT .
NCT 127 is known for the singles `` Cherry Bomb , '' `` Touch , '' `` Regular '' and `` Superhuman . ''
The group released the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

NCT 127 will become the first Korean act to perform at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- South Korean boy band NCT 127 will perform at 2020 RodeoHouston. Event organizers announced in a press release Thursday that the K-pop group will take the stage March 10 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Advertisement
RodeoHouston runs from March 3-22. Other performers include Willie Nelson, Becky G, Maren Morris, Chris Young, Kane Brown, Keith Urban, Gwen Stefani, Khalid, Chris Stapleton, Brad Paisley and Luke Bryan.
"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is proud to bring such a wide range of musical genres to the RodeoHouston stage," rodeo president Joel Cowley said.
ICYMI: Here are the first 17 artists of the official 2020 #RODEOHOUSTON entertainer lineup! Tickets on sale Thursday, Jan. 16! pic.twitter.com/Ou9nkouvxb— RODEOHOUSTON (@RODEOHOUSTON) January 10, 2020
NCT 127 will be the first Korean act to perform at the rodeo, which takes place annually at NRG Stadium. The stadium seats over 70,000 people, with 200,000 people expected to attend this year's rodeo.
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NCT 127 consists of Taeil, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Winwin, Jungwoo, Mark and Haechan. The group is a subunit of the boy band NCT.
NCT 127 is known for the singles "Cherry Bomb," "Touch," "Regular" and "Superhuman." The group released the EP We Are Superhuman in May.


upi--2020-01-10--Navy releases plan to improve recruitment, retention of civilian workforce

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- A newly released Navy report said the branch needs to be ready to compete with other organizations when recruiting its civilian workforce .
According to the report , released Thursday , trends like low unemployment and rising wages are making it more difficult to staff civilian positions .
`` We are implementing a new human capital strategy to better access and curate best in class talent , '' acting secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly said in a press release .
`` This strategy was developed leveraging leading private sector business practices designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs in support of this strategy will begin this year . ''
The Department of the Navy 2019 Civilian Human Capital Strategy includes five major anchors : access and curate the best-in-class talent , develop skills for the future , harness the power of data , strengthen the bench of talent and enable a technology-augmented workforce .
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Manpower and Reserve Affairs Greg Slavonic told reporters each anchor will have pilot programs , the first of which will be kicked off within six months , to explore ways the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` For top data science and cybersecurity talent , competition from tech giants like Google , Amazon , and Apple further challenge the DON 's ability to compete for 'hot ' or niche skills , '' the report said .
`` The Department recognizes that it can not offer the pay or perhaps some of the unique perks that these companies offer .
But it can offer something different : the mission-coupled with the experience . ''
The Navy 's civilian workforce includes about 220,000 workers , including ship and aircraft maintainers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others .

Sailors and civilian members of U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka Port Operations and Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center assist Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force auxiliary, multi-purpose support ship Enshu during a dry dock evolution for scheduled maintenance in this July photo. Photo by Ryo Isobe/U.S. Navy
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- A newly released Navy report said the branch needs to be ready to compete with other organizations when recruiting its civilian workforce. According to the report, released Thursday, trends like low unemployment and rising wages are making it more difficult to staff civilian positions. Advertisement
"We are implementing a new human capital strategy to better access and curate best in class talent," acting secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly said in a press release. "This strategy was developed leveraging leading private sector business practices designed for the new economy. Initial pilot programs in support of this strategy will begin this year."
The Department of the Navy 2019 Civilian Human Capital Strategy includes five major anchors: access and curate the best-in-class talent, develop skills for the future, harness the power of data, strengthen the bench of talent and enable a technology-augmented workforce.
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Manpower and Reserve Affairs Greg Slavonic told reporters each anchor will have pilot programs, the first of which will be kicked off within six months, to explore ways the Navy can improve its human relations practices.
"For top data science and cybersecurity talent, competition from tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Apple further challenge the DON's ability to compete for 'hot' or niche skills," the report said. "The Department recognizes that it cannot offer the pay or perhaps some of the unique perks that these companies offer. But it can offer something different: the mission-coupled with the experience."
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The Navy's civilian workforce includes about 220,000 workers, including ship and aircraft maintainers, scientists and engineers, acquisition professionals and others.


upi--2020-01-11--Famous birthdays for Jan. 11: Amanda Peet, Naomi Judd

Jan. 11 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Capricorn .
-- John @ @ @ @ @ of Canada , in 1815

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Amanda Peet arrives on the red carpet at the Season 8 premiere of "Game of Thrones" at Radio City Music Hall on April 3 in New York City. The actor turns 48 on January 11. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Capricorn. They include: Advertisement
-- Italian Mannerist painter Parmigianino in 1503
-- American statesman Alexander Hamilton in 1757
-- John MacDonald, first prime minister of Canada, in 1815
-- Department store founder Harry Gordon Selfridge Sr. in 1858
-- Feminist lawyer Alice Paul in 1885
File photo by Neftali/Shutterstock
-- South African novelist Alan Paton in 1903
-- Automobile designer Carroll Shelby in 1923
-- Actor Rod Taylor in 1930
-- Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien in 1934 (age 86)
-- Musician Clarence Clemons in 1942
-- Singer Naomi Judd in 1946 (age 74)
File Photo by Frederick Breedon/UPI
-- Author Jasper Fforde in 1961 (age 59)
-- Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Tracy Caulkins in 1963 (age 57)
-- Singer Mary J. Blige in 1971 (age 49)
-- Actor Amanda Peet in 1972 (age 48)
-- Actor Aja Naomi King in 1985 (age 35)
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-- Musican Cody Simpson in 1997 (age 23)
File Photo by Dennis Van Tine/UPI


upi--2020-01-11--On This Day, Jan. 11: Former Israeli PM Ariel Sharon dies at 85

Jan. 11 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1785 , the Continental Congress convened in New York City .
In 1861 , Alabama seceded from the United States .
In 1935 , aviator Amelia Earhart completed the first solo flight made between the Hawaiian Islands and the American mainland .
In 1949 , Los Angeles noted a record-setting snowfall , a rare event for the city 's semitropical climate .
A three-day storm in early 1949 dumped more than a foot of snow through much of the San Fernando and outlying valleys .
In 1964 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released a report saying smoking cigarettes is a definite `` health hazard . ''
In 1984 , the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated a $ 10 million award to the family of Oklahoma nuclear worker Karen Silkwood , who died in 1974 .
In 1990 , martial law , imposed during the June 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy movement , was lifted in Beijing .
In 1996 , the Japanese Diet elected Ryutaro Hashimoto , head of the Liberal Democratic Party , as prime minister .
In 2002 , Ford announced it planned to lay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ models and close four plants .
In 2011 , heavy rain in Brazil triggered floods and mudslides that killed more than 900 people and left an estimated 25,000 homeless .
In 2014 , former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon died at age 85 .
He had been in a coma for eight years following a massive stroke .
In 2018 , President Donald Trump stirred controversy when he used a vulgar term to describe Haiti , El Salvador and African nations during a bipartisan meeting on an immigration deal .
He questioned why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States .

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An Israeli defense officer carries a wreath beside the coffin of the late former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in the Knesset Plaza, Israel's Parliament, in Jerusalem, Israel, on January 12, 2014. Sharon died January 11, 2014. File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 11 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1785, the Continental Congress convened in New York City. Advertisement
In 1861, Alabama seceded from the United States.
In 1935, aviator Amelia Earhart completed the first solo flight made between the Hawaiian Islands and the American mainland.
In 1949, Los Angeles noted a record-setting snowfall, a rare event for the city's semitropical climate. A three-day storm in early 1949 dumped more than a foot of snow through much of the San Fernando and outlying valleys.
In 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry released a report saying smoking cigarettes is a definite "health hazard."
In 1984, the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated a $10 million award to the family of Oklahoma nuclear worker Karen Silkwood, who died in 1974.
In 1990, martial law, imposed during the June 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy movement, was lifted in Beijing.
In 1996, the Japanese Diet elected Ryutaro Hashimoto, head of the Liberal Democratic Party, as prime minister.
File Photo by Jason Szenes/UPI
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In 2002, Ford announced it planned to lay off 35,000 employees, drop four car models and close four plants.
In 2011, heavy rain in Brazil triggered floods and mudslides that killed more than 900 people and left an estimated 25,000 homeless.
In 2014, former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon died at age 85. He had been in a coma for eight years following a massive stroke.
In 2018, President Donald Trump stirred controversy when he used a vulgar term to describe Haiti, El Salvador and African nations during a bipartisan meeting on an immigration deal. He questioned why people from the areas immigrate to the United States.


upi--2020-01-10--Cleveland Indians, Francisco Lindor reach $17.5M deal to avoid arbitration

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor avoided salary arbitration after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Indians , the team announced Friday .
League sources told MLB Media and the Cleveland Plain Dealer that Lindor agreed to a one-year , $ 17.5 million contract with the Indians , who have rejected trade offers for the star shortstop this off-season .
The club did n't confirm financial details of the agreement .
It is the second-largest one-year deal for a player in his second season of arbitration eligibility .
Only Boston Red Sox star outfielder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his second year of arbitration ( $ 20 million in 2018 ) .
The Indians also announced the team avoided arbitration with Mike Clevinger ( $ 4.1 million ) and Nick Wittgren ( $ 1.125 million ) , and outfielders Tyler Naquin ( $ 1.45 million ) and Delino DeShields ( $ 1.875 million ) .
Lindor , who made $ 10.65 million last season , is under control of the Indians through the 2021 campaign .
The 26-year-old infielder recorded a .284 batting average with 32 home runs and 74 RBIs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs and stole 22 bases .

Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor is under control of the club through the 2021 season. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor avoided salary arbitration after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Indians, the team announced Friday. League sources told MLB Media and the Cleveland Plain Dealer that Lindor agreed to a one-year, $17.5 million contract with the Indians, who have rejected trade offers for the star shortstop this off-season. The club didn't confirm financial details of the agreement. Advertisement
It is the second-largest one-year deal for a player in his second season of arbitration eligibility. Only Boston Red Sox star outfielder Mookie Betts has signed a bigger contract in his second year of arbitration ($20 million in 2018).
The Indians also announced the team avoided arbitration with Mike Clevinger ($4.1 million) and Nick Wittgren ($1.125 million), and outfielders Tyler Naquin ($1.45 million) and Delino DeShields ($1.875 million).
Lindor, who made $10.65 million last season, is under control of the Indians through the 2021 campaign. The 26-year-old infielder recorded a .284 batting average with 32 home runs and 74 RBIs last season. He also scored 101 runs and stole 22 bases.


upi--2020-01-10--Kansas City Chiefs list Chris Jones, Travis Kelce as questionable vs. Texans

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- The Kansas City Chiefs listed defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce @ @ @ @ @ AFC divisional round playoff game against the Houston Texans .
Jones failed to practice Friday @ @ @ @ @ , according to the Chiefs ' official injury report .
Kansas City head coach Andy @ @ @ @ @ tweaked '' his calf during the week but did n't disclose how the defensive lineman @ @ @ @ @ a full participant in Wednesday 's practice and a limited participant Thursday .
Kelce was @ @ @ @ @ with a knee injury .
Jones has recorded 36 total tackles , nine sacks , @ @ @ @ @ passes defensed in 13 regular-season games this season and was named to his first Pro @ @ @ @ @ sacks in the 2018 campaign .
Kelce had 97 receptions for 1,229 yards and five @ @ @ @ @ this year .
The No .
2 seed Chiefs ( 12-4 ) will host the @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City .

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) didn't practice Friday because of a calf injury. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The Kansas City Chiefs listed defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce as questionable for Sunday's AFC divisional round playoff game against the Houston Texans. Jones failed to practice Friday because of a calf injury, according to the Chiefs' official injury report. Kansas City head coach Andy Reid told reporters Jones "tweaked" his calf during the week but didn't disclose how the defensive lineman was injured. Advertisement
Jones was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and a limited participant Thursday. Kelce was a limited participant all week with a knee injury.
Jones has recorded 36 total tackles, nine sacks, one forced fumble and four passes defensed in 13 regular-season games this season and was named to his first Pro Bowl. He notched 15.5 sacks in the 2018 campaign.
Kelce had 97 receptions for 1,229 yards and five touchdowns in 16 regular-season games this year.
The No. 2 seed Chiefs (12-4) will host the fourth-seeded Texans (10-6) on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.


upi--2020-01-10--Cody Bellinger agrees to record $11.5M deal with Los Angeles Dodgers

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers avoided arbitration with 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger , the team announced Friday .
League sources told ESPN and MLB Media that Bellinger agreed to a record $ 11.5 million deal with the Dodgers .
The club did n't disclose financial terms of the agreement .
The amount sets a record for a first-time-eligible player , surpassing the $ 10.85 million figure that Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant agreed to last year .
The Dodgers also announced one-year deals with shortstop Corey Seager ( $ 7.6 million ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitcher Julio Urias and utility player Kike Hernandez .
In the 2019 season , Bellinger recorded a .305 batting average with 47 home runs , 115 RBIs and 15 stolen bases , all career highs .
The 24-year-old slugger had a salary of $ 605,000 last season .
Bellinger also captured his first Gold Glove Award after playing elite defense in right field .
He became the first player in franchise history to win the Gold Glove , Silver Slugger and MVP in the same season .
Bellinger , the NL Rookie of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home runs and 288 RBIs in 450 career games , all with the Dodgers .

Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Cody Bellinger had 47 home runs and 15 stolen bases last season. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers avoided arbitration with 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger, the team announced Friday. League sources told ESPN and MLB Media that Bellinger agreed to a record $11.5 million deal with the Dodgers. The club didn't disclose financial terms of the agreement. Advertisement
The amount sets a record for a first-time-eligible player, surpassing the $10.85 million figure that Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant agreed to last year.
The Dodgers also announced one-year deals with shortstop Corey Seager ($7.6 million), right-handed pitcher Ross Stripling, left-handed pitcher Julio Urias and utility player Kike Hernandez.
In the 2019 season, Bellinger recorded a .305 batting average with 47 home runs, 115 RBIs and 15 stolen bases, all career highs. The 24-year-old slugger had a salary of $605,000 last season.
Bellinger also captured his first Gold Glove Award after playing elite defense in right field. He became the first player in franchise history to win the Gold Glove, Silver Slugger and MVP in the same season.
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Bellinger, the NL Rookie of the Year in 2017, has 111 home runs and 288 RBIs in 450 career games, all with the Dodgers.


upi--2020-01-10--Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs reach one-year, $18.6M agreement

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Third baseman Kris Bryant and the Chicago Cubs avoided arbitration after agreeing on a one-year settlement .
League sources told ESPN and MLB Media on Friday that Bryant agreed to a one-year , $ 18.6 million deal with the Cubs .
The club has n't confirmed financial details of the agreement .
Bryant , who was the subject of trade rumors this off-season , recorded a .282 batting average with 31 home runs and 77 RBIs last season .
He was eighth in the National League with 108 runs scored and finished 16th in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also has a service time grievance against the Cubs that was filed on his behalf by the MLBPA .
According to ESPN , that grievance is expected to be resolved in the next two weeks .
If Bryant wins the grievance , this would be his final arbitration year and he would become a free agent after the 2020 season .
The Cubs selected Bryant with the No .
2 overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft .
He was named NL Rookie of the Year in 2015 and NL Most Valuable Player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-year agreements with shortstop Javier Baez , left fielder Kyle Schwarber ( $ 7.01 million ) and center fielder Albert Almora Jr. ( $ 1.575 million ) , according to ESPN and MLB Media .

Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant had 31 home runs and 77 RBIs last season. File Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Third baseman Kris Bryant and the Chicago Cubs avoided arbitration after agreeing on a one-year settlement. League sources told ESPN and MLB Media on Friday that Bryant agreed to a one-year, $18.6 million deal with the Cubs. The club hasn't confirmed financial details of the agreement. Advertisement
Bryant, who was the subject of trade rumors this off-season, recorded a .282 batting average with 31 home runs and 77 RBIs last season. He was eighth in the National League with 108 runs scored and finished 16th in on-base percentage (.382).
Bryant also has a service time grievance against the Cubs that was filed on his behalf by the MLBPA. According to ESPN, that grievance is expected to be resolved in the next two weeks.
If Bryant wins the grievance, this would be his final arbitration year and he would become a free agent after the 2020 season.
The Cubs selected Bryant with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft. He was named NL Rookie of the Year in 2015 and NL Most Valuable Player in 2016.
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The Cubs also reached one-year agreements with shortstop Javier Baez, left fielder Kyle Schwarber ($7.01 million) and center fielder Albert Almora Jr. ($1.575 million), according to ESPN and MLB Media.


upi--2020-01-10--Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said dies at 79

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Qaboos bin Said al-Said , the sultan of Oman for nearly 50 years , @ @ @ @ @ reported .
He was 79 .
He had been in Belgium to receive treatment for @ @ @ @ @ said was suspected to be cancer .
He returned to Oman before the new year @ @ @ @ @ his home country .
Sultan Qaboos , who was unmarried , left no legal heirs @ @ @ @ @ Royal Family Council must choose a new leader within three days of Qaboos ' death @ @ @ @ @ holds the positions of prime minister , supreme commander of the armed forces , and @ @ @ @ @ and foreign affairs .
Qaboos took over control of Oman in a peaceful coup in @ @ @ @ @ father 's leadership .
Before that , he served in the British army in the @ @ @ @ @ When he came into power , Qaboos outlawed slavery and used the country 's oil @ @ @ @ @ through investments in schools , roads and hospitals .

Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said died Friday of suspected cancer. File Photo by Maryam Rahmanian/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Qaboos bin Said al-Said, the sultan of Oman for nearly 50 years, died Friday, state-run media reported. He was 79. He had been in Belgium to receive treatment for a medical condition the BBC said was suspected to be cancer. He returned to Oman before the new year so he could die in his home country. Advertisement
Officials in Oman declared a three-day period of mourning.
Sultan Qaboos, who was unmarried, left no legal heirs. The BBC reported the Royal Family Council must choose a new leader within three days of Qaboos' death.
Oman's sultan also holds the positions of prime minister, supreme commander of the armed forces, and minister of defense, finance and foreign affairs.
Qaboos took over control of Oman in a peaceful coup in 1970 after disagreements over his father's leadership. Before that, he served in the British army in the 1st Battalion The Cameronians.
When he came into power, Qaboos outlawed slavery and used the country's oil revenues to improve living standards through investments in schools, roads and hospitals.


upi--2020-01-10--Advanced Electronics awarded $17M for cyber protection for F-15SA for Saudi Arabia

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Advanced Electronics was awarded a $ 17 million contract modification to provide logistics support @ @ @ @ @ system for the Royal Saudi Air Force .
The deal modifies a previous $ 29.9 @ @ @ @ @ and related facilities , awarded in 2017 .
It funds three years of in-kingdom contractor @ @ @ @ @ protection system , as well as mobilization , de-mobilization , transportation and housing expenses for @ @ @ @ @ is a foreign military sales acquisition through the U.S. and Saudi Arabia , authorized in @ @ @ @ @ agreement that also authorized the sale and upgrade of several F-15 variant aircraft to the @ @ @ @ @ value of the contract is $ 150.8 million .
Advanced Electronics is a Riyadh-based electronics @ @ @ @ @ specialized in advanced electronics research for defense and communication .
It was established in 1988 @ @ @ @ @ government of Saudi Arabia .
In June 2019 the company was acquired by Saudi Arabian @ @ @

A Royal Saudi Air Force maintenance Airman walks around the F-15SA as other Airmen prepare the plane for its mission during Red Flag 19-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, in March. Advanced Electronics was awarded a $17 million contract modification to provide logistics support for the F-15SA for the Royal Saudi Air Force. Photo by Isaiah Soliz/U.S. Air Force
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Advanced Electronics was awarded a $17 million contract modification to provide logistics support for the F-15SA cyber protection system for the Royal Saudi Air Force. The deal modifies a previous $29.9 million contract for cyber protection and related facilities, awarded in 2017. Advertisement
It funds three years of in-kingdom contractor logistics support for the cyber protection system, as well as mobilization, de-mobilization, transportation and housing expenses for support personnel.
The contract is a foreign military sales acquisition through the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, authorized in 2015 as part of an agreement that also authorized the sale and upgrade of several F-15 variant aircraft to the kingdom.
The total cumulative value of the contract is $150.8 million.
Advanced Electronics is a Riyadh-based electronics research and manufacturing firm, specialized in advanced electronics research for defense and communication. It was established in 1988 under the directives of the government of Saudi Arabia. In June 2019 the company was acquired by Saudi Arabian Military Industries,


upi--2020-01-10--Philadelphia Eagles' Josh McCown played through torn hamstring vs. Seahawks

Jan. 10 ( UPI ) -- Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Josh McCown played the second half of Sunday 's NFC wild-card game against the Seattle Seahawks with a torn hamstring .
League sources told ESPN and the Philadelphia Inquirer on Friday that McCown is scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday .
It is expected to take about six months to fully recover , putting his 2020 season in question .
McCown , 40 , replaced Carson Wentz in the first quarter against the Seahawks .
Wentz exited with a concussion and was later ruled out for the remainder of the matchup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening half , including a memorable 11-yard run late in the second quarter that set up a field goal by Jake Elliott .
According to ESPN , the injury occurred in the second frame .
With third-string quarterback Nate Sudfeld inactive against Seattle , McCown finished the game .
He completed 18-of-24 passes for 174 yards and absorbed six sacks in the Eagles ' 17-9 loss .
After the game , McCown was emotional when reflecting on his NFL career .
`` This year has been nothing short of special for me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've really enjoyed it and have learned so much from so many people .
I 'm thankful to be a part of it .
As far as the future goes , we 'll see .
I have n't made any decisions yet .
I 'll get with my family and talk with them .
I retired once , so I know how to do that .
We 'll just see . ''
McCown has completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 17,731 yards , 98 touchdowns and 82 interceptions in 102 career games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Oakland Raiders , Carolina Panthers , Chicago Bears , Tampa Bay Buccaneers , Cleveland Browns , New York Jets and Eagles .

Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Josh McCown (18) suffered the injury in the second quarter Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Photo by Derik Hamilton/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Josh McCown played the second half of Sunday's NFC wild-card game against the Seattle Seahawks with a torn hamstring. League sources told ESPN and the Philadelphia Inquirer on Friday that McCown is scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday. It is expected to take about six months to fully recover, putting his 2020 season in question. Advertisement
McCown, 40, replaced Carson Wentz in the first quarter against the Seahawks. Wentz exited with a concussion and was later ruled out for the remainder of the matchup.
McCown scrambled multiple times in the opening half, including a memorable 11-yard run late in the second quarter that set up a field goal by Jake Elliott. According to ESPN, the injury occurred in the second frame.
With third-string quarterback Nate Sudfeld inactive against Seattle, McCown finished the game. He completed 18-of-24 passes for 174 yards and absorbed six sacks in the Eagles' 17-9 loss.
After the game, McCown was emotional when reflecting on his NFL career.
"This year has been nothing short of special for me," McCown told reporters. "I've really enjoyed it and have learned so much from so many people. I'm thankful to be a part of it. As far as the future goes, we'll see. I haven't made any decisions yet. I'll get with my family and talk with them. I retired once, so I know how to do that. We'll just see."
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McCown has completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 17,731 yards, 98 touchdowns and 82 interceptions in 102 career games between the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and Eagles.


upi--2020-01-11--Watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores first goal of AC Milan return

Jan. 11 ( UPI ) -- Swedish soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored in his first start since returning to former club AC Milan during a 2-0 win against Cagliari Saturday in Cagliari , Italy .
The score came in the 64th minute of the Serie A triumph .
Ibrahimovic left Milan in 2012 , before playing at Paris Saint-Germain , Manchester United and with the Los Angeles Galaxy .
He returned to the Italian club in December .
Ibrahimovic 's last goal for Milan came in 2012 .
`` I was worried because I did n't know how much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milan manager Stafano Pioli told reporters .
`` In the second half , I would ask him how he was feeling every five minutes .
`` I think he started the game a little tense and worried because it 's not easy to make the step up to this level again .
The league is very complicated and competitive , so it was n't easy .
But as time went on , I think he even improved his physical condition . ''
Milan and Cagliari played a scoreless first half before Milan forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 46th minute .
Samu Castillejo assisted the Leao strike .
Ibrahimovic scored the go-ahead goal less than 20 minutes later .
Milan left back Theo Hernandez tracked down a pass on the left flank before spotting Ibrahimovic during the second scoring sequence .
The Milan defender passed the ball back to Ibrahimovic , before Ibrahimovic used his first touch to smack a left-footed shot into the far-post netting , beating Cagliari keeper Robin Olsen .
Ibrahimovic , 38 , is the oldest player this season to score in Serie A. Milan battles SPAL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic's last goal for the club came in 2012, before he found the net again Saturday in Cagliari, Italy. Photo by Fabio Murru/EPA-EFE/FABIO MURRU
Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Swedish soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored in his first start since returning to former club AC Milan during a 2-0 win against Cagliari Saturday in Cagliari, Italy. The score came in the 64th minute of the Serie A triumph. Ibrahimovic left Milan in 2012, before playing at Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and with the Los Angeles Galaxy. He returned to the Italian club in December. Advertisement
Ibrahimovic's last goal for Milan came in 2012.
"I was worried because I didn't know how much of the match Zlatan could play," Milan manager Stafano Pioli told reporters. "In the second half, I would ask him how he was feeling every five minutes.
"I think he started the game a little tense and worried because it's not easy to make the step up to this level again. The league is very complicated and competitive, so it wasn't easy. But as time went on, I think he even improved his physical condition."
Milan and Cagliari played a scoreless first half before Milan forward Rafael Leao drew first blood in the 46th minute. Samu Castillejo assisted the Leao strike.
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Ibrahimovic scored the go-ahead goal less than 20 minutes later. Milan left back Theo Hernandez tracked down a pass on the left flank before spotting Ibrahimovic during the second scoring sequence.
The Milan defender passed the ball back to Ibrahimovic, before Ibrahimovic used his first touch to smack a left-footed shot into the far-post netting, beating Cagliari keeper Robin Olsen.
Ibrahimovic, 38, is the oldest player this season to score in Serie A. Milan battles SPAL at noon Wednesday in Milan, Italy.


upi--2020-01-11--Watch: Roberto Firmino blast lifts Liverpool over Tottenham Hotspur

Jan. 11 ( UPI ) -- Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino ripped a shot into the far-post netting in the first half for the only score of the game in Liverpool 's 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London .
The strike came in the 37th minute of the Premier League affair .
The Reds are now 16 points ahead of the field in the Premier League standings .
Liverpool 's 61 points is a Premier League record through 21 games .
`` When I went to [ Firmino ] and wanted to give him a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop and talk first , '' Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp said .
`` He said , ' I know I should have scored more goals . '
It was absolutely not what I wanted to say ! ''
The Reds and Spurs played an even first half before Liverpool drew first blood .
Tottenham failed to clear the ball out of the box after a Liverpool throw in during the sequence .
Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson headed the ball into the box , before Mohamed Salah gained control .
Salah then slid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left side of the box .
Firmino took a soft touch , separating himself from a defender , before ripping a left-footed shot into the right side of the net , beating Spurs goalie Paulo Gazzaniga .
Liverpool takes on Manchester United in another Premier League clash at 11:30 a.m. EST Jan. 19 at Anfield in Liverpool , England .
Tottenham faces Middlesbrough at 3:05 p.m. Tuesday in London .

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino (L) scored for the first time since Dec. 26 in the Reds win against Tottenham Hotspur Saturday in London. Photo by Neil Hall/EPA-EFE
Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino ripped a shot into the far-post netting in the first half for the only score of the game in Liverpool's 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The strike came in the 37th minute of the Premier League affair. The Reds are now 16 points ahead of the field in the Premier League standings. Liverpool's 61 points is a Premier League record through 21 games. Advertisement
"When I went to [Firmino] and wanted to give him a hug after the game, he wanted to stop and talk first," Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp said. "He said, 'I know I should have scored more goals.' It was absolutely not what I wanted to say!"
The Reds and Spurs played an even first half before Liverpool drew first blood. Tottenham failed to clear the ball out of the box after a Liverpool throw in during the sequence. Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson headed the ball into the box, before Mohamed Salah gained control. Salah then slid a short pass to Firmino on the left side of the box.
Firmino took a soft touch, separating himself from a defender, before ripping a left-footed shot into the right side of the net, beating Spurs goalie Paulo Gazzaniga.
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Liverpool takes on Manchester United in another Premier League clash at 11:30 a.m. EST Jan. 19 at Anfield in Liverpool, England. Tottenham faces Middlesbrough at 3:05 p.m. Tuesday in London.


upi--2020-01-11--At least 18 civilians dead after Syrian airstrikes on Idlib

Jan. 11 ( UPI ) -- Eighteen civilians were killed Saturday by Syrian strikes in the region of Idlib , according to the White Helmets civil defense agency .
The White Helmets tweeted that the Bashar al-Assad regime bombed the agency 's building after attacking civilians with five airstrikes .
According to a spokesperson for the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , seven people were killed in the city of Idlib , seven in Binish and four in the village of Nairab .
Dozens were also injured in the attack .
The strikes come just hours before a ceasefire announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia 's defense ministry also announced a ceasefire Thursday .
The two countries had agreed in September 2018 to turn Idlib into a de-escalation zone , but the Syrian regime has broken terms of the ceasefire numerous times , killing at least 1,300 civilians since then .
The country has been engaged in a civil war since early 2011 , when Assad 's regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests , killing hundreds of thousands and displacing 10 million others .
According to the Syrian Response Coordination Group , more than 200,000 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone .

Photo courtesy of the White Helmets /Twitter
Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Eighteen civilians were killed Saturday by Syrian strikes in the region of Idlib, according to the White Helmets civil defense agency. The White Helmets tweeted that the Bashar al-Assad regime bombed the agency's building after attacking civilians with five airstrikes. Advertisement After killing 18 people in #Idlib today, regime warplanes and helicopters bombed our center in #MaaratalNuman City and put it out of service, partial damage to the main building, in addition to complete destruction in the warehouse, without casualties among our volunteers. pic.twitter.com/ev774ZrVc9— The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) January 11, 2020
According to a spokesperson for the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, seven people were killed in the city of Idlib, seven in Binish and four in the village of Nairab.
Dozens were also injured in the attack.
The strikes come just hours before a ceasefire announced by Turkey was to take effect. Russia's defense ministry also announced a ceasefire Thursday.
The two countries had agreed in September 2018 to turn Idlib into a de-escalation zone, but the Syrian regime has broken terms of the ceasefire numerous times, killing at least 1,300 civilians since then.
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The country has been engaged in a civil war since early 2011, when Assad's regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests, killing hundreds of thousands and displacing 10 million others.
According to the Syrian Response Coordination Group, more than 200,000 people have been displaced from the country since November alone.