upi--2020-02-18--U.S. punish Russian company Rosneft for helping Venezuela evade sanctions

Feb. 18 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration said Tuesday it has leveled new sanctions against Russian company Rosneft Trading for actively helping Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro get around existing U.S. penalties .
Officials told reporters the new sanctions target all Rosneft assets in the United States and apply to anyone engaged in business with the Moscow-based firm , which is a subsidiary of Russian oil giant Rosneft .
Officials said the move allows 90 days for companies to `` wind down '' their relationship with Rosneft .
The administration accused Rosneft of overseeing the sale of Venezuelan oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of barrels onto other ships at sea so they would not be detected .
The White House said Rosneft is involved with trading an `` overwhelming amount '' of Venezuelan oil on markets headed for West Africa and Asia .
It also said the profits from the sales have been used to support Maduro 's military control in Caracas .
`` None of the resources have gone to the people , '' a senior White House official told reporters .
`` It 's going to the forces that help repress the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the sanctions .
Rosneft is headed by Igor Sechin , an associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin .
U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams told reporters that there would be further measures applied against the Maduro regime and those who prop him up in the coming weeks and months .
`` This is a campaign of pressure that began about 55 weeks ago , '' he said .
`` And the pressure continues to mount .
I would not say that any individual step can be calculated to bring an end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a very significant step and I think you will see companies all over the world in the oil sector now move away from dealing with Rosneft Trading . ''
Venezuela rejected the sanctions as an attack against its people .
`` The Bolivarian government of Venezuela firmly rejects the U.S. unilateral and illegal coercive measures against Rosneft Trading , '' Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said in a statement .
`` All these arbitrary actions are [ proof ] that crimes against humanity have been committed against the Venezuelan people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a U.S. campaign opposing Maduro , whose power over Venezuela has been under challenge for the past year .
The United States and many Western governments view Maduro 's presidency as illegitimate , stemming from electoral irregularities , and recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader .
Guaido visited the United States earlier this month and was recognized during Trump 's State of the Union address .

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido demonstrate in Caracas, Venezuela, on March 4, 2019. File Photo by Marcelo Perez/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The Trump administration said Tuesday it has leveled new sanctions against Russian company Rosneft Trading for actively helping Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro get around existing U.S. penalties. Officials told reporters the new sanctions target all Rosneft assets in the United States and apply to anyone engaged in business with the Moscow-based firm, which is a subsidiary of Russian oil giant Rosneft. Officials said the move allows 90 days for companies to "wind down" their relationship with Rosneft. Advertisement
The administration accused Rosneft of overseeing the sale of Venezuelan oil and going so far as to transfer millions of barrels onto other ships at sea so they would not be detected.
The White House said Rosneft is involved with trading an "overwhelming amount" of Venezuelan oil on markets headed for West Africa and Asia. It also said the profits from the sales have been used to support Maduro's military control in Caracas.
"None of the resources have gone to the people," a senior White House official told reporters. "It's going to the forces that help repress the people."
President Donald Trump signed off on the sanctions. Rosneft is headed by Igor Sechin, an associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams told reporters that there would be further measures applied against the Maduro regime and those who prop him up in the coming weeks and months.
"This is a campaign of pressure that began about 55 weeks ago," he said. "And the pressure continues to mount. I would not say that any individual step can be calculated to bring an end to the crisis, but I think this is a very significant step and I think you will see companies all over the world in the oil sector now move away from dealing with Rosneft Trading."
Venezuela rejected the sanctions as an attack against its people.
"The Bolivarian government of Venezuela firmly rejects the U.S. unilateral and illegal coercive measures against Rosneft Trading," Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said in a statement. "All these arbitrary actions are [proof] that crimes against humanity have been committed against the Venezuelan people."
Tuesday's sanctions are part of a U.S. campaign opposing Maduro, whose power over Venezuela has been under challenge for the past year. The United States and many Western governments view Maduro's presidency as illegitimate, stemming from electoral irregularities, and recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader.
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Guaido visited the United States earlier this month and was recognized during Trump's State of the Union address.


upi--2020-02-20--Watch: Conservation officers help free two elk trapped under haystack

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Conservation officers in British Columbia were summoned to a farm to help rescue two @ @ @ @ @ a collapsed haystack .
The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service said officers responded to a @ @ @ @ @ farmer spotted an animal trapped under a collapsed haystack .
Conservation officers arrived and identified @ @ @ @ @ elk that was barely visible through the hay .
They enlisted the help of the @ @ @ @ @ to move some of the hay from atop the animal and discovered there was a @ @ @ @ @ under the stack .
`` It is unknown how long the elk had been trapped @ @ @ @ @ freed and walked away , '' the conservation officer service said .
The officers said @ @ @ @ @ been eating hay from one side of the stack and caused it to become unbalanced @ @ @ @ @ animals .

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Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Conservation officers in British Columbia were summoned to a farm to help rescue two elk that became trapped under a collapsed haystack.
The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service said officers responded to a farm near Smithers where a farmer spotted an animal trapped under a collapsed haystack.
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Conservation officers arrived and identified the trapped animal as an elk that was barely visible through the hay. They enlisted the help of the farmer to use his tractor to move some of the hay from atop the animal and discovered there was a second elk trapped even deeper under the stack.
"It is unknown how long the elk had been trapped for, but they were freed and walked away," the conservation officer service said.
The officers said they suspect the elk had been eating hay from one side of the stack and caused it to become unbalanced and tip over onto the animals.


upi--2020-02-20--Lung diseases increased 18% worldwide in last 30 years

Lung diseases have been striking more people around the world in the past 30 years , new research shows .
And being from poor regions is the most important risk factor for respiratory trouble , the scientists added .
Aging and risk factors such as smoking , pollution and overweight or obesity are among the other major risk factors for chronic lung diseases , according to the analysis of data from 195 countries .
Researchers led by Dr. Min Xie , from Tongji Medical College and Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan , China , found that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rose 18 percent over the past three decades , from 3.3 million in 1990 to 3.9 million in 2017 .
The number of deaths increased with age and rose sharply among people aged 70 and older , and this age-related burden is likely to increase as the worldwide population ages , the researchers noted .
The most common chronic lung diseases are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) and asthma , but others such as pneumoconiosis ( lung disease due to dust inhalation ) , interstitial lung disease and pulmonary sarcoidosis ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also public health concerns worldwide .
The study was published Feb. 19 in the BMJ journal .
Overall , the highest rates of lung disease are in the poorest regions of the world .
Lower rates in wealthier countries are due to people having better access to health services and improved treatments , Xie and colleagues said .
Smoking is the leading risk factor for deaths and disability due to COPD and asthma .
In 2017 , smoking accounted for 1.4 million deaths .
The impact of smoking was particularly strong in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to improve tobacco control in developing countries , the study authors said .
Pollution from airborne particulate matter was the next most important risk factor for COPD .
Obesity accounted for the most deaths from asthma since 2013 , particularly in women .
`` As the prevalence of obesity continues to increase at a worrying rate worldwide , weight loss should be included in the management of obese patients with asthma , '' the researchers wrote in a journal news release .
The American Lung Association offers health tips for your lungs @

Lung diseases have been striking more people around the world in the past 30 years, new research shows.
And being from poor regions is the most important risk factor for respiratory trouble, the scientists added.
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Aging and risk factors such as smoking, pollution and overweight or obesity are among the other major risk factors for chronic lung diseases, according to the analysis of data from 195 countries.
Researchers led by Dr. Min Xie, from Tongji Medical College and Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, found that the number of deaths from chronic lung diseases rose 18 percent over the past three decades, from 3.3 million in 1990 to 3.9 million in 2017.
The number of deaths increased with age and rose sharply among people aged 70 and older, and this age-related burden is likely to increase as the worldwide population ages, the researchers noted.
The most common chronic lung diseases are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, but others such as pneumoconiosis (lung disease due to dust inhalation), interstitial lung disease and pulmonary sarcoidosis (due to lung scarring and inflammation) are also public health concerns worldwide. The study was published Feb. 19 in the BMJ journal.
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Overall, the highest rates of lung disease are in the poorest regions of the world. Lower rates in wealthier countries are due to people having better access to health services and improved treatments, Xie and colleagues said.
Smoking is the leading risk factor for deaths and disability due to COPD and asthma. In 2017, smoking accounted for 1.4 million deaths.
The impact of smoking was particularly strong in poorer areas, which shows the urgent need to improve tobacco control in developing countries, the study authors said.
Pollution from airborne particulate matter was the next most important risk factor for COPD.
Obesity accounted for the most deaths from asthma since 2013, particularly in women.
"As the prevalence of obesity continues to increase at a worrying rate worldwide, weight loss should be included in the management of obese patients with asthma," the researchers wrote in a journal news release.
More information
The American Lung Association offers health tips for your lungs.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-02-20--Hackers expose personal data of 10.6 million MGM Resorts guests

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Personal details of more than 10.6 million customers who stayed at MGM Resort hotels were published online this week , a technology website and security research team reported .
The technology news website ZDNet and researchers from the data breach monitoring service Under the Breach said Wednesday that hackers had dumped the personal details of millions of former hotel guests into an online forum , making them freely available to anyone with access .
Among the data distributed were personal and contact details for celebrities , tech CEOs , reporters , government officials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's largest tech companies , the website reported .
MGM Resorts officials later confirmed the breach in an email sent to media outlets , stating , `` We are confident that no financial , payment card or password data was involved in this matter .
MGM Resorts promptly notified guests potentially impacted by this incident in accordance with applicable state laws . ''
MGM Resorts is one of the biggest hotel-casino operators in Las Vegas , where its properties include the MGM Grand , the Bellagio , ARIA and the Mandalay Bay Resort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the data dump were Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey ; pop star Justin Bieber ; and Stephen Paddock , who killed 58 people after opening fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay , NBC News reported .
The incident bore resemblances to a 2018 data breach of Marriott International 's Starwood guest reservation database , which exposed the personal information of up to 500 million people .
in that case , the hackers accessed people 's names , addresses , phone numbers , email addresses , passport numbers , dates of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account information , and reservation information .
For some , they also stole payment card numbers and expiration dates .

MGM Resorts, owner of the Mandalay Bay Resort and other Las Vegas properties, confirmed it was hit by a massive data breach. File photo by Ronda Churchill/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Personal details of more than 10.6 million customers who stayed at MGM Resort hotels were published online this week, a technology website and security research team reported. The technology news website ZDNet and researchers from the data breach monitoring service Under the Breach said Wednesday that hackers had dumped the personal details of millions of former hotel guests into an online forum, making them freely available to anyone with access. Advertisement
Among the data distributed were personal and contact details for celebrities, tech CEOs, reporters, government officials, and employees at some of the world's largest tech companies, the website reported.
MGM Resorts officials later confirmed the breach in an email sent to media outlets, stating, "We are confident that no financial, payment card or password data was involved in this matter. MGM Resorts promptly notified guests potentially impacted by this incident in accordance with applicable state laws."
MGM Resorts is one of the biggest hotel-casino operators in Las Vegas, where its properties include the MGM Grand, the Bellagio, ARIA and the Mandalay Bay Resort.
Among the celebrities whose information appeared in the data dump were Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey; pop star Justin Bieber; and Stephen Paddock, who killed 58 people after opening fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay, NBC News reported.
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The incident bore resemblances to a 2018 data breach of Marriott International's Starwood guest reservation database, which exposed the personal information of up to 500 million people.
in that case, the hackers accessed people's names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, dates of birth, gender, Starwood loyalty program account information, and reservation information. For some, they also stole payment card numbers and expiration dates.


upi--2020-02-20--Look: Matthew Gray Gubler says goodbye to 'Criminal Minds'

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Criminal Minds star Matthew Gray Gubler is saying goodbye to the series as it comes to a close after 15 seasons .
The 39-year-old actor reflected in an Instagram post Wednesday ahead of the CBS show 's final episode , which aired in the evening .
Gubler , who played Spencer Reid throughout the series ' run , shared a photo of his character 's ID badge , gun and watch .
`` i 've carried these 3 props with me almost every day for the last 15 years .
after tonight i 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ i will forever keep memories of the best crew , the best cast , and the best fands ( fans/friends ) a fictional crimefighter could ever have , '' he captioned the post .
The series finale followed Reid and the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit as they sought to apprehend Everett Lynch ( Michael Mosley ) , aka The Chameleon , whom they ultimately killed .
The show ended with David Rossi ( Joe Mantegna ) putting off his retirement .
`` Tonight is the series finale of Criminal Minds !
A toast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
@ crimmindscbs , '' he wrote .
Paget Brewster , who portrayed Emily Prentiss , shared a picture Wednesday while watching the finale .
A.J .
Cook , who played Jennifer Jareau , had posted a slideshow of photos Tuesday .
`` Holy smokes I am so grateful for these moments .
This show and these people helped shape who I am today .
Beyond grateful .
Wednesday night will be one hell of a farewell .
You do n't want to miss it .
# criminalminds # cbs # family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starred Kirsten Vangsness , Aisha Tyler , Adam Rodriguez and Daniel Henney .
The series was created by Jeff Davis .

Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Criminal Minds star Matthew Gray Gubler is saying goodbye to the series as it comes to a close after 15 seasons.
The 39-year-old actor reflected in an Instagram post Wednesday ahead of the CBS show's final episode, which aired in the evening.
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Gubler, who played Spencer Reid throughout the series' run, shared a photo of his character's ID badge, gun and watch.
"i've carried these 3 props with me almost every day for the last 15 years. after tonight i'll just carry them in my heart where i will forever keep memories of the best crew, the best cast, and the best fands (fans/friends) a fictional crimefighter could ever have," he captioned the post.
The series finale followed Reid and the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit as they sought to apprehend Everett Lynch (Michael Mosley), aka The Chameleon, whom they ultimately killed. The show ended with David Rossi (Joe Mantegna) putting off his retirement.
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Mantegna posted a photo Wednesday from the cast's farewell party.
"Tonight is the series finale of Criminal Minds! A toast to the fans who made it all possible. @crimmindscbs," he wrote.
Paget Brewster, who portrayed Emily Prentiss, shared a picture Wednesday while watching the finale.
"CM finale..." she wrote.
A.J. Cook, who played Jennifer Jareau, had posted a slideshow of photos Tuesday.
"Holy smokes I am so grateful for these moments. This show and these people helped shape who I am today. Beyond grateful. Wednesday night will be one hell of a farewell. You don't want to miss it. #criminalminds #cbs #family #farewell."
Criminal Minds also starred Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez and Daniel Henney. The series was created by Jeff Davis.


upi--2020-02-20--Look: Herd of escaped bison wander Canadian town

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Residents of a northwest Alberta town are being warned to keep an eye out for unusual animals after a herd of bison escaped from a trailer .
The Hythe Fire Department posted a photo to Facebook showing two of the bison wandering through the town 's streets .
The post warned residents not to approach the animals .
The department said police and other agencies are participating in efforts to recapture the animals , which escaped from a trailer Tuesday night .
A total 15 bison escaped Tuesday night and eight of the animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners Wednesday .
Residents of the town posted photos and videos of sightings Wednesday .
Police warned residents to be wary of the large animals .
`` It can cause extensive damage , or severe harm to a motorist , if they hit an animal that size , '' RCMP Cpl .
Deanna Fontaine told CBC News .
`` They 're not the same as a cow or a bull that would be on a typical livestock environment , on a farm .
They 're still very much like wild animals . ''

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Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Residents of a northwest Alberta town are being warned to keep an eye out for unusual animals after a herd of bison escaped from a trailer.
The Hythe Fire Department posted a photo to Facebook showing two of the bison wandering through the town's streets. The post warned residents not to approach the animals.
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The department said police and other agencies are participating in efforts to recapture the animals, which escaped from a trailer Tuesday night. A total 15 bison escaped Tuesday night and eight of the animals were recaptured by authorities working with the owners Wednesday.
Residents of the town posted photos and videos of sightings Wednesday.
Police warned residents to be wary of the large animals.
"It can cause extensive damage, or severe harm to a motorist, if they hit an animal that size," RCMP Cpl. Deanna Fontaine told CBC News. "They're not the same as a cow or a bull that would be on a typical livestock environment, on a farm. They're still very much like wild animals."


upi--2020-02-20--U.S. spy plane flies over South Korea amid nuclear concerns

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- A U.S. spy plane flew over South Korea on Thursday amid concerns in the United States the North could be restarting operations at Yongbyon nuclear center .
Aircraft Spot , an aviation tracker , published data of the movements of the RC-135W , or Rivet Joint , on Thursday .
According to the tracker , the spy plane flew at an altitude of 31,000 feet in South Korean air space .
Flight time was not provided .
The Rivet Joint , designed to gather telemetry and other electronic intelligence data before missile launches , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent months .
The aircraft appeared on Jan. 6 , 7 , 8 , 21 , according to Yonhap news agency .
On Tuesday , a U.S. E-8C surveillance aircraft flew across South Korean airspace .
In December , Aircraft Spot tweeted data of the movements of the Rivet Joint when it flew at an altitude of 31,000 feet near North Korea .
In 2019 , North Korea had warned the United States to abide by a unilateral `` year-end deadline , '' a reference to its demands for sanctions relief ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In his New Year address , Kim Jong Un had vowed to introduce a `` new strategic weapon , '' raising concerns in South Korea the regime could be pursuing the development of multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles .
North Korea has mostly closed its border with China and Russia , but may be pursuing low levels of weapons activity .
According to U.S. analysts writing for 38 North , the regime 's Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center is showing `` minor activity . ''
`` There are four railroad flatcars present , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cylindrical containers , '' U.S. analysts said last week .
`` Their location and the lack of indicators at the Radiochemical Laboratory suggests that the rail cars are carrying nonradioactive materials , likely chemicals related to uranium conversion operations at the Radioisotope Production Plant . ''

The RC-135W, or Rivet Joint, flew over the Korean Peninsula on Thursday, according to aviation tracker Aircraft Spot. Image courtesy of U.S. Air Force
Feb. 20 (UPI) -- A U.S. spy plane flew over South Korea on Thursday amid concerns in the United States the North could be restarting operations at Yongbyon nuclear center. Aircraft Spot, an aviation tracker, published data of the movements of the RC-135W, or Rivet Joint, on Thursday. According to the tracker, the spy plane flew at an altitude of 31,000 feet in South Korean air space. Advertisement
Flight time was not provided. The Rivet Joint, designed to gather telemetry and other electronic intelligence data before missile launches, has been detected in South Korean airspace in recent months.
The aircraft appeared on Jan. 6, 7, 8, 21, according to Yonhap news agency. On Tuesday, a U.S. E-8C surveillance aircraft flew across South Korean airspace. In December, Aircraft Spot tweeted data of the movements of the Rivet Joint when it flew at an altitude of 31,000 feet near North Korea.
In 2019, North Korea had warned the United States to abide by a unilateral "year-end deadline," a reference to its demands for sanctions relief ahead of more substantive steps toward denuclearization.
In his New Year address, Kim Jong Un had vowed to introduce a "new strategic weapon," raising concerns in South Korea the regime could be pursuing the development of multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles.
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North Korea has mostly closed its border with China and Russia, but may be pursuing low levels of weapons activity.
According to U.S. analysts writing for 38 North, the regime's Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center is showing "minor activity."
"There are four railroad flatcars present, each configured to carry four to five cylindrical containers," U.S. analysts said last week.
"Their location and the lack of indicators at the Radiochemical Laboratory suggests that the rail cars are carrying nonradioactive materials, likely chemicals related to uranium conversion operations at the Radioisotope Production Plant."


upi--2020-02-20--Watch: Nintendo details 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' gameplay in new Direct

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Nintendo detailed on Thursday all of the features and customization options that will be present in Animal Crossing : New Horizons during a Direct presentation .
The game , set to be released for the Nintendo Switch on March 20 , will bring players to a new island setting .
Players can choose what shape they want their island in and if it will be placed in the Northern or Southern hemisphere .
The Northern or Southern hemisphere will cause seasons to happen at different times .
Each season will change the look of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wild life will be available .
Animal Crossing : New Horizons will start by giving each player a tent and later they can own a house that will have to be paid off .
The outside and inside areas can be fully customized with furniture and decorations .
Extensions to the house can also be made .
Progressing further into the game will net players a construction permit .
The permit will open up the ability to lay down different forms of walkways and concrete .
Players will also be given a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helpful apps including a map , a helicopter rescue service and a way to track how many miles have be traveled .
The miles can then be exchanged for different items and bonuses .
Each island can hold up to eight residents .
Players will need to look out for dangerous insects such as wasps or scorpions which will attack .
Ghosts can also be encountered while exploring the island at night .
An airport can be accessed that will bring players to new , far away islands that offer unique items and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airport is where players can connect online and visit each other 's islands .
Animal Crossing : New Horizons allows up to eight Nintendo Account holders to play on the same island at the same time through local wireless play or online play .
Up to eight players can live on the same island within one game while four players can play at the same time locally on the same Switch console .
Nintendo announced that Animal Crossing : New Horizons will receive free updates throughout the year that correspond with holidays .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ added in the future .
A real-world Animal Crossing app will be released in March that will allow voice chat and texting in the game .

Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Nintendo detailed on Thursday all of the features and customization options that will be present in Animal Crossing: New Horizons during a Direct presentation.
The game, set to be released for the Nintendo Switch on March 20, will bring players to a new island setting. Players can choose what shape they want their island in and if it will be placed in the Northern or Southern hemisphere.
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The Northern or Southern hemisphere will cause seasons to happen at different times. Each season will change the look of the island and change which plant life and wild life will be available.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons will start by giving each player a tent and later they can own a house that will have to be paid off. The outside and inside areas can be fully customized with furniture and decorations. Extensions to the house can also be made.
Progressing further into the game will net players a construction permit. The permit will open up the ability to lay down different forms of walkways and concrete.
Players will also be given a smartphone that will include a number of helpful apps including a map, a helicopter rescue service and a way to track how many miles have be traveled. The miles can then be exchanged for different items and bonuses.
Advertisement
Each island can hold up to eight residents. Players will need to look out for dangerous insects such as wasps or scorpions which will attack. Ghosts can also be encountered while exploring the island at night.
An airport can be accessed that will bring players to new, far away islands that offer unique items and chances to explore exotic locales. The airport is where players can connect online and visit each other's islands.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons allows up to eight Nintendo Account holders to play on the same island at the same time through local wireless play or online play. Up to eight players can live on the same island within one game while four players can play at the same time locally on the same Switch console.
Nintendo announced that Animal Crossing: New Horizons will receive free updates throughout the year that correspond with holidays. New, playable events will also be added in the future.
A real-world Animal Crossing app will be released in March that will allow voice chat and texting in the game.


upi--2020-02-20--Private equity firm to buy majority stake in Victoria's Secret

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Private equity firm Sycamore Partners agreed to buy a majority stake in the underperforming Victoria 's Secret and spin it off into a privately held , standalone entity , the companies announced Thursday .
The lingerie chain 's owner , Columbus , Ohio-based L Brands , said Sycamore Partners will purchase a 55 percent stake in Victoria 's Secret Lingerie , Victoria 's Secret Beauty and PINK to create a separate company `` focused on reinvigorating its market-leading businesses and returning them to historic levels of profitability and growth . ''
Under the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million for its majority share in the new Victoria 's Secret entity .
L Brands , meanwhile , will retain a 45 percent share in the firm , which it valued at $ 1.1 billion .
L Brands also announced that chairman and CEO Leslie Wexner will step down from his corporate roles , although he will remain a board member .
Wexner faced criticism after L Brands ' share price underperformed the industry in 2019 .
Victoria 's Secret revenues decreased nearly 8 percent year-over-year in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and e-commerce .
Wexner had also been embarrassed by his close links to financier Jeffrey Epstein , who faced federal charges of sex trafficking involving underage girls when he killed himself in August .
L Brands said it would use the proceeds from the transaction for debt reduction and concentrate on its main business -- the Bath & Body Works , the largest bath shop retail chain in the United States .
`` We believe the separation of Victoria 's Secret Lingerie , Victoria 's Secret Beauty and PINK into a privately held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these businesses to their historic levels of profitability and growth , '' Wexner said .
`` We believe that , as a private company , Victoria 's Secret will be better able to focus on longer-term results . ''
`` With unmatched global brand awareness and customer loyalty , we believe there is a significant opportunity to reinvigorate growth and improve the profitability of Victoria 's Secret , '' added Sycamore Partners Managing Director Stefan Kaluzny .

Chinese women walk past a massive Victoria's Secret boutique in Beijing in 2018. The lingerie chain's owner sold a majority stake in the company to a private equity firm on Thursday. File photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Private equity firm Sycamore Partners agreed to buy a majority stake in the underperforming Victoria's Secret and spin it off into a privately held, standalone entity, the companies announced Thursday. The lingerie chain's owner, Columbus, Ohio-based L Brands, said Sycamore Partners will purchase a 55 percent stake in Victoria's Secret Lingerie, Victoria's Secret Beauty and PINK to create a separate company "focused on reinvigorating its market-leading businesses and returning them to historic levels of profitability and growth." Advertisement
Under the deal, Sycamore agreed to pay $525 million for its majority share in the new Victoria's Secret entity. L Brands, meanwhile, will retain a 45 percent share in the firm, which it valued at $1.1 billion.
L Brands also announced that chairman and CEO Leslie Wexner will step down from his corporate roles, although he will remain a board member.
Wexner faced criticism after L Brands' share price underperformed the industry in 2019. Victoria's Secret revenues decreased nearly 8 percent year-over-year in the third quarter of fiscal 2019, with lower traffic in both stores and e-commerce.
Wexner had also been embarrassed by his close links to financier Jeffrey Epstein, who faced federal charges of sex trafficking involving underage girls when he killed himself in August.
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L Brands said it would use the proceeds from the transaction for debt reduction and concentrate on its main business -- the Bath & Body Works, the largest bath shop retail chain in the United States.
"We believe the separation of Victoria's Secret Lingerie, Victoria's Secret Beauty and PINK into a privately held company provides the best path to restoring these businesses to their historic levels of profitability and growth," Wexner said. "We believe that, as a private company, Victoria's Secret will be better able to focus on longer-term results."
"With unmatched global brand awareness and customer loyalty, we believe there is a significant opportunity to reinvigorate growth and improve the profitability of Victoria's Secret," added Sycamore Partners Managing Director Stefan Kaluzny.


upi--2020-02-20--Look: Natalie Halcro gives birth to daughter, Dove

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Relatively Nat & Liv star Natalie Halcro is a new mom .
The 32-year-old television personality took to Instagram Wednesday after welcoming her first child , daughter Dove Alayah , on Feb. 4 .
Halcro shared a photo of herself breastfeeding her baby girl in a hospital bed .
`` Welcome to the world Baby Girl .
My heart is so full , '' she captioned the post .
`` DOVE 02/04/2020 . ''
Halcro 's Relatively Nat & Liv co-star Sophia Pierson , television personalities Kim Kardashian , Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those to congratulate Halcro in the comments .
`` How are you this perfect right afterwards ?
!
?
!
Wow she 's such an angel !
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
May God bless you both always , '' Khloe Kardashian said .
Halcro also created an Instagram account for Dove and posted a close-up picture of her daughter 's lips .
Halcro has yet to share the identity of her baby 's father .
She announced her pregnancy in an Instagram post on Thanksgiving in November .
`` One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # 29weeks , '' Halcro wrote .
Halcro came to fame on the E !
series WAGS LA , which also featured her Relatively Nat & Liv co-star Olivia Pierson .
Relatively Nat & Liv , a spinoff of WAGS LA , premiered in June .

Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Relatively Nat & Liv star Natalie Halcro is a new mom.
The 32-year-old television personality took to Instagram Wednesday after welcoming her first child, daughter Dove Alayah, on Feb. 4.
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Halcro shared a photo of herself breastfeeding her baby girl in a hospital bed.
"Welcome to the world Baby Girl. My heart is so full," she captioned the post. "DOVE 02/04/2020."
Halcro's Relatively Nat & Liv co-star Sophia Pierson, television personalities Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, and socialite Paris Hilton were among those to congratulate Halcro in the comments.
"YAY!!! Welcome babe Dove," Pierson wrote.
"How are you this perfect right afterwards?!?! Wow she's such an angel!!!!!!!! May God bless you both always," Khloe Kardashian said.
Halcro also created an Instagram account for Dove and posted a close-up picture of her daughter's lips.
"Hello world," she wrote.
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Halcro has yet to share the identity of her baby's father. She announced her pregnancy in an Instagram post on Thanksgiving in November.
"One more reason to be thankful this year #29weeks," Halcro wrote.
Halcro came to fame on the E! series WAGS LA, which also featured her Relatively Nat & Liv co-star Olivia Pierson. Relatively Nat & Liv, a spinoff of WAGS LA, premiered in June.


upi--2020-02-20--Watch: Erika Jayne teases 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Season 10

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Erika Jayne says her Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-star Lisa Rinna stirs up the most drama in Season 10 .
The 48-year-old television personality teased the new season of the Bravo series during Wednesday 's episode of Watch What Happens Live .
Season 10 will feature Jayne , Rinna , Kyle Richards , Dorit Kemsley , Teddi Mellencamp , Denise Richards and new cast members Garcelle Beauvais and Sutton Stracke .
On WWHL , Jayne played a game of Spoiler Superlatives where she was given superlatives and asked to name a co-star without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an actress known for playing Fancy Monroe on The Jamie Foxx Show and Valerie Heywood on NYPD Blue , gave her a better first impression than fellow newcomer Stracke .
Jayne then named Rinna as the `` biggest pot stirrer '' of the season .
Jayne named herself as `` the MVP of the girls trips , '' which often end in drama .
She also said Richards will have `` the most to answer for '' at the reunion at the end of the season .
On the WWHL after-show , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RHOBH star Brandi Glanville gets along with Rinna in Season 10 .
Jayne deferred to WWHL host Andy Cohen , who executive produces RHOBH .
`` She 's not on the show this year , '' Cohen said of Glanville .
`` They start the season all getting along famously . ''
`` She 's unfortunately not on the show this year , '' he added of Glanville , prompting Jayne to question whether it was `` unfortunate . ''
Season 10 will mark the first season of RHOBH to not star Lisa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June following drama , including Puppygate , in Season 9 .
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 10 will premiere in the spring .

Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Erika Jayne says her Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-star Lisa Rinna stirs up the most drama in Season 10.
The 48-year-old television personality teased the new season of the Bravo series during Wednesday's episode of Watch What Happens Live.
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Season 10 will feature Jayne, Rinna, Kyle Richards, Dorit Kemsley, Teddi Mellencamp, Denise Richards and new cast members Garcelle Beauvais and Sutton Stracke. On WWHL, Jayne played a game of Spoiler Superlatives where she was given superlatives and asked to name a co-star without spoiling the show.
Jayne said Beauvais, an actress known for playing Fancy Monroe on The Jamie Foxx Show and Valerie Heywood on NYPD Blue, gave her a better first impression than fellow newcomer Stracke. Jayne then named Rinna as the "biggest pot stirrer" of the season.
Jayne named herself as "the MVP of the girls trips," which often end in drama. She also said Richards will have "the most to answer for" at the reunion at the end of the season.
On the WWHL after-show, Jayne fielded a question about whether former RHOBH star Brandi Glanville gets along with Rinna in Season 10. Jayne deferred to WWHL host Andy Cohen, who executive produces RHOBH.
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"She's not on the show this year," Cohen said of Glanville. "They start the season all getting along famously."
"She's unfortunately not on the show this year," he added of Glanville, prompting Jayne to question whether it was "unfortunate."
Season 10 will mark the first season of RHOBH to not star Lisa Vanderpump. Vanderpump left the show in June following drama, including Puppygate, in Season 9.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 10 will premiere in the spring.


upi--2020-02-20--President Donald Trump names Richard Grenell acting national intelligence director

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump has named U.S .
Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell as acting director of national intelligence .
Trump named Grenell the new DNI on Wednesday , saying he represents the United States `` exceedingly well . ''
`` Ambassador Grenell was confirmed to his role as ambassador by the Senate in April 2018 , and he has years of experience working with our intelligence community in a number of additional positions , including as special envoy for Serbia-Kosovo negotiations and as United States spokesman to the United Nations , '' the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He is committed to a non-political , non-partisan approach as head of the intelligence community , on which our safety and security depend .
The president has every confidence that Ambassador Grenell will perform his new duties with distinction . ''
In naming Grenell , Trump thanked current DNI Joe Maguire for doing a `` wonderful job '' in the post , and suggested he may be headed for another administration position .
`` It has been an honor to work alongside the men and women of the intelligence community , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany since May 2018 , will be the second acting director of national intelligence since Dan Coats resigned from the position last August .
Trump initially appointed John Ratcliffe , who later withdrew his name from consideration amid criticism he was unqualified for the position .
The director of national intelligence position was formed following the Sept. 11 , 2001 , terrorist attacks to oversee the government 's 17 spy agencies , including the Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency .
Sen. Mark Warner , D-Va. , vice chairman of the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Grenell because he lacks `` any intelligence experience . ''
He noted that Grenell is Trump 's second appointed acting director since Coats ' resignation and accused the president of attempting to `` sidestep '' the Senate 's authority to advise and consent .
`` The intelligence community deserves stability and an experienced individual to lead them in a time of massive national and global security challenges , '' Warner said in a statement .
`` At a time when the integrity and independence of the [ Department of Justice ] has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country needs a Senate-confirmed intelligence director who will provide the best intelligence and analysis , regardless of whether or not it 's expedient for the president . ''
Grenell , who will become the first openly gay member of Trump 's administration , has been a vocal supporter of the president 's and defended him against the criticisms .

Grenell has been ambassador to Germany for nearly two years. Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Germany
Feb. 20 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump has named U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell as acting director of national intelligence. Trump named Grenell the new DNI on Wednesday, saying he represents the United States "exceedingly well." Advertisement
"Ambassador Grenell was confirmed to his role as ambassador by the Senate in April 2018, and he has years of experience working with our intelligence community in a number of additional positions, including as special envoy for Serbia-Kosovo negotiations and as United States spokesman to the United Nations," the White House said in a statement Thursday.
"He is committed to a non-political, non-partisan approach as head of the intelligence community, on which our safety and security depend. The president has every confidence that Ambassador Grenell will perform his new duties with distinction."
In naming Grenell, Trump thanked current DNI Joe Maguire for doing a "wonderful job" in the post, and suggested he may be headed for another administration position.
"It has been an honor to work alongside the men and women of the intelligence community," Maguire said.
Grenell, ambassador to Germany since May 2018, will be the second acting director of national intelligence since Dan Coats resigned from the position last August. Trump initially appointed John Ratcliffe, who later withdrew his name from consideration amid criticism he was unqualified for the position.
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The director of national intelligence position was formed following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to oversee the government's 17 spy agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency.
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., vice chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, derided Trump's selection of Grenell because he lacks "any intelligence experience." He noted that Grenell is Trump's second appointed acting director since Coats' resignation and accused the president of attempting to "sidestep" the Senate's authority to advise and consent.
"The intelligence community deserves stability and an experienced individual to lead them in a time of massive national and global security challenges," Warner said in a statement. "At a time when the integrity and independence of the [Department of Justice] has been called into grave question, our country needs a Senate-confirmed intelligence director who will provide the best intelligence and analysis, regardless of whether or not it's expedient for the president."
Grenell, who will become the first openly gay member of Trump's administration, has been a vocal supporter of the president's and defended him against the criticisms.


upi--2020-02-20--Morgan Stanley agrees to acquire E-Trade in $13 billion deal

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Morgan Stanley announced plans Thursday to acquire digital investment firm E-Trade for $ 13 billion , continuing a trend of consolidations in the brokerage field .
The Wall Street investment bank said it will pay $ 58.74 per E-Trade share in a deal expected to close later this year .
Morgan Stanley said the move will combine its platforms with $ 3.1 trillion in client assets and upgrade its Wealth Management franchise into an industry leader .
`` The combination adds an iconic brand in the direct-to-consumer channel to our leading advisor-driven model , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provider for corporations and their employees , '' James Gorman , chairman and chief executive of Morgan Stanley , said in a statement .
`` This continues the decade-long transition of our firm to a more balance sheet light business mix , emphasizing more durable sources of revenue . ''
The deal adds more than 5.2 million E-Trade client accounts and $ 360 billion in retail assets .
`` Since we created the digital brokerage category nearly 40 years ago , E-Trade has consistently disrupted the status quo and delivered cutting-edge tools and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan administrators , '' said E-Trade CEO Mike Pizzi .
`` By joining Morgan Stanley , we will be able to take our combined offering to the next level and deliver an even more comprehensive suite of wealth management capabilities . ''
Thursday 's agreement is the latest in a recent series of brokerage mergers .
Charles Schwab agreed last November to buy TD Ameritrade in a $ 26 billion all-stock deal that should be finalized this year .

Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Morgan Stanley announced plans Thursday to acquire digital investment firm E-Trade for $13 billion, continuing a trend of consolidations in the brokerage field.
The Wall Street investment bank said it will pay $58.74 per E-Trade share in a deal expected to close later this year.
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Morgan Stanley said the move will combine its platforms with $3.1 trillion in client assets and upgrade its Wealth Management franchise into an industry leader.
"The combination adds an iconic brand in the direct-to-consumer channel to our leading advisor-driven model, while also creating a premier workplace wealth provider for corporations and their employees," James Gorman, chairman and chief executive of Morgan Stanley, said in a statement. "This continues the decade-long transition of our firm to a more balance sheet light business mix, emphasizing more durable sources of revenue."
The deal adds more than 5.2 million E-Trade client accounts and $360 billion in retail assets.
"Since we created the digital brokerage category nearly 40 years ago, E-Trade has consistently disrupted the status quo and delivered cutting-edge tools and services to investors, traders and stock plan administrators," said E-Trade CEO Mike Pizzi.
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"By joining Morgan Stanley, we will be able to take our combined offering to the next level and deliver an even more comprehensive suite of wealth management capabilities."
Thursday's agreement is the latest in a recent series of brokerage mergers. Charles Schwab agreed last November to buy TD Ameritrade in a $26 billion all-stock deal that should be finalized this year.


upi--2020-02-20--Age may affect healthcare treatment decisions

There may be something about a patient 's age of 80 that makes doctors alter their heart attack treatment decisions -- consciously or not , new research suggests .
In a study of U.S. heart attack patients , researchers found that just one month in age made a difference in whether doctors performed bypass surgery -- one of the treatments for the artery blockages that cause heart attacks .
Among patients who had turned 80 within the past two weeks , just over 5 percent received bypass surgery .
In contrast , the rate was 7 percent among patients who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next couple weeks .
Researchers said the finding points to a `` left-digit bias '' -- where doctors may be more concerned about surgery complications just because a patient 's age starts with an 8 rather than a 7 .
`` These patients were really all the same age , with just a few weeks separating them , '' said lead researcher Dr. Anupam Jena , an associate professor at Harvard Medical School .
`` But this study suggests doctors were seeing them differently . ''
Coronary bypass surgery involves taking a healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , arm or chest , and using it to reroute blood flow around a blockage in a heart artery .
The surgery is not the only option for heart attack patients .
Doctors often perform an alternative called angioplasty , where a catheter is threaded into a blocked artery and a stent is inserted to prop the vessel open .
In general , patients in their 80s have more health problems and tend to be frailer than younger patients -- and they are more likely to have bypass surgery complications , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrhythmias .
So it 's perfectly reasonable , Jena said , for doctors to have that in mind when there 's a decision between surgery or a less invasive option like angioplasty .
But it 's `` unlikely '' that poorer health could explain the lower rate of bypass among 80-year-olds in this study , he added .
The findings , published Feb. 20 in the New England Journal of Medicine , are based on Medicare data from 2006 through 2012 .
Jena 's team focused on more than 4,400 heart attack patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two weeks before their 80th birthday , and another roughly 5,000 patients who were admitted within two weeks of turning 80 .
Overall , the `` older '' group was less likely to receive bypass surgery -- even though they were no different from the `` younger '' group in terms of chronic health conditions and disabilities , Jena said .
In a sense , such left-digit bias is not surprising : It 's a common phenomenon of the human mind , Jena pointed out .
`` It 's why you go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9.99 instead of $ 10 , '' he said .
`` The mind sees the 9 as cheaper . ''
And while grocery shopping is not the same as medical decision-making , Jena said , the findings suggest that a similar bias can creep into doctors ' thinking .
Dr. Patrick Coll is medical director for senior health at UConn Health , in Farmington , Conn .
He agreed that the findings likely point to a bias in doctors ' views .
But age alone should not keep patients from a particular treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a member of the American Geriatrics Society 's Board of Directors .
`` We have a saying that once you 've seen one 80-year-old patient , you 've seen one 80-year-old patient , '' said Coll , who was n't part of the study .
Age does make a difference in whether a given treatment is a good option , according to Coll .
`` But age is not the primary determinant , '' he said .
`` It 's the 'medical baggage ' that can go along with age . ''
Coll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to think about their own biases , and how they might be affecting patient care .
According to Jena , left-digit bias may be `` both conscious and unconscious '' -- in that doctors know that elderly patients have relatively higher complication risks , but may not fully realize they 're using such a mental `` short-cut '' in presenting treatment options to a patient .
As for patients , simple awareness is important , Jena said .
`` They should know that the biases doctors have may affect the treatment options they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. National Heart , Lung , and Blood Institute has more on heart surgery .

There may be something about a patient's age of 80 that makes doctors alter their heart attack treatment decisions -- consciously or not, new research suggests.
In a study of U.S. heart attack patients, researchers found that just one month in age made a difference in whether doctors performed bypass surgery -- one of the treatments for the artery blockages that cause heart attacks.
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Among patients who had turned 80 within the past two weeks, just over 5 percent received bypass surgery. In contrast, the rate was 7 percent among patients who were about to turn 80 in the next couple weeks.
Researchers said the finding points to a "left-digit bias" -- where doctors may be more concerned about surgery complications just because a patient's age starts with an 8 rather than a 7.
"These patients were really all the same age, with just a few weeks separating them," said lead researcher Dr. Anupam Jena, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School. "But this study suggests doctors were seeing them differently."
Advertisement
Coronary bypass surgery involves taking a healthy blood vessel from a patient's leg, arm or chest, and using it to reroute blood flow around a blockage in a heart artery.
The surgery is not the only option for heart attack patients. Doctors often perform an alternative called angioplasty, where a catheter is threaded into a blocked artery and a stent is inserted to prop the vessel open.
In general, patients in their 80s have more health problems and tend to be frailer than younger patients -- and they are more likely to have bypass surgery complications, such as new blood clots, infections and heart arrhythmias.
So it's perfectly reasonable, Jena said, for doctors to have that in mind when there's a decision between surgery or a less invasive option like angioplasty.
But it's "unlikely" that poorer health could explain the lower rate of bypass among 80-year-olds in this study, he added.
The findings, published Feb. 20 in the New England Journal of Medicine, are based on Medicare data from 2006 through 2012. Jena's team focused on more than 4,400 heart attack patients who were admitted to the hospital during the two weeks before their 80th birthday, and another roughly 5,000 patients who were admitted within two weeks of turning 80.
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Overall, the "older" group was less likely to receive bypass surgery -- even though they were no different from the "younger" group in terms of chronic health conditions and disabilities, Jena said.
In a sense, such left-digit bias is not surprising: It's a common phenomenon of the human mind, Jena pointed out.
"It's why you go to the store and things cost $9.99 instead of $10," he said. "The mind sees the 9 as cheaper."
And while grocery shopping is not the same as medical decision-making, Jena said, the findings suggest that a similar bias can creep into doctors' thinking.
Dr. Patrick Coll is medical director for senior health at UConn Health, in Farmington, Conn. He agreed that the findings likely point to a bias in doctors' views.
But age alone should not keep patients from a particular treatment, said Coll, who is also a member of the American Geriatrics Society's Board of Directors.
"We have a saying that once you've seen one 80-year-old patient, you've seen one 80-year-old patient," said Coll, who wasn't part of the study.
Age does make a difference in whether a given treatment is a good option, according to Coll. "But age is not the primary determinant," he said. "It's the 'medical baggage' that can go along with age."
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Coll said it's probably wise for doctors to think about their own biases, and how they might be affecting patient care.
According to Jena, left-digit bias may be "both conscious and unconscious" -- in that doctors know that elderly patients have relatively higher complication risks, but may not fully realize they're using such a mental "short-cut" in presenting treatment options to a patient.
As for patients, simple awareness is important, Jena said. "They should know that the biases doctors have may affect the treatment options they offer," he said.
More information
The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has more on heart surgery.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-02-20--WWE NXT: Velveteen Dream takes on Roderick Strong

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Velveteen Dream and Roderick Strong of The Undisputed Era had a grudge match in the main event of WWE NXT .
Dream has wanted to get his hands on Strong after his rival and The Undisputed Era put him on the shelf with an injury for five months .
Strong has also been looking forward to battling Dream after Dream started mentioning his wife Marina Shafir and the couple 's young son .
Dream also made things personal after donning airbrushed pants that featured Strong 's family .
Dream appeared poised to win the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Strong with a Dream Valley Driver and got ready to close things out with the Purple Rainmaker .
Dream , before climbing the top rope , ripped off his outfit to reveal new airbrushed pants featuring Shafir .
NXT Champion Adam Cole , Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish of The Undisputed Era then arrived onto the scene despite Strong previously asking them not to interfere .
Dream leaped onto The Undisputed Era outside the ring , taking everyone out .
Dream then returned to the ring , survived a knee attack and delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win the match .
The Undisputed Era then attacked Dream together which allowed Strong to perform the End of Heartache as WWE NXT went off the air .
Tommaso Ciampa , after being kept away from The NXT Championship by Johnny Gargano at NXT TakeOver : Portland on Sunday , vowed revenge against his former tag team partner and rival .
Ciampa made his statements while interrupting Austin Theory who was waiting for a match .
Theory , upset at being ignored , attacked Ciampa but was quickly knocked out with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resulting in The Blackheart slamming him multiple times into the ringside barricade .
Other moments from WWE NXT included Jordan Devlin successfully defending his NXT Cruiserweight Championship against Lio Rush ; The Grizzled Young Veterans defeating Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde ; NXT Tag Team Champions The BroserWeights defeating Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch ; NXT North American Champion Keith Lee quickly defeating Kona Reeves ; and Chelsea Green defeating Kayden Carter .
Green and Carter 's match was interrupted by Bianca Belair who lost to NXT Women 's Champion Rhea Ripley at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out Ripley 's next opponent , Women 's Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair , and challenged The Queen to come back to NXT to face her .

Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Velveteen Dream and Roderick Strong of The Undisputed Era had a grudge match in the main event of WWE NXT.
Dream has wanted to get his hands on Strong after his rival and The Undisputed Era put him on the shelf with an injury for five months.
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Strong has also been looking forward to battling Dream after Dream started mentioning his wife Marina Shafir and the couple's young son. Dream also made things personal after donning airbrushed pants that featured Strong's family.
Dream appeared poised to win the hard-hitting contest on Wednesday after he nailed Strong with a Dream Valley Driver and got ready to close things out with the Purple Rainmaker. Dream, before climbing the top rope, ripped off his outfit to reveal new airbrushed pants featuring Shafir.
NXT Champion Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish of The Undisputed Era then arrived onto the scene despite Strong previously asking them not to interfere. Dream leaped onto The Undisputed Era outside the ring, taking everyone out. Dream then returned to the ring, survived a knee attack and delivered a second Dream Valley Driver to Strong to win the match.
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The Undisputed Era then attacked Dream together which allowed Strong to perform the End of Heartache as WWE NXT went off the air.
Tommaso Ciampa, after being kept away from The NXT Championship by Johnny Gargano at NXT TakeOver: Portland on Sunday, vowed revenge against his former tag team partner and rival.
Ciampa made his statements while interrupting Austin Theory who was waiting for a match. Theory, upset at being ignored, attacked Ciampa but was quickly knocked out with a punch.
Theory would try again, resulting in The Blackheart slamming him multiple times into the ringside barricade.
Other moments from WWE NXT included Jordan Devlin successfully defending his NXT Cruiserweight Championship against Lio Rush; The Grizzled Young Veterans defeating Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde; NXT Tag Team Champions The BroserWeights defeating Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch; NXT North American Champion Keith Lee quickly defeating Kona Reeves; and Chelsea Green defeating Kayden Carter.
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Green and Carter's match was interrupted by Bianca Belair who lost to NXT Women's Champion Rhea Ripley at NXT TakeOver: Portland. Belair called out Ripley's next opponent, Women's Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair, and challenged The Queen to come back to NXT to face her.


upi--2020-02-20--Forum explores challenges in travel to North Korea

SEOUL , Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Experts , civic groups and others gathered in Seoul to discuss allowing individual tourists to travel to North Korea , an idea proposed in January by President Moon Jae-in .
Rep. Sul Hoon of the ruling Democratic Party held the forum Wednesday at the National Assembly in Seoul .
`` All South Korean people wish to visit North Korea .
It is my duty to find a way to realize the wishes , '' said the fourth-term assemblyman , who is also a member of the governing party 's supreme committee .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying , `` Individual tourism is not subject to U.N. sanctions .
It will make people of the two countries friendlier to each other , thus facilitating the reunification of the two . ''
Late last month , the Unification Ministry came up with detailed options , which it believes do not violate international sanctions .
But Harry Harris , the U.S. ambassador to South Korea , urged Seoul to consult with Washington about the contentious issue , sparking criticism that the diplomat was meddling in the country 's internal affairs .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light of Washington for the individual tours , Pyongyang would think that the tourists are U.S. spies , '' said Kim Li-kyong , director of the Association of History and Culture for One Korea , a grass-roots group advocating the reunification of the Korean Peninsula .
`` The Unification Ministry should forge ahead with the policy of allowing South Korean people to make individual visits to the North . ''
Kim Yong-hyun , a North Korean studies professor at Dongguk University in Seoul , concurred .
He even asked the South to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the next 12 months to enable individual tourism .
`` We can resume the military exercises in case North Korea provokes , '' he said .
In addition to the potential conflicts with the United States , the tourism plan has more obstacles .
For one , it can not work without the approval of North Korea , which has yet to make an official response .
South Korea also has to revise its law , which prevents its citizens from traveling North without a formal invitation from a North Korean organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in China and its spread to the neighboring countries is also expected to delay discussion on travel .
In the 2000s , South Koreans were permitted to visit the Mount Kungang resort of North Korea .
But a South Korean tourist who walked into a restricted area in 2008 was shot dead by a North Korean soldier .
After that , tourism was banned .
One Korea is affiliated with the chairman of the ultimate holding company that owns United Press International .

Rep. Sul Hoon of the ruling Democratic Party, (3rd L) speaks during a forum about enabling individual South Koreans to travel to North Korea at the National Assembly in Seoul on Wednesday. Photo by Moon Jae-won/UPI News Korea
SEOUL, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Experts, civic groups and others gathered in Seoul to discuss allowing individual tourists to travel to North Korea, an idea proposed in January by President Moon Jae-in. Rep. Sul Hoon of the ruling Democratic Party held the forum Wednesday at the National Assembly in Seoul. Advertisement
"All South Korean people wish to visit North Korea. It is my duty to find a way to realize the wishes," said the fourth-term assemblyman, who is also a member of the governing party's supreme committee.
Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul sent a message saying, "Individual tourism is not subject to U.N. sanctions. It will make people of the two countries friendlier to each other, thus facilitating the reunification of the two."
Late last month, the Unification Ministry came up with detailed options, which it believes do not violate international sanctions.
But Harry Harris, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, urged Seoul to consult with Washington about the contentious issue, sparking criticism that the diplomat was meddling in the country's internal affairs.
"If Seoul has to get a green light of Washington for the individual tours, Pyongyang would think that the tourists are U.S. spies," said Kim Li-kyong, director of the Association of History and Culture for One Korea, a grass-roots group advocating the reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
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"The Unification Ministry should forge ahead with the policy of allowing South Korean people to make individual visits to the North."
Kim Yong-hyun, a North Korean studies professor at Dongguk University in Seoul, concurred. He even asked the South to stop joint military drills with the United States for the next 12 months to enable individual tourism.
"We can resume the military exercises in case North Korea provokes," he said.
In addition to the potential conflicts with the United States, the tourism plan has more obstacles. For one, it cannot work without the approval of North Korea, which has yet to make an official response.
South Korea also has to revise its law, which prevents its citizens from traveling North without a formal invitation from a North Korean organization or state institution.
The outbreak of coronavirus in China and its spread to the neighboring countries is also expected to delay discussion on travel.
In the 2000s, South Koreans were permitted to visit the Mount Kungang resort of North Korea. But a South Korean tourist who walked into a restricted area in 2008 was shot dead by a North Korean soldier. After that, tourism was banned.
One Korea is affiliated with the chairman of the ultimate holding company that owns United Press International.


upi--2020-02-20--President Donald Trump's ally Roger Stone to be sentenced in federal court Thursday

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Roger Stone , Republican strategist and former campaign adviser to President Donald Trump , will be sentenced Thursday for convictions on multiple counts that include lying to Congress and witness tampering .
U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson has said she will deliver the sentence even though Stone 's defense team filed a motion for a new trial , claiming improper conduct by a juror .
Jackson told attorneys and prosecutors in the case Tuesday that Stone would be given time to make challenges after he is sentenced , meaning that even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't be immediately imprisoned .
Should Jackson ultimately grant a new trial , Thursday 's sentence would be voided .
Stone , 67 , was convicted last fall on seven criminal counts , including lying to Congress about his contacts with the document disclosure group WikiLeaks during the 2016 presidential campaign and his attempts to force an associate , comedian Randy Credico , to back up his story .
He was also convicted of obstructing a House investigation seeking to determine if there were ties between Trump 's team and Russia during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stem from the two-year Justice Department investigation of Russian electoral interference , which also convicted five other Trump aides or advisers .
The possible length and severity of Stone 's sentence created a tumultuous atmosphere around the case last week after Trump indicated displeasure at prosecutors ' original recommendation of seven to nine years in prison .
Trump said such a length was `` very unfair . ''
The following day , Attorney General William Barr overruled the recommendation .
Hours later , four of the federal prosecutors working on the case quit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Attorney 's Office in Washington , D.C. Stone 's defense team filed a motion last week for a new trial after the jury 's foreperson stated publicly she supported the four prosecutors who quit the case .

1/4
Roger Stone arrives for his sentencing hearing Thursday at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse in Washington, D.C. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 20 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Thursday sentenced Republican strategist and former Trump campaign adviser Roger Stone to 40 months in prison, after he was convicted on seven criminal counts last fall stemming from the Justice Department's Russia investigation. U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson also gave Stone two years of probation and ordered him to pay $20,000 in fines. The sentence will not begin, however, until Jackson rules on a defense motion for a new trial. Advertisement
The Trump ally was convicted in November of charges that included lying to Congress, witness tampering and interfering in the House's Russia investigation, which searched for any links between the Trump campaign and Moscow.
"The truth still exists, the truth still matters. Roger stone insisted that it doesn't," Jackson said at Thursday's hearing.
Stone's sentence was significantly lighter than the seven to nine years prosecutors originally recommended last week. They were ultimately overruled by U.S. Attorney General William Barr after President Donald Trump slammed the recommendation as excessive. After Barr stepped in, four of the prosecutors in the case quit, two of whom resigned entirely from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C.
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Stone's defense team filed the motion last week for a new trial after the jury's foreperson stated publicly she supported the four prosecutors who quit the case, a remark the attorneys said amounted to juror misconduct.
Trump called the foreperson "totally tainted" in remarks before he gave a speech at a Hope for Prisoners graduation ceremony in Las Vegas. He also expressed his support for Stone.
"I'm following this very closely and I want to see it play out to its fullest because Roger has a very good chance of exoneration in my opinion," the president said. "He's a smart guy, he's a little different ... . But he's a good person. His family is fantastic."
Jackson said previously she would deliver Thursday's sentence even though Stone's defense is seeking a retrial. The judge told attorneys and prosecutors in the case Tuesday that Stone will have time to make challenges after he was sentenced, meaning he won't be immediately imprisoned.
Should Jackson ultimately grant a new trial, Thursday's sentence would be voided.
The charges against Stone stem from the two-year Justice Department investigation of Russian electoral interference, which also convicted five other Trump aides or advisers.


upi--2020-02-20--Himalayan wolf uniquely adapted to life at high altitudes

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Through a combination of genetic analysis and field observations , scientists are gaining new insights into the uniqueness of the mysterious Himalayan wolf .
According to the new study , published this week in the Journal of Biogeography , the Himalayan wolf is genetically adapted to life at high altitudes .
`` The outcome of this research is absolutely astonishing , '' lead researcher Geraldine Werhahn , zoologist at University of Oxford , said in a news release .
Prior to the study , scientists had hints that the Himalayan wolf was genetically unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were n't sure why .
Data was hard to come by .
`` Now we know that these wolves are different from genetics to ecology , and we have an indication of what the reason may be : the evolutionary fitness challenge posed by the low oxygen levels in the extreme high altitudes , '' Werhahn said .
The research showed the range of the Himalayan wolf is more expansive than previously realized , encompassing high altitude regions throughout Asia , including habitats of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau .
Scientists watched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found Himalayan wolf packs feature five wolves on average , smaller than the packs of grey wolves .
Researchers also used scat samples to study the wolves ' DNA , and found a variety of genetic markers indicating the Himalayan wolf 's distinct evolutionary history .
The scat samples also helped scientists study the diet of the Himalayan wolf .
By studying the movement and diet patterns of the Himalayan wolf , scientists hope to create improved wildlife management and conservation plans .
In places where the wolf 's preferred prey are declining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are more likely .
Retaliation killings by livestock owners are one of the wolf 's biggest threats , but according to researchers , improved wildlife management strategies could help protect the wolf .
Because the wolf 's home consists of some of the largest intact pieces of wilderness left on Earth -- and is home to the sources of freshwater drank by millions -- scientists say it is imperative that the Himalayan wolf is protected .
In addition to developing improved conservation plans , scientists plan to conduct additional field research to gain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ecology , behavior and population size .

New research suggests the Himalayan Wolf is uniquely adapted to life at high altitudes. Photo by Geraldine Werhahn
Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Through a combination of genetic analysis and field observations, scientists are gaining new insights into the uniqueness of the mysterious Himalayan wolf. According to the new study, published this week in the Journal of Biogeography, the Himalayan wolf is genetically adapted to life at high altitudes. Advertisement
"The outcome of this research is absolutely astonishing," lead researcher Geraldine Werhahn, zoologist at University of Oxford, said in a news release.
Prior to the study, scientists had hints that the Himalayan wolf was genetically unique from the grey wolf, but they weren't sure why. Data was hard to come by.
"Now we know that these wolves are different from genetics to ecology, and we have an indication of what the reason may be: the evolutionary fitness challenge posed by the low oxygen levels in the extreme high altitudes," Werhahn said.
The research showed the range of the Himalayan wolf is more expansive than previously realized, encompassing high altitude regions throughout Asia, including habitats of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau.
Scientists watched the dens of wolves in Nepal and found Himalayan wolf packs feature five wolves on average, smaller than the packs of grey wolves.
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Researchers also used scat samples to study the wolves' DNA, and found a variety of genetic markers indicating the Himalayan wolf's distinct evolutionary history. The scat samples also helped scientists study the diet of the Himalayan wolf.
By studying the movement and diet patterns of the Himalayan wolf, scientists hope to create improved wildlife management and conservation plans. In places where the wolf's preferred prey are declining, the new research suggests wolf-livestock interactions are more likely.
Retaliation killings by livestock owners are one of the wolf's biggest threats, but according to researchers, improved wildlife management strategies could help protect the wolf.
Because the wolf's home consists of some of the largest intact pieces of wilderness left on Earth -- and is home to the sources of freshwater drank by millions -- scientists say it is imperative that the Himalayan wolf is protected.
In addition to developing improved conservation plans, scientists plan to conduct additional field research to gain a better understanding of the wolf's ecology, behavior and population size.


upi--2020-02-20--Hyundai Motor chairman to step down

Hyundai Motor chairman to step down

SEOUL , Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Hyundai Motor Group chief Chung Mong-koo will step down as chairman of the board of directors at the conglomerate 's flagship unit next month .
Hyundai Motor said Wednesday its board of directors did not reappoint the 81-year-old tycoon as an executive director ahead of its shareholders ' meeting slated for March 19 .
Chung has chaired Hyundai Motor 's board for the past two decades , and his three-year term will finish on March 16 .
Hyundai Motor is expected to nominate Executive Vice President Chung Eui-sun as board chairman of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only son of Chung Mong-koo , he has practically headed the group since 2018 .
Last year , he was elected CEO of Hyundai Motor and its parts affiliate Hyundai Mobis .
Under his leadership , the auto giant has briskly tapped into such areas as autonomous driving and futuristic mobility .
Some of the businesses will be added to Hyundai 's articles of association during the upcoming shareholders ' meeting , according to the company .
During his stint , Chung Mong-koo catapulted the group to become the world 's fifth-largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kia Motors .
Earlier this month , he was inducted into the U.S .
Automotive Hall of Fame , the first Korean to win the industry 's highest honor .

Hyundai Motor Group chief Chung Mong-koo will step down as chairman of the board of directors at Hyundai Motor next month. Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor
SEOUL, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Hyundai Motor Group chief Chung Mong-koo will step down as chairman of the board of directors at the conglomerate's flagship unit next month. Hyundai Motor said Wednesday its board of directors did not reappoint the 81-year-old tycoon as an executive director ahead of its shareholders' meeting slated for March 19. Advertisement
Chung has chaired Hyundai Motor's board for the past two decades, and his three-year term will finish on March 16.
Hyundai Motor is expected to nominate Executive Vice President Chung Eui-sun as board chairman of the country's largest automaker.
As the only son of Chung Mong-koo, he has practically headed the group since 2018. Last year, he was elected CEO of Hyundai Motor and its parts affiliate Hyundai Mobis.
Under his leadership, the auto giant has briskly tapped into such areas as autonomous driving and futuristic mobility. Some of the businesses will be added to Hyundai's articles of association during the upcoming shareholders' meeting, according to the company.
During his stint, Chung Mong-koo catapulted the group to become the world's fifth-largest auto-making conglomerate, composed of Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors.
Earlier this month, he was inducted into the U.S. Automotive Hall of Fame, the first Korean to win the industry's highest honor.


upi--2020-02-20--German police: Xenophobia may be motive in attack that killed 10

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Authorities said the shooter who attacked two hookah bars in Germany late Wednesday may have been motivated by xenophobia .
The shooting was classified `` suspected terroristic act of violence '' by regional interior minister Peter Beuth .
The assailant , who has not yet been identified , killed nine people at the two bars in Hanau , a town 15 miles east of Frankfurt .
The gunman 's body was later found by authorities at his home , along with that of his mother .
`` This was a terrible evening that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time and we will remember with sadness , '' Hanau Mayor Claus Kaminsky said .
Police said there are `` no indications of further perpetrators . ''
Hookah bars are popular in Germany , authorities said .
Peter R. Neumann , the founding director of the International Center for the Study of Radicalization , said the shooter appeared to have had a hatred for foreigners and non-whites , according to his social accounts .
The gunman called for the `` extermination '' of various Muslim-majority countries in North Africa , Middle East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manifesto authorities believe belonged to him .
`` He justifies his call for killing the populations of entire countries in explicitly eugenicist terms , saying that the science proves that certain races are superior , '' Neumann said .

1/2
People mourn as they gather at the Marktplatz in Hanau, Germany, on Thursday. Photo by Sascha Steinbach/EPA-EFE
Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Germany's federal prosecutor on Thursday identified the suspected gunman who attacked two hookah bars, killing nine people, as Tobias R. Though officials declined to fully identify the suspect, local and international media, including Bild and CNN, determined his full name was Tobias Rathjen based on his age, place of birth and a website and YouTube channel on which he left xenophobic rants. Advertisement
Authorities said he attacked two hookah bars in Hanau, Germany, late Wednesday and may have been motivated by xenophobia.
The shooting was classified "suspected terroristic act of violence" by regional interior minister Peter Beuth.
Rathjen's body was later found by authorities at his home, along with that of his mother. Police took his father into custody.
"This was a terrible evening that will certainly occupy us for a long, long time and we will remember with sadness," Hanau Mayor Claus Kaminsky said.
Police said there are "no indications of further perpetrators."
Hookah bars are popular in Germany, authorities said.
Peter R. Neumann, the founding director of the International Center for the Study of Radicalization, said the shooter appeared to have had a hatred for foreigners and non-whites, according to his social accounts. The gunman called for the "extermination" of various Muslim-majority countries in North Africa, Middle East and Central Asia, according to a manifesto authorities believe belonged to him.
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"He justifies his call for killing the populations of entire countries in explicitly eugenicist terms, saying that the science proves that certain races are superior," Neumann said.
CNN reported that Rathjen left a message on his personal website saying he felt an "aversion" to specific ethnic groups, including Turks, Moroccans, Lebanese and Kurds. Both his website and YouTube channel were removed from the Internet.
Police said he didn't have a criminal record.
Dozens of cities in Germany, including Hanau, held vigils to memorialize those killed in the attacks. The event in Hanau turned into a protest, with attendees holding signs decrying racism and xenophobia.


upi--2020-02-20--Watch: Justin Bieber performs 'Toddlerography,' runs a food truck with James Corden on 'Late Late Sh

Watch: Justin Bieber performs 'Toddlerography,' runs a food truck with James Corden on 'Late Late Show'

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- Justin Bieber performed Toddlerography with James Corden on The Late Late Show .
The @ @ @ @ @ host tried their best to follow the dance moves of multiple children in the segment @ @ @ @ @ ran , jumped and fell to the floor while wearing workout attire .
The duo @ @ @ @ @ down to blow bubbles with one of the kids .
Bieber and Corden also started @ @ @ @ @ truck together , named after the singer 's song of the same name .
Bieber @ @ @ @ @ while Corden cooked fish tacos .
The pair asked customers to pay what they thought @ @ @ @ @ They donated the money to the Los Angeles food bank .
Bieber has been featured @ @ @ @ @ throughout the week .
He recently sang a number of his hit songs with Corden @ @ @ @

Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Justin Bieber performed Toddlerography with James Corden on The Late Late Show.
The pop star and late night host tried their best to follow the dance moves of multiple children in the segment Wednesday.
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Bieber and Corden ran, jumped and fell to the floor while wearing workout attire.
The duo took a break and sat down to blow bubbles with one of the kids.
Bieber and Corden also started a "Yummy" food truck together, named after the singer's song of the same name.
Bieber handled grilled cheese sandwiches, while Corden cooked fish tacos. The pair asked customers to pay what they thought the food was worth.
They donated the money to the Los Angeles food bank.
Bieber has been featured on The Late Late Show throughout the week. He recently sang a number of his hit songs with Corden for Carpool Karaoke.


upi--2020-02-20--Expect Iranians to boycott sham elections, continue calls for regime change

Feb. 20 ( UPI ) -- When it was first reported that Iranian authorities were purging hundreds of political candidates , including more than 90 incumbents , from this week 's parliamentary elections , President Hassan Rouhani responded by saying that the move posed a threat to democracy .
But his outrage was short-lived , ending as soon as it became clear that Iranians were poised to take it seriously and impose consequences on the regime for its suppressive ways .
Since then , Rouhani has been in lockstep with supreme leader Ali Khamenei in their appeals for widespread participation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rouhani 's faction is preordained to lose .
Practically all the candidates who were purged from the ballot were categorized as `` reformists . ''
Traditionally , both factions of Iranian politics have used national elections as a means of establishing a power-sharing arrangement .
It is a system that has long injected an illusion of choice and self-determination into Iran 's domestic affairs .
Though this year 's purge of challengers was unusual in terms of its scope and singular focus , a similar phenomenon occurs each election cycle .
But this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grown increasingly frustrated with the mostly meaningless shuffle of pre-approved candidates ordained as eligible to run and are insisting on more than the veneer of choice .
Before every election , each candidate must be vetted by several government institutions , culminating in a final approval by the Guardian Council .
The body -- which is explicitly tasked with vetting all candidates to high office , as well as all legislation that passes the parliament , for compatibility with the Iranian constitution , Islamic law and the will of Khamenei himself -- is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointed by the supreme leader ) , plus six jurists ( who are appointed by the head of the judiciary , who in turn is appointed by the supreme leader ) .
Opponents of the clerical regime have long observed that Iran 's elections are effectively meaningless .
The leading Iranian opposition group , the People 's Mojahedin Organization of Iran ( PMOI/MEK ) , for instance , fervently objected to the way many Western media outlets treated Rouhani at the time of his election in 2013 .
While blind optimists speculated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the regime , the MEK correctly predicted that nothing would change so long as the clerical regime was left intact .
Not only has Iran failed to meaningfully re-engage with the international community during Rouhani 's seven-year tenure , the regime 's domestic and regional behavior has grown worse .
And though Western powers have been slow to acknowledge their naivete in ever trusting Rouhani , the people of Iran have been much quicker to dismiss his reformist platform as a series of empty promises .
Frustration with Rouhani culminated in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of his re-election in 2017 .
And although Rouhani easily won over his ultra-hard-line challenger , the entire regime was left reeling from the awareness that its legitimacy had been openly challenged .
That message was further amplified by the massive boycott driven in large part by the MEK , whose `` resistance units '' had painted graffiti and placed posters urging people to `` vote for regime change '' and depicting Maryam Rajavi , the president-elect of National Council of Resistance of Iran , as a viable alternative to the established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal of this message by reporting inflated participation numbers for that year 's elections and by dispatching members of the Bassij civilian militias to make polling places look busy on state media .
But the reality became undeniable by January 2018 when many of the same people who had participated in the boycott poured into the streets for mass protests against the ruling theocracy .
With slogans like `` death to the dictator '' and `` death to Rouhani '' condemning both the `` hard-line '' and `` reformist '' factions , participants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they wanted a complete change of government , in line with Rajavi 's promise of free and fair elections .
The nationwide uprising continued through much of 2018 .
The situation became even more challenging last year when another nationwide uprising broke out in response to the government 's announcement of a sharp increase in gasoline prices .
Once again , widespread demands for regime change emerged , and this time the regime responded with some of the worst political violence Iran has seen since the 1980s .
About 1,500 people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December alone .
Although that crackdown left deep scars on the Iranian public , it also exposed the regime 's Achilles ' heel -- widespread and growing public rejection of a plainly anti-democratic political system .
This election season , Rajavi not only called on the Iranian people to boycott the sham elections but observed that during the recent uprisings the people and students chanted `` death to Khamenei , death to the dictator , death to the oppressor , be it the shah or the leader , '' demonstrating that they want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mullahs .
The Iranian people want a secular republic based on democracy and people 's sovereignty .
In recent weeks , graffiti has once again appeared on the streets of Tehran and other major cities proclaiming , `` my vote is for regime change , '' a phrase that has been trending on Iranian social media .
The widespread discontent on the Iranian street is an almost sure sign of forthcoming boycotts in this week 's parliamentary elections , and it is all but certain that the boycotts will be followed in time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued calls for regime change by the Iranian people .
Professor Ivan Sascha Sheehan is the executive director of the School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Baltimore .
Follow him on Twitter @ ProfSheehan .

Iranians walk past electoral posters during the last day of election campaign on Wednesday in Tehran. Voters will go to the polls on Friday. Photo by Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA-EFE
Feb. 20 (UPI) -- When it was first reported that Iranian authorities were purging hundreds of political candidates, including more than 90 incumbents, from this week's parliamentary elections, President Hassan Rouhani responded by saying that the move posed a threat to democracy. But his outrage was short-lived, ending as soon as it became clear that Iranians were poised to take it seriously and impose consequences on the regime for its suppressive ways. Advertisement
Since then, Rouhani has been in lockstep with supreme leader Ali Khamenei in their appeals for widespread participation in the election -- a contest that Rouhani's faction is preordained to lose. Practically all the candidates who were purged from the ballot were categorized as "reformists."
Traditionally, both factions of Iranian politics have used national elections as a means of establishing a power-sharing arrangement. It is a system that has long injected an illusion of choice and self-determination into Iran's domestic affairs. Though this year's purge of challengers was unusual in terms of its scope and singular focus, a similar phenomenon occurs each election cycle.
Advertisement
But this time may be different. Iranians have grown increasingly frustrated with the mostly meaningless shuffle of pre-approved candidates ordained as eligible to run and are insisting on more than the veneer of choice.
Before every election, each candidate must be vetted by several government institutions, culminating in a final approval by the Guardian Council. The body -- which is explicitly tasked with vetting all candidates to high office, as well as all legislation that passes the parliament, for compatibility with the Iranian constitution, Islamic law and the will of Khamenei himself -- is comprised of six clerics (who are appointed by the supreme leader), plus six jurists (who are appointed by the head of the judiciary, who in turn is appointed by the supreme leader).
Opponents of the clerical regime have long observed that Iran's elections are effectively meaningless. The leading Iranian opposition group, the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), for instance, fervently objected to the way many Western media outlets treated Rouhani at the time of his election in 2013. While blind optimists speculated that Rouhani would be an instrument of reform within the regime, the MEK correctly predicted that nothing would change so long as the clerical regime was left intact.
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Not only has Iran failed to meaningfully re-engage with the international community during Rouhani's seven-year tenure, the regime's domestic and regional behavior has grown worse. And though Western powers have been slow to acknowledge their naivete in ever trusting Rouhani, the people of Iran have been much quicker to dismiss his reformist platform as a series of empty promises.
Frustration with Rouhani culminated in a massive boycott of the polls at the time of his re-election in 2017. And although Rouhani easily won over his ultra-hard-line challenger, the entire regime was left reeling from the awareness that its legitimacy had been openly challenged. That message was further amplified by the massive boycott driven in large part by the MEK, whose "resistance units" had painted graffiti and placed posters urging people to "vote for regime change" and depicting Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of National Council of Resistance of Iran, as a viable alternative to the established leadership.
Authorities attempted to deny the appeal of this message by reporting inflated participation numbers for that year's elections and by dispatching members of the Bassij civilian militias to make polling places look busy on state media. But the reality became undeniable by January 2018 when many of the same people who had participated in the boycott poured into the streets for mass protests against the ruling theocracy.
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With slogans like "death to the dictator" and "death to Rouhani" condemning both the "hard-line" and "reformist" factions, participants in those protests made it absolutely clear that they wanted a complete change of government, in line with Rajavi's promise of free and fair elections. The nationwide uprising continued through much of 2018.
The situation became even more challenging last year when another nationwide uprising broke out in response to the government's announcement of a sharp increase in gasoline prices. Once again, widespread demands for regime change emerged, and this time the regime responded with some of the worst political violence Iran has seen since the 1980s. About 1,500 people were killed by regime authorities during November and December alone.
Although that crackdown left deep scars on the Iranian public, it also exposed the regime's Achilles' heel -- widespread and growing public rejection of a plainly anti-democratic political system.
This election season, Rajavi not only called on the Iranian people to boycott the sham elections but observed that during the recent uprisings the people and students chanted "death to Khamenei, death to the dictator, death to the oppressor, be it the shah or the leader," demonstrating that they want a future without a monarchy r the mullahs. The Iranian people want a secular republic based on democracy and people's sovereignty.
Advertisement
In recent weeks, graffiti has once again appeared on the streets of Tehran and other major cities proclaiming, "my vote is for regime change," a phrase that has been trending on Iranian social media.
The widespread discontent on the Iranian street is an almost sure sign of forthcoming boycotts in this week's parliamentary elections, and it is all but certain that the boycotts will be followed in time by another upsurge in public protests and continued calls for regime change by the Iranian people.
Professor Ivan Sascha Sheehan is the executive director of the School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Baltimore. Follow him on Twitter @ProfSheehan.