upi--2020-12-18--China urges U.S. to stop sanctions against Chinese firms

NEW YORK , Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- China 's top diplomat on Friday denounced U.S. decisions to blacklist Chinese entities and officials , describing the moves as an `` emotional lashing out '' against Chinese policies in its territories .
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a live webcast hosted by the Asia Society that senior U.S. officials were engaging in a form of `` McCarthyism , '' while pointing their fingers at China and leader Xi Jinping .
`` There is no evidence to support their accusation , '' Wang said .
`` They are merely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lashing out . ''
Wang 's comments come during the final days of the Trump administration and increased sanctions against Chinese entities .
On Friday , U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross told Fox Business the government is blacklisting about 80 Chinese companies , including Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp .
The Commerce Department said the move was made to protect U.S. national security .
On Friday Wang described U.S. policy as `` overstretching the notion of national security , '' and condemned official criticism of the Chinese Communist Party .
`` The ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Chinese people .
An attack on the [ Party ] is an attack on 1.4 billion Chinese , '' Wang said .
The Chinese foreign minister delivered his special address at a time of persistent tensions between the world 's two biggest economies .
Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd , president of the Asia Society Policy Institute , said the current state of the U.S.-China relationship is the `` worst we 've seen '' in half a century .
`` The key challenge is , what will we do in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , '' Rudd said .
Wang agreed Washington and Beijing , which represent 1.7 billion people , are facing their greatest test .
But the foreign minister blamed the decline in ties to `` unilateralism '' and a `` go-it-alone approach , '' without mentioning the United States or President Donald Trump by name .
Such policies and `` resurging McCarthyism '' have `` fractured and crippled the international system , '' Wang said .
The Chinese diplomat repeatedly warned Trump officials against denouncing the Communist Party .
China 's ruling party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultural traditions '' and `` chosen '' by the Chinese people , Wang said , referring to Beijing 's system of rule under Xi , who currently governs without term limits .
Wang also defended Chinese policies in Xinjiang and Tibet as legitimate choices .
The `` law of the jungle , '' or foreign interference , should not influence domestic affairs , he said .
`` We welcome you all to visit China including the two autonomous regions .
There you will see first hand a situation different from what you see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wang said , denying claims of abuse in prison camps for ethnic Uighurs .
`` You will see a Xinjiang and a Tibet defined by ethnic harmony , freedom of religion and a vibrant economy . ''
Wang 's criticism of the policies of its trading partners comes as U.S. President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office in January .
Biden , who has called Xi a `` thug '' more than once during his campaign , has shown signs of promise , according to Wang .
Biden 's commitment to re-enter the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an opportunity for Washington and Beijing to `` come together , '' the foreign minister said .
`` We welcome more active measures , '' Wang said .
The foreign minister also expressed hope other policies under Trump could be reversed under a Biden administration .
Wang and Rudd said the removal of the current administration 's restrictions against Chinese students would be a productive step toward rehabilitating ties .
In September , the United States canceled 1,000 visas granted to `` high-risk '' Chinese students who are suspected of having ties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view that Chinese students and scholars are spies , or suspects , says more about the accusers , '' Wang said .
The Chinese diplomat also said China provided 40 billion face masks to the United States , or more than 100 masks for every U.S. citizen , referring to U.S. purchases of China-made masks .
Wang briefly addressed the COVID-19 pandemic Friday , but did not address allegations of China 's mishandling of the virus in the early stages of the pandemic .
`` Major countries should lead by example , '' @ @ @

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned Friday against criticism of the Chinese Communist Party and sanctions against Chinese firms. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
NEW YORK, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- China's top diplomat on Friday denounced U.S. decisions to blacklist Chinese entities and officials, describing the moves as an "emotional lashing out" against Chinese policies in its territories. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a live webcast hosted by the Asia Society that senior U.S. officials were engaging in a form of "McCarthyism," while pointing their fingers at China and leader Xi Jinping. Advertisement
"There is no evidence to support their accusation," Wang said. "They are merely irresponsible presumptions of guilt, an emotional lashing out."
Wang's comments come during the final days of the Trump administration and increased sanctions against Chinese entities.
On Friday, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross told Fox Business the government is blacklisting about 80 Chinese companies, including Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. The Commerce Department said the move was made to protect U.S. national security.
Advertisement
On Friday Wang described U.S. policy as "overstretching the notion of national security," and condemned official criticism of the Chinese Communist Party.
"The ruling party of China has a close bond with the Chinese people. An attack on the [Party] is an attack on 1.4 billion Chinese," Wang said.
"Stop the arbitrary suppression of Chinese companies."
The Chinese foreign minister delivered his special address at a time of persistent tensions between the world's two biggest economies.
Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, said the current state of the U.S.-China relationship is the "worst we've seen" in half a century.
"The key challenge is, what will we do in the 2020s, which lie ahead of us," Rudd said.
Wang agreed Washington and Beijing, which represent 1.7 billion people, are facing their greatest test. But the foreign minister blamed the decline in ties to "unilateralism" and a "go-it-alone approach," without mentioning the United States or President Donald Trump by name.
Such policies and "resurging McCarthyism" have "fractured and crippled the international system," Wang said.
The Chinese diplomat repeatedly warned Trump officials against denouncing the Communist Party. China's ruling party is "deeply rooted in historical and cultural traditions" and "chosen" by the Chinese people, Wang said, referring to Beijing's system of rule under Xi, who currently governs without term limits.
Advertisement
Wang also defended Chinese policies in Xinjiang and Tibet as legitimate choices. The "law of the jungle," or foreign interference, should not influence domestic affairs, he said.
"We welcome you all to visit China including the two autonomous regions. There you will see first hand a situation different from what you see and hear in the news," Wang said, denying claims of abuse in prison camps for ethnic Uighurs.
"You will see a Xinjiang and a Tibet defined by ethnic harmony, freedom of religion and a vibrant economy."
Wang's criticism of the policies of its trading partners comes as U.S. President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office in January.
Biden, who has called Xi a "thug" more than once during his campaign, has shown signs of promise, according to Wang.
Biden's commitment to re-enter the United States into the Paris Climate Agreement is an opportunity for Washington and Beijing to "come together," the foreign minister said.
"We welcome more active measures," Wang said.
The foreign minister also expressed hope other policies under Trump could be reversed under a Biden administration.
Wang and Rudd said the removal of the current administration's restrictions against Chinese students would be a productive step toward rehabilitating ties.
Advertisement
In September, the United States canceled 1,000 visas granted to "high-risk" Chinese students who are suspected of having ties to the Chinese military.
"The view that Chinese students and scholars are spies, or suspects, says more about the accusers," Wang said.
The Chinese diplomat also said China provided 40 billion face masks to the United States, or more than 100 masks for every U.S. citizen, referring to U.S. purchases of China-made masks.
Wang briefly addressed the COVID-19 pandemic Friday, but did not address allegations of China's mishandling of the virus in the early stages of the pandemic.
"Major countries should lead by example," he said.


upi--2020-12-18--Watch: Austen Kroll on Madison LeCroy sending 'mixed messages'

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Austen Kroll says it 's `` maddening '' to receive mixed messages from Madison LeCroy .
The 33-year-old television personality said on Thursday 's episode of Watch What Happens Live that LeCroy , his ex-girlfriend and Southern Charm co-star , has been sending him mixed messages since their split .
`` It 's maddening , because it keeps me on the hook , '' he said .
During Thursday 's Southern Charm , Kroll confessed to still being in love with LeCroy .
The episode also showed LeCroy go on an outing with John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` She told me about that , and she was like , 'This is not a date .
This is not a date .
I do n't really know Pringle and his kids . '
I am too fricking trusting , Andy , '' Kroll told WWHL host Andy Cohen .
`` I 'm like , 'Okay , it 's not . '
'' `` She told me and she made it very clear to me that Pringle ai n't it , '' he added .
Kroll did say it made him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's abs .
`` Yeah .
I mean , it did n't bother me like ...
It was n't like a dagger for a lot of other things that she 's done to say that another guy has a nice body , like , that 's the least of my concerns with her , '' he said .
Kroll appeared on WWHL with his co-star Craig Conover .
He reacted to LeCroy meeting with Conover to discuss her split from Kroll , a conversation Conover initially kept secret .
`` It was n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see your buddy go to your ex-girlfriend .
I do n't care how much of friends they are , '' Kroll said .
`` I did n't like it .
I was nervous . ''
Kroll said it `` hurt '' to see LeCroy tell Conover that she did n't envision herself marrying Kroll .
`` That helped me to kind of wrap my head around how she feels about me , '' he said .
Kroll and Conover said LeCroy and Conover 's conversation came to light during the group 's trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] and I sat Austen down and we were like , 'Look , dude .
We have to tell you that Madison 's just not the one for you . '
We 've been harping on it for two years now but I think Austen 's finally seen the light . ''
Southern Charm is a Bravo series that follows the personal and professional lives of a group of people living in Charleston , S.C .
The show also stars Kathryn Dennis and Leva Bonaparte .

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Austen Kroll says it's "maddening" to receive mixed messages from Madison LeCroy.
The 33-year-old television personality said on Thursday's episode of Watch What Happens Live that LeCroy, his ex-girlfriend and Southern Charm co-star, has been sending him mixed messages since their split.
Advertisement
"It's maddening, because it keeps me on the hook," he said.
During Thursday's Southern Charm, Kroll confessed to still being in love with LeCroy. The episode also showed LeCroy go on an outing with John Pringle, which Kroll addressed on WWHL.
"She told me about that, and she was like, 'This is not a date. This is not a date. I don't really know Pringle and his kids.' I am too fricking trusting, Andy," Kroll told WWHL host Andy Cohen. "I'm like, 'Okay, it's not.'"
"She told me and she made it very clear to me that Pringle ain't it," he added.
Kroll did say it made him mad to see LeCroy comment on Pringle's abs.
"Yeah. I mean, it didn't bother me like ... It wasn't like a dagger for a lot of other things that she's done to say that another guy has a nice body, like, that's the least of my concerns with her," he said.
Advertisement
Kroll appeared on WWHL with his co-star Craig Conover. He reacted to LeCroy meeting with Conover to discuss her split from Kroll, a conversation Conover initially kept secret.
"It wasn't easy. You don't want to see your buddy go to your ex-girlfriend. I don't care how much of friends they are," Kroll said. "I didn't like it. I was nervous."
Kroll said it "hurt" to see LeCroy tell Conover that she didn't envision herself marrying Kroll.
"That helped me to kind of wrap my head around how she feels about me," he said.
Kroll and Conover said LeCroy and Conover's conversation came to light during the group's trip to Bermuda.
"Shep [Rose] and I sat Austen down and we were like, 'Look, dude. We have to tell you that Madison's just not the one for you.' We've been harping on it for two years now but I think Austen's finally seen the light."
Southern Charm is a Bravo series that follows the personal and professional lives of a group of people living in Charleston, S.C. The show also stars Kathryn Dennis and Leva Bonaparte.


upi--2020-12-18--Researchers discover way to potentially predict seizures in epileptics

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- An implanted brain stimulation device may be able to predict and help prevent seizures in epileptics , according to a study published Thursday by The Lancet Neurology .
The device , called the NeuroPace RNS System , is intended to halt seizures by stimulating specific regions of the brain at the first signs of one , the researchers said .
It also can monitor and record seizure-related brain activity over many months or even years in epileptics as they go about their normal lives -- data that may be able to help `` forecast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live with constant uncertainty about when the next seizure might occur , which is stressful and can limit the types of activities that are possible , '' study co-author Dr. Vikram Rao told UPI Friday .
This technology `` might help reduce the uncertainty associated with epilepsy by forecasting periods of times when seizures are more or less likely over horizons that allow behaviors to be modified accordingly , '' said Rao , a neurologist at the University of California-San Francisco Epilepsy Center .
It also could potentially allow for tailor medications and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Epilepsy is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent seizures , which are brief surges of electrical activity in the brain that can cause convulsions , hallucinations and unconsciousness .
The NeurpPace RNS is an implantable device that monitors brain activity using continuous electroencephalogram technology .
Electroencephalograms , or EEGs , can measure the electrical activity in the brain to detect and avert imminent seizure , Rao said .
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the device for use in epileptics in the early 2000s , and it has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , he said .
For this study , Rao and his colleagues analyzed data collected by the device in 175 adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy .
The analysis revealed that seizures are `` less random '' than previously thought , according to researchers .
The technology identified weekly-to-monthly cycles of `` brain irritability '' that effectively predicted when study patients were nearly 10 times more likely to have a seizure with up to 80 % accuracy , the researchers said .
In some patients , signs of these periods of heightened risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , this elevated risk does not necessarily mean a seizure will occur .
While risk could be predicted several days in advance in 40 % of study participants , others ' brain data only predicted the following day 's risk and still others did n't exhibit the activity cycles needed for reliable predictions at all , the researchers said .
What causes a seizure to happen at a particular moment in time remains unknown , although they have been linked with certain triggers such as stress , alcohol , missed medication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The fact that an existing device can provide data that is useful for seizure forecasting suggests that we may not need to wait for years of device development before bringing this technology to patients , '' Rao told UPI .
`` That said , seizure forecasting is not yet ready for real-world clinical applications , and much more testing in prospective trials will be required before it is widely available , '' he said .

University of California-San Francisco researchers said in a paper published on Thursday that studying recorded data of brain cycles can predict seizures in epilepsy patients. Photo by link:geralt/ Pixabay
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- An implanted brain stimulation device may be able to predict and help prevent seizures in epileptics, according to a study published Thursday by The Lancet Neurology. The device, called the NeuroPace RNS System, is intended to halt seizures by stimulating specific regions of the brain at the first signs of one, the researchers said. Advertisement
It also can monitor and record seizure-related brain activity over many months or even years in epileptics as they go about their normal lives -- data that may be able to help "forecast" seizures.
"People with epilepsy live with constant uncertainty about when the next seizure might occur, which is stressful and can limit the types of activities that are possible," study co-author Dr. Vikram Rao told UPI Friday.
This technology "might help reduce the uncertainty associated with epilepsy by forecasting periods of times when seizures are more or less likely over horizons that allow behaviors to be modified accordingly," said Rao, a neurologist at the University of California-San Francisco Epilepsy Center.
It also could potentially allow for tailor medications and other treatments based on seizure risk, he said.
Epilepsy is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent seizures, which are brief surges of electrical activity in the brain that can cause convulsions, hallucinations and unconsciousness.
Advertisement
The NeuroPace RNS is an implantable device that monitors brain activity using continuous electroencephalogram technology. Electroencephalograms, or EEGs, can measure the electrical activity in the brain to detect and avert imminent seizure, Rao said.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the device for use in epileptics in the early 2000s, and it has been implanted in about 3,000 patients nationally since then, he said.
For this study, Rao and his colleagues analyzed data collected by the device in 175 adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. The analysis revealed that seizures are "less random" than previously thought, according to researchers.
The technology identified weekly-to-monthly cycles of "brain irritability" that effectively predicted when study patients were nearly 10 times more likely to have a seizure with up to 80% accuracy, the researchers said.
In some patients, signs of these periods of heightened risk could be detected several days in advance. However, this elevated risk does not necessarily mean a seizure will occur.
While risk could be predicted several days in advance in 40% of study participants, others' brain data only predicted the following day's risk and still others didn't exhibit the activity cycles needed for reliable predictions at all, the researchers said.
Advertisement
What causes a seizure to happen at a particular moment in time remains unknown, although they have been linked with certain triggers such as stress, alcohol, missed medication doses or lack of sleep.
"The fact that an existing device can provide data that is useful for seizure forecasting suggests that we may not need to wait for years of device development before bringing this technology to patients," Rao told UPI.
"That said, seizure forecasting is not yet ready for real-world clinical applications, and much more testing in prospective trials will be required before it is widely available," he said.


upi--2020-12-18--Billie Eilish, Foo Fighters set for iHeartRadio's virtual Alter Ego event

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Billie Eilish and the Foo Fighters will perform at iHeartRadio 's virtual Alter Ego event that takes place on Jan. 28 .
The event , which celebrates Alternative Rock , will be live streamed for free on LiveXLive.com on the LiveXLive app at 9 p.m. EST .
The show will also be broadcast across more than 80 alternative and rock iHeartRadio stations .
Eilish and Foo Fighters will also be telling stories in addition to performing .
Alter Ego will additionally broadcast past performances from Beck , The Black Keys , Blink-182 , Cage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mumford & Sons , Muse , Twenty One Pilots and Weezer .
Woody of iHeartRadio 's 98.7 station and host of the nationally syndicated The Woody Show , is hosting Alter Ego .
`` ( Pending a COVID test ) I 'll be happy to roll up my sleeves ( sport a mask , a face shield and anything else to obscure my face ) and help kick off 2021 proper , with a unique Alter Ego production that will serve as a warm-up for the impending return to normalcy , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the subject of a new documentary film titled Billie Eilish : The World 's a Little Blurry , which comes to Apple TV+ on Feb. 26 .

1/2
Billie Eilish is set to perform at iHeartRadio's virtual alter ego event along with the Foo Fighters. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Billie Eilish and the Foo Fighters will perform at iHeartRadio's virtual Alter Ego event that takes place on Jan. 28. The event, which celebrates Alternative Rock, will be live streamed for free on LiveXLive.com on the LiveXLive app at 9 p.m. EST. The show will also be broadcast across more than 80 alternative and rock iHeartRadio stations. Advertisement
Eilish and Foo Fighters will also be telling stories in addition to performing.
Alter Ego will additionally broadcast past performances from Beck, The Black Keys, Blink-182, Cage the Elephant, Coldplay, The Killers, Mumford & Sons, Muse, Twenty One Pilots and Weezer.
Woody of iHeartRadio's 98.7 station and host of the nationally syndicated The Woody Show, is hosting Alter Ego.
"(Pending a COVID test) I'll be happy to roll up my sleeves (sport a mask, a face shield and anything else to obscure my face) and help kick off 2021 proper, with a unique Alter Ego production that will serve as a warm-up for the impending return to normalcy," Woody said in a statement.
Eilish is the subject of a new documentary film titled Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry, which comes to Apple TV+ on Feb. 26.
Advertisement


upi--2020-12-18--Walgreens, CVS begin giving COVID-19 vaccine to nursing home residents

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Pharmacy chains Walgreens and CVS both said Friday they are administering Pfizer 's COVID-19 vaccine for nursing homes residents and staff at hundreds of centers in the United States .
The inoculations -- which are among the first in the nation to be given to people other than healthcare workers -- are being coordinated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , which is involving pharmacies in in the great national vaccination effort , Walgreens said .
CVS told CNBC it would also begin vaccinations at nursing homes in Ohio and Connecticut on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represent `` a monumental first '' in its 119-year history .
`` Walgreens is very proud to be a part of this historic milestone to begin administering Pfizer 's COVID-19 vaccine to our most vulnerable populations , '' President John Standley said in a statement .
`` With more than a decade of experience administering various vaccines , we have the deep expertise to support this unprecedented effort to allow our nation to emerge from this pandemic . ''
The Pfizer vaccine , developed in a partnership with BioNTech , was approved for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week .
The FDA is expected to approve a second vaccine , by Moderna , as soon as Friday .
Both have shown to be about 95 % effective .
After Friday 's initial inoculations , Walgreens will start providing vaccinations at hundreds of long-term care facilities in a dozen states next week , including many in rural and urban medically-underserved areas .
CVS said it will vaccinate about 500 people at three facilities in Connecticut and another 1,000 at four centers in Ohio .
The first vaccination of a nursing home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a facility in West Hartford , Conn. , and will was attended by Gov .
Ned Lamont , acting state public health commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford and CVS officials .
Vice President Mike Pence , second lady Karen Pence and U.S .
Surgeon General Jerome Adams all were inoculated at the White House on Friday , in an event aimed at building public confidence in the vaccine .

A nurse waits near several vaccination stations on Thursday at the Lillian S. Wells Women's Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Centers nationwide began inoculating health workers with the vaccine early this week. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Pharmacy chains Walgreens and CVS both said Friday they are administering Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for nursing homes residents and staff at hundreds of centers in the United States. The inoculations -- which are among the first in the nation to be given to people other than healthcare workers -- are being coordinated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is involving pharmacies in in the great national vaccination effort, Walgreens said. Advertisement
CVS told CNBC it would also begin vaccinations at nursing homes in Ohio and Connecticut on Friday.
Walgreens said the initial inoculations represent "a monumental first" in its 119-year history.
"Walgreens is very proud to be a part of this historic milestone to begin administering Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to our most vulnerable populations," President John Standley said in a statement.
"With more than a decade of experience administering various vaccines, we have the deep expertise to support this unprecedented effort to allow our nation to emerge from this pandemic."
The Pfizer vaccine, developed in a partnership with BioNTech, was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration last week. The FDA is expected to approve a second vaccine, by Moderna, as soon as Friday. Both have shown to be about 95% effective.
Advertisement
After Friday's initial inoculations, Walgreens will start providing vaccinations at hundreds of long-term care facilities in a dozen states next week, including many in rural and urban medically-underserved areas.
CVS said it will vaccinate about 500 people at three facilities in Connecticut and another 1,000 at four centers in Ohio.
The first vaccination of a nursing home resident in Connecticut was given Friday morning at a facility in West Hartford, Conn., and will was attended by Gov. Ned Lamont, acting state public health commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford and CVS officials.
Vice President Mike Pence, second lady Karen Pence and U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams all were inoculated at the White House on Friday, in an event aimed at building public confidence in the vaccine.


upi--2020-12-18--UCLA opts out of college football bowl season due to COVID-19

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- The UCLA Bruins have joined a growing list of college football programs that have opted out of postseason play due to the COVID-19 crisis , the school announced .
UCLA said Thursday its decision to decline any bowl game invitation was made by players on the team and supported by Athletic Director Martin Jarmond , coach Chip Kelly and the school 's athletic department .
The Bruins host Stanford in their regular-season finale at 4 p.m. PST on Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena , Calif. '' The health and safety of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our North Star throughout the pandemic , but the student-athlete experience is also always at the forefront of my mind , '' Jarmond said in a statement .
`` These young men have already sacrificed so much for each other ; now is the time for them to shift their focus , be with their families and take a well-deserved break . ''
UCLA ( 3-3 ) and Oregon State ( 2-4 ) are the only Pac-12 teams that have played all six games on the schedule so far this season .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game interrupted by positive coronavirus tests -- including Washington , where they forced the team to pull out of Friday 's conference championship game against USC .
The Huskies were replaced by Oregon .
The Bruins have had five positive COVID-19 tests since they returned to campus in June at the start of football activities .
`` We are a player-led team , and we listened to our players when it came to making this decision , '' Kelly said .
`` Our guys have given everything they 've had to this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the maturity and selflessness they 've shown . ''
Stanford announced last weekend that it also wo n't accept a bowl invitation for the postseason .
Boston College , Pittsburgh , Virginia , Kansas State , Louisville , Virginia Tech and San Diego State are among the other schools that have also opted out .

UCLA says Saturday's game against Stanford at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., will be the Bruins' final game of the season. File Photo by Juan Ocampo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The UCLA Bruins and Washington Huskies joined a growing list of college football programs that have opted out of postseason play due to the COVID-19 pandemic. UCLA said Thursday it will decline any bowl game invitation this postseason. The decision was made by players on the team and supported by athletic director Martin Jarmond, head coach Chip Kelly and the school's athletic department. Advertisement
The Bruins host Stanford in their regular-season finale at 4 p.m. PST on Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
"The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff has been our North Star throughout the pandemic, but the student-athlete experience is also always at the forefront of my mind," Jarmond said in a statement.
Advertisement
"These young men have already sacrificed so much for each other; now is the time for them to shift their focus, be with their families and take a well-deserved break."
UCLA and Oregon State are the only Pac-12 teams that have played all six games on the schedule so far this season. All other teams have had at least one game interrupted by positive coronavirus tests and contact tracing, including Washington, which was forced to pull out of Friday's conference championship game against USC. The Oregon Ducks replaced Washington in the Pac-12 title game.
On Friday, Washington announced it will not pursue a bowl bid this postseason due to medical reasons.
"I'm truly disappointed for our players, coaches and staff who dedicated themselves to this very challenging season," Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen said in a statement.
"The last 10 days we have made every effort, including pausing all football-related activities and continued aggressive testing protocols, to be able to have our team ready to return to the field. However, with the number of positive cases, specifically at the offensive line position, we will not have a team ready for competition due to our comprehensive return-to-play medical protocols."
Advertisement
Washington and UCLA joined Stanford, Boston College, Pittsburgh, Virginia, Kansas State, Louisville, Virginia Tech and San Diego State as schools that have opted out of this postseason.
Also Friday, the Florida State-Wake Forest matchup scheduled for Saturday was canceled because of COVID-19 concerns within the Seminoles' football program.
FSU told the league office that a positive test and contact tracing left the team without enough offensive linemen. This is the third game this season that Florida State has called off within 24 hours because of coronavirus issues.
Meanwhile, Iowa Hawkeyes head football coach Kirk Ferentz tested positive for COVID-19, the school announced Friday.
The 65-year-old Ferentz tested positive Thursday during his daily antigen test and had the result confirmed by a PCR test. The coach is asymptomatic and will self-isolate until Dec. 27.
"We have been fortunate this season to have played eight games and to have very few positive cases," Ferentz said in a statement. "When the team returns to practice on Tuesday, I will participate via Zoom and our collective focus will be on preparing for the bowl game."
Iowa's home game against Michigan -- scheduled for Saturday -- previously was canceled due to COVID-19 issues inside the Wolverines' program. Iowa will learn its bowl destination Sunday.
Advertisement
Ferentz is the fifth Big Ten head coach known to have tested positive for the coronavirus, joining Ohio State's Ryan Day, Wisconsin's Paul Chryst, Maryland's Mike Locksley and Purdue's Jeff Brohm.


upi--2020-12-18--Cheyenne Floyd expecting second child: 'My heart is so full'

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Teen Mom OG star Cheyenne Floyd is going to be a mom of two .
The 28-year-old television personality is expecting her second child , her first with her partner , Zach Davis .
Floyd shared the news in an Instagram post Thursday .
`` We are extremely blessed and honored that this little one has chosen us as parents .
We prayed for this moment and wanted to hold on to it as long as we could , '' she wrote .
`` The past few months have been life changing in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already parent to a 3-year-old daughter , Ryder , with her ex-partner Cory Wharton .
Wharton welcomed another daughter , Mila , with his girlfriend , Taylor Selfridge , in April .
`` Ryder is so excited to be a big sister again and is already super protective over my bump .
She prays for the baby every night and kisses my belly every morning , '' Floyd said .
`` Zach , you have been nothing but supportive and there every step of the way , '' she said .
`` Thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first met and how far we have come , I could not be more proud of us today .
My heart is so full .
Let the next adventure begin . ''
Davis confirmed the news in a post on his own account .
`` Baby Davis is coming soon , '' Davis wrote .
`` This has been the biggest blessing in the smallest package .
If you know me , you know my life revolves around family .
I am beyond excited to start my own with the woman I love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching you with Ryder ... you are nothing but an amazing mother .
Ryder is the best little girl anyone can ask for and I look forward to seeing her become a big sister ( again ) .
I love you both , '' he said .
The Challenge alums Tori Deal , Amanda Garcia and Kam Williams were among those to congratulate Floyd and Davis in the comments .
`` So happy for your whole beautiful family , '' Deal wrote .
`` This is beautiful .
I love you congrats sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congrats !
!
I 'm so happy for you and your family , '' Williams said .
Floyd joined Teen Mom OG in Season 7 following Farrah Abraham 's departure .
The MTV series co-stars Maci Bookout , Catelynn Lowell , Amber Portwood and Mackenzie McKee .
MTV cut ties with Selfridge and pulled her Teen Mom OG at Home special with Wharton in June due to her past racist tweets .
Wharton said he was `` disappointed '' by MTV 's decision .

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Teen Mom OG star Cheyenne Floyd is going to be a mom of two.
The 28-year-old television personality is expecting her second child, her first with her partner, Zach Davis.
Advertisement
Floyd shared the news in an Instagram post Thursday.
"We are extremely blessed and honored that this little one has chosen us as parents. We prayed for this moment and wanted to hold on to it as long as we could," she wrote. "The past few months have been life changing in the best ways possible."
Floyd is already parent to a 3-year-old daughter, Ryder, with her ex-partner Cory Wharton. Wharton welcomed another daughter, Mila, with his girlfriend, Taylor Selfridge, in April.
"Ryder is so excited to be a big sister again and is already super protective over my bump. She prays for the baby every night and kisses my belly every morning," Floyd said.
Advertisement
Floyd also gave a sweet shoutout to Davis.
"Zach, you have been nothing but supportive and there every step of the way," she said. "Thinking about how young we were when we first met and how far we have come, I could not be more proud of us today. My heart is so full. Let the next adventure begin."
Davis confirmed the news in a post on his own account.
"Baby Davis is coming soon," Davis wrote. "This has been the biggest blessing in the smallest package. If you know me, you know my life revolves around family. I am beyond excited to start my own with the woman I love."
"Chey, I love watching you with Ryder... you are nothing but an amazing mother. Ryder is the best little girl anyone can ask for and I look forward to seeing her become a big sister (again). I love you both," he said.
The Challenge alums Tori Deal, Amanda Garcia and Kam Williams were among those to congratulate Floyd and Davis in the comments.
"So happy for your whole beautiful family," Deal wrote.
"This is beautiful. I love you congrats sister," Garcia added.
"Yayyy congrats!! I'm so happy for you and your family," Williams said.
Advertisement
Floyd joined Teen Mom OG in Season 7 following Farrah Abraham's departure. The MTV series co-stars Maci Bookout, Catelynn Lowell, Amber Portwood and Mackenzie McKee.
MTV cut ties with Selfridge and pulled her Teen Mom OG at Home special with Wharton in June due to her past racist tweets. Wharton said he was "disappointed" by MTV's decision.


upi--2020-12-18--New York, Pennsylvania dig out from heavy snow after historic nor'easter

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Large swaths of the eastern United States are digging out from snow and cleaning up Friday after a historic nor'easter dumped as many as 3 feet in parts of New York and Pennsylvania .
New York City , which received 10 inches of snow in Central Park , was coming out of the snow cascade early Friday and city schools reopened after moving classes online Wednesday and Thursday due to the storm .
Students walking to school Friday through mounds of shoveled snow were cautioned to beware of dangerous black ice on streets and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city were permitted to resume later Thursday , Mayor Bill de Blasio announced .
Due to city COVID-19 restrictions , indoor dining is still barred .
`` Our outdoor dining structures held up very well during the worst of the storm , '' de Blasio tweeted .
The greatest amount of snowfall in New York was 44 inches reported in Newark Valley , about 20 miles west of Binghamton , which saw 40 inches .
In central Pennsylvania , which received the brunt of the storm in the state , operations began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harrisburg International Airport .
Pennsylvania State Police posted drone photos of a 66-vehicle pileup on Interstate 80 , which happened during the early stages of the storm on Wednesday .
Two people died in the crash , which officials say involved 55 commercial vehicles and 11 passenger automobiles .
Police photos showed semi-trailers strewn across the snow-covered roadway .
Pittsburgh received more than 9 inches of snow -- the fifth-largest amount for any day in December in the city , the National Weather Service said .
Hundreds of flights in the Northeast were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a few were canceled Friday at New York City 's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport , according to FlightAware.com .
At least seven deaths have been attributed to the storm .
Thousands of customers in the Northeast lost electricity during the storm , but only a few thousand in New York remained without power on Friday , according to poweroutage.us .
Forecasters say bitter cold temperatures will follow the nor'easter in the coming days .
`` Through Saturday , high temperatures are likely to range from near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New England to the lower 40s in northern Virginia , or about 5-10 degrees below average , '' AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said .
Highs typically range from the mid-20s over northern New England to the upper 40s in the Mid-Atlantic .
`` Temperatures can dip to below zero in the Adirondacks and northern New England and well down into the teens in southern Pennsylvania during Friday night , '' Anderson added .

A pedestrian crosses Seventh Avenue in the early morning hours Thursday during a major snow storm in Times Square in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Large swaths of the eastern United States are digging out from snow and cleaning up Friday after a historic nor'easter dumped as many as 3 feet in parts of New York and Pennsylvania. New York City, which received 10 inches of snow in Central Park, was coming out of the snow cascade early Friday and city schools reopened after moving classes online Wednesday and Thursday due to the storm. Advertisement
Students walking to school Friday through mounds of shoveled snow were cautioned to beware of dangerous black ice on streets and sidewalks.
Outdoor dining at restaurants in the city were permitted to resume later Thursday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced. Due to city COVID-19 restrictions, indoor dining is still barred.
"Our outdoor dining structures held up very well during the worst of the storm," de Blasio tweeted.
The greatest amount of snowfall in New York was 44 inches reported in Newark Valley, about 20 miles west of Binghamton, which saw 40 inches.
In central Pennsylvania, which received the brunt of the storm in the state, operations began to return to normal late Thursday at Harrisburg International Airport.
Advertisement
Pennsylvania State Police posted drone photos of a 66-vehicle pileup on Interstate 80, which happened during the early stages of the storm on Wednesday.
Two people died in the crash, which officials say involved 55 commercial vehicles and 11 passenger automobiles. Police photos showed semi-trailers strewn across the snow-covered roadway.
Pittsburgh received more than 9 inches of snow -- the fifth-largest amount for any day in December in the city, the National Weather Service said.
Hundreds of flights in the Northeast were canceled on Wednesday and Thursday, but just a few were canceled Friday at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport, according to FlightAware.com.
At least seven deaths have been attributed to the storm. Thousands of customers in the Northeast lost electricity during the storm, but only a few thousand in New York remained without power on Friday, according to poweroutage.us.
Forecasters say bitter cold temperatures will follow the nor'easter in the coming days.
"Through Saturday, high temperatures are likely to range from near 20 [degrees Fahrenheit] over northern New England to the lower 40s in northern Virginia, or about 5-10 degrees below average," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.
Advertisement
Highs typically range from the mid-20s over northern New England to the upper 40s in the Mid-Atlantic.
"Temperatures can dip to below zero in the Adirondacks and northern New England and well down into the teens in southern Pennsylvania during Friday night," Anderson added.


upi--2020-12-18--'All My Children' primetime revival in development at ABC

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- A primetime version of canceled soap opera All My Children titled Pine Valley is in the works at ABC from executive producers Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos .
Pine Valley refers to the fictional Pennsylvania town where All My Children took place .
The new series will follow a young journalist who comes to the town to expose its dark history .
The journalist , who has a secret agenda , will become involved in the feud between the Kane and Santos families .
Robert Nixon , son of All My Children creator Agnes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Leo Richardson ( Katy Keene , Star ) who is penning the script and Andrew Stearn of Andrew Stearn Productions .
Ripa and Consuelos are executive producing through their Milojo Productions studio , along with Albert Bianchini .
ABC Signature is producing .
Ripa and Consuelos famously starred on the original All My Children as Hayley Vaughan and Mateo Santos .
Ripa and Consuelos were a couple onscreen on the series before they became married in real life .
All My Children aired for 41 years from 1970 to 2011 on ABC @

1/3
Kelly Ripa (L) and Mark Consuelos arrive on the red carpet for the Academy Awards in 2019. The married couple are executive producing a primetime version of "All My Children." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A primetime version of canceled soap opera All My Children titled Pine Valley is in the works at ABC from executive producers Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. Pine Valley refers to the fictional Pennsylvania town where All My Children took place. The new series will follow a young journalist who comes to the town to expose its dark history. Advertisement
The journalist, who has a secret agenda, will become involved in the feud between the Kane and Santos families.
Robert Nixon, son of All My Children creator Agnes Nixon, is also executive producing along with Leo Richardson (Katy Keene, Star) who is penning the script and Andrew Stearn of Andrew Stearn Productions.
Ripa and Consuelos are executive producing through their Milojo Productions studio, along with Albert Bianchini. ABC Signature is producing.
Ripa and Consuelos famously starred on the original All My Children as Hayley Vaughan and Mateo Santos. Ripa and Consuelos were a couple onscreen on the series before they became married in real life.
All My Children aired for 41 years from 1970 to 2011 on ABC.


upi--2020-12-18--Fantasy football playoffs: Henry, Chubb lead Week 15 running back rankings

Dec. 16 ( UPI ) -- Derrick Henry , Nick Chubb , Alvin Kamara , Aaron Jones and David Montgomery top my Week 15 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020 .
Cam Akers , James Robinson , Dalvin Cook , D'Andre Swift and Chris Carson round out my Top 10 options for the fantasy football playoff semifinals .
J.K. Dobbins and Mike Davis also are among my favorite starts this week at the running back position .
Monitor the status for each of your players ' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule also features games on Thursday , Saturday , Sunday and Monday , so remember to check your lineup for player updates .
Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's rankings : Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans has a shot to single handedly carry your fantasy football team to a championship .
Henry has rushed for at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four games .
He also ran for a season-high 215 yards in Week 14 .
I have Henry as my top running back once again in Week 15 .
Henry and the Titans host the Detroit Lions on Sunday .
The Lions have allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs .
Henry should go off for at least 150 rushing yards in this matchup .
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb is my No .
2 option for Week 15 .
Chubb has scored in four of his last five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 100 yards from scrimmage in five consecutive games .
I expect Chubb to have a monster performance in Week 15 , when the Browns face the New York Giants .
The Giants have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
The Los Angeles Rams have set rookie running back Cam Akers loose and it 's paying off for fantasy football team owners .
Akers exploded for 171 rushing yards and 23 receiving yards in Week 14 .
I expect Akers to get another 25 touches in Week 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jets .
The Jets have been average at defending the run , but I expect the Rams offensive line to dominate this home game .
Akers is my No .
6 option and can be plugged into your RB1 slot .
Mike Davis lands at No .
12 in my rankings , but could move up the list if Christian McCaffrey is ruled out for the Carolina Panthers ' Week 15 matchup against the Green Bay Packers .
The Packers have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
Davis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a runner and pass-catcher if he gets another spot-start in the absence of McCaffrey , who is dealing with a thigh injury .
While Cam Akers has gotten his shot as the Rams ' workhorse , fellow rookie J.K. Dobbins is still splitting carries in the Baltimore Ravens backfield .
Dobbins has looked explosive in a somewhat limited role and should break through at some point .
I would use Dobbins as an RB2 this week in a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars .
The Jaguars have allowed the third-most rushing yards and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backs .
Dobbins has scored in three consecutive games .
He also has had at least 11 touches in six of his last seven appearances .
I expect Dobbins to get at least 15 touches when the Ravens host the Jaguars on Sunday in Baltimore .
He is my No .
13 option .

1/3
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry has a great fantasy football schedule for the postseason and is my top option for Week 15. File Photo by Jason Hanna/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Derrick Henry, Nick Chubb, Alvin Kamara, Aaron Jones and David Montgomery top my Week 15 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020. Cam Akers, James Robinson, Dalvin Cook, D'Andre Swift and Chris Carson round out my Top 10 options for the fantasy football playoff semifinals. Advertisement
J.K. Dobbins and Mike Davis also are among my favorite starts this week at the running back position.
Monitor the status for each of your players' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability. This week's schedule also features games on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, so remember to check your lineup for player updates.
Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason.
Advertisement
Here are some of my favorite players in this week's rankings:
TOP SHELF
Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans has a shot to single handedly carry your fantasy football team to a championship. Henry has rushed for at least 100 yards in three of his last four games. He also ran for a season-high 215 yards in Week 14.
I have Henry as my top running back once again in Week 15. Henry and the Titans host the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
The Lions have allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs. Henry should go off for at least 150 rushing yards in this matchup.
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb is my No. 2 option for Week 15. Chubb has scored in four of his last five games. He has also gained at least 100 yards from scrimmage in five consecutive games.
I expect Chubb to have a monster performance in Week 15, when the Browns face the New York Giants. The Giants have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to running backs.
SNEAKY PLAYS
The Los Angeles Rams have set rookie running back Cam Akers loose and it's paying off for fantasy football team owners. Akers exploded for 171 rushing yards and 23 receiving yards in Week 14.
Advertisement
I expect Akers to get another 25 touches in Week 15 when the Rams host the New York Jets. The Jets have been average at defending the run, but I expect the Rams offensive line to dominate this home game.
Akers is my No. 6 option and can be plugged into your RB1 slot.
LONGSHOTS
Mike Davis lands at No. 12 in my rankings, but could move up the list if Christian McCaffrey is ruled out for the Carolina Panthers' Week 15 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Davis should provide a lot of value as a runner and pass-catcher if he gets another spot-start in the absence of McCaffrey, who is dealing with a thigh injury.
While Cam Akers has gotten his shot as the Rams' workhorse, fellow rookie J.K. Dobbins is still splitting carries in the Baltimore Ravens backfield.
Dobbins has looked explosive in a somewhat limited role and should break through at some point. I would use Dobbins as an RB2 this week in a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Advertisement
The Jaguars have allowed the third-most rushing yards and fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs.
Dobbins has scored in three consecutive games. He also has had at least 11 touches in six of his last seven appearances. I expect Dobbins to get at least 15 touches when the Ravens host the Jaguars on Sunday in Baltimore. He is my No. 13 option.
Week 15 fantasy football running back rankings
1. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans vs. DET
2. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns at NYG
3. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints vs. KC
4. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers vs. CAR
5. David Montgomery, Chicago Bears at MIN
6. Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams vs. NYJ
7. James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars at BAL
8. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings vs. CHI
9. D'Andre Swift, Detroit Lions at TEN
10. Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks at WAS
11. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts vs. HOU
12. Mike Davis, Carolina Panthers at GB
13. J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens vs. JAX
14. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles at ARI
Advertisement
15. Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals vs. PHI
16. Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos vs. BUF
17. Wayne Gallman, New York Giants vs. CLE
18. Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns at NYG
19. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys vs. SF
20. Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers at DAL
21. James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers at CIN
22. Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens vs. JAX
23. Jeff Wilson, Jr., San Francisco 49ers at DAL
24. David Johnson, Houston Texans at IND
25. J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team vs. SEA
26. Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at ATL
27. Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals vs. PIT
28. Damien Harris, New England Patriots at MIA
29. DeAndre Washington, Miami Dolphins vs. NE
30. Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills at DEN
Advertisement
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-18--Vice President Mike Pence, second lady Karen Pence, Surgeon General Jerome Adams receive COVID-19 va

Vice President Mike Pence, second lady Karen Pence, Surgeon General Jerome Adams receive COVID-19 vaccine

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Calling the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech `` safe and effective , '' Vice President Mike Pence rolled up his left sleeve and was inoculated at the White House Friday in a broadcast event aimed at building public confidence .
Pence , second lady Karen Pence and Surgeon General Jerome Adams all received the quick vaccine while seated at the event .
Pence said he `` did n't feel a thing . ''
The vice president hailed the vaccine and said it was authorized in less than a year , saying vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to develop .
`` While we cut red tape , we did n't cut any corners , '' Pence , head of the White House Coronavirus Task Force , said .
`` As the Christmas holiday approaches , this is always the season of hope .
`` We gather here today at the end of a historic week to affirm to the American people that hope is on the way . ''
Pence called the vaccine 's development a `` medical miracle '' -- but acknowledged , in light of surging coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a ways to go . ''
`` Vigilance and the vaccine are our way through , '' he added .
`` Building confidence in the vaccine is what brings us here this morning . ''
President Donald Trump will not receive the vaccine unless it 's recommended by the White House medical team , officials have said .
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are also expected to receive the vaccine soon .
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved for use in the United States last week .
A second vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an FDA committee on Thursday .

1/4
Vice President Mike Pence receives Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine at the White House on Friday, in a bid to build public confidence in its safety and efficacy. Pool Photo by Doug Mills/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Calling the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech "safe and effective," Vice President Mike Pence rolled up his left sleeve and was inoculated at the White House Friday in a broadcast event aimed at building public confidence. Pence, second lady Karen Pence and Surgeon General Jerome Adams all received the quick vaccine while seated at the event. Mike Pence said he "didn't feel a thing." Advertisement
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, meanwhile, was among the first members of Congress to receive the vaccine. She did so publicly in her office on Capitol Hill.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell also was expected to receive the shot.
Mike Pence hailed the vaccine for being developed and authorized in less than a year, saying vaccines normally take between eight and 12 years to be released to the public.
"While we cut red tape, we didn't cut any corners," Mike Pence, head of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, said. "As the Christmas holiday approaches, this is always the season of hope.
"We gather here today at the end of a historic week to affirm to the American people that hope is on the way."
Advertisement
Mike Pence called the vaccine's development a "medical miracle" -- but acknowledged, in light of surging coronavirus cases and deaths nationwide, that "we have a ways to go."
"Vigilance and the vaccine are our way through," he added. "Building confidence in the vaccine is what brings us here this morning."
President Donald Trump will not receive the vaccine unless it's recommended by the White House medical team, officials have said. President-elect Joe Biden will receive the vaccine Monday and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will receive hers a week later, the transition team said.
Dr. Brian Monahan, the attending physician for Congress and the Supreme Court, encouraged lawmakers and the justices to sign up to receive the vaccine. All three branches of the government received a small number of doses to protect the continuation of government during the pandemic, CNBC reported.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved for use in the United States last week. A second vaccine from Moderna was recommended for approval by an FDA committee on Thursday.


upi--2020-12-18--Fantasy football playoffs: Tyreek Hill tops Week 15 wide receiver rankings

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- Congratulations are in order if your team still is alive in the fantasy football playoffs .
At this point , you are likely in the semifinals of your league and need one more win to reach the championship .
My Week 15 wide receiver rankings should help lead you to that victory .
Lineup sit/start decisions are now more important than they were at any other point this season .
A wrong decision could result in a narrow loss and early exit .
Correct decisions could steer your team to fantasy football glory .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evans , A.J .
Brown and DeAndre Hopkins top my wide receiver rankings for the second round of the 2020 fantasy football playoffs .
D.K .
Metcalf , Terry McLaurin , Adam Thielen , Allen Robinson and Calvin Ridley round out my Top 10 options .
Cooper Kupp , Brandon Aiyuk and Marquise Brown also are among my favorite starts this week .
You should target players who have a good chance to score a touchdown and get a lot of looks from their respective quarterbacks when considering who to start at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your players ' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability .
This week 's schedule also features games on Thursday , Saturday , Sunday and Monday , so remember to check your lineup for player updates .
Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's rankings : Tyreek Hill is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NFL , even when he does n't receive a lot of targets .
The Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver proved that last week , when he brought in just three catches , but scored on a 44-yard reception .
He also scored on a 32-yard run .
Hill is my No .
1 option this week as he heads into a matchup against the New Orleans Saints .
The Saints have had one of the best defenses in the league this season , but I still expect Hill to have success .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ last seven games and has four games with at least two touchdowns during that stretch .
Hill should help your team advance to the championship with another electric performance .
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans lands at No .
3 in my Week 15 rankings .
Evans ' streak of four consecutive games with a touchdown ended in Week 14 , but he has a great chance to return to the end zone on Sunday when the Buccaneers battle the Atlanta Falcons .
The Falcons have allowed the second-most receiving yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide receivers .
Evans should be in all lineups .
Washington Football Team playmaker Terry McLaurin is a WR1 play this week as he takes on the Seattle Seahawks .
The Seahawks have allowed a league-high 2,819 receiving yards to wide receivers .
They also have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to the position .
McLaurin has n't scored since Week 9 , but his targets have remained consistent over his last five appearances .
I expect him to return to the end zone for his fourth score of the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option .
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp scored his third touchdown of the season last week and should return to the end zone in Week 15 .
The Rams host the New York Jets on Sunday in Inglewood , Calif .
The Jets have allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and seventh-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
Kupp is my No .
11 play and can be plugged in as a low-end WR1 or high-end WR2 .
Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers is having a stellar rookie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 targets in Week 14 and has scored in four of his last six games .
The 49ers will play without fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel on Sunday , which opens the door for another heavy-target day for Aiyuk .
I expect the 49ers rookie to bring in at last eight catches and score a touchdown in Week 15 .
He is my No .
18 option and can be used as a WR2 .
Marquise Brown is heating up at the perfect time for fantasy football teams .
The Baltimore Ravens speedster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball .
I have Brown at No .
20 in my Week 15 rankings .
He is a very high upside WR2 as he heads into a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars .
The Jaguars have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
Brown is a must-start in the fantasy football semifinals .

1/3
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill has scored in six of his last seven games and is my top fantasy football option for Week 15. File Photo by Kyle Rivas/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Congratulations are in order if your team still is alive in the fantasy football playoffs. At this point, you are likely in the semifinals of your league and need one more win to reach the championship. My Week 15 wide receiver rankings should help lead you to that victory. Lineup sit/start decisions are now more important than they were at any other point this season. A wrong decision could result in a narrow loss and early exit. Correct decisions could steer your team to fantasy football glory. Advertisement
Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, Mike Evans, A.J. Brown and DeAndre Hopkins top my wide receiver rankings for the second round of the 2020 fantasy football playoffs.
D.K. Metcalf, Terry McLaurin, Adam Thielen, Allen Robinson and Calvin Ridley round out my Top 10 options. Cooper Kupp, Brandon Aiyuk and Marquise Brown also are among my favorite starts this week.
Advertisement
You should target players who have a good chance to score a touchdown and get a lot of looks from their respective quarterbacks when considering who to start at the position.
Monitor the status for each of your players' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability. This week's schedule also features games on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, so remember to check your lineup for player updates.
Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason.
Here are some of my favorite players in this week's rankings:
TOP SHELF
Tyreek Hill is one of the most explosive players in the NFL, even when he doesn't receive a lot of targets. The Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver proved that last week, when he brought in just three catches, but scored on a 44-yard reception. He also scored on a 32-yard run.
Hill is my No. 1 option this week as he heads into a matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have had one of the best defenses in the league this season, but I still expect Hill to have success. He has scored in six of his last seven games and has four games with at least two touchdowns during that stretch.
Advertisement
Hill should help your team advance to the championship with another electric performance.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans lands at No. 3 in my Week 15 rankings. Evans' streak of four consecutive games with a touchdown ended in Week 14, but he has a great chance to return to the end zone on Sunday when the Buccaneers battle the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons have allowed the second-most receiving yards and fourth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Evans should be in all lineups.
SNEAKY PLAYS
Washington Football Team playmaker Terry McLaurin is a WR1 play this week as he takes on the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks have allowed a league-high 2,819 receiving yards to wide receivers. They also have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to the position.
McLaurin hasn't scored since Week 9, but his targets have remained consistent over his last five appearances. I expect him to return to the end zone for his fourth score of the season. He is my No. 7 option.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp scored his third touchdown of the season last week and should return to the end zone in Week 15. The Rams host the New York Jets on Sunday in Inglewood, Calif.
Advertisement
The Jets have allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and seventh-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Kupp is my No. 11 play and can be plugged in as a low-end WR1 or high-end WR2.
LONGSHOTS
Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers is having a stellar rookie season. He also had a season-high 16 targets in Week 14 and has scored in four of his last six games.
The 49ers will play without fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel on Sunday, which opens the door for another heavy-target day for Aiyuk. I expect the 49ers rookie to bring in at last eight catches and score a touchdown in Week 15.
He is my No. 18 option and can be used as a WR2.
Marquise Brown is heating up at the perfect time for fantasy football teams. The Baltimore Ravens speedster has scored in three consecutive games and is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball.
I have Brown at No. 20 in my Week 15 rankings. He is a very high upside WR2 as he heads into a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Brown is a must-start in the fantasy football semifinals.
Advertisement
Week 15 fantasy football wide receiver rankings
1. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs at NO
2. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers vs. CAR
3. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at ATL
4. A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans vs. DET
5. DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals vs. PHI
6. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks at WAS
7. Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team vs. SEA
8. Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings vs. CHI
9. Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears at MIN
10. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons vs. TB
11. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams vs. NYJ
12. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings vs. CHI
13. Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers at CIN
14. Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans vs. DET
15. Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints vs. KC
16. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills at DEN
17. Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks at WAS
18. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers at DAL
19. Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams vs. NYJ
20. Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens vs. JAX
Advertisement
21. Marvin Jones, Jr., Detroit Lions at TEN
22. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at ATL
23. Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys vs. SF
24. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts vs. HOU
25. D.J. Chark, Jacksonville Jaguars at BAL
26. Robby Anderson, Carolina Panthers at GB
27. Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers at GB
28. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers at CIN
29. DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins vs. NE
30. Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns at NYG
31. Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos vs. BUF
32. Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers at CIN
33. Breshad Perriman, New York Jets at LAR
34. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals vs. PIT
35. Keke Coutee, Houston Texans at IND
36. Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals vs. PIT
37. Brandin Cooks, Houston Texas at IND
Advertisement
38. Gabriel Davis, Buffalo Bills at DEN
39. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Green Bay Packers at DET
40. Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys vs. SF
41. Antonio Brown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at ATL
42. Emmanuel Sanders, New Orleans Saints vs. KC
43. Jamison Crowder, New York Jets at LAR
44. Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts vs. HOU
45. Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons vs. TB
46. Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills at DEN
47. Lynn Bowden, Jr., Miami Dolphins vs. NE
48. Allen Lazard, Green Bay Packers vs. CAR
49. Sammy Watkins, Kansas City Chiefs at NO
50. James Washington, Pittsburgh Steelers at CIN
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-18--Pandemic disrupted commercial fishing in Northeast, study finds

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted commercial fishing activities in the Northeastern U.S. and Mid-Atlantic , according to a new study .
Though many fishers suffered a decline in income , survey results -- published Thursday in the journal PLOS One -- suggest many were able to adapt and continue fishing through the market disruptions triggered by the pandemic .
With indoor dining services restricted across much of the country , restaurants have been especially hard hit by the pandemic 's economic consequences .
When restaurants falter , those that supply them suffer , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Rutgers University surveyed commercial fishers from Maine through North Carolina to find out how those who make their living on the water were coping as demand for fine dining dried up .
As many as two-fifths of the respondents temporarily stopped fishing as a result of the pandemic , according to the survey results .
Researchers also looked at data on fish landings and found squid and scallop hauls were down from last year .
However , the data showed fishers were bringing in more black sea bass and haddock than in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps , a bit easier to prepare at home .
`` They may have kept fishing to pay their bills or crew , or to maintain their livelihoods or their quotas until markets rebound , '' lead study author Lindley Smith , a fisheries social scientist and postdoctoral researcher at Rutgers University , said in a news release .
`` Most of the fishermen who stopped fishing during the early months of the pandemic planned to resume fishing instead of leaving the industry . ''
Prior to the pandemic , data suggested as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened inside restaurants .
During the spring and summer , as the COVID-19 spread across the East Coast , stay-at-home orders depressed demand .
Data showed demand remained depressed even after stay-at-home orders were lifted and economies began to reopen .
Survey respondents reported a variety of strategies to adapt , including selling their catch directly to consumers .
Some commercial fishers joined residential delivery programs and community-supported fishery programs .
Many fishers also targeted different species , those preferred by the home cook .
`` While we found that many fishermen kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be necessary to study the longer-term impacts of the pandemic on the industry to understand whether this trend will continue , '' Smith said .
Though the adaptations detailed in the new study helped keep many fishers on the water , the survey results showed most still suffered significant drops in income , as a result of depressed demand and seafood prices .
Researchers suspect that the loss of fishers has not been the gain of commercial fish stocks , but scientists hope their work will help policy makers and fisheries managers develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and commercial fishers during periods of severe economic disruption .
`` The pandemic is just the latest threat for a sector coping with climatic pressures , overfishing , the legacies of oil spills and extreme events , and fishery management policies , '' said co-author Victoria Ramenzoni , an assistant professor of human ecology at Rutgers .
`` It is important to isolate these responses to identify the true cost of adaptation . ''

Fishers that kept fishing through the economic downturn caused by the pandemic still suffered declines in income, according to a new study. Photo by NOAA Fisheries
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted commercial fishing activities in the Northeastern U.S. and Mid-Atlantic, according to a new study. Though many fishers suffered a decline in income, survey results -- published Thursday in the journal PLOS One -- suggest many were able to adapt and continue fishing through the market disruptions triggered by the pandemic. Advertisement
With indoor dining services restricted across much of the country, restaurants have been especially hard hit by the pandemic's economic consequences. When restaurants falter, those that supply them suffer, too.
Between March and June, researchers at Rutgers University surveyed commercial fishers from Maine through North Carolina to find out how those who make their living on the water were coping as demand for fine dining dried up.
As many as two-fifths of the respondents temporarily stopped fishing as a result of the pandemic, according to the survey results.
Advertisement
Researchers also looked at data on fish landings and found squid and scallop hauls were down from last year. However, the data showed fishers were bringing in more black sea bass and haddock than in previous years -- species that are, perhaps, a bit easier to prepare at home.
"They may have kept fishing to pay their bills or crew, or to maintain their livelihoods or their quotas until markets rebound," lead study author Lindley Smith, a fisheries social scientist and postdoctoral researcher at Rutgers University, said in a news release. "Most of the fishermen who stopped fishing during the early months of the pandemic planned to resume fishing instead of leaving the industry."
Prior to the pandemic, data suggested as much as 70 percent of seafood consumption happened inside restaurants. During the spring and summer, as the COVID-19 spread across the East Coast, stay-at-home orders depressed demand. Data showed demand remained depressed even after stay-at-home orders were lifted and economies began to reopen.
Survey respondents reported a variety of strategies to adapt, including selling their catch directly to consumers. Some commercial fishers joined residential delivery programs and community-supported fishery programs. Many fishers also targeted different species, those preferred by the home cook.
Advertisement
"While we found that many fishermen kept fishing in the short-term, it will be necessary to study the longer-term impacts of the pandemic on the industry to understand whether this trend will continue," Smith said.
Though the adaptations detailed in the new study helped keep many fishers on the water, the survey results showed most still suffered significant drops in income, as a result of depressed demand and seafood prices.
Researchers suspect that the loss of fishers has not been the gain of commercial fish stocks, but scientists hope their work will help policy makers and fisheries managers develop new strategies for managing both fish stocks and commercial fishers during periods of severe economic disruption.
"The pandemic is just the latest threat for a sector coping with climatic pressures, overfishing, the legacies of oil spills and extreme events, and fishery management policies," said co-author Victoria Ramenzoni, an assistant professor of human ecology at Rutgers. "It is important to isolate these responses to identify the true cost of adaptation."


upi--2020-12-18--Ben Simmons linked to Rockets in James Harden trade talks

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons ' name has surfaced for potential trade as the Houston Rockets continue to field offers for James Harden .
Sources told ESPN and The Athletic that the 76ers have made Simmons available in some offers they have made for Harden .
Sources also told NBC Sports Philadelphia and Bleacher Report that the Rockets are interested in Simmons .
ESPN reported that those offers have come `` nowhere close to a deal , '' while The Athletic reported that conversations between the Rockets and 76ers are no longer `` fluid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in talks with several NBA front offices in search of a trade partner for Harden , who requested a trade before training camp .
Harden also has been linked to the Miami Heat , Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks .
76ers President Daryl Morey on Thursday attempted to shut down rumors of a potential Simmons trade .
`` We are not trading Ben Simmons -- he is an important part of our future , '' Morey told The Athletic .
Simmons , 24 , was the No .
1 overall pick in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All-Star and 2019-20 All-Defensive Team selection averaged 16.4 points , 8.0 assists , 7.8 rebounds and a league-best 2.1 steals per game last season .
The LSU product averaged a career-high 16.9 points , 8.8 rebounds , 7.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game in 2018-19 .
Simmons signed a five-year , $ 169.6 million contract extension last off-season .
He has a $ 29.2 million salary this season and is signed through 2024 .
Harden did not return to the Rockets at the start of training camp , but spoke to reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on right now , and for me , the best [ thing for ] James Harden is making sure I 'm in shape , '' Harden said .
Harden , 31 , has led the NBA in scoring in each of the last three seasons .
The 2017-18 NBA MVP and eight-time All-Star posted 34.3 points , 7.5 assists and 6.6 rebounds per game last season .
He averaged a career-high 36.1 points per game in 2018-19 .
Harden has a $ 40.8 million salary this season .
He has a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Rockets start their regular season schedule with a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8 p.m. EST on Wednesday in Houston .
The 76ers host the Washington Wizards at 7 p.m. EST on Wednesday in Philadelphia .

1/3
Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (pictured) has surfaced as a potential trade piece as the Houston Rockets look to find a destination for James Harden. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons' name has surfaced for potential trade as the Houston Rockets continue to field offers for James Harden. Sources told ESPN and The Athletic that the 76ers have made Simmons available in some offers they have made for Harden. Sources also told NBC Sports Philadelphia and Bleacher Report that the Rockets are interested in Simmons. Advertisement
ESPN reported that those offers have come "nowhere close to a deal," while The Athletic reported that conversations between the Rockets and 76ers are no longer "fluid."
The Rockets this off-season have been in talks with several NBA front offices in search of a trade partner for Harden, who requested a trade before training camp.
Harden also has been linked to the Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks. 76ers President Daryl Morey on Thursday attempted to shut down rumors of a potential Simmons trade.
"We are not trading Ben Simmons -- he is an important part of our future," Morey told The Athletic.
Advertisement
Simmons, 24, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. The two-time All-Star and 2019-20 All-Defensive Team selection averaged 16.4 points, 8.0 assists, 7.8 rebounds and a league-best 2.1 steals per game last season.
The LSU product averaged a career-high 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game in 2018-19.
Simmons signed a five-year, $169.6 million contract extension last off-season. He has a $29.2 million salary this season and is signed through 2024.
Harden did not return to the Rockets at the start of training camp, but spoke to reporters on Wednesday.
"I can only focus on right now, and for me, the best [thing for] James Harden is making sure I'm in shape," Harden said.
Harden, 31, has led the NBA in scoring in each of the last three seasons. The 2017-18 NBA MVP and eight-time All-Star posted 34.3 points, 7.5 assists and 6.6 rebounds per game last season. He averaged a career-high 36.1 points per game in 2018-19.
Harden has a $40.8 million salary this season. He has a $46.8 million player option in 2022.
The Rockets start their regular season schedule with a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8 p.m. EST on Wednesday in Houston. The 76ers host the Washington Wizards at 7 p.m. EST on Wednesday in Philadelphia.


upi--2020-12-18--In photos: Scenes from the holiday season

The world is celebrating a holiday season like no other , with the COVID-19 pandemic resurging in many areas .
@ @ @ @ @ withstanding the disruption .
Here 's look at people observing the holidays in the United @ @ @ @ @ .

Parishioners sit in folding chairs with candles, listening to prayers outside of the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Ladue, Mo., on December 24. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI


upi--2020-12-18--Watch: Paul McCartney tells 'Tonight Show' new album was made in lockdown

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Paul McCartney appeared on The Tonight Show to discuss the making of his newly released solo album , McCartney III .
The music legend told host Jimmy Fallon on Thursday that the album was made while he remained in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` I just was in lockdown and I had some time on my hands .
And so I started finishing up songs and stuff thinking this is just for my own fun and then suddenly I had like about 11 of them .
It was like , 'Oh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ' '' McCartney said .
`` The fact that I had n't even considered I was doing it I think made it better , made it more fun , '' the Beatles alum continued .
McCartney III represents McCartney 's 26th post-Beatles album and is the third album in a trilogy of releases that features the 78-year-old playing every instrument and writing and recording every song .
The album is available to stream on Spotify , Apple Music , Amazon Music and Pandora .
McCartney also discussed with Fallon collaborating with other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to approach him about working together .
`` Sometimes I let it happen .
I let it come to me .
So if someone you know gets in touch and says , ' I 'd like to work with you , ' that 's more likely .
That 's what happened with Kanye , '' McCartney said about working with Kanye West on 2015 track `` FourFiveSeconds '' that also features Rihanna .
`` I do n't really think I 'll ring someone up .
There was talk of me doing something with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sort of into , but it kind of fizzled out , '' he said .

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Paul McCartney appeared on The Tonight Show to discuss the making of his newly released solo album, McCartney III.
The music legend told host Jimmy Fallon on Thursday that the album was made while he remained in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advertisement
"I just was in lockdown and I had some time on my hands. And so I started finishing up songs and stuff thinking this is just for my own fun and then suddenly I had like about 11 of them. It was like, 'Oh, this should probably be an album,'" McCartney said.
"The fact that I hadn't even considered I was doing it I think made it better, made it more fun," the Beatles alum continued.
McCartney III represents McCartney's 26th post-Beatles album and is the third album in a trilogy of releases that features the 78-year-old playing every instrument and writing and recording every song.
The album is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Pandora.
McCartney also discussed with Fallon collaborating with other artists and how he prefers other musicians to approach him about working together.
Advertisement
"Sometimes I let it happen. I let it come to me. So if someone you know gets in touch and says, 'I'd like to work with you,' that's more likely. That's what happened with Kanye," McCartney said about working with Kanye West on 2015 track "FourFiveSeconds" that also features Rihanna.
"I don't really think I'll ring someone up. There was talk of me doing something with Bob Dylan, which I was quite sort of into, but it kind of fizzled out," he said.


upi--2020-12-18--In Photos: Christina Aguilera turns 40: a look back

Left to right , Pink , Lil Kim and Aguilera win Best Video of the Year and Best Video From @ @ @ @ @ video `` Lady Marmalade '' at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City @ @ @ @ @ .
The song also won a Grammy .
Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

Aguilera attends the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City on September 7, 2000. A few days prior, Aguilera canceled a performance at the New York State Fair after losing her voice. Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI


upi--2020-12-18--Cuba cracks down on artists who demanded creative freedoms

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Cuban artists and intellectuals want more rights -- and , in an unusual show of dissent , they demanded the government sit down with them to negotiate .
At 10:45 a.m. on Nov. 27 , about 300 people gathered outside the Ministry of Culture in Havana to demand freedom of expression , an end to police harassment and the right to make art that Cuba 's communist government disagrees with .
They organized the meetup on WhatsApp , a globally ubiquitous smartphone app used in Cuba only since 2018 , with the arrival of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were all convinced that we had to do something , and do it publicly and categorically , '' the filmmaker Raúl Pardo , who helped organize the protest , said via Facebook message .
`` Each one of us sent messages to various people , we created a WhatsApp [ chat ] , convened [ the group ] and explained what we were going to do . ''
After hours of waiting , shouting and clapping , 30 of the artists managed to speak with Vice Minister of Culture Fernando Rojas .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , followed by a major crackdown on dissent .
But the size , duration and public nature of the artists ' opposition , which continues today , are unprecedented -- a sign of how resistance in Cuba has grown and changed in recent years .
Opposition then and now Since the beginning of Fidel Castro 's Cuban Revolution , opposition on the island has basically had one strategy -- confrontation -- and one goal -- ending the political system he founded .
Many Cuban dissidents have been quietly financed by the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuba , and are warmly received in Washington by Cuban American politicians like Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart .
This relationship with the United States has undermined the legitimacy of the Cuban opposition , not only with the Cuban government but also with the Cuban people .
Polling shows Cubans reject U.S. involvement in their internal affairs , including the six-decade-old Cuban economic embargo .
The Nov. 27 protests were homegrown -- a result of Cuba 's recent economic liberalization and changing social dynamics , not American interference .
In 2009 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed a series of economic reforms that , among other changes , made it possible for people to run small businesses .
Galleries and theaters opened in homes and other private spaces across Cuba , enabling artists to create and show their work outside of state-run channels .
Dissident artists took advantage of this newfound freedom to advance their political demands , leading the government in 2018 to publish a decree seeking to regulate independent artistic production and limit where artists can perform .
Rather than remain silent about repression , as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuban artists have taken to the streets .
The Nov. 27 protest at the Ministry of Culture came in response to a Nov. 26 government raid on the home of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara , leader of the San Isidro Movement , an artist collective that opposes the 2018 decree .
Alcántara had been on a hunger strike to protest the detention of Cuban rapper Denis Solís for `` insulting '' a police officer .
Solís and Alcántara are vocal critics of the Cuban government , which they call a `` dictatorship .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the San Isidro Movement is a U.S.-funded operation .
On Dec. 11 , a news program on state television ran a video of a San Isidro Movement member calling for a U.S. military intervention in Cuba .
On Nov. 24 , just before the artist protests , the U.S. State Department released $ 1 million dedicated to increasing civil , political and religious rights in Cuba .
It is unclear whether U.S.-financed groups are funneling money to the San Isidro Movement , according to the Cuba Money Project , which reports on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In any case , while the raid on San Isidro sparked the Nov. 27 protest , only a few members of the movement were present in the crowd that gathered outside the Ministry of Culture .
These protesters had broadly artistic , rather than explicitly political , demands and sought to work with -- not against -- - the government to achieve them .
For `` a group of contrary artists ... to sit and talk with an institution that has never wanted to recognize their existence .
That is a historic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told OnCuba News on Dec. 8 .
If the events of Nov. 27 were novel , the government 's response was familiar .
On Nov. 28 , after he met with the protesting artists , Vice Minister Rojas was interviewed for a TV special on a Cuban state-run channel .
In it , he recounted the events of the protest day and reiterated the Ministry of Culture 's willingness to continue the `` dialogue '' in a second meeting .
The remainder of the program , however , cast the San Isidro Movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members `` mercenaries '' in an apparent effort to discredit the street protest .
No protesters were invited to talk on the show .
A week later , on Dec. 4 , the Cuban Ministry of Culture announced that the dialogue with protesters had been `` ended by the people who asked for it . ''
The post blamed the protesters for putting unreasonable conditions on a second meeting , including the presence of Cuba 's president , Miguel Díaz-Canel , and of independent media .
For journalist Jorge Fernandez , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the TV hit job .
Since negotiations ended , house arrests and arbitrary detentions of Cuban artists have increased .
But so have demands for change .
A document published on Nov. 28 and signed by more than 500 intellectuals , artists , filmmakers and others reiterates the protesters ' original request -- no more police harassment -- and adds to the list of demands nothing less than political pluralism and the rule of law .
Such reforms , they say , are necessary for `` the conservation of national sovereignty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' -- language seemingly chosen to demonstrate that their dissent has nothing to do with the United States .
It 's opposition by and for the Cuban people .
The Cuban government continues to accuse anyone who sides with the dissenting artists of being `` paid by U.S .
agencies . ''
`` Since the beginning , the revolution has been the object of foreign interference , '' says the filmmaker Ernesto Daranas .
`` But putting every criticism in that same bucket is now isolating [ Cuba 's government ] from reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professor of Spanish at St. Joseph 's College of New York .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

A woman poses for a photo during a concert organized by youth organizations to condemn the media campaign in support of the San Isidro movement, in Havana, Cuba, on November 29. Photo by Ernesto Mastrascusa/EPA-EFE
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Cuban artists and intellectuals want more rights -- and, in an unusual show of dissent, they demanded the government sit down with them to negotiate. At 10:45 a.m. on Nov. 27, about 300 people gathered outside the Ministry of Culture in Havana to demand freedom of expression, an end to police harassment and the right to make art that Cuba's communist government disagrees with. They organized the meetup on WhatsApp, a globally ubiquitous smartphone app used in Cuba only since 2018, with the arrival of mobile Internet. Advertisement
"I believe we were all convinced that we had to do something, and do it publicly and categorically," the filmmaker Raúl Pardo, who helped organize the protest, said via Facebook message. "Each one of us sent messages to various people, we created a WhatsApp [chat], convened [the group] and explained what we were going to do."
Advertisement
After hours of waiting, shouting and clapping, 30 of the artists managed to speak with Vice Minister of Culture Fernando Rojas.
The negotiations would end soon after they began, followed by a major crackdown on dissent. But the size, duration and public nature of the artists' opposition, which continues today, are unprecedented -- a sign of how resistance in Cuba has grown and changed in recent years.
Opposition then and now
Since the beginning of Fidel Castro's Cuban Revolution, opposition on the island has basically had one strategy -- confrontation -- and one goal -- ending the political system he founded.
Many Cuban dissidents have been quietly financed by the United States government, which promotes regime change in Cuba, and are warmly received in Washington by Cuban American politicians like Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart.
This relationship with the United States has undermined the legitimacy of the Cuban opposition, not only with the Cuban government but also with the Cuban people. Polling shows Cubans reject U.S. involvement in their internal affairs, including the six-decade-old Cuban economic embargo.
Advertisement
The Nov. 27 protests were homegrown -- a result of Cuba's recent economic liberalization and changing social dynamics, not American interference.
In 2009, Fidel Castro's brother Raúl Castro passed a series of economic reforms that, among other changes, made it possible for people to run small businesses. Galleries and theaters opened in homes and other private spaces across Cuba, enabling artists to create and show their work outside of state-run channels.
Dissident artists took advantage of this newfound freedom to advance their political demands, leading the government in 2018 to publish a decree seeking to regulate independent artistic production and limit where artists can perform.
A different dissent
Rather than remain silent about repression, as they have on so many other occasions, Cuban artists have taken to the streets.
The Nov. 27 protest at the Ministry of Culture came in response to a Nov. 26 government raid on the home of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, leader of the San Isidro Movement, an artist collective that opposes the 2018 decree. Alcántara had been on a hunger strike to protest the detention of Cuban rapper Denis Solís for "insulting" a police officer.
Solís and Alcántara are vocal critics of the Cuban government, which they call a "dictatorship."
Advertisement
Such language has led to accusations that the San Isidro Movement is a U.S.-funded operation. On Dec. 11, a news program on state television ran a video of a San Isidro Movement member calling for a U.S. military intervention in Cuba.
On Nov. 24, just before the artist protests, the U.S. State Department released $1 million dedicated to increasing civil, political and religious rights in Cuba. It is unclear whether U.S.-financed groups are funneling money to the San Isidro Movement, according to the Cuba Money Project, which reports on American programs and projects related to Cuba.
In any case, while the raid on San Isidro sparked the Nov. 27 protest, only a few members of the movement were present in the crowd that gathered outside the Ministry of Culture. These protesters had broadly artistic, rather than explicitly political, demands and sought to work with -- not against --- the government to achieve them.
For "a group of contrary artists ... to sit and talk with an institution that has never wanted to recognize their existence. That is a historic and unique act," one participant told OnCuba News on Dec. 8.
Broken dialogue
If the events of Nov. 27 were novel, the government's response was familiar.
Advertisement
On Nov. 28, after he met with the protesting artists, Vice Minister Rojas was interviewed for a TV special on a Cuban state-run channel. In it, he recounted the events of the protest day and reiterated the Ministry of Culture's willingness to continue the "dialogue" in a second meeting.
The remainder of the program, however, cast the San Isidro Movement in a negative light, calling its members "mercenaries" in an apparent effort to discredit the street protest. No protesters were invited to talk on the show.
A week later, on Dec. 4, the Cuban Ministry of Culture announced that the dialogue with protesters had been "ended by the people who asked for it." The post blamed the protesters for putting unreasonable conditions on a second meeting, including the presence of Cuba's president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, and of independent media.
For journalist Jorge Fernandez, however, the "dialogue was already dynamited" by the TV hit job.
Beyond San Isidro
Since negotiations ended, house arrests and arbitrary detentions of Cuban artists have increased.
But so have demands for change.
A document published on Nov. 28 and signed by more than 500 intellectuals, artists, filmmakers and others reiterates the protesters' original request -- no more police harassment -- and adds to the list of demands nothing less than political pluralism and the rule of law.
Advertisement
Such reforms, they say, are necessary for "the conservation of national sovereignty, independence and the integrity of the fatherland" -- language seemingly chosen to demonstrate that their dissent has nothing to do with the United States. It's opposition by and for the Cuban people.
The Cuban government continues to accuse anyone who sides with the dissenting artists of being "paid by U.S. agencies."
"Since the beginning, the revolution has been the object of foreign interference," says the filmmaker Ernesto Daranas. "But putting every criticism in that same bucket is now isolating [Cuba's government] from reality."
María Isabel Alfonso is a professor of Spanish at St. Joseph's College of New York.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.