usatoday--2020-12-24--COVID-19: The horrors of staying in an ICU should be enough to make you very cautious

When I was 13 , I was deemed mature enough to visit my father in the intensive care unit .
It was 1981 , and it was a day after he had a complex surgery to remove a mysterious spot in his lung that turned out to be a bug that had lodged itself there during his deployment as a doctor in Vietnam a decade earlier .
His eyes were buggy , his skin pallid , his hands dry as I held them .
I was sure that I would dislodge one of the many wires connecting to what seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IV poles .
The cadence of beeps and the acrid smell of disinfectant was not lost on me .
My father would moan with even the slightest movement , which makes sense since his surgeon had to spread his ribs out like a chicken bone in order to fully remove the spot from his lung ’ s spongy tissue .
My personal experience in the ICU My next trip to the ICU occurred a few decades later when I was 38 weeks pregnant with my son and again my father was in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgery to remove a deadly tumor he might have developed in Vietnam .
Two ICU stints , both stemming from service to our country .
Again , he lay in a dark room , his head wrapped tightly in bright white bandages .
I walked in silently , willing myself to keep from crying , to make sure he wouldn ’ t see the terror in my eyes if he happened to open his .
The ICU can be a terrifying place for a patient as I would soon discover twice myself — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovering from an eight-hour prophylactic mastectomy because I carry the BRCA mutation , and then again five years later in 2014 , when I had a second mastectomy to remove more breast tissue and undergo 10 hours of breast reconstruction .
Those nights are seared in my brain .
I can recall everything in sharp detail .
After long surgeries , you ’ re rendered incapacitated and , while I remember knowing what I needed , I felt incapable of speaking .
I couldn ’ t ask the devoted orderlies and nurses to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gown .
I just had to wait until it was my turn for care .
Ever since , I have considered my ICU experiences to be a talisman of sorts .
I have moments of almost superstitious conjuring , that if I can remember all of the details I can somehow cope with the fear of ever needing to occupy an ICU bed again .
COVID loneliness : Lockdown ?
I 've got this , I thought .
But COVID-19 is lonely , even for loners like me .
Even as vaccines are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans nationwide are lying in ICU beds due to COVID-19 .
Many of our ICUs are almost full , and yet there seems to be very little messaging working to stem this tide .
So maybe I can help : I ’ m here to say that the ICU is the stuff of a horror film .
Want proof ?
Imagine spending days alone in a room with only the sounds of the clicking of machines and the beeping of an emergency Code Blue to get you through minutes that feel like hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , apocalyptic personal protective equipment , fear everywhere around you .
You do n't want to end up in the ICU Maybe it ’ s time for those news segments on TV , in which a reporter walks through a COVID-19 ICU unit , to run on 24/7 repeat to shake us up and scare us to the core .
We ’ re certainly not learning much from leaders like former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie , who described his stay in the ICU this way : `` When you have seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you have time to do a lot of thinking . ''
It took him a week to finally evangelize about how serious this virus is and how important it is to wear a mask ?
Now he is making public service announcements about the dangers of negligence : `` For seven months I wore a mask pretty religiously and then for four days I let my guard down at the White House , and I got sick . ''
He ’ s so much luckier than most COVID-19 patients , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who died of brain cancer 36 months after his final ICU stay .
COVID : My road to full recovery — like America 's — will be long and difficult As a nation , we are at a breaking point .
Many of our hospitals ' ICUs are filled room upon room , bed upon bed , filled with a loss so big it ’ s easy to become numb .
This is no time to pretend this isn ’ t happening .
Instead , think of me , that 13-year-old nervously holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an ICU writhing in pain .
Now think of anyone you know with COVID-19 who has actually made it out of the ICU and lived to tell their story .
I can ’ t ask my father what it was like to be in those ICU beds , but you can ask loved ones who have survived COVID-19 and they ’ ll all say the same thing : Be smart , don ’ t treat this time like any other time before this and , remember , the ICU is the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist and an adjunct professor at New York University 's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute .
Follow her on Twitter : @ LambethHochwald

The horrors of an ICU with COVID-19 should be enough to make you very cautious Keep taking COVID-19 seriously. ICUs are the stuff of horror films: No visitors, apocalyptic personal protective equipment, fear everywhere around you.
When I was 13, I was deemed mature enough to visit my father in the intensive care unit. It was 1981, and it was a day after he had a complex surgery to remove a mysterious spot in his lung that turned out to be a bug that had lodged itself there during his deployment as a doctor in Vietnam a decade earlier.
His eyes were buggy, his skin pallid, his hands dry as I held them. I was sure that I would dislodge one of the many wires connecting to what seemed like way too many bags hanging from IV poles. The cadence of beeps and the acrid smell of disinfectant was not lost on me. My father would moan with even the slightest movement, which makes sense since his surgeon had to spread his ribs out like a chicken bone in order to fully remove the spot from his lung’s spongy tissue.
My personal experience in the ICU
My next trip to the ICU occurred a few decades later when I was 38 weeks pregnant with my son and again my father was in the ICU, this time recovering from brain surgery to remove a deadly tumor he might have developed in Vietnam.
Two ICU stints, both stemming from service to our country.
Again, he lay in a dark room, his head wrapped tightly in bright white bandages. I walked in silently, willing myself to keep from crying, to make sure he wouldn’t see the terror in my eyes if he happened to open his.
The ICU can be a terrifying place for a patient as I would soon discover twice myself — once in 2009, when I was recovering from an eight-hour prophylactic mastectomy because I carry the BRCA mutation, and then again five years later in 2014, when I had a second mastectomy to remove more breast tissue and undergo 10 hours of breast reconstruction.
Those nights are seared in my brain. I can recall everything in sharp detail. After long surgeries, you’re rendered incapacitated and, while I remember knowing what I needed, I felt incapable of speaking. I couldn’t ask the devoted orderlies and nurses to bring me ice chips or change my gown. I just had to wait until it was my turn for care.
Ever since, I have considered my ICU experiences to be a talisman of sorts. I have moments of almost superstitious conjuring, that if I can remember all of the details I can somehow cope with the fear of ever needing to occupy an ICU bed again.
COVID loneliness: Lockdown? I've got this, I thought. But COVID-19 is lonely, even for loners like me.
Even as vaccines are beginning to roll out, about 21,000 Americans nationwide are lying in ICU beds due to COVID-19. Many of our ICUs are almost full, and yet there seems to be very little messaging working to stem this tide.
So maybe I can help: I’m here to say that the ICU is the stuff of a horror film. Want proof? Imagine spending days alone in a room with only the sounds of the clicking of machines and the beeping of an emergency Code Blue to get you through minutes that feel like hours that feel like days. No visitors, apocalyptic personal protective equipment, fear everywhere around you.
You don't want to end up in the ICU
Maybe it’s time for those news segments on TV, in which a reporter walks through a COVID-19 ICU unit, to run on 24/7 repeat to shake us up and scare us to the core. We’re certainly not learning much from leaders like former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who described his stay in the ICU this way: "When you have seven days in isolation in an ICU though, you have time to do a lot of thinking."
It took him a week to finally evangelize about how serious this virus is and how important it is to wear a mask? Now he is making public service announcements about the dangers of negligence: "For seven months I wore a mask pretty religiously and then for four days I let my guard down at the White House, and I got sick."
He’s so much luckier than most COVID-19 patients, and he’s way luckier than my father who died of brain cancer 36 months after his final ICU stay.
COVID: My road to full recovery — like America's — will be long and difficult
As a nation, we are at a breaking point. Many of our hospitals' ICUs are filled room upon room, bed upon bed, filled with a loss so big it’s easy to become numb.
This is no time to pretend this isn’t happening. Instead, think of me, that 13-year-old nervously holding hands with my father as he lay in an ICU writhing in pain.
Now think of anyone you know with COVID-19 who has actually made it out of the ICU and lived to tell their story. I can’t ask my father what it was like to be in those ICU beds, but you can ask loved ones who have survived COVID-19 and they’ll all say the same thing: Be smart, don’t treat this time like any other time before this and, remember, the ICU is the last place you want to be.
Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist and an adjunct professor at New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. Follow her on Twitter: @LambethHochwald


usatoday--2020-12-24--Tom Selleck leaves $2,020 tip at New York restaurant: 'Hope for a better 2020'

Tom Selleck is paying it forward – literally – this holiday season .
`` Blue Bloods '' co-star Donnie Wahlberg posted a photo on Twitter of Selleck 's bill from a New York restaurant last month which features a generous tip of $ 2,020 .
`` I found out that my TV Dad # TomSelleck has generously accepted the # 2020TipChallenge at Elios Upper East Side ! ''
Wahlberg wrote in a tweet .
`` Love ya dad .
I didn ’ t start it but I ’ m proud to be part of it .
To those who gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — THANK YOU . ''
The note from Selleck reads : `` I am honoring my friend Donnie Wahlberg 's 'tip challenge ' with my sincere hope for a better 2020 . ''
USA TODAY has reached out to Selleck 's rep for comment .
`` I ’ m a fairly private person , ” he told People in April .
`` And I ’ ve always treasured the balance between work and time with my family .
It ’ s always about them . ''
Wahlberg started the year off himself with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sixth Sense '' actor 's wife , Jenny McCarthy , shared a picture of an IHOP receipt to Twitter on Jan. 1 .
The bill was $ 78.46 , but Wahlberg tipped $ 2,020 – well above the recommended 15 to 20 % .
The hashtag `` 2020 Tip Challenge '' alluded to a trend seemingly started in Michigan when Danielle Franzoni , a server at Thunder Bay River Restaurant , was left a $ 2,020 tip on a $ 23 bill .
According to CBS , the bill read `` Happy New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wahlberg joined in on the challenge , also writing `` Happy New Year , 2020 Tip Challenge '' on the credit card bill .
The actor also wrote `` Thanks Brettany '' on the receipt , showing gratitude to his server .
Good news in 2020 ?
Yes , it 's true : Here are 100 positive things that happened this year Wow : Jenny McCarthy reveals Donnie Wahlberg left $ 2,020 tip for IHOP server in honor of 2020

Tom Selleck leaves $2,020 tip at New York restaurant: 'Hope for a better 2020'
Show Caption Hide Caption Donnie Wahlberg leaves a $2,020 tip at IHOP, his wife Jenny McCarthy shares Donnie Wahlberg leaves a $2,020 tip at IHOP, his wife Jenny McCarthy shares USA TODAY
Tom Selleck is paying it forward – literally – this holiday season.
"Blue Bloods" co-star Donnie Wahlberg posted a photo on Twitter of Selleck's bill from a New York restaurant last month which features a generous tip of $2,020.
"I found out that my TV Dad #TomSelleck has generously accepted the #2020TipChallenge at Elios Upper East Side!" Wahlberg wrote in a tweet. "Love ya dad. I didn’t start it but I’m proud to be part of it. To those who gave even the smallest extra amount this year — THANK YOU."
I found out that my TV Dad #TomSelleck has generously accepted the #2020TipChallenge at Elios Upper East Side!
Love ya dad. ❤
I didn’t start it but I’m proud to be part of it. To those who gave even the smallest extra amount this year — THANK YOU.#spreadloveandlovewillspread pic.twitter.com/1NcEswVbsO — Donnie Wahlberg (@DonnieWahlberg) December 24, 2020
The note from Selleck reads: "I am honoring my friend Donnie Wahlberg's 'tip challenge' with my sincere hope for a better 2020."
USA TODAY has reached out to Selleck's rep for comment.
"I’m a fairly private person,” he told People in April. "And I’ve always treasured the balance between work and time with my family. It’s always about them."
Wahlberg started the year off himself with this $2,020 challenge.
The "Sixth Sense" actor's wife, Jenny McCarthy, shared a picture of an IHOP receipt to Twitter on Jan. 1. The bill was $78.46, but Wahlberg tipped $2,020 – well above the recommended 15 to 20%.
The hashtag "2020 Tip Challenge" alluded to a trend seemingly started in Michigan when Danielle Franzoni, a server at Thunder Bay River Restaurant, was left a $2,020 tip on a $23 bill.
According to CBS, the bill read "Happy New Year. 2020 Tip Challenge."
Wahlberg joined in on the challenge, also writing "Happy New Year, 2020 Tip Challenge" on the credit card bill. The actor also wrote "Thanks Brettany" on the receipt, showing gratitude to his server.
Contributing: Rasha Ali
Good news in 2020? Yes, it's true: Here are 100 positive things that happened this year
Wow: Jenny McCarthy reveals Donnie Wahlberg left $2,020 tip for IHOP server in honor of 2020


usatoday--2020-12-24--Naughty or nice? Breaking down the NFL's good and bad this holiday season

This NFL season has seen plenty of good and its fair share of bad .
An unpredictable sport made even more erratic by the coronavirus pandemic , the 2020 NFL campaign has been mystifying at points .
We ’ re here to help sort everything out .
In the spirit of the holiday season , here are a pair of lists – one for the “ nice ” players and teams and another for the “ naughty ” ones .
It ’ s important to remember you better not pout , you better not cry – even if your favorite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ naughty list .
And yes , the list has been checked twice .
WHAT IT MEANS : Loss of Trevor Lawrence might cost Jets far more than a star quarterback ENOUGH IS ENOUGH : More allegations of sexual misconduct engulf Dan Snyder and WFT The No .
1 Seeds ( Packers and Chiefs ) The golden children of each conference , and we ’ re not talking about Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers .
While they ’ re dueling for MVP honors , both of their organizations have been acing the regular season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in each conference .
Mahomes and the Chiefs are writing quite the sequel to a Super Bowl victory and MVP campaign .
For Rodgers and coach Matt LaFleur , who is 24-6 in his first two seasons , success in 2020 came after a loss in last season 's NFC Championship Game .
What a Super Bowl matchup this would be .
The division has improved from putrid to disappointing throughout the season , and the Washington Football Team ( emphasis on the product on the field ) has at least distinguished itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with treatments while coaching his first season with a new team .
Alex Smith is the favorite for the comeback player of the year and one of the best stories of the season , period .
The defensive line looks poised to dominate for years .
And hosting a playoff game would be the best present .
It ’ s only been two games since Hurts became the Philadelphia Eagles ’ starting quarterback , but all signs indicate this is his team moving forward .
A whole Doug Pederson offense to himself ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not for the sheer dominance of Mahomes and Rodgers , Allen would have greater MVP odds .
The credentials are there : 4,000 passing yards , 30 touchdowns to nine interceptions , a 68.7 % completion rate and 7.8 yards per attempt .
And that ’ s only what he ’ s doing through the air , never mind the 4 yards per carry and eight more scores on 96 rushes ( he also has a touchdown catch ) .
The Buffalo Bills won their first division title since 1995 and have won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one loss coming on a last-second Hail Mary to the Arizona Cardinals , caught by … Hopkins has proved he can almost single-handedly win games .
The wideout did it against Allen and the Bills , and his performance against Philadelphia this past Sunday was dominant .
Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury can thank Bill O ’ Brien and the Houston Texans for the discounted price on Hopkins .
With Joe Burrow hurt , Herbert is a virtual lock for rookie of the year honors .
Not expected to debut early in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Tyrod Taylor ’ s pain-killing injection mishap , which landed him in the hospital .
Herbert never looked back , with 30 total touchdowns ( 27 passing ) , 10 interceptions , and he 'll surely finish the season with more than 4,000 passing yards .
Labeled as tankers , the Dolphins ' coach never let his team buy into that philosophy in 2019 , his first year as a head coach .
The Dolphins finished with five victories , leaving them fifth in the draft order and able to select quarterback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Grier have constructed a winner in Miami .
Currently clinging to the final playoff spot , a postseason berth would be a worthy reward for being on the nice list .
Another offensive weapon — say , one of Tagovailoa ’ s former Alabama teammates — in the 2021 draft would also suffice .
While the Pittsburgh Steelers are floundering ( they will be dealt with below ) , the Cleveland Browns keep winning under first-year coach Kevin Stefanski and the Baltimore Ravens are fighting for a playoff berth .
The Browns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ravens have to leapfrog the Indianapolis Colts or Dolphins , who currently share Baltimore ’ s 9-5 record but have the No .
7 seed based on the tiebreaker .
With division battles requiring sorting before seeding is finalized , watch for movement in the standings over the final two weeks in the AFC .
They deserve a lump of coal for the poorly constructed roster , which a new GM will be responsible for rectifying .
Command of the No .
1 pick , however , means Trevor Lawrence is likely headed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rewarded for bad behavior ?
From an 11-0 start to a one-game lead in the division after three losses in a row , the Steelers ’ decline is alarming , and they don ’ t appear equipped to recover .
The offense is faltering in multiple aspects , from QB play to receiver drops to the lack of a rushing attack .
To make matters worse , the turnover machine has been cranked up .
Sure , injuries on the defensive side of the ball and to running back Austin Ekeler have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a disappointing 5-9 record with rookie quarterback Justin Herberg , who is the rookie of the year favorite .
Worth mentioning : Lynn still outdueled Jon Gruden .
Which brings us to… Until last Thursday , the Raiders had a chance to land on the nice list .
Thursday night ’ s loss to the Chargers put them here .
Derek Carr is hurt , but at least Marcus Mariota showed flashes of his Heisman-winning self .
At 7-7 , a lot needs to work in their favor to make the playoffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Gruden-Mike Mayock regime in Las Vegas .
At $ 10 million a year reserved for Gruden , that investment has not yet been worth the return .
On top of that , they have been a public health liability and apparently unable to follow simple COVID guidelines .
Gruden and the team have repeatedly violated protocols , and have faced penalties : the organization has been fined $ 800,000 total and Gruden $ 250,000 and Las Vegas lost a 2021 sixth-round pick for their indifference .
The equivalent of Bill Belichick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of an 11-season streak of reaching the playoffs .
He started out the season with eight of his players , mostly on offense , opting out for the season .
The Cam Newton experiment didn ’ t gain much steam , and quarterbacks coach , Jedd Fisch , is set to be hired as the coach at Arizona , according to reports .
The ugly stepchild of the 2020 NFL season .
No team will finish above .500 , only one team -- Washington can end with an 8-8 record .
Following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four straight before losing two in a row .
The Dallas Cowboys will have QB Dak Prescott back in 2021 , but Year 1 of Mike McCarthy has bordered on disaster at various points .
Philadelphia has shown life Hurts ’ takeover , and injuries ravaged the team on both sides of the ball , but they aren ’ t close to the team that won a Super Bowl three years ago .
Having to possibly move the expensive Carson Wentz , thought to be the franchise QB , was not in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they were nearly rewarded and moved to the nice list for trying hard and winning a game .
But after some deliberation , did that win move them out of the No .
1 spot in the NFL draft and possibly alter the course of franchise history ?
Perhaps !
They ’ ll need a new coach and might move on from Sam Darnold , the 2016 No .
3 overall pick .
General manager Joe Douglas will have to use the cap space and draft capital wisely next year .
Partying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or lose ?
Your business .
Partying with strippers without any proper COVID-19 precautions like mask wearing ?
Do better .
Partying with strippers without any proper COVID-19 precautions and then having those pictures wind up on the internet ?
Inexcusable , and the quickest way to end up on the naughty list .

Naughty or nice? Breaking down the NFL's good and bad this holiday season
Show Caption Hide Caption Lorenzo's Locks: The 3 best bets you should consider for NFL Week 16 SportsPulse: Lorenzo is here to spread some holiday cheer and solid take to the bank bets for Week 16 in the NFL. USA TODAY
This NFL season has seen plenty of good and its fair share of bad. An unpredictable sport made even more erratic by the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 NFL campaign has been mystifying at points. We’re here to help sort everything out.
In the spirit of the holiday season, here are a pair of lists – one for the “nice” players and teams and another for the “naughty” ones.
It’s important to remember you better not pout, you better not cry – even if your favorite team or player wound up on the naughty list. And yes, the list has been checked twice.
WHAT IT MEANS: Loss of Trevor Lawrence might cost Jets far more than a star quarterback
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: More allegations of sexual misconduct engulf Dan Snyder and WFT
NICE LIST
The No. 1 Seeds (Packers and Chiefs)
The golden children of each conference, and we’re not talking about Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers. While they’re dueling for MVP honors, both of their organizations have been acing the regular season currently occupy the No. 1 seeds in each conference.
Mahomes and the Chiefs are writing quite the sequel to a Super Bowl victory and MVP campaign. For Rodgers and coach Matt LaFleur, who is 24-6 in his first two seasons, success in 2020 came after a loss in last season's NFC Championship Game. What a Super Bowl matchup this would be.
Washington Football Team (strictly the team)
The division has improved from putrid to disappointing throughout the season, and the Washington Football Team (emphasis on the product on the field) has at least distinguished itself. Ron Rivera battled cancer and dealt with treatments while coaching his first season with a new team. Alex Smith is the favorite for the comeback player of the year and one of the best stories of the season, period. The defensive line looks poised to dominate for years. And hosting a playoff game would be the best present.
Jalen Hurts
It’s only been two games since Hurts became the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback, but all signs indicate this is his team moving forward. A whole Doug Pederson offense to himself? Sounds like an awesome gift.
Josh Allen
If not for the sheer dominance of Mahomes and Rodgers, Allen would have greater MVP odds. The credentials are there: 4,000 passing yards, 30 touchdowns to nine interceptions, a 68.7% completion rate and 7.8 yards per attempt. And that’s only what he’s doing through the air, never mind the 4 yards per carry and eight more scores on 96 rushes (he also has a touchdown catch).
The Buffalo Bills won their first division title since 1995 and have won seven of their last eight, the one loss coming on a last-second Hail Mary to the Arizona Cardinals, caught by …
DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins has proved he can almost single-handedly win games. The wideout did it against Allen and the Bills, and his performance against Philadelphia this past Sunday was dominant. Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury can thank Bill O’Brien and the Houston Texans for the discounted price on Hopkins.
Justin Herbert
With Joe Burrow hurt, Herbert is a virtual lock for rookie of the year honors. Not expected to debut early in the season, he was pressed into action after Tyrod Taylor’s pain-killing injection mishap, which landed him in the hospital. Herbert never looked back, with 30 total touchdowns (27 passing), 10 interceptions, and he'll surely finish the season with more than 4,000 passing yards.
Brian Flores
Labeled as tankers, the Dolphins' coach never let his team buy into that philosophy in 2019, his first year as a head coach. The Dolphins finished with five victories, leaving them fifth in the draft order and able to select quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Flores and general manager Chris Grier have constructed a winner in Miami. Currently clinging to the final playoff spot, a postseason berth would be a worthy reward for being on the nice list. Another offensive weapon — say, one of Tagovailoa’s former Alabama teammates — in the 2021 draft would also suffice.
AFC playoff picture
While the Pittsburgh Steelers are floundering (they will be dealt with below), the Cleveland Browns keep winning under first-year coach Kevin Stefanski and the Baltimore Ravens are fighting for a playoff berth. The Browns can still win the division. The Ravens have to leapfrog the Indianapolis Colts or Dolphins, who currently share Baltimore’s 9-5 record but have the No. 7 seed based on the tiebreaker.
With division battles requiring sorting before seeding is finalized, watch for movement in the standings over the final two weeks in the AFC.
NAUGHTY LIST
Jacksonville Jaguars
They deserve a lump of coal for the poorly constructed roster, which a new GM will be responsible for rectifying. Command of the No. 1 pick, however, means Trevor Lawrence is likely headed South. How can they keep being rewarded for bad behavior?
Pittsburgh Steelers
From an 11-0 start to a one-game lead in the division after three losses in a row, the Steelers’ decline is alarming, and they don’t appear equipped to recover. The offense is faltering in multiple aspects, from QB play to receiver drops to the lack of a rushing attack. To make matters worse, the turnover machine has been cranked up.
Anthony Lynn
Sure, injuries on the defensive side of the ball and to running back Austin Ekeler have been unfortunate. All of it has led to a disappointing 5-9 record with rookie quarterback Justin Herberg, who is the rookie of the year favorite.
Worth mentioning: Lynn still outdueled Jon Gruden. Which brings us to…
Las Vegas Raiders
Until last Thursday, the Raiders had a chance to land on the nice list. Thursday night’s loss to the Chargers put them here. Derek Carr is hurt, but at least Marcus Mariota showed flashes of his Heisman-winning self. At 7-7, a lot needs to work in their favor to make the playoffs. It’s only Year 2 for the Gruden-Mike Mayock regime in Las Vegas. At $10 million a year reserved for Gruden, that investment has not yet been worth the return.
On top of that, they have been a public health liability and apparently unable to follow simple COVID guidelines. Gruden and the team have repeatedly violated protocols, and have faced penalties: the organization has been fined $800,000 total and Gruden $250,000 and Las Vegas lost a 2021 sixth-round pick for their indifference.
New England Patriots
The equivalent of Bill Belichick finding coal in his stocking is the end of an 11-season streak of reaching the playoffs. He started out the season with eight of his players, mostly on offense, opting out for the season. The Cam Newton experiment didn’t gain much steam, and quarterbacks coach, Jedd Fisch, is set to be hired as the coach at Arizona, according to reports.
The NFC East
The ugly stepchild of the 2020 NFL season. No team will finish above .500, only one team -- Washington can end with an 8-8 record.
Following a 1-7 start, New York won four straight before losing two in a row . The Dallas Cowboys will have QB Dak Prescott back in 2021, but Year 1 of Mike McCarthy has bordered on disaster at various points. Philadelphia has shown life Hurts’ takeover, and injuries ravaged the team on both sides of the ball, but they aren’t close to the team that won a Super Bowl three years ago. Having to possibly move the expensive Carson Wentz, thought to be the franchise QB, was not in the cards, either.
New York Jets
For a moment, they were nearly rewarded and moved to the nice list for trying hard and winning a game. But after some deliberation, did that win move them out of the No. 1 spot in the NFL draft and possibly alter the course of franchise history? Perhaps! They’ll need a new coach and might move on from Sam Darnold, the 2016 No. 3 overall pick. General manager Joe Douglas will have to use the cap space and draft capital wisely next year.
Dwayne Haskins
Partying with strippers after a game, win or lose? Your business. Partying with strippers without any proper COVID-19 precautions like mask wearing? Do better. Partying with strippers without any proper COVID-19 precautions and then having those pictures wind up on the internet? Inexcusable, and the quickest way to end up on the naughty list.
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.


usatoday--2020-12-24--He was shooting at his friend at a gun range 'for no apparent reason.' Then, a stranger shot and kil

ERIE , Pa. – Two men were taking turns firing a weapon at a gun range on state game lands in Greene Township , Pennsylvania on Tuesday afternoon when one of the men turned on the other and began firing at him .
A man in a neighboring shooting stall then fired his weapon at the shooter in an apparent move to stop the attack , killing the shooter , Pennsylvania State Police investigators said .
State police are trying to determine why the man killed , identified as 26-year-old Robert A. Eppley , turned the gun on his friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Troop E in Lawrence Park Township .
No charges had been filed as of Wednesday morning .
Eppley was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting Tuesday afternoon at the State Game Lands 109 gun range by Erie County Deputy Coroner John Maloney .
A 67-year-old Erie man who state police said shot Eppley was questioned and later released as part of the ongoing investigation into Tuesday 's incident , Weindorf said on Wednesday morning .
Also questioned , he said , was the man shot by Eppley , identified by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man .
He was shot multiple times and was taken to UPMC Hamot for treatment before being released from the hospital on Tuesday night , Weindorf said .
A motive in the shooting `` is completely unknown , '' Weindorf said Wednesday .
Investigators have so far been unable to identify any issue between the two men to explain why the shooting happened , he said .
The shooting was reported to state police on Tuesday at 2:08 p.m .
According to Weindorf , Eppley and the 28-year-old Erie man arrived at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their girlfriends , after one of the men had just purchased a pistol and they wanted to shoot the new gun .
Weindorf said everyone was taking turns shooting the gun .
At one point Eppley had the gun and had just fired five rounds when he turned and began firing the weapon at the 28-year-old man , who was standing about 10 feet from him , `` for no apparent reason , '' Weindorf said .
The 67-year-old man who was nearby , who Weindorf said had no connection to the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired on Eppley , who was still shooting at his friend , Weindorf said .
Investigators spoke with everyone who was at the gun range during the incident , including three people who were on the facility 's rifle range and who said they did not witness the shooting but heard it .
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has closed the gun range until further notice , Weindorf said .

He was shooting at his friend at a gun range 'for no apparent reason.' Then, a stranger shot and killed him.
Show Caption Hide Caption Pennsylvania State Police investigate death at shooting range in Greene Township Pennsylvania State Police investigate a shooting Dec. 22, at the State Gamelands 109 shooting range on Sampson Station Road in Greene Township. Erie Times-News
ERIE, Pa. – Two men were taking turns firing a weapon at a gun range on state game lands in Greene Township, Pennsylvania on Tuesday afternoon when one of the men turned on the other and began firing at him.
A man in a neighboring shooting stall then fired his weapon at the shooter in an apparent move to stop the attack, killing the shooter, Pennsylvania State Police investigators said.
State police are trying to determine why the man killed, identified as 26-year-old Robert A. Eppley, turned the gun on his friend, said Lt. Mark Weindorfof Pennsylvania State Police Troop E in Lawrence Park Township.
No charges had been filed as of Wednesday morning.
Eppley was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting Tuesday afternoon at the State Game Lands 109 gun range by Erie County Deputy Coroner John Maloney.
A 67-year-old Erie man who state police said shot Eppley was questioned and later released as part of the ongoing investigation into Tuesday's incident, Weindorf said on Wednesday morning.
Also questioned, he said, was the man shot by Eppley, identified by state police only as a 28-year-old Erie man. He was shot multiple times and was taken to UPMC Hamot for treatment before being released from the hospital on Tuesday night, Weindorf said.
A motive in the shooting "is completely unknown," Weindorf said Wednesday. Investigators have so far been unable to identify any issue between the two men to explain why the shooting happened, he said.
The shooting was reported to state police on Tuesday at 2:08 p.m. According to Weindorf, Eppley and the 28-year-old Erie man arrived at the gun range in separate vehicles, with their girlfriends, after one of the men had just purchased a pistol and they wanted to shoot the new gun.
Weindorf said everyone was taking turns shooting the gun. At one point Eppley had the gun and had just fired five rounds when he turned and began firing the weapon at the 28-year-old man, who was standing about 10 feet from him, "for no apparent reason," Weindorf said.
The 67-year-old man who was nearby, who Weindorf said had no connection to the two men, saw what was happening and fired on Eppley, who was still shooting at his friend, Weindorf said.
Investigators spoke with everyone who was at the gun range during the incident, including three people who were on the facility's rifle range and who said they did not witness the shooting but heard it.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has closed the gun range until further notice, Weindorf said.
Follow Erie reporter Tim Hahn on Twitter @ETNhahn.


usatoday--2020-12-24--Glen Campbell's widow defends $200,000 in legal fees to settle estate dispute

The widow of Glen Campbell says the legal fees incurred in her late husband 's estate are justified and necessary to preserve and protect the estate 's most valuable assets , Campbell 's name , likeness , image and royalties .
In a seven-page filing in Davidson Probate Court , lawyers for Kimberly Campbell charged that the demands of one of the late singer 's daughters had prevented the estate from distributing those assets to a family trust .
The filing was in rapid response to a motion by Debby Campbell-Cloyd in which she questioned legal fees totaling $ 211,533 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Greenberg Traurig ) .
Campbell-Cloyd asked the court for a separate hearing or special review of the legal fees .
In the reply , Carolyn Schott , the attorney representing Kimberly Campbell , said the fees were justified due to the complex nature of the task of valuing and protecting the late singer 's assets .
Campbell died in 2017 following a long battle with Alzheimer 's disease .
The dispute over the legal fees is just the latest in a series of legal battles over the singer 's estate .
Three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case , but eventually withdrew their objections .
Glen Campbell 's widow Kimopens up about late singer 's alcoholism : 'He was self-destructing' In her filing Kimberly Campbell disputed the need for a special hearing on the legal fees and asserted that the judge already had sufficient information to act on the request as part of the regular process .
Citing a relationship between her late husband and the law firm spanning more than 50 years , the filing states that the work of GT Law ensured that a revenue stream to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In her filing Debby Campbell-Cloyd cited the fact that one GT Law attorney was being paid fees at the `` excessive '' rate of $ 1,050 per hour , but Kimberly Campbell countered that the fees were reasonable considering the firm 's familiarity with the estate issues .
`` Quite simply , it would take years to replicate GT Law 's background and familiarity with the estate 's intellectual property assets , '' the Kimberly Campbell filing concludes .
GLEN CAMPBELL ESTATE : Estate 'paralyzed ' as will contest looms , lawyers say

Walter F. Roche Jr., Special to Nashville Tennessean

Glen Campbell's widow defends $200,000 in legal fees to settle estate dispute
The widow of Glen Campbell says the legal fees incurred in her late husband's estate are justified and necessary to preserve and protect the estate's most valuable assets, Campbell's name, likeness, image and royalties.
In a seven-page filing in Davidson Probate Court, lawyers for Kimberly Campbell charged that the demands of one of the late singer's daughters had prevented the estate from distributing those assets to a family trust.
The filing was in rapid response to a motion by Debby Campbell-Cloyd in which she questioned legal fees totaling $211,533 incurred by the estate with GT Law (Greenberg Traurig). Campbell-Cloyd asked the court for a separate hearing or special review of the legal fees.
In the reply, Carolyn Schott, the attorney representing Kimberly Campbell, said the fees were justified due to the complex nature of the task of valuing and protecting the late singer's assets.
Campbell died in 2017 following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. The dispute over the legal fees is just the latest in a series of legal battles over the singer's estate. Three other siblings contested the will filed in the case, but eventually withdrew their objections.
Glen Campbell's widow Kim opens up about late singer's alcoholism: 'He was self-destructing'
In her filing Kimberly Campbell disputed the need for a special hearing on the legal fees and asserted that the judge already had sufficient information to act on the request as part of the regular process.
Citing a relationship between her late husband and the law firm spanning more than 50 years, the filing states that the work of GT Law ensured that a revenue stream to the estate was preserved and continued.
In her filing Debby Campbell-Cloyd cited the fact that one GT Law attorney was being paid fees at the "excessive" rate of $1,050 per hour, but Kimberly Campbell countered that the fees were reasonable considering the firm's familiarity with the estate issues.
"Quite simply, it would take years to replicate GT Law's background and familiarity with the estate's intellectual property assets," the Kimberly Campbell filing concludes.
GLEN CAMPBELL ESTATE: Estate 'paralyzed' as will contest looms, lawyers say
GLEN CAMPBELL ESTATE: Campbell's widow moves to protect inheritance
GLEN CAMPBELL ESTATE: Estate previously valued at $50 million. Latest estimate: $410,000


usatoday--2020-12-24--'I wasn't expected to be alive': Emotional Rush Limbaugh thanks listeners amid cancer battle

Rush Limbaugh is expressing `` great gratitude '' as he battles lung cancer .
The longtime conservative commentator , 69 , opened his last radio broadcast of 2020 by giving thanks to `` The Rush Limbaugh Show '' listeners and supporters .
`` I 've had a year to really reflect on the things that really matter… the things that are completely relevant and important to me , '' Limbaugh said .
`` And all of you are in that large conglomeration of things that are very important to me . ''
Limbaugh said he `` was n't expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't expected to make it to October , and then to November , and then to December , '' he said .
`` And yet , here I am and today , got some problems , but I 'm feeling pretty good today… God knows how important this program is for me today . ''
Rush Limbaugh says his stage 4 lung cancer has progressed 'in the wrong direction' Limbaugh revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in February , a `` terminal diagnosis '' that multiple doctors confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was `` shocked '' by his `` dire '' illness , adding , `` I ’ m Rush Limbaugh .
I ’ m Mr. Big… I ’ m indestructible .
It can ’ t be right , but it was . ''
`` I ca n't be self-absorbed about it , when that is the tendency when you are told that you 've got a due date , '' he said emotionally .
`` You have an expiration date .
A lot of people never get told that , so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' President Trump awarded Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the State of the Union address in February .
`` So many people have put me first in all of this , '' Limbaugh said .
`` I feel extremely fortunate and lucky .
And because I ’ ve been able to outlive the diagnosis , I ’ ve been able to receive and hear and process some of the most wonderful , nice things about me that I might not have ever heard if I had not gotten sick . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom at State of the Union Fighting tears , Limbaugh said he 's `` learned what love really is through this . ''
`` My point in all of this today is gratitude , '' he said .
`` My point in all of this is to say thanks and tell everybody involved how much I love you from the bottom of a sizable and growing and still-beating heart . ''
Limbaugh gave a special shoutout to his wife Kathryn and family .
`` It has helped me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the goodness in people and their decency , '' he said .
`` And it 's confirmed so much about my instinctive beliefs about people . ''
Limbaugh is the leading conservative talk radio host , a star of the airwaves for more than three decades having gotten his start in the 1970s .
According to Talkers , which tracks audience numbers for talk radio , Limbaugh is the most-listened to radio host in the country , with 15.5 million listeners tuning in weekly as of December 2019 .
Rush Limbaugh gives candid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer

'I wasn't expected to be alive': Emotional Rush Limbaugh thanks listeners amid cancer battle
Show Caption Hide Caption Rush Limbaugh diagnosed with advanced lung cancer Conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh revealed he was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer at the end of his show. USA TODAY
Rush Limbaugh is expressing "great gratitude" as he battles lung cancer.
The longtime conservative commentator, 69, opened his last radio broadcast of 2020 by giving thanks to "The Rush Limbaugh Show" listeners and supporters.
"I've had a year to really reflect on the things that really matter… the things that are completely relevant and important to me," Limbaugh said. "And all of you are in that large conglomeration of things that are very important to me."
Limbaugh said he "wasn't expected to be alive today."
"I wasn't expected to make it to October, and then to November, and then to December," he said. "And yet, here I am and today, got some problems, but I'm feeling pretty good today… God knows how important this program is for me today."
Rush Limbaugh says his stage 4 lung cancer has progressed 'in the wrong direction'
Limbaugh revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in February, a "terminal diagnosis" that multiple doctors confirmed in late January. The radio host said he was "shocked" by his "dire" illness, adding, "I’m Rush Limbaugh. I’m Mr. Big… I’m indestructible. It can’t be right, but it was."
"I can't be self-absorbed about it, when that is the tendency when you are told that you've got a due date," he said emotionally. "You have an expiration date. A lot of people never get told that, so they don't face life this way."
President Trump awarded Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the State of the Union address in February.
"So many people have put me first in all of this," Limbaugh said. "I feel extremely fortunate and lucky. And because I’ve been able to outlive the diagnosis, I’ve been able to receive and hear and process some of the most wonderful, nice things about me that I might not have ever heard if I had not gotten sick."
Rush Limbaugh reveals advanced lung cancer diagnosis; Megyn Kelly sends support
More: Rush Limbaugh stunned as he's awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom at State of the Union
Fighting tears, Limbaugh said he's "learned what love really is through this."
"My point in all of this today is gratitude," he said. "My point in all of this is to say thanks and tell everybody involved how much I love you from the bottom of a sizable and growing and still-beating heart."
Limbaugh gave a special shoutout to his wife Kathryn and family.
"It has helped me to see so much so clearly about the goodness in people and their decency," he said. "And it's confirmed so much about my instinctive beliefs about people."
Limbaugh is the leading conservative talk radio host, a star of the airwaves for more than three decades having gotten his start in the 1970s. According to Talkers, which tracks audience numbers for talk radio, Limbaugh is the most-listened to radio host in the country, with 15.5 million listeners tuning in weekly as of December 2019.
Contributing: Maria Puente
Rush Limbaugh gives candid update on his battle with advanced lung cancer


usatoday--2020-12-24--Spreading joy to the nation

Spreading joy to the nation

AMES , Iowa – A line of children in puffy coats and colorful face masks waited on a sidewalk in Ames as the mid-December sun began to set .
Fifteen lit-up Christmas inflatables arranged around a suburban lawn – reindeer , elves , snowmen – illuminated their excited faces as they waited with their parents for an outdoor visit with Santa Claus .
`` We are n't really going to malls or anything this year , '' Cason Clark explained , his two children in tow .
`` We had visited this last year .
He 's a really good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man himself , known locally as `` Santa Ames , '' walked past the family , bells on his leather boots jingling with each heavy step .
He threw a plush red coat over his red velvet suit and , on his way to his sleigh , stopped beside the Clark family .
`` Oh , what 's that ?
What 's that there ? ''
Santa said , pointing a gloved finger at 4-year-old Lola Clark 's winter coat .
She looked down , puzzled .
`` Ope ! ''
He laughed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I gotcha . ''
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is in its ninth month , the Christmas spirit has endured for children and Santa Clauses alike .
Sans the lap-sitting and hugs of years past , the tradition continues in central Iowa as Santas greet children on outdoor sets , from behind makeshift protective barriers and through computer screens .
Santa Ames also goes by Dave Greulich .
The jolly 68-year-old invited Des Moines Register journalists into his work-from-home Santa space , a cozy green office with two artificial Christmas trees , each spinning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa figurines line the walls .
`` It 's kind of a subscription , '' he said , gazing at the collection of ceramic Santas carrying cookies and presents .
`` Every month , you get three of them . ''
Greulich has been playing Santa for nearly two decades .
His first appearance was 17 years ago at a Kmart .
Before he could even make it to the set inside , he recalled , a little girl saw him in the parking lot and broke from her dad 's side to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down on one knee and opened up my arms to her , and she ran into ( me ) and nearly knocked me over and literally melted into my arms and said , ' I love you , Santa , ' '' he remembers .
`` This is too good , '' he recalled thinking .
`` I 'm doing this the rest of my life . ''
Since then , Greulich has appeared as Santa at malls , private events , and for the past seven years , in his front yard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canned goods , which he donates to Ames food bank Food at First .
Greulich estimates he has donated more than 2 tons of food during his time as Santa .
The outdoor setup was extra useful this year .
Although infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said in November that Santa was immune to COVID-19 , Greulich had to balance his duties as St. Nicholas with the danger of exposing himself or his wife , Cindy , to the virus .
At the events in his yard , he does n't let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead seating them in a small metal sleigh and chatting beside them .
Greulich has n't worn a mask as Santa , but most of the children and parents visiting him do .
`` I have to also be smart with my wife , you know ... ( For ) 18 years , she 's had ALS , '' he said .
`` And if she were to get it , I mean , that would not be a good situation at all . ''
Greulich is her primary caretaker , though he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Greulichs get 30 days of respite care – six hours a day of caretaking – which they usually save up for the holiday season so he can work .
`` I look after him too , just in different ways , you know .
Make sure he 's all buckled up the right way on the way out , '' Cindy Greulich said , a red `` ho-ho-ho '' blanket draped over her lap .
`` We help each other .
We 're a good team . ''
Even outside of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is filled with Christmas decorations .
A row of stockings hangs above the mantel , including one for Milo the cat .
A tree laden with blue lights shines in the living room as a masked nurse sits on the couch , news about the COVID-19 vaccine playing quietly on the TV .
Despite the risk of infection , Cindy Greulich said skipping this year 's Santa visits was `` never really a question .
He always wanted to do it , even if it was like a different way .
`` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids . ''
The various malls around the Des Moines metro still have hosted Santa visits in 2020 , but with a twist .
At the Valley West Mall , Santa Bill Pattison sat behind a Plexiglas barrier in a set decorated to look like Santa 's office .
It was his second year working at Valley West and his 15th year as Santa , but the setup was entirely new : Masked kids spoke into a microphone to communicate with him through the plastic glass , and he used a microphone to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well to the new setup , Pattison said , but some had a bit of a learning curve .
`` Even though they 're little tykes , they know the tradition of running up and jumping in Santa 's lap , '' he said .
`` They 've bumped into the Plexiglas . ''
Pattison and his wife , Jeanne , who plays Mrs. Claus on the weekends , miss some of the personal interactions that come from traditional Santa visits .
Sometimes kids would run up between shifts , asking for hugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enclosure .
`` That 's something that both sides have lost because that 's something that Mrs. Claus and I enjoy also , '' he said .
`` There 's a lot of love exchanged there . ''
Other kids brought some of their worries to their red-suited oracle .
Pattison said a few wished they could go back to school .
Others asked about the health of everyone at the North Pole : Had the elves or the reindeer gotten COVID-19 ?
( The answer was no – the elves are too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , and the reindeer are just fine . )
But Pattison is used to dealing with delicate situations during the holidays .
He recalled that in 2008 during the Great Recession , he and other Santas were aware that some families might not have gifts under the tree on Christmas morning .
It 's a balance he 's thinking about this year , too .
`` You still want to be leaving with a positive feeling and the idea that Christmas is n't just about presents , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Rick Rosenthal , a longtime Santa and the dean of the Northern Lights Santa Academy in Georgia , advised Santas to avoid in-person events this year .
“ Most Santas are in a minimum of two immune-compromised situations , '' he said .
`` Most of them are over 65 , and most of them are over 50 pounds overweight . ''
For those that did appear at malls or private events , Rosenthal emphasized caution : making sure the set allowed them to maintain safe social distance and was sanitized ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Control and Prevention guidelines .
From his vantage point as a Santa expert and consultant , Rosenthal watched as the unfolding pandemic threatened Santa traditions .
In March , he said , when COVID-19 shutdowns began in the U.S. , many places canceled their Santa plans .
The phones were silent , and the Santa world was `` in a tizzy , '' he said .
But as the summer crept on , enthusiasm for the holidays grew .
`` Americans need Christmas , '' Rosenthal said .
`` It ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has hope.
” As the world turned to Zoom for its gatherings during the pandemic , so , too , did some Santas .
In addition to its socially distanced setup , Jordan Creek Town Center in Des Moines , Iowa , partnered with website JingleRing to offer video calls from Santa for $ 24.95 .
The service allowed families to customize their Santa experience : Both white and Black Santas and Mrs. Clauses were available , as were performers who spoke Spanish or knew sign language .
Virtual Santa visits have existed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , but the pandemic made them a `` viable , basic cornerstone '' of the industry .
In addition to being safer for Santas and kids , the virtual visits expand the scope of Santa 's availability , allowing him to attend birthdays or soccer games , or to visit kids in a small town without a mall .
`` You can have Santa virtually any time , 24 hours a day , for any event , '' he said .
Dave Greulich also expanded into virtual visits this year .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Your Family Christmas Story .
Parents filled out a survey to create a script , allowing Greulich to `` video call '' as an omniscient St. Nick who knew exactly what everyone would find on Christmas morning .
`` The idea is to play it after everyone has opened up the gifts , '' he explained .
`` Everybody 's kind of calmed down a little bit , they sit and they get a phone call from Santa . ''
He gives an example , his eyes bright and his voice slipping easily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Well , hello , Hanson family ! ''
he said .
`` It 's Santa , and I just got back to the North Pole from my looooong trip around the world . ''

With Plexiglas and video calls, these Santas brave COVID-19 to spread joy to the nation
Show Caption Hide Caption Santa finds a safe way to still hear kids' Christmas wishes "Listen to what they want for Christmas," veteran Santa actor Dave Greulich tells parents. "Sometimes what they really want has nothing to do with toys." Brian Powers, bpowers@dmreg.com
AMES, Iowa – A line of children in puffy coats and colorful face masks waited on a sidewalk in Ames as the mid-December sun began to set.
Fifteen lit-up Christmas inflatables arranged around a suburban lawn – reindeer, elves, snowmen – illuminated their excited faces as they waited with their parents for an outdoor visit with Santa Claus.
"We aren't really going to malls or anything this year," Cason Clark explained, his two children in tow. "We had visited this last year. He's a really good Santa."
At that, the man himself, known locally as "Santa Ames," walked past the family, bells on his leather boots jingling with each heavy step. He threw a plush red coat over his red velvet suit and, on his way to his sleigh, stopped beside the Clark family.
"Oh, what's that? What's that there?" Santa said, pointing a gloved finger at 4-year-old Lola Clark's winter coat. She looked down, puzzled.
"Ope!" He laughed and gently tapped her nose. "I gotcha."
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is in its ninth month, the Christmas spirit has endured for children and Santa Clauses alike. Sans the lap-sitting and hugs of years past, the tradition continues in central Iowa as Santas greet children on outdoor sets, from behind makeshift protective barriers and through computer screens.
(A note to our younger readers: Spoilers ahead!)
A 17th season unlike any other
Santa Ames also goes by Dave Greulich. The jolly 68-year-old invited Des Moines Register journalists into his work-from-home Santa space, a cozy green office with two artificial Christmas trees, each spinning slowly behind his chair. Dozens of Santa figurines line the walls.
"It's kind of a subscription," he said, gazing at the collection of ceramic Santas carrying cookies and presents. "Every month, you get three of them."
Greulich has been playing Santa for nearly two decades. His first appearance was 17 years ago at a Kmart. Before he could even make it to the set inside, he recalled, a little girl saw him in the parking lot and broke from her dad's side to sprint toward him.
"I got down on one knee and opened up my arms to her, and she ran into (me) and nearly knocked me over and literally melted into my arms and said, 'I love you, Santa,'" he remembers.
"This is too good," he recalled thinking. "I'm doing this the rest of my life."
Since then, Greulich has appeared as Santa at malls, private events, and for the past seven years, in his front yard. He asks visiting families to bring canned goods, which he donates to Ames food bank Food at First. Greulich estimates he has donated more than 2 tons of food during his time as Santa.
The outdoor setup was extra useful this year. Although infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said in November that Santa was immune to COVID-19, Greulich had to balance his duties as St. Nicholas with the danger of exposing himself or his wife, Cindy, to the virus.
At the events in his yard, he doesn't let the kids sit on his lap, instead seating them in a small metal sleigh and chatting beside them. Greulich hasn't worn a mask as Santa, but most of the children and parents visiting him do.
"I have to also be smart with my wife, you know... (For) 18 years, she's had ALS," he said. "And if she were to get it, I mean, that would not be a good situation at all."
Greulich is her primary caretaker, though he said they get assistance through Veterans Affairs. The Greulichs get 30 days of respite care – six hours a day of caretaking – which they usually save up for the holiday season so he can work.
"I look after him too, just in different ways, you know. Make sure he's all buckled up the right way on the way out," Cindy Greulich said, a red "ho-ho-ho" blanket draped over her lap. "We help each other. We're a good team."
Even outside of Santa's office, the Greulich house is filled with Christmas decorations. A row of stockings hangs above the mantel, including one for Milo the cat. A tree laden with blue lights shines in the living room as a masked nurse sits on the couch, news about the COVID-19 vaccine playing quietly on the TV.
Despite the risk of infection, Cindy Greulich said skipping this year's Santa visits was "never really a question. He always wanted to do it, even if it was like a different way.
"He still wanted to be there for the kids."
Malls work to make Santa safe again
The various malls around the Des Moines metro still have hosted Santa visits in 2020, but with a twist.
At the Valley West Mall, Santa Bill Pattison sat behind a Plexiglas barrier in a set decorated to look like Santa's office. It was his second year working at Valley West and his 15th year as Santa, but the setup was entirely new: Masked kids spoke into a microphone to communicate with him through the plastic glass, and he used a microphone to reply.
Most of the kids adjusted well to the new setup, Pattison said, but some had a bit of a learning curve.
"Even though they're little tykes, they know the tradition of running up and jumping in Santa's lap," he said. "They've bumped into the Plexiglas."
Pattison and his wife, Jeanne, who plays Mrs. Claus on the weekends, miss some of the personal interactions that come from traditional Santa visits. Sometimes kids would run up between shifts, asking for hugs while the Pattisons were out of their enclosure.
"That's something that both sides have lost because that's something that Mrs. Claus and I enjoy also," he said. "There's a lot of love exchanged there."
Other kids brought some of their worries to their red-suited oracle. Pattison said a few wished they could go back to school. Others asked about the health of everyone at the North Pole: Had the elves or the reindeer gotten COVID-19? (The answer was no – the elves are too short to catch COVID-19, he told them, and the reindeer are just fine.)
But Pattison is used to dealing with delicate situations during the holidays. He recalled that in 2008 during the Great Recession, he and other Santas were aware that some families might not have gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. It's a balance he's thinking about this year, too.
"You still want to be leaving with a positive feeling and the idea that Christmas isn't just about presents," he said. "There's much more to it."
Rick Rosenthal, a longtime Santa and the dean of the Northern Lights Santa Academy in Georgia, advised Santas to avoid in-person events this year.
“Most Santas are in a minimum of two immune-compromised situations," he said. "Most of them are over 65, and most of them are over 50 pounds overweight."
For those that did appear at malls or private events, Rosenthal emphasized caution: making sure the set allowed them to maintain safe social distance and was sanitized; wearing masks and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
From his vantage point as a Santa expert and consultant, Rosenthal watched as the unfolding pandemic threatened Santa traditions. In March, he said, when COVID-19 shutdowns began in the U.S., many places canceled their Santa plans. The phones were silent, and the Santa world was "in a tizzy," he said.
But as the summer crept on, enthusiasm for the holidays grew.
"Americans need Christmas," Rosenthal said. "It’s the one time of the year that everybody has hope.”
A visit with Santa goes virtual
As the world turned to Zoom for its gatherings during the pandemic, so, too, did some Santas.
In addition to its socially distanced setup, Jordan Creek Town Center in Des Moines, Iowa, partnered with website JingleRing to offer video calls from Santa for $24.95. The service allowed families to customize their Santa experience: Both white and Black Santas and Mrs. Clauses were available, as were performers who spoke Spanish or knew sign language.
Virtual Santa visits have existed for six or seven years, Rosenthal said, but the pandemic made them a "viable, basic cornerstone" of the industry. In addition to being safer for Santas and kids, the virtual visits expand the scope of Santa's availability, allowing him to attend birthdays or soccer games, or to visit kids in a small town without a mall.
"You can have Santa virtually any time, 24 hours a day, for any event," he said.
Dave Greulich also expanded into virtual visits this year. He offered custom-made videos through his website, Your Family Christmas Story. Parents filled out a survey to create a script, allowing Greulich to "video call" as an omniscient St. Nick who knew exactly what everyone would find on Christmas morning.
"The idea is to play it after everyone has opened up the gifts," he explained. "Everybody's kind of calmed down a little bit, they sit and they get a phone call from Santa."
He gives an example, his eyes bright and his voice slipping easily into a soft, jovial tone:
"Well, hello, Hanson family!" he said. "It's Santa, and I just got back to the North Pole from my looooong trip around the world."
Follow Des Moines reporter Katie Akin on Twitter at @katie_akin.


usatoday--2020-12-24--'Three-martini lunch' tax break, foreign aid: Why year-end bills are stirring controversy

WASHINGTON – The $ 2.3 trillion spending package Congress overwhelmingly passed Monday night has a little bit of everything .
Fused from two major bills – a $ 900 billion stimulus package to address the economic fallout of the COVID pandemic and a $ 1.4 trillion spending measure to fund the government through Sept. 30 – the legislation includes money for direct payments to millions of families , vaccine distribution efforts and pay raises for the military .
But it also includes controversial provisions to extend tax breaks for race car tracks and business lunches , millions for venues that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that carbon monoxide detectors be installed in public housing apartments .
It includes billions in foreign aid , which often draws conservatives ' ire , and money for President Donald Trump 's border wall , which enrages progressives .
Trump has signaled he may veto the bill , saying that some provisions , such as foreign aid and money for cultural institutions , have no place in a bill aimed at helping the country weather a coronavirus pandemic that has killed nearly 330,000 and shuttered thousands of businesses nationwide .
In a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill a `` disgrace '' for not providing enough in direct payments and for spending too much on foreign aid ( though the budget he submitted to Congress earlier this year calls for roughly the same funding levels ) .
More : $ 2,000 stimulus checks in limbo as Congress unable to agree on COVID relief payments But many of those tax breaks and controversial spending provisions are included in the $ 1.4 trillion spending bill that was attached to the stimulus bill , not in the stimulus bill itself .
Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what Congress approved .
It is `` a sweetheart deal for defense contractors , guarantees high levels of farm subsidies deep into 2021 , and ( tacks ) on dozens of other special-interest provisions that won ’ t be found until days or weeks after the lawmakers have left the Capitol , '' said Steve Ellis , president of Taxpayers for Common Sense , a nonpartisan watchdog group that tracks government spending .
'You could lose parts of the economy ' : Fed and Treasury urge Congress to approve more virus relief Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the second-largest stimulus package in U.S. history .
In his surprise late-night speech denouncing the stimulus package Congress passed , Trump decried billions in funding for programs in foreign countries .
All of the funding proposals the president complained about were equal to or slightly less than the allotments in the budget Trump proposed during negotiations .
More : Trump leaves Congress with holiday cliffhanger on COVID-19 stimulus bill as lawmakers scramble Some of the entries include $ 505 million in aid to Central American countries ; $ 25 million for gender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; $ 1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt ; and $ 219.5 million in aid to Southeast Asian nations .
The negotiated omnibus bill also includes increases in military spending and contracts for military contractors through 2021 .
The earmarks approved $ 696 billion in military appropriations , including $ 23.3 billion to build 10 new warships and $ 9.6 billion for 96 F-35 fighters .
Progressive Democrats opposed the budget increases , arguing for provisions that would “ reduce Pentagon spending to prevent waste , fraud , and abuse while maintaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House also initially opposed parts of the military spending bill , arguing they enabled the military 's ongoing conflicts overseas .
Democrats objected to a provision that allows businesses to deduct two full years worth of business meals when filing taxes .
Democrats derided the measure as “ three-martini lunches ” for the rich .
The current tax code allows only half of those costs to be deducted .
The cost of the new benefit , which the White House argued would help restaurants hurt by the pandemic , is projected at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporations over the next decade .
Some $ 15 billion of aid is designated for performing arts centers , independent movie theaters and other cultural institutions that have been hit particularly hard by the imposition of social-distancing measures designed to limit the spread of the virus .
The Save Our Stages act is aimed at helping only those venues that have already closed or are at risk of shutting down .
Supporters of the bipartisan effort say the grants would provide financial support necessary to keep venues afloat , pay employees and preserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America .
Only those outlets that have already closed or are at risk of shutting down would be eligible for the grants .
More than $ 40 million was approved for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts , the Washington , D.C. , cultural jewel , many of whose trustees are appointed by the president .
The money includes $ 26 million for operations , maintenance and security , plus another $ 14 million for capital improvements .
The Kennedy Center is often on lists of questionable spending but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance in the package .
Also , receiving taxpayer funds are the U.S .
Holocaust Memorial Museum ( $ 61.4 million ) , the National Endowment for the Arts ( 167.5 million ) and the Smithsonian Institution ( more than $ 1 billion ) .
More : Republican senators slowly begin to accept Biden as president-elect after Electoral College vote The National Endowment for the Arts , National Endowment for the Humanities and Kennedy Center also were directed funds as part of the government funding deal .
Trump objected to the measure .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid to fulfill one of Trump 's most prominent campaign promises : construction of a partition on the U.S-Mexico border .
The $ 1.375 billion for the border wall is not as much as the nearly $ 2 billion Trump wanted , but it 's more than his critics want taxpayers to cover .
Inclusion of the money also undercuts his campaign pledge that Mexico would be be paying for the structure .
A fight with Congress over border wall funding in December 2018 led to a 35-day shutdown of the government .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of wall funding this time is among the reasons Trump may veto the bill .
The package also extended a tax benefit for race track owners .
Known as the “ NASCAR tax break , ” those owners could get a windfall of up to $ 224 million benefit over 10 years to write off construction and renovation costs .
Legislation tied to the government funding bill approved the creation of Smithsonian museums for Latino and women 's history .
Like all Smithsonian programs , the museums would be funded by splitting private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was deeply opposed by Sen. Mike Lee , R-Utah .
“ The last thing we need is to further divide an already divided nation within an array of separate but equal museums of hyphenated identity groups , '' he said earlier this month .
The liquor industry was a big winner in the bill , which permanently secured billions in tax breaks even though studies show alcohol consumption has risen sharply during the pandemic .
Among the measures is a cut in the excise tax for beer , which would likely incur a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an excise tax break for domestic wine producers worth $ 2.2 billion ; and a tax break for makes of distilled spirits valued at $ 5.7 billion .
The stimulus package also includes $ 9.9 million set aside for the expenses of the presidential transition .
That funding will help President-elect Joe Biden 's administration assume office in the coming year .
The bill also includes at least $ 8 million meant for the Trump administration to aid in the process .
More : See how tax brackets affect your income tax rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its face , Trump would essentially be funding the very exit from office he 's fighting through the courts and Congress by challenging the election results .
The negotiated aid package includes a provision that converts a $ 10 billion loan to the United States Postal Service into direct aid .
The funds are to be used to support USPS logistics and supply workers with personal protective equipment and other necessary aid .
The bill also preserves six-day postal delivery and continues to prevent the consolidation or closure of small rural and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president has previously opposed .

Matthew Brown and Ledyard King, USA TODAY

'Three-martini lunch' tax break, foreign aid: Year-end bills stir controversy
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: President Trump denounces new relief bill, demands changes President Trump denounced the new COVID-19 relief package he's expected to sign and urged congressional leaders to make several changes to the bill. Staff video, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The $2.3 trillion spending package Congress overwhelmingly passed last week has a little bit of everything.
Fused from two major bills – a $900 billion coronavirus aid package to address the economic fallout of the pandemic and a $1.4 trillion spending measure to fund the government through Sept. 30 – the legislation includes money for direct payments to millions of families, vaccine distribution efforts and pay raises for the military.
It also includes controversial provisions that would extend tax breaks for race car tracks and business lunches, millions for venues that aren't open and a requirement that carbon monoxide detectors be installed in public housing apartments. It includes billions in foreign aid, which often draws conservatives' ire, and money for President Donald Trump's border wall, which enrages liberals.
Trump signaled he may veto the bill, saying some provisions, such as foreign aid and money for cultural institutions, have no place in a bill aimed at helping the country weather the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 332,000 and shuttered thousands of businesses.
In a video he tweeted Tuesday night, Trump called the bill a "disgrace" for not providing enough in direct payments to Americans and for spending too much on foreign aid (though the budget he submitted to Congress this year calls for roughly the same funding levels).
More: $2,000 checks in limbo as Congress unable to agree on COVID-19 relief payments
Many of the tax breaks and controversial provisions are included in the $1.4 trillion spending bill attached to the relief bill. Government watchdog groups said that doesn't excuse what Congress approved.
It is "a sweetheart deal for defense contractors, guarantees high levels of farm subsidies deep into 2021 and (tacks) on dozens of other special-interest provisions that won’t be found until days or weeks after the lawmakers have left the Capitol," said Steve Ellis, president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, a nonpartisan watchdog group that tracks government spending.
'You could lose parts of the economy': Fed and Treasury urge Congress to approve more virus relief
Here are some of the most controversial sections of the second-largest relief package in U.S. history.
Foreign aid programs
In his surprise late-night speech denouncing the package Congress passed, Trump decried billions in funding for programs in foreign countries.
All of the funding proposals the president complained about were equal to or slightly less than the allotments in the budget Trump proposed during negotiations.
More: Trump leaves Congress with holiday cliffhanger on COVID-19 bill as lawmakers scramble
Some of the entries include $505 million in aid to Central American countries; $25 million for gender equity and democracy promotion programs in Pakistan; $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt; and $219.5 million in aid to Southeast Asian nations.
Expanded military budget , defense contractor deals
The negotiated omnibus bill includes increases in military spending and contracts through 2021.
Lawmakers approved $696 billion in military appropriations, including $23.3 billion to build 10 warships and $9.6 billion for 96 F-35 fighters. Liberal Democrats opposed the budget increases, arguing for provisions that would “reduce Pentagon spending to prevent waste, fraud and abuse while maintaining support for personnel and families.”
The White House initially opposed parts of the military spending bill, arguing they enabled military conflicts overseas.
'Three-martini lunch' deductions
Democrats objected to a provision that would allow businesses to deduct two full years worth of business meals when filing taxes, deriding the measure as “three-martini lunches” for the rich.
Georgia runoffs: President-elect Biden campaigns for Democratic candidates in high-stakes Georgia Senate runoffs
The tax code allows half of those costs to be deducted. The cost of the new benefit, which the White House argued would help restaurants hurt by the pandemic, is projected at $6 billion in tax breaks for corporations over the next decade.
Keeping live venues afloat
About $15 billion of aid is designated for performing arts centers, independent movie theaters and other cultural institutions hit particularly hard by the imposition of social distancing measures designed to limit the spread of the virus.
The Save Our Stages act is aimed at helping only venues that have closed or are at risk of shutting down.
Supporters of the bipartisan effort said the grants would provide financial support necessary to keep venues afloat, pay employees and preserve a critical economic sector for communities across America.
Aid to cultural institutions
More than $40 million was approved for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Washington cultural jewel, many of whose trustees are appointed by the president.
The money includes $26 million for operations, maintenance and security, plus $14 million for improvements.
The Kennedy Center is often on lists of questionable spending, but it isn't the only cultural organization that would get assistance in the package. Also receiving taxpayer funds would be the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum ($61.4 million), the National Endowment for the Arts ($167.5 million) and the Smithsonian Institution (more than $1 billion).
More: Republican senators slowly begin to accept Biden as president-elect after Electoral College vote
Money was also directed to the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the government funding deal. Trump objected to the measure.
Money for the border wall
The spending bill includes funds to fulfill one of Trump's most prominent campaign promises: construction of a partition on the U.S-Mexican border.
The $1.375 billion for the border wall is not as much as the nearly $2 billion Trump wanted, but it's more than his critics want taxpayers to cover. Inclusion of the money undercuts his campaign pledge that Mexico would pay for the structure.
A fight with Congress over border wall funding in December 2018 led to a 35-day shutdown of the government. There's no indication that a lack of wall funding this time is among the reasons Trump may veto the bill.
A 'NASCAR tax break'
The package would extend a tax benefit for racetrack owners.
Under the "NASCAR tax break," owners could get a windfall of up to $224 million over 10 years to write off construction and renovation costs.
Establishment of Women's and Latino history Smithsonian museums
Legislation tied to the government funding bill approved the creation of Smithsonian museums for Latino and women's history. Like all Smithsonian programs, the museums would be funded by splitting private donations and public money.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, opposed the move.
More: Donald Trump demands bigger checks in $900 billion COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress
“The last thing we need is to further divide an already divided nation within an array of separate but equal museums of hyphenated identity groups," he said this month.
Tax breaks for the liquor industry
The liquor industry was a big winner in the bill, which would permanently secure billions in tax breaks even though studies show alcohol consumption has risen sharply during the pandemic.
Among the measures is a cut in the excise tax for beer, which would probably incur a 10-year cost of $1 billion; an excise tax break for domestic wine producers worth $2.2 billion; and a tax break for makers of distilled spirits valued at $5.7 billion.
Presidential transition expenses
The package includes $9.9 million set aside for the expenses of the presidential transition. That funding would help President-elect Joe Biden's administration assume office in the coming year. The bill includes at least $8 million meant for the Trump administration to aid in the process.
More: See how tax brackets affect your income tax rate in surprising ways
Trump would essentially fund the exit from office he's fought through the courts and Congress by challenging the election results.
Postal Service funding
The aid package includes a provision that would convert a $10 billion loan to the U.S. Postal Service into direct aid. The funds would be used to support logistics and supply workers with personal protective equipment and other necessary aid.
Christmas shipping delays: Target, Postal Service, others warn of high volume nationwide amid COVID-19
The bill would preserve six-day postal delivery and prevent the consolidation or closure of rural and other small post offices, measures which the president has opposed.


usatoday--2020-12-25--Biden dogs star in charming Christmas video; Trumps recount Christmas 'miracle' in theirs

If you 're looking for entertaining evidence of the differences between President Donald Trump and President-elect Joe Biden , look no further than their Christmas Eve videos posted Thursday , showing Champ and Major Biden goofing off vs POTUS and FLOTUS recapping the New Testament .
The Biden video , posted on incoming first lady Jill Biden 's Twitter account and on Instagram , shows the Bidens ' two German shepherds , who are set to debut as the first pooches in the White House since the Portuguese water dogs , Bo and Sunny Obama , departed with former President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the elder dog at 12 , who sometimes goes by the affectionate nickname Biden Sr. , bestowed by the Biden grandkids , lolls in the video , relaxing under a Christmas tree surrounded by pillows and blankets and plush toys .
He blinks sleepily as a Muzak version of `` We Wish You a Merry Christmas '' plinks in the background .
Quick cut to Major at the top of the stairs , dashing down , racing around the room , zipping past Champ , shaking a toy in his mouth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` We Wish You a Merry Christmas '' plays .
Major , by the way , is the dog Biden was playing with when he fractured his foot in November .
The Biden family adopted the black-and-white rescue shepherd from the Delaware Humane Association in 2018 , 10 years after acquiring Champ .
`` No matter how you celebrate , Merry Christmas , '' from Champ and Major Biden , the screen reads , fading to a blue-and-white Biden-Harris Transition screen .
Michael LaRosa , Jill Biden 's campaign press spokesman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video , adding `` these Biden boys . ''
It 's clear the Biden transition team is savvy about social media – the dogs have their own Instagram account – and well aware of the potent power of pooches to charm all and sundry .
The Trumps are not dog people .
Donald Trump 's first wife , Ivana Trump , said in her 2017 memoir that Donald , an admitted germaphobe , does n't like dogs .
More : Joe and Jill Biden want to unite America .
They 'll start by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Major More : Politics updates : Biden fractures foot playing with dog ; Trump mocked for ' I came up with vaccines ' claim More : The White House has been without dogs for four years – that 's changing with Joe Biden '' How would I look walking a dog on the White House lawn ? ''
the president scoffed at a Texas rally in February .
`` I do n't know .
Feels a little phony , phony to me . ''
The Trumps ' Christmas video features the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , and the president 's declaration that `` we are delivering millions of doses of a safe and effective vaccine that will soon end this terrible pandemic and save millions and millions of lives . ''
`` It is truly a Christmas miracle , '' he says .
The video shows the two standing in the White House in front of Christmas lights ; he 's in a dark suit and red tie , she is wearing a dark jacket over a white blouse .
`` @ POTUS & I send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrate # Christmas .
May the love we share with our family & friends fill our hearts with peace & joy ! ''
the first lady tweeted on her account .
The president also posted the video on his account , in between continuing to rage against the election results , Democrats and some Republicans and Twitter itself .
The president , who has not been a regular church-goer before or during his presidency , recites ( or read from a teleprompter ) excerpts of the familiar New Testament story of Christmas intoned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world as the camera pans over a creche and inspiring music swells .
`` During the sacred season Christians celebrate the greatest miracle in human history , '' he says .
`` On behalf of Melania and the entire Trump family , we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year , '' he concludes .
The Trumps left Wednesday to spend Christmas and New Year 's at their Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach County , Florida .
The Bidens are expected to spend Christmas at their home near @ @ @ @

Biden dogs star in charming Christmas video; Trumps recount Christmas 'miracle' in theirs
Show Caption Hide Caption The White House is getting its first rescue dog When President-elect Joe Biden moves into the White House, he'll bring his German shepherd Major with him, making him the first rescue dog to live there. Animalkind, USA TODAY
If you're looking for entertaining evidence of the differences between President Donald Trump and President-elect Joe Biden, look no further than their Christmas Eve videos posted Thursday, showing Champ and Major Biden goofing off vs POTUS and FLOTUS recapping the New Testament.
The dogs always win.
The Biden video, posted on incoming first lady Jill Biden's Twitter account and on Instagram, shows the Bidens' two German shepherds, who are set to debut as the first pooches in the White House since the Portuguese water dogs, Bo and Sunny Obama, departed with former President Barack Obama in January 2017.
Champ, the elder dog at 12, who sometimes goes by the affectionate nickname Biden Sr., bestowed by the Biden grandkids, lolls in the video, relaxing under a Christmas tree surrounded by pillows and blankets and plush toys. He blinks sleepily as a Muzak version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" plinks in the background.
Quick cut to Major at the top of the stairs, dashing down, racing around the room, zipping past Champ, shaking a toy in his mouth and generally acting obstreperous as an electric-guitar version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" plays.
Major, by the way, is the dog Biden was playing with when he fractured his foot in November. The Biden family adopted the black-and-white rescue shepherd from the Delaware Humane Association in 2018, 10 years after acquiring Champ.
"No matter how you celebrate, Merry Christmas," from Champ and Major Biden, the screen reads, fading to a blue-and-white Biden-Harris Transition screen.
Michael LaRosa, Jill Biden's campaign press spokesman, tweeted a red heart emoji with the video, adding "these Biden boys."
It's clear the Biden transition team is savvy about social media – the dogs have their own Instagram account – and well aware of the potent power of pooches to charm all and sundry. The couple also shared a bittersweet but hopeful Christmas message, in which Jill Biden gave thanks to frontline and essential workers. Joe Biden also asked Americans to consider limiting their travel and the size of their gatherings.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. pic.twitter.com/NzVEFFfrG1 — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 25, 2020
The Trumps are not dog people. Donald Trump's first wife, Ivana Trump, said in her 2017 memoir that Donald, an admitted germaphobe, doesn't like dogs.
More: Joe and Jill Biden want to unite America. They'll start by adding a cat to family dogs Champ, Major
More: Politics updates: Biden fractures foot playing with dog; Trump mocked for 'I came up with vaccines' claim
More: The White House has been without dogs for four years – that's changing with Joe Biden
"How would I look walking a dog on the White House lawn?" the president scoffed at a Texas rally in February. "I don't know. Feels a little phony, phony to me."
The Trumps' Christmas video features the first lady heaping praise on Americans battling the coronavirus pandemic, and the president's declaration that "we are delivering millions of doses of a safe and effective vaccine that will soon end this terrible pandemic and save millions and millions of lives."
"It is truly a Christmas miracle," he says.
.@POTUS & I send our warmest wishes to all as we celebrate #Christmas. May the love we share with our family & friends fill our hearts with peace & joy! pic.twitter.com/aR2HNhMDPr — Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) December 24, 2020
The video shows the two standing in the White House in front of Christmas lights; he's in a dark suit and red tie, she is wearing a dark jacket over a white blouse.
"@POTUS & I send our warmest wishes to all as we celebrate #Christmas. May the love we share with our family & friends fill our hearts with peace & joy!" the first lady tweeted on her account. The president also posted the video on his account, in between continuing to rage against the election results, Democrats and some Republicans and Twitter itself.
The president, who has not been a regular churchgoer before or during his presidency, recites (or read from a teleprompter) excerpts of the familiar New Testament story of Christmas intoned every year by priests and pastors around the world as the camera pans over a creche and inspiring music swells.
"During the sacred season Christians celebrate the greatest miracle in human history," he says. "On behalf of Melania and the entire Trump family, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year," he concludes.
The first lady also tweeted wishes Friday "to all who celebrate this wonderful time of the year. Let’s remember our brave service members, elderly & others who may not be able to be with their loved ones today."
This #Christmas, I send our best wishes to all who celebrate this wonderful time of the year. Let’s remember our brave service members, elderly & others who may not be able to be with their loved ones today. #MerryChristmas! — Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) December 25, 2020
The Trumps left Wednesday to spend Christmas and New Year's at their Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach County, Florida. The Bidens are expected to spend Christmas at their home near Wilmington, Delaware.