skynewsus--2020-02-17--Amazon founder commits $10bn to fight climate change

Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos has pledged $ 10bn ( £7.7bn ) of his personal wealth to fighting climate change .
Mr Bezos , who is one of the world 's richest people with an Amazon stake worth $ 100bn alone , told followers on Instagram a new Bezos Earth Fund would start to distribute cash within months .
He said he plans to begin awarding grants this summer to scientists , activists and non-profit organisations .
The billionaire said in a post on Instagram : `` Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to amplify known ways and to explore new ways of fighting the devastating impact of climate change on this planet we all share . ''
He added : `` We can save Earth .
`` It 's going to take collective action from big companies , small companies , nation states , global organisations , and individuals .
 '' I 'm committing $ 10bn to start and will begin issuing grants this summer .
`` Earth is the one thing we all have in common - let 's protect it , together. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do more on the environment - with workers at the company 's own headquarters in Seattle vocal in their criticism of Amazon 's practices .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The online retailer relies on fossil fuels to power planes , lorries and vans to ship billions of items all around the world .
The company did commit last year to have 100 % of its energy use come from solar panels and other renewable energy by 2030 .

Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos has pledged $10bn (£7.7bn) of his personal wealth to fighting climate change.
Mr Bezos, who is one of the world's richest people with an Amazon stake worth $100bn alone, told followers on Instagram a new Bezos Earth Fund would start to distribute cash within months.
He said he plans to begin awarding grants this summer to scientists, activists and non-profit organisations.
The billionaire said in a post on Instagram: "Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet.
"I want to work alongside others both to amplify known ways and to explore new ways of fighting the devastating impact of climate change on this planet we all share."
He added: "We can save Earth.
"It's going to take collective action from big companies, small companies, nation states, global organisations, and individuals.
"I'm committing $10bn to start and will begin issuing grants this summer.
"Earth is the one thing we all have in common - let's protect it, together."
Advertisement
Bezos has been under pressure to do more on the environment - with workers at the company's own headquarters in Seattle vocal in their criticism of Amazon's practices.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The online retailer relies on fossil fuels to power planes, lorries and vans to ship billions of items all around the world.
The company did commit last year to have 100% of its energy use come from solar panels and other renewable energy by 2030.


skynewsus--2020-02-17--Ring lost in US 47 years ago is found buried in a Finnish forest

In 1973 , a teenage Debra McKenna accidentally left her future husband 's ring in a department store in the US town of Brunswick Maine .
Fast forward 47 years and it has been found by a sheet metal worker - buried in a Finnish forest .
Ms McKenna , 63 , lost the ring in Portland when she was a student at Morse High School , the Bangor Daily News reported .
The ring , which had engravings identifying the school , belonged to Ms McKenna 's late husband Shawn , who she dated all throughout high school and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 years until Shawn died in 2017 after a six-year battle with cancer .
Shawn gave Ms McKenna the ring before he left for college , but she accidentally left it in a department store .
She said the ring was largely forgotten until the worker found it buried under eight inches of soil in Kaarina , a small town in southwest Finland .
Finnish media reports that Marko Saarinen was using a metal detector when he found the blue-stoned , silver ring .
`` Usually my findings are bottle caps or other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saarinen contacted the alumni association , who had no trouble identifying the ring 's owner as it bore the 1973 graduation date and the initials S.M .
Ms McKenna said she cried when the ring arrived in the mail at her Brunswick home last week .
`` It 's very touching in this world of negativity , to have decent people step forward and make an effort , '' she said .
`` There are good people in the world , and we need more of them . ''
Ms McKenna has no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Finnish forest .
She said Shawn spent some time working in Finland in the early 1990s - but nowhere near the city where the ring was found and he had not seen the ring in 20 years at that point .

In 1973, a teenage Debra McKenna accidentally left her future husband's ring in a department store in the US town of Brunswick Maine.
Fast forward 47 years and it has been found by a sheet metal worker - buried in a Finnish forest.
Ms McKenna, 63, lost the ring in Portland when she was a student at Morse High School, the Bangor Daily News reported.
Image: Ms McKenna cried when she received the ring in the mail. Pic: WGME
The ring, which had engravings identifying the school, belonged to Ms McKenna's late husband Shawn, who she dated all throughout high school and college.
The couple was married for 40 years until Shawn died in 2017 after a six-year battle with cancer.
Shawn gave Ms McKenna the ring before he left for college, but she accidentally left it in a department store.
She said the ring was largely forgotten until the worker found it buried under eight inches of soil in Kaarina, a small town in southwest Finland.
Finnish media reports that Marko Saarinen was using a metal detector when he found the blue-stoned, silver ring.
"Usually my findings are bottle caps or other junk," he said.
Advertisement
Mr Saarinen contacted the alumni association, who had no trouble identifying the ring's owner as it bore the 1973 graduation date and the initials S.M.
Ms McKenna said she cried when the ring arrived in the mail at her Brunswick home last week.
"It's very touching in this world of negativity, to have decent people step forward and make an effort," she said.
"There are good people in the world, and we need more of them."
Ms McKenna has no idea how the long-lost ring ended up in a Finnish forest.
She said Shawn spent some time working in Finland in the early 1990s - but nowhere near the city where the ring was found and he had not seen the ring in 20 years at that point.


skynewsus--2020-02-18--Fans watch in horror as car flips in 190mph NASCAR crash

A NASCAR driver is in a serious condition after his car flipped and burst into flames in a 190mph crash .
Ryan Newman was in the lead at the Daytona 500 in Florida on Monday night when he was tapped from behind by second-placed Ryan Blaney .
Fans watched in horror as his Ford hurtled towards the edge of the track at the marquee event .
Upon hitting the wall , Newman 's car was flung on to its front and was then hit on the driver 's side by Corey LaJoie 's car coming up from the rear .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its roof .
The crowd at the Daytona Speedway International were visibly shaken as emergency crews rushed to the wreckage , with flames bursting from Newman 's vehicle by the time it came to a halt .
Newman , 42 , was removed from the wreck and black tarp tents were erected around the scene while he was placed in an ambulance .
It brought back devastating memories of a fatal crash at the 2001 edition of the annual racing event , when seven-time series champion Dale Earnhardt Sr was killed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Earnhardt - but incredibly his injuries are not life-threatening .
While he is in a serious condition , officials have said he should recover .
Reading a statement on behalf of Newman 's family , NASCAR executive Steve O'Donnell said : `` Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center .
`` He 's in a serious condition but doctors have indicated his injuries are non-life-threatening .
`` We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and ask that you respect the privacy of Ryan and his family at this time .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will provide more information as it becomes available . ''
Many of Newman 's fellow drivers have wished him a speedy recovery , including LaJoie .
He said : `` Dang I hope Newman is OK. That is worst case scenario and I had nowhere to go but smoke . ''
Fellow NASCAR star Brad Keselowski simply tweeted : `` Please please please ! ''
Earnhardt 's son Dale Earnhardt Jr , who won the Daytona 500 twice during his own career before his retirement in 2017 , also tweeted : `` Big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a vocal critic of safety regulations at NASCAR events , which had been significantly beefed up following the death of Earnhardt almost two decades ago .
Newman was fined in 2010 for saying fans should n't attend races at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama , where he escaped from a nasty crash the year before .
He also had an accident at Daytona in 2003 , when his car went airborne and flipped several times .
The race on Monday night ended up being won by Denny Hamlin , who beat Blaney by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of victory ever recorded at what is known as `` The Great American Race '' .
US President Donald Trump had officially marked the start of the event on Sunday , giving the famous command for drivers to `` start your engines '' , but the race was delayed until Monday due to heavy rain .

A NASCAR driver is in a serious condition after his car flipped and burst into flames in a 190mph crash.
Ryan Newman was in the lead at the Daytona 500 in Florida on Monday night when he was tapped from behind by second-placed Ryan Blaney.
Fans watched in horror as his Ford hurtled towards the edge of the track at the marquee event.
Upon hitting the wall, Newman's car was flung on to its front and was then hit on the driver's side by Corey LaJoie's car coming up from the rear.
The vehicle then skidded down the track on its roof.
Image: Newman's car flipped after it was hit
Image: Ryan Newman was leading the race at the time of the crash
The crowd at the Daytona Speedway International were visibly shaken as emergency crews rushed to the wreckage, with flames bursting from Newman's vehicle by the time it came to a halt.
Newman, 42, was removed from the wreck and black tarp tents were erected around the scene while he was placed in an ambulance.
It brought back devastating memories of a fatal crash at the 2001 edition of the annual racing event, when seven-time series champion Dale Earnhardt Sr was killed.
Newman was taken to the same hospital as Earnhardt - but incredibly his injuries are not life-threatening.
Advertisement
While he is in a serious condition, officials have said he should recover.
Image: Fire began to erupt from the vehicle as it skidded along
Reading a statement on behalf of Newman's family, NASCAR executive Steve O'Donnell said: "Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center.
"He's in a serious condition but doctors have indicated his injuries are non-life-threatening.
"We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and ask that you respect the privacy of Ryan and his family at this time.
"We appreciate your patience and cooperation and will provide more information as it becomes available."
Image: The Ford was hit at almost 190mph
Many of Newman's fellow drivers have wished him a speedy recovery, including LaJoie.
He said: "Dang I hope Newman is OK. That is worst case scenario and I had nowhere to go but smoke."
Fellow NASCAR star Brad Keselowski simply tweeted: "Please please please!"
Earnhardt's son Dale Earnhardt Jr, who won the Daytona 500 twice during his own career before his retirement in 2017, also tweeted: "Big prayers for Newman."
Newman has been a vocal critic of safety regulations at NASCAR events, which had been significantly beefed up following the death of Earnhardt almost two decades ago.
Newman was fined in 2010 for saying fans shouldn't attend races at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, where he escaped from a nasty crash the year before.
He also had an accident at Daytona in 2003, when his car went airborne and flipped several times.
Image: Emergency crews were quick to respond to the crash
The race on Monday night ended up being won by Denny Hamlin, who beat Blaney by 0.014 seconds - the second smallest margin of victory ever recorded at what is known as "The Great American Race".
US President Donald Trump had officially marked the start of the event on Sunday, giving the famous command for drivers to "start your engines", but the race was delayed until Monday due to heavy rain.


skynewsus--2020-02-18--Taylor Swift's father 'fights off burglar who broke into his $4m flat'

Taylor Swift 's father has fought off a burglar who broke into his $ 4m ( £3.1m ) Florida penthouse @ @ @ @ @ , returned to his home in the Vinoy Place Towers late on 17 January to @ @ @ @ @ managed to access the house through an emergency stairwell .
The pair fought before Hoover @ @ @ @ @ Tampa Bay Times .
Taylor Swift was not with her father at the time .
@ @ @ @ @ authorities but was arrested on 12 February .
Police records say he called officers to @ @ @ @ @ a man living at the Vinoy '' .
Mr Swift had picked the alleged burglar @ @ @ @ @ , and Hoover has now been charged with burglary .
The suspect 's mother told @ @ @ @ @ her son got lost while searching for his estranged wife and should instead be charged @ @ @ @ @ 's penthouse covers the entire top floor of one Vinoy tower and has three bedrooms @

Taylor Swift's father has fought off a burglar who broke into his $4m (£3.1m) Florida penthouse.
Scott Swift, 67, returned to his home in the Vinoy Place Towers late on 17 January to find 30-year-old Terrence Hoover had managed to access the house through an emergency stairwell.
The pair fought before Hoover fled, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Image: Vinoy Place Towers, where Scott Swift lives. Pic: Google Maps
Taylor Swift was not with her father at the time.
Hoover initially managed to evade authorities but was arrested on 12 February.
Police records say he called officers to "report his encounter with a man living at the Vinoy".
Mr Swift had picked the alleged burglar out of a police line-up, and Hoover has now been charged with burglary.
:: Listen to Backstage on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The suspect's mother told the Tampa Bay Times that her son got lost while searching for his estranged wife and should instead be charged with trespassing.
Advertisement
Mr Swift's penthouse covers the entire top floor of one Vinoy tower and has three bedrooms.


skynewsus--2020-02-18--SpaceX rocket crashes into sea after missing landing pad

SpaceX has lost one of its rockets after a Falcon 9 booster missed the floating landing pad .
The reusable rocket successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites but crashed into the sea , and it is not clear if it will be able to be launched again .
It is the first time a Falcon 9 rocket has failed to land on one of the platforms since 2016 , although the company has lost quite a few rockets since then as well - sometimes on purpose .
SpaceX 's first successful landing on what it calls the droneships took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of unsuccessful trials ending in what the engineers jokingly referred to as a `` rapid unscheduled disassembly '' .
It is not yet clear what caused the crash on Monday .
SpaceX 's video of the attempted landing did n't even show the rocket within the same shot as the landing platform .
`` We clearly did not make the landing this time , '' said one of the company 's engineers , Lauren Lyons , but the launch itself of 60 satellites did mark the 80th successful flight for the Falcon 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constellation , known as Starlink , is intended to ultimately provide broadband coverage across the globe .
Elon Musk , the company 's founder and chief executive , was however forced to deny claims that the fleet of 12,000 satellites would ruin the night sky for astronomers last year .
However , onlookers are expressing concern about the impact the satellites would have on their work .
A video captured by Dutch astronomer Dr Marco Langbroek shows the satellites in orbit , alongside Dr Langbroek 's claim that - contrary to Mr Musk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satellites would be visible well south of the Arctic Circle .
Speaking to The Guardian , astrophysicist Nestor Espinoza said : `` It 's basically a private company staining our sky for everyone .
It 's interesting that there 's no consensus about it .
No one asked us . ''
Explaining what he plans to do with the revenue , Mr Musk said : `` We think this is a key stepping stone on the way towards establishing a self-sustaining city on Mars and a base on the moon . ''
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in development , although concerns have been raised both about the space for these constellations orbiting around the Earth and their cost efficiency .
Other constellation projects are being developed by companies such as Amazon , OneWeb , Kepler , Telesat , and Leosat .
OneWeb launched satellites last February , while LeoSat Enterprises and Canada 's Telesat are also intending to create data networks from satellite constellations .
Each constellation will use tiny satellites positioned closer to Earth than more traditional communications satellites .

SpaceX has lost one of its rockets after a Falcon 9 booster missed the floating landing pad.
The reusable rocket successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites but crashed into the sea, and it is not clear if it will be able to be launched again.
It is the first time a Falcon 9 rocket has failed to land on one of the platforms since 2016, although the company has lost quite a few rockets since then as well - sometimes on purpose.
SpaceX's first successful landing on what it calls the droneships took place in April 2016 after a number of unsuccessful trials ending in what the engineers jokingly referred to as a "rapid unscheduled disassembly".
It is not yet clear what caused the crash on Monday. SpaceX's video of the attempted landing didn't even show the rocket within the same shot as the landing platform.
"We clearly did not make the landing this time," said one of the company's engineers, Lauren Lyons, but the launch itself of 60 satellites did mark the 80th successful flight for the Falcon 9 range of rockets.
SpaceX's satellite constellation, known as Starlink, is intended to ultimately provide broadband coverage across the globe.
Elon Musk, the company's founder and chief executive, was however forced to deny claims that the fleet of 12,000 satellites would ruin the night sky for astronomers last year.
However, onlookers are expressing concern about the impact the satellites would have on their work.
Advertisement
A video captured by Dutch astronomer Dr Marco Langbroek shows the satellites in orbit, alongside Dr Langbroek's claim that - contrary to Mr Musk's assertions - during the summertime the satellites would be visible well south of the Arctic Circle.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Speaking to The Guardian, astrophysicist Nestor Espinoza said: "It's basically a private company staining our sky for everyone. It's interesting that there's no consensus about it. No one asked us."
Explaining what he plans to do with the revenue, Mr Musk said: "We think this is a key stepping stone on the way towards establishing a self-sustaining city on Mars and a base on the moon."
There are a number of satellite constellation projects in development, although concerns have been raised both about the space for these constellations orbiting around the Earth and their cost efficiency.
Other constellation projects are being developed by companies such as Amazon, OneWeb, Kepler, Telesat, and Leosat.
OneWeb launched satellites last February, while LeoSat Enterprises and Canada's Telesat are also intending to create data networks from satellite constellations.
Each constellation will use tiny satellites positioned closer to Earth than more traditional communications satellites.


skynewsus--2020-02-18--Apple says coronavirus will hurt iPhone production and profits

Apple has warned it will not meet its financial targets due to the impact of coronavirus on production and sales in China .
The tech firm 's second quarter ends on 30 March and it was expecting revenue for this period to be between $ 63bn and $ 67bn ( £48bn and £51bn ) .
But the outbreak of COVID-19 , the medical name for the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus , has resulted in a cut in iPhone production .
Apple 's factories are all outside Hubei province , the centre of the outbreak .
They have reopened but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The health and well-being of every person who helps make these products possible is our paramount priority , and we are working in close consultation with our suppliers and public health experts as this ramp continues , '' the company said .
Sky News reported in January that Apple 's request to suppliers to produce 80 million iPhones over the first half of 2020 could be delayed due to the virus outbreak .
The virus has also affected iPhone sales in China , which is Apple 's third-largest retail market after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on movement intended to limit the spread of the virus , many of Apple 's 42 Chinese stores are closed or operating only limited hours .
Callum D'Ath , senior investment manager at Brewin Dolphin , said : `` Looking ahead for Apple , this is probably a transitory impact to numbers as global supply-chain issues will dissipate .
`` In addition , while this is clearly a hardware issue , the jury is still out on whether Apple is a hardware company or successful in transitioning to becoming a high-quality consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
COVID-19 has infected more than 73,000 people , most of them in China .
Some 1,800 people have died as a result .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A number of other businesses have been affected by the virus , including InterContinental Hotels Group .
The company , which owns Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza , said it had closed or partially closed 160 of its 470 hotels in China - its fastest-growing market - due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said coronavirus had caused `` significant disruption '' for its business , especially in China and Hong Kong .

Apple has warned it will not meet its financial targets due to the impact of coronavirus on production and sales in China.
The tech firm's second quarter ends on 30 March and it was expecting revenue for this period to be between $63bn and $67bn (£48bn and £51bn).
It did not offer a new forecast in the update to the market, with shares falling almost 3% when Wall Street opened on Tuesday.
The outbreak of COVID-19, the medical name for the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus, has resulted in a cut in iPhone production.
Apple's factories are all outside Hubei province, the centre of the outbreak. They have reopened but production is only slowly returning to normal.
"The health and well-being of every person who helps make these products possible is our paramount priority, and we are working in close consultation with our suppliers and public health experts as this ramp continues," the company said.
Sky News reported in January that Apple's request to suppliers to produce 80 million iPhones over the first half of 2020 could be delayed due to the virus outbreak.
Image: Many of Apple's 42 Chinese stores are closed or have only limited hours
The virus has also affected iPhone sales in China, which is Apple's third-largest retail market after the US and Europe.
Due to restrictions on movement intended to limit the spread of the virus, many of Apple's 42 Chinese stores are closed or operating only limited hours.
Advertisement
Callum D'Ath, senior investment manager at Brewin Dolphin, said: "Looking ahead for Apple, this is probably a transitory impact to numbers as global supply-chain issues will dissipate.
"In addition, while this is clearly a hardware issue, the jury is still out on whether Apple is a hardware company or successful in transitioning to becoming a high-quality consumer staple company with a growing software business."
COVID-19 has infected more than 73,000 people, most of them in China. Some 1,800 people have died as a result.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A number of other businesses have been affected by the virus, including InterContinental Hotels Group.
The company, which owns Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, said it had closed or partially closed 160 of its 470 hotels in China - its fastest-growing market - due to the virus.
Banking firm HSBC also said coronavirus had caused "significant disruption" for its business, especially in China and Hong Kong.


skynewsus--2020-02-18--Disney launches wedding dress range replicating iconic princesses

Disney is taking its iconic princess dresses from living room TV screens to real-life wedding aisles .
The entertainment giant has teamed up with bridal boutique Allure Bridals for a new wedding gown range that replicates many of the famous Disney characters .
Among the 16 styles in the collection are those inspired by Ariel , Aurora , Belle , Jasmine , Cinderella , Pocahontas , Rapunzel , Tiana , and Snow White .
The Disney range , which features ball gowns , mermaid trains and fit-and-flare hemlines , will be unveiled next April at the 2020 New York Bridal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,200 to $ 2,500 - and up to $ 10,000 for the seven dresses in the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Platinum Collection .
But brides-to-be will not find the dresses in UK stores .
They will only be sold in North America bridal boutiques , with the platinum dresses available at Kleinfeld Bridal stores in New York and Toronto .
Allure Bridals CEO , Kelly Crum , said she the team `` worked tirelessly '' on each gown .
`` Each dress features intricate detailing specifically inspired by the timeless characters known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Allure and Kleinfeld , as well as our brides , '' she said .
`` So many brides grow up admiring their favourite Disney Princess characters and are inspired by their journeys , gowns and stories of the classic films . ''
Allure Bridals said that all dresses will be available in sizes 0 to 30 .

Disney is taking its iconic princess dresses from living room TV screens to real-life wedding aisles.
The entertainment giant has teamed up with bridal boutique Allure Bridals for a new wedding gown range that replicates many of the famous Disney characters.
Image: The range is inspired by several iconic Disney princesses. Pic: Allure Bridals
Among the 16 styles in the collection are those inspired by Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Tiana, and Snow White.
The Disney range, which features ball gowns, mermaid trains and fit-and-flare hemlines, will be unveiled next April at the 2020 New York Bridal Fashion week.
Prices will range from $1,200 to $2,500 - and up to $10,000 for the seven dresses in the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Platinum Collection.
But brides-to-be will not find the dresses in UK stores.
They will only be sold in North America bridal boutiques, with the platinum dresses available at Kleinfeld Bridal stores in New York and Toronto.
Allure Bridals CEO, Kelly Crum, said she the team "worked tirelessly" on each gown.
"Each dress features intricate detailing specifically inspired by the timeless characters known and loved by all of us at Allure and Kleinfeld, as well as our brides," she said.
Advertisement
Instagram Instagram , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Instagram cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Instagram cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Instagram cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"So many brides grow up admiring their favourite Disney Princess characters and are inspired by their journeys, gowns and stories of the classic films."
Allure Bridals said that all dresses will be available in sizes 0 to 30.


skynewsus--2020-02-18--Trump releases ex-governor who tried to sell Obama's Senate seat

Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence of a former Democratic state governor who tried to sell Barack Obama 's vacant seat in the Senate .
Rod Blagojevich , who appeared on Trump 's Celebrity Apprentice show in 2010 while awaiting trial , had been serving a 14-year sentence , scheduled to run until 2026 .
As Mr Trump fired Blagojevich as a contestant on the reality show , he praised the way he was fighting his criminal case , telling him : `` You have a hell of a lot of guts . ''
Blagojevich was later convicted of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many other politicians say '' , the president has said , adding that his sentence was `` powerful '' and `` ridiculous '' .
The former Illinois governor , 63 , was removed from office in 2009 after prosecutors said he had tried to sell or trade the Senate seat Obama vacated after winning the presidential election in 2008 .
He was heard in a wire tap boasting about naming someone for the position , saying : `` I 've got this thing and it 's f****** golden .
And I 'm just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Jurors accepted evidence that he demanded a $ 50,000 donation from the head of a children 's hospital in return for increased support .
They also decided he had extorted $ 100,000 in donations from two horse racing tracks and a racing executive in exchange for quick approval of legislation the tracks wanted .
He was convicted of wire fraud , extortion and soliciting bribes .
In 2018 , the Supreme Court rejected a bid by Blagojevich to get his sentence reduced .
Blagojevich has tried to depict himself as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution .
`` Some in the Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation are abusing their power to criminalise the routine practices of politics and government , '' he wrote in an article for the Wall Street Journal in May 2018 .
He added : `` I learned the hard way what happens when an investigation comes up empty after the government has invested time , resources and manpower .
When they ca n't prove a crime , they create one . ''
President Trump has also pardoned several people , including former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served just over three years for tax fraud and lying to the White House , and financier Michael Milken , who pleaded guilty to violating US securities laws .
Former owner of the San Francisco 49ers , Eddie DeBartolo Jr , was also pardoned .
He pleaded guilty in 1998 to failing to report a felony regarding payment demanded for a riverboat casino license in a bribery scheme .

Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence of a former Democratic state governor who tried to sell Barack Obama's vacant seat in the Senate.
Rod Blagojevich, who appeared on Trump's Celebrity Apprentice show in 2010 while awaiting trial, had been serving a 14-year sentence, scheduled to run until 2026.
As Mr Trump fired Blagojevich as a contestant on the reality show, he praised the way he was fighting his criminal case, telling him: "You have a hell of a lot of guts."
Image: Donald Trump said Blagojevich's sentence was 'ridiculous'
Blagojevich was later convicted of "being stupid, saying things that many other politicians say", the president has said, adding that his sentence was "powerful" and "ridiculous".
The former Illinois governor, 63, was removed from office in 2009 after prosecutors said he had tried to sell or trade the Senate seat Obama vacated after winning the presidential election in 2008.
He was heard in a wire tap boasting about naming someone for the position, saying: "I've got this thing and it's f****** golden. And I'm just not giving it up for f****** nothing."
Jurors accepted evidence that he demanded a $50,000 donation from the head of a children's hospital in return for increased support.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
They also decided he had extorted $100,000 in donations from two horse racing tracks and a racing executive in exchange for quick approval of legislation the tracks wanted.
Advertisement
He was convicted of wire fraud, extortion and soliciting bribes.
Image: Blagojevich was removed from office in 2009
In 2018, the Supreme Court rejected a bid by Blagojevich to get his sentence reduced.
Blagojevich has tried to depict himself as the victim of an overzealous and politically motivated prosecution.
"Some in the Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation are abusing their power to criminalise the routine practices of politics and government," he wrote in an article for the Wall Street Journal in May 2018.
He added: "I learned the hard way what happens when an investigation comes up empty after the government has invested time, resources and manpower. When they can't prove a crime, they create one."
Image: Former NYPD commissioner Bernard Kerik has been pardoned
President Trump has also pardoned several people, including former NYPD commissioner Bernard Kerik, who has served just over three years for tax fraud and lying to the White House, and financier Michael Milken, who pleaded guilty to violating US securities laws.
Former owner of the San Francisco 49ers, Eddie DeBartolo Jr, was also pardoned. He pleaded guilty in 1998 to failing to report a felony regarding payment demanded for a riverboat casino license in a bribery scheme.


skynewsus--2020-02-18--Michael Bloomberg qualifies for Democratic presidential debate

Michael Bloomberg is set to face his party rivals for the first time on the same stage after securing enough support to qualify for the next Democratic presidential debate .
The former New York mayor qualified for Wednesday 's debate in Nevada - the ninth in the contest so far - after securing 19 % of support in a recent NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll .
This put him in second place behind Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders , who led the pack with 31 % .
Mr Bloomberg is a late addition to the US primary race for the nomination to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a steady rise in the polls after appearing in TV ads funded by his estimated $ 60bn ( £46bn ) fortune .
According to his campaign , the recent poll was the fourth recognised by the party in which the multi-billionaire had received more than 10 % of the vote , which qualifies him for the debate .
The 78-year-old will now face at least five other candidates in Nevada - Mr Sanders , former vice president Joe Biden , Elizabeth Warren , Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg - on stage for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has already spent hundreds of millions of dollars on television ads alone , is expected to face criticism on his campaigning from rivals - some of whom claim he is trying to buy the election .
He will likely be questioned further on controversial policies he oversaw while he was mayor , including a `` stop and frisk '' policing policy that disproportionately targeted black and Latino residents .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The debate will also be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of late .
In his campaigning across dozens of states so far , Mr Bloomberg has stuck to a policy of not answering voters ' questions and delivering brief speeches from a teleprompter .
He has also missed the first four voting contests in Iowa , New Hampshire , Nevada and South Carolina - having instead looked ahead to Super Tuesday in March , when 14 states will vote .
Rarely mentioning his rivals in the primary race by name , Mr Bloomberg often chooses to focus on simply beating Mr Trump .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to comments about buying the election , where he maintains he would want to fund the Democratic nominee , whether he wins or not .
Wednesday 's debate in Nevada comes ahead of the state caucus - a round of voting for the Democrat nomination - on 22 February .

Michael Bloomberg is set to face his party rivals for the first time on the same stage after securing enough support to qualify for the next Democratic presidential debate.
The former New York mayor qualified for Wednesday's debate in Nevada - the ninth in the contest so far - after securing 19% of support in a recent NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll.
This put him in second place behind Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who led the pack with 31%.
Mr Bloomberg is a late addition to the US primary race for the nomination to take on Donald Trump, but has seen a steady rise in the polls after appearing in TV ads funded by his estimated $60bn (£46bn) fortune.
Image: The Democrat who secures the party nomination will take on Donald Trump for the White House
According to his campaign, the recent poll was the fourth recognised by the party in which the multi-billionaire had received more than 10% of the vote, which qualifies him for the debate.
The 78-year-old will now face at least five other candidates in Nevada - Mr Sanders, former vice president Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg - on stage for the first time.
But Mr Bloomberg, who has already spent hundreds of millions of dollars on television ads alone, is expected to face criticism on his campaigning from rivals - some of whom claim he is trying to buy the election.
He will likely be questioned further on controversial policies he oversaw while he was mayor, including a "stop and frisk" policing policy that disproportionately targeted black and Latino residents.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Advertisement
The debate will also be a far cry from his tightly choreographed strategy of late.
In his campaigning across dozens of states so far, Mr Bloomberg has stuck to a policy of not answering voters' questions and delivering brief speeches from a teleprompter.
He has also missed the first four voting contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina - having instead looked ahead to Super Tuesday in March, when 14 states will vote.
Rarely mentioning his rivals in the primary race by name, Mr Bloomberg often chooses to focus on simply beating Mr Trump.
This approach is used in his response to comments about buying the election, where he maintains he would want to fund the Democratic nominee, whether he wins or not.
Wednesday's debate in Nevada comes ahead of the state caucus - a round of voting for the Democrat nomination - on 22 February.


skynewsus--2020-02-18--Boy Scouts of America in bankruptcy court amid costly sex abuse claims

Boy Scouts of America ( BSA ) has filed for bankruptcy protection after thousands of fresh sexual abuse claims were made against the organisation .
The filing was made in Delaware by the historic group - which could have to pay out billions of dollars in compensation to thousands of alleged victims - to give it temporary protection from its creditors .
If the group was to go bust it could be one of the most complex bankruptcies in history , with the organisation 's presence in all 50 states , as well as its ties to civic and church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settlements for thousands of men who say they were sexually abused by leaders decades ago .
Filing for bankruptcy protection means the BSA can pause the lawsuits , but in the meantime it could be forced to sell off its huge number of assets including campsites and hiking trails , to try and raise hundreds of millions of dollars .
Ongoing lawsuits have already led to the organisation mortgaging some of its major national properties , including the US headquarters in Texas and a 140,000-acre ranch in New Mexico , to help secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it some time .
A spokesman for the organisation said : `` Scouting programmes will continue throughout this process and for many years to come .
`` Local councils are not filing for bankruptcy because they are legally separate and distinct organisations . ''
The long-respected BSA has struggled in recent times , due to declining memberships and rafts of abuse allegations , stretching all the way back to the 1980s .
: :Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Since the mid-1980s , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applicants including background checks , abuse-prevention training and a rule that requires more then one adult be around at all times .
As far back as the 1920s , the organisation kept confidential files listing staff and volunteers implicated in sexual abuse in an effort to keep them away from young people .
As of January , court documents listed 7,819 potential abusers and 12,254 alleged victims .

Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has filed for bankruptcy protection after thousands of fresh sexual abuse claims were made against the organisation.
The filing was made in Delaware by the historic group - which could have to pay out billions of dollars in compensation to thousands of alleged victims - to give it temporary protection from its creditors.
If the group was to go bust it could be one of the most complex bankruptcies in history, with the organisation's presence in all 50 states, as well as its ties to civic and church partners.
Image: The organisation may have to sell its assets
Masses of lawyers are seeking settlements for thousands of men who say they were sexually abused by leaders decades ago.
Filing for bankruptcy protection means the BSA can pause the lawsuits, but in the meantime it could be forced to sell off its huge number of assets including campsites and hiking trails, to try and raise hundreds of millions of dollars.
Ongoing lawsuits have already led to the organisation mortgaging some of its major national properties, including the US headquarters in Texas and a 140,000-acre ranch in New Mexico, to help secure a new line of credit and buy it some time.
A spokesman for the organisation said: "Scouting programmes will continue throughout this process and for many years to come.
"Local councils are not filing for bankruptcy because they are legally separate and distinct organisations."
The long-respected BSA has struggled in recent times, due to declining memberships and rafts of abuse allegations, stretching all the way back to the 1980s.
Advertisement
::Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Since the mid-1980s, the organisation introduced new prevention policies on leadership applicants including background checks, abuse-prevention training and a rule that requires more then one adult be around at all times.
As far back as the 1920s, the organisation kept confidential files listing staff and volunteers implicated in sexual abuse in an effort to keep them away from young people.
As of January, court documents listed 7,819 potential abusers and 12,254 alleged victims.


skynewsus--2020-02-18--Passengers stunned as miniature horse travels in first class cabin

If you thought flying stallions were purely the stuff of Greek myths and legends , then it 's time to think again .
Like the divine winged steed Pegasus , a miniature service and support horse named Fred has taken to the skies .
Fred was specially trained by his handler Ronia Froese to join her aboard an American Airlines flight from Michigan , dressed in an outfit befitting of budget superhero film and with a travel bag strapped to his body .
The pair flew from Grand Rapids to Dallas , Texas , from where they grabbed a connecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others have struggled to convince US airlines to allow them to board with peacocks and hamsters , Ms Froese said staff were all too happy to have Fred on board - and he even got to travel in first class .
In a gushing Facebook post , Ms Froese thanked the pilots , co-pilots and crew on all four outbound and return flights , saying their excitement to have a `` legit service horse on board '' was a `` breath of fresh air '' .
She added : `` Their kindness and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made me the proudest mommy , handler , and trainer EVER .
They were all super respectful . ''
Fred , who has his own Facebook page , was apparently the subject of a few bemused glances from fellow passengers , but he proved the neigh-sayers wrong and provided the in-flight entertainment .
One man asked for a selfie with Fred , according to Ms Froese , who was then told that Fred was `` the most well behaved animal he has ever seen on a plane '' .
`` For me as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ utter joy and proudness , '' she said .
`` That truly meant so much to me and I really needed to hear it . ''
Now that Fred is back on solid ground , he has returned to his usual routine as a completely house-trained horse .
He even has a supersized litter tray at his owner 's home in Newaygo County , Michigan .
But it remains to be seen whether Fred will be able to fly again , as the US Department of Transportation considers enforcing tougher rules on animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already taken matters into their own hands , with Delta having banned emotional support animals aboard flights longer than eight hours after an 84 % increase in animal incidents .
They included a passenger being attacked by a dog , and animals urinating and defecating while on-board .
Fred did not get into any such trouble .

If you thought flying stallions were purely the stuff of Greek myths and legends, then it's time to think again.
Like the divine winged steed Pegasus, a miniature service and support horse named Fred has taken to the skies.
Fred was specially trained by his handler Ronia Froese to join her aboard an American Airlines flight from Michigan, dressed in an outfit befitting of budget superhero film and with a travel bag strapped to his body.
Image: Ronica and Fred the horse had a great time on their flight. Pic: Facebook
Image: 'Does the outfit make me look silly?' Pic: Facebook
The pair flew from Grand Rapids to Dallas, Texas, from where they grabbed a connecting flight to Ontario, California.
While others have struggled to convince US airlines to allow them to board with peacocks and hamsters, Ms Froese said staff were all too happy to have Fred on board - and he even got to travel in first class.
In a gushing Facebook post, Ms Froese thanked the pilots, co-pilots and crew on all four outbound and return flights, saying their excitement to have a "legit service horse on board" was a "breath of fresh air".
She added: "Their kindness and comments about how well behaved Fred was made me the proudest mommy, handler, and trainer EVER. They were all super respectful."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 Dexter the peacock was turned away from a flight in 2018
Fred, who has his own Facebook page, was apparently the subject of a few bemused glances from fellow passengers, but he proved the neigh-sayers wrong and provided the in-flight entertainment.
One man asked for a selfie with Fred, according to Ms Froese, who was then told that Fred was "the most well behaved animal he has ever seen on a plane".
Advertisement
"For me as a handler I had few tears of utter joy and proudness," she said.
"That truly meant so much to me and I really needed to hear it."
Image: Fred was asked for a selfie by a fellow passenger. Pic: Facebook
Image: Fred visited Donald Trump's Hollywood star during his travels. Pic: Facebook
Now that Fred is back on solid ground, he has returned to his usual routine as a completely house-trained horse.
He even has a supersized litter tray at his owner's home in Newaygo County, Michigan.
But it remains to be seen whether Fred will be able to fly again, as the US Department of Transportation considers enforcing tougher rules on animals allowed on planes.
Image: American Airlines was very welcoming of Fred
Some airlines have already taken matters into their own hands, with Delta having banned emotional support animals aboard flights longer than eight hours after an 84% increase in animal incidents.
They included a passenger being attacked by a dog, and animals urinating and defecating while on-board.
Fred did not get into any such trouble.


skynewsus--2020-02-19--Buttigieg takes aim at Trump: 'I've never had to send hush money to a porn star'

Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has said Donald Trump can not lecture him on family values because he has never sent `` hush money to a porn star '' .
The Democratic candidate , 37 , was referring to homophobic comments aimed at him by conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh .
Limbaugh said America was `` still not ready to elect a gay guy kissing his husband on the debate stage '' , and also claimed Mr Trump told him not to apologise for his comments .
Asked during a CNN town hall event in Las Vegas on Tuesday night if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he would not be opposed to a member of the LGBTQ community serving as president , Mr Buttigieg said : `` Well , not if he 's sending out his supporters to talk in this way .
`` And , look , I mean , the idea of the likes of Rush Limbaugh or Donald Trump lecturing anybody on family values .
`` I mean , I 'm sorry , but one thing about my marriage is it 's never involved me having to send hush money to a porn star after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
`` So they want to debate family values ?
Let 's debate family values .
I 'm ready . ''
Mr Trump 's former lawyer Michael Cohen is serving a three-year prison sentence after admitting paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal for Mr Trump , as well as other financial crimes and lying to Congress .
Mr Limbaugh said last week that Americans are going to look at Mr Buttigieg then look at `` 'Mr Man ' Donald Trump '' .
`` And they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they 've got to be saying , that despite all the great progress and despite all the great wokeness , and despite all the great ground that 's been covered , America 's still not ready to elect a gay guy kissing his husband on the debate stage president . ''
Other Democratic candidates came to Mr Buttigieg 's defence , with Elizabeth Warren saying the attacks against him are `` hateful and offensive '' , while Joe Biden said the comments are `` part of the depravity of this administration '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly about Mr Buttigieg 's marriage , saying he has `` no problem '' with him being married to a man and thinks `` it 's good '' .
However , he said he thinks some people `` will have a problem with it '' .
Despite allegedly telling Limbaugh not to apologise for his homophobic remarks , Mr Trump is the only president to have supported gay marriage before entering office .
A poll by American analytics company Gallup last month found more than three in four ( 78 % ) Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a gay or lesbian person if they were a party 's `` well qualified '' candidate for president .

Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has said Donald Trump cannot lecture him on family values because he has never sent "hush money to a porn star".
The Democratic candidate, 37, was referring to homophobic comments aimed at him by conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh.
Limbaugh said America was "still not ready to elect a gay guy kissing his husband on the debate stage", and also claimed Mr Trump told him not to apologise for his comments.
Asked during a CNN town hall event in Las Vegas on Tuesday night if he believes Mr Trump's recent claim that he would not be opposed to a member of the LGBTQ community serving as president, Mr Buttigieg said: "Well, not if he's sending out his supporters to talk in this way.
Image: Donald Trump has previously said he has no problem with a gay president
"And, look, I mean, the idea of the likes of Rush Limbaugh or Donald Trump lecturing anybody on family values.
"I mean, I'm sorry, but one thing about my marriage is it's never involved me having to send hush money to a porn star after cheating on my spouse with him or her.
"So they want to debate family values? Let's debate family values. I'm ready."
Mr Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen is serving a three-year prison sentence after admitting paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal for Mr Trump, as well as other financial crimes and lying to Congress.
Mr Limbaugh said last week that Americans are going to look at Mr Buttigieg then look at "'Mr Man' Donald Trump".
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 Who is Pete Buttigieg?
"And they got to be looking at that, and they've got to be saying, that despite all the great progress and despite all the great wokeness, and despite all the great ground that's been covered, America's still not ready to elect a gay guy kissing his husband on the debate stage president."
Other Democratic candidates came to Mr Buttigieg's defence, with Elizabeth Warren saying the attacks against him are "hateful and offensive", while Joe Biden said the comments are "part of the depravity of this administration".
In 2019, Mr Trump spoke directly about Mr Buttigieg's marriage, saying he has "no problem" with him being married to a man and thinks "it's good".
However, he said he thinks some people "will have a problem with it".
Despite allegedly telling Limbaugh not to apologise for his homophobic remarks, Mr Trump is the only president to have supported gay marriage before entering office.
A poll by American analytics company Gallup last month found more than three in four (78%) Americans said they would be willing to vote for a gay or lesbian person if they were a party's "well qualified" candidate for president.


skynewsus--2020-02-19--'Unacceptable': Debris found in fuel tanks of Boeing 737 MAX planes

Aircraft maker Boeing says it has found debris contaminating the fuel tanks of `` several '' 737 MAX planes that were built in the past year .
The debris was discovered in an undisclosed number of planes and has been described as `` absolutely unacceptable '' by Boeing 's head of the 737 program .
Foreign object debris is a term used to describe rags , tools , metal shavings and other materials left behind by workers during the production process - and it has been a problem for other Boeing models in the past .
Boeing 's 737 MAX @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year after two crashes killed 346 people .
The company has continued to manufacture the planes at a rate of 42 a month in hope that they will be certified to fly again this summer .
Boeing had built about 400 undelivered MAX jets before production was temporarily halted last month .
A statement from the Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) said it was prioritising safety and is `` following a thorough , deliberate process to verify that all proposed modifications to the Boeing 737 MAX meet the highest certification standards '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have debris inside had not yet been delivered to airlines .
Boeing says it has immediately made corrections to its production system after the debris was found during maintenance on the parked planes .
More inspections will now be performed before fuel tanks are sealed .
Mark Jenks said in a memo to employees who work on the 737 : `` During these challenging times , our customers and the flying public are counting on us to do our best work each and every day . ''
He said the debris was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too many '' .
A Boeing spokesperson says the company still believes the FAA will certify the plane to fly again in the summer .
The company is conducting a voluntary inspection of its undelivered MAX planes , and the FAA says it has `` increased its surveillance based on initial inspection reports and will take further action based on the findings '' .
Boeing is conducting test flights to assess updates to a flight-control system that has been blamed for the two crashes .
Although investigators looking into the accidents have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plant near Seattle , the company has faced concerns about debris left in other finished planes , including the 787 Dreamliner , which is built in South Carolina .
There is a risk of electrical short-circuiting and fires if tools , metal shavings and other objects are left in planes during assembly .

Aircraft maker Boeing says it has found debris contaminating the fuel tanks of "several" 737 MAX planes that were built in the past year.
The debris was discovered in an undisclosed number of planes and has been described as "absolutely unacceptable" by Boeing's head of the 737 program.
Foreign object debris is a term used to describe rags, tools, metal shavings and other materials left behind by workers during the production process - and it has been a problem for other Boeing models in the past.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 Boeing boss: Our planes will be safe
Boeing's 737 MAX planes have been grounded since March last year after two crashes killed 346 people.
The company has continued to manufacture the planes at a rate of 42 a month in hope that they will be certified to fly again this summer.
Boeing had built about 400 undelivered MAX jets before production was temporarily halted last month.
A statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it was prioritising safety and is "following a thorough, deliberate process to verify that all proposed modifications to the Boeing 737 MAX meet the highest certification standards".
The planes which were discovered to have debris inside had not yet been delivered to airlines.
Boeing says it has immediately made corrections to its production system after the debris was found during maintenance on the parked planes.
Advertisement
More inspections will now be performed before fuel tanks are sealed.
Mark Jenks said in a memo to employees who work on the 737: "During these challenging times, our customers and the flying public are counting on us to do our best work each and every day."
He said the debris was "absolutely unacceptable. One escape is one too many".
A Boeing spokesperson says the company still believes the FAA will certify the plane to fly again in the summer.
The company is conducting a voluntary inspection of its undelivered MAX planes, and the FAA says it has "increased its surveillance based on initial inspection reports and will take further action based on the findings".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 Jan: Boeing 777X completes maiden flight
Boeing is conducting test flights to assess updates to a flight-control system that has been blamed for the two crashes.
Although investigators looking into the accidents have not pointed to production problems at the assembly plant near Seattle, the company has faced concerns about debris left in other finished planes, including the 787 Dreamliner, which is built in South Carolina.
There is a risk of electrical short-circuiting and fires if tools, metal shavings and other objects are left in planes during assembly.


skynewsus--2020-02-19--Elon Musk's SpaceX signs deal to send tourists into space

Elon Musk 's company SpaceX has signed a contract with a space tourism company to send up to four passengers into orbit around the Earth .
The contract with Space Adventures will see space tourists get up to five days in orbit inside one of the company 's Crew Dragon spacecraft .
SpaceX 's president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell said : `` This historic mission will forge a path to making spaceflight possible for all people who dream of it . ''
It is unlikely to be possible for those who dream of it any time soon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to-date space tourism has been the exclusive domain of multi-millionaires .
The first mission could launch as soon as 2021 , and those travelling to space would need to undergo training before being allowed to journey into orbit .
The deal was announced just as SpaceX lost one of its rockets when a Falcon 9 first-stage booster missed the floating landing pad on its return to Earth .
The reusable rocket successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites but crashed into the sea , and it is not clear if it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year a launchpad test of SpaceX 's Crew Dragon vehicle , intended to fly astronauts to the International Space Station this year - the same that would fly tourists into space - ended in flames .
`` This is why we test , '' said NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine .
`` We will learn , make the necessary adjustments and safely move forward with our Commercial Crew Program . ''
An investigation into the explosion conducted by both NASA and SpaceX found that the capsule erupted in flames due to a titanium fire @ @ @ @ @ @

Elon Musk's company SpaceX has signed a contract with a space tourism company to send up to four passengers into orbit around the Earth.
The contract with Space Adventures will see space tourists get up to five days in orbit inside one of the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft.
SpaceX's president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell said: "This historic mission will forge a path to making spaceflight possible for all people who dream of it."
It is unlikely to be possible for those who dream of it any time soon. Although no prices have been announced, to-date space tourism has been the exclusive domain of multi-millionaires.
Image: The missions will use a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon capsule
The first mission could launch as soon as 2021, and those travelling to space would need to undergo training before being allowed to journey into orbit.
The deal was announced just as SpaceX lost one of its rockets when a Falcon 9 first-stage booster missed the floating landing pad on its return to Earth.
The reusable rocket successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites but crashed into the sea, and it is not clear if it will be able to be launched again.
Last year a launchpad test of SpaceX's Crew Dragon vehicle, intended to fly astronauts to the International Space Station this year - the same that would fly tourists into space - ended in flames.
"This is why we test," said NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine. "We will learn, make the necessary adjustments and safely move forward with our Commercial Crew Program."
Advertisement
An investigation into the explosion conducted by both NASA and SpaceX found that the capsule erupted in flames due to a titanium fire after a check valve failed.


skynewsus--2020-02-20--World's 12th richest person has to do better than this if he wants to challenge Trump

Mike Bloomberg , the world 's 12th richest person , has to do better than this if he wants to challenge Donald Trump Mike Bloomberg , the world 's 12th richest person , has to do better than this if he wants to challenge Donald Trump New York billionaire Mike Bloomberg has appeared on the presidential campaign trail for the first time alongside his Democratic rivals .
The former Republican had a rocky debate debut alongside five other presidential candidates in Las Vegas , writes Ian Woods : Poor Mike Bloomberg .
That 's not a word normally associated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But not only did his first debate performance fail to match the slickness of his many campaign ads , he also got quite a kicking from his rivals .
The ganging up was predictable .
And maybe his lacklustre debate performance should have been expected too ; after all , the other Democrats have honed their arguments over many months .
But how much sympathy can one have for a man who skipped the slog of attending endless events , meeting voters in Iowa and New Hampshire , in favour of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blitz of expensive advertising ?
His presence intensified the debate , but often at his expense .
Answers he would have prepared were not well delivered .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Las Vegas is a city built for gamblers .
The latest Democratic debate was staged here because Nevada is the third state to go to the polls on Saturday .
Mr Bloomberg wo n't even be on the ballot because he left it so late to join the race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any accurate measure of the former New York mayor 's performance .
His campaign should be relieved , because he did nothing on stage to justify his boast that he is the strongest candidate to take on Donald Trump .
`` Mini Mike '' as Mr Trump refers to him did n't use a box to stand on , as the president had cheekily predicted .
If he had , the blows he took from Elizabeth Warren may have sent him sprawling .
Senator Warren , in danger of spiralling out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zingers about Mr Bloomberg 's wealth and some of his past comments about women .
She compared him to Mr Trump , and challenged him to free former female employees from their non-disclosure agreements so they can talk about why they left his company .
He rolled his eyes .
That was n't a good look .
Her performance was so strong that her campaign claimed that there was surge of donations throughout the debate .
She will need it .
Bernie Sanders put in another strong performance , befitting his new status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buttigieg , who did surprisingly well in Iowa and New Hampshire , gave another articulate performance which disguised his limited political experience running South Bend , Indiana .
But he is entering more hostile territory ; his support among black and Hispanic voters is much lower .
What of Joe Biden ?
The former vice-president is hanging on , hoping that South Carolina will deliver a win to reinvigorate his campaign .
He seemed more energised than past performances .
Senator Amy Klobuchar squabbled with Mayor Pete , who mocked her for not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexico in a TV interview .
Her brief resurgence is likely to prove temporary .
Some of these candidates will be forced out of the race after Super Tuesday on 3 March , when around a third of delegates are up for grabs , including big states like California and Texas .
But you can be sure that Mr Bloomberg has the resources to carry on until the end .
His campaign manager Kevin Sheekey claimed : `` Everyone came to destroy Mike tonight .
It did n't happen .
Everyone wanted him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't do it .
He was just warming up tonight . ''
But he will need sharper performances on live television if he wants to have a showdown with that other billionaire ; the one who is already in the White House .

The billionaire is forced to defend past comments on race, wealth and women during his presidential debate debut in Las Vegas.
Mike Bloomberg, the world's 12th richest person, has to do better than this if he wants to challenge Donald Trump
New York billionaire Mike Bloomberg has appeared on the presidential campaign trail for the first time alongside his Democratic rivals.
The former Republican had a rocky debate debut alongside five other presidential candidates in Las Vegas, writes Ian Woods:
Poor Mike Bloomberg. That's not a word normally associated with the 12th wealthiest person on the planet.
But not only did his first debate performance fail to match the slickness of his many campaign ads, he also got quite a kicking from his rivals.
Image: The Democratic presidential hopefuls in Las Vegas
The ganging up was predictable. And maybe his lacklustre debate performance should have been expected too; after all, the other Democrats have honed their arguments over many months.
But how much sympathy can one have for a man who skipped the slog of attending endless events, meeting voters in Iowa and New Hampshire, in favour of a late entry in the race via a blitz of expensive advertising?
His presence intensified the debate, but often at his expense. Answers he would have prepared were not well delivered.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Las Vegas is a city built for gamblers. The latest Democratic debate was staged here because Nevada is the third state to go to the polls on Saturday.
Advertisement
Mr Bloomberg won't even be on the ballot because he left it so late to join the race. That means we won't have any accurate measure of the former New York mayor's performance.
Image: Mr Bloomberg and Joe Biden at the Paris Theater in Las Vegas
His campaign should be relieved, because he did nothing on stage to justify his boast that he is the strongest candidate to take on Donald Trump.
"Mini Mike" as Mr Trump refers to him didn't use a box to stand on, as the president had cheekily predicted.
If he had, the blows he took from Elizabeth Warren may have sent him sprawling.
Senator Warren, in danger of spiralling out of the race, came armed with a few zingers about Mr Bloomberg's wealth and some of his past comments about women.
She compared him to Mr Trump, and challenged him to free former female employees from their non-disclosure agreements so they can talk about why they left his company.
He rolled his eyes. That wasn't a good look.
Image: Mr Bloomberg got a kicking from his rivals
Her performance was so strong that her campaign claimed that there was surge of donations throughout the debate.
She will need it. Bernie Sanders put in another strong performance, befitting his new status as the front runner.
And Pete Buttigieg, who did surprisingly well in Iowa and New Hampshire, gave another articulate performance which disguised his limited political experience running South Bend, Indiana.
But he is entering more hostile territory; his support among black and Hispanic voters is much lower.
What of Joe Biden? The former vice-president is hanging on, hoping that South Carolina will deliver a win to reinvigorate his campaign.
He seemed more energised than past performances. Senator Amy Klobuchar squabbled with Mayor Pete, who mocked her for not knowing the name of the president of Mexico in a TV interview. Her brief resurgence is likely to prove temporary.
Some of these candidates will be forced out of the race after Super Tuesday on 3 March, when around a third of delegates are up for grabs, including big states like California and Texas.
But you can be sure that Mr Bloomberg has the resources to carry on until the end.
His campaign manager Kevin Sheekey claimed: "Everyone came to destroy Mike tonight. It didn't happen. Everyone wanted him to lose his cool. He didn't do it. He was just warming up tonight."
But he will need sharper performances on live television if he wants to have a showdown with that other billionaire; the one who is already in the White House.


skynewsus--2020-02-20--Copy and paste inventor Larry Tesler dies aged 74

Larry Tesler , the inventor of the computer keyboard commands cut , copy and paste , has died aged 74 .
The news was announced by the American 's former employer Xerox .
`` The inventor of cut/copy & paste , find & replace , and more was former Xerox researcher Larry Tesler , '' the company said .
`` Your workday is easier thanks to his revolutionary ideas .
Larry passed away Monday , so please join us in celebrating him . ''
Mr Tesler studied computer science at Stanford in the 1960s before starting a career which saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology companies .
He started working for Xerox Palo Alto Research Center ( PARC ) in 1973 which is where , alongside his colleague Tim Mott , he developed the copy and paste functionality which is still widely used in computing today .
He based the commands on the old method of editing where people would physically cut portions of printed text and glue them elsewhere .
Mr Tesler also established the idea that computer interfaces should be modeless , where all actions are available to a user at all times , rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enter a specific mode to perform them .
Steve Jobs visited PARC twice in 1979 after he had co-founded Apple Computer and was shown a computer system Tesler had worked on called Xerox Alto .
Tesler left Xerox in 1980 and moved to Apple which he felt was more progressive in terms of developing computers , compared to Xerox which was still mainly operating as a copier company .
The cut , copy and paste commands were used on the first Apple computer , called Lisa .
He later held various positions including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Advanced Technology Group , and Chief Scientist .
He joined Amazon in Seattle in 2001 where he was vice president of engineering before being promoted to the vice president of shopping experience .
In 2005 he moved back to Silicon Valley to work for Yahoo !
where he was vice president of their User Experience and Design group .
He worked as a consultant from 2009 .
Ctrl+V He worked as a consultant from 2009 .

Larry Tesler, the inventor of the computer keyboard commands cut, copy and paste, has died aged 74.
The news was announced by the American's former employer Xerox.
"The inventor of cut/copy & paste, find & replace, and more was former Xerox researcher Larry Tesler," the company said.
"Your workday is easier thanks to his revolutionary ideas. Larry passed away Monday, so please join us in celebrating him."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Mr Tesler studied computer science at Stanford in the 1960s before starting a career which saw him work for some of the biggest technology companies.
He started working for Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) in 1973 which is where, alongside his colleague Tim Mott, he developed the copy and paste functionality which is still widely used in computing today.
He based the commands on the old method of editing where people would physically cut portions of printed text and glue them elsewhere.
Mr Tesler also established the idea that computer interfaces should be modeless, where all actions are available to a user at all times, rather than modal, requiring the user to enter a specific mode to perform them.
Steve Jobs visited PARC twice in 1979 after he had co-founded Apple Computer and was shown a computer system Tesler had worked on called Xerox Alto.
Advertisement
Tesler left Xerox in 1980 and moved to Apple which he felt was more progressive in terms of developing computers, compared to Xerox which was still mainly operating as a copier company.
The cut, copy and paste commands were used on the first Apple computer, called Lisa.
He later held various positions including Vice President of AppleNet, Vice President of the Advanced Technology Group, and Chief Scientist.
He joined Amazon in Seattle in 2001 where he was vice president of engineering before being promoted to the vice president of shopping experience.
In 2005 he moved back to Silicon Valley to work for Yahoo! where he was vice president of their User Experience and Design group.
He worked as a consultant from 2009.
Ctrl+V He worked as a consultant from 2009.


skynewsus--2020-02-20--Married off-duty police officers stop robbery while on date night

An attempted armed robbery at a restaurant in Kentucky was stopped by two off duty police officers who had been enjoying a date .
Husband and wife Chase and Nicole McKeown were eating at Raising Cane 's Chicken Fingers in Louisville when the robber , wearing a white mask and black hoodie , walked in .
The couple , who married in August , were sitting in a booth and realised something was happening when they saw the cashier holding up her hands .
The robber had taken a gun out of his shorts and was pointing it at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Washington Post all it took was one look at each other to know what needed to be done .
They drew their weapons and approached the man , who then dropped his gun and ran .
The couple chased him down the road and were able to detain him .
`` It was a right place , right time type of deal , '' Mr McKeown told the newspaper .
`` We did n't do anything that any other officer would n't have done . ''
Police charged 30-year-old Louisville resident Justin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun and possession of a handgun by a felon .
The couple said they chose to go to the restaurant because it was where they ate after their wedding .
`` We are n't big on real fancy things , '' Mr McKeown said .

An attempted armed robbery at a restaurant in Kentucky was stopped by two off duty police officers who had been enjoying a date.
Husband and wife Chase and Nicole McKeown were eating at Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers in Louisville when the robber, wearing a white mask and black hoodie, walked in.
The couple, who married in August, were sitting in a booth and realised something was happening when they saw the cashier holding up her hands.
Image: The masked man pulled a gun out of his shorts. Pic: Louisville Metro Police Department
The robber had taken a gun out of his shorts and was pointing it at the woman.
The Elizabethtown police officers told The Washington Post all it took was one look at each other to know what needed to be done.
They drew their weapons and approached the man, who then dropped his gun and ran.
The couple chased him down the road and were able to detain him.
"It was a right place, right time type of deal," Mr McKeown told the newspaper.
"We didn't do anything that any other officer wouldn't have done."
Advertisement
Louisville Metro Police Department patrol units assisted the couple, police spokesman Sergeant Lamont Washington told The Post.
Police charged 30-year-old Louisville resident Justin Carter with robbery, receiving a stolen gun and possession of a handgun by a felon.
The couple said they chose to go to the restaurant because it was where they ate after their wedding.
"We aren't big on real fancy things," Mr McKeown said.


skynewsus--2020-02-20--Justin Bieber among millions to have details leaked in MGM Resorts hack

Singer Justin Bieber and Twitter founder Jack Dorsey are thought to be among the 10.6 million people to have had their details leaked following the hacking of MGM Resorts .
The stolen information , which was said to have been hacked from the hotel group last summer , was posted on a hacking forum earlier in the week , according to ZDNet , and included names , addresses and passport numbers from people who had stayed at the resorts .
It is thought the data stolen concerns anyone staying at the resorts up until 2017 .
Members of the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalists and government officials were all spotted as part of the data dump earlier in the week - though MGM would not confirm specific names .
A spokesperson said : `` Last summer , we discovered unauthorised access to a cloud server that contained a limited amount of information for certain previous guests of MGM Resorts .
`` We are confident that no financial , payment card or password data was involved in this matter . ''
In line with the applicable state laws , the company told all the impacted guests about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guests being notified that more sensitive information , such as passport details , had been taken .
A reporter for ZDNet said on Twitter that some guests were not told until a month after the attack .
The company told ZDNet that it had also hired cyber security firms to conduct an investigation into the hack , saying : `` At MGM Resorts , we take our responsibility to protect guest data very seriously , and we have strengthened and enhanced the security of our network to prevent this from happening again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotels in the US , with most of them in Las Vegas , often hosting music concerts , gambling competitions and sporting events .
Even though it was less severe `` phonebook information '' stolen in the attack , hackers are able to target individuals with that data and use it to gain influence and access with the victim .
Despite the large attack on the chain , a hack on Marriott hotels in 2017 remains the largest breach of customer information to date , with the data of around 500 million people @ @ @ @ @ @

Singer Justin Bieber and Twitter founder Jack Dorsey are thought to be among the 10.6 million people to have had their details leaked following the hacking of MGM Resorts.
The stolen information, which was said to have been hacked from the hotel group last summer, was posted on a hacking forum earlier in the week, according to ZDNet, and included names, addresses and passport numbers from people who had stayed at the resorts.
It is thought the data stolen concerns anyone staying at the resorts up until 2017.
Image: 2013: Justin Bieber at the MGM Grand
Members of the public, major celebrities, company CEOs, journalists and government officials were all spotted as part of the data dump earlier in the week - though MGM would not confirm specific names.
A spokesperson said: "Last summer, we discovered unauthorised access to a cloud server that contained a limited amount of information for certain previous guests of MGM Resorts.
"We are confident that no financial, payment card or password data was involved in this matter."
In line with the applicable state laws, the company told all the impacted guests about the hack in 2019, with 1,300 guests being notified that more sensitive information, such as passport details, had been taken.
A reporter for ZDNet said on Twitter that some guests were not told until a month after the attack.
The company told ZDNet that it had also hired cyber security firms to conduct an investigation into the hack, saying: "At MGM Resorts, we take our responsibility to protect guest data very seriously, and we have strengthened and enhanced the security of our network to prevent this from happening again."
Advertisement
Image: Former guests of the Bellagio in Las Vegas have had their data stolen
MGM runs a number of exclusive hotels in the US, with most of them in Las Vegas, often hosting music concerts, gambling competitions and sporting events.
Even though it was less severe "phonebook information" stolen in the attack, hackers are able to target individuals with that data and use it to gain influence and access with the victim.
Despite the large attack on the chain, a hack on Marriott hotels in 2017 remains the largest breach of customer information to date, with the data of around 500 million people being obtained in the attack.


skynewsus--2020-02-19--Trump 'offered Assange pardon if he said Russia not involved in leaked emails'

Donald Trump offered Julian Assange a pardon if he said Russia was not involved in a leak of Democratic Party emails , a court has heard .
The WikiLeaks founder 's barrister brought the subject up at Westminster Magistrates ' Court ahead of an extradition hearing next week .
It refers to a series of messages that were embarrassing for the Democrats and Hillary Clinton 's presidential campaign in 2016 .
The emails were hacked before being published by WikiLeaks .
Edward Fitzgerald QC said there was evidence alleging that former US Republican congressman Dana Rohrabacher went to see Assange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embassy in central London in August 2017 .
A statement from Assange 's lawyer , Jennifer Robinson , showed `` Mr Rohrabacher going to see Mr Assange and saying , on instructions from the president , he was offering a pardon or some other way out if Mr Assange ... said Russia had nothing to do with the Democratic National Committee ( DNC ) leaks '' , Mr Fitzgerald said .
The evidence is admissible , District Judge Vanessa Baraitser said .
The White House dismissed the allegation as a `` complete fabrication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Press secretary Stephanie Grisham said : `` The president barely knows Dana Rohrabacher other than he 's an ex-congressman .
`` He 's never spoken to him on this subject or almost any subject .
It is a complete fabrication and a total lie .
This is probably another never ending hoax and total lie from the DNC . ''
Mr Rohrabacher issued a statement , in which he said there was `` a lot of misinformation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Julian Assange '' .
He continued : `` At no time did I talk to President Trump about Julian Assange .
Likewise , I was not directed by Trump or anyone else connected with him to meet with Julian Assange .
`` At no time did I offer Julian Assange anything from the president because I had not spoken with the president about this issue at all . ''
Mr Rohrabacher added : `` However , when speaking with Julian Assange , I told him that if he could provide me information and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DNC emails , I would then call on President Trump to pardon him .
At no time did I offer a deal made by the president , nor did I say I was representing the president . ''
The US wants Assange to face 18 charges , including conspiring to commit computer intrusion over the publication of US cables a decade ago .
He is accused of working with former US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to leak hundreds of thousands of classified documents , and could face up to 175 years in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of doctors and psychologists said this week that he is in a `` dire state of health '' .
The 48-year-old appeared by videolink from Belmarsh prison , wearing dark tracksuit bottoms and a brown jumper over a white shirt .
He held a stack of papers , and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth .
The Australian has been on remand at the category A prison in southeast London since last September after serving a 50-week sentence for breaching his bail conditions while at the Ecuadorian embassy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid extradition to Sweden over sex offence allegations he has always denied and which were subsequently dropped .
His extradition hearing is due to begin at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday .

Donald Trump offered Julian Assange a pardon if he said Russia was not involved in a leak of Democratic Party emails, a court has heard.
The WikiLeaks founder's barrister brought the subject up at Westminster Magistrates' Court ahead of an extradition hearing next week.
It refers to a series of messages that were embarrassing for the Democrats and Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign in 2016.
Image: The White House said the president 'barely knows Dana Rohrabacher'
The emails were hacked before being published by WikiLeaks.
Edward Fitzgerald QC said there was evidence alleging that former US Republican congressman Dana Rohrabacher went to see Assange while he was still at the Ecuadorian embassy in central London in August 2017.
A statement from Assange's lawyer, Jennifer Robinson, showed "Mr Rohrabacher going to see Mr Assange and saying, on instructions from the president, he was offering a pardon or some other way out if Mr Assange... said Russia had nothing to do with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) leaks", Mr Fitzgerald said.
The evidence is admissible, District Judge Vanessa Baraitser said.
The White House dismissed the allegation as a "complete fabrication and a total lie".
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Advertisement
Press secretary Stephanie Grisham said: "The president barely knows Dana Rohrabacher other than he's an ex-congressman.
"He's never spoken to him on this subject or almost any subject. It is a complete fabrication and a total lie. This is probably another never ending hoax and total lie from the DNC."
Mr Rohrabacher issued a statement, in which he said there was "a lot of misinformation floating out there regarding my meeting with Julian Assange".
He continued: "At no time did I talk to President Trump about Julian Assange. Likewise, I was not directed by Trump or anyone else connected with him to meet with Julian Assange.
"At no time did I offer Julian Assange anything from the president because I had not spoken with the president about this issue at all."
Mr Rohrabacher added: "However, when speaking with Julian Assange, I told him that if he could provide me information and evidence about who actually gave him the DNC emails, I would then call on President Trump to pardon him. At no time did I offer a deal made by the president, nor did I say I was representing the president."
Image: Assange's extradition hearing is due to begin on Monday
The US wants Assange to face 18 charges, including conspiring to commit computer intrusion over the publication of US cables a decade ago.
He is accused of working with former US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to leak hundreds of thousands of classified documents, and could face up to 175 years in jail if found guilty.
A group of doctors and psychologists said this week that he is in a "dire state of health".
The 48-year-old appeared by videolink from Belmarsh prison, wearing dark tracksuit bottoms and a brown jumper over a white shirt.
He held a stack of papers, and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
The Australian has been on remand at the category A prison in southeast London since last September after serving a 50-week sentence for breaching his bail conditions while at the Ecuadorian embassy.
He entered that building in Knightsbridge to avoid extradition to Sweden over sex offence allegations he has always denied and which were subsequently dropped.
His extradition hearing is due to begin at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday.


skynewsus--2020-02-19--NASCAR driver walks out of hospital two days after 190mph crash

NASCAR driver Ryan Newman has walked out of hospital just two days after crashing at 190mph .
His stock car race team Roush Fenway tweeted a picture of him holding his daughters ' hands as he strolled into the car park .
Newman 's wife Krissie , who announced they were splitting last week , posted a video of the same scene with the caption : `` Best sight ever !
!
! ''
Newman , 42 , was in the lead at the Daytona 500 in Florida on Monday night when his car was hit from behind by second-placed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards the edge of the track , struck a wall and twisted on to its front before being hit on the driver 's side by Corey LaJoie 's car coming up from the rear .
The vehicle then skidded down the track on its roof , flames leaping from it by the time it came to a halt .
LaJoie said afterwards that it was a `` worst case scenario '' .
But a couple of hours before Newman was discharged on Wednesday , Roush Fenway said he was continuing to show `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accident '' .
It added : `` The veteran driver is fully alert and walking around Halifax Medical Center .
`` True to his jovial nature , he has also been joking around with staff , friends and family while spending time playing with his two daughters . ''
Krissie Newman tweeted the day before Valentine 's that she and Ryan had decided to `` amicably separate '' after 16 years of marriage .
She added that they would `` continue to jointly raise our girls while remaining friends '' .
Newman is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NASCAR Cup Series .
He has 18 cup wins , including the 2008 Daytona 500 and 2013 Brickyard 400 , according to the NASCAR website .

NASCAR driver Ryan Newman has walked out of hospital just two days after crashing at 190mph.
His stock car race team Roush Fenway tweeted a picture of him holding his daughters' hands as he strolled into the car park.
Newman's wife Krissie, who announced they were splitting last week, posted a video of the same scene with the caption: "Best sight ever!!!"
Image: Newman's car flew up into the air
Image: The car skidded down the track on its roof
Newman, 42, was in the lead at the Daytona 500 in Florida on Monday night when his car was hit from behind by second-placed Ryan Blaney.
Newman's Ford hurtled towards the edge of the track, struck a wall and twisted on to its front before being hit on the driver's side by Corey LaJoie's car coming up from the rear.
The vehicle then skidded down the track on its roof, flames leaping from it by the time it came to a halt.
LaJoie said afterwards that it was a "worst case scenario".
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
But a couple of hours before Newman was discharged on Wednesday, Roush Fenway said he was continuing to show "great improvement" after the "last-lap accident".
It added: "The veteran driver is fully alert and walking around Halifax Medical Center.
Advertisement
"True to his jovial nature, he has also been joking around with staff, friends and family while spending time playing with his two daughters."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Krissie Newman tweeted the day before Valentine's that she and Ryan had decided to "amicably separate" after 16 years of marriage.
She added that they would "continue to jointly raise our girls while remaining friends".
Newman is in his 19th full season in the NASCAR Cup Series.
He has 18 cup wins, including the 2008 Daytona 500 and 2013 Brickyard 400, according to the NASCAR website.


skynewsus--2020-02-19--Burger King uses mouldy Whopper to promote its signature product

Burger King is using a mouldy Whopper in its new advertising campaign for its signature burger .
The television ads - running in Europe and the US - begin with someone making a fresh burger to the sound of Dinah Washington 's song What Difference A Day Makes , and then uses a time-lapse showing it rotting over 34 days .
The fast food chain says the campaign is highlighting its decision to remove artificial preservatives from the product .
In a tweet , Burger King said : `` The beauty of real food is that it gets ugly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , lettuce , tomato , mayonnaise and pickles , all of which will contain no artificial preservatives .
The firm , based in Miami , Florida , said it has removed them from the Whopper in several European countries - including France , Sweden and Spain - and around 400 of its 7,346 US restaurants .
It plans to get rid of preservatives from the burger served in all of its restaurants this year .
By the end of 2020 , it said all food items - including sandwiches , sides and desserts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , flavours and preservatives in the US and select European countries , including Germany and the UK .
The adverts have received a mixed response on social media .
One Twitter user said : `` I was going to get BK today for lunch , I am earnestly not now because this made it look disgusting .
I just saw a whopper commercial on TV , now this undid that .
Free advice- delete this tweet . ''
But another disagreed , saying : `` What an amazing way to showcase your new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Things do rot naturally . ''
McDonald 's announced in 2018 that it was removing artificial colours , flavours and preservatives from seven of its burgers .

Burger King is using a mouldy Whopper in its new advertising campaign for its signature burger.
The television ads - running in Europe and the US - begin with someone making a fresh burger to the sound of Dinah Washington's song What Difference A Day Makes, and then uses a time-lapse showing it rotting over 34 days.
The fast food chain says the campaign is highlighting its decision to remove artificial preservatives from the product.
In a tweet , Burger King said: "The beauty of real food is that it gets ugly."
Image: Burger King says 'The beauty of real food is that it gets ugly.' Pic: BurgerKing/Twitter
The Whopper is topped with onions, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and pickles, all of which will contain no artificial preservatives.
The firm, based in Miami, Florida, said it has removed them from the Whopper in several European countries - including France, Sweden and Spain - and around 400 of its 7,346 US restaurants.
It plans to get rid of preservatives from the burger served in all of its restaurants this year.
By the end of 2020, it said all food items - including sandwiches, sides and desserts - will be free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives in the US and select European countries, including Germany and the UK.
The adverts have received a mixed response on social media.
Advertisement
One Twitter user said: "I was going to get BK today for lunch, I am earnestly not now because this made it look disgusting. I just saw a whopper commercial on TV, now this undid that. Free advice- delete this tweet."
But another disagreed, saying: "What an amazing way to showcase your new product! Really smart and fearless. Things do rot naturally."
McDonald's announced in 2018 that it was removing artificial colours, flavours and preservatives from seven of its burgers.