skynewsus--2020-01-24--'I didn't think I'd make it to 17': Billie Eilish reveals she contemplated suicide

Billie Eilish reveals she contemplated suicide : ' I did n't think I 'd make it to 17' Billie Eilish reveals she contemplated suicide : ' I did n't think I 'd make it to 17' Billie Eilish has revealed she considered suicide last year after the pressures of fame got too much .
The Grammy-nominated singer says she was left clinically depressed after friends who could n't deal with her success drifted away .
Speaking on The Gayle King Grammy Special , ahead of Sunday night 's awards , she said : `` I was so unhappy last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was so like , joyless .
`` I do n't want to be too dark , but I genuinely did n't think I 'd make it to 17 . ''
Speaking in her childhood home in LA , the singer , who has just turned 18 , said there was a particular moment she felt overwhelmed by her emotions .
She told King : `` I think about this one time I was in Berlin , and I was alone in my hotel , and I remember there was a window right there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I remember crying because I was thinking about how ... the way that I was gon na die was that I was gon na do it . ''
She says it was thoughts of her mother that stopped her .
Her mother , Maggie Baird , helped her through recovery , putting the singer into therapy and reducing her hectic schedule .
Eilish credits her fans and their response to her shows with helping her get through those dark times .
She has previously spoken about dealing with mental health issues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the age of 13 .
Eilish , who was diagnosed with Tourette 's as a child , has said the syndrome can make `` easy things a lot harder '' and told fans she still suffers from various physical tics .
She revisits thoughts of suicide in the lyrics of her latest single , the newly announced Bond theme Everything I Wanted .
Written with her older brother Finneas O'Connell , the song was inspired by a dream she had about taking her own life , and then discovering that her family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Eilish is the youngest artist to write and record a 007 title song , following in the footsteps of Adele and Sam Smith .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She will be performing the song live at this weekend 's Grammy Awards .
Eilish has six nominations , and is the youngest artist to receive nods in all four main categories .
Her debut album When We All Fall Asleep , Where Do We Go ?
topped the UK and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , becoming the highest performing album of 2019 in the US .
Eilish already has two American Music Awards , two Guinness World Records and three MTV Video Music Awards .
The 62nd Annual Grammy Awards take place on Sunday 26 January in LA .
: : Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo @ samaritans.org in the UK .
In the US , call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 ( 800 ) 273-TALK .

Billie Eilish has revealed she considered suicide last year after the pressures of fame got too much.
The Grammy-nominated singer says she was left clinically depressed after friends who couldn't deal with her success drifted away.
Image: Eilish and her brother Finneas O'Connell have written the No Time To Die title song
Speaking on The Gayle King Grammy Special, ahead of Sunday night's awards, she said: "I was so unhappy last year. I was so unhappy and I was so like, joyless.
"I don't want to be too dark, but I genuinely didn't think I'd make it to 17."
Speaking in her childhood home in LA, the singer, who has just turned 18, said there was a particular moment she felt overwhelmed by her emotions.
She told King: "I think about this one time I was in Berlin, and I was alone in my hotel, and I remember there was a window right there, and I, like... God, I remember crying because I was thinking about how... the way that I was gonna die was that I was gonna do it."
She says it was thoughts of her mother that stopped her.
Her mother, Maggie Baird, helped her through recovery, putting the singer into therapy and reducing her hectic schedule.
Eilish credits her fans and their response to her shows with helping her get through those dark times.
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Image: She credits her mum and her fans with helping her through dark times
She has previously spoken about dealing with mental health issues, including anxiety, self-harm and depression, since the age of 13.
Eilish, who was diagnosed with Tourette's as a child, has said the syndrome can make "easy things a lot harder" and told fans she still suffers from various physical tics.
She revisits thoughts of suicide in the lyrics of her latest single Everything I Wanted.
Written with her older brother Finneas O'Connell, the song was inspired by a dream she had about taking her own life, and then discovering that her family, friends and fans didn't care.
Eilish has recently become the youngest artist to write and record a Bond title song, following in the footsteps of Adele and Sam Smith.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
She will be performing live at this weekend's Grammy Awards.
Eilish has six nominations, and is the youngest artist to receive nods in all four main categories.
Her debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? topped the UK and US charts when it was released last year, becoming the highest performing album of 2019 in the US.
Eilish already has two American Music Awards, two Guinness World Records and three MTV Video Music Awards.
The 62nd Annual Grammy Awards take place on Sunday 26 January in LA.
:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.


skynewsus--2020-01-25--Trump trial: Here's what happened on the fourth day

Here is what happened on day four of Donald Trump 's impeachment trial .
Democrats wrapped up their opening arguments after three long days , paving the way for the White House to begin what they say will be a `` robust '' defence .
The Democrats ' three days played out as expected , with them using all of their allocated time to lay out their arguments against Donald Trump in forensic detail .
Politicians on both sides of the aisle seemed impressed by the preparation of the impeachment managers , who spoke for hours on end .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican senators had their minds changed on the central questions , or even were paying close attention - many of them playing with fidget spinners and sketching in notebooks as the evidence went on .
Four days in , it is as if there are twin trials happening in Washington , with two entirely different narratives playing out .
The Democrats have presented their arguments as expected , using video evidence from their own investigations at the end of last year , and even the President 's own words against him .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump abused his power , and then sought to cover it up .
The moment the Senate pauses , though , Republicans rush to the television cameras outside to discredit what has just been said - some rejecting the basis of the case outright , others saying that Trump 's actions did not meet the standard of impeachment .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker It 's a state reflected in the minds of Americans , too .
If the latest polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as deeply divided on the issue as they were when the impeachment process began in September .
What is new is an indication that the majority of people would want to hear from new witnesses during this trial , which will become the central question of the second week in this trial .
Today ( Saturday ) the White House have their first main opportunity to place their narrative onto the record , seeking to paint Joe Biden and his family as the ones at fault .
Quote of the day :

Here is what happened on day four of Donald Trump's impeachment trial.
In a sentence:
Democrats wrapped up their opening arguments after three long days, paving the way for the White House to begin what they say will be a "robust" defence.
In a paragraph:
The Democrats' three days played out as expected, with them using all of their allocated time to lay out their arguments against Donald Trump in forensic detail. Politicians on both sides of the aisle seemed impressed by the preparation of the impeachment managers, who spoke for hours on end. That said, it seems unlikely that any Republican senators had their minds changed on the central questions, or even were paying close attention - many of them playing with fidget spinners and sketching in notebooks as the evidence went on.
In 100 words:
Four days in, it is as if there are twin trials happening in Washington, with two entirely different narratives playing out. The Democrats have presented their arguments as expected, using video evidence from their own investigations at the end of last year, and even the President's own words against him. They have laid out the case that President Trump abused his power, and then sought to cover it up. The moment the Senate pauses, though, Republicans rush to the television cameras outside to discredit what has just been said - some rejecting the basis of the case outright, others saying that Trump's actions did not meet the standard of impeachment.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
It's a state reflected in the minds of Americans, too. If the latest polls are a guide, the public are as deeply divided on the issue as they were when the impeachment process began in September. What is new is an indication that the majority of people would want to hear from new witnesses during this trial, which will become the central question of the second week in this trial.
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Today (Saturday) the White House have their first main opportunity to place their narrative onto the record, seeking to paint Joe Biden and his family as the ones at fault.
Quote of the day:
There is a toxic mess at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and I humbly suggest that it is our collective job on behalf of the American people to try and clean it up.
Trump tweet of the day:


skynewsus--2020-01-25--Trump unveils new Space Force logo - but Star Trek fans mock it

Donald Trump unveils new Space Force logo - but Star Trek fans mock it Donald Trump unveils new Space Force logo - but Star Trek fans mock it The Space Force Logo ( L ) looks uncannily similar to the StarFleet Command United Federation of Planets logo .
Pic : White House/CBS The new US Space Force logo is gaining traction on social media for bearing a striking similarity to Star Trek 's Starfleet Command logo .
President Donald Trump unveiled the Space Force logo on Friday and said on Twitter he had consulted with military leaders and designers before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrowhead shape centred on a planetary background , the symbol is encircled by the words `` United States Space Force '' and `` Department of the Air Force '' .
It also bears the date 2019 in Roman numerals , which is similar in design to that of Air Force Space Command , from which Space Force was created by legislation signed by Mr Trump in December .
`` After consultation with our Great Military Leaders , designers , and others , I am pleased to present the new logo for the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our Magnificent Military !
`` , Mr Trump tweeted .
The new logo , which appears to be a nod to Star Trek , sparked a reaction from fans of the TV show .
George Takei , who played Mr Sulu in the original Star Trek TV series and films , tweeted : `` Ahem .
We are expecting some royalties from this . ''
Another Twitter user posted a photo of the Star Trek Fleet Command logo alongside the new Space Force logo with the words : `` Swell , now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're sued by Paramount and the Roddenberry estate ... '' '' Donald Trump used our tax dollars for this `` Magnificent Space Force '' logo that looks like something from Star Wars , '' another tweet read .
Space Force is the first new military service since the Air Force was created in 1947 .
Its main objective is to improve protection of US satellites and other space assets , rather than to put officers in orbit to conduct combat in outer space .
The idea of Space Force became a regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political rallies .
Originally , he wanted a Space Force that was `` separate but equal '' to the army , navy and air force , but instead Congress made it part of the Department of the Air Force .

The new US Space Force logo is gaining traction on social media for bearing a striking similarity to Star Trek's Starfleet Command logo.
President Donald Trump unveiled the Space Force logo on Friday and said on Twitter he had consulted with military leaders and designers before presenting the blue-and-white symbol.
Featuring an arrowhead shape centred on a planetary background, the symbol is encircled by the words "United States Space Force" and "Department of the Air Force".
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It also bears the date 2019 in Roman numerals, which is similar in design to that of Air Force Space Command, from which Space Force was created by legislation signed by Mr Trump in December.
"After consultation with our Great Military Leaders, designers, and others, I am pleased to present the new logo for the United States Space Force, the Sixth Branch of our Magnificent Military!", Mr Trump tweeted.
The new logo, which appears to be a nod to Star Trek, sparked a reaction from fans of the TV show.
George Takei, who played Mr Sulu in the original Star Trek TV series and films, tweeted: "Ahem. We are expecting some royalties from this."
Another Twitter user posted a photo of the Star Trek Fleet Command logo alongside the new Space Force logo with the words: "Swell, now taxpayers get to pay for lawyers when you're sued by Paramount and the Roddenberry estate..."
"Donald Trump used our tax dollars for this "Magnificent Space Force" logo that looks like something from Star Wars," another tweet read.
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Space Force is the first new military service since the Air Force was created in 1947.
Its main objective is to improve protection of US satellites and other space assets, rather than to put officers in orbit to conduct combat in outer space.
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
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The idea of Space Force became a regular applause line for Mr Trump at his political rallies.
Originally, he wanted a Space Force that was "separate but equal" to the army, navy and air force, but instead Congress made it part of the Department of the Air Force.


skynewsus--2020-01-21--Marielle Heller: There's never an awkward moment with Tom Hanks

When it came to making a film about one of the most beloved figures in America , it made sense to call on one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood to play him .
Initially reticent about taking on the role of children 's television host and American institution Fred Rogers , it was director Marielle Heller who persuaded Hollywood 's Mr Nice Guy Tom Hanks to take it on .
While Mister Rogers may not be well known in the UK , in the US he was a national treasure ; the epitome of goodness in a tie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and used puppets to teach them about the importance of kindness , and break down difficult subjects such as death and divorce , for more than 30 years .
It is difficult to overestimate how much of an inspirational figure he was to viewers in America .
Google Tom Hanks and after `` movies '' ( Forrest Gump , Saving Private Ryan , Philadelphia ... the list goes on ) and `` wife '' ( Rita Wilson ) and `` Oscars '' ( two , so far ) it 's not too long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` nice guy '' .
The internet is full of stories about Tom Hanks being nice : paying for other diners ' meals in restaurants , supporting firefighters , halting filming to escort a bride and her father to the altar , to name just a handful .
On screen , he is a hero ; from Gump to Captain Phillips to Sully , it is very hard to think of a Tom Hanks baddie .
So the 63-year-old was clearly the perfect choice to play Mister Rogers in Heller 's film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He absolutely was the perfect fit , largely because of how we feel about him as a person , '' says Heller .
`` There 's not a lot of people we feel that we know in that way .
And I think the reason we feel that way is because as an actor , he really lets himself be seen in a very intimate way .
He makes us feel like we know him personally . ''
In reality , says Heller , Hanks is very different to the slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being almost hypnotic , Mister Rogers .
`` The truth is , he 's very different energetically .
Mister Rogers was , I think , an introvert and pretty shy .
And if you 've gotten to hang out with Tom Hanks ever , he is not shy !
He is funny and loud and boisterous and just fills a room , and he introduces himself to everybody .
`` There 's never an awkward moment in a conversation with him .
He 's joyful .
So in many ways ...
I almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , almost slow his breathing down .
It was like he had to change his energy to really channel Mister Rogers . ''
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood is not a traditional Hollywood biopic .
In fact , Mister Rogers , as wonderful as Hanks is playing him , is not the focus of the film , which is based on the 1998 Esquire article Can You Say ...
Hero ?
, by journalist Tom Junod .
On screen , the character is called Lloyd Vogel ( played by Matthew Rhys ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the TV presenter for what he considers a short , fluffy interview , who ends up writing several thousand words on how the encounter changed his life .
The film , like that encounter , will perhaps be surprising ; I certainly went in thinking one thing and came out feeling something quite different , with a lump in the throat .
`` It is a very emotional movie and I hope it 's a good surprise , '' says Heller .
`` I do think no matter what you hear , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rogers , even though you hear it 's not a biopic , you think it 's got to be , it 's going to be his life story or something .
But it 's not .
It 's a character piece , really , between these two men .
`` Lloyd Vogel , played by Matthew Rhys , a wonderful Welsh actor ; it 's really his story .
It 's his story about his life being changed by this relationship with Mister Rogers , and it 's these two men kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different story than I think people are anticipating . ''
Heller says reading the script `` made me cry so hard , I just could n't imagine not making this movie '' .
Married to comedian Jorma Taccone , and with a son who was a baby at the time , she says the story resonated .
`` I guess I was thinking a lot about how to raise a kind person , '' she says .
`` It does n't feel like we have a lot of role models right now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path for how to raise good , kind human beings who are really being self-reflective and thinking about who they want to be in the world .
Mister Rogers just felt like a light in the darkness . ''
Like Hanks , however , Mister Rogers was more than just `` nice '' , Heller says .
`` There 's sort of a misconception that he was just polite or nice , and that 's not what it was .
He was willing to talk about the hardest parts of life , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of being a human in pain ; helping to give kids a process and tools to deal with their emotions .
`` Obviously in the US , you know , we 're dealing with so many tough things , like school shootings and violence and things , that you just think , how do we navigate this ?
But somebody like Mister Rogers , who offers children but also adults tools to try to be able to cope with their tough emotions… I mean , we think , this is what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of current , modern-day Twitter world . ''
Was it the `` niceness '' which originally made Hanks hesitant about taking on the role ?
When you 're known for being nice , is it a lot to live up to ?
`` I do n't think that was his concern , '' says Heller .
`` I think Tom , like many actors , really bases projects on people he wants to work with , and filmmakers .
And he is not one of those movie star actors who kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my thing , just get out of my way and I 'll do it ' .
`` He loves the relationship between a director and an actor .
He trusts filmmakers .
And he had been a fan of my first movie , The Diary of A Teenage Girl , and we had been wanting to work together since then .
So when I sent him the script , it was with the idea that we would get to work together finally , and that ...
I think he trusted that I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was why he signed on .
`` I think it just ... he needed to know whose vision it was gon na be , if that makes sense . ''
Hanks was nominated for best supporting actor at the Golden Globes , the Screen Actors Guild and the Critics ' Choice awards , and is up for the same award at the Oscars and the BAFTAs .
Heller , however , has not been nominated for best director .
Along with Greta Gerwig ( Little Women ) , Lulu Wang ( The Farewell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and several other women , she is once again the subject of debate surrounding diversity behind the cameras in Hollywood .
( Last year 's Can You Ever Forgive Me ?
won Oscar nods for its stars Melissa McCarthy and Richard E Grant , as well as for best adapted screenplay , but Heller was not in the running for best director ) .
Heller says she tries not to think about awards when she is working on a film .
`` I think if you think about that while you 're making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trouble , '' she says .
`` But I love that Tom is getting the kind of excitement around his performance that he is .
And I think it 's so well-deserved . ''
But when it comes to female directors being better represented when it comes to awards season , there is surely more at stake than just the prize ?
Heller says she tries to focus on being grateful for all the good things in her life .
`` I really do n't like harping on the feeling of disappointment or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says politely .
`` I 'm trying to focus more on all of the things I feel so , so much gratitude toward , which I really do .
`` I feel like I 'm in such a privileged position , getting to be making the types of movies I 'm making and having the opportunities I have .
I think if I said I was disappointed about something as petty as that , I would feel like I was not doing a good job of being grateful for what I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much talk about improving diversity , she says she believes progress is being made , but it 's slow .
`` Heidi Schreck , who 's a wonderful actor and playwright , has a play called What The Constitution Means To Me , and in the play she talks about how progress does n't move one direction and that it 's almost like a woman walking a dog on a beach ; you watch the dog run forward and backward and forward and backward , and if you just looked at that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made because the dog just looks like it 's running back and forth , back and forth .
`` But if you watch the woman , she 's slowly making her way down the beach .
And I think that 's what 's happening with Hollywood .
There 's progress happening , it 's just backwards and forwards a little bit . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Heller herself aims to do as much as possible to support the women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ films .
`` It 's been really important for me , now that I 'm in a position where I have more power and I get to make decisions , that I am making decisions that feel like they are more honest about what I need as a female director , as a mom , '' she says .
`` For this movie , we made sure we were doing shorter and more sustainable hours , which was something that I was not in a position before that I felt like I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was like , I know this wo n't only benefit me , it will benefit all the parents on this .
`` I think it 's a safer environment for people .
We tend to think in making movies that you have to work 20 hour days and kind of kill yourself in order to make good art .
And I think there 's a case to be made that you can be efficient and safe and head home at a normal hour , and that 's maybe better for your art @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't think we could make a movie about Mister Rogers where we all abandon our children to make it . ''
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood is out on Friday 31 January

When it came to making a film about one of the most beloved figures in America, it made sense to call on one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood to play him.
Initially reticent about taking on the role of children's television host and American institution Fred Rogers, it was director Marielle Heller who persuaded Hollywood's Mr Nice Guy Tom Hanks to take it on.
While Mister Rogers may not be well known in the UK, in the US he was a national treasure; the epitome of goodness in a tie and cardigan. He sang to children and used puppets to teach them about the importance of kindness, and break down difficult subjects such as death and divorce, for more than 30 years.
Image: Tom Hanks stars as Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood. Pic: TriStar Pictures/Lacey Terrell
Image: Director Marielle Heller on set. Pic: TriStar Pictures
It is difficult to overestimate how much of an inspirational figure he was to viewers in America.
Google Tom Hanks and after "movies" (Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, Philadelphia... the list goes on) and "wife" (Rita Wilson) and "Oscars" (two, so far) it's not too long before autofill comes up with the follow-up, "nice guy".
The internet is full of stories about Tom Hanks being nice: paying for other diners' meals in restaurants, supporting firefighters, halting filming to escort a bride and her father to the altar, to name just a handful.
On screen, he is a hero; from Gump to Captain Phillips to Sully, it is very hard to think of a Tom Hanks baddie.
So the 63-year-old was clearly the perfect choice to play Mister Rogers in Heller's film, A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood.
"He absolutely was the perfect fit, largely because of how we feel about him as a person," says Heller. "There's not a lot of people we feel that we know in that way. And I think the reason we feel that way is because as an actor, he really lets himself be seen in a very intimate way. He makes us feel like we know him personally."
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In reality, says Heller, Hanks is very different to the slow and measured, to the point of being almost hypnotic, Mister Rogers.
"The truth is, he's very different energetically. Mister Rogers was, I think, an introvert and pretty shy. And if you've gotten to hang out with Tom Hanks ever, he is not shy! He is funny and loud and boisterous and just fills a room, and he introduces himself to everybody.
"There's never an awkward moment in a conversation with him. He's joyful. So in many ways... I almost had to slow his whole being down, almost slow his breathing down. It was like he had to change his energy to really channel Mister Rogers."
Image: Mister Rogers presented his children's TV show in the US for more than 30 years
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood is not a traditional Hollywood biopic. In fact, Mister Rogers, as wonderful as Hanks is playing him, is not the focus of the film, which is based on the 1998 Esquire article Can You Say... Hero?, by journalist Tom Junod.
On screen, the character is called Lloyd Vogel (played by Matthew Rhys); a cynical journalist sent to meet the TV presenter for what he considers a short, fluffy interview, who ends up writing several thousand words on how the encounter changed his life.
The film, like that encounter, will perhaps be surprising; I certainly went in thinking one thing and came out feeling something quite different, with a lump in the throat.
"It is a very emotional movie and I hope it's a good surprise," says Heller. "I do think no matter what you hear, that a movie is being made about Mister Rogers, even though you hear it's not a biopic, you think it's got to be, it's going to be his life story or something. But it's not. It's a character piece, really, between these two men.
"Lloyd Vogel, played by Matthew Rhys, a wonderful Welsh actor; it's really his story. It's his story about his life being changed by this relationship with Mister Rogers, and it's these two men kind of going head-to-head emotionally. It's a different story than I think people are anticipating."
Heller says reading the script "made me cry so hard, I just couldn't imagine not making this movie".
Image: Hanks stars alongside Matthew Rhys, who plays journalist Lloyd Vogel. Pic: TriStar Pictures
Married to comedian Jorma Taccone, and with a son who was a baby at the time, she says the story resonated.
"I guess I was thinking a lot about how to raise a kind person," she says. "It doesn't feel like we have a lot of role models right now, people who are helping us find our path for how to raise good, kind human beings who are really being self-reflective and thinking about who they want to be in the world. Mister Rogers just felt like a light in the darkness."
Like Hanks, however, Mister Rogers was more than just "nice", Heller says.
"There's sort of a misconception that he was just polite or nice, and that's not what it was. He was willing to talk about the hardest parts of life, he was willing to talk about the darkest parts of being a human in pain; helping to give kids a process and tools to deal with their emotions.
"Obviously in the US, you know, we're dealing with so many tough things, like school shootings and violence and things, that you just think, how do we navigate this? But somebody like Mister Rogers, who offers children but also adults tools to try to be able to cope with their tough emotions… I mean, we think, this is what we need. We're missing this in kind of current, modern-day Twitter world."
Image: Heller says Hanks was 'the perfect fit' for the role
Was it the "niceness" which originally made Hanks hesitant about taking on the role? When you're known for being nice, is it a lot to live up to?
"I don't think that was his concern," says Heller. "I think Tom, like many actors, really bases projects on people he wants to work with, and filmmakers. And he is not one of those movie star actors who kind of comes and goes, 'I do my thing, just get out of my way and I'll do it'.
"He loves the relationship between a director and an actor. He trusts filmmakers. And he had been a fan of my first movie, The Diary of A Teenage Girl, and we had been wanting to work together since then. So when I sent him the script, it was with the idea that we would get to work together finally, and that... I think he trusted that I had a vision for the script and that was why he signed on.
"I think it just... he needed to know whose vision it was gonna be, if that makes sense."
Hanks was nominated for best supporting actor at the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild and the Critics' Choice awards, and is up for the same award at the Oscars and the BAFTAs.
Heller, however, has not been nominated for best director. Along with Greta Gerwig (Little Women), Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Lorene Scafaria (Hustlers) and several other women, she is once again the subject of debate surrounding diversity behind the cameras in Hollywood. (Last year's Can You Ever Forgive Me? won Oscar nods for its stars Melissa McCarthy and Richard E Grant, as well as for best adapted screenplay, but Heller was not in the running for best director).
Heller says she tries not to think about awards when she is working on a film.
"I think if you think about that while you're making projects, you're probably in big trouble," she says. "But I love that Tom is getting the kind of excitement around his performance that he is. And I think it's so well-deserved."
But when it comes to female directors being better represented when it comes to awards season, there is surely more at stake than just the prize?
Heller says she tries to focus on being grateful for all the good things in her life.
"I really don't like harping on the feeling of disappointment or that we're somehow wanting," she says politely. "I'm trying to focus more on all of the things I feel so, so much gratitude toward, which I really do.
"I feel like I'm in such a privileged position, getting to be making the types of movies I'm making and having the opportunities I have. I think if I said I was disappointed about something as petty as that, I would feel like I was not doing a good job of being grateful for what I have in my life."
With so much talk about improving diversity, she says she believes progress is being made, but it's slow.
"Heidi Schreck, who's a wonderful actor and playwright, has a play called What The Constitution Means To Me, and in the play she talks about how progress doesn't move one direction and that it's almost like a woman walking a dog on a beach; you watch the dog run forward and backward and forward and backward, and if you just looked at that, you would think progress wasn't being made because the dog just looks like it's running back and forth, back and forth.
"But if you watch the woman, she's slowly making her way down the beach. And I think that's what's happening with Hollywood. There's progress happening, it's just backwards and forwards a little bit."
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Heller herself aims to do as much as possible to support the women, and men, working on her films.
"It's been really important for me, now that I'm in a position where I have more power and I get to make decisions, that I am making decisions that feel like they are more honest about what I need as a female director, as a mom," she says.
"For this movie, we made sure we were doing shorter and more sustainable hours, which was something that I was not in a position before that I felt like I could request. But in this case, it was like, I know this won't only benefit me, it will benefit all the parents on this.
"I think it's a safer environment for people. We tend to think in making movies that you have to work 20 hour days and kind of kill yourself in order to make good art. And I think there's a case to be made that you can be efficient and safe and head home at a normal hour, and that's maybe better for your art.
"I said to everybody, I don't think we could make a movie about Mister Rogers where we all abandon our children to make it."
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood is out on Friday 31 January


skynewsus--2020-01-25--Rapper YG arrested ahead of Grammys performance

Rapper YG has been arrested on suspicion of robbery US rapper YG has been arrested at his home in Los Angeles on suspicion of robbery - just days before he is due to perform at the Grammy Awards .
The performer , real name Keenon Jackson , was taken into custody after officers received a search warrant for his house in the Chatsworth area .
Jackson was released at around 9pm ( 5am in the UK ) after being held on a $ 250,000 ( £191,100 ) bail .
The rapper hails from the city of Compton in LA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Dr Dre , Coolio and Kendrick Lamar , and is known for tracks including Toot It And Boot It and Go Loko .
He is due in court on Tuesday for an arraignment , where charges will be formally put to Jackson and he will be asked to enter a plea .
Officials in Los Angeles did not provide any more details about the arrest or the alleged robbery .
However , according to TMZ , the raid on his home took place in the early hours of Friday morning .
Fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest and criticised the Los Angeles Police Department , saying : `` Funny how YG gets arrested the weekend of the Grammys when he 's supposed to hit the stage in [ Nipsey Hussle 's ] honour .
# LAPDtheBiggestGangHere . ''
YG , alongside other performers including John Legend and Meek Mill , was down to perform at Sunday night 's Grammy awards in a section honouring Nipsey Hussle - a rapper who was shot dead last year at his LA clothing store .
Jackson 's home was previously searched back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting in Compton in which a bystander was killed , however YG was not implicated in the incident and was not home during the search , according to police at the time .
It is not clear whether the two incidents are connected .

US rapper YG has been arrested at his home in Los Angeles on suspicion of robbery - just days before he is due to perform at the Grammy Awards.
The performer, real name Keenon Jackson, was taken into custody after officers received a search warrant for his house in the Chatsworth area.
Jackson was released at around 9pm (5am in the UK) after being held on a $250,000 (£191,100) bail.
Image: He is due to perform at the Grammys on Sunday
The rapper hails from the city of Compton in LA, an area which produced hip-hop stars such as Dr Dre, Coolio and Kendrick Lamar, and is known for tracks including Toot It And Boot It and Go Loko.
He is due in court on Tuesday for an arraignment, where charges will be formally put to Jackson and he will be asked to enter a plea.
Officials in Los Angeles did not provide any more details about the arrest or the alleged robbery. However, according to TMZ, the raid on his home took place in the early hours of Friday morning.
Fellow rapper The Game tweeted about YG's arrest and criticised the Los Angeles Police Department, saying: "Funny how YG gets arrested the weekend of the Grammys when he's supposed to hit the stage in [Nipsey Hussle's] honour. #LAPDtheBiggestGangHere."
YG, alongside other performers including John Legend and Meek Mill, was down to perform at Sunday night's Grammy awards in a section honouring Nipsey Hussle - a rapper who was shot dead last year at his LA clothing store.
Jackson's home was previously searched back in July 2019 in connection with a police shooting in Compton in which a bystander was killed, however YG was not implicated in the incident and was not home during the search, according to police at the time.
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It is not clear whether the two incidents are connected.


skynewsus--2020-01-25--Trump trial: What happened on day five

Trump trial: What happened on day five

Trump trial : What happened on day five as president 's lawyers lay out defence Trump trial : What happened on day five as president 's lawyers lay out defence President Donald Trump 's lawyers have begun their opening arguments in the impeachment trial , claiming the proceedings are a politically-motivated attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 presidential election .
Here is what happened on day five of the impeachment trial .
White House lawyers began their defence of the president in a short , fast-moving session aimed at unpicking the Democrats ' three days of evidence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment , despite bemoaning that it began on a Saturday , `` Death Valley in T.V .
`` , as Trump tweeted .
The cable news networks still took it live , and the American public had a chance to watch an aggressive response to the central charges against President Trump .
The White House lawyers knew it had been a long week for senators , and decided to simply preview their case on the first Saturday session of Congress during Donald Trump 's administration .
They kept their arguments to just over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep senators engaged .
It seemed to work .
There were fewer politicians fiddling with fidget spinners , or stepping out for bathroom breaks .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Trump 's team dug at the Democrats for using 21 of their 24 available hours of evidence , teasing that they would take much less time .
They sought to undermine the facts that impeachment managers had presented , saying many of the arguments they had made were based on presumption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they said , with the White House 's lead lawyer presenting the impeachment case as an effort `` to stop an election , to interfere in an election and to remove the president of the United States from the ballot '' .
Ultimately , the goal of the defence team is to offer enough doubt to Republican senators that they are able to acquit the president in good conscience , and sell that decision to their voters .
Those in Trump 's orbit will end the week pleased .

President Donald Trump's lawyers have begun their opening arguments in the impeachment trial, claiming the proceedings are a politically-motivated attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 presidential election.
Here is what happened on day five of the impeachment trial.
In a sentence:
White House lawyers began their defence of the president in a short, fast-moving session aimed at unpicking the Democrats' three days of evidence.
In a paragraph:
The president has been waiting for this moment, despite bemoaning that it began on a Saturday, "Death Valley in T.V.", as Trump tweeted.
The cable news networks still took it live, and the American public had a chance to watch an aggressive response to the central charges against President Trump.
In 100 words:
The White House lawyers knew it had been a long week for senators, and decided to simply preview their case on the first Saturday session of Congress during Donald Trump's administration.
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They kept their arguments to just over two hours, moving between speakers to keep senators engaged.
It seemed to work. There were fewer politicians fiddling with fidget spinners, or stepping out for bathroom breaks.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Trump's team dug at the Democrats for using 21 of their 24 available hours of evidence, teasing that they would take much less time.
They sought to undermine the facts that impeachment managers had presented, saying many of the arguments they had made were based on presumption and guesswork.
The stakes were high, they said, with the White House's lead lawyer presenting the impeachment case as an effort "to stop an election, to interfere in an election and to remove the president of the United States from the ballot".
Ultimately, the goal of the defence team is to offer enough doubt to Republican senators that they are able to acquit the president in good conscience, and sell that decision to their voters.
Those in Trump's orbit will end the week pleased.
In a quote:
They're asking you not only to overturn the results of the last election, but as I've said before, they're asking you to remove President Trump from the ballot in an election that's occurring in approximately nine months. They're asking you to tear up all of the ballots across this country on your own initiative. Take that decision away from the American people.
Tweet of the day:


skynewsus--2020-01-25--PM phoned Trump to 'secure justice' for Harry Dunn

Boris Johnson has held a phone call with Donald Trump in which he `` reiterated the need '' for the woman charged over Harry Dunn 's death to be returned to the UK .
The prime minister wanted to `` secure justice '' for the 19-year-old 's family after the US rejected an extradition request for American suspect Anne Sacoolas , according to Number 10 .
The family of Harry Dunn have been fighting for Mrs Sacoolas to face trial in the UK after the teenager was killed in a head-on collision with a car outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sacoolas , 42 , who was driving the car , claimed diplomatic immunity and returned to her home country following the crash .
Her husband is believed to be a US intelligence officer .
Mr Johnson raised the topic during a phone conversation with the US president on Friday .
A Downing Street spokesperson said : `` The Prime Minister raised the tragic case of Harry Dunn , and the need to secure justice for Harry 's family .
`` He reiterated the need for the individual involved to return to the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causing death by dangerous driving by the Crown Prosecution Service in December but has not returned to the UK since the crash .
A spokesperson for the family , Radd Seiger , suggested UK authorities were considering trying Mrs Sacoolas in her absence .
He wrote on Twitter : `` I am informed by officials in London that the UK authorities are urgently considering all their options following the rejection of the extradition request including trying # annesacoolas in her absence and issuing an Interpol Red Notice .
`` If the US Govt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Dunn 's mother , Charlotte Charles , told Sky News on Friday the family had been `` prepared '' for the US to turn down an extradition request .
`` It does n't matter when , whether it 's this administration or the next .
The extradition request is always going to be over Anna Sacoolas 's head , and we 're never going to give up , '' she said .
Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom met the family after holding talks with US ambassador Woody Johnson , the commander of RAF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constable of Northamptonshire Police .
She told reporters the prime minister is `` very much on the side of the family in their desire to see justice done '' .
A spokesperson for the US State Department said the extradition request was rejected because it undermined the use of diplomatic immunity , however Mr Dunn 's family disputes whether Mrs Sacoolas was entitled to immunity .

Boris Johnson has held a phone call with Donald Trump in which he "reiterated the need" for the woman charged over Harry Dunn's death to be returned to the UK.
The prime minister wanted to "secure justice" for the 19-year-old's family after the US rejected an extradition request for American suspect Anne Sacoolas, according to Number 10.
The family of Harry Dunn have been fighting for Mrs Sacoolas to face trial in the UK after the teenager was killed in a head-on collision with a car outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire on 27 August last year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 'Our priority is justice for Harry'
Mrs Sacoolas, 42, who was driving the car, claimed diplomatic immunity and returned to her home country following the crash. Her husband is believed to be a US intelligence officer.
Mr Johnson raised the topic during a phone conversation with the US president on Friday.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister raised the tragic case of Harry Dunn, and the need to secure justice for Harry's family.
"He reiterated the need for the individual involved to return to the UK."
Mrs Sacoolas was charged with causing death by dangerous driving by the Crown Prosecution Service in December but has not returned to the UK since the crash.
A spokesperson for the family, Radd Seiger, suggested UK authorities were considering trying Mrs Sacoolas in her absence.
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Image: Anne Sacoolas claimed diplomatic immunity and left for the US
He wrote on Twitter: "I am informed by officials in London that the UK authorities are urgently considering all their options following the rejection of the extradition request including trying #annesacoolas in her absence and issuing an Interpol Red Notice.
"If the US Govt think this is going away..."
Mr Dunn's mother, Charlotte Charles, told Sky News on Friday the family had been "prepared" for the US to turn down an extradition request.
"It doesn't matter when, whether it's this administration or the next. The extradition request is always going to be over Anna Sacoolas's head, and we're never going to give up," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:12 Trump seeks 'healing' over Harry Dunn death
Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom met the family after holding talks with US ambassador Woody Johnson, the commander of RAF Croughton Colonel Bridget McNamara and the chief constable of Northamptonshire Police.
She told reporters the prime minister is "very much on the side of the family in their desire to see justice done".
A spokesperson for the US State Department said the extradition request was rejected because it undermined the use of diplomatic immunity, however Mr Dunn's family disputes whether Mrs Sacoolas was entitled to immunity.


skynewsus--2020-01-25--US 'optimistic' about trade deal with Britain in 2020

US 'optimistic ' about post-Brexit trade deal with Britain in 2020 US 'optimistic ' about post-Brexit trade deal with Britain in 2020 Mr Mnuchin said the US wanted to do a deal this year .
Pic : Chatham House The United States wants to do a trade deal with Britain this year and is prepared to `` dedicate a lot of resources '' to it , its treasury secretary has said during a trip to London .
Steven Mnuchin said he was `` quite optimistic '' about striking an agreement during 2020 as he took questions at Chatham House .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar economies with a big focus on services '' , he said any resulting deal could be the start of a `` very important relationship '' .
He told an audience at the foreign affairs think-tank : `` We 've said that our goal - your goal - is trying to get ( this ) trade agreement done this year , and I think from a US standpoint we are prepared to dedicate a lot of resources . ''
Britain has already indicated it intends to conduct parallel negotiations with Brussels and Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of January .
Mr Mnuchin had earlier been at 11 Downing Street for breakfast with Chancellor Sajid Javid , during which the two men were expected to discuss Huawei 's potential involvement in Britain 's 5G infrastructure .
It has been reported that government officials have formally recommended granting Huawei a limited role within the UK 's future 5G system .
There are concerns that allowing the Chinese company to take part could compromise Britain 's security .
Washington has been warning allies not to use its equipment .
Another area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to tax tech giants .
Mr Javid intends to bring in a 2 % levy on the revenues of search engines , social media platforms and online marketplaces which derive value from UK users .
The temporary measure would be discontinued if and when there was an international agreement on how to tax companies such as Google and Facebook .
Mr Mnuchin said the US believed that `` any tax that is designed specifically on digital companies is a discriminatory tax '' .
He added that such a tax was `` not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our tax treaties and other issues '' .
He continued : `` So , we 're working through that and I think we have a good outcome of trying to give some room now in 2020 to continue these discussions . ''

The United States wants to do a trade deal with Britain this year and is prepared to "dedicate a lot of resources" to it, its treasury secretary has said during a trip to London.
Steven Mnuchin said he was "quite optimistic" about striking an agreement during 2020 as he took questions at Chatham House.
Because the UK and US have "similar economies with a big focus on services", he said any resulting deal could be the start of a "very important relationship".
Image: Sajid Javid intends to bring in a tax on tech giants
He told an audience at the foreign affairs think-tank: "We've said that our goal - your goal - is trying to get (this) trade agreement done this year, and I think from a US standpoint we are prepared to dedicate a lot of resources."
Britain has already indicated it intends to conduct parallel negotiations with Brussels and Washington after it formally leaves the EU at the end of January.
Mr Mnuchin had earlier been at 11 Downing Street for breakfast with Chancellor Sajid Javid, during which the two men were expected to discuss Huawei's potential involvement in Britain's 5G infrastructure.
It has been reported that government officials have formally recommended granting Huawei a limited role within the UK's future 5G system.
There are concerns that allowing the Chinese company to take part could compromise Britain's security. Washington has been warning allies not to use its equipment.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:19 Will Huawei be able to invest in 5G in the UK?
Another area of concern for the US is UK plans to tax tech giants.
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Mr Javid intends to bring in a 2% levy on the revenues of search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces which derive value from UK users.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The temporary measure would be discontinued if and when there was an international agreement on how to tax companies such as Google and Facebook.
Mr Mnuchin said the US believed that "any tax that is designed specifically on digital companies is a discriminatory tax".
He added that such a tax was "not appropriate" and contained "violations to our tax treaties and other issues".
He continued: "So, we're working through that and I think we have a good outcome of trying to give some room now in 2020 to continue these discussions."


skynewsus--2020-01-26--One of world's biggest passenger planes completes test flight

The plane can seat more than 400 passengers and is 77m ( 252ft ) long Boeing has successfully completed the first flight of the world 's largest twin-engine jetliner - a respite from the ongoing controversy surrounding the 737 MAX .
It took three attempts to get the 777X off the ground , as the first two planned tests were abandoned owing to high winds .
The plane - which is 77m ( 252ft ) long and can seat more than 400 passengers - took off from a runway just outside Seattle on the US west coast .
Four hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boeing Field , not far from rows of 737 MAX planes left grounded after two fatal crashes triggered safety concerns .
The new Boeing model , which will be officially known as the 777-9 , also boasts folding wingtips that mean it can fit its wings into the same parking bays as other jets .
Following the successful maiden voyage , Boeing executive Stan Deal said : `` It 's a proud day for us .
It made all of our employees proud one more time of who we are and what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brand-new aeroplane that is going to change the world one more time . ''
Boeing 's new 777X is expected to enter service in 2021 - with development issues meaning this is a year later than planned .
Each plane is worth an estimated $ 442m ( £338m ) .
More than 300 of the planes have already been sold , and the jet is expected to compete with the A350-1000 , a new offering by rival Airbus .
Regulatory hurdles do lie ahead for the 777X , which will be the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role of software flaws in two fatal 737 MAX crashes emerged .
The Federal Aviation Administration has vowed that rigorous testing will be conducted before the plane is allowed to carry passengers - while Emirates , one of Boeing 's clients , has said the plane should be put through `` hell on Earth '' to ensure it is safe and performs properly .
Boeing 's chief test pilot Craig Bomben , who served as a co-pilot for Saturday 's flight , said : `` We took the time to get the aeroplane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are going to march through flight tests successfully and quickly and get it certified to the FAA standards . ''

Boeing has successfully completed the first flight of the world's largest twin-engine jetliner - a respite from the ongoing controversy surrounding the 737 MAX.
It took three attempts to get the 777X off the ground, as the first two planned tests were abandoned owing to high winds.
The plane - which is 77m (252ft) long and can seat more than 400 passengers - took off from a runway just outside Seattle on the US west coast.
Image: The co-pilots for the test flight wave after their successful journey
Four hours later, it landed at the historic Boeing Field, not far from rows of 737 MAX planes left grounded after two fatal crashes triggered safety concerns.
The new Boeing model, which will be officially known as the 777-9, also boasts folding wingtips that mean it can fit its wings into the same parking bays as other jets.
Following the successful maiden voyage, Boeing executive Stan Deal said: "It's a proud day for us. It made all of our employees proud one more time of who we are and what we get to do, by flying a brand-new aeroplane that is going to change the world one more time."
Boeing's new 777X is expected to enter service in 2021 - with development issues meaning this is a year later than planned. Each plane is worth an estimated $442m (£338m).
Image: Regulatory hurdles do lie ahead for the 777X following on from the 737 MAX scandal
More than 300 of the planes have already been sold, and the jet is expected to compete with the A350-1000, a new offering by rival Airbus.
Regulatory hurdles do lie ahead for the 777X, which will be the first major aircraft to be certified since the role of software flaws in two fatal 737 MAX crashes emerged.
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The Federal Aviation Administration has vowed that rigorous testing will be conducted before the plane is allowed to carry passengers - while Emirates, one of Boeing's clients, has said the plane should be put through "hell on Earth" to ensure it is safe and performs properly.
Boeing's chief test pilot Craig Bomben, who served as a co-pilot for Saturday's flight, said: "We took the time to get the aeroplane ready for flight test so I think we are going to march through flight tests successfully and quickly and get it certified to the FAA standards."


skynewsus--2020-01-26--Police have bone to pick with motorist using fake skeleton as a passenger

Police have bone to pick with motorist using fake skeleton as a passenger Police have bone to pick with motorist using fake skeleton as a passenger Police stopped a man using a skeleton as a passenger .
Pic : Arizona Department of Public Safety A motorist who plonked a fake skeleton in his passenger seat so he could use a high occupancy vehicle ( HOV ) lane has been fined .
Police in Arizona stopped the 62-year-old man after spotting the odd-looking companion in his front seat .
The plastic skeleton - complete with a spooky outfit and a camouflage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between its legs and was secured to the seat with yellow rope .
Alas , officers saw right through the driver 's stunt .
Arizona 's Department of Public Safety tweeted : `` Think you can use the HOV lane with Skeletor riding shotgun ?
You 're dead wrong !
`` One of our motor troopers cited the 62-year-old male driver for HOV & window tint violations on SR-101 near Apache Blvd this morning .
# NiceTry # YoureNotHeMan # AZTroopers '' High occupancy vehicle lanes are used to ease traffic congestion for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officials in Arizona say more than 7,000 drivers are penalised for flouting the rules every year .
Last April , police pulled over a man who had a mannequin wearing a sweatshirt , baseball cap and sunglasses in his front seat .

A motorist who plonked a fake skeleton in his passenger seat so he could use a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane has been fined.
Police in Arizona stopped the 62-year-old man after spotting the odd-looking companion in his front seat.
The plastic skeleton - complete with a spooky outfit and a camouflage bucket hat - had a cool box between its legs and was secured to the seat with yellow rope.
Alas, officers saw right through the driver's stunt.
Arizona's Department of Public Safety tweeted: "Think you can use the HOV lane with Skeletor riding shotgun? You're dead wrong!
"One of our motor troopers cited the 62-year-old male driver for HOV & window tint violations on SR-101 near Apache Blvd this morning. #NiceTry #YoureNotHeMan #AZTroopers"
High occupancy vehicle lanes are used to ease traffic congestion for motorists with passengers in the car.
Officials in Arizona say more than 7,000 drivers are penalised for flouting the rules every year.
Last April, police pulled over a man who had a mannequin wearing a sweatshirt, baseball cap and sunglasses in his front seat.


skynewsus--2020-01-26--Kobe Bryant and teenage daughter killed in helicopter crash - US reports

NBA legend Kobe Bryant has been killed in a helicopter crash along with his teenage daughter - according to US media reports .
The 41-year-old , who played for the LA Lakers throughout his glittering 20-year career , died after the private aircraft came down in California on Sunday morning , the City of Calabasas said in a tweet .
Bryant 's 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , was also on the helicopter , according to US media reports .
In a news conference on Sunday , authorities said nine people were on board and there were no survivors .
LA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` FAA ( Federal Aviation Administration ) is already on scene and assisting , we 're awaiting the arrival of the coroner 's office to assist in the recovery of the remains .
`` There were no survivors , we have a manifest that indicates there was nine people on board the aircraft - the pilot plus eight individuals , and there is wide speculation who the identities are .
`` However , it would be entirely inappropriate right now to identify anyone by name , until the coroner has made the identification @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've made notifications to next of kin . ''
In a tweet before the briefing , the City of Calabasas confirmed that Bryant was among those killed , saying : `` It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Kobe Bryant and four others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas .
`` The aircraft went down in a remote field off Las Virgenes around 10:00 this morning .
Nobody on the ground was hurt .
The FAA and NTSB are investigating . ''
According to NBC News , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a parent of the teammate were also killed .
One eyewitness has said : `` This news is so shocking .
`` I heard a helicopter and it just sounded very loud , like it was flying too low , and then I heard a loud thud and then you just hear nothing like a helicopter passed over us first and then crashed , so I did n't hear the initial crash but I heard a helicopter flying too low '' .
The crash happened around 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aircraft was a Sikorsky S-76 and it was not known what caused the crash .
The sheriff 's department also posted pictures of the scene as smoke could be seen emerging from the brush in a ravine .
Bryant , who was born in Philadelphia in 1978 , was drafted at number 13 by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 , but was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers .
The 18-time NBA All-Star won five championships and became one of the greatest basketball players of his generation during a 20-year career spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both of his shirt numbers - eight and 24 - in a ceremony in December 2017 .
Then-franchise president Magic Johnson said : `` We 're here to celebrate the greatest who has ever worn the purple and gold . ''
He tweeted on Sunday that `` the game of basketball and our city will never be the same without Kobe '' .
Bryant retired in 2016 as the third-leading scorer in NBA history and held that spot until Saturday night , when the Lakers ' LeBron James passed him for third place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's hometown .
In his last tweet , Bryant said : `` Continuing to move the game forward ( at ) KingJames .
Much respect my brother '' .
Michael Jordan , widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all-time , said '' I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe 's and Gianna 's passing .
Words ca n't describe the pain I 'm feeling .
`` I loved Kobe - he was like a brother to me .
We used to talk often , and I will miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fierce competitor , one of the greats of the game and a creative force .
`` Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply - and took great pride in his daughter 's love for the game of basketball . ''
Tributes are being paid on social media , with US President Donald Trump tweeting to say Bryant 's death is `` terrible news '' .
Barack Obama has said described Bryant as a `` legend on the court '' - and said `` to lose Gianna is even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Actor Idris Elba says Bryant `` will always be remembered '' - and that it was a `` sad day '' .
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry hailed Bryant as an `` inspiration '' and tweeted two photos of the pair meeting .
He said : `` Literally devastated to hear the news about @ kobebryant , his daughter Gianna and all those on board the helicopter crash .
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and also of the other victims . ''
NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear the news .
People have gathered near the scene of the crash .
Shocked fans have also flocked to the Staples Center arena in Los Angeles around a wreath with a message : `` Kobe we love you RIP . ''
Some of those in the crowd dabbed tears as others laid flowers and basketball shoes at the wreath .
Earlier on Sunday a tribute was shown in a video board and a minute 's silence was observed before the game between the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors at the AT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement , Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said : `` This is a moment that leaves us struggling to find words that express the magnitude of shock and sorrow we are all feeling right now , and I am keeping Kobe 's entire family in my prayers at this time of unimaginable grief '' .

NBA legend Kobe Bryant has been killed in a helicopter crash along with his daughter and seven other people - as they reportedly headed to a children's basketball tournament.
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The 41-year-old, who played for the LA Lakers throughout his glittering 20-year career, died after the aircraft crashed on a steep hillside in thick fog.
Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine people on board when the helicopter crashed on Sunday morning, about 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles.
Image: Bryant pictured with his daughter Gianna in Las Vegas in July last year
There were no survivors.
Other victims named so far include Orange Coast College head baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa - who played on the same basketball team as Bryant's daughter.
The girls' coach Christina Mauser also died, her husband confirmed.
A local reporter for CBS said the group were on their way to a basketball tournament.
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Fog in the area was so bad that the LA Police Department grounded its helicopters on Sunday morning, said the Los Angeles Times.
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The crash site, near a residential area in Calabasas, was said to be "about the size of a football field".
The area's Twitter account said the helicopter went down in a field off Las Virgenes at around 10am local time.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:24 Kobe in his own words
Gianna was one of four daughters Bryant had with wife Vanessa.
The teenager played basketball in the Los Angeles Lady Mamba team - part of a sports academy he founded.
His other daughters were Natalia, Bianka and Capri.
Orange Coast College paid tribute to its baseball coach, John Altobelli, 56, who died with his wife and daughter.
It said: "John meant so much to not only Orange Coast College, but to baseball. He truly personified what it means to be a baseball coach.
"The passion that he put into the game, but more importantly his athletes, was second to none - he treated them like family. Our deepest condolences go out to the Altobelli family during this time of tragedy."
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The husband of basketball coach Christine Mauser posted on Facebook: "My kids and I are devastated.
"We lost our beautiful wife and mom today in a helicopter crash. Please respect our privacy. Thank you for all the well wishes they mean so much."
The Federal Aviation Authority said the aircraft was a Sikorsky S-76, but the cause of the accident is not yet known.
One witness said: "This news is so shocking.
"I heard a helicopter and it just sounded very loud, like it was flying too low, and then I heard a loud thud and then you just hear nothing like a helicopter passed over us first and then crashed, so I didn't hear the initial crash but I heard a helicopter flying too low".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:55 NBA legend - Bryant's career highlights
Kurt Deetz, a pilot who used to fly Bryant, said bad weather was the most likely cause.
"The likelihood of a catastrophic twin engine failure on that aircraft - it just doesn't happen," he told the Los Angeles Times.
Image: Authorities say the helicopter came down in a remote field
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league had been left "devastated" by Bryant's death.
He said the five-time NBA championship winner, who also claimed 18 NBA All-Star selections and two Olympic gold medals, had "inspired people around the world to pick up a basketball".
Fans of the LA Lakers hero from across the worlds of sport, entertainment, politics and beyond have expressed their shock at Bryant's sudden passing.
Bryant, who was born in Philadelphia in 1978, was drafted at number 13 by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996, but was immediately traded to the Lakers.
He went on to enjoy a trophy-laden two decades with the club and became one of the sport's most iconic figures.
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all-time, has described Bryant as "one of the greats of the game and a creative force".
Image: Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan facing off in 1997
Following his retirement in 2016 as the third-leading scorer in NBA history, the Lakers retired the shirt numbers he had worn during his career - eight and 24.
At a ceremony in December 2017, the then franchise president Magic Johnson said: "We're here to celebrate the greatest who has ever worn the purple and gold."
He tweeted on Sunday that "the game of basketball and our city will never be the same without Kobe".
Image: Bryant was a global superstar
Bryant's final tweet came on Saturday night, when current Lakers talisman LeBron James overtook him in the all-time scoring ranking during a match in Bryant's hometown of Philadelphia.
Bryant tweeted: "Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother."
James has yet to comment publicly on Bryant's death but was seen in tears as he arrived back at LA airport after the Lakers played in Philadelphia.
Jordan said in a statement: "I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe's and Gianna's passing. Words can't describe the pain I'm feeling.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 LeBron James in tears over Bryant death
"I loved Kobe - he was like a brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force.
"Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply - and took great pride in his daughter's love for the game of basketball."
Bryant's former Lakers teammate, Shaquille O'Neal, was also devastated, tweeting: "There's no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant.
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Image: Fans gather near an image of Kobe Bryant shown on a large screen outside the Staples Center, LA
Image: Fans have flocked to the Staples Center in Los Angeles to pay their respects
Bryant's legend beyond basketball has been apparent in the huge number of tributes from outside the game.
US President Donald Trump tweeted to say Bryant's death was "terrible news".
He added in a later statement: "Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future.
"The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating. Melania and I send our warmest condolences to Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family. May God be with you all!"
His predecessor Barack Obama described Bryant as a "legend on the court" - and said "to lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents".
Image: A basketball lies amid flowers at a makeshift shrine at the Staples Center in LA
Image: People gather near the scene, some clearly emotional after hearing the news about the crash
Image: Bryant was displayed on huge screens outside the Staples Center
People have gathered near the scene of the crash to mourn Bryant, as well as outside the Staples Center where he created so many memories for Lakers fans.
One wreath outside the arena read: "Kobe we love you RIP."
Some of those in the crowd dabbed tears as others laid flowers and basketball shoes at the wreath.
The tragedy overshadowed the Grammy Awards, which were held at the Staples Center on Sunday night.
Host Alicia Keys said: "We're all feeling crazy sadness right now. Because earlier today Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero."