skynewsus--2020-03-25--'Giant of theatre': Terrence McNally dies from COVID-19 related complications

Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally has died in Florida following complications from coronavirus .
The 81-year-old , whose career spanned six decades , wrote shows including Kiss Of The Spider Woman , Ragtime , and Frankie And Johnny In The Clair De Lune .
A lung cancer survivor who lived with chronic inflammatory lung disease , he would have been considered to be at high risk from COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
His agent confirmed he died at Sarasota Memorial Hospital , Florida , on Tuesday .
Widely considered one of America 's great playwrights , the openly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ microscope , with his witty plays and musicals delving into how people connect - or fail to .
McNally 's 1975 work The Ritz was one of the first plays with unapologetic gay characters to reach a mainstream audience , while his 1991 play Lips Together , Teeth Apart was landmark in its portrayal of the AIDS crisis .
He told the LA Stage Times in 2013 : `` I like to work with people who are a lot more talented and smarter than me , who make fewer mistakes than I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when I do something lazy .
A lot of people stop learning in life , and that 's their tragedy . ''
Accolades during his career include Tony Awards for his plays Love !
Valour !
Compassion !
and Master Class , and the musicals Ragtime and Kiss of the Spider Woman .
He was elected into the American Academy of Arts And Letters in 2018 .
Also the winner of an Emmy , McNally won a Tony lifetime achievement award in 2019 , accepting his gong with the words : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remind us what truth and beauty and kindness really are . ''
Stars of American theatre have paid tribute to McNally , with actor and writer Lin-Manuel Miranda calling him `` a giant in our world , who straddled plays and musicals deftly . ''
James Corden tweeted : `` He was an absolute gentleman and his commitment to the theatre was unwavering .
He will be missed by so many of us . ''
Actor Conrad Ricamora describe McNally as `` the most kind , brilliant person to work with '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , McNally grew up in Texas , and went on to study English at Columbia University .
One of his first breaks came just a year after graduating , when through a mutual contact at the Actors Studio , novelist John Steinbeck hired him to tutor his two teenage sons on a cruise around the world .
During the voyage , McNally wrote a draft play that would later go on to become part of his first Broadway production in 1965 , And Things That Go Bump In The Night .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Steinbeck 's novel East Of Eden , but the show was not a success and ran for just one night on Broadway in 1968 .
Numerous more successful productions followed in the late 60s and 70s .
His 1982 play Frankie And Johnny In The Clair De Lune - about a romance between a waitress and cook - was later adapted into a film starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer .
He collaborated with legendary composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb three times during his career .
McNally was not afraid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his 1998 play Corpus Christi depicting a modern-day Jesus as a homosexual .
While The Manhattan Theater Club who first staged it were forced to cancel the production due to death threats , it went on to reopen and enjoy a successful run .
McNally thanked the theatre community for their support when picking up his fourth Tony Award later that year , saying : `` You came together when I was in trouble .
It was a time of oppression .
You came together overnight .
Our voices were heard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for freedom .
Thank you . ''
McNally also adapted several films for musical performance including The Full Monty , Spielberg 's Catch Me If You Can and Anastasia .
He leaves behind his husband , theatre producer Thomas Kirdahy .

Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally has died in Florida following complications from coronavirus.
The 81-year-old, whose career spanned six decades, wrote shows including Kiss Of The Spider Woman, Ragtime, and Frankie And Johnny In The Clair De Lune.
Image: Terrence McNally with his husband Tom Kirdahy last year.
A lung cancer survivor who lived with chronic inflammatory lung disease, he would have been considered to be at high risk from COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
His agent confirmed he died at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Florida, on Tuesday.
Widely considered one of America's great playwrights, the openly gay writer put same-sex relationships under the microscope, with his witty plays and musicals delving into how people connect - or fail to.
McNally's 1975 work The Ritz was one of the first plays with unapologetic gay characters to reach a mainstream audience, while his 1991 play Lips Together, Teeth Apart was landmark in its portrayal of the AIDS crisis.
He told the LA Stage Times in 2013: "I like to work with people who are a lot more talented and smarter than me, who make fewer mistakes than I do, and who can call me out when I do something lazy. A lot of people stop learning in life, and that's their tragedy."
Accolades during his career include Tony Awards for his plays Love! Valour! Compassion! and Master Class, and the musicals Ragtime and Kiss of the Spider Woman.
He was elected into the American Academy of Arts And Letters in 2018.
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Also the winner of an Emmy, McNally won a Tony lifetime achievement award in 2019, accepting his gong with the words: "The world needs artists more than ever to remind us what truth and beauty and kindness really are."
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Stars of American theatre have paid tribute to McNally, with actor and writer Lin-Manuel Miranda calling him "a giant in our world, who straddled plays and musicals deftly."
James Corden tweeted: "He was an absolute gentleman and his commitment to the theatre was unwavering. He will be missed by so many of us."
Actor Conrad Ricamora describe McNally as "the most kind, brilliant person to work with".
Pulitzer Prize winning composer Tom Kitt said he considers McNally "irreplaceable".
Born in in St Petersburg in Florida, McNally grew up in Texas, and went on to study English at Columbia University.
One of his first breaks came just a year after graduating, when through a mutual contact at the Actors Studio, novelist John Steinbeck hired him to tutor his two teenage sons on a cruise around the world.
During the voyage, McNally wrote a draft play that would later go on to become part of his first Broadway production in 1965, And Things That Go Bump In The Night.
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
He also went on to write a musical adaptation of Steinbeck's novel East Of Eden, but the show was not a success and ran for just one night on Broadway in 1968.
Numerous more successful productions followed in the late 60s and 70s.
His 1982 play Frankie And Johnny In The Clair De Lune - about a romance between a waitress and cook - was later adapted into a film starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer.
He collaborated with legendary composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb three times during his career.
McNally was not afraid to court controversy through his art, with his 1998 play Corpus Christi depicting a modern-day Jesus as a homosexual.
While The Manhattan Theater Club who first staged it were forced to cancel the production due to death threats, it went on to reopen and enjoy a successful run.
McNally thanked the theatre community for their support when picking up his fourth Tony Award later that year, saying: "You came together when I was in trouble. It was a time of oppression. You came together overnight. Our voices were heard, and we won. So this is for freedom. Thank you."
McNally also adapted several films for musical performance including The Full Monty, Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can and Anastasia.
He leaves behind his husband, theatre producer Thomas Kirdahy.


skynewsus--2020-03-26--'Hell' at New York's coronavirus ground zero

The empty streets , closed shops and grim daily tally only tell half the story .
Dr Steve Kasspidis tells it straight : `` It 's hell , biblical .
I kid you not , '' And he should know .
He 's right in the thick of it , at Mount Sinai Hospital in Queens - the most infected district in what is now the most infected city in the world , New York .
`` People come in , they get intubated , they die , the cycle repeats .
The system is overwhelmed all over the place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Brooklyn , first year resident .
She starts the ICU today , I could n't sleep last night .
It 's scary . ''
Deaths from COVID-19 in the US have now topped 1,000 with almost 70,000 infections .
New York State alone accounted for more than 30,000 cases and close to 300 deaths , most of them in New York City .
New York is no stranger to disaster but you get the feeling it is on the cusp of something it 's never experienced before .
`` 9/11 was nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` We were open waiting for patients to come who never came , ok ?
Now they just keep coming . ''
In an internal email , Mount Sinai 's Chief Medical Officer told staff it was the `` humanitarian mission of their lifetimes '' .
Every hospital in New York has been ordered to increase its bed capacity by 50 % because at the moment the city is about 90,000 beds short of what they predict they might need .
Mount Sinai Queens has screened off part of its reception @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Every little space is used .
`` Right now it 's every day , it 's non-stop , literally , '' said Doron Goldman Barkan , a Respiratory Therapist .
`` Unfortunately it might get to a situation where you have to pick and choose what you 're going to do and how you 're going to do it .
`` A lot of people come , they expire and you put the same machine on another person and you ca n't really process the situation because it 's so hard to think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker There are more people than they expected being hospitalised every day and New York is still 21 days away from the peak .
It does n't matter how modern or advanced the health care here is , if they do n't get the supplies they need , it simply wo n't cope .
It is literally a race against time .

The empty streets, closed shops and grim daily tally only tell half the story.
Dr Steve Kasspidis tells it straight: "It's hell, biblical. I kid you not,"
And he should know. He's right in the thick of it, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Queens - the most infected district in what is now the most infected city in the world, New York.
"People come in, they get intubated, they die, the cycle repeats. The system is overwhelmed all over the place.
"My daughter is an intern in Brooklyn, first year resident. She starts the ICU today, I couldn't sleep last night. It's scary."
Deaths from COVID-19 in the US have now topped 1,000 with almost 70,000 infections. New York State alone accounted for more than 30,000 cases and close to 300 deaths, most of them in New York City.
Image: Another ambulance carrying a COVID-19 victim arrives at a Mount Sinai Hospital in Queens
New York is no stranger to disaster but you get the feeling it is on the cusp of something it's never experienced before.
"9/11 was nothing compared to this," Dr Kasspidis says. "We were open waiting for patients to come who never came, ok? Now they just keep coming."
Image: Even part of Mount Sinai's waiting area has been turned into a ward
In an internal email, Mount Sinai's Chief Medical Officer told staff it was the "humanitarian mission of their lifetimes".
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Every hospital in New York has been ordered to increase its bed capacity by 50% because at the moment the city is about 90,000 beds short of what they predict they might need.
Mount Sinai Queens has screened off part of its reception area to create a makeshift ward. Every little space is used.
Image: A makeshift morgue outside a New York hospital
"Right now it's every day, it's non-stop, literally," said Doron Goldman Barkan, a Respiratory Therapist.
"Unfortunately it might get to a situation where you have to pick and choose what you're going to do and how you're going to do it.
"A lot of people come, they expire and you put the same machine on another person and you can't really process the situation because it's so hard to think about this".
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
There are more people than they expected being hospitalised every day and New York is still 21 days away from the peak.
It doesn't matter how modern or advanced the health care here is, if they don't get the supplies they need, it simply won't cope. It is literally a race against time.


skynewsus--2020-03-26--FBI arrests man for peddling coronavirus 'cure'

The FBI has arrested a man in southern California who claimed to have invented a cure for coronavirus .
In several posts on his Instagram account which lists 2.4 million followers , Keith Middlebrook alleged he had invented a pill to prevent people contracting COVID-19 and treat those already suffering from the coronavirus .
`` Yes I have Developed the Cure for the CoronaVirus COVID-19 , '' the 53-year-old wrote in one post .
`` After 6 Weeks of Intense Focus and Development ( and very little sleep ) .
I am currently going into Mass Production . ''
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have designed makes anyone completely IMMUNE to the Virus COVID-19 disease coronavirus . ''
In a video that has been watched more than 450,000 times , he claimed : `` Yes I created the cure that shuts down the COVID-19 , that makes the cells from the coronavirus detach , release and die within 48 hours . ''
He was detained while delivering pills to an undercover agent , according to US media reports .
In a bid to lure investors in his company Quantum Prevention CV Inc with promises of big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earvin `` Magic '' Johnson on his board - who investigators confirmed had no involvement .
Middlebrook was arrested on Wednesday on a federal complaint of wire fraud , which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison if convicted .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker US Attorney General William Barr this warned : `` The pandemic is dangerous enough without wrongdoers seeking to profit from public panic and this sort of conduct can not be tolerated . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cures have circulated on social media , often attracting hundreds of shares .
There is currently no vaccine for the coronavirus , and medical experts worldwide have said the best way to prevent getting infected with the disease is to avoid being exposed to it .
Last week , US customs officers in Los Angeles intercepted a package containing 60 fake kits labelled `` Anti-Pathogenic treatment '' which had been sent from the UK .

The FBI has arrested a man in southern California who claimed to have invented a cure for coronavirus.
In several posts on his Instagram account which lists 2.4 million followers, Keith Middlebrook alleged he had invented a pill to prevent people contracting COVID-19 and treat those already suffering from the coronavirus.
"Yes I have Developed the Cure for the CoronaVirus COVID-19," the 53-year-old wrote in one post.
Image: Keith Middlebrook claimed to have invented a pill to make people immune to COVID-19. Pic: Instagram
"After 6 Weeks of Intense Focus and Development (and very little sleep). I am currently going into Mass Production."
In another he added: "This pill I have designed makes anyone completely IMMUNE to the Virus COVID-19 disease coronavirus."
In a video that has been watched more than 450,000 times, he claimed: "Yes I created the cure that shuts down the COVID-19, that makes the cells from the coronavirus detach, release and die within 48 hours."
He was detained while delivering pills to an undercover agent, according to US media reports.
In a bid to lure investors in his company Quantum Prevention CV Inc with promises of big profits, he also claimed to have Earvin "Magic" Johnson on his board - who investigators confirmed had no involvement.
Middlebrook was arrested on Wednesday on a federal complaint of wire fraud, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
US Attorney General William Barr this warned: "The pandemic is dangerous enough without wrongdoers seeking to profit from public panic and this sort of conduct cannot be tolerated."
False claims about the coronavirus and bogus cures have circulated on social media, often attracting hundreds of shares.
There is currently no vaccine for the coronavirus, and medical experts worldwide have said the best way to prevent getting infected with the disease is to avoid being exposed to it.
Last week, US customs officers in Los Angeles intercepted a package containing 60 fake kits labelled "Anti-Pathogenic treatment" which had been sent from the UK.


skynewsus--2020-03-26--Record $2trn virus relief clears Senate hurdle but stocks sink again

Stock markets are on course for a fresh sell-off , unwinding two days of recovery , despite the $ 2trn ( £1.7trn ) US coronavirus relief scheme clearing its first hurdle .
The package of federal government help for the world 's largest economy to battle disruption caused by COVID-19 overcame last-minute Democrat opposition to secure passage in a Senate vote overnight .
The House of Representatives will get its say on Friday .
Donald Trump is then expected to sign the Bill into law .
Stock markets had rallied on Tuesday and Wednesday on hopes the measures - the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have a smooth passage as investors eye the prospect of a recession deeper than that caused by the financial crisis in 2008 .
The package includes $ 58bn for the mostly-grounded airline industry - split between grants and loans to cover pay cheques - with companies drawing support unable to cut staff until the end of September or change their labour agreements .
Crisis-hit Boeing , already reeling from the grounding of the 737 MAX , gets $ 17bn .
It is understood most Americans would qualify for cheques of up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also being expanded , with small businesses getting $ 367bn to help pay their staff as they are forced to stay home .
Stimulus by governments and central banks globally has had a limited effect on supporting investor confidence - with stock market values more than 20 % down , on average , ahead of Thursday 's open .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker After the jittery finish to trading in the US , the Nikkei in Tokyo was 4.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London , the FTSE 100 Index opened 2.7 % lower and US futures sank as investors looked ahead to events later that were expected to see data confirm a record leap in US jobless claims and the Bank of England hold interest rates at their joint record low of 0.1 % .
A string of UK firms continued to report difficulties arising from the coronavirus crisis : • Intu Properties , the owner of shopping centres including Lakeside in Essex , confirmed a story by Sky News when it reported that 71 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be paid by tenants on 25 March , had been withheld .
• London office and UK retail site owner British Land said it was supporting its store tenants , such as those in its Meadowhall centre in Sheffield , with rent deferrals totalling £40m .
The group suspended future dividend payments and construction work at its key London development sites .
• Topps Tiles , the specialist tiling retailer , said it was trading online only - reporting a 3.1 % fall in like-for-like sales in the 12 weeks to 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full year .
• Lloyd 's of London , the insurance market , said it was in a `` strong position to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 '' with net resources in 2019 topping £39bn and a return to profit for the year , hitting £2.5bn .
• Dixons Carphone , which recently announced the permanent closure of its Carphone Warehouse stores in a move unrelated to the crisis , said demand for working from home technology had lifted online sales in electrical goods by 23 % in the past three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulators said listed companies would be given an additional two months from the end of their financial years to publish their audited financial statements .
The Office for National Statistics also published retail sales data for February showing a flat performance .
Wet weather was blamed while there was also a delay to the shipment of popular goods from China as the country fought its battle against COVID-19 .

The Bank of England has warned of possible longer-term damage to the economy from the coronavirus crisis.
It issued its latest commentary on the effects of the disruption from COVID-19 as its rate-setting committee maintained interest rates at their joint-record low of 0.1% following two earlier emergency cuts this month.
It spoke up just before US government figures highlighted the pressure on economies from lockdown conditions when it revealed 3.3 million people claimed jobless benefits in the past week - shattering American records.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Trump 'hopeful' people can work again by Easter
The figures were likely to be seen as a wake-up call as the US is the last major economy to agree a major government relief package.
Donald Trump's $2trn rescue plan has hit political headwinds in its path through Congress but cleared a Senate vote overnight.
The package includes $58bn for the mostly-grounded airline industry - split between grants and loans to cover pay cheques - with companies drawing support unable to cut staff until the end of September or change their labour agreements.
Crisis-hit Boeing, already reeling from the grounding of the 737 MAX, gets $17bn.
Image: Boeing 737 MAX planes were grounded a year ago after a second fatal crash
It is understood most Americans would qualify for cheques of up to $1,200 each.
The package has dominated investor sentiment for the past two days.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
After a jittery finish to trading in the US on Wednesday, the Nikkei in Tokyo was 4.5% down amid falls across Asia though the Dow Jones on Wall St rose 6% as the dire jobless claims numbers bolstered investor hopes that more relief measures would be offered globally.
In London, the FTSE 100 Index ended the day more than 2% up at 5,815 despite the Bank of England, as had been widely expected, making no further policy shifts at the latest meeting of its monetary policy committee.
Image: Andrew Bailey took over as governor of the Bank of England on 16 March
In addition to the earlier rate cuts, it has already also boosted its bond-buying programme by £200bn, in a baptism of fire for new governor, Andrew Bailey.
It said on Thursday that it stood ready to expand its purchases of UK government and corporate bonds should it be deemed necessary.
A summary of the meeting said: "The spread of the disease and the measures that are likely to be needed to contain it have evolved significantly.
"The economic consequences of these developments are becoming more apparent and a very sharp reduction in activity is likely.
"Given the severity of that disruption, there is a risk of longer-term damage to the economy, especially if there are business failures on a large scale or significant increases in unemployment."
Image: Intu also owns Manchester's Trafford Centre
Of UK companies reporting new coronavirus updates:
Intu Properties, the owner of shopping centres including Lakeside in Essex, confirmed a story by Sky News when it reported that 71% of its rental income that was due to be paid by tenants on 25 March, had been withheld.
when it reported that 71% of its rental income that was due to be paid by tenants on 25 March, had been withheld. London office and UK retail site owner British Land said it was supporting its store tenants, such as those in its Meadowhall centre in Sheffield, with rent deferrals totalling £40m. The group suspended future dividend payments and construction work at its key London development sites.
Topps Tiles, the specialist tiling retailer, said it was trading online only - reporting a 3.1% fall in like-for-like sales in the 12 weeks to 21 March. It withdrew financial guidance for the full year.
Lloyd's of London, the insurance market, said it was in a "strong position to respond to the impacts of COVID-19" with net resources in 2019 topping £39bn and a return to profit for the year, hitting £2.5bn.
Dixons Carphone, which recently announced the permanent closure of its Carphone Warehouse stores in a move unrelated to the crisis, said demand for working from home technology had lifted online sales in electrical goods by 23% in the past three weeks.
In a separate development, regulators said listed companies would be given an additional two months from the end of their financial years to publish their audited financial statements.
The Office for National Statistics also published retail sales data for February showing a flat performance.
Wet weather was blamed while there was also a delay to the shipment of popular goods from China as the country fought its battle against COVID-19.


skynewsus--2020-03-26--I'll be there for you: Courteney Cox binges on Friends through isolation

We 're all doing it - including , it seems , Courteney Cox , who has shared her tips for keeping entertained while isolating .
Yes , like no doubt thousands of others around the world , Cox is binge-watching Friends to make life more bearable during the coronavirus crisis .
The actress , who played Monica Geller in the hit comedy , has given her review after starting season one : `` It 's really good . ''
Despite finishing in 2004 , Friends remains one of the most popular shows on TV .
Also starring Jennifer Aniston , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perry and David Schwimmer , the show features 236 episodes - so a lot of entertainment to beat boredom during the lockdown .
Cox spoke about her binge-watching during a stripped-back version of Jimmy Kimmel 's late-night show , which is off air due to the pandemic , saying the series that made her famous is keeping her occupied through the shutdown in California .
Appearing via video link from home , the star said she had bought all 10 seasons of Friends on Amazon Prime , as the series has been taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch of the long-awaited reunion special show .
`` I decided during this time , people love the show so much , I decided to binge watch Friends , '' she said .
`` I just started season one - it 's really good ! ''
So while Aniston is sharing isolation videos with her dog , Cox is reminiscing .
However , the actress 55 , admitted her memories of being on the Friends set are a bit hazy .
`` I do n't remember even being on the show , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` I remember obviously loving everybody there and having fun and I remember certain times of my life I was there but I do n't remember episodes . ''
So Kimmel decided to put Cox to the test , making her go head-to-head with his cousin , a big Friends fan .
But to make it easy , all the questions were Monica-related .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Questions to which she did not know the answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kiss and who urinated on her leg in the season four episode The One With The Jellyfish .
Clearly , she needs to brush up on her knowledge - at the minute , she probably would n't fare to well taking our ultimate Friends quiz .
During the interview , Cox confirmed filming for the much-hyped Friends reunion had been due to take place this week , but was postponed due to the coronavirus crisis .
However , the reunion is still slated to be available at the launch of the HBO Max @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used her appearance on Kimmel 's stream to ask viewers to make a donation to the Meals On Wheels charity .

We're all doing it - including, it seems, Courteney Cox, who has shared her tips for keeping entertained while isolating.
Yes, like no doubt thousands of others around the world, Cox is binge-watching Friends to make life more bearable during the coronavirus crisis.
The actress, who played Monica Geller in the hit comedy, has given her review after starting season one: "It's really good."
Image: Spoiler alert! Look away now, Courteney: Aniston and David Schwimmer as Ross and Rachel in the last episode of Friends
Despite finishing in 2004, Friends remains one of the most popular shows on TV.
Also starring Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, the show features 236 episodes - so a lot of entertainment to beat boredom during the lockdown.
Cox spoke about her binge-watching during a stripped-back version of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show, which is off air due to the pandemic, saying the series that made her famous is keeping her occupied through the shutdown in California.
Appearing via video link from home, the star said she had bought all 10 seasons of Friends on Amazon Prime, as the series has been taken off Netflix ahead of the HBO Max launch of the long-awaited reunion special show.
"I decided during this time, people love the show so much, I decided to binge watch Friends," she said. "I just started season one - it's really good!"
So while Aniston is sharing isolation videos with her dog, Cox is reminiscing.
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However, the actress 55, admitted her memories of being on the Friends set are a bit hazy.
"I don't remember even being on the show, I have such a bad memory," she said. "I remember obviously loving everybody there and having fun and I remember certain times of my life I was there but I don't remember episodes."
So Kimmel decided to put Cox to the test, making her go head-to-head with his cousin, a big Friends fan. But to make it easy, all the questions were Monica-related.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The score? Cox was beaten 5-0.
Questions to which she did not know the answer included the identity of Monica's first kiss and who urinated on her leg in the season four episode The One With The Jellyfish.
Clearly, she needs to brush up on her knowledge - at the minute, she probably wouldn't fare to well taking our ultimate Friends quiz.
During the interview, Cox confirmed filming for the much-hyped Friends reunion had been due to take place this week, but was postponed due to the coronavirus crisis.
However, the reunion is still slated to be available at the launch of the HBO Max streaming service in May.
Cox also used her appearance on Kimmel's stream to ask viewers to make a donation to the Meals On Wheels charity.


skynewsus--2020-04-17--'Opening Up America Again': Trump unveils new three-phase plan

Donald Trump has unveiled a three-phase plan to help the US return to normal , with one in seven American workers now unemployed .
The president said the guidelines - known as `` Opening Up America Again '' - are designed to ease restrictions in areas with low transmission of the coronavirus .
Before phase one of the plan can begin , a state or region must have seen a downwards trajectory in the number of new COVID-19 cases over 14 days .
Robust testing programmes for at-risk healthcare workers must be in force , while hospitals must have enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients .
In phase one of Mr Trump 's plan , schools and bars will remain closed - but larger venues such as cinemas , churches and arenas can start to reopen if strict social distancing measures are in place .
At-risk groups such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions must continue to stay at home , and gatherings of more than 10 people will continue to be prohibited .
During phase two , non-essential travel can begin to resume , but the vulnerable will still be urged to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bars can reopen as long as they leave less room for people to stand around .
Social settings of more than 50 people will be prohibited , with employers told to continue encouraging their staff to work from home .
In the third phase , at-risk groups can start to go out in public as long as they follow social distancing measures .
Visitors will be permitted in care homes and hospitals again as long as they follow good hygiene practices and wash their hands frequently .
Offices and other workplaces can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are no set timelines for each of these three phases , and Mr Trump says governors across the US will be allowed to take a different approach in their own states and remain closed if necessary .
During a White House news conference , the president also warned that the US must remain vigilant about new COVID-19 cases coming from abroad , and he acknowledged that infections could flare up in the autumn .
Mr Trump also suggested that 29 states should be able to reopen relatively soon , and some could start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' guidelines today .
`` Now that we have passed the peak in new cases , we 're starting our life again , we 're starting rejuvenation of our economy again in a safe , structured and very responsible fashion , '' he added .
The guidelines make clear that returning to normal will be a far longer process than the president initially envisioned , with some federal officials warning that social distancing measures may need to be in force until the end of the year to prevent another outbreak .
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Sky 's US correspondent Amanda Walker said : `` Donald Trump 's vision was a sort of grand pan-America reopening .
That simply wo n't be the case .
`` This is going to be a protracted situation based on individual states .
It 's quite a high bar to even enter these three phases of starting to reopen .
`` Mr Trump clearly wants to get things back to normal , he 's acknowledging the seriousness of the situation as well , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus that controls the timeline . ''

Donald Trump has unveiled a three-phase plan to help the US return to normal, with one in seven American workers now unemployed.
The president said the guidelines - known as "Opening Up America Again" - are designed to ease restrictions in areas with low transmission of the coronavirus.
Before phase one of the plan can begin, a state or region must have seen a downwards trajectory in the number of new COVID-19 cases over 14 days.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Robust testing programmes for at-risk healthcare workers must be in force, while hospitals must have enough PPE, beds and ventilators to treat patients.
In phase one of Mr Trump's plan, schools and bars will remain closed - but larger venues such as cinemas, churches and arenas can start to reopen if strict social distancing measures are in place.
At-risk groups such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions must continue to stay at home, and gatherings of more than 10 people will continue to be prohibited.
During phase two, non-essential travel can begin to resume, but the vulnerable will still be urged to stay indoors.
Schools can resume lessons and bars can reopen as long as they leave less room for people to stand around.
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Social settings of more than 50 people will be prohibited, with employers told to continue encouraging their staff to work from home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:55 Hydroxychloroquine: Hype or the real deal?
In the third phase, at-risk groups can start to go out in public as long as they follow social distancing measures.
Visitors will be permitted in care homes and hospitals again as long as they follow good hygiene practices and wash their hands frequently.
Offices and other workplaces can also return to normal without restrictions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Robot deliveries ramp up during pandemic
There are no set timelines for each of these three phases, and Mr Trump says governors across the US will be allowed to take a different approach in their own states and remain closed if necessary.
During a White House news conference, the president also warned that the US must remain vigilant about new COVID-19 cases coming from abroad, and he acknowledged that infections could flare up in the autumn.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 New York emergency workers applaud health staff
Mr Trump also suggested that 29 states should be able to reopen relatively soon, and some could start following the "Opening Up America Again" guidelines today.
"Now that we have passed the peak in new cases, we're starting our life again, we're starting rejuvenation of our economy again in a safe, structured and very responsible fashion," he added.
The guidelines make clear that returning to normal will be a far longer process than the president initially envisioned, with some federal officials warning that social distancing measures may need to be in force until the end of the year to prevent another outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Tuesday - Trump to reporter: 'You know you are a fake'
Sky's US correspondent Amanda Walker said: "Donald Trump's vision was a sort of grand pan-America reopening. That simply won't be the case.
"This is going to be a protracted situation based on individual states. It's quite a high bar to even enter these three phases of starting to reopen.
"Mr Trump clearly wants to get things back to normal, he's acknowledging the seriousness of the situation as well, but the experts are saying that it's the virus that controls the timeline."


skynewsus--2020-04-16--Police find 18 bodies at care home's 'makeshift morgue'

The bodies of 18 people have been found at a care home in New Jersey .
Police discovered five bodies on Sunday and a further 13 the following day after receiving an anonymous tip that the home was storing a body outside , according to Andover Township Police chief Eric Danielson .
The 13 bodies were found in a building used to house deceased residents until they can be collected by a funeral home , according to the New Jersey Herald .
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said he was `` outraged '' that bodies of the dead were `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morgue '' at the facility .
`` New Jerseyans living in our long-term care facilities deserve to be cared for with respect , compassion and dignity , '' he added .
Chaim Scheinbaum , who co-owns the Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Centre , said in an email to the state 's governor that the `` more than average deaths '' had meant that more bodies needed to be stored in the facility , which usually has a capacity of four .
Mr Scheinbaum added that staffing at the facility is `` solid '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one more than normal , and 39 nursing assistants , one fewer than normal .
The centre has been severely impacted by COVID-19 , with more than 100 staff and residents testing positive for the disease , according to the New York Times .
Two nurses and 66 residents from the home have died so far during the pandemic , with 26 of those deaths confirmed as being linked to coronavirus , the newspaper added .
Representative Josh Gottheimer , a Democrat whose district covers Andover Township , said he was told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in desperate need of body bags , and received calls and emails from concerned relatives .
`` One of my concerns is that these facilities are not communicating in real time , '' he said .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker '' That 's what I 've been hearing from families .
That 's outrageous , it 's completely unacceptable that they have to call me for updates . ''
New Jersey health officials say that 471 care home residents have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 358 out of the state 's 375 centres have reported positive cases of coronavirus .

The bodies of 18 people have been found at a care home in New Jersey.
Police discovered five bodies on Sunday and a further 13 the following day after receiving an anonymous tip that the home was storing a body outside, according to Andover Township Police chief Eric Danielson.
The 13 bodies were found in a building used to house deceased residents until they can be collected by a funeral home, according to the New Jersey Herald.
Image: The care home said it was 'overwhelmed' with deaths at the weekend
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said he was "outraged" that bodies of the dead were "allowed to pile up in a makeshift morgue" at the facility.
"New Jerseyans living in our long-term care facilities deserve to be cared for with respect, compassion and dignity," he added.
Chaim Scheinbaum, who co-owns the Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Centre, said in an email to the state's governor that the "more than average deaths" had meant that more bodies needed to be stored in the facility, which usually has a capacity of four.
Mr Scheinbaum added that staffing at the facility is "solid", and is operating with 12 nurses, one more than normal, and 39 nursing assistants, one fewer than normal.
Image: Staff removed 18 bodies from the care home
The centre has been severely impacted by COVID-19, with more than 100 staff and residents testing positive for the disease, according to the New York Times.
Two nurses and 66 residents from the home have died so far during the pandemic, with 26 of those deaths confirmed as being linked to coronavirus, the newspaper added.
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Representative Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat whose district covers Andover Township, said he was told at the weekend that the home was in desperate need of body bags, and received calls and emails from concerned relatives.
"One of my concerns is that these facilities are not communicating in real time," he said.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
"That's what I've been hearing from families. That's outrageous, it's completely unacceptable that they have to call me for updates."
New Jersey health officials say that 471 care home residents have passed away with suspect COVID-19, while 358 out of the state's 375 centres have reported positive cases of coronavirus.


skynewsus--2020-04-16--Trump's criticism of WHO coronavirus response backfires

Donald Trump 's apparent attempt to scapegoat the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) for the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have been rebuffed in a virtual summit of the G7 world 's richest nations .
The day after the US president drew international outrage for suspending funding for the WHO , all other world leaders attending the meeting gave the organisation their support .
Efforts to coordinate international efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic have been jeopardised by the controversy over the Trump administration 's unprecedented move to withdraw funding for the global body tasked with battling the outbreak .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gloss on the outcome of the virtual summit claiming that `` much of the conversation centred on the lack of transparency and chronic mismanagement of the pandemic by the WHO .
The leaders called for a thorough review and reform process . ''
But other world leaders stood by the WHO seeing it as an important part of efforts to coordinate an international response .
The Trump Administration says the WHO was too slow to respond to the outbreak in Wuhan and too ready to praise China 's response , kowtowing to Beijing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration with China and the WHO among other western governments and a recognition the international body needs some measure of reform .
But there has been universal dismay at President Trump 's decision to cut US funding for the WHO .
Allies suspect the president is attempting to distract attention from his administration 's failings in dealing with the virus .
President Trump initially called the coronavirus outbreak a hoax and the number of cases in America is rising more steeply than anywhere else in the world .
Western diplomats concede America 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's decision and say it is not at all clear what kind of reforms he would like to see at the WHO to see funding reinstated .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The WHO plays a vital role in international efforts to battle a range of diseases and testing vaccines in scores of nations .
President Trump attempted to defend his record at one of the most extraordinary press conferences of his unconventional presidency this week .
He railed at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfavourable coverage of his COVID-19 response .
The devastating impact of the virus on the health and lives of Americans and on the US economy may reduce Trump 's chances of re-election in November .

Donald Trump's apparent attempt to scapegoat the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have been rebuffed in a virtual summit of the G7 world's richest nations.
The day after the US president drew international outrage for suspending funding for the WHO, all other world leaders attending the meeting gave the organisation their support.
Efforts to coordinate international efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic have been jeopardised by the controversy over the Trump administration's unprecedented move to withdraw funding for the global body tasked with battling the outbreak.
Image: Donald Trump has criticised the WHO, led by Tedros Adhanom
The White House tried to put its best gloss on the outcome of the virtual summit claiming that "much of the conversation centred on the lack of transparency and chronic mismanagement of the pandemic by the WHO. The leaders called for a thorough review and reform process."
But other world leaders stood by the WHO seeing it as an important part of efforts to coordinate an international response.
The Trump Administration says the WHO was too slow to respond to the outbreak in Wuhan and too ready to praise China's response, kowtowing to Beijing for political reasons.
There has been frustration with China and the WHO among other western governments and a recognition the international body needs some measure of reform. But there has been universal dismay at President Trump's decision to cut US funding for the WHO.
Allies suspect the president is attempting to distract attention from his administration's failings in dealing with the virus.
President Trump initially called the coronavirus outbreak a hoax and the number of cases in America is rising more steeply than anywhere else in the world.
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Western diplomats concede America's allies have been blindsided by the president's decision and say it is not at all clear what kind of reforms he would like to see at the WHO to see funding reinstated.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The WHO plays a vital role in international efforts to battle a range of diseases and testing vaccines in scores of nations.
President Trump attempted to defend his record at one of the most extraordinary press conferences of his unconventional presidency this week.
He railed at the news media and blamed it for the unfavourable coverage of his COVID-19 response.
The devastating impact of the virus on the health and lives of Americans and on the US economy may reduce Trump's chances of re-election in November.


skynewsus--2020-04-16--More than 20 million claim US unemployment benefit in past month

The US recorded 5.2 million unemployment claims last week , taking the total over the past month to more than 20 million .
It is the worst stretch of American job losses on record , with much of the world 's biggest economy at a standstill due to lockdown measures put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus .
It comes as Donald Trump insists that the number of new cases in the US has passed its peak and stressed his keenness to re-start economic activity , claiming the country will be the `` comeback kid '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of labour adds to the 6.6 million claims seen the week before , a record 6.9 million the week before that , and 3.3 million in the prior seven days .
That means roughly 22 million people have sought jobless benefits in the last four weeks - and experts think there will be more big numbers to come .
Joseph Briggs , an economist at Goldman Sachs , said : `` We expect that claims will remain very elevated in coming weeks as states struggle to clear backlogs and more companies lay off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Including this week , we currently project an additional 20 million in initial jobless claims through the end of May , after which we expect new claims to fall to levels consistent with prior recessions . ''
It come as all businesses seen as non-essential have been closed in nearly every state with deep job losses inflicted on every industry .
Some economists think the unemployment rate will rise as high as 20 % , soaring past the damage inflicted during the financial crisis just over a decade ago to a level unmatched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lay-offs are spreading beyond the likes of hotels , bars and restaurants , which absorbed the initial job cuts , to encompass white-collar occupations including software programmers and sales people .
The latest figures underscore the likelihood that the US , like other major economies , is being tipped into a severe recession by the impact of the coronavirus crisis .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Earlier this week the IMF forecast that the American economy would shrink by 5.9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the damage caused will be even worse - before an expected rebound when the lockdown ends .
Notable US job announcements in recent days have come from electronics chain Best Buy - which said it will furlough 51,000 employees - and Toast - a software company that works with restaurants and has cut 1,300 jobs , half its workforce .
The latest jobs figures come a day after dismal data showing a record drop in US retail sales in March and the biggest decline in factory output since 1946 .

The US recorded 5.2 million unemployment claims last week, taking the total over the past month to more than 20 million.
It is the worst stretch of American job losses on record, with much of the world's biggest economy at a standstill due to lockdown measures put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus.
It comes as Donald Trump insists that the number of new cases in the US has passed its peak and stressed his keenness to re-start economic activity, claiming the country will be the "comeback kid".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 'I don't know if I'll make it': US workers lose jobs
The latest weekly tally from Washington's department of labour adds to the 6.6 million claims seen the week before, a record 6.9 million the week before that, and 3.3 million in the prior seven days.
That means roughly 22 million people have sought jobless benefits in the last four weeks - and experts think there will be more big numbers to come.
Joseph Briggs, an economist at Goldman Sachs, said: "We expect that claims will remain very elevated in coming weeks as states struggle to clear backlogs and more companies lay off workers in response to the shutdown
"Including this week, we currently project an additional 20 million in initial jobless claims through the end of May, after which we expect new claims to fall to levels consistent with prior recessions."
Podcast Podcast , 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 Podcast 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 Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
It come as all businesses seen as non-essential have been closed in nearly every state with deep job losses inflicted on every industry.
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Some economists think the unemployment rate will rise as high as 20%, soaring past the damage inflicted during the financial crisis just over a decade ago to a level unmatched since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Lay-offs are spreading beyond the likes of hotels, bars and restaurants, which absorbed the initial job cuts, to encompass white-collar occupations including software programmers and sales people.
The latest figures underscore the likelihood that the US, like other major economies, is being tipped into a severe recession by the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Earlier this week the IMF forecast that the American economy would shrink by 5.9% in 2020 while some experts think the damage caused will be even worse - before an expected rebound when the lockdown ends.
Notable US job announcements in recent days have come from electronics chain Best Buy - which said it will furlough 51,000 employees - and Toast - a software company that works with restaurants and has cut 1,300 jobs, half its workforce.
The latest jobs figures come a day after dismal data showing a record drop in US retail sales in March and the biggest decline in factory output since 1946.


skynewsus--2020-04-16--Trump tries to reopen America as Obama gets into the 2020 race

Across America over 30,000 people have died from coronavirus - doubling in one week - hundreds of thousands of people are sick and millions are struggling for financial survival .
Donald Trump is lashing out as his handling of the crisis comes under intense scrutiny .
But despite no real end in sight - the president is intent on opening at least part of the country in two weeks ' time .
On Divided States , Amanda Walker is in Washington and joined on the podcast by Alistair Bunkall , in New York , and Greg Milam , in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker They discuss Trump 's bizarre press conference this week , where he declared he had 'absolute power ' , and after which he was accused of having 'the biggest meltdown ever ' from a US president and of trying to 'rewrite history ' over his administration 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Greg tell us how the west coast of America is coping with the lockdown , and Ali revisits a doctor in New York who a few weeks ago described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'worse than 9/11 . '
We also discuss the 2020 race for the White House as former President Barack Obama formally endorses Joe Biden .
Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have also given their endorsement , Warren going so far to say that she would accept being Biden 's pick for running mate .

Across America over 30,000 people have died from coronavirus - doubling in one week - hundreds of thousands of people are sick and millions are struggling for financial survival.
Donald Trump is lashing out as his handling of the crisis comes under intense scrutiny. But despite no real end in sight - the president is intent on opening at least part of the country in two weeks' time.
On Divided States, Amanda Walker is in Washington and joined on the podcast by Alistair Bunkall, in New York, and Greg Milam, in California.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
They discuss Trump's bizarre press conference this week, where he declared he had 'absolute power', and after which he was accused of having 'the biggest meltdown ever' from a US president and of trying to 'rewrite history' over his administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Greg tell us how the west coast of America is coping with the lockdown, and Ali revisits a doctor in New York who a few weeks ago described the situation there as 'hell' and 'worse than 9/11.'
We also discuss the 2020 race for the White House as former President Barack Obama formally endorses Joe Biden. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have also given their endorsement, Warren going so far to say that she would accept being Biden's pick for running mate.


skynewsus--2020-04-17--US anti-lockdown protests call for lifting of coronavirus restrictions

A wave of low-key but politically-motivated anti-lockdown protests in the US have called for the lifting of restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Dozens of protesters - some wearing masks , some social distancing - rallied outside the governor 's mansion in Austin , Texas , on Thursday , chanting `` Free Texas '' and `` Make America Free Again '' .
State governor Greg Abbott is expected to announce a plan to reopen the economy on Friday .
Small-government groups , supporters of president Donald Trump , anti-vaccine advocates , gun rights backers and supporters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country to pressure state governors to ease restrictions .
More than 660,000 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in the US while at least 28,900 people have died after catching it , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the pandemic .
Other states , including Michigan , Ohio , Oklahoma , Texas and Virginia , also saw dissent outside governors ' mansions and state parliament buildings .
The largest one so far , in Michigan , saw several thousand demonstrators descend on the state capital , Lansing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ most ignored social distancing and few , if any , wore masks as they chanted and held up signs , including several calling governor Gretchen Whitmer a `` Nazi '' .
There were even chants of `` lock her up '' , echoing a rallying cry aimed at Democrat Hillary Clinton during Mr Trump 's 2016 election campaign events .
The Ohio rally brought together a collection of anti-vaccine advocates , Second Amendment supporters , tea party activists and other anti-government activists .
The Austin event was broadcast live by InfoWars TV , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theorist and radio host Alex Jones .
But the protests cut across party lines , for while Ms Whitmer is a Democrat , the governors of Ohio , Texas and Oklahoma are all Republicans .
Oklahoma City was one of the cities where protesters ' cars caused traffic jams on roads around their destination , drawing criticism that emergency vehicles might not be able to pass .
Protesters wrote messages on vehicles ' windows or on signs saying `` stop killing our economy , '' `` we need our church '' and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lansing rally resembled one of the president 's rallies - complete with MAGA ( Make America Great Again ) hats or Trump flags .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The protesters ' demands are in line with those of Mr Trump , who on Thursday pushed for easing stay-at-home orders and tried to look ahead to restarting the economy by announcing a framework for governors to follow .
Health experts have warned that lifting restrictions too quickly could result in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Mr Trump , who has made great political capital of America 's previously booming economy , wants to return to normal as soon as possible before the slowdown damages his re-election chances .
Twenty million jobs have been lost in the US since the start of the pandemic .
Asked about the protesters , Mr Trump sympathised with their frustration , saying : `` They 're suffering ... they want to get back . ''
He also dismissed concerns about the health risks of ignoring state orders and potentially exposing themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're listening .
I think they listen to me .
They seem to be protesters that like me and respect this opinion , and my opinion 's the same as just about all of the governors .
Nobody wants to stay shut , '' he said .

A wave of low-key but politically-motivated anti-lockdown protests in the US have called for the lifting of restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Dozens of protesters - some wearing masks, some social distancing - rallied outside the governor's mansion in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, chanting "Free Texas" and "Make America Free Again".
State governor Greg Abbott is expected to announce a plan to reopen the economy on Friday.
Image: Two heavily-armed protesters in the Michigan capital, Lansing
Small-government groups, supporters of president Donald Trump, anti-vaccine advocates, gun rights backers and supporters of other right-wing causes combined at the events across the country to pressure state governors to ease restrictions.
More than 660,000 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in the US while at least 28,900 people have died after catching it, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the pandemic.
Other states, including Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, also saw dissent outside governors' mansions and state parliament buildings.
The largest one so far, in Michigan, saw several thousand demonstrators descend on the state capital, Lansing.
Some of those involved brought weapons, most ignored social distancing and few, if any, wore masks as they chanted and held up signs, including several calling governor Gretchen Whitmer a "Nazi" .
There were even chants of "lock her up", echoing a rallying cry aimed at Democrat Hillary Clinton during Mr Trump's 2016 election campaign events.
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The Ohio rally brought together a collection of anti-vaccine advocates, Second Amendment supporters, tea party activists and other anti-government activists.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
The Austin event was broadcast live by InfoWars TV, part of a company owned by conspiracy theorist and radio host Alex Jones.
But the protests cut across party lines, for while Ms Whitmer is a Democrat, the governors of Ohio, Texas and Oklahoma are all Republicans.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:34 El Chapo's daughter hands out coronavirus aid
Oklahoma City was one of the cities where protesters' cars caused traffic jams on roads around their destination, drawing criticism that emergency vehicles might not be able to pass.
Protesters wrote messages on vehicles' windows or on signs saying "stop killing our economy," "we need our church" and "time 2 work".
Wednesday's Lansing rally resembled one of the president's rallies - complete with MAGA (Make America Great Again) hats or Trump flags.
Podcast Podcast , 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 Podcast 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 Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The protesters' demands are in line with those of Mr Trump, who on Thursday pushed for easing stay-at-home orders and tried to look ahead to restarting the economy by announcing a framework for governors to follow.
Health experts have warned that lifting restrictions too quickly could result in a surge of new cases of the virus.
But Mr Trump, who has made great political capital of America's previously booming economy, wants to return to normal as soon as possible before the slowdown damages his re-election chances.
Twenty million jobs have been lost in the US since the start of the pandemic.
Asked about the protesters, Mr Trump sympathised with their frustration, saying: "They're suffering ... they want to get back."
He also dismissed concerns about the health risks of ignoring state orders and potentially exposing themselves to the virus.
"I think they're listening. I think they listen to me. They seem to be protesters that like me and respect this opinion, and my opinion's the same as just about all of the governors. Nobody wants to stay shut," he said.


skynewsus--2020-04-17--Hugh Jackman: Scarlett to blame for Ryan Reynolds feud

Hugh Jackman says his long-running feud with actor Ryan Reynolds kicked off because of his close friendship with Scarlett Johansson .
The Australian actor , first met Reynolds while filming Wolverine and said pretty soon the teasing `` escalated '' .
Speaking to the Daily Beast , Jackman said the beef has gone on so long , he almost does n't know how or why it first started .
The 51-year-old said : `` I met him back on Wolverine , and I used to ream [ tease ] him because I was very close friends with Scarlett [ Johansson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan , so when he came on set I was like , 'Hey , you better be on your best behaviour here , pal , because I 'm watching ' .
`` And we started ribbing each other that way , and then it all escalated with the Deadpool thing and him calling me out , and trying to manipulate me through social media to do what he wanted . ''
Reynolds was married to Johansson for three years , until their divorce in 2011 .
He then took on the role of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aiming several jokes at X-Men Wolverine 's expense .
That rivalry has enthusiastically continued off screen and into social media according to Jackman .
Jackman and Reynolds are well-known for their frequent good-natured spats on social media , trolling one another to humorous effect .
Jackman joked that he limits his planning of retribution to just five hours a day .
He said : `` I 've found in the past that it just gets unhealthy if it 's more than five hours of obsessing over how to get Ryan Reynolds .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeps me strong and ready . ''
He also admitted he 'd turned down a role in box office disaster CATS , after being approached directly by director Tom Hooper , due to `` availability issues '' .
Jackman worked with Hooper in 2012 musical Les Miserables , and despite the musical miss , says the director is `` one of the great filmmakers we have '' .
Jackman is currently self-isolating with his wife and two children in his apartment in New York , and says he feels enormously grateful they are @ @ @ @ @ @

Hugh Jackman says his long-running feud with actor Ryan Reynolds kicked off because of his close friendship with Scarlett Johansson.
The Australian actor, first met Reynolds while filming Wolverine and said pretty soon the teasing "escalated".
Image: Deadpool is the eighth film in the X-Men series, starring Ryan Reynolds
Image: Scarlett is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe too, as The Avenger's Black Widow
Speaking to the Daily Beast, Jackman said the beef has gone on so long, he almost doesn't know how or why it first started.
The 51-year-old said: "I met him back on Wolverine, and I used to ream [tease] him because I was very close friends with Scarlett [Johansson], and Scarlett had just married Ryan, so when he came on set I was like, 'Hey, you better be on your best behaviour here, pal, because I'm watching'.
"And we started ribbing each other that way, and then it all escalated with the Deadpool thing and him calling me out, and trying to manipulate me through social media to do what he wanted."
Image: Hugh takes the dog for a walk during lockdown in New York
Reynolds was married to Johansson for three years, until their divorce in 2011.
He then took on the role of Deadpool in 2016, with the character aiming several jokes at X-Men Wolverine's expense.
That rivalry has enthusiastically continued off screen and into social media according to Jackman.
Jackman and Reynolds are well-known for their frequent good-natured spats on social media, trolling one another to humorous effect.
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Jackman joked that he limits his planning of retribution to just five hours a day.
He said: "I've found in the past that it just gets unhealthy if it's more than five hours of obsessing over how to get Ryan Reynolds. But five hours is good and healthy and keeps me strong and ready."
He also admitted he'd turned down a role in box office disaster CATS, after being approached directly by director Tom Hooper, due to "availability issues".
Jackman worked with Hooper in 2012 musical Les Miserables, and despite the musical miss, says the director is "one of the great filmmakers we have".
Jackman is currently self-isolating with his wife and two children in his apartment in New York, and says he feels enormously grateful they are all healthy during the outbreak.


skynewsus--2020-04-17--'Hellish' quarantine inspires Johnny Depp to join Instagram

Johnny Depp has joined Instagram to communicate with fans in response to the `` hellish quarantine monotony '' brought on by the coronavirus pandemic .
The Hollywood actor , 56 , amassed more than 1.5 million followers on the first day of making his account - and thanked fans for their `` unwavering support '' .
His first post was a picture of himself sitting in what appeared to be the inside of a candlelit cave .
`` Hello everyone ... filming something for you now ... gim me a minute , '' the star wrote .
Depp then shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which he thanked fans and appeared to reference his bitter feud with ex-wife Amber Heard , which has led to allegations of domestic abuse on both sides .
`` Thank you all for your kindness , your unwavering support and your strength over these years , '' Depp said .
The Pirates Of The Caribbean star revealed he was prompted to join social media because of the coronavirus pandemic .
He said : `` I do n't think I 've really ever felt any particular reason to ( join social media ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to open up a dialogue , as the threat of this invisible enemy has already caused immeasurable tragedies and damage to people 's lives . ''
Depp , who is part of the band The Hollywood Vampires , also urged his followers to `` care for one another '' during the global pandemic and advised them to keep busy .
`` We can not and must not succumb to shutting down and giving in to what feels like hellish quarantine monotony , '' Depp said .
`` Create something today that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything you think could be of use to brighten someone 's day .
Draw , read , paint , think , learn , make a film on your phone , play an instrument if you play ; if you do n't , learn . ''
He also commented on his new release of the John Lennon song Isolation with Jeff Beck , describing it as `` especially fitting '' due to the current circumstances .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation , fear , and the existential risk to our world , so we wanted to give the song to you .
`` We truly both hope in our own little way , it helps you get through these unusual times that we 're experiencing , even if it just helps to pass the time as we endure isolation together . ''

Johnny Depp has joined Instagram to communicate with fans in response to the "hellish quarantine monotony" brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Hollywood actor, 56, amassed more than 1.5 million followers on the first day of making his account - and thanked fans for their "unwavering support".
His first post was a picture of himself sitting in what appeared to be the inside of a candlelit cave.
"Hello everyone... filming something for you now... gimme a minute," the star wrote.
Depp then shared an eight-minute video from the same setting in which he thanked fans and appeared to reference his bitter feud with ex-wife Amber Heard, which has led to allegations of domestic abuse on both sides.
"Thank you all for your kindness, your unwavering support and your strength over these years," Depp said.
The Pirates Of The Caribbean star revealed he was prompted to join social media because of the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: "I don't think I've really ever felt any particular reason to (join social media) until now.
"Now is the time to open up a dialogue, as the threat of this invisible enemy has already caused immeasurable tragedies and damage to people's lives."
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Depp, who is part of the band The Hollywood Vampires, also urged his followers to "care for one another" during the global pandemic and advised them to keep busy.
"We cannot and must not succumb to shutting down and giving in to what feels like hellish quarantine monotony," Depp said.
"Create something today that will benefit yourselves and others tomorrow. Do anything you think could be of use to brighten someone's day. Draw, read, paint, think, learn, make a film on your phone, play an instrument if you play; if you don't, learn."
He also commented on his new release of the John Lennon song Isolation with Jeff Beck, describing it as "especially fitting" due to the current circumstances.
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He added: "The song's about isolation, fear, and the existential risk to our world, so we wanted to give the song to you.
"We truly both hope in our own little way, it helps you get through these unusual times that we're experiencing, even if it just helps to pass the time as we endure isolation together."


skynewsus--2020-04-17--Trump calls for some states to be 'liberated' from coronavirus lockdown

President Trump has called on his supporters to `` liberate '' Minnesota , Michigan and Virginia - all of whom have Democratic governors - as he tries to get the crippled US economy reopened .
Strict stay-at-home orders have been imposed by local politicians in 42 states to tackle the coronavirus pandemic , with businesses closed and millions of Americans out of work .
Some people have started taking to the streets to urge governors to reconsider the COVID-19 restrictions , including a demonstration outside the home of governor Tim Walz in Minnesota .
There have also been protests in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Texas , North Carolina and Kentucky .
The president also criticised New York governor Andrew Cuomo , another Democrat , for his comments over the federal response .
Mr Trump claimed Mr Cuomo should spend more time `` doing '' and less time `` complaining '' .
Mr Cuomo had earlier said the president was `` passing the buck without passing the bucks '' , accusing the government of underfunding the response .
He said : `` The federal government can not wipe its hands of this and say , 'Oh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We can not do it .
We can not do it without federal help . ''
The issue has become a personal one between the two high-profile politicians , with the president tweeting : `` Cuomo ridiculously wanted `` 40 thousand Ventilators '' .
We gave him a small fraction of that number , and it was plenty .
State should have had them in stockpile ! ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Thursday , the president unveiled a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a time period of several weeks in places that have widespread testing and are seeing a fall in COVID-19 cases .
And he assured the nation 's governors `` you 're going to call your own shots '' , after previously claiming he had the power to reopen the economy .
But governors from both sides of the political divide are calling for more help from Washington to ramp up testing - as the president put the focus back on them , tweeting : `` The States have to step up their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Democrat who has been critical of the government 's response to the crisis , admitted people were very anxious about their livelihoods and worried about paying the rent when they were out of work .
`` But the last thing I want to do is to have a second wave here , so we 've got to be really smart , '' she said .
However , she also said she was hopeful the state could begin to reopen parts of its economy beginning on 1 May .
Ohio 's Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start to reopen on the same day .
Both governors along with those in Wisconsin , Minnesota , Illinois , Indiana and Kentucky have formed a partnership to work together on restarting their economies , which make up about 16 % of total US economic output .

Donald Trump has called on his supporters to "liberate" Minnesota, Michigan and Virginia - all of whom have Democratic governors - as he tries to get the crippled US economy reopened.
Strict stay-at-home orders have been imposed by politicians in 42 states to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, with businesses closed and millions of Americans out of work.
Some people have started taking to the streets to urge governors to reconsider the COVID-19 restrictions, including a demonstration outside the home of governor Tim Walz in Minnesota.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Hundreds of people gathered outside the governor's residence in Minnesota
There have also been protests in Virginia and Michigan as well as Ohio, Texas, North Carolina and Kentucky.
Jay Inslee, the Democratic governor for Washington, accused Mr Trump of encouraging "illegal and dangerous acts".
The president also criticised New York governor Andrew Cuomo, another Democrat, for his comments over the federal response.
Mr Trump claimed Mr Cuomo should spend more time "doing" and less time "complaining".
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Cuomo had earlier said the president was "passing the buck without passing the bucks", accusing the government of underfunding the response.
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He warned: "The federal government cannot wipe its hands of this and say, 'Oh, the states are responsible for testing'. We cannot do it. We cannot do it without federal help."
The issue has become a personal one between the two high-profile politicians, with the president tweeting: "Cuomo ridiculously wanted "40 thousand Ventilators". We gave him a small fraction of that number, and it was plenty. State should have had them in stockpile!"
On Thursday, the president unveiled a three-step set of guidelines for easing restrictions over several weeks in places that have widespread testing and are seeing a fall in COVID-19 cases.
And he assured the nation's governors "you're going to call your own shots", after previously claiming he had the power to reopen the economy.
But governors from both sides of the political divide are calling for more help from Washington to ramp up testing - as the president put the focus back on them, tweeting: "The States have to step up their testing!"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 Andrew Cuomo accused Donald Trump of 'passing the buck without bucks'
Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who has been critical of the government's response to the crisis, admitted people were very anxious about their livelihoods and worried about paying the rent when they were out of work.
"But the last thing I want to do is to have a second wave here, so we've got to be really smart," she said.
However, she also said she was hopeful the state could begin to reopen parts of its economy beginning on 1 May.
Ohio's Mike DeWine has already said his state would start to reopen on the same day.
Both governors along with those in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky have formed a partnership to work together on restarting their economies, which make up about 16% of total US economic output.


skynewsus--2020-04-17--Man forced to isolate alone in ghost town with murderous past after being snowed in

A man who bought a ghost town with a sinister past has been forced to quarantine there after a snowstorm left him trapped .
Brent Underwood says he has been resorting to melting snow for water after his week-long stay in Cerro Gordo , California , was unexpectedly and significantly prolonged by nationwide coronavirus lockdown measures .
He told Sky News he had arrived during good weather a month ago , but that four consecutive days of snow had left him stuck there in solitude ever since .
`` I think one morning I woke up and saw the snow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'what have I got myself into ? '
'' he said .
`` I managed to calm myself down by the following day and decided I would just use my time here productively .
`` I 'm definitely socially isolating , at least . ''
Having bought the former silver mining town for £1.1m ( $ 1.4m ) in 2018 , he had mainly left it in the hands of full-time caretaker of 21 years , Robert Desmarais .
But as restrictions designed to curb the spread of COVID-19 began , the 32-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 400-acre space for a week while Mr Desmarais visited Arizona to check on his wife .
It is 26 miles from the nearest grocery store , but four feet of snow means travelling any further than a few hundred yards is currently impossible .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker And despite previously being a sceptic , Mr Underwood said his experiences during his time alone in the 22-building town had led him to believe rumours it is haunted .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject of an episode of the TV show Ghost Adventures , which concluded it was haunted by the ghosts of two children who died after being trapped in a closet .
He said : `` Apart from the ghosts and maybe a few bobcats , I 'm alone .
So I 've been having visitors , but not necessarily welcome ones .
`` I 've heard some strange sounds and I had a book fall off a shelf , for no apparent reason .
`` Having said that , I 've never really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so maybe we 've found a way to coexist peacefully .
`` I 'm definitely open-minded about it all now . ''
While he has no more fresh food such as bread a vegetables , Mr Underwood said he had enough rice and tinned goods to survive until conditions allowed travel in and out of the town .
`` It 's quite cold and I 'm quite hungry , but I know there are lots of people around the world in a far worse position , '' he said .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been trying to have fun with it .
`` I figured I 'm not getting out any time soon , so I 've been trying to treat each day as an adventure . ''
He said Cerro Gordo had been largely uninhabited for around 100 years , after mining operations there ceased in the early 1900s .
`` A lot of the buildings were exactly as they are now , so it 's full of history .
`` It was n't something that I planned but when I do see what 's happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make me think I may want to stay here even when the snow has cleared .
`` Being here this long was n't something that I planned , but it 's given me a great chance to learn more about the place . ''
While he had planned to begin allowing Airbnb visitors to the site in May , he said he now hoped to do so towards the end of the summer , depending on restrictions still in place .
As for entertainment during his enforced solitude , Mr Underwood said patchy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ability to stream films and TV shows to distract himself like so many others enduring quarantine .
`` I 've certainly missed out on all the Netflix phenomena , '' he said .
`` When I do make it on to social media , I keep seeing all these memes about Tiger King and I have no idea what people are talking about . ''

A man who bought a ghost town with a sinister past has been forced to quarantine there after a snowstorm left him trapped.
Brent Underwood says he has been resorting to melting snow for water after his week-long stay in Cerro Gordo, California, was unexpectedly and significantly prolonged by nationwide coronavirus lockdown measures.
He told Sky News he had arrived during good weather a month ago, but that four consecutive days of snow had left him stuck there in solitude ever since.
Image: Brent Underwood (left) with caretaker Robert Desmarais, who he was standing in for. Pic: Brent Underwood
"I think one morning I woke up and saw the snow was over my truck and I thought 'what have I got myself into?'" he said.
"I managed to calm myself down by the following day and decided I would just use my time here productively.
"I'm definitely socially isolating, at least."
Having bought the former silver mining town for £1.1m ($1.4m) in 2018, he had mainly left it in the hands of full-time caretaker of 21 years, Robert Desmarais.
But as restrictions designed to curb the spread of COVID-19 began, the 32-year-old marketer agreed to take over upkeep of the 400-acre space for a week while Mr Desmarais visited Arizona to check on his wife.
It is 26 miles from the nearest grocery store, but four feet of snow means travelling any further than a few hundred yards is currently impossible.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
And despite previously being a sceptic, Mr Underwood said his experiences during his time alone in the 22-building town had led him to believe rumours it is haunted.
He said the town had once been the subject of an episode of the TV show Ghost Adventures, which concluded it was haunted by the ghosts of two children who died after being trapped in a closet.
He said: "Apart from the ghosts and maybe a few bobcats, I'm alone. So I've been having visitors, but not necessarily welcome ones.
Image: Another building in Cerro Gordo is blasted by the snowstorm. Pic: Brent Underwood
"I've heard some strange sounds and I had a book fall off a shelf, for no apparent reason.
"Having said that, I've never really felt under threat from any spirits, so maybe we've found a way to coexist peacefully.
"I'm definitely open-minded about it all now."
While he has no more fresh food such as bread a vegetables, Mr Underwood said he had enough rice and tinned goods to survive until conditions allowed travel in and out of the town.
Image: A snowman Brent made to pass the time. Pic: Brent Underwood
"It's quite cold and I'm quite hungry, but I know there are lots of people around the world in a far worse position," he said.
"It's been very interesting, but I've been trying to have fun with it.
"I figured I'm not getting out any time soon, so I've been trying to treat each day as an adventure."
He said Cerro Gordo had been largely uninhabited for around 100 years, after mining operations there ceased in the early 1900s.
"A lot of the buildings were exactly as they are now, so it's full of history.
"It wasn't something that I planned but when I do see what's happening elsewhere in the world, it does make me think I may want to stay here even when the snow has cleared.
Image: Cerro Gordo at sunrise. Pic: Brent Underwood
"Being here this long wasn't something that I planned, but it's given me a great chance to learn more about the place."
While he had planned to begin allowing Airbnb visitors to the site in May, he said he now hoped to do so towards the end of the summer, depending on restrictions still in place.
As for entertainment during his enforced solitude, Mr Underwood said patchy internet connection meant he had been deprived of the ability to stream films and TV shows to distract himself like so many others enduring quarantine.
"I've certainly missed out on all the Netflix phenomena," he said.
"When I do make it on to social media, I keep seeing all these memes about Tiger King and I have no idea what people are talking about."