france24--2020-12-21--German man gets life sentence for Yom Kippur synagogue attack

Stephan Balliet ( centre ) was convicted of shooting dead two people after attempting to storm a synagogue in the German city of Halle .
A German court on Monday handed down a life sentence to the assailant behind a deadly far-right attack last year that nearly became the country 's worst anti-Semitic atrocity since World War II .
A bolted door at the synagogue in the eastern city of Halle with 52 worshippers inside marking Yom Kippur , the holiest day of the Jewish year , was the only thing that prevented the heavily armed attacker from carrying out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storm the temple on October 9 , 2019 , Stephan Balliet , 28 , shot dead a female passer-by and a man at a kebab shop .
During his five-month trial , Balliet denied the Holocaust in open court – a crime in Germany – and expressed no remorse to those targeted , many of whom were co-plaintiffs in the case .
`` The attack on the synagogue in Halle was one of the most repulsive anti-Semitic acts since World War II , '' prosecutor Kai Lohse told the court in the nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
The prosecution had demanded a life sentence for Balliet .
The defence team asked presiding judge Ursula Mertens only for a `` fair sentence '' .
A lawyer for nine of the co-plaintiffs , Mark Lupschitz , told AFP early Monday the trial had been `` fair '' and called the proceedings both `` stressful and empowering '' for the intended victims .
During the trial , Balliet insisted that `` attacking the synagogue was not a mistake , they are my enemies '' .
Dressed in military garb , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the internet , prefacing it with a manifesto espousing his misogynist , neo-fascist ideology .
Israel 's ambassador to Germany , Jeremy Issacharoff , called the attack `` a very , very alarming moment in German history '' .
`` If that guy would have been able to get into a synagogue ... it would have had a tremendous impact on German identity after the war and the fight against anti-Semitism , '' he told AFP in an interview .

A German court on Monday handed down a life sentence to the assailant behind a deadly far-right attack last year that nearly became the country's worst anti-Semitic atrocity since World War II.
Stephan Balliet (centre) was convicted of shooting dead two people after attempting to storm a synagogue in the German city of Halle.
Advertising Read more
A bolted door at the synagogue in the eastern city of Halle with 52 worshippers inside marking Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, was the only thing that prevented the heavily armed attacker from carrying out a planned bloodbath.
After failing to storm the temple on October 9, 2019, Stephan Balliet, 28, shot dead a female passer-by and a man at a kebab shop.
During his five-month trial, Balliet denied the Holocaust in open court – a crime in Germany – and expressed no remorse to those targeted, many of whom were co-plaintiffs in the case.
"The attack on the synagogue in Halle was one of the most repulsive anti-Semitic acts since World War II," prosecutor Kai Lohse told the court in the nearby city of Magdeburg as the trial wrapped up.
The prosecution had demanded a life sentence for Balliet. The defence team asked presiding judge Ursula Mertens only for a "fair sentence".
A lawyer for nine of the co-plaintiffs, Mark Lupschitz, told AFP early Monday the trial had been "fair" and called the proceedings both "stressful and empowering" for the intended victims.
During the trial, Balliet insisted that "attacking the synagogue was not a mistake, they are my enemies".
Dressed in military garb, he filmed the attack and broadcast it on the internet, prefacing it with a manifesto espousing his misogynist, neo-fascist ideology.
Israel's ambassador to Germany, Jeremy Issacharoff, called the attack "a very, very alarming moment in German history".
"If that guy would have been able to get into a synagogue... it would have had a tremendous impact on German identity after the war and the fight against anti-Semitism," he told AFP in an interview.
(AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-12-21--I want fighters not victims, says Arsenal boss Arteta

The Arsenal players have to show they are fighters not victims if they are to turn around their season , says Mikel Arteta Under-pressure Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the only way the struggling Gunners are going to turn their season around is if his players show they are fighters and not victims .
The Spaniard is favourite to be the next Premier League manager to be fired as the warm glow of FA Cup success last season has evaporated fast .
Arsenal are 15th in the table and without a Premier League win since November 1 .
They have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven games and are only four points above the relegation zone .
The only respite for Arteta -- who has been in the post for just over a year -- has come in the cup competitions .
They are through to the knockout rounds of the Europa League and on Tuesday they face Manchester City -- where he cut his coaching teeth as assistant to Pep Guardiola -- in the League Cup quarter-finals .
`` You have two types of people : fighters and victims , '' said Arteta .
`` You need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims .
`` Victims bring excuses , victims bring negativity and they start to blame anything that is happening around them or is not going their way .
`` You need people who fight , people who contribute and people who are ready to give everything to the club in this moment . ''
Arteta says he ignores what is written about him and the club , insisting that all that matters is the feeling within the club -- and there , he claims , it is a wholly supportive atmosphere .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best and when it is not happening , everyone is going to question what is happening , '' he said .
`` I am the most responsible one in terms of results , so I have to accept that . ''
Arteta said the quarter-final against the holders provides a welcome distraction from their underwhelming league campaign .
`` This is what we want to use it for ( a distraction ) , as well as a competition we want to try to win , '' said Arteta .
`` We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool , we managed to beat them both and now we are playing at home and we are one step closer to Wembley .
`` So it is a really nice game to play , as this is the type of game we are looking for through the season . ''
However , he admits winning the trophy would not be sufficient to counter-balance a poor Premier League campaign .
`` It 's not enough , isolating just one competition , '' said Arteta .
`` We have a really nice opportunity because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competition this year and tomorrow 's game is another step forward to be closer to winning another trophy .
`` But this does n't mean that it 's going to reflect on the rest or it 's going to look better because at the moment -- whatever happens in any other competition -- in the Premier League we 're nowhere near where we should be . ''

London (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Under-pressure Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the only way the struggling Gunners are going to turn their season around is if his players show they are fighters and not victims.
The Spaniard is favourite to be the next Premier League manager to be fired as the warm glow of FA Cup success last season has evaporated fast.
Arsenal are 15th in the table and without a Premier League win since November 1. They have accrued just two points in the last seven games and are only four points above the relegation zone.
The only respite for Arteta -- who has been in the post for just over a year -- has come in the cup competitions.
They are through to the knockout rounds of the Europa League and on Tuesday they face Manchester City -- where he cut his coaching teeth as assistant to Pep Guardiola -- in the League Cup quarter-finals.
"You have two types of people: fighters and victims," said Arteta. "You need fighters and you don't want any victims.
"Victims bring excuses, victims bring negativity and they start to blame anything that is happening around them or is not going their way.
"You need people who fight, people who contribute and people who are ready to give everything to the club in this moment."
- 'One step closer' -
Arteta says he ignores what is written about him and the club, insisting that all that matters is the feeling within the club -- and there, he claims, it is a wholly supportive atmosphere.
"Obviously a club of this stature deserves the best and when it is not happening, everyone is going to question what is happening," he said.
"I am the most responsible one in terms of results, so I have to accept that."
Arteta said the quarter-final against the holders provides a welcome distraction from their underwhelming league campaign.
"This is what we want to use it for (a distraction), as well as a competition we want to try to win," said Arteta.
"We have two difficult opponents before in Leicester and Liverpool, we managed to beat them both and now we are playing at home and we are one step closer to Wembley.
"So it is a really nice game to play, as this is the type of game we are looking for through the season."
However, he admits winning the trophy would not be sufficient to counter-balance a poor Premier League campaign.
"It's not enough, isolating just one competition," said Arteta. "We have a really nice opportunity because we've done really well in the competition this year and tomorrow's game is another step forward to be closer to winning another trophy.
"But this doesn't mean that it's going to reflect on the rest or it's going to look better because at the moment -- whatever happens in any other competition -- in the Premier League we're nowhere near where we should be."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--Prosecutors probe anti-Semitic tweets targeting Miss France runner-up

April Benayoum became the target of a flood of anti-Semitic messages French prosecutors on Monday opened an investigation into a torrent of anti-Semitic social media messages aimed at the runner-up in the latest Miss France competition .
April Benayoum , 21 , who holds the title of Miss Provence and competed for the national crown on Saturday , got hate messages after she said at the event that her father is of Israeli origin .
The insults , one of which read `` Hitler forgot about this one '' and another `` Do n't vote for a Jew , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I am deeply shocked by the flood of anti-Semitic insults against Miss Provence '' , Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said .
`` We will not let this stand .
Shame on the authors . ''
Paris prosecutors said Monday that they were investigating the messages for `` racist insults '' and `` instigation of race hatred . ''
The Miss France contest `` is not an anti-Semitic competition , '' said his deputy , Marlene Schiappa .
The International League against Racism and Anti-Semitism ( Licra ) said the messages had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and called on internet users to report the offending content with a view to launching a class action suit .
The contest organisers also condemned the attacks , as did the competition 's winner , Amandine Petit from Normandy in northwestern France , who called the social media messages `` inappropriate '' and `` extremely disappointing . ''
The EU 's internal market commissioner Thierry Breton said Twitter and other social media platforms would have to move quicker to remove hate speech under a new Digital Services Act proposed for the bloc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposing is to confirm that platforms give themselves the means to respond instantly to demands from the authorities when offenses like this occur , '' Breton told BFM television on Sunday in response to the Miss France messages late Sunday .
France , which has the biggest Jewish population in Europe , has seen an increase in anti-Semitic vandalism and hate speech that President Emmanuel Macron has called `` unacceptable . ''
In 2018 , the number of anti-Jewish offences reported to police surged 74 percent after two years of declines , according @ @ @ @ @

Paris (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
French prosecutors on Monday opened an investigation into a torrent of anti-Semitic social media messages aimed at the runner-up in the latest Miss France competition.
April Benayoum, 21, who holds the title of Miss Provence and competed for the national crown on Saturday, got hate messages after she said at the event that her father is of Israeli origin.
The insults, one of which read "Hitler forgot about this one" and another "Don't vote for a Jew," drew instant condemnation from politicians and associations.
"I am deeply shocked by the flood of anti-Semitic insults against Miss Provence", Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said. "We will not let this stand. Shame on the authors."
Paris prosecutors said Monday that they were investigating the messages for "racist insults" and "instigation of race hatred."
The Miss France contest "is not an anti-Semitic competition," said his deputy, Marlene Schiappa.
The International League against Racism and Anti-Semitism (Licra) said the messages had turned Twitter "into an anti-Semitic cesspool" and called on internet users to report the offending content with a view to launching a class action suit.
The contest organisers also condemned the attacks, as did the competition's winner, Amandine Petit from Normandy in northwestern France, who called the social media messages "inappropriate" and "extremely disappointing."
The EU's internal market commissioner Thierry Breton said Twitter and other social media platforms would have to move quicker to remove hate speech under a new Digital Services Act proposed for the bloc this month.
"What we're proposing is to confirm that platforms give themselves the means to respond instantly to demands from the authorities when offenses like this occur," Breton told BFM television on Sunday in response to the Miss France messages late Sunday.
France, which has the biggest Jewish population in Europe, has seen an increase in anti-Semitic vandalism and hate speech that President Emmanuel Macron has called "unacceptable."
In 2018, the number of anti-Jewish offences reported to police surged 74 percent after two years of declines, according to the interior ministry.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--Russia, Rwanda send troops to C.Africa after alleged coup bid

Touadera is touted as the likely winner in the presidential election , but his government only controls a third of CAR territory The Central African Republic said Monday that Russia and Rwanda had sent in hundreds of troops after an alleged attempted coup ahead of weekend elections .
The government in CAR , one of the world 's poorest and most unstable countries , on Saturday accused former president Francois Bozize of fomenting a would-be putsch by three rebel groups .
The three groups on Friday started to advance on the capital Bangui along key highways after declaring an alliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peacekeeping force MINUSCA announced on Sunday that the rebels had been stopped or pushed back and the situation was `` under control '' .
`` Russia has sent several hundred soldiers and heavy weapons '' under a bilateral cooperation agreement , government spokesman Ange Maxime Kazagui said .
`` The Rwandans have also sent several hundred men who are on the ground and have started fighting . ''
It said the move was in response to the targeting of its troops in the 11,500-strong MINUSCA by rebels supported by Bozize , who ruled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No details were given about the deployment , but the ministry said it would `` also contribute to ensure a peaceful and secure general elections scheduled on Sunday '' .
MINUSCA 's Rwandan contingent is notably in charge of the security of CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera and the presidential palace .
There was no immediate confirmation from Moscow about the Russian deployment although the Kremlin said the situation in the country was of `` serious concern '' .
Moscow has been leading a vast diplomatic and financial offensive in the former French colony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian firms to exploit minerals , particularly gold and diamonds .
Private security guards employed by Russian companies also provide protection for Touadera and are involved in training of local armed forces .
They said they had merged into a single entity called `` the Coalition for Patriots for Change '' and invited all other groups to join .
They began heading down the country 's main highways towards Bangui , according to the government .
MINUSCA spokesman Vladimir Monteiro said late Sunday they had been pushed back in several locations or blocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control . ''
But security and humanitarian sources said some members of the armed groups were still on the ground around Bossembele , around 150 kilometres ( 90 miles ) from Bangui .
The so-called G5+ group -- France , Russia , the US , the EU and the World Bank -- urged Bozize and allied armed groups to lay down their arms and called for the presidential and parliamentary elections to go ahead on Sunday .
Bozize , 74 , who denies the coup plot allegations , has been a major figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war and misery .
He slipped back into the country in December 2019 after years in exile , sparking fears that he planned to stage a violent comeback .
He retains a large following in the northwest of the country , especially among the Gbaya ethnic group , the country 's largest , and has many supporters in the army .
The former general came to power in a coup in 2003 before he himself was overthrown in 2013 by the Seleka , a rebel coalition drawn largely from the Muslim majority .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-defence force called the anti-Balaka , and the country spiralled into conflict along largely sectarian lines before France intervened militarily .
After a transitional period , elections were staged in 2016 and won by Touadera .
Bozize has been barred from contesting the December 27 vote by the CAR 's top court as he is the target of a 2014 arrest warrant for alleged murder and torture and is under UN sactions .
He says he has accepted the vote , and thrown his weight behind behind former prime minister Anicet-Georges Dologuele .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Touadera the clear frontrunner in the 17-strong field of candidates .
But his government holds sway over only around a third of the CAR 's territory .
The rest is in the hands of militia groups that typically claim to defend the interests of a given ethnic group , and often fight with each other over resources .
The CAR has known little stability since gaining independence from France in 1960 .
Thousands of people have died since the 2013 coup , and nearly a quarter of the population of 4.7 million have @ @ @ @

Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
The Central African Republic said Monday that Russia and Rwanda had sent in hundreds of troops after an alleged attempted coup ahead of weekend elections.
The government in CAR, one of the world's poorest and most unstable countries, on Saturday accused former president Francois Bozize of fomenting a would-be putsch by three rebel groups.
The three groups on Friday started to advance on the capital Bangui along key highways after declaring an alliance, the government said.
The UN peacekeeping force MINUSCA announced on Sunday that the rebels had been stopped or pushed back and the situation was "under control".
"Russia has sent several hundred soldiers and heavy weapons" under a bilateral cooperation agreement, government spokesman Ange Maxime Kazagui said.
"The Rwandans have also sent several hundred men who are on the ground and have started fighting."
Rwanda's defence ministry confirmed the deployment.
It said the move was in response to the targeting of its troops in the 11,500-strong MINUSCA by rebels supported by Bozize, who ruled the CAR from 2003 to 2013.
No details were given about the deployment, but the ministry said it would "also contribute to ensure a peaceful and secure general elections scheduled on Sunday".
MINUSCA's Rwandan contingent is notably in charge of the security of CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera and the presidential palace.
- Russian role -
There was no immediate confirmation from Moscow about the Russian deployment although the Kremlin said the situation in the country was of "serious concern".
Moscow has been leading a vast diplomatic and financial offensive in the former French colony since 2018 in return for concessions to Russian firms to exploit minerals, particularly gold and diamonds.
Private security guards employed by Russian companies also provide protection for Touadera and are involved in training of local armed forces.
They said they had merged into a single entity called "the Coalition for Patriots for Change" and invited all other groups to join.
They began heading down the country's main highways towards Bangui, according to the government. MINUSCA spokesman Vladimir Monteiro said late Sunday they had been pushed back in several locations or blocked, and "the situation is under control."
But security and humanitarian sources said some members of the armed groups were still on the ground around Bossembele, around 150 kilometres (90 miles) from Bangui.
The so-called G5+ group -- France, Russia, the US, the EU and the World Bank -- urged Bozize and allied armed groups to lay down their arms and called for the presidential and parliamentary elections to go ahead on Sunday.
- Shadow of Bozize -
Bozize, 74, who denies the coup plot allegations, has been a major figure in the country's decades-long history of war and misery.
He slipped back into the country in December 2019 after years in exile, sparking fears that he planned to stage a violent comeback.
He retains a large following in the northwest of the country, especially among the Gbaya ethnic group, the country's largest, and has many supporters in the army.
The former general came to power in a coup in 2003 before he himself was overthrown in 2013 by the Seleka, a rebel coalition drawn largely from the Muslim majority.
Christian and animist groups forged a so-called self-defence force called the anti-Balaka, and the country spiralled into conflict along largely sectarian lines before France intervened militarily.
After a transitional period, elections were staged in 2016 and won by Touadera.
Bozize has been barred from contesting the December 27 vote by the CAR's top court as he is the target of a 2014 arrest warrant for alleged murder and torture and is under UN sactions.
He says he has accepted the vote, and thrown his weight behind behind former prime minister Anicet-Georges Dologuele.
- Weak government -
His absence from the poll has left Touadera the clear frontrunner in the 17-strong field of candidates.
But his government holds sway over only around a third of the CAR's territory.
The rest is in the hands of militia groups that typically claim to defend the interests of a given ethnic group, and often fight with each other over resources.
The CAR has known little stability since gaining independence from France in 1960.
Thousands of people have died since the 2013 coup, and nearly a quarter of the population of 4.7 million have fled their homes.
burs/ri/txw
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-22--Bryson's seven and Tiger's 10: golf talking points of 2020

Dustin Johnson cemented his place as world number one , winning the FedEx Cup , Tour Championship and the Masters in a stunning late season run either side of suffering a bout of Covid-19 In a year dominated by the coronavirus off the course and world number one Dustin Johnson on it , AFP Sport recalls some of golf 's talking points of 2020 : After Bryson DeChambeau , bulked up by protein shakes and weightlifting during lockdown , blasted 350 yard-plus drives to dismantle the feared Winged Foot and win the US Open in September , concerns turned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the virus-delayed Masters in November .
But the traditionalists need n't have worried .
Despite DeChambeau 's pre-tournament claims that he would play Augusta 's par-72 layout as a `` par 67 '' , he only squeezed through to the weekend right on the cut line after rounds of 70 and 74 , including a triple-bogey seven on the Friday after a lost ball .
DeChambeau ended up playing his final round alongside two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer who , at the age of 63 , humbled the big-hitter 36 years his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and one stroke for the week .
DeChambeau has n't been seen on a course since .
If DeChambeau thought he was having a bad week at Augusta , spare a thought for defending champion Tiger Woods .
The 15-time major-winner carded a septuple bogey 10 at the short par-three 12th in the final round after dunking his ball in Rae 's Creek three times .
Playing partner and Open champion Shane Lowry , enjoying a round with his childhood hero for the first time , could hardly believe what was unfolding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a bit like , 'Oh my God ' , '' confessed Lowry .
Woods then went on a tear , rattling in birdies at five of the remaining six holes .
`` He basically hit every shot stiff .
It was incredible to watch him . ''
said the Irishman .
Quite a few more `` Oh my God '' moments .
The stop-start year did Rickie Fowler no favours .
One of golf 's 'Mr .
Nice Guys ' , the American this month dropped out of world 's top 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season in 2009 .
Fowler failed to register a top-10 after the June resumption , but nothing summed up his abject year more than a tiny putt on the sixth hole of his second round of the US PGA Championship in August .
Four inches for a tap-in par , easy right ?
But no .
His putter struck only thin air and the whiff cost him a bogey .
He missed the cut by one , in a major .
Ouch .
Fowler will , like many , be glad to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retired from the European Tour in October at his home Scottish Open , with no fans and little fanfare .
Lawrie 's sole major win , the 1999 Open Champion at Carnoustie , is forever remembered for Jean Van de Velde 's water-wading antics that blew a three-shot lead at the last .
But the 51-year-old has never let the lack of recognition bother him , and was typically modest as he hung up his clubs .
`` To have played 620 events is not a bad innings , considering I turned pro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think I 'd play any , '' said Lawrie .
`` I have n't been a great player .
But I 've been decent .
And that 's all you can ask for . ''
- 'McDonald ' is not loving it - The first tee announcer at the Honda Classic in February committed the verbal equivalent of a three-putt when introducing former world number one Luke Donald .
First he managed to turn Donald 's home town in England , Hemel Hempstead , into a tongue-twister by horribly mispronouncing it .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event that Donald had won the tournament in 2016 instead of 2006 .
But the worst was yet to come as he cried : `` On the tee , Luke McDonald ! ''
You had one job ... Three days later , player-turned-commentator Paul Azinger was labelled as `` embarrassing '' after saying Tommy Fleetwood had choked in the Honda Classic final round as he missed out on the chance of a first PGA Tour win .
`` You can win all you want on the European Tour , '' said former US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to win on the PGA Tour '' .
Fellow Englishman Ian Poulter led the backlash .
`` Paul , please do not condescend or disrespect the @ EuropeanTour and our players like that , '' he tweeted .
`` We have slapped your arse in Ryder Cup for so long ... seriously that was embarrassing . ''
Men 's and women 's top 10 rankings at the end of 2020 , as updated December 21 :

Hong Kong (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
In a year dominated by the coronavirus off the course and world number one Dustin Johnson on it, AFP Sport recalls some of golf's talking points of 2020:
- Length isn't everything -
After Bryson DeChambeau, bulked up by protein shakes and weightlifting during lockdown, blasted 350 yard-plus drives to dismantle the feared Winged Foot and win the US Open in September, concerns turned to what he might do to Augusta National at the virus-delayed Masters in November.
But the traditionalists needn't have worried.
Despite DeChambeau's pre-tournament claims that he would play Augusta's par-72 layout as a "par 67", he only squeezed through to the weekend right on the cut line after rounds of 70 and 74, including a triple-bogey seven on the Friday after a lost ball.
DeChambeau ended up playing his final round alongside two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer who, at the age of 63, humbled the big-hitter 36 years his junior by two strokes on the day, and one stroke for the week.
DeChambeau hasn't been seen on a course since.
- Tiger's imperfect 10 -
If DeChambeau thought he was having a bad week at Augusta, spare a thought for defending champion Tiger Woods.
The 15-time major-winner carded a septuple bogey 10 at the short par-three 12th in the final round after dunking his ball in Rae's Creek three times.
Playing partner and Open champion Shane Lowry, enjoying a round with his childhood hero for the first time, could hardly believe what was unfolding.
"To watch him do that was a bit like, 'Oh my God'," confessed Lowry.
Woods then went on a tear, rattling in birdies at five of the remaining six holes. "He basically hit every shot stiff. It was incredible to watch him." said the Irishman.
Quite a few more "Oh my God" moments.
- Fowler's foul-up -
The stop-start year did Rickie Fowler no favours.
One of golf's 'Mr. Nice Guys', the American this month dropped out of world's top 50 for the first time since his rookie season in 2009.
Fowler failed to register a top-10 after the June resumption, but nothing summed up his abject year more than a tiny putt on the sixth hole of his second round of the US PGA Championship in August.
Four inches for a tap-in par, easy right? But no. His putter struck only thin air and the whiff cost him a bogey. He missed the cut by one, in a major. Ouch.
Fowler will, like many, be glad to see the back of 2020.
- Lawrie signs off -
Paul Lawrie retired from the European Tour in October at his home Scottish Open, with no fans and little fanfare.
Lawrie's sole major win, the 1999 Open Champion at Carnoustie, is forever remembered for Jean Van de Velde's water-wading antics that blew a three-shot lead at the last.
But the 51-year-old has never let the lack of recognition bother him, and was typically modest as he hung up his clubs.
"To have played 620 events is not a bad innings, considering I turned pro with a five handicap and didn't think I'd play any," said Lawrie.
"I haven't been a great player. But I've been decent. And that's all you can ask for."
- 'McDonald' is not loving it -
The first tee announcer at the Honda Classic in February committed the verbal equivalent of a three-putt when introducing former world number one Luke Donald.
First he managed to turn Donald's home town in England, Hemel Hempstead, into a tongue-twister by horribly mispronouncing it. Then he told the crowds at the pre-shutdown event that Donald had won the tournament in 2016 instead of 2006.
But the worst was yet to come as he cried: "On the tee, Luke McDonald!"
You had one job...
- Poults slaps down zinger -
Three days later, player-turned-commentator Paul Azinger was labelled as "embarrassing" after saying Tommy Fleetwood had choked in the Honda Classic final round as he missed out on the chance of a first PGA Tour win.
"You can win all you want on the European Tour," said former US Ryder Cup captain Azinger. "But you have to win on the PGA Tour".
Fellow Englishman Ian Poulter led the backlash. "Paul, please do not condescend or disrespect the @EuropeanTour and our players like that," he tweeted.
"We have slapped your arse in Ryder Cup for so long... seriously that was embarrassing."
- World rankings -
Men's and women's top 10 rankings at the end of 2020, as updated December 21:
Men
1. Dustin Johnson (USA) 12.84
2. Jon Rahm (ESP) 10.15
3. Justin Thomas (USA) 9.31
4. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 7.29
5. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 7.22
6. Webb Simpson (USA) 7.13
7. Collin Morikawa (USA) 7.10
8. Xander Schauffele (USA) 7.02
9. Patrick Cantlay (USA) 6.32
10. Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 6.08
Women
1. Ko Jin-young (KOR) 9.05
2. Kim Sei-young (KOR) 7.77
3. Park In-bee (KOR) 6.56
4. Nelly Korda (USA) 6.34 (+1)
5. Danielle Kang (USA) 6.32 (-1)
6. Brooke Henderson (CAN) 5.73
7. Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 5.51
8. Minjee Lee (AUS) 5.08
9. Kim Hyo-joo (KOR) 4.90
10. Park Sung-hyun (KOR) 4.67
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-22--Smith hopes virus-hit Sydney can still host third India Test

Australia 's Steve Smith ( second left ) is congratulated by India 's Virat Kohli at the end of the first Test in Adelaide which Australia won by eight wickets Talismanic Australia batsman Steve Smith said Tuesday he would love Sydney to host the new year Test against India as planned , despite the city currently battling a coronavirus outbreak .
`` Personally I 'd love Sydney to happen , I love playing at the SCG ( Sydney Cricket Ground ) , it 's my home ground , '' Smith said .
Australia 's largest city has been virtually sealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country after a cluster of coronavirus cases were uncovered , raising serious doubts about the third Test which is scheduled to start on January 7 .
`` I think everyone 's preference here would be to play in Sydney , but we will always be guided by experts , '' Smith said .
If the Sydney clash goes ahead , the players could have problems travelling to Brisbane for the final Test a week later after Queensland effectively closed its border to Sydney .
The second Test starts in Melbourne on Boxing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an option .
Otherwise , they could return to Adelaide , where Australia won the opening Test by eight wickets on Saturday , or host two in a row in Brisbane .
Australia are currently leading the Test series 1-0 , after an Indian second-innings batting collapse in Adelaide .
India were bowled out for their record Test low of 36 by Australia 's trio of fast bowlers led by Josh Hazlewood , who took five wickets for eight runs , Pat Cummins who grabbed four , backed up by Mitchell Starc .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the best performances he had seen from a group of Australian pace bowlers .
`` I played a lot of cricket with all three of those fast bowlers and I reckon the length they bowled consistently was as good as I 've seen , '' he said .
`` The lengths they were hitting were just impeccable . ''
Smith refused to be drawn on whether India , who will now be without Virat Kohli , could bounce back in the second Test beginning on Boxing Day in Melbourne .
`` Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take their dismissals , how they think about the game after it 's finished , '' he said .
Smith said playing a Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was always special .
`` It 's sort of like a dream come true in a way I think , as a kid I always wanted to play in a Boxing Day Test match , I always remember watching the Boxing Day Tests at home with the family after Christmas .
`` To walk out on Boxing Day and play , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spine and the hairs on the back of your neck rise up and it 's just a great feeling . ''

Sydney (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Talismanic Australia batsman Steve Smith said Tuesday he would love Sydney to host the new year Test against India as planned, despite the city currently battling a coronavirus outbreak.
"Personally I'd love Sydney to happen, I love playing at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground), it's my home ground," Smith said.
Australia's largest city has been virtually sealed off from the largely virus-free rest of the country after a cluster of coronavirus cases were uncovered, raising serious doubts about the third Test which is scheduled to start on January 7.
"I think everyone's preference here would be to play in Sydney, but we will always be guided by experts," Smith said.
If the Sydney clash goes ahead, the players could have problems travelling to Brisbane for the final Test a week later after Queensland effectively closed its border to Sydney.
The second Test starts in Melbourne on Boxing Day and back-to-back Tests there could be an option.
Otherwise, they could return to Adelaide, where Australia won the opening Test by eight wickets on Saturday, or host two in a row in Brisbane.
Australia are currently leading the Test series 1-0, after an Indian second-innings batting collapse in Adelaide.
India were bowled out for their record Test low of 36 by Australia's trio of fast bowlers led by Josh Hazlewood, who took five wickets for eight runs, Pat Cummins who grabbed four, backed up by Mitchell Starc.
Smith said that victory rested on one of the best performances he had seen from a group of Australian pace bowlers.
"I played a lot of cricket with all three of those fast bowlers and I reckon the length they bowled consistently was as good as I've seen," he said.
"The lengths they were hitting were just impeccable."
Smith refused to be drawn on whether India, who will now be without Virat Kohli, could bounce back in the second Test beginning on Boxing Day in Melbourne.
"Every individual is different -- the way they take their dismissals, how they think about the game after it's finished," he said.
Smith said playing a Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was always special.
"It's sort of like a dream come true in a way I think, as a kid I always wanted to play in a Boxing Day Test match, I always remember watching the Boxing Day Tests at home with the family after Christmas.
"To walk out on Boxing Day and play, you sort of get the shivers down your spine and the hairs on the back of your neck rise up and it's just a great feeling."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-22--'Make the Yuletide gay': Christmas films finally show same-sex couples

Former `` Mean Girls '' actor Jonathan Bennett stars in `` The Christmas House , '' the first Yuletide film from Hallmark Channel to prominently feature a gay couple When Jonathan Bennett 's agent called about a leading romantic part in a new Christmas movie , the actor 's first reaction was `` Great , who 's the girl ? ''
Although Bennett is gay , the former `` Mean Girls '' star is used to playing straight roles opposite Hollywood actresses -- particularly within the conservative , often formulaic genre of holiday films .
`` There was a pause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My jaw hit the floor ! ''
Bennett recalled , laughing .
`` It was a long time coming . ''
`` The Christmas House , '' released last month , is the first Yuletide film from the Hallmark Channel to prominently feature a gay couple -- Bennett 's character Brandon and husband Jake ( Brad Harder ) are trying to adopt a child .
It is one of a groundbreaking batch of high-profile same-sex storylines appearing in prominent Christmas movies this year , including Kristen Stewart 's `` Happiest Season , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service Hulu .
`` It feels like a part of progress , '' Bennett told AFP .
`` I imagine what younger me would have thought , sitting there watching a movie that had characters in it that looked like me , that were in relationships like I wanted to be in when I got older .
It 's just so important . ''
In a trend dubbed `` the gayest Christmas ever '' by pop culture website Decider , Lifetime this month also released `` The Christmas Setup '' and Paramount aired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feature same-sex romances .
Stewart 's `` Happiest Season '' has drawn the most attention of all , thanks to its star-studded cast that also includes Mackenzie Davis , Alison Brie , Aubrey Plaza and Dan Levy .
Director Clea DuVall , who is gay , said she had `` never seen my own experience represented '' in holiday movies , with LGBTQ characters usually `` in the background '' if they feature at all .
Produced by Sony and sold to Hulu as the pandemic keeps theaters closed , it claims to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same-sex couple from a major Hollywood studio .
Even as gay representation in Hollywood has increased -- particularly across new streaming shows -- the predictably plotted but wildly popular Christmas movies produced by the likes of Hallmark have until now been something of a holdout .
Last year , the family-oriented channel was slammed by LGBTQ groups after buckling to conservative pressure by removing adverts for a wedding company that featured a same-sex couple kissing at the altar .
Having initially called the adverts a `` distraction , '' Hallmark restored the commercials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Is n't it almost 2020 ?
What are you thinking ? ''
With `` The Christmas House , '' the company has gone a step further .
Although Bennett and Harder 's storyline is just one of three interwoven romantic plots in the film , they kiss on-screen before either of the straight couples .
`` When we did our first kiss , the crew was just so overwhelmed -- there was n't a dry eye , '' Harder told AFP .
`` Just to have everybody 's story told ... '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm glad we 're here ... it 's really powerful . ''
The trend has drawn wide praise , with Bennett reporting `` thousands of messages '' from grateful fans and Harder expressing hopes for a sequel to `` The Christmas House . ''
But it has also drawn criticism -- including from some LGBTQ viewers .
`` Happiest Season '' centers on a lesbian couple struggling to come out to highly traditional parents -- a storyline some critics found old-fashioned , and which should not define them as characters .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` the fact that my character is gay , married to a man , never comes up once in the film , '' said Bennett .
But , Harder pointed out , `` Christmas for the LGBTQ community is particularly challenging , '' especially for those whose family members are not `` super accepting . ''
And while `` Happiest Season '' might take a different approach , the important thing is that movies `` let everyone have a seat at the holiday table , '' said Bennett .
`` They 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- that is a step in the right direction , '' he said .
`` And always remember -- make the Yuletide gay ! ''

Los Angeles (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
When Jonathan Bennett's agent called about a leading romantic part in a new Christmas movie, the actor's first reaction was "Great, who's the girl?"
Although Bennett is gay, the former "Mean Girls" star is used to playing straight roles opposite Hollywood actresses -- particularly within the conservative, often formulaic genre of holiday films.
"There was a pause, and they said 'Jake.' My jaw hit the floor!" Bennett recalled, laughing. "It was a long time coming."
"The Christmas House," released last month, is the first Yuletide film from the Hallmark Channel to prominently feature a gay couple -- Bennett's character Brandon and husband Jake (Brad Harder) are trying to adopt a child.
It is one of a groundbreaking batch of high-profile same-sex storylines appearing in prominent Christmas movies this year, including Kristen Stewart's "Happiest Season," which has broken premiere records for streaming service Hulu.
"It feels like a part of progress," Bennett told AFP.
"I imagine what younger me would have thought, sitting there watching a movie that had characters in it that looked like me, that were in relationships like I wanted to be in when I got older. It's just so important."
In a trend dubbed "the gayest Christmas ever" by pop culture website Decider, Lifetime this month also released "The Christmas Setup" and Paramount aired "Dashing in December." Both feature same-sex romances.
Stewart's "Happiest Season" has drawn the most attention of all, thanks to its star-studded cast that also includes Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza and Dan Levy.
Director Clea DuVall, who is gay, said she had "never seen my own experience represented" in holiday movies, with LGBTQ characters usually "in the background" if they feature at all.
Produced by Sony and sold to Hulu as the pandemic keeps theaters closed, it claims to be the first holiday rom-com about a same-sex couple from a major Hollywood studio.
- 'So overwhelmed' -
Even as gay representation in Hollywood has increased -- particularly across new streaming shows -- the predictably plotted but wildly popular Christmas movies produced by the likes of Hallmark have until now been something of a holdout.
Last year, the family-oriented channel was slammed by LGBTQ groups after buckling to conservative pressure by removing adverts for a wedding company that featured a same-sex couple kissing at the altar.
Having initially called the adverts a "distraction," Hallmark restored the commercials and apologized after Ellen DeGeneres tweeted: "Isn't it almost 2020? What are you thinking?"
With "The Christmas House," the company has gone a step further. Although Bennett and Harder's storyline is just one of three interwoven romantic plots in the film, they kiss on-screen before either of the straight couples.
"When we did our first kiss, the crew was just so overwhelmed -- there wasn't a dry eye," Harder told AFP. "Just to have everybody's story told...
"Is it overdue? Absolutely. But I'm glad we're here... it's really powerful."
- 'In the background' -
The trend has drawn wide praise, with Bennett reporting "thousands of messages" from grateful fans and Harder expressing hopes for a sequel to "The Christmas House."
But it has also drawn criticism -- including from some LGBTQ viewers.
"Happiest Season" centers on a lesbian couple struggling to come out to highly traditional parents -- a storyline some critics found old-fashioned, and which should not define them as characters.
By contrast in "The Christmas House," "the fact that my character is gay, married to a man, never comes up once in the film," said Bennett.
But, Harder pointed out, "Christmas for the LGBTQ community is particularly challenging," especially for those whose family members are not "super accepting."
And while "Happiest Season" might take a different approach, the important thing is that movies "let everyone have a seat at the holiday table," said Bennett.
"They're making movies with gay leads on Hulu -- that is a step in the right direction," he said.
"And always remember -- make the Yuletide gay!"
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-22--US poised to grant Sudan immunity over past attacks

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ( L ) greets in August Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok ( R ) of Sudan , which wants US legislation to grant legal immunity for past attacks US lawmakers were set Monday to back legislation granting Sudan legal immunity for past attacks , a final step in a historic deal removing Khartoum from Washington 's blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism .
The text would restore Sudan 's sovereign immunity with the exception of litigation already pending in US federal courts related to the September 11 , 2001 attacks , Democratic Senators Bob Menedez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The legislation is part of the massive omnibus bill to fund the government for the coming year , which is also due to include a new aid package to help millions of Americans and businesses hit hard by the pandemic .
Lawmakers were aiming to pass the legislation on Monday .
The US removed Sudan from its state sponsors of terrorism blacklist a week ago , less than two months after the Arab nation pledged to normalize ties with Israel .
The move opens the way for aid , debt relief and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rocky political transition and struggling under a severe economic crisis exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic .
As part of a deal , Sudan agreed to pay $ 335 million to compensate survivors and victims ' families from the twin 1998 al-Qaeda attacks on US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania , and a 2000 attack by the jihadist group on the USS Cole off Yemen 's coast .
Those attacks were carried out after dictator Omar al-Bashir had allowed then al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden sanctuary in Sudan .
Adoption of the legislation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money , which Sudan has already put in an escrow account .
Schumer and Menendez , who represent respectively the states of New York and neighboring New Jersey , wanted to ensure language that would not block the right of 9/11 victims or their families from suing Sudan for its past role as a backer of al-Qaeda .
President Donald Trump 's administration , which hands power to Joe Biden in January , has been pushing for a conclusion in part to show its support for Sudan 's transition two years after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bashir 's reign .
The Trump White House was also aiming to remove any issues that could put in doubt Khartoum 's historic pledge to normalize relations with Israel .
Sudan recently warned that delays in the US Congress regarding its immunity could slow the application of the Israel deal .
The legislation before the US Congress also provides for assistance of $ 700 million to Sudan , and an additional $ 120 million toward the repayment of its debt to the International Monetary Fund .

Washington (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
US lawmakers were set Monday to back legislation granting Sudan legal immunity for past attacks, a final step in a historic deal removing Khartoum from Washington's blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism.
The text would restore Sudan's sovereign immunity with the exception of litigation already pending in US federal courts related to the September 11, 2001 attacks, Democratic Senators Bob Menedez and Chuck Schumer announced in a statement.
The legislation is part of the massive omnibus bill to fund the government for the coming year, which is also due to include a new aid package to help millions of Americans and businesses hit hard by the pandemic.
Lawmakers were aiming to pass the legislation on Monday.
The US removed Sudan from its state sponsors of terrorism blacklist a week ago, less than two months after the Arab nation pledged to normalize ties with Israel.
The move opens the way for aid, debt relief and investment to a country going though a rocky political transition and struggling under a severe economic crisis exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
As part of a deal, Sudan agreed to pay $335 million to compensate survivors and victims' families from the twin 1998 al-Qaeda attacks on US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, and a 2000 attack by the jihadist group on the USS Cole off Yemen's coast.
Those attacks were carried out after dictator Omar al-Bashir had allowed then al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden sanctuary in Sudan.
Adoption of the legislation is a key, final step to unblocking the money, which Sudan has already put in an escrow account.
Schumer and Menendez, who represent respectively the states of New York and neighboring New Jersey, wanted to ensure language that would not block the right of 9/11 victims or their families from suing Sudan for its past role as a backer of al-Qaeda.
President Donald Trump's administration, which hands power to Joe Biden in January, has been pushing for a conclusion in part to show its support for Sudan's transition two years after the revolt that brought an end to Bashir's reign.
The Trump White House was also aiming to remove any issues that could put in doubt Khartoum's historic pledge to normalize relations with Israel.
Sudan recently warned that delays in the US Congress regarding its immunity could slow the application of the Israel deal.
The legislation before the US Congress also provides for assistance of $700 million to Sudan, and an additional $120 million toward the repayment of its debt to the International Monetary Fund.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-22--Trump orders US govt to only construct 'beautiful' buildings

President Donald Trump , with only a month left in office , issued an order Monday that future federal buildings must be `` beautiful '' and preferably built in the Greco-Roman classical style .
The executive order stopped short of an earlier draft that drew the ire of some architects in seeking to ban construction not done in the neo-classical style , typified by the White House , Capitol and Lincoln Memorial in Washington .
Instead , the order on `` promoting beautiful federal civic architecture '' decrees that classical and `` other traditional '' styles `` should be encouraged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order takes aim at federal buildings built after the 1950s , saying that the capital Washington , now features a `` discordant mixture '' and that the government has `` largely stopped building beautiful buildings . ''
While Trump 's order is welcomed by traditionalists who favor the iconic columned buildings dotted around Washington and replicated in many states , the American Institute of Architects said it `` unequivocally opposes '' the initiative .
`` Communities should have the right and responsibility to decide for themselves what architectural design best fits their needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ivy said in a statement , vowing to work with incoming President-elect Joe Biden .
`` Though we are appalled with the administration 's decision to move forward with the design mandate , we are happy the order is n't as far reaching as previously thought . ''
Trump , a real estate developer before becoming president , is primarily associated with construction of modern buildings using glass , steel , and gold-tinted decor .

Washington (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
President Donald Trump, with only a month left in office, issued an order Monday that future federal buildings must be "beautiful" and preferably built in the Greco-Roman classical style.
The executive order stopped short of an earlier draft that drew the ire of some architects in seeking to ban construction not done in the neo-classical style, typified by the White House, Capitol and Lincoln Memorial in Washington.
Instead, the order on "promoting beautiful federal civic architecture" decrees that classical and "other traditional" styles "should be encouraged instead of discouraged."
Trump's order takes aim at federal buildings built after the 1950s, saying that the capital Washington, now features a "discordant mixture" and that the government has "largely stopped building beautiful buildings."
While Trump's order is welcomed by traditionalists who favor the iconic columned buildings dotted around Washington and replicated in many states, the American Institute of Architects said it "unequivocally opposes" the initiative.
"Communities should have the right and responsibility to decide for themselves what architectural design best fits their needs," the institute's CEO Robert Ivy said in a statement, vowing to work with incoming President-elect Joe Biden.
"Though we are appalled with the administration's decision to move forward with the design mandate, we are happy the order isn't as far reaching as previously thought."
Trump, a real estate developer before becoming president, is primarily associated with construction of modern buildings using glass, steel, and gold-tinted decor.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-22--Journalist's story of falling in love with 'most hated man' goes viral

Pharmaceutical executive and hedge fund manager Martin Shkreli was sentenced to seven years ' prison for defrauding investors A ex-Bloomberg journalist has revealed how she fell for a jailed former pharmaceutical executive dubbed `` the most hated man in America '' after covering his arrest , in a love story that gripped social media Monday .
Journalist Christie Smythe told Elle magazine in an article published Sunday that she left her husband for Martin Shkreli , who is serving seven years in prison for defrauding investors .
Several US media commented on the tale Monday , with some accusing her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praising her for telling her story .
Shkreli , who once led Turing Pharmaceuticals , became infamous for suddenly raising the price of the drug Daraprim in 2015 by 5,000 percent -- from $ 13.50 a pill to $ 750 .
He also drew attention in 2015 when he purchased for $ 2 million the sole edition of an album by rappers Wu-Tang Clan titled `` Once Upon a Time in Shaolin . ''
He had smirked through a congressional hearing that scrutinized his actions , becoming known as `` Pharma Bro .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ break the news of Shkreli 's arrest on securities fraud in December 2015 .
The earlier drug controversy had nothing to do with the charges .
Smythe sat in the Brooklyn court throughout his trial and was there for his sentence in 2018 .
She described to Elle how she gradually fell in love with him during visits to see him in prison .
`` I told Martin I loved him .
And he told me he loved me , too , '' Smythe said , recalling one particular visit .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when I felt happier , '' the magazine quoted her as saying .
Smythe , who left Bloomberg in 2018 and got divorced from her husband in 2019 , said she would wait for Shkreli while he serves the remaining three years of his sentence .
She also mentions that they may try to have children .
`` Going public is such a relief , no matter what people think , '' Smythe tweeted late Sunday .
`` You have no idea how hard it is to keep this kind of a story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 'm glad it was told well , '' she added .
During Shkreli 's trial , his lawyer had described him as a mildly autistic , self-taught genius .
Shkreli had earlier had his bail revoked after he offered a reward for anyone who would grab a strand of former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton 's hair .
He insisted it was a joke .

New York (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
A ex-Bloomberg journalist has revealed how she fell for a jailed former pharmaceutical executive dubbed "the most hated man in America" after covering his arrest, in a love story that gripped social media Monday.
Journalist Christie Smythe told Elle magazine in an article published Sunday that she left her husband for Martin Shkreli, who is serving seven years in prison for defrauding investors.
Several US media commented on the tale Monday, with some accusing her of violating journalistic ethics, and others praising her for telling her story.
Shkreli, who once led Turing Pharmaceuticals, became infamous for suddenly raising the price of the drug Daraprim in 2015 by 5,000 percent -- from $13.50 a pill to $750.
He also drew attention in 2015 when he purchased for $2 million the sole edition of an album by rappers Wu-Tang Clan titled "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin."
He had smirked through a congressional hearing that scrutinized his actions, becoming known as "Pharma Bro."
Smythe, 37, had helped break the news of Shkreli's arrest on securities fraud in December 2015. The earlier drug controversy had nothing to do with the charges.
Smythe sat in the Brooklyn court throughout his trial and was there for his sentence in 2018.
She described to Elle how she gradually fell in love with him during visits to see him in prison.
"I told Martin I loved him. And he told me he loved me, too," Smythe said, recalling one particular visit.
"It's hard to think of a time when I felt happier," the magazine quoted her as saying.
Smythe, who left Bloomberg in 2018 and got divorced from her husband in 2019, said she would wait for Shkreli while he serves the remaining three years of his sentence.
She also mentions that they may try to have children.
"Going public is such a relief, no matter what people think," Smythe tweeted late Sunday.
"You have no idea how hard it is to keep this kind of a story bottled up. So messy and complicated. I'm glad it was told well," she added.
During Shkreli's trial, his lawyer had described him as a mildly autistic, self-taught genius.
Shkreli had earlier had his bail revoked after he offered a reward for anyone who would grab a strand of former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's hair. He insisted it was a joke.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-22--'Great Conjunction': Jupiter and Saturn align for first time in centuries

Kuwaiti astrophotographers Mohammad al-Obaidi ( R ) and Abdullah al-Harbi follow the great conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn in al-Salmi district , a desert area 120 kms west of Kuwait City , on December 21 , 2020 .
The solar system 's two biggest planets , Jupiter and Saturn , came within planetary kissing range in Monday 's evening sky , an intimacy that will not occur again until 2080 .
This `` great conjunction '' , as it is known to astronomers , occurred fortuitously on the winter solstice for those in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two planets were , in fact , more than 730 million kilometres ( 400 million miles ) apart .
But because of their alignment in relation to Earth , they appeared to be closer to each other than at any time in almost 400 years .
The best viewing conditions on Monday were in clear skies and close to the Equator , while people in Western Europe and along a vast swathe of Africa had to train their sight to the southwest .
But hundreds of space fans also gathered in Kolkata to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology museum in the city , or from surrounding rooftops and open areas .
And in Kuwait , astrophotographers travelled into the desert west of Kuwait City to capture the once-in-a-lifetime event .
Looking with a telescope or even a good pair of binoculars , the two gas giants were separated by no more than a fifth of the diameter of a full moon .
But with the naked eye , they would merge into a `` highly luminous '' double planet , said Florent Deleflie from the Paris Observatory .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two planets have relatively similar positions in relation to Earth , '' said Deleflie .
`` With a small instrument -- even a small pair of binoculars -- people can see Jupiter 's equatorial bands and its main satellites and Saturn 's rings . ''
The last time Jupiter and Saturn nuzzled up this close was in 1623 , but weather conditions in regions where the reunion could be seen blocked the view .
Visibility was apparently better the time before that during the Middle Ages , on March 4 , 1226 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the larger planet , takes 12 years to revolve around the sun , while Saturn takes 29 years .
Every 20 years or so , they appear to observers on Earth to come closer to each other .

The solar system's two biggest planets, Jupiter and Saturn, came within planetary kissing range in Monday's evening sky, an intimacy that will not occur again until 2080.
Kuwaiti astrophotographers Mohammad al-Obaidi (R) and Abdullah al-Harbi follow the great conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn in al-Salmi district, a desert area 120 kms west of Kuwait City, on December 21, 2020.
Advertising Read more
This "great conjunction", as it is known to astronomers, occurred fortuitously on the winter solstice for those in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of summer in the global south.
The two planets were, in fact, more than 730 million kilometres (400 million miles) apart. But because of their alignment in relation to Earth, they appeared to be closer to each other than at any time in almost 400 years.
Optimal "conjunction" took place at 1822 GMT.
The best viewing conditions on Monday were in clear skies and close to the Equator, while people in Western Europe and along a vast swathe of Africa had to train their sight to the southwest.
But hundreds of space fans also gathered in Kolkata to watch -- through a telescope at a technology museum in the city, or from surrounding rooftops and open areas.
And in Kuwait, astrophotographers travelled into the desert west of Kuwait City to capture the once-in-a-lifetime event.
Looking with a telescope or even a good pair of binoculars, the two gas giants were separated by no more than a fifth of the diameter of a full moon.
But with the naked eye, they would merge into a "highly luminous" double planet, said Florent Deleflie from the Paris Observatory.
"The Grand Conjunction refers to the period when two planets have relatively similar positions in relation to Earth," said Deleflie.
"With a small instrument -- even a small pair of binoculars -- people can see Jupiter's equatorial bands and its main satellites and Saturn's rings."
The last time Jupiter and Saturn nuzzled up this close was in 1623, but weather conditions in regions where the reunion could be seen blocked the view.
Visibility was apparently better the time before that during the Middle Ages, on March 4, 1226 to be precise.
Jupiter, which is the larger planet, takes 12 years to revolve around the sun, while Saturn takes 29 years.
Every 20 years or so, they appear to observers on Earth to come closer to each other.
(AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-12-21--Canada announces aid for Palestinian refugee agency

Employees protest outside the headquarters of UNRWA , which is set to receive financial aid from Canada Canada announced Monday it will provide some US $ 70 million in financing to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees , which has been reeling from US funding cuts .
The aid amounting to CAN $ 90 million will be distributed over three years and comes after the agency 's chief warned last month it was facing its `` worst financial crisis '' ever .
The agency known as UNRWA runs schools and provides health services as well as other humanitarian aid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status .
`` This support will help respond to the rising needs of vulnerable Palestinian refugees in UNRWA 's five areas of operation ( the West Bank , Gaza , Syria , Lebanon and Jordan ) , '' Canada 's foreign ministry said in a statement .
It added that the aid will allow more than half a million children to receive a quality education and will help finance more than 140 primary health clinics , as well as provide shelter and food to indigent refugees .
`` The needs of Palestinian refugees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic : They face high rates of poverty , food insecurity and unemployment , '' said Karina Gould , minister of international development .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 's government restored aid to the agency in 2016 after it had been cut four years earlier by his conservative predecessor Stephen Harper .
From 2016-2019 , Canada spent CAN $ 110 million to support the agency .
It also provided CAN $ 1.5 million in April to help it respond to the pandemic .
Israel has long pushed for UNRWA 's closure , arguing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palestinians .
It criticises its method of classifying Palestinian refugees since their descendants are also eligible for the status .
US President Donald Trump 's administration supported Israel 's stance by cutting aid in 2018 .
Washington had been providing UNRWA $ 300 million a year , roughly a third of its core annual budget .

Montreal (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Canada announced Monday it will provide some US$70 million in financing to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, which has been reeling from US funding cuts.
The aid amounting to CAN$90 million will be distributed over three years and comes after the agency's chief warned last month it was facing its "worst financial crisis" ever.
The agency known as UNRWA runs schools and provides health services as well as other humanitarian aid to an estimated 5.7 million Palestinians with refugee status.
"This support will help respond to the rising needs of vulnerable Palestinian refugees in UNRWA's five areas of operation (the West Bank, Gaza, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan)," Canada's foreign ministry said in a statement.
It added that the aid will allow more than half a million children to receive a quality education and will help finance more than 140 primary health clinics, as well as provide shelter and food to indigent refugees.
"The needs of Palestinian refugees are undeniable, especially during a global pandemic: They face high rates of poverty, food insecurity and unemployment," said Karina Gould, minister of international development.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government restored aid to the agency in 2016 after it had been cut four years earlier by his conservative predecessor Stephen Harper.
From 2016-2019, Canada spent CAN$110 million to support the agency. It also provided CAN$1.5 million in April to help it respond to the pandemic.
Israel has long pushed for UNRWA's closure, arguing it helps perpetuate the conflict with the Palestinians.
It criticises its method of classifying Palestinian refugees since their descendants are also eligible for the status.
US President Donald Trump's administration supported Israel's stance by cutting aid in 2018.
Washington had been providing UNRWA $300 million a year, roughly a third of its core annual budget.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--NBA won't 'jump the line' for Covid vaccine: Silver

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says the league wo n't `` jump the line '' for the Covid-19 vaccine as the 2020-2021 season prepares to tip off on Tuesday NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Monday the league would not `` jump the line '' for the Covid-19 vaccine as the league prepared to tip off its new season amid a surge in coronavirus cases across the United States .
Speaking on a conference call ahead of the start of the 2020-2021 season on Tuesday , Silver emphasised that the NBA would `` wait our turn '' to obtain the vaccine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time last week .
`` It goes without saying that in no form or way will we jump the line , '' Silver told reporters .
`` We will wait our turn to get the vaccine . ''
Silver said he hoped NBA players and staff would eventually play a role in helping to assure the public of the benefits of getting the vaccine .
`` It 's my hope that when we are eligible , members of the NBA community will want to get vaccinated and it 's our plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of public messaging as to the benefit of taking the vaccine , '' he said .
The NBA was shut down for four months last season as the pandemic swept across North America before resuming in July with teams based in a protective quarantine bubble in Orlando , Florida .
However the new season will take place with teams playing in their home markets , a move that represents myriad logistical challenges for the NBA and its 30 teams amid skyrocketing Covid-19 cases in many states .
Silver said playing an entire season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be `` untenable '' but insisted he was confident of health and safety protocols put in place to mitigate the risk from the virus .
`` I 've been asked many times 'Why are you starting your season now , given the state of the pandemic ? '
'' Silver said .
`` It 's a fair question and the short answer is that we 're comfortable with the health and safety protocols we 've designed in consultation with the players association and our medical experts .
`` We would not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe it was safe and responsible to do so . ''
Silver added however that the league was preparing for disruption , referring to a sense of `` trepidation '' about Tuesday 's tip-off .
NBA chiefs have only released a schedule of games for the first half of the abbreviated 72-game season , and will finalise the second half of the calender at a later date .
`` We do anticipate there will be bumps in the road along the way , '' Silver said .
`` We 're waiting to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second half of the season .
We know it 's possible we may have to reschedule games along the way . ''
Silver said only six teams would start the season with fans in attendance at their arenas and described the return of spectators as a `` huge priority . ''
`` But at the same time I recognise that until we have mass distribution of the vaccine it 's unlikely that we 're going to return to the point of having full arenas , '' he cautioned , adding that the league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenues if no fans at all were present during the season .
Silver meanwhile said that after the social justice initiatives adopted last season following the death of George Floyd in May , when `` Black Lives Matter '' adorned every court following the restart and players kneeled for the national anthem , he hoped players would return to standing for the anthem .
`` It 's a national ritual of sorts that I hope , personally , is n't something that 's lost , '' Silver said .
`` Because there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these days .
So it 's my expectation that going into the season we 're going to return to the practice that 's been part of this league for many decades , and that is standing for the national anthem . ''
NBA rules require players to stand for the pre-game anthem ritual .
Silver emphasised however that the league would not punish players who chose to protest the anthem by taking a knee .
`` It 's a complicated issue , '' he said .
`` Certainly , I 'm not focusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I recognise this is a very emotional issue on both sides .
I think it calls for engagement rather than simply rule enforcement . ''

Los Angeles (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Monday the league would not "jump the line" for the Covid-19 vaccine as the league prepared to tip off its new season amid a surge in coronavirus cases across the United States.
Speaking on a conference call ahead of the start of the 2020-2021 season on Tuesday, Silver emphasised that the NBA would "wait our turn" to obtain the vaccine, which began to be administered for the first time last week.
"It goes without saying that in no form or way will we jump the line," Silver told reporters. "We will wait our turn to get the vaccine."
Silver said he hoped NBA players and staff would eventually play a role in helping to assure the public of the benefits of getting the vaccine.
"It's my hope that when we are eligible, members of the NBA community will want to get vaccinated and it's our plan to be involved with governmental efforts in terms of public messaging as to the benefit of taking the vaccine," he said.
The NBA was shut down for four months last season as the pandemic swept across North America before resuming in July with teams based in a protective quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida.
However the new season will take place with teams playing in their home markets, a move that represents myriad logistical challenges for the NBA and its 30 teams amid skyrocketing Covid-19 cases in many states.
- Season bubble 'untenable' -
Silver said playing an entire season in a bubble-like campus environment was deemed to be "untenable" but insisted he was confident of health and safety protocols put in place to mitigate the risk from the virus.
"I've been asked many times 'Why are you starting your season now, given the state of the pandemic?'" Silver said.
"It's a fair question and the short answer is that we're comfortable with the health and safety protocols we've designed in consultation with the players association and our medical experts.
"We would not be opening our season if we did not believe it was safe and responsible to do so."
Silver added however that the league was preparing for disruption, referring to a sense of "trepidation" about Tuesday's tip-off.
NBA chiefs have only released a schedule of games for the first half of the abbreviated 72-game season, and will finalise the second half of the calender at a later date.
"We do anticipate there will be bumps in the road along the way," Silver said. "We're waiting to see how this plays out before issuing the second half of the season. We know it's possible we may have to reschedule games along the way."
Silver said only six teams would start the season with fans in attendance at their arenas and described the return of spectators as a "huge priority."
- Anthem hope -
"But at the same time I recognise that until we have mass distribution of the vaccine it's unlikely that we're going to return to the point of having full arenas," he cautioned, adding that the league estimated a 40% dip in total revenues if no fans at all were present during the season.
Silver meanwhile said that after the social justice initiatives adopted last season following the death of George Floyd in May, when "Black Lives Matter" adorned every court following the restart and players kneeled for the national anthem, he hoped players would return to standing for the anthem.
"It's a national ritual of sorts that I hope, personally, isn't something that's lost," Silver said.
"Because there are very few things that bring us together these days. So it's my expectation that going into the season we're going to return to the practice that's been part of this league for many decades, and that is standing for the national anthem."
NBA rules require players to stand for the pre-game anthem ritual.
Silver emphasised however that the league would not punish players who chose to protest the anthem by taking a knee.
"It's a complicated issue," he said. "Certainly, I'm not focusing in any way right now on discipline. I recognise this is a very emotional issue on both sides. I think it calls for engagement rather than simply rule enforcement."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--Abraham at the double as Chelsea sink West Ham

Chelsea returned to winning ways on Monday , overcoming a nervy spell to beat West Ham 3-0 and reignite their challenge for a Premier League top-four place after consecutive defeats .
West Ham proved tricky opponents at an empty Stamford Bridge but lacked the firepower to respond to Thiago Silva 's early goal before two late strikes in the space of two minutes from Tammy Abraham killed the contest .
Frank Lampard 's team enjoyed a strong start to the season before losses to Everton and Wolves checked their progress but victory at the London Stadium lifts them into fifth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a five-point gap at the top of the table but behind them , just seven points separate second-placed Leicester from 11th-placed Wolves .
West Ham had the ball in the net in the seventh minute after a cleverly worked free kick but Declan Rice was denied by the off-side flag after a cute finish from a tight angle .
Three minutes later Chelsea were in front when Silva powered home a bullet header from Mason Mount 's corner .
The Brazilian found the net from close range after a well-timed run , giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chelsea enjoyed the lion 's share of the possession after their goal without creating much of note but West Ham established more of a foothold as the half wore on .
Timo Werner had a golden chance to double Chelsea 's lead in the closing minutes of the first period but got the ball caught under his feet and Fabianski saved comfortably .
West Ham made life uncomfortable for Chelsea after the break but did not have enough of a cutting edge to hurt their opponents .
Abraham made it 2-0 with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's nerves .
Werner cut inside and saw his weak shot tapped in by the England international , who was played onside by Aaron Cresswell .
Two minutes later Chelsea made it 3-0 when Abraham fired home after Fabianski had kept out Christian Pulisic 's header .
Earlier , Burnley beat Wolves 2-1 to climb out of the Premier League 's relegation zone , thanks to goals from Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood .

London (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Chelsea returned to winning ways on Monday, overcoming a nervy spell to beat West Ham 3-0 and reignite their challenge for a Premier League top-four place after consecutive defeats.
West Ham proved tricky opponents at an empty Stamford Bridge but lacked the firepower to respond to Thiago Silva's early goal before two late strikes in the space of two minutes from Tammy Abraham killed the contest.
Frank Lampard's team enjoyed a strong start to the season before losses to Everton and Wolves checked their progress but victory at the London Stadium lifts them into fifth position.
Champions Liverpool have opened up a five-point gap at the top of the table but behind them, just seven points separate second-placed Leicester from 11th-placed Wolves.
West Ham had the ball in the net in the seventh minute after a cleverly worked free kick but Declan Rice was denied by the off-side flag after a cute finish from a tight angle.
Three minutes later Chelsea were in front when Silva powered home a bullet header from Mason Mount's corner.
The Brazilian found the net from close range after a well-timed run, giving West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski no chance.
Chelsea enjoyed the lion's share of the possession after their goal without creating much of note but West Ham established more of a foothold as the half wore on.
Timo Werner had a golden chance to double Chelsea's lead in the closing minutes of the first period but got the ball caught under his feet and Fabianski saved comfortably.
West Ham made life uncomfortable for Chelsea after the break but did not have enough of a cutting edge to hurt their opponents.
Abraham made it 2-0 with 12 minutes to go to settle Chelsea's nerves.
Werner cut inside and saw his weak shot tapped in by the England international, who was played onside by Aaron Cresswell.
Two minutes later Chelsea made it 3-0 when Abraham fired home after Fabianski had kept out Christian Pulisic's header.
Earlier, Burnley beat Wolves 2-1 to climb out of the Premier League's relegation zone, thanks to goals from Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--English fishing boats forced to remain in port during virus border closures

If the gridlock at Britain 's ports and the disruption to the supply chain continues into next month then the implications could be very bad Fishing boats in the north of England were forced to remain in port on Monday because of the disruption to supply chains caused by French border closures following the discovery of a new coronavirus variant in the UK .
Matthew Barnes , a fisherman who catches scallops off the port of Scarborough , told AFP that being prevented from going out to sea for the second time this year could potentially spell calamity for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we had exactly the same thing , we had to stop fishing for over a month , which was a financial disaster , '' he explained .
Barnes , who might expect to bring in a catch of three tonnes , and others like him , have been prevented from fishing at the close of the normally prosperous Christmas season because they can not sell their shellfish to processing plants that ship on their produce to Europe .
`` We had to stop fishing because they ca n't shift our product , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age of 10 and whose father was also a fisherman explained .
Following the discovery of a new , more transmissible variant of the coronavirus , dozens of countries have suspended travel from the UK .
On Sunday , France made a snap decision to shut its borders to UK hauliers for 48 hours in a bid to contain the spread of the virus , disrupting supply chains particularly through the key port of Dover on which Britain is reliant .
The blockage of trade across the Channel has had an acute knock-on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevented from shipping their perishable produce to the continent , where it is in particular demand during the festive season .
Barnes said the immediate impact on his bottom line could be limited .
Monday would have been his last day of fishing before the start of a winter break lasting till January .
However , if the gridlock at Britain 's ports and the disruption to the supply chain continues into next month then the implications could be significantly worse .
`` I just hope it can be resolved in the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regretted the uncertainty caused by the pandemic , which has caused a fall in prices and may continue at the end of the fast-approaching Brexit transition period .
`` The Christmas and New Year market is always a huge market for the entire UK seafood sector but the prices and demand just go through the roof .
This year it just has n't . ''
Britain and the European Union are engaged in the final stages of fraught negotiations to reach a trade agreement before the deadline of December 31 when the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customs union .
Few issues in the discussions have been more difficult to finalise than fishing rights and access to British territorial waters .
According to Seafish , the British association representing the seafood industry , exports to France for human consumption reached 7,417 tons in December 2019 , a value of £63 million ( $ 85 million , 68 million euros ) .
`` Europe is an important market for some of our high value UK seafood , including shellfish which is exported live and highly perishable , '' Aoife Martin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know many seafood businesses are affected , particularly in Scotland . ''
The Scottish Seafood Association called on the government to compensate its members `` who will lose millions of pounds '' because of the closure of the French border .
Jimmy Buchan , the association ’ s managing director said on Twitter that the losses were a `` disaster '' for companies that had already been hit hard by the first wave of the pandemic in March .
Sam Crowe , a crab fisherman in Scarborough , also reluctantly gave up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 've got not much money in our bank to live on .
We were expecting a good Christmas trip which could have brought us a bit of good money .
Obviously that has all stopped , '' he said .
The 26-year-old explained his income was dependant on the export market .
`` No way on earth is the English population going to able to eat , nevermind buy , what we catch .
It has to exported , '' he said .

Scarborough (United Kingdom) (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Fishing boats in the north of England were forced to remain in port on Monday because of the disruption to supply chains caused by French border closures following the discovery of a new coronavirus variant in the UK.
Matthew Barnes, a fisherman who catches scallops off the port of Scarborough, told AFP that being prevented from going out to sea for the second time this year could potentially spell calamity for the sector.
"When Covid first struck we had exactly the same thing, we had to stop fishing for over a month, which was a financial disaster," he explained.
Barnes, who might expect to bring in a catch of three tonnes, and others like him, have been prevented from fishing at the close of the normally prosperous Christmas season because they cannot sell their shellfish to processing plants that ship on their produce to Europe.
"We had to stop fishing because they can't shift our product," the 33-year-old who began fishing at the age of 10 and whose father was also a fisherman explained.
Following the discovery of a new, more transmissible variant of the coronavirus, dozens of countries have suspended travel from the UK.
On Sunday, France made a snap decision to shut its borders to UK hauliers for 48 hours in a bid to contain the spread of the virus, disrupting supply chains particularly through the key port of Dover on which Britain is reliant.
The blockage of trade across the Channel has had an acute knock-on effect on seafood exporters that have been prevented from shipping their perishable produce to the continent, where it is in particular demand during the festive season.
- 'Disaster' for crews -
Barnes said the immediate impact on his bottom line could be limited. Monday would have been his last day of fishing before the start of a winter break lasting till January.
However, if the gridlock at Britain's ports and the disruption to the supply chain continues into next month then the implications could be significantly worse.
"I just hope it can be resolved in the two weeks," he said, explaining regretted the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, which has caused a fall in prices and may continue at the end of the fast-approaching Brexit transition period.
"The Christmas and New Year market is always a huge market for the entire UK seafood sector but the prices and demand just go through the roof. This year it just hasn't."
Britain and the European Union are engaged in the final stages of fraught negotiations to reach a trade agreement before the deadline of December 31 when the UK will exit the single market and the customs union.
Few issues in the discussions have been more difficult to finalise than fishing rights and access to British territorial waters.
According to Seafish, the British association representing the seafood industry, exports to France for human consumption reached 7,417 tons in December 2019, a value of £63 million ($85 million, 68 million euros).
"Europe is an important market for some of our high value UK seafood, including shellfish which is exported live and highly perishable," Aoife Martin, Seafish's Operations Director said.
"We know many seafood businesses are affected, particularly in Scotland."
The Scottish Seafood Association called on the government to compensate its members "who will lose millions of pounds" because of the closure of the French border.
Jimmy Buchan, the association’s managing director said on Twitter that the losses were a "disaster" for companies that had already been hit hard by the first wave of the pandemic in March.
Sam Crowe, a crab fisherman in Scarborough, also reluctantly gave up on a lucrative Monday fishing trip.
"I've got not much money in our bank to live on. We were expecting a good Christmas trip which could have brought us a bit of good money. Obviously that has all stopped," he said.
The 26-year-old explained his income was dependant on the export market. "No way on earth is the English population going to able to eat, nevermind buy, what we catch. It has to exported," he said.
© 2020 AFP