newsweek--2020-12-11--COVID Concentrates Minds on Obesity | Opinion

Obesity is a major risk factor for those dying from the coronavirus .
So strong is that fear among the very overweight that bariatric surgeries have seen a significant jump in demand .
Bariatric surgery is a procedure performed on the stomach or intestines that causes weight loss .
What 's odd about this is that obesity is tied to many other serious ailments .
They include heart disease , diabetes and , as some studies suggest , cancers of the breast , esophagus , pancreas and colon .
Yet it took COVID to scare so many into asking for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removing part of the stomach .
And that requires a hospital stay at a time when hospitals are struggling with waves of coronavirus patients who could pass on the deadly disease .
That said , seriously obese Americans who want bariatric surgery now have good reason .
A large international study based in Lille , France , showed that for virus patients admitted into intensive care units , obesity was the third-highest risk factor for COVID-19 pneumonia—after advanced age and being male .
And the need for invasive mechanical ventilation increases with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bariatric surgery after he had experienced coronavirus as an obese patient .
He suffered weeks of double pneumonia , a 104 temperature and a breathing crisis .
That traumatic experience , he told the Houston Chronicle , was `` the ultimate sign I 'm not bulletproof . ''
Another incentive for obese Americans to lose weight speaks to the tragedy of our times : As waves of very sick patients overwhelm ICUs , doctors may have to decide who can be saved , and that may not include them .
Bariatric surgery has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be .
Twenty years ago , the risk from complications was 1 in 100 .
It 's now 1 in 1,000 .
But obtaining it is not a simple process of calling a surgeon and reserving an operating room .
To qualify at the University of California , San Francisco Bariatric Surgery Center , you must weigh less than 450 pounds .
( That 's the maximum weight that hospital radiology equipment can support . )
For some , that may mean months of losing weight prior to surgery .
You must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before and must commit to changing diet , exercise and lifestyle thereafter .
And , of course , your insurance must cover the procedure .
Once you reach the stage of discussing what to expect with a surgeon , there is another four- to six-week wait for the actual operation .
But it works , and the loss of weight greatly raises the odds of surviving the coronavirus .
A study out of the Cleveland Clinic found that patients who had bariatric surgery in the past , even if they are still considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of needing hospitalization or admission into an ICU .
Doctors performing bariatric surgery say good data on the rising number of requests is hard to come by for reasons unique to this age of COVID .
Elective procedures were , or still are , being curtailed in many states to preserve beds for coronavirus patients .
As a result , some of the recent surge in requests for this medical intervention may reflect pent-up demand .
And because bariatric surgery requires a great deal of preparation before the operation , many candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A geared-up interest in losing excess weight could be a small , good outcome of this disaster .
But some bariatric surgeons do n't want to go there .
As Jason Balette , a doctor at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center who operated on Threadgill , told the Chronicle , `` anytime is a good opportunity to talk about obesity and the different approaches to weight loss . ''
Froma Harrop is an award-winning journalist , author and syndicated columnist .
The views expressed in this article are the author 's own @

Obesity is a major risk factor for those dying from the coronavirus.
So strong is that fear among the very overweight that bariatric surgeries have seen a significant jump in demand. Bariatric surgery is a procedure performed on the stomach or intestines that causes weight loss.
What's odd about this is that obesity is tied to many other serious ailments. They include heart disease, diabetes and, as some studies suggest, cancers of the breast, esophagus, pancreas and colon.
Yet it took COVID to scare so many into asking for a kind of surgery that often involves removing part of the stomach. And that requires a hospital stay at a time when hospitals are struggling with waves of coronavirus patients who could pass on the deadly disease.
That said, seriously obese Americans who want bariatric surgery now have good reason. A large international study based in Lille, France, showed that for virus patients admitted into intensive care units, obesity was the third-highest risk factor for COVID-19 pneumonia—after advanced age and being male. And the need for invasive mechanical ventilation increases with the level of overweight.
Ted Threadgill underwent bariatric surgery after he had experienced coronavirus as an obese patient. He suffered weeks of double pneumonia, a 104 temperature and a breathing crisis. That traumatic experience, he told the Houston Chronicle, was "the ultimate sign I'm not bulletproof."
Another incentive for obese Americans to lose weight speaks to the tragedy of our times: As waves of very sick patients overwhelm ICUs, doctors may have to decide who can be saved, and that may not include them.
Bariatric surgery has become a lot safer than it used to be. Twenty years ago, the risk from complications was 1 in 100. It's now 1 in 1,000. But obtaining it is not a simple process of calling a surgeon and reserving an operating room.
To qualify at the University of California, San Francisco Bariatric Surgery Center, you must weigh less than 450 pounds. (That's the maximum weight that hospital radiology equipment can support.) For some, that may mean months of losing weight prior to surgery.
You must have quit smoking at least six weeks before and must commit to changing diet, exercise and lifestyle thereafter. And, of course, your insurance must cover the procedure. Once you reach the stage of discussing what to expect with a surgeon, there is another four- to six-week wait for the actual operation.
But it works, and the loss of weight greatly raises the odds of surviving the coronavirus. A study out of the Cleveland Clinic found that patients who had bariatric surgery in the past, even if they are still considered obese, have a 25 percent lower risk of needing hospitalization or admission into an ICU.
Doctors performing bariatric surgery say good data on the rising number of requests is hard to come by for reasons unique to this age of COVID. Elective procedures were, or still are, being curtailed in many states to preserve beds for coronavirus patients. As a result, some of the recent surge in requests for this medical intervention may reflect pent-up demand. And because bariatric surgery requires a great deal of preparation before the operation, many candidates are still in the preliminary phases.
A geared-up interest in losing excess weight could be a small, good outcome of this disaster. But some bariatric surgeons don't want to go there. As Jason Balette, a doctor at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center who operated on Threadgill, told the Chronicle, "anytime is a good opportunity to talk about obesity and the different approaches to weight loss."
He's right.
Froma Harrop is an award-winning journalist, author and syndicated columnist.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own.


newsweek--2020-12-11--Ayanna Pressley Blames McConnell for GoFundMe Pages Set Up to Pay for Essentials as Stimulus Talks S

Ayanna Pressley Blames McConnell for GoFundMe Pages Set Up to Pay for Essentials as Stimulus Talks Stall

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is making good on his `` Grim Reaper '' nickname , as pandemic stimulus discussions remain stalled in Congress .
Several economic protections put in place for Americans due to the coronavirus pandemic are set to expire at the end of December .
Democratic and Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill have for months disagreed over what the next pandemic relief package should look like .
`` He is callous and disconnected from the hardship that the American people are experiencing , '' Pressley , a Democrat , said during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When he said that he was intent on being the 'Grim Reaper , ' he has certainly honored that . ''
Prior to the pandemic , McConnell embraced the idea of being Congress ' Grim Reaper , a nickname he earned by leaving Democrat-backed initiatives from the House of Representatives to die in the Senate .
After months without new federal aid and new COVID-19 infections and deaths continuing to climb throughout the country , Pressley said McConnell and other congressional Republicans have `` abandoned '' those who are struggling .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have ostensibly become one big GoFundMe page , '' Pressley said .
`` People have set up GoFundMe pages for diapers , for groceries , for rent . ''
Pressley listed several of the action items that she said should be on a new pandemic relief bill , including recurring direct payments ; moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures ; expanded unemployment benefits ; and federal economic support for states and municipalities .
`` People need this relief for diapers , for groceries , for inhalers , for insulin , for rent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public health crisis .
We can not have people unsheltered .
The fact that we are having to beg for people to merely survive , to meet their most basic needs , is unconscionable . ''
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday that stimulus talks could extend into late December if an agreement is not reached next week .
The divide between Democrat and Republican preferences for a new stimulus package has widened since lawmakers passed their initial Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 908 billion relief package has grown on both sides of the aisle in recent weeks .
Though Democratic leaders in the House and Senate have come around to the bill , McConnell blocked it from moving forward on Thursday due to the financial support it proposes for state and local governments .
But to Democrats like Pressley , the aid for state and local governments is an essential piece of the puzzle .
`` Without that state and municipal aid , we will only see great contributors to what is already a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of unprecedented food and security , unemployment and families on the precipice of eviction , '' Pressley said .
Newsweek reached out to McConnell 's office for comment , but did not receive a response in time for publication .

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is making good on his "Grim Reaper" nickname, as pandemic stimulus discussions remain stalled in Congress.
Several economic protections put in place for Americans due to the coronavirus pandemic are set to expire at the end of December. Democratic and Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill have for months disagreed over what the next pandemic relief package should look like.
"He is callous and disconnected from the hardship that the American people are experiencing," Pressley, a Democrat, said during a Thursday interview with MSNBC. "When he said that he was intent on being the 'Grim Reaper,' he has certainly honored that."
Prior to the pandemic, McConnell embraced the idea of being Congress' Grim Reaper, a nickname he earned by leaving Democrat-backed initiatives from the House of Representatives to die in the Senate. After months without new federal aid and new COVID-19 infections and deaths continuing to climb throughout the country, Pressley said McConnell and other congressional Republicans have "abandoned" those who are struggling.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley, a Massachusetts Democrat, said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is "callous and disconnected from the hardship that the American people are experiencing" as pandemic stimulus discussions remain stalled on Capitol Hill. McConnell is pictured above wearing a protective mask while arriving to the U.S. Capitol on December 11, 2020 in Washington, D.C. Stefani Reynolds/Getty
"They have abandoned the American people, and we have ostensibly become one big GoFundMe page," Pressley said. "People have set up GoFundMe pages for diapers, for groceries, for rent."
Pressley listed several of the action items that she said should be on a new pandemic relief bill, including recurring direct payments; moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures; expanded unemployment benefits; and federal economic support for states and municipalities.
"People need this relief for diapers, for groceries, for inhalers, for insulin, for rent," Pressley said. "This is a public health crisis. We cannot have people unsheltered. The fact that we are having to beg for people to merely survive, to meet their most basic needs, is unconscionable."
The people need survival checks.
To keep a roof over their head, to put food on the table, to buy diapers. pic.twitter.com/gW5bH7Mt8i — Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) December 11, 2020
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday that stimulus talks could extend into late December if an agreement is not reached next week.
The divide between Democrat and Republican preferences for a new stimulus package has widened since lawmakers passed their initial Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March, but support for a bipartisan $908 billion relief package has grown on both sides of the aisle in recent weeks.
Though Democratic leaders in the House and Senate have come around to the bill, McConnell blocked it from moving forward on Thursday due to the financial support it proposes for state and local governments.
But to Democrats like Pressley, the aid for state and local governments is an essential piece of the puzzle.
"Without that state and municipal aid, we will only see great contributors to what is already a tsunami of hurt because of the confluence of unprecedented food and security, unemployment and families on the precipice of eviction," Pressley said.
Newsweek reached out to McConnell's office for comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-12--Trump's Failed Efforts to Overturn the Election Have Fractured the Republican Party

With just two days until the Electoral College makes Joe Biden 's win official , President Donald Trump is still living—at least publicly—in an alternate universe .
Trump 's refusal to concede to his Democratic challenger is only dividing the Grand Old Party , acting as a test for who is most loyal to an outgoing president that will likely maintain a powerful grasp on his party vs. who is grounded in reality .
On one side were 126 House Republicans and 18 Republican state attorneys general who backed a failed endeavor—but was nonetheless an extraordinary plea to the Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subverted the will of millions of voters .
This group refuses to acknowledge Trump 's loss at the ballot box from 39 days ago , claiming—without evidence—that the election was `` rigged . ''
On the other side was a refusal by GOP lawmakers to associate themselves with the lawsuit—and in some cases , offered searing condemnation—even among the Republicans who 've yet to recognize Biden as president-elect .
On Friday evening , the Supreme Court dealt a major and final blow to the Trump campaign , refusing to even consider a case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought to overturn the election by tossing out millions of ballots in four pivotal states Biden won : Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin .
The justices , including the three Trump appointees , said it lacked legal standing .
`` Texas has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another state conducts its elections , '' the court 's opinion said .
But make no mistake about it : even as the Electoral College prepares to vote on Monday and cement Biden 's victory , the battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could rage on for weeks , as an effort unfolds behind the scenes among Republicans for Congress to contest the certification of the outcome .
The divide represents the intraparty dilemma that will face Republicans on Jan. 20 and beyond , when Trump is no longer in the White House .
Will GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill continue to fear the Twitter wrath of a man who no longer holds office , or will they seek to install a new unofficial leader of the party ?
`` Since Election Night , a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spinning Kenyan Birther-type , 'Chavez rigged the election from the grave ' conspiracy theories , '' Sen. Ben Sasse ( R-Neb . )
said in a statement Friday following the Supreme Court 's ruling .
`` But every American who cares about the rule of law should take comfort that the Supreme Court—including all three of President Trump 's picks—closed the book on the nonsense . ''
The ruling came as no surprise to legal experts .
Still , 126 out of 196 House Republicans , including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorneys general chose to sign onto the lawsuit led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ( R ) .
McCarthy , who initially laughed off questions about whether he supported the endeavor , and 25 other Republicans later signed onto the lawsuit after they said a `` clerical error '' mistakenly left them off .
Rep. Mike Johnson ( R-La . )
solicited support for the lawsuit , sending an email to his GOP colleagues asking to join and that Trump was `` anxiously awaiting the final list . ''
Several Republicans on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate shook their heads in disapproval .
`` I 'm never surprised about the House of Representatives , '' Sen. Lamar Alexander ( R-Tenn. ) said .
`` The idea of supplanting the vote of the people with partisan legislators is so completely out of our national character that it 's simply mad , '' the former presidential nominee said .
`` Of course , the president has the right to challenge results in court , to have recounts .
But this effort to subvert the vote of the people is dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Sen. John Cornyn ( R-Texas ) , a leadership member , called the lawsuit led by his state 's attorney general `` unprecedented . ''
`` I do not understand the legal theory , '' he said .
`` I do n't want other states having the chance to change Texas law based on a similar effort . ''
`` Really surprised and disappointed , '' is how Sen. Lisa Murkowski ( R-Alaska ) portrayed her feelings about the bid to invalid so many legally cast votes .
`` Even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is continuing in this way . ''
Many of those who backed the Texas-led lawsuit would privately admit the effort was futile .
But many also truly believe the election was laden with fraud , despite the campaign failing to prove in dozens of post-election lawsuits .
There was a clear divide on Capitol Hill , with more than 60 percent of Republicans in the House formally backing the lawsuit while senators steered clear .
Notably , few GOP lawmakers in the upper chamber , a body that often conducts itself with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea .
`` My guess is , '' predicted Sen. Josh Hawley ( R-Mo . )
, who felt it was the Supreme Court 's duty to at least adjudicate the case in some manner , `` it 's just nobody here sort of rounded up the troops . ''

With just two days until the Electoral College makes Joe Biden's win official, President Donald Trump is still living—at least publicly—in an alternate universe.
Trump's refusal to concede to his Democratic challenger is only dividing the Grand Old Party, acting as a test for who is most loyal to an outgoing president that will likely maintain a powerful grasp on his party vs. who is grounded in reality.
On one side were 126 House Republicans and 18 Republican state attorneys general who backed a failed endeavor—but was nonetheless an extraordinary plea to the Supreme Court—that would have undermined American democracy and subverted the will of millions of voters. This group refuses to acknowledge Trump's loss at the ballot box from 39 days ago, claiming—without evidence—that the election was "rigged."
On the other side was a refusal by GOP lawmakers to associate themselves with the lawsuit—and in some cases, offered searing condemnation—even among the Republicans who've yet to recognize Biden as president-elect.
On Friday evening, the Supreme Court dealt a major and final blow to the Trump campaign, refusing to even consider a case led by the Texas attorney general that sought to overturn the election by tossing out millions of ballots in four pivotal states Biden won: Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The justices, including the three Trump appointees, said it lacked legal standing.
President Donald Trump walks out after speaking at the Operation Warp Speed Vaccine Summit on December 8 in Washington, DC. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty
"Texas has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another state conducts its elections," the court's opinion said.
In a flurry of tweets since the ruling, Trump has continued to rage online while all but ignoring the fact that his legal options have been exhausted.
"WE HAVE JUST BEGUN TO FIGHT!!!" Trump tweeted. Another post read: "The Supreme Court really let us down. No Wisdom, No Courage!"
But make no mistake about it: even as the Electoral College prepares to vote on Monday and cement Biden's victory, the battle among Trump's allies over who won will rage on for weeks, as an effort unfolds behind the scenes among congressional Republicans for Congress to contest the certification of the outcome.
The divide represents the intraparty dilemma that Republicans will face on Jan. 20 and beyond, when Trump is no longer in the White House. Will GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill continue to fear the Twitter wrath of a man who no longer holds office, or will they seek to install a new unofficial leader of the party?
"Since Election Night, a lot of people have been confusing voters by spinning Kenyan Birther-type, 'Chavez rigged the election from the grave' conspiracy theories," Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) said in a statement Friday following the Supreme Court's ruling. "But every American who cares about the rule of law should take comfort that the Supreme Court—including all three of President Trump's picks—closed the book on the nonsense."
The ruling came as no surprise to legal experts. Still, 126 out of 196 House Republicans, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), and 17 Republican state attorneys general chose to sign onto a longshot lawsuit led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R).
McCarthy, who initially laughed off questions about whether he supported the endeavor, and 25 other Republicans later signed onto the lawsuit after they said a "clerical error" mistakenly left them off. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) solicited support for the lawsuit, sending an email to his GOP colleagues asking to join and that Trump was "anxiously awaiting the final list."
Several Republicans on the other side of the Capitol in the Senate shook their heads in disapproval.
Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather outside of the U.S. Supreme Court on December 11 in Washington, DC. More than 100 Republicans in the House of Representatives voiced their support for a pro-Trump election lawsuit in Texas as the state calls for the Supreme Court to delay the certification of election results in four battleground states that Vice President-elect Joe Biden won. Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty
"I'm never surprised about the House of Representatives," Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said.
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) labeled the suit "just simply madness."
"The idea of supplanting the vote of the people with partisan legislators is so completely out of our national character that it's simply mad," the former GOP presidential nominee said. "Of course, the president has the right to challenge results in court, to have recounts. But this effort to subvert the vote of the people is dangerous and destructive of the cause of democracy."
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a leadership member, called the lawsuit led by his state's attorney general "unprecedented."
"I do not understand the legal theory," he said. "I don't want other states having the chance to change Texas law based on a similar effort."
"Really surprised and disappointed," is how Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) portrayed her feelings about the bid to invalidate so many legally cast votes. "Even more so, I was really disappointed that this is continuing in this way."
Many of those who backed the Texas-led lawsuit would privately admit the effort was futile. But many also truly believed the election was laden with fraud, despite the campaign failing to prove such a claim in dozens of post-election lawsuits.
There was a clear divide on Capitol Hill, with more than 60 percent of Republicans in the House formally backing the lawsuit while senators steered clear. Notably, few GOP lawmakers in the upper chamber, a body that often conducts itself with more civility, told reporters they supported the idea.
"My guess is," predicted Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who felt it was the Supreme Court's duty to at least adjudicate the case in some manner, "it's just nobody here sort of rounded up the troops."


newsweek--2020-12-12--30 Thoughtful Book Choices for Everyone on Your Holiday List

Having trouble picking out the perfect gift for everyone on your list ?
Did you wait till the last minute ?
Never fear , Newsweek has curated a list of book choices for you , with a selection of photo essays , biographies , novels , thrillers and more—all from 2020 , each one proving that something good came out of this year after all .
These great reads are available for pick up at nearby bookstores , or online for contactless purchases with shipping in time for the holiday—or even choose the e-book option .
Select gift wrap at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lucky recipient .
All that 's left is to set up a Zoom call to discuss what everyone is reading !
For your fiction-devouring best friend : Cobble Hill By Cecily von Ziegesar | Atria Books | $ 27.00 The author of the Gossip Girl series returns with a plot that 's just as juicy—this time following four couples and their kids in Cobble Hill , Brooklyn .
Heaven and Earth By Paolo Giordano | Pamela Dorman Books | $ 28 Simmering with resentment , lust and the heat of an Italian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends from the time they meet in the 1990s till 2012 as they follow a collision course while protecting a deep and cataclysmic secret .
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue By V. E. Schwab | Tor Books | $ 26.99 Addie LaRue makes a bargain to live forever , but is cursed to be forgotten by whomever she meets , in this magnetic and magical novel .
The Death of Vivek Oji By Akwaeke Emezi | Riverhead Books | $ 27 One of the most highly acclaimed novels of 2020 will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , beginning when a mother opens her door in Nigeria to find the body of her son .
My Dark Vanessa By Kate Elizabeth Russell | William Morrow | $ 27.99 This explosive debut flashes between a 15-year-old 's relationship with her 47-year-old teacher and 17 years later , when he 's accused of sexual assault .
Saint X By Alexis Schaitkin | Celadon Books | $ 26.99 Seven-year-old Claire 's life was marked irreversibly when her older sister went missing during a family vacation in the Caribbean .
Years later , Claire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing her in this addictive and breathtaking debut novel .
Follow Me By Kathleen Barber | Gallery Books | $ 27 Audrey Miller is a social media oversharer whose constant cataloging has earned her an unwelcome follower in this chilling tale that 'll make anyone think twice before posting .
No Filter , The Inside Story of Instagram By Sarah Frier | Simon & Schuster | $ 28 Just how did Instagram become one of the most influential and relevant platforms of the modern world ?
Frier 's access to the central figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the online company 's unprecedented impact .
For your mom , who has already read pretty much everything : Ex Libris : 100+ Books to Read and Reread By Michiko Kakutani | Clarkson Potter | $ 25.00 Pulitzer Prize-winning literary critic Kakutani shares must-read classics , memoirs , manifestos and more—complete with magnificent accompanying artwork .
How Should One Read a Book ?
By Virginia Woolf | Laurence King Publishing | $ 9.99 This slim and elegant volume is an update to a literary classic that stands the test of time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ get enough true crime : We Keep the Dead Close : A Murder at Harvard and a Half Century of Silence By Becky Cooper | Grand Central Publishing | $ 29 In 1969 , Harvard anthropology graduate student Jane Britton was found killed in her home .
Decades of speculation and whispers followed , until Cooper heard the story—as a student herself—and put it all together over the course of a decade in this immersive and expansive memoir .
Heart Talk : The Journal : 52 Weeks of Self-Love , Self-Care , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ | $ 17.99 Based on the best-selling book , a year-long journey through the self that 's both poetry and journal .
This Brilliant Darkness : A Book of Strangers By Jeff Sharlet | W.W. Norton & Company | $ 25 In breathtaking photos and short , propulsive narratives , Sharlet tells the stories of the people he has encountered while traveling the road of life .
Wild Interiors : Beautiful Plants in Beautiful Spaces By Hilton Carter | CICO Books | $ 24.99 Chock full of spectacular full-color , full-page photos and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decor statement with greenery .
For your sister , who could use some inspiration : Good Morning , Monster : A Therapist Shares Five Heroic Journeys to Recovery By Catherine Gildiner | St. Martin 's Press | $ 27.99 A longtime psychologist chronicles the lives of five of her most inspirational patients for a story that 's both wrenching and hopeful .
Keep Moving : Notes on Loss , Creativity , and Change By Maggie Smith | Atria/One Signal Publishers | $ 24 A perfect pick-me-up , Smith 's gem is packed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , transformation and moving forward no matter the circumstances .
No Time Like the Future : An Optimist Considers Mortality By Michael J .
Fox | Flatiron Books | $ 27.99 Fox reflects on recent challenges and shares the lessons he has learned since being diagnosed with Parkinson 's at the age of 29 .
By turns humorous , profound , reflective and hopeful .
Wintering : The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times By Katherine May | Riverhead Books | $ 24 The book equivalent of a warm hug .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For your dad , the history buff : The Light Ages : The Surprising Story of Medieval Science By Seb Falk | W.W. Norton & Company | $ 30 Cambridge science historian Falk journeys through the 14th century by way of a monk in order to tell the surprising and vivid story of medieval science .
Metropolis : A History of the City , Humankind 's Greatest Invention By Ben Wilson | Doubleday | $ 32.50 The supremely beautiful cover of Metropolis is outdone only by the epic narratives of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spanning from Uruk in 4000 B.C .
to Lagos in 2020 .
A Promised Land By Barack Obama | Crown | $ 45 Arguably the most-anticipated presidential memoir in modern history , and a must for any history buff 's bookshelf .
Stuff You Should Know : An Incomplete Compendium of Mostly Interesting Things By Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant with Nils Parker | Flatiron Books | $ 27.99 An addendum to the podcast of the same name , SYSK is as close as you 'll get to being out at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tidbits about everything from Demolition Derbies to Dolly the cloned sheep .
Tightrope : Americans Reaching for Hope By Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn | Vintage | $ 16.95 Venturing back to Kristof 's native rural Oregon , Tightrope explores how lives have been altered by poverty , addiction and the loss of blue collar jobs in a remarkable study of modern American life .
For your brother , who would rather be outside exploring : Greenwood By Michael Christie | Hogarth | $ 28 Christie weaves what is , in our opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year ; a story as lush and complex as the trees it revolves around .
Ready Player Two By Ernest Cline | Ballantine Books | $ 28.99 The much-anticipated sequel to Ready Player One picks up days after Wade Watts wins the Oasis founder 's contest , when he makes an unexpected and incendiary discovery .
For your niece with the big imagination : The Ickabog By J.K. Rowling | Scholastic Inc. | $ 26.99 There are unearthly delights in the kingdom of Cornucopia—but a monster lies beneath .
Rowling inimitably builds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , full of illustrations by children .
The Answer Is ... Reflections on My Life By Alex Trebek | Simon & Schuster | $ 26.00 There could n't be a more fitting time to gift this book , full of good humor , anecdotes and the wit that came to characterize Trebek .
Friends : The Official Cookbook By Amanda Yee | Insight Editions | $ 29.99 Includes everything from Rachel 's English trifle to Chandler 's `` milk you can chew '' to Ross ' infamous Moist Maker .
Is This Anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schuster | $ 35 Seinfeld 's first book in decades is full of his best bits and most laugh-out-loud observations .
The Rock : Through the Lens : His Life , His Movies , His World By Hiram Garcia | St. Martin 's Press | $ 35 Two-hundred-forty-six pages of photographs of The Rock .
Need we say more ?

Having trouble picking out the perfect gift for everyone on your list? Did you wait till the last minute? Never fear, Newsweek has curated a list of book choices for you, with a selection of photo essays, biographies, novels, thrillers and more—all from 2020, each one proving that something good came out of this year after all. These great reads are available for pick up at nearby bookstores, or online for contactless purchases with shipping in time for the holiday—or even choose the e-book option. Select gift wrap at checkout and have them shipped directly to the lucky recipient. All that's left is to set up a Zoom call to discuss what everyone is reading!
For your fiction-devouring best friend:
Cobble Hill
By Cecily von Ziegesar | Atria Books | $27.00
The author of the Gossip Girl series returns with a plot that's just as juicy—this time following four couples and their kids in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.
Heaven and Earth
By Paolo Giordano | Pamela Dorman Books | $28
Simmering with resentment, lust and the heat of an Italian summer, Heaven and Earth follows four friends from the time they meet in the 1990s till 2012 as they follow a collision course while protecting a deep and cataclysmic secret.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
By V. E. Schwab | Tor Books | $26.99
Addie LaRue makes a bargain to live forever, but is cursed to be forgotten by whomever she meets, in this magnetic and magical novel.
Get the best of Newsweek via email
The Death of Vivek Oji
By Akwaeke Emezi | Riverhead Books | $27
One of the most highly acclaimed novels of 2020 will be unlike anything they've ever read before, beginning when a mother opens her door in Nigeria to find the body of her son.
My Dark Vanessa
By Kate Elizabeth Russell | William Morrow | $27.99
This explosive debut flashes between a 15-year-old's relationship with her 47-year-old teacher and 17 years later, when he's accused of sexual assault.
Saint X
By Alexis Schaitkin | Celadon Books | $26.99
Seven-year-old Claire's life was marked irreversibly when her older sister went missing during a family vacation in the Caribbean. Years later, Claire crosses paths with the man suspected of killing her in this addictive and breathtaking debut novel.
For your social media-addicted coworker:
Follow Me
By Kathleen Barber | Gallery Books | $27
Audrey Miller is a social media oversharer whose constant cataloging has earned her an unwelcome follower in this chilling tale that'll make anyone think twice before posting.
No Filter, The Inside Story of Instagram
By Sarah Frier | Simon & Schuster | $28
Just how did Instagram become one of the most influential and relevant platforms of the modern world? Frier's access to the central figures in the drama unravels the tangled web of the online company's unprecedented impact.
For your mom, who has already read pretty much everything:
Ex Libris: 100+ Books to Read and Reread
By Michiko Kakutani | Clarkson Potter | $25.00
Pulitzer Prize-winning literary critic Kakutani shares must-read classics, memoirs, manifestos and more—complete with magnificent accompanying artwork.
How Should One Read a Book?
By Virginia Woolf | Laurence King Publishing | $9.99
This slim and elegant volume is an update to a literary classic that stands the test of time.
For your cousin, who can't get enough true crime:
We Keep the Dead Close: A Murder at Harvard and a Half Century of Silence
By Becky Cooper | Grand Central Publishing | $29
In 1969, Harvard anthropology graduate student Jane Britton was found killed in her home. Decades of speculation and whispers followed, until Cooper heard the story—as a student herself—and put it all together over the course of a decade in this immersive and expansive memoir.
For your artsy aunt:
Heart Talk: The Journal: 52 Weeks of Self-Love, Self-Care, and Self-Discovery
By Cleo Wade | Atria Books | $17.99
Based on the best-selling book, a year-long journey through the self that's both poetry and journal.
This Brilliant Darkness: A Book of Strangers
By Jeff Sharlet | W.W. Norton & Company | $25
In breathtaking photos and short, propulsive narratives, Sharlet tells the stories of the people he has encountered while traveling the road of life.
Wild Interiors: Beautiful Plants in Beautiful Spaces
By Hilton Carter | CICO Books | $24.99
Chock full of spectacular full-color, full-page photos and advice for houseplant aficionados to help make a decor statement with greenery.
For your sister, who could use some inspiration:
Good Morning, Monster: A Therapist Shares Five Heroic Journeys to Recovery
By Catherine Gildiner | St. Martin's Press | $27.99
A longtime psychologist chronicles the lives of five of her most inspirational patients for a story that's both wrenching and hopeful.
Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change
By Maggie Smith | Atria/One Signal Publishers | $24
A perfect pick-me-up, Smith's gem is packed with luminous quotes and essays about resilience, transformation and moving forward no matter the circumstances.
No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality
By Michael J. Fox | Flatiron Books | $27.99
Fox reflects on recent challenges and shares the lessons he has learned since being diagnosed with Parkinson's at the age of 29. By turns humorous, profound, reflective and hopeful.
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
By Katherine May | Riverhead Books | $24
The book equivalent of a warm hug. May's calming meditations read like poetry.
For your dad, the history buff:
The Light Ages: The Surprising Story of Medieval Science
By Seb Falk | W.W. Norton & Company | $30
Cambridge science historian Falk journeys through the 14th century by way of a monk in order to tell the surprising and vivid story of medieval science.
Metropolis: A History of the City, Humankind's Greatest Invention
By Ben Wilson | Doubleday | $32.50
The supremely beautiful cover of Metropolis is outdone only by the epic narratives of the world's influential cities contained within its pages, spanning from Uruk in 4000 B.C. to Lagos in 2020.
A Promised Land
By Barack Obama | Crown | $45
Arguably the most-anticipated presidential memoir in modern history, and a must for any history buff's bookshelf.
Stuff You Should Know: An Incomplete Compendium of Mostly Interesting Things
By Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant with Nils Parker | Flatiron Books | $27.99
An addendum to the podcast of the same name, SYSK is as close as you'll get to being out at a bar on trivia night, jam-packed with tidbits about everything from Demolition Derbies to Dolly the cloned sheep.
Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope
By Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn | Vintage | $16.95
Venturing back to Kristof's native rural Oregon, Tightrope explores how lives have been altered by poverty, addiction and the loss of blue collar jobs in a remarkable study of modern American life.
For your brother, who would rather be outside exploring:
Greenwood
By Michael Christie | Hogarth | $28
Christie weaves what is, in our opinion, one of the best novels of the year; a story as lush and complex as the trees it revolves around.
For your video game-loving nephew:
Ready Player Two
By Ernest Cline | Ballantine Books | $28.99
The much-anticipated sequel to Ready Player One picks up days after Wade Watts wins the Oasis founder's contest, when he makes an unexpected and incendiary discovery.
For your niece with the big imagination:
The Ickabog
By J.K. Rowling | Scholastic Inc. | $26.99
There are unearthly delights in the kingdom of Cornucopia—but a monster lies beneath. Rowling inimitably builds a fantastical world in this fairy tale, full of illustrations by children.
For your television-obsessed daughter-in-law:
The Answer Is...Reflections on My Life
By Alex Trebek | Simon & Schuster | $26.00
There couldn't be a more fitting time to gift this book, full of good humor, anecdotes and the wit that came to characterize Trebek.
Friends: The Official Cookbook
By Amanda Yee | Insight Editions | $29.99
Includes everything from Rachel's English trifle to Chandler's "milk you can chew" to Ross' infamous Moist Maker.
Is This Anything?
By Jerry Seinfeld | Simon & Schuster | $35
Seinfeld's first book in decades is full of his best bits and most laugh-out-loud observations.
The Rock: Through the Lens: His Life, His Movies, His World
By Hiram Garcia | St. Martin's Press | $35
Two-hundred-forty-six pages of photographs of The Rock. Need we say more?


newsweek--2020-12-12--GOP Rep. Who Backed Texas Lawsuit Will Accept Biden Win When His Hand is 'On The Bible'

Representative Doug LaMalfa , who backed the rejected lawsuit seeking to overturn the election result , has suggested the legal fight by President Donald Trump and his allies , would continue until Inauguration Day .
LaMalfa , a Californian Republican , was one 126 GOP members of the house who supported an amicus brief filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to overturn the results in four states won by President-elect Joe Biden .
On Friday , the U.S. Supreme Court denied the Lone Star State 's request to sue Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin , saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` in the manner in which another state conducts its elections . ''
In a testy exchange with CNN anchor Chris Cuomo , Lamalfa was asked if he would accept the Supreme Court 's decision .
`` Well , certainly , this is a setback for the case that was being made by Texas ... there 's a lot of things being said about it , '' LaMalfa told Cuomo Prime Time on Friday .
He said that the case came down to whether Trump voters `` were being harmed in other states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting procedures were `` sloppy.
`` He then referred to a common Trump complaint disputing mail-in ballots .
Cuomo countered by saying , `` litigation is about facts '' and that `` they have no proof anything was done wrong . ''
He then asked the lawmaker : `` Do you now accept that Biden is President-elect ? ''
LaMalfa replied : `` Well , we still do n't know what the intelligence folks have in there , '' spurring Cuomo to interrupt with , `` they do n't have anything . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if he 's got his hand on the Bible and doing that then I guess we 'll accept it at that point , '' referring to the date that that Biden will take his oath of office .
`` There 's still a lot of time between here and there . ''
Cuomo then asked : `` You got any proof that anything was done that was fraudulent in any election ? ''
LaMalfa replied : `` You know I do n't have proof that men landed on the moon in 1969 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' prompting Cuomo to scoff .
LaMalfa then complained about the short amount of time between Election Day and the Electoral College vote .
Cuomo asked whether the legal disputes would interfere with Congress striking a deal on the coronavirus vaccine and a relief package , `` or are you going to hold on and try to take care of Trump even after he has lost ? ''
`` Well , Chris , it is possible around here for us to walk and chew gum at the same time , '' LaMalfa responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the amount of money spent in this century 's election campaigns .

Representative Doug LaMalfa, who backed the rejected lawsuit seeking to overturn the election result, has suggested the legal fight by President Donald Trump and his allies, would continue until Inauguration Day.
LaMalfa, a Californian Republican, was one 126 GOP members of the house who supported an amicus brief filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to overturn the results in four states won by President-elect Joe Biden.
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the Lone Star State's request to sue Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, saying the plaintiff had not demonstrated a legal interest "in the manner in which another state conducts its elections."
In a testy exchange with CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, Lamalfa was asked if he would accept the Supreme Court's decision.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) pictured in the U.S. Capitol January 7, 2016 in Washington, D.C. He backed the failed bid by Texas to have the election result overturned. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
"Well, certainly, this is a setback for the case that was being made by Texas... there's a lot of things being said about it," LaMalfa told Cuomo Prime Time on Friday.
He said that the case came down to whether Trump voters "were being harmed in other states," by elections elsewhere that where voting procedures were "sloppy. " He then referred to a common Trump complaint disputing mail-in ballots.
Cuomo countered by saying, "litigation is about facts" and that "they have no proof anything was done wrong." He then asked the lawmaker: "Do you now accept that Biden is President-elect?"
LaMalfa replied: "Well, we still don't know what the intelligence folks have in there," spurring Cuomo to interrupt with, "they don't have anything."
LaMalfa continued: "Come January 20th, if he's got his hand on the Bible and doing that then I guess we'll accept it at that point," referring to the date that that Biden will take his oath of office. "There's still a lot of time between here and there."
Cuomo then asked: "You got any proof that anything was done that was fraudulent in any election?"
LaMalfa replied: "You know I don't have proof that men landed on the moon in 1969, because I was not there," prompting Cuomo to scoff. LaMalfa then complained about the short amount of time between Election Day and the Electoral College vote.
Cuomo asked whether the legal disputes would interfere with Congress striking a deal on the coronavirus vaccine and a relief package, "or are you going to hold on and try to take care of Trump even after he has lost?"
"Well, Chris, it is possible around here for us to walk and chew gum at the same time," LaMalfa responded.
The graphic below by Statista shows the amount of money spent in this century's election campaigns.


newsweek--2020-12-12--Donald Trump Should Take Election Challenge to Judge Judy, Twitter Users Suggest

Twitter users suggested on Saturday that President Donald Trump could bring his legal challenges to the 2020 presidential election results to TV 's Judge Judy following an unfavorable Supreme Court ruling .
The nine justices issued an unsigned ruling on Friday refusing to hear a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton aimed at throwing out election results in four states that voted for President-elect Joe Biden .
Trump and some of his Republican supporters had billed the case as the `` big one '' that would hand the election to the president and guarantee him a second term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , social media users offered their advice for Trump 's next steps .
`` It 's not over yet .
Trump still has Judge Judy , The People 's Court , Night Court and the mall food court to plead his case , '' wrote Twitter user @ BabeTruth2 on Friday .
Judge Judy and The People 's Court are long-running arbitration-based reality TV shows but it 's very unlikely Trump could appeal to Night Court , a popular sitcom that aired from 1984 to 1992 .
Other users were quick to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the famously direct and no-nonsense Judge Judy , whose Emmy Award-winning show has been on the air since 1996 .
`` Next stop for Trump is Judge Judy , '' wrote lawyer Daniel Uhlfelder , but others wo n't so sure about the president 's chances of success in the TV courtroom .
`` For all of you saying Trump 's only option left is Judge Judy , you need to understand something right here and now : she would n't tolerate his antics , either ... and also , he is terrified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overtly sexualize , '' argued writer Amee Vanderpool .
`` I kinda want to see it , '' she added .
`` Judge Judy is trending because people are saying her courtroom is the last resort for Trump .
I guess y'all do n't know Miss Sheindlin too well , '' tweeted user chris evans , adding a two-minute video of Sheindlin yelling at plaintiffs and defendants on her show .
CNN White House Correspondent Jim Acosta had made the same joke about Trump on December 9 after the president 's campaign and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges to the election .
`` He lost Pennsylvania , but he still has the state of denial , '' Acosta said .
`` It 's unclear where they 'll go after the Supreme Court , maybe Judge Judy or The People 's Court .
I asked an adviser if there 's any chance Trump will concede .
The advisor : 'zero . '
''

Twitter users suggested on Saturday that President Donald Trump could bring his legal challenges to the 2020 presidential election results to TV's Judge Judy following an unfavorable Supreme Court ruling.
The nine justices issued an unsigned ruling on Friday refusing to hear a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton aimed at throwing out election results in four states that voted for President-elect Joe Biden.
Trump and some of his Republican supporters had billed the case as the "big one" that would hand the election to the president and guarantee him a second term. Now that the case has fizzled out, social media users offered their advice for Trump's next steps.
Read more NJ Rep. Tells Pelosi Not to Seat 126 Republicans Who Backed Texas Lawsuit NJ Rep. Tells Pelosi Not to Seat 126 Republicans Who Backed Texas Lawsuit
"It's not over yet. Trump still has Judge Judy, The People's Court, Night Court and the mall food court to plead his case," wrote Twitter user @BabeTruth2 on Friday.
Judge Judy and The People's Court are long-running arbitration-based reality TV shows but it's very unlikely Trump could appeal to Night Court, a popular sitcom that aired from 1984 to 1992.
Other users were quick to weigh in on Trump's chances before the famously direct and no-nonsense Judge Judy, whose Emmy Award-winning show has been on the air since 1996.
"Next stop for Trump is Judge Judy," wrote lawyer Daniel Uhlfelder, but others won't so sure about the president's chances of success in the TV courtroom.
"For all of you saying Trump's only option left is Judge Judy, you need to understand something right here and now: she wouldn't tolerate his antics, either...and also, he is terrified of smart women that he can't overtly sexualize," argued writer Amee Vanderpool.
It’s not over yet. Trump still has Judge Judy, The People’s Court, Night Court and the mall food court to plead his case. — Stand Back Up 2 (@BabeTruth2) December 12, 2020
"I kinda want to see it," she added.
"Judge Judy is trending because people are saying her courtroom is the last resort for Trump. I guess y'all don't know Miss Sheindlin too well," tweeted user chris evans, adding a two-minute video of Sheindlin yelling at plaintiffs and defendants on her show.
CNN White House Correspondent Jim Acosta had made the same joke about Trump on December 9 after the president's campaign and other Republican litigants had lost numerous legal challenges to the election.
"He lost Pennsylvania, but he still has the state of denial," Acosta said. "It's unclear where they'll go after the Supreme Court, maybe Judge Judy or The People's Court. I asked an adviser if there's any chance Trump will concede. The advisor: 'zero.'"


newsweek--2020-12-12--Gifts Cat and Dog Lovers Will Really Want This Year

And just like that , it 's December .
That means colder temperatures , shorter days and less time to find that perfect holiday gift for your loved ones .
This year , our holiday celebrations might look a bit different but it is still important—maybe even more than ever—to show those we love we are thinking of them .
Though homes might not be filled with human family members , it is possible that a new addition in the form of a four-legged friend has made an appearance .
During the pandemic , there was a boom in pet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the pandemic .
Looking for companionship , many people turned to pet adoption .
So , while you 're shopping for the humans in your life , take a look at these picks for creative ways to make your pet feel special this holiday season .
From a way to keep them safe on your next road trip , to a subscription that brings them new toys and treats this month—here are 10 holiday gift ideas for your furry friend—and the humans who love them .
There 's no better backseat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their two cents .
Whether it 's for an upcoming road trip or just a drive around the block this gift can help you feel a bit safer driving with your four legged friends .
We all know dogs love sticking their heads out of windows and feeling the breeze in their fur , but this harness will allow you to keep both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road without worrying about the pup on board .
For those of us who prefer to hear a meow than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be perfect for you .
Cats often like to find quiet spots to sit and bask in the sun or really just anywhere comfortable enough to catch a few zzzs .
This perch gives felines a little exercise as they finagle their way onto this ledge and then , of course , the perfect spot for an afternoon nap .
Noise canceling headphones have become more essential in recent months as many of us have had to work from home with loved ones or roommates , but what about for your pets ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Think Fourth of July fireworks—not a fun night for most pups .
More common are thunderstorms or construction sites that might leave your furry friend in a bit of a panic .
These headphones , that really function like a hat , help cut out the frequencies that drive dogs wild , while keeping them calm .
Subscription services can give us something to look forward to each month amidst days that often seem all too familiar .
Well , what about the same for your pet—do n't you think they get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This subscription sends in different surprises for your dog each month .
Prizes range from treats to toys and for the holiday season they have released a special edition Peanuts box filled with Snoopy-themed gifts .
Our pets have become as much part of our work days as conference calls and email chains in the last few months , but what about when companies begin asking employees to go back into the office ?
Well , this nanny cam—for pets—might be just the thing to keep an eye on your sidekicks from afar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than cats due to its treat-throwing feature which can toss your puppy a treat from your desk .
As hard as it is to resist , we know that most human foods should be kept away from dogs .
Well , the good folks over at Pooch Creamery decided to help this problem by creating dog-friendly ice cream .
So the next time you crack open your freezer for a midnight snack , your furry-pal can be right next to you enjoying a sweet treat themselves .
If My Pet Could Talk Book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would say if they could talk ?
Well , this book gives you a little glance into what that might look like .
Geared more toward the little ones in your home , this personalized picture book tells a cute story of what it would be like if you and your four legged pal could chat with you and your family .
Though it 's easier to fit in a midday run now that many workdays consist of jogging in from your living room , for those who prefer to run at dusk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combine your daily workout with your dog 's night walk and turn it into an activity for you both .
In order to do so safely , this harness lights up so that your dog is sure to stand out .
As much as you love your pet , you probably do n't love their fur being left everywhere .
So , yes , this gift is really more for the human than the pet—but a happy human means a happy house , right ?
Roomba , which comes in many models for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep your floors fur free .
This robot vacuum will run even when you 're not home , and this particular model , which is the most powerful of the options , not only picks up pet hair , it also traps mold , pollen and dust-mite allergens so that they are not released back into the air .
At-home health and ancestry tests like 23andMe have taken off as a way for people to figure out where their families come from—looking even further back than your grandparents ' old photo albums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find out your genetic makeup—you can also do the same for your dog .
DNA tests like WidsomPanel can look at your dog 's DNA and look into what combination of breeds it is made up of or if it has any genetic conditions that you should be made aware of .

And just like that, the holidays are here. That means colder temperatures, shorter days and less time to find that perfect holiday gift for your loved ones. This year, our holiday celebrations might look a bit different but it is still important—maybe even more than ever—to show those we love we are thinking of them. And that goes for the pets in our life.
While you're shopping for the humans in your life, don't forget about your furry friends. Getty/Nataba
Though homes might not be filled with human family members, it is possible that a new addition in the form of a four-legged friend has made an appearance. During the pandemic, there was a boom in pet adoptions as many Americans were left isolated due to the pandemic. Looking for companionship, many people turned to pet adoption.
So while you're shopping for the humans in your life, take a look at these picks for creative ways to make your pet feel loved this holiday season. From a dog DNA test to their very own noise-canceling headphones, here are holiday gift ideas for your furry friend or the pet lovers in your life.
Dog Seatbelt
Courtesy of Chewy
There's no better backseat driver than one who can't give their two cents. Whether it's for an upcoming road trip or just a drive around the block this gift can help you feel a bit safer driving with your four-legged friends. We all know dogs love sticking their heads out of windows and feeling the breeze in their fur, but this harness will allow you to keep both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road without worrying about the pup on board.
Cat Window Perch
Courtesy of Chewy
For those of us who prefer to hear a meow than a roof each morning, this gift might be perfect for you. Cats often like to find quiet spots to sit and bask in the sun or really just anywhere comfortable enough to catch a few zzzs. This window cat perch gives felines a little exercise as they finagle their way onto this ledge and then, of course, the perfect spot for an afternoon nap.
Noise Canceling Headphones
Courtesy of Pawnix
Noise-canceling headphones have become more essential in recent months as many of us have had to work from home with loved ones or roommates, but what about for your pets? Dogs can be notoriously sensitive to sound. Think Fourth of July fireworks—not a fun night for most pups. More common are thunderstorms or construction sites that might leave your furry friend in a bit of a panic. These noise-canceling headphones for dogs help cut out the frequencies that drive dogs wild while keeping them calm.
BarkBox Subscription
Courtesy of BarkBox
Subscription services can give us something to look forward to each month amidst days that often seem all too familiar. Well, what about the same for your pet—don't you think they get tired of the same old routine? This subscription sends in different surprises for your dog each month. Prizes range from treats to toys and for the holiday season they have released a special edition Peanuts box filled with Snoopy-themed gifts.
Furbo
Courtesy of Chewy
Our pets have become as much part of our work days as conference calls and email chains in the last few months, but what about when companies begin asking employees to go back into the office? Well, this nanny cam—for pets—might be just the thing to keep an eye on your sidekicks from afar. It is aimed more at dogs than cats due to its treat-throwing feature which can toss your puppy a treat from your desk.
Sneaker Cat Bed
Courtesy of Nappingjojo.com
While dogs might be the ones with a reputation to gravitate toward old shoes, this bed will have your cat snuggled up all day long. Shaped as your favorite sneaker, this bed is fluffy and cozy and everything a cat looks for in a napping spot. The interior is removable for quick and easy cleaning and fits felines up to 11 pounds.
Dog-Friendly Ice Cream
Courtesy of Chewy
As hard as it is to resist, we know that most human foods should be kept away from dogs. Well, the good folks over at Pooch Creamery decided to help this problem by creating dog-friendly ice cream. So the next time you crack open your freezer for a midnight snack, your furry-pal can be right next to you enjoying a sweet treat themselves.
If My Pet Could Talk Book
Courtesy of uncommongoods.com
Have you always wondered what your pets would say if they could talk? Well, this book gives you a little glance into what that might look like. Geared more toward the little ones in your home, this personalized picture book tells a cute story of what it would be like if you and your four legged pal could chat with you and your family.
Noxgear LightHound LED Illuminated & Reflective Dog Harness
Courtesy of Noxgear
Though it's easier to fit in a midday run now that many workdays consist of jogging in from your living room, for those who prefer to run at dusk this gift is perfect. Why not combine your daily workout with your dog's night walk and turn it into an activity for you both. In order to do so safely, this harness lights up so that your dog is sure to stand out.
Roomba s Series
Courtesy of Roomba
As much as you love your pet, you probably don't love their fur being left everywhere. So, yes, this gift is really more for the human than the pet—but a happy human means a happy house, right? Roomba, which comes in many models for all households and budgets, allows you to keep your floors fur free. This robot vacuum will run even when you're not home, and this particular model, which is the most powerful of the options, not only picks up pet hair, it also traps mold, pollen and dust-mite allergens so that they are not released back into the air.
Dog DNA test
Courtesy of Chewy
At-home health and ancestry tests like 23andMe have taken off as a way for people to figure out where their families come from—looking even further back than your grandparents' old photo albums. Now, not only can you find out your genetic makeup—you can also do the same for your dog. DNA tests like WidsomPanel can look at your dog's DNA and look into what combination of breeds it is made up of or if it has any genetic conditions that you should be made aware of.


newsweek--2020-12-12--What Polls Say About Kelly Loeffler and Raphael Warnock 3 Weeks Before Georgia's Election

Senator Kelly Loeffler is battling Reverend Raphael Warnock to keep her seat in the Senate and the candidates have just two days to win voters over before in-person early voting starts on Monday .
This is Loeffler 's first campaign since Governor Brian Kemp appointed her to fill the seat Senator Johnny Isakson left vacant when he retired in January .
The junior senator trailed Warnock in the November election by seven points , but since no candidate received 50 percent of the vote , as is required under Georgia 's laws , the two are headed for a runoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Warnock has a 2.2 point lead over Loeffler in post-election polls , according to FiveThirtyEight .
A SurveyUSA/11 Alive poll released on December 3 found Loeffler trailing Warnock by seven points , a significant increase from polls conducted closer to the November election .
However , a poll released by Trafalgar Group the next day gave Loeffler the advantage by about 5 points .
With control of the Senate on the line , both parties are focusing resources on the runoff elections .
President Donald Trump ventured to Georgia to drum up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senator Perdue , who is in a runoff election of his own , and Vice President Mike Pence paid a visit to Georgia for a rally on Thursday .
Jon Ossoff , who is fighting for Perdue 's seat , got his wish that President-elect Biden would visit the state and on Tuesday , Biden will campaign for the two Democratic challengers .
Biden campaigning for Ossoff and Warnock `` proves '' Democrats are taking the runoff seriously , Bill Stepien , Trump 2020 campaign manager said in a statement .
Since they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans should be as well , calling it `` imperative '' that Perdue and Loeffler return to Washington , D.C. to `` hold the line against radical leftist . ''
`` While President Trump continues his legal battle challenging the election , it is still of the utmost importance for Republicans to retain control of the Senate .
Every Georgian should either vote early for Perdue and Loeffler or turn out on January 5th , '' Stepien said .
Trump , his campaign and many of his allies are pushing people to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some people that voters should sit this one out in protest .
Lin Wood , a prominent Atlanta-based attorney , encouraged Trump 's supporters to withhold their votes if Perdue and Loeffler did n't publicly push for an investigation into the results of the November 3 election .
During Sunday 's debate , Loeffler sidestepped the question as to whether Trump won the election , saying that it was `` very clear '' that there were issues and investigations had to be completed quickly .
She added that the president has `` every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available to him and on Wednesday , she threw her support behind the Texas Supreme Court lawsuit .
`` We fully support President Trump 's legal recourses and Attorney General Paxton 's lawsuit .
The President has every right to use every legal recourse available to guarantee these simple principles : every lawful vote cast should be counted , any illegal vote submitted can not be counted , and there must be full transparency and uniformity in the counting process , '' Loeffler said in a statement with Perdue .
Although Loeffler garnered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matchup in November , part of her support may have been siphoned off by Representative Doug Collins .
The Republican representative received 20 percent of the vote , so without him in the equation , it 's possible his voters could support Loeffler .

Senator Kelly Loeffler is battling Reverend Raphael Warnock to keep her seat in the Senate and the candidates have just two days to win voters over before in-person early voting starts on Monday.
This is Loeffler's first campaign since Governor Brian Kemp appointed her to fill the seat Senator Johnny Isakson left vacant when he retired in January. The junior senator trailed Warnock in the November election by seven points, but since no candidate received 50 percent of the vote, as is required under Georgia's laws, the two are headed for a runoff election on January 5.
On average, Warnock has a 2.2 point lead over Loeffler in post-election polls, according to FiveThirtyEight. A SurveyUSA/11 Alive poll released on December 3 found Loeffler trailing Warnock by seven points, a significant increase from polls conducted closer to the November election. However, a poll released by Trafalgar Group the next day gave Loeffler the advantage by about 5 points.
With control of the Senate on the line, both parties are focusing resources on the runoff elections. President Donald Trump ventured to Georgia to drum up support for Loeffler, as well as Senator Perdue, who is in a runoff election of his own, and Vice President Mike Pence paid a visit to Georgia for a rally on Thursday.
Jon Ossoff, who is fighting for Perdue's seat, got his wish that President-elect Biden would visit the state and on Tuesday, Biden will campaign for the two Democratic challengers.
Reverend Raphael Warnock is gunning for Senator Kelly Loeffler's seat and with three weeks until the election, the race is too close to call. Warnock speaks at a campaign event with former Democratic presidential candidate Julián Castro on Tuesday in Atlanta, Georgia. Elijah Nouvelage/Getty
Biden campaigning for Ossoff and Warnock "proves" Democrats are taking the runoff seriously, Bill Stepien, Trump 2020 campaign manager said in a statement. Since they're taking it seriously, Stepien said Republicans should be as well, calling it "imperative" that Perdue and Loeffler return to Washington, D.C. to "hold the line against radical leftist."
"While President Trump continues his legal battle challenging the election, it is still of the utmost importance for Republicans to retain control of the Senate. Every Georgian should either vote early for Perdue and Loeffler or turn out on January 5th," Stepien said.
Trump, his campaign and many of his allies are pushing people to get out to vote to counteract messaging from some people that voters should sit this one out in protest. Lin Wood, a prominent Atlanta-based attorney, encouraged Trump's supporters to withhold their votes if Perdue and Loeffler didn't publicly push for an investigation into the results of the November 3 election.
During Sunday's debate, Loeffler sidestepped the question as to whether Trump won the election, saying that it was "very clear" that there were issues and investigations had to be completed quickly. She added that the president has "every right" to use the legal avenues available to him and on Wednesday, she threw her support behind the Texas Supreme Court lawsuit.
"We fully support President Trump's legal recourses and Attorney General Paxton's lawsuit. The President has every right to use every legal recourse available to guarantee these simple principles: every lawful vote cast should be counted, any illegal vote submitted cannot be counted, and there must be full transparency and uniformity in the counting process," Loeffler said in a statement with Perdue.
Although Loeffler garnered fewer votes than Warnock in the first matchup in November, part of her support may have been siphoned off by Representative Doug Collins. The Republican representative received 20 percent of the vote, so without him in the equation, it's possible his voters could support Loeffler.


newsweek--2020-12-12--What Polls Say About David Perdue and Jon Ossoff 3 Weeks Before the Georgia Election

With limited polling to go off of , the Senate runoff election between Senator David Perdue and Democratic challenger is shaping up to be a close race with the two candidates within a point of each other .
The January 5 runoff election is just three weeks away and both Democrats and Republicans are pouring resources into the race .
Most of the time , a runoff election would n't garner the level of attention that 's currently on Georgia , but this year , the two runoffs will determine the control of the Senate as former Vice President Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 48 percent of support and Perdue earned 47 percent from a sample of 1,377 likely voters in a PoliticalIQ survey released on December 4 .
When narrowed to a group of people who say they will `` definitely vote , '' Perdue comes out on top with 50 percent of the vote , compared to Ossoff 's 47 percent .
A survey released a day earlier gave Ossoff 50 percent support and Perdue 48 percent , a gap that 's within the margin of error .
As of Monday , Ossoff has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to FiveThirtyEight .
The average only factors in post-election polling and given the limited number of surveys that have been done , pollsters caution people to take the exact numbers with a grain of salt .
However , if the November election is any indicator of what 's coming in January , Perdue is n't guaranteed a victory .
In November , Perdue bested Ossoff by just 1.8 points , equivalent to about 88,000 votes .
Had he been running in most states , Perdue would have been declared the winner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive at least 50 percent of the vote or it goes to a runoff election between the two candidates with the most votes .
One issue that may be on voters ' minds as they head to the polls is another round of stimulus checks .
While a bipartisan package is making its rounds through Congress , it does n't include another round of stimulus checks , meaning the fate of another round could depend on the makeup of the Senate come January .
Ossoff has been a vocal advocate for another round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for opposing them .
The incumbent senator said he `` personally opposed '' the measure but voted in favor of the CARES Act in March , which allocated $ 1,200 payments for eligible individuals .
Perdue has n't directly addressed the issue of another round of payments .
The deadline to register to vote was on Monday and more than 1 million votes requested mail-in ballots by Tuesday , according to the New York Times .
Ryan Anderson , a data analyst in Atlanta , found more than 71,000 people who did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots , suggesting that voter turnout for the runoff elections will be even greater than was seen in November .
In-person early voting is set to begin on December 14 , but about 43,000 Georgia voters already returned their absentee ballots .
Under Georgia 's election rules , absentee ballots must be requested by January 1 and for them to count in the election , they must be received by January 5 .
Mail-in voting benefited Biden in the November election and TK said President Donald Trump 's criticism of mail in voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of voting and they did n't turn out on election day in the numbers he needed to win .
On Saturday , Trump posted on Twitter that people should request their absentee ballot `` TODAY '' and return it the same day they receive it .
Voters who were n't casting their ballot by mail should vote early or on Election Day , Trump wrote in the tweet .

With limited polling to go off of, the Senate runoff election between Senator David Perdue and Democratic challenger is shaping up to be a close race with the two candidates within a point of each other.
The January 5 runoff election is just three weeks away and both Democrats and Republicans are pouring resources into the race. Most of the time, a runoff election wouldn't garner the level of attention that's currently on Georgia, but this year, the two runoffs will determine the control of the Senate as former Vice President Joe Biden begins his presidency.
Ossoff attracted 48 percent of support and Perdue earned 47 percent from a sample of 1,377 likely voters in a PoliticalIQ survey released on December 4. When narrowed to a group of people who say they will "definitely vote," Perdue comes out on top with 50 percent of the vote, compared to Ossoff's 47 percent. A survey released a day earlier gave Ossoff 50 percent support and Perdue 48 percent, a gap that's within the margin of error.
As of Monday, Ossoff has a 0.3 point lead on average over Perdue, according to FiveThirtyEight. The average only factors in post-election polling and given the limited number of surveys that have been done, pollsters caution people to take the exact numbers with a grain of salt.
Jon Ossoff and Senator David Perdue are in a close race three weeks before the Georgia Senate runoff election. Ossoff speaks at a campaign event to register Democrats to vote in the January 5th senate runoff election on Monday in Lilburn, Georgia. Spencer Platt/Getty
However, if the November election is any indicator of what's coming in January, Perdue isn't guaranteed a victory. In November, Perdue bested Ossoff by just 1.8 points, equivalent to about 88,000 votes. Had he been running in most states, Perdue would have been declared the winner but in Georgia, a candidate must receive at least 50 percent of the vote or it goes to a runoff election between the two candidates with the most votes.
One issue that may be on voters' minds as they head to the polls is another round of stimulus checks. While a bipartisan package is making its rounds through Congress, it doesn't include another round of stimulus checks, meaning the fate of another round could depend on the makeup of the Senate come January.
Ossoff has been a vocal advocate for another round of direct payments and critical of Perdue for opposing them. The incumbent senator said he "personally opposed" the measure but voted in favor of the CARES Act in March, which allocated $1,200 payments for eligible individuals. Perdue hasn't directly addressed the issue of another round of payments.
The deadline to register to vote was on Monday and more than 1 million votes requested mail-in ballots by Tuesday, according to the New York Times. Ryan Anderson, a data analyst in Atlanta, found more than 71,000 people who did not vote in the general election request mail-in ballots, suggesting that voter turnout for the runoff elections will be even greater than was seen in November.
In-person early voting is set to begin on December 14, but about 43,000 Georgia voters already returned their absentee ballots. Under Georgia's election rules, absentee ballots must be requested by January 1 and for them to count in the election, they must be received by January 5.
Mail-in voting benefited Biden in the November election and TK said President Donald Trump's criticism of mail in voting dissuaded his voters from using that method of voting and they didn't turn out on election day in the numbers he needed to win.
On Saturday, Trump posted on Twitter that people should request their absentee ballot "TODAY" and return it the same day they receive it. Voters who weren't casting their ballot by mail should vote early or on Election Day, Trump wrote in the tweet.


newsweek--2020-12-12--Major Architects Group Will Stop Designing Death Chambers Amid Trump's Record-Breaking Executions

The American Institute of Architects ( AIA ) passed new ethics rules on Friday that will prohibit its members from knowingly designing spaces intended for execution , torture and definite or prolonged solitary confinement .
AIA 's Board of Directors took the decision as part of the organization 's `` ongoing effort to meaningfully address structural racism in the built environment and to uphold our professional values . ''
The move comes following the much-publicized execution of convicted murderer Brandon Bernard on Thursday .
Bernard was convicted as a teenager in 1999 and there were high profile calls for clemency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to promoting the design of a more equitable and just built world that dismantles racial injustice and upholds human rights , '' AIA president Jane Frederick said in a statement .
`` Specifically , AIA members are required to uphold the health , safety and welfare of the public .
`` Spaces for execution , torture and prolonged solitary confinement contradict those values .
This decision emphasizes AIA 's commitment to making a difference on this issue and upholding human rights for our society . ''
The new rules are a break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to censure members who design cells for solitary confinement and executions , though there has been a concerted effort by some architects to see such rules adopted , according to the New York Times .
AIA 's code of ethics states that violations can result in admonition , censure , suspension of membership and ultimately termination of membership following a complaint procedure .
Though AIA 's statement does not make specific reference to Bernard , it comes as President Donald Trump 's administration is set to break records for the number of executions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murderer Alfred Bourgeois was put to death on Friday despite his lawyers arguing he was intellectually disabled .
He was convicted of murdering his two year old daughter in 2004 .
Three further executions are scheduled before Trump is due to leave office on January 20 , 2021 and if all three take place , it will bring the total number of executions during Trump 's last year to 13 .
This will be the highest in more than a century .
The recent executions also violate a 130 year old precedent that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lame duck period so the incoming president can weigh in .
Lisa Montgomery is due to be executed on January 12 for strangling a pregnant woman and then cutting out and kidnapping her baby in 2004 .
Her lawyers argue she is severely mentally ill. Montgomery will be the first woman put to death by the federal government since 1953 .
Two further executions are due on January 14 and 15 .

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) passed new ethics rules on Friday that will prohibit its members from knowingly designing spaces intended for execution, torture and definite or prolonged solitary confinement.
AIA's Board of Directors took the decision as part of the organization's "ongoing effort to meaningfully address structural racism in the built environment and to uphold our professional values."
The move comes following the much-publicized execution of convicted murderer Brandon Bernard on Thursday. Bernard was convicted as a teenager in 1999 and there were high profile calls for clemency in his case.
Read more Four More Executions Are Scheduled Before Biden's Inauguration Four More Executions Are Scheduled Before Biden's Inauguration
"We are committed to promoting the design of a more equitable and just built world that dismantles racial injustice and upholds human rights," AIA president Jane Frederick said in a statement.
"Specifically, AIA members are required to uphold the health, safety and welfare of the public.
"Spaces for execution, torture and prolonged solitary confinement contradict those values. This decision emphasizes AIA's commitment to making a difference on this issue and upholding human rights for our society."
The new rules are a break with AIA's longstanding rejection of calls to censure members who design cells for solitary confinement and executions, though there has been a concerted effort by some architects to see such rules adopted, according to the New York Times.
AIA's code of ethics states that violations can result in admonition, censure, suspension of membership and ultimately termination of membership following a complaint procedure.
Though AIA's statement does not make specific reference to Bernard, it comes as President Donald Trump's administration is set to break records for the number of executions during a president's tenure.
Convicted murderer Alfred Bourgeois was put to death on Friday despite his lawyers arguing he was intellectually disabled. He was convicted of murdering his two year old daughter in 2004.
Three further executions are scheduled before Trump is due to leave office on January 20, 2021 and if all three take place, it will bring the total number of executions during Trump's last year to 13. This will be the highest in more than a century.
The recent executions also violate a 130 year old precedent that sees death sentences held over during the lame duck period so the incoming president can weigh in.
Lisa Montgomery is due to be executed on January 12 for strangling a pregnant woman and then cutting out and kidnapping her baby in 2004. Her lawyers argue she is severely mentally ill. Montgomery will be the first woman put to death by the federal government since 1953. Two further executions are due on January 14 and 15.


newsweek--2020-12-12--Tucker Carlson Calls Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 'Vacuous Idiot' Who Could Win In 2024

Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson has said the gap between the rich and the poor is growing at such a rate that it is creating a climate in which Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could run for the presidency in 2024 and win .
In a segment on Friday , Carlson said that big corporations which have done well in the coronavirus pandemic are `` giving capitalism a bad name , '' increasing the wealth gap and laying the groundwork for `` socialists '' to come to the fore in future .
In a sentiment that many progressives might agree with , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Netflix and Walmart were the `` big winners '' of the pandemic and so should pay a `` one-time COVID fee '' to pay for the next bailout .
He also suggested that Ivy League universities should use their endowments `` to pay off some of the student debt they caused . ''
`` Here 's the bottom line—the rich are getting richer , everyone else is getting poorer , that is not a talking point , it 's true and measurable , '' Carlson said .
`` Why is it a problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to wind up with an even more volatile society in which everybody hates each other and is consumed by envy and along the way , capitalism itself will be discredited and you do n't want that .
It 's already happening . ''
He said that the people in charge of the economy `` are discrediting our system '' and `` giving capitalism a bad name . ''
He described the U.S. economy as a `` closed game '' run for the benefit of the elites which in the long run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of us . ''
`` In four years , for example , Sandy Cortez will be eligible to run for president , '' he said , referring to the progressive New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the constitutional requirement to be 35 years old to take office .
`` So you may laugh at Sandy Cortez , and you should .
She is a vacuous idiot , not the rich girl narcissist with an overheated Twitter account .
But that does n't mean she could n't win .
If we keep up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Last week , Ocasio-Cortez , a Bronx native who once had to work as a waitress and bartender to help keep her family financially afloat , criticized Republican Representative Dan Crenshaw who was caught on tape mocking her former food-service job .
On Thursday , she defended her push a liveable minimum wage and coronavirus relief measures without strings .
`` You know , shout out to my fellow radicals who think that we should live in a humane advanced society , '' she said during an Instagram @ @

Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson has said the gap between the rich and the poor is growing at such a rate that it is creating a climate in which Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could run for the presidency in 2024 and win.
In a segment on Friday, Carlson said that big corporations which have done well in the coronavirus pandemic are "giving capitalism a bad name," increasing the wealth gap and laying the groundwork for "socialists" to come to the fore in future.
In a sentiment that many progressives might agree with, he said that companies like Amazon, Netflix and Walmart were the "big winners" of the pandemic and so should pay a "one-time COVID fee" to pay for the next bailout. He also suggested that Ivy League universities should use their endowments "to pay off some of the student debt they caused."
"Here's the bottom line—the rich are getting richer, everyone else is getting poorer, that is not a talking point, it's true and measurable," Carlson said.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) outside of the Democratic National Committee headquarters on November 19, in Washington, D.C. Fox News' Tucker Carlson has said she could be in power in 2024. Drew Angerer/Getty Images
"Why is it a problem? Because if it continues, we are going to wind up with an even more volatile society in which everybody hates each other and is consumed by envy and along the way, capitalism itself will be discredited and you don't want that. It's already happening."
He said that the people in charge of the economy "are discrediting our system" and "giving capitalism a bad name." He described the U.S. economy as a "closed game" run for the benefit of the elites which in the long run, will be a "disaster for all of us."
"In four years, for example, Sandy Cortez will be eligible to run for president," he said, referring to the progressive New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the constitutional requirement to be 35 years old to take office.
"So you may laugh at Sandy Cortez, and you should. She is a vacuous idiot, not the rich girl narcissist with an overheated Twitter account. But that doesn't mean she couldn't win. If we keep up this economic craziness, she could win," he said.
Last week, Ocasio-Cortez, a Bronx native who once had to work as a waitress and bartender to help keep her family financially afloat, criticized Republican Representative Dan Crenshaw who was caught on tape mocking her former food-service job.
On Thursday, she defended her push a liveable minimum wage and coronavirus relief measures without strings.
"You know, shout out to my fellow radicals who think that we should live in a humane advanced society," she said during an Instagram Live.
Newsweek has contacted Ocasio-Cortez's office for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-12--New Jersey Rep. Tells Nancy Pelosi Not to Seat 126 Republicans Who Backed 'Malignant' Texas Lawsuit

New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell has called on Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to refuse to seat 126 Republicans who signed on to a Texas lawsuit aimed at throwing out election results in four states that backed President-elect Joe Biden .
The Supreme Court declined to hear the case in a short , unsigned statement on Friday evening but by that time 126 GOP members of the House had joined an amicus brief in support of the suit .
Pascrell , a Democrat who represents New Jersey 's 9th congressional district , invoked Reconstruction Era `` safeguards to cleanse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others that would destroy the union . ''
`` I 'm demanding that the 126 Republicans who have endorsed a malignant lawsuit to overturn the will of the people and undermine our democracy not be seated in Congress , '' Pascrell tweeted on Friday .
In a letter to Pelosi , Pascrell cited Article 1 , Section 5 of the Constitution which `` gives each chamber of Congress the ultimate authority to decide their membership . ''
He also invoked the 14th Amendment , passed in the wake of Southern secession and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amendment forbids anyone from holding office in federal or state government who `` having previously taken an oath , as a member of Congress , or as an officer of the United States , or as a member of any state legislature , or as an executive or judicial officer of any state , to support the Constitution of the United States , shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same , or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof . ''
`` Stated simply , men and women who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government apart can not serve as members of Congress , '' wrote Pascrell , who is a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee .
`` These lawsuits seeking to obliterate public confidence in our democratic system by invalidating the clear results of the 2020 presidential election undoubtedly attack the text and spirit of the Constitution , which each Member swears to support and defend .
`` Consequently , I call on you to exercise the power of your offices to evaluate steps you can take to address these constitutional violations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuse to seat in the 117th Congress any Members-elect seeking to make Donald Trump an unelected dictator , '' he said .
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is one of the Republicans who signed up to the suit and the highest ranking GOP member in the House .
Refusing to seat him and 125 of his party colleagues would give Democrats a substantial majority but would be an unprecedented and highly controversial move .
Though critics have charged that the Texas lawsuit is `` seditious '' , it does not meet the legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of force .
Pelosi had not responded to Pascrell 's letter at the time of writing .

New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell has called on Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to refuse to seat 126 Republicans who signed on to a Texas lawsuit aimed at throwing out election results in four states that backed President-elect Joe Biden.
The Supreme Court declined to hear the case in a short, unsigned statement on Friday evening but by that time 126 GOP members of the House had joined an amicus brief in support of the suit.
Pascrell, a Democrat who represents New Jersey's 9th congressional district, invoked Reconstruction Era "safeguards to cleanse from our government ranks any traitors and others that would destroy the union."
Read more Supreme Court Rejects Attempt from Texas AG to Overturn Election Results Supreme Court Rejects Attempt from Texas AG to Overturn Election Results
"I'm demanding that the 126 Republicans who have endorsed a malignant lawsuit to overturn the will of the people and undermine our democracy not be seated in Congress," Pascrell tweeted on Friday.
In a letter to Pelosi, Pascrell cited Article 1, Section 5 of the Constitution which "gives each chamber of Congress the ultimate authority to decide their membership."
He also invoked the 14th Amendment, passed in the wake of Southern secession and the Civil War. Section 3 of the amendment forbids anyone from holding office in federal or state government who "having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any state legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any state, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof."
🚨BREAKING: I’m demanding that the 126 Republicans who have endorsed a malignant lawsuit to overturn the will of the people and undermine our democracy not be seated in Congress. https://t.co/PKMzlSfEjX pic.twitter.com/PLZyyAz7aZ — Bill Pascrell, Jr. (@PascrellforNJ) December 11, 2020
"Stated simply, men and women who would act to tear the United States government apart cannot serve as members of Congress," wrote Pascrell, who is a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.
"These lawsuits seeking to obliterate public confidence in our democratic system by invalidating the clear results of the 2020 presidential election undoubtedly attack the text and spirit of the Constitution, which each Member swears to support and defend.
"Consequently, I call on you to exercise the power of your offices to evaluate steps you can take to address these constitutional violations this Congress and, if possible, refuse to seat in the 117th Congress any Members-elect seeking to make Donald Trump an unelected dictator," he said.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is one of the Republicans who signed up to the suit and the highest ranking GOP member in the House. Refusing to seat him and 125 of his party colleagues would give Democrats a substantial majority but would be an unprecedented and highly controversial move.
Though critics have charged that the Texas lawsuit is "seditious", it does not meet the legal definition of sedition, which requires the use of force. Pelosi had not responded to Pascrell's letter at the time of writing.