newsweek--2020-12-30--'Auld Lang Syne' Lyrics and Meaning Explained for 2021

`` Auld Lang Syne '' is one of the most iconic New Year 's Eve songs out there but few , including Billy Crystal aka Harry Burns know the meaning behind the ode to days gone by .
New Year 's Eve is never mentioned in the song 's lyrics , but as a tribute to old times and good friends , it yields a nostalgic aura to a night that is about reminiscing on the past and looking toward the future .
More than two centuries since the words to `` Auld Lang Syne '' were first penned , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about its origin , composer , lyrics and meaning .
The first item of business to take care of is to clear up any debate over the most basic lyric of the song .
It 's `` auld '' lang syne , not `` old '' lang syne , although it 's an acceptable mistaken lyric not only because `` auld '' sounds like `` old '' but because `` auld '' translates to `` old '' in Scottish .
`` Auld Lang Syne '' did n't start off as a New Year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a poem written by Robert Burns , the national poet of Scotland .
He wrote it in 1788 , however , it was n't printed until after he died in 1796 , according to Brittanica .
It then took another three years before Burns ' words and the music that people now know to be `` Auld Lang Syne '' appeared together .
The compilation for the Scottish song was published by George Thomson in 1799 and has since become part of Hogmanay , a Scottish new year celebration .
`` Auld Lang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since '' but the less literal meaning behind the phrase is `` days gone by . ''
The lyrics tell the story of old friends reminiscing on their previous adventures and toasting to them with a drink or two .
Among the memories discussed in the song are running through a hillside filled with daisies and spending the day paddling in a stream .
There are many different versions of the song and musicians put their own spin on the classic , but below are the Scottish and English versions of the song @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought to mind ?
And surely ye 'll be your pint-stowp !
And we 'll tak a cup o ' kindness yet , We twa hae run about the braes But seas between us braid hae roar'd And there 's a hand , my trusty fiere !
And we 'll tak a right guid willy waught , Should old acquaintance be forgot And never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot , And for long , long ago , my dear We 'll take a cup of kindness yet And we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We two have run about the hills But we 've wandered many the weary foot We two have paddled in the stream , But seas between us broad have roared And there 's a hand , my trusty friend !
And give us a hand of yours !
And we 'll take a deep draught of good-will Or as Meg Ryan , aka Sally Albright , says , `` Maybe it just means that we should remember that we forgot them or something .
Anyway , it 's about old friends . ''

"Auld Lang Syne" is one of the most iconic New Year's Eve songs out there but few, including Billy Crystal aka Harry Burns know the meaning behind the ode to days gone by.
New Year's Eve is never mentioned in the song's lyrics, but as a tribute to old times and good friends, it yields a nostalgic aura to a night that is about reminiscing on the past and looking toward the future. More than two centuries since the words to "Auld Lang Syne" were first penned, there's still a bit of confusion about its origin, composer, lyrics and meaning.
The first item of business to take care of is to clear up any debate over the most basic lyric of the song. It's "auld" lang syne, not "old" lang syne, although it's an acceptable mistaken lyric not only because "auld" sounds like "old" but because "auld" translates to "old" in Scottish.
"Auld Lang Syne'' didn't start off as a New Year's Eve song, but originated as a poem written by Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland. He wrote it in 1788, however, it wasn't printed until after he died in 1796, according to Brittanica.
"Auld Lang Syne" is an ode to fond memories with a friend and has become a classic staple of New Year's Eve. A person wearing a mask walks past a "New Years Eve 2021" sign in Times Square on Monday in New York City. Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty
It then took another three years before Burns' words and the music that people now know to be "Auld Lang Syne" appeared together. The compilation for the Scottish song was published by George Thomson in 1799 and has since become part of Hogmanay, a Scottish new year celebration.
"Auld Lang Syne" translates to "old long since" but the less literal meaning behind the phrase is "days gone by." The lyrics tell the story of old friends reminiscing on their previous adventures and toasting to them with a drink or two. Among the memories discussed in the song are running through a hillside filled with daisies and spending the day paddling in a stream. There are many different versions of the song and musicians put their own spin on the classic, but below are the Scottish and English versions of the song, courtesy of CNN.
Auld Lang Syne Lyrics
Scottish Version
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne.
CHORUS
For auld lang syne, my jo,
For auld lang syne.
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
REPEAT CHORUS
We twa hae run about the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine
But we've wander'd mony a weary foot
Sin auld lang syne.
REPEAT CHORUS
We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn
Frae mornin' sun till dine.
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.
REPEAT CHORUS
And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right guid willy waught,
For auld lang syne.
REPEAT CHORUS
English Version
Should old acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And long, long ago.
REPEAT CHORUS
And for long, long ago, my dear
For long, long ago.
We'll take a cup of kindness yet
For long, long ago.
And surely youll buy your pint-jug!
And surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup of kindness yet
For long, long ago.
REPEAT CHORUS
We two have run about the hills
And pulled the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many the weary foot
Since long, long ago.
REPEAT CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since long, long ago.
REPEAT CHORUS
And there's a hand, my trusty friend!
And give us a hand of yours!
And we'll take a deep draught of good-will
For long, long ago.
REPEAT CHORUS
Or as Meg Ryan, aka Sally Albright, says, "Maybe it just means that we should remember that we forgot them or something. Anyway, it's about old friends."


newsweek--2020-12-30--New Year's Eve Performers, Schedule 2021: Times Square, Hollywood and New Orleans

Champagne , countdowns and fireworks are all staples of New Year 's Eve , but musical performances are often the highlights of the night .
Whether it 's the familiarity of Dick Clark 's New Year 's Rockin ' Eve on ABC or the humorous Toast and Roast on Fox , each network has their own spin on how to welcome in the New Year , with tons of performances and celebrity appearances .
Now , because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , televised performances will of course be more limited than in years past .
But there will still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're waiting for the clock to strike midnight and for the ball in Times Square to drop .
The TV networks will feature a fair share of performers from various locations , but most of the performances appear to be broadcast from New York and Los Angeles .
The entire list of hosts and performers who will help ring in 2021 can be found below , along with scheduling notes .
The most famous place to ring in the New Year will undoubtedly seem strange this year .
People will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like in normal years when the Manhattan district 's streets are flooded with tourists .
That does n't mean that the area will be completely empty , though .
Actor Jonathan Bennett will host a special New Year 's Eve webcast from Times Square .
The show will be commercial-free and streamed on a number of sites , including TimeSquareNYC.org .
Viewers should also expect a tribute to the `` Heroes of 2020 , '' honoring the first-responders and essential workers who were integral during the COVID-19 pandemic .
And Gloria Gaynor is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to perform a handful of her songs , most notably `` I Will Survive . ''
As usual , Ryan Seacrest will host ABC 's annual NYE event .
He will be joined by actress Lucy Hale and actor Billy Porter , the latter of whom had hosted the 2020 special 's New Orleans event .
R & B star Ciara will handle the West Coast event , and musician Big Freedia will host the New Orleans bash , where Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton will welcome the New Year with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Musical performers for this sprawling show include Kinky Boots composer Cyndi Lauper ( whom Porter will join ) , country singer Jimmie Allen , Nelly , Miley Cyrus , Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion , according to Billboard .
Dick Clark Productions has also announced that Jennifer Lopez will headline the musical portion and perform just before the ball drops .
Dick Clark 's New Year 's Rockin ' Eve will begin at 8 p.m .
ET and run until 2 a.m .
ET .
Comedians and actors Ken Jeong and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 goodbye on Fox 's New Year 's Eve programming .
The show will feature The Masked Singer winner Leann Rimes , Gloria Estefan , and viral star Doctor Elvis .
It 's also expected to boast performances from Ava Max , Gabby Barrett , Green Day and John Legend , as well as appearances by Cheyenne Jackson , Jane Krakowski , Leslie Jordan , Mayim Bialik , Morris Chestnut , Randy Jackson , Tim Allen and Tom Payne .
The pair will broadcast from Los Angeles beginning at 8 p.m .
ET @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back up at 11 p.m. and go until 12:30 p.m. Carson Daly will return to host NBC 's Times Square celebration .
He 'll be joined by comedian Amber Ruffin and DJ Stephen `` tWITCH '' Boss .
Those who tune in and also count on performances by AJR , Busta Rhymes with Anderson .Paak , Chloe x Halle , CNCO , Jason Derulo , Goo Goo Dolls , Kylie Minogue , Pentatonix , Bebe Rexha with Doja Cat , Blake Shelton , Gwen Stefani and Sting with Shirazee .
That show will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
ET , before a short break for local news .
It 'll then resume airing , from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m .

Champagne, countdowns and fireworks are all staples of New Year's Eve, but musical performances are often the highlights of the night. Whether it's the familiarity of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on ABC or the humorous Toast and Roast on Fox, each network has their own spin on how to welcome in the New Year, with tons of performances and celebrity appearances.
Now, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, televised performances will of course be more limited than in years past. But there will still be plenty to keep you entertained while you're waiting for the clock to strike midnight and for the ball in Times Square to drop.
The TV networks will feature a fair share of performers from various locations, but most of the performances appear to be broadcast from New York and Los Angeles. The entire list of hosts and performers who will help ring in 2021 can be found below, along with scheduling notes.
Times Square
The most famous place to ring in the New Year will undoubtedly seem strange this year. People will not be allowed to congregate in Times Square, like in normal years when the Manhattan district's streets are flooded with tourists. That doesn't mean that the area will be completely empty, though.
Actor Jonathan Bennett will host a special New Year's Eve webcast from Times Square. The show will be commercial-free and streamed on a number of sites, including TimeSquareNYC.org. Viewers should also expect a tribute to the "Heroes of 2020," honoring the first-responders and essential workers who were integral during the COVID-19 pandemic. And Gloria Gaynor is slated to take the stage as well, to perform a handful of her songs, most notably "I Will Survive."
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve (ABC)
As usual, Ryan Seacrest will host ABC's annual NYE event. He will be joined by actress Lucy Hale and actor Billy Porter, the latter of whom had hosted the 2020 special's New Orleans event.
R&B star Ciara will handle the West Coast event, and musician Big Freedia will host the New Orleans bash, where Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton will welcome the New Year with a rendition of "Auld Lang Syne."
Musical performers for this sprawling show include Kinky Boots composer Cyndi Lauper (whom Porter will join), country singer Jimmie Allen, Nelly, Miley Cyrus, Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion, according to Billboard. Dick Clark Productions has also announced that Jennifer Lopez will headline the musical portion and perform just before the ball drops.
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve will begin at 8 p.m. ET and run until 2 a.m. ET.
New Year's Eve Toast and Roast (Fox)
Comedians and actors Ken Jeong and Joel McHale will team up to kiss 2020 goodbye on Fox's New Year's Eve programming. The show will feature The Masked Singer winner Leann Rimes, Gloria Estefan, and viral star Doctor Elvis. It's also expected to boast performances from Ava Max, Gabby Barrett, Green Day and John Legend, as well as appearances by Cheyenne Jackson, Jane Krakowski, Leslie Jordan, Mayim Bialik, Morris Chestnut, Randy Jackson, Tim Allen and Tom Payne.
The pair will broadcast from Los Angeles beginning at 8 p.m. ET until 10 p.m., and then pick back up at 11 p.m. and go until 12:30 p.m.
NBC's New Year's Eve 2021 (NBC)
Carson Daly will return to host NBC's Times Square celebration. He'll be joined by comedian Amber Ruffin and DJ Stephen "tWITCH" Boss. Those who tune in and also count on performances by AJR, Busta Rhymes with Anderson .Paak, Chloe x Halle, CNCO, Jason Derulo, Goo Goo Dolls, Kylie Minogue, Pentatonix, Bebe Rexha with Doja Cat, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Sting with Shirazee.
That show will air from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET, before a short break for local news. It'll then resume airing, from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.


newsweek--2020-12-30--New Year's Eve 2021 Appetizer Ideas, From Steak Frites Bites to Bruschetta

Move over , pigs in a blanket—your New Year 's Eve menu just got tastier .
It 's likely that many of us will be spending the night at home amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Instead of exhausting yourself by making another big meal hot on the heels of the holiday season , why not make some appetizers ?
Sometimes appetizers are best part of the night , and if you cook enough , you can definitely make a meal out of them .
These recipes are cheesy , flavorful comfort food that are easy to make last-minute , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spinach artichoke zucchini bites to chicken Parm sliders , these recipes will elevate your appetizer game , and make your New Year 's Eve celebration all the more delicious .
Fair warning though—do n't read this article on an empty stomach .
If you 're a picky eater and not a fan of mushrooms , try stuffing them .
Filling them with breadcrumbs and topping them off with herbs and cheese is a great way to dress up an otherwise mundane food .
This Delish recipe makes eight servings , and only takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're anticipating a time crunch , the mushrooms can be stuffed in advance and kept in the fridge until you 're ready to cook them .
After they 're baked garnish them with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese , because why not ?
This Taste of Home recipe is perfect for wing fans who want the flavor but do n't want the mess of devouring them .
Only five ingredients are needed for this dip , which layers the chicken and sauces in a pan to bake for less than half an hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chicken , along with serving the dip with French bread baguette slices , celery ribs or tortilla chips .
This writer further recommends mixing the leftovers with mac and cheese the following day ( you 're welcome ) .
This potato packed take on the nachos from Taste of Home is super simple to throw together .
Simply cook the waffles fries according to their package , and load them up with salsa , cheese , bacon , onions , and other nacho toppers .
Then cook it in the oven for about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cream and guacamole .
One reader commented that they sprinkle taco seasoning on the waffle fries for an extra kick of flavor .
These beef and onion appetizers are huge hits , according to the readers of Taste of Home .
Make sure you save the juices for serving , adding that extra moisture and flavor .
Though they take a little more time to prepare and cook than other recipes listed here , you will have plenty of leftover beef and zero regrets .
Take your spinach artichoke dip to the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recipe yields two dozen , but they 'll be gone quick .
Garlic , red pepper and sour cream are part of the mixture , which can be made ahead of time , this way you can just scoop the mixture onto the zucchini slices .
The recipe recommends cooking the bites in an air fryer if you 're tight on time .
These mini sandwiches are a surefire crowd-pleaser—even if you wo n't have a crowd this year—and who does n't like chicken Parm ?
Taste of Home notes that once the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready , you bake the sliders , uncovered , which gives the cheese a chance to really melt all over each sandwich .
Add a couple slices of pepperoni , extra cheese , or sliced red peppers for extra flavor in each sandwich .
Ca n't go to your favorite French bistro ?
Do n't feel like eating entire plate of French fries ?
If you have a grill available , try out this recipe from Delish .
Make sure you do n't load each steak frites bite with too many fries—they may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommends serving the bites with steak sauce , but other savory options are aioli dressing , herb butter , hollandaise sauce or even a herby bèarnaise sauce .
The Spruce Eats has an easy recipe for the refreshing appetizer .
Here , the secret to perfecting this crostini of sorts is to let the chopped tomatoes marinate in the olive oil for 10 minutes .
Additionally , the bruschetta comes out better if you take the time to char the bread in the oven before assembling , but that 's just this writer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Romans add anchovies and fresh mozzarella on top of their bruschetta , in case you 're looking for a way to vary it up .
Serve with some chilled wine and enjoy !

Move over, pigs in a blanket—your New Year's Eve menu just got tastier. It's likely that many of us will be spending the night at home amid the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of exhausting yourself by making another big meal hot on the heels of the holiday season, why not make some appetizers? Sometimes appetizers are best part of the night, and if you cook enough, you can definitely make a meal out of them.
These recipes are cheesy, flavorful comfort food that are easy to make last-minute, and will make for great leftovers. From spinach artichoke zucchini bites to chicken Parm sliders, these recipes will elevate your appetizer game, and make your New Year's Eve celebration all the more delicious. Fair warning though—don't read this article on an empty stomach.
Stuffed Mushrooms
If you're a picky eater and not a fan of mushrooms, try stuffing them. Filling them with breadcrumbs and topping them off with herbs and cheese is a great way to dress up an otherwise mundane food. This Delish recipe makes eight servings, and only takes an hour to make. If you're anticipating a time crunch, the mushrooms can be stuffed in advance and kept in the fridge until you're ready to cook them. After they're baked garnish them with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, because why not?
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Taste of Home recipe is perfect for wing fans who want the flavor but don't want the mess of devouring them. Only five ingredients are needed for this dip, which layers the chicken and sauces in a pan to bake for less than half an hour. The recipe recommends using shredded rotisserie chicken, along with serving the dip with French bread baguette slices, celery ribs or tortilla chips. This writer further recommends mixing the leftovers with mac and cheese the following day (you're welcome).
Waffle Fry Nachos
This potato packed take on the nachos from Taste of Home is super simple to throw together. Simply cook the waffles fries according to their package, and load them up with salsa, cheese, bacon, onions, and other nacho toppers. Then cook it in the oven for about five minutes, and top with sour cream and guacamole. One reader commented that they sprinkle taco seasoning on the waffle fries for an extra kick of flavor.
Onion Beef au Jus
These beef and onion appetizers are huge hits, according to the readers of Taste of Home. Make sure you save the juices for serving, adding that extra moisture and flavor. Though they take a little more time to prepare and cook than other recipes listed here, you will have plenty of leftover beef and zero regrets.
Entrees during the opening of the Times Square Dave & Busters on March 30, 2006 at Dave & Busters in New York City. Michael Loccisano/FilmMagic
Spinach Artichoke Zucchini Bites
Take your spinach artichoke dip to the next level with these appetizers. The Delish recipe yields two dozen, but they'll be gone quick. Garlic, red pepper and sour cream are part of the mixture, which can be made ahead of time, this way you can just scoop the mixture onto the zucchini slices. The recipe recommends cooking the bites in an air fryer if you're tight on time.
Chicken Parm Sliders
These mini sandwiches are a surefire crowd-pleaser—even if you won't have a crowd this year—and who doesn't like chicken Parm? Taste of Home notes that once the rolls, chicken and marinara sauce are ready, you bake the sliders, uncovered, which gives the cheese a chance to really melt all over each sandwich. Add a couple slices of pepperoni, extra cheese, or sliced red peppers for extra flavor in each sandwich.
Steak Frites Bites
Can't go to your favorite French bistro? Don't feel like eating entire plate of French fries? If you have a grill available, try out this recipe from Delish. Make sure you don't load each steak frites bite with too many fries—they may fall apart while grilling. This recipe recommends serving the bites with steak sauce, but other savory options are aioli dressing, herb butter, hollandaise sauce or even a herby bèarnaise sauce.
Bruschetta With Tomato and Basil
The Spruce Eats has an easy recipe for the refreshing appetizer. Here, the secret to perfecting this crostini of sorts is to let the chopped tomatoes marinate in the olive oil for 10 minutes. Additionally, the bruschetta comes out better if you take the time to char the bread in the oven before assembling, but that's just this writer's opinion. The recipe notes that Romans add anchovies and fresh mozzarella on top of their bruschetta, in case you're looking for a way to vary it up. Serve with some chilled wine and enjoy!


newsweek--2020-12-30--How to Get Your Best Nine Instagram Posts for 2020

Rejoice , 2020 is finally coming to a close !
This truly rough year had many of us adapting to working from home , perfecting the Zoom-call look and becoming an overnight chef via the sourdough starter .
And even though this has been a year that plenty of us would like to forget , many folks still documented their days on Instagram .
I mean , raise your hand if you 've also been sharing more pictures of your pets , or flexing your puzzle skills to your followers , or showing off the boxed macaroni & cheese that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ folks ' top Instagram posts in 2020 might look vastly different from top posts in years past ( # quarantine # pandemiclife ) , it 's still fun to look back and reflect on pictures from the pandemic year as we move into 2021 .
Below are a few super-simple ways to get your top Instagram posts of 2020 .
One way to create your Top Nine Instagrams collage is through the Best Nine App .
Open the app and click `` Get Started . ''
You will be prompted to select `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` 2020 . ''
The app will generate the collage , and you can edit the ordering of the tiles or adjust how zoomed in the image is .
Once you 're satisfied , hit `` Next , '' and then `` Share '' when prompted to post on Instagram .
The Best Nine App is available in the App Store and Google Play .
Also available for Apple and Android phones is the Top Nine App .
This app uses algorithms to determine your best posts .
It also takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of likes , the number and content of the comments . ''
To create your collage using this app , you 'll need to type in your Instagram handle and confirm your email address .
The collage will then appear on your screen , and you will receive an email with the collage , as well as an option to download it to your phone 's photo gallery and share it on Instagram .
The Top Nine App also features a video service , so you can include your favorite movies from your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you do n't want to download an app to find out your Top Nine Instagram posts , simply go to https : //creatorkit.com/top-nine-best-of-2020/ .
There , input your Instagram handle and email address ( the latter of which is optional , for the collage to be automatically emailed to you ) and wait until the Top Nine post generates .
All of these apps and websites could potentially generate different options and collage formats to share , so you might as well try them all out before you present the best 2020 that @ @ @ @ @ @

Rejoice, 2020 is finally coming to a close! This truly rough year had many of us adapting to working from home, perfecting the Zoom-call look and becoming an overnight chef via the sourdough starter.
And even though this has been a year that plenty of us would like to forget, many folks still documented their days on Instagram. I mean, raise your hand if you've also been sharing more pictures of your pets, or flexing your puzzle skills to your followers, or showing off the boxed macaroni & cheese that you managed to cook?
While some folks' top Instagram posts in 2020 might look vastly different from top posts in years past (#quarantine #pandemiclife), it's still fun to look back and reflect on pictures from the pandemic year as we move into 2021. Below are a few super-simple ways to get your top Instagram posts of 2020.
Two people photographing their food in a café with their smartphones. Lucy Lambriex / Contributor via Getty Images
One way to create your Top Nine Instagrams collage is through the Best Nine App. Open the app and click "Get Started." You will be prompted to select "Best Nine," "By Year" and "2020." The app will generate the collage, and you can edit the ordering of the tiles or adjust how zoomed in the image is. Once you're satisfied, hit "Next," and then "Share" when prompted to post on Instagram. The Best Nine App is available in the App Store and Google Play.
Read more TikTok Is the Most Downloaded App of 2020, Beating Facebook TikTok Is the Most Downloaded App of 2020, Beating Facebook
Also available for Apple and Android phones is the Top Nine App. This app uses algorithms to determine your best posts. It also takes into account factors such as "number of likes, the number and content of the comments."
To create your collage using this app, you'll need to type in your Instagram handle and confirm your email address. The collage will then appear on your screen, and you will receive an email with the collage, as well as an option to download it to your phone's photo gallery and share it on Instagram.
The Top Nine App also features a video service, so you can include your favorite movies from your 2020 Instagram feed, too.
If you don't want to download an app to find out your Top Nine Instagram posts, simply go to https://creatorkit.com/top-nine-best-of-2020/. There, input your Instagram handle and email address (the latter of which is optional, for the collage to be automatically emailed to you) and wait until the Top Nine post generates.
All of these apps and websites could potentially generate different options and collage formats to share, so you might as well try them all out before you present the best 2020 that your Instagram profile can provide.


newsweek--2020-12-30--Hitler Portraits, Nazi Memorabilia Found In Raid on Suspected Arms Dealers

A plethora of Nazi memorabilia has been found alongside hundreds of guns and portraits of Adolf Hitler after police raided a warehouse in Spain .
Two Germans and one British man have been arrested under suspicion of leading an international arms ring that sold guns to drug traffickers , the Civil Guard said in a statement on Tuesday .
A total of 160 firearms , including submachine guns and 30 assault rifles , as well as 10,000 bullets and a grenade were uncovered in the raid across three locations in Andalusia , southern Spain .
Photos uploaded by the force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including portraits of Hitler , Nazi military uniforms , emblems and medals .
The collection , uncovered in the home of a German citizen reportedly linked to far-right groups , was described as a `` museum of Nazi-themed objects '' by police .
The arrests came after a year-long investigation into a spate of gun crimes in the region .
Authorities detected an alarming increase in the use of firearms used in so-called `` rollovers '' —drug theft—and violent score-keeping between drug traffickers on the Costa del Sol and Campo de Gibraltar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of German nationality living in Malaga under a false identity .
The man had fled Germany after a warrant was issued for his arrest for weapons found in Hannover .
Together with the German Criminal Police , investigators carried out a search of his home in Coín—where they found a workshop fitted with sophisticated machinery .
The men are believed to have originally sourced the weapons from eastern Europe before modifying them in the workshop to be sold and distributed to drug traffickers along the Costa del Sol .
A British national is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the sale of weapons between the German men and drug runners .
The three unidentified suspects have been charged with arms trafficking , drugs trafficking and falsifying official documents , according to a press release .
Last year , President Donald Trump controversially unsubscribed from a historic international agreement intended to limit the flow of weapons to potential human rights abuses .
Trump announced in April during a conference for the National Rifle Association that he would remove the U.S. signature from the Arms Trade Treaty ( ATT ) .
The firearms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Institute for Legislative Action ( NRA-ILA ) , vehemently opposed the ATT when it was signed by former President Barack Obama in 2014 .
Trump vowed to `` never surrender American sovereignty to anyone '' nor to `` allow foreign bureaucrats to trample on your Second Amendment freedom . ''
`` That is why my administration will never ratify the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty , '' he said .
`` I hope you 're happy . ''
The move was widely criticized by human rights groups , who saw the decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unparalleled level of U.S. weapons sales around the world .
The U.S. accounted for roughly 36 percent of the world 's arms sales between 2014 and 2018 .
Most of these weapons went to the Middle East , according to a report released in March by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute .

A plethora of Nazi memorabilia has been found alongside hundreds of guns and portraits of Adolf Hitler after police raided a warehouse in Spain.
Two Germans and one British man have been arrested under suspicion of leading an international arms ring that sold guns to drug traffickers, the Civil Guard said in a statement on Tuesday.
A total of 160 firearms, including submachine guns and 30 assault rifles, as well as 10,000 bullets and a grenade were uncovered in the raid across three locations in Andalusia, southern Spain.
Photos uploaded by the force show rooms full of Third Reich artefacts, including portraits of Hitler, Nazi military uniforms, emblems and medals.
Spanish police found a warehouse full of Nazi memorabilia including numerous Third Reich items, portraits of Adolf Hitler, Nazi military uniforms, emblems and medals. Spanish Civil Guard
Police found 160 firearms and nearly 10,000 bullets after a year-long investigation into a spate of gun crimes in the region. Spanish Civil Guard
The collection, uncovered in the home of a German citizen reportedly linked to far-right groups, was described as a "museum of Nazi-themed objects" by police.
The arrests came after a year-long investigation into a spate of gun crimes in the region.
Authorities detected an alarming increase in the use of firearms used in so-called "rollovers"—drug theft—and violent score-keeping between drug traffickers on the Costa del Sol and Campo de Gibraltar.
Police had been investigating a man of German nationality living in Malaga under a false identity. The man had fled Germany after a warrant was issued for his arrest for weapons found in Hannover.
Together with the German Criminal Police, investigators carried out a search of his home in Coín—where they found a workshop fitted with sophisticated machinery.
The men are believed to have originally sourced the weapons from eastern Europe before modifying them in the workshop to be sold and distributed to drug traffickers along the Costa del Sol.
Intervenido un arsenal de armas que surtía a los narcotraficantes de Costa del Sol y Campo de Gibraltar. De las 160 armas hay 30 fusiles de asalto y subfusiles, además de casi 10.000 cartuchos, 270 cargadores y hasta una granada con explosivo militar. https://t.co/VQF4O9C0Pv pic.twitter.com/9x64r99Dlt — Guardia Civil 🇪🇸 (@guardiacivil) December 29, 2020
A British national is alleged to have acted as an intermediary in the sale of weapons between the German men and drug runners.
Weaponry found included 22 AK47 assault rifles and 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) of explosives.
The three unidentified suspects have been charged with arms trafficking, drugs trafficking and falsifying official documents, according to a press release.
Last year, President Donald Trump controversially unsubscribed from a historic international agreement intended to limit the flow of weapons to potential human rights abuses.
Trump announced in April during a conference for the National Rifle Association that he would remove the U.S. signature from the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The firearms advocacy organization and its lobbying arm, the Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), vehemently opposed the ATT when it was signed by former President Barack Obama in 2014.
Trump vowed to "never surrender American sovereignty to anyone" nor to "allow foreign bureaucrats to trample on your Second Amendment freedom."
"That is why my administration will never ratify the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty," he said. "I hope you're happy."
The move was widely criticized by human rights groups, who saw the decision to withdraw from ATT as exacerbating the already unparalleled level of U.S. weapons sales around the world.
The U.S. accounted for roughly 36 percent of the world's arms sales between 2014 and 2018. Most of these weapons went to the Middle East, according to a report released in March by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.


newsweek--2020-12-30--'Cobra Kai' Season 3: When It Airs and How to Watch Online

Cobra Kai fans , the wait is nearly over—after 20 months away from screens , Season 3 of the Karate Kid spin-off is coming to streaming from January 2021 .
The first two seasons may have been a YouTube original , but the third season will be available to watch online exclusively on Netflix .
When is Cobra Kai Season 3 coming out ?
The release date of Cobra Kai Season 3 was originally set for January 6 , but in a holiday treat for fans Netflix pushed the airdate ahead to Friday , January 1 , when all 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to watch online at once on the streamer .
The release time of the episodes where you are will depend on your time difference from Netflix 's west coast headquarters , who will release Cobra Kai Season 3 at 00:01 a.m. PT on Friday .
The episodes will be available to watch in some of Netflix 's biggest countries and territories at the following times : • Brazil : 5:00 a.m. FNT / 4:00 a.m. BRT / 3:00 a.m. AMT / 2:00 a.m. ACT • Canada : 3:00 a.m .
ET / 4:30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2:00 a.m. CT / 1:00 a.m. CST/MDT / 00:00 a.m. PT • Mexico : 2:00 a.m. CDT / 1:00 a.m. MT / 00:00 a.m. PT • U.S. : 3:00 a.m .
ET / 2:00 a.m. CT / 1:00 a.m. MT / 00:00 a.m. PT / 23:00 p.m. on Thursday , December 31 AKT / 21:00 p.m. on Thursday , December 31 HST As a Netflix global original , the streaming service is currently the only place to watch the new episode of The Karate Kid spin-off .
The streaming service no longer offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so there is currently no ( legal ) way to watch the new season online for free in America .
The service offers three tiers of viewing , which offer growing numbers of screens you can watch the service on at once .
The most basic package is $ 8.99 a month for one screen at a time ( and standard def screening ) .
The standard package is $ 13.99 a month for two screens ( and HD streaming ) , while premium is $ 17.99 a month for four devices and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Cobra Kai are also streaming on Netflix .
Those first 20 episodes , however , are also available to watch for free now on YouTube .
In the lead-up to the release date , Netflix also released a trailer for Season 3 , which featured the return of stars William Zabka and Ralph Macchio—and may have hinted at an Elisabeth Shue cameo .
Cobra Kai Season 3 is released on Friday , January 1 , 2021 on Netflix .

Cobra Kai fans, the wait is nearly over—after 20 months away from screens, Season 3 of the Karate Kid spin-off is coming to streaming from January 2021. The first two seasons may have been a YouTube original, but the third season will be available to watch online exclusively on Netflix.
When is Cobra Kai Season 3 coming out?
The release date of Cobra Kai Season 3 was originally set for January 6, but in a holiday treat for fans Netflix pushed the airdate ahead to Friday, January 1, when all 10 episodes of the show will be available to watch online at once on the streamer.
The release time of the episodes where you are will depend on your time difference from Netflix's west coast headquarters, who will release Cobra Kai Season 3 at 00:01 a.m. PT on Friday.
The episodes will be available to watch in some of Netflix's biggest countries and territories at the following times:
Australia: 5:00 p.m. AEST / 4:30 p.m. ACST / 3:00 p.m. AWST
Brazil: 5:00 a.m. FNT / 4:00 a.m. BRT / 3:00 a.m. AMT / 2:00 a.m. ACT
Canada: 3:00 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. Newfoundland / 4:00 a.m. AT / 2:00 a.m. CT / 1:00 a.m. CST/MDT / 00:00 a.m. PT
Central Europe: 9:00 a.m. CET
Eastern Europe: 10:00 a.m. EET
India: 12:30 p.m. (noon) IST
Japan: 5 p.m. JST
Mexico: 2:00 a.m. CDT / 1:00 a.m. MT / 00:00 a.m. PT
U.S.: 3:00 a.m. ET / 2:00 a.m. CT / 1:00 a.m. MT / 00:00 a.m. PT / 23:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 31 AKT / 21:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 31 HST
United Kingdom: 8:00 a.m. GMT
Ralph Macchio and William Zabke in 'The Karate Kid' sequel 'Cobra Kai' Netflix
How to watch Cobra Kai Season 3 online
As a Netflix global original, the streaming service is currently the only place to watch the new episode of The Karate Kid spin-off.
The streaming service no longer offers a free trial in the U.S., so there is currently no (legal) way to watch the new season online for free in America.
The service offers three tiers of viewing, which offer growing numbers of screens you can watch the service on at once. The most basic package is $8.99 a month for one screen at a time (and standard def screening). The standard package is $13.99 a month for two screens (and HD streaming), while premium is $17.99 a month for four devices and Ultra HD.
The first two seasons of Cobra Kai are also streaming on Netflix. Those first 20 episodes, however, are also available to watch for free now on YouTube.
In the lead-up to the release date, Netflix also released a trailer for Season 3, which featured the return of stars William Zabka and Ralph Macchio—and may have hinted at an Elisabeth Shue cameo.
Cobra Kai Season 3 is released on Friday, January 1, 2021 on Netflix.


newsweek--2020-12-30--U.S. Spy Plane Watches North Korea as Kim Prepares for Major Summit

A U.S. reconnaissance plane flew near North Korea Tuesday as Washington , D.C. , watches for any indication of Kim Jong Un 's next moves ahead of a major regime summit and President-Elect Joe Biden 's inauguration .
A U.S. Air Force RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft flew over the southern coast of South Korea and then above the country 's central regions on Tuesday morning , the Yonhap News Agency reported .
The aircraft flew from the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa , Japan .
This type of plane specializes in detecting telemetry signals before missile launches , Yonhap said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analyze and predict the trajectory of missiles and accompanying warheads .
The U.S. tracks North Korea missile launches as part of its regional defense operations .
There has been speculation that Kim may order a new intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ) test in the coming months to apply pressure on the incoming Biden administration and press Pyongyang 's demand for sanctions relief .
The North has maintained a moratorium on nuclear and ICBM tests since 2017 , amid a surprise detente with President Donald Trump 's administration .
The Asan Institute for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week that Kim `` will consider playing the card of an ICBM launch in a desperate measure to break the deadlock '' with the U.S. Sanctions and denuclearization relief talks have been stalled under Trump , despite grand promises from both leaders .
`` Biden 's formation of his foreign policy lineup and basic policy approach suggest that it is clear the administration will make a 180-degree turn to the bottom-up method based on working-level meetings , as opposed to the top-down method , '' the Asan Institute report said .
Speculation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8th Congress of the Workers ' Party of Korea , the first such gathering in five years at which Kim will set out his priorities and vision for the coming years .
The summit is usually held in spring , but this year will coincide with Biden 's inauguration .
This will give Kim the opportunity to set a belligerent or cooperative tone for his relations with the next administration .
An unnamed South Korean military official told Yonhap : `` The U.S. is paying close attention to North Korea 's movements , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military parade for the 8th Congress of the Workers ' Party of Korea in January . ''
The official added : `` The U.S. military will likely conduct more frequent surveillance flights around the date of the congress . ''
Biden has signalled he will take a tougher stance on North Korea than Trump .
His administration will likely focus on lower level talks rather than the headline-grabbing leaders meetings that characterized Trump 's approach to North Korea .
Biden was part of President Barack Obama 's team that pursued `` strategic patience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoping—ultimately in vain—that sanctions would force Pyongyang to end its nuclear program .
Obama was widely criticized for this strategy given its failure .
Biden will come to power having branded Kim a `` thug '' and telling voters that the `` days of cozying up to dictators are over . ''
Pyongyang , meanwhile , has long expressed its disdain for Biden .
Last year , the regime called the then-presidential candidate a `` rabid dog '' that needed to be `` beaten to death with a stick . ''

A U.S. reconnaissance plane flew near North Korea Tuesday as Washington, D.C., watches for any indication of Kim Jong Un's next moves ahead of a major regime summit and President-Elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
A U.S. Air Force RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft flew over the southern coast of South Korea and then above the country's central regions on Tuesday morning, the Yonhap News Agency reported.
The aircraft flew from the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. This type of plane specializes in detecting telemetry signals before missile launches, Yonhap said.
These planes are also used to analyze and predict the trajectory of missiles and accompanying warheads. The U.S. tracks North Korea missile launches as part of its regional defense operations.
There has been speculation that Kim may order a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in the coming months to apply pressure on the incoming Biden administration and press Pyongyang's demand for sanctions relief.
The North has maintained a moratorium on nuclear and ICBM tests since 2017, amid a surprise detente with President Donald Trump's administration.
The Asan Institute for Policy Studies said in a report published this week that Kim "will consider playing the card of an ICBM launch in a desperate measure to break the deadlock" with the U.S. Sanctions and denuclearization relief talks have been stalled under Trump, despite grand promises from both leaders.
"Biden's formation of his foreign policy lineup and basic policy approach suggest that it is clear the administration will make a 180-degree turn to the bottom-up method based on working-level meetings, as opposed to the top-down method," the Asan Institute report said.
Speculation is rife ahead of next month's 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, the first such gathering in five years at which Kim will set out his priorities and vision for the coming years.
The summit is usually held in spring, but this year will coincide with Biden's inauguration. This will give Kim the opportunity to set a belligerent or cooperative tone for his relations with the next administration.
An unnamed South Korean military official told Yonhap: "The U.S. is paying close attention to North Korea's movements, including preparations for a (possible) military parade for the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea in January." The official added: "The U.S. military will likely conduct more frequent surveillance flights around the date of the congress."
Biden has signalled he will take a tougher stance on North Korea than Trump. His administration will likely focus on lower level talks rather than the headline-grabbing leaders meetings that characterized Trump's approach to North Korea.
Biden was part of President Barack Obama's team that pursued "strategic patience" with North Korea, waiting and hoping—ultimately in vain—that sanctions would force Pyongyang to end its nuclear program. Obama was widely criticized for this strategy given its failure.
Biden will come to power having branded Kim a "thug" and telling voters that the "days of cozying up to dictators are over."
Pyongyang, meanwhile, has long expressed its disdain for Biden. Last year, the regime called the then-presidential candidate a "rabid dog" that needed to be "beaten to death with a stick."


newsweek--2020-12-30--Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to Campaign in Georgia for Crucial Senate Runoffs

President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will campaign in Georgia ahead of crucial Senate runoff elections on January 5 .
The outcome will decide the balance of power in the chamber .
Democrat Jon Ossoff will face Republican Senator David Perdue , while Rev .
Raphael Warnock is running against Senator Kelly Loeffler in a state where Democrats usually perform poorly in special elections .
Harris will make the trip to Savannah on Sunday , January 3 and Biden will campaign in Atlanta on Monday—just one day before the special elections—according to CNN .
Biden 's visit will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump holds a rally for the Republican senators in Dalton , Georgia .
The president-elect last visited the state earlier this month following the meeting of the Electoral College to affirm his victory in the 2020 presidential election .
Biden accused Loeffler and Perdue of having `` fully embraced nullifying nearly 5 million Georgia votes . ''
Loeffler had previously failed to acknowledge Biden 's win when asked about the matter five times .
Trump and some of his allies have made repeated unsubstantiated claims that the presidential election in Georgia suffered from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been rejected by Republican officials there .
Congress will meet on January 6 to ratify the votes of the Electoral College .
`` Send me these two men and we will control the Senate and change the lives of people in Georgia , '' Biden said at a December campaign event for Ossoff and Warnock .
If both Democratic candidates can win on January 5 , the Senate will be tied between the parties and as vice president , Harris would be able to break deadlocks in the administration 's favor .
Perdue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in stark terms with both seeking to paint their opponents as far-left radicals .
Perdue spoke to Fox News about the urgency of the runoffs on Tuesday .
`` Every generation has a moment of truth ; my dad was in World War II and Korea , '' the senator said .
`` Every generation has a moment . ''
`` The eyes of America , and I think the eyes of every future generation , are on us right now here in Georgia .
And our responsibility is not to let them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show Perdue virtually neck-and-neck with Ossoff , while Warnock enjoys a very slim lead over Loeffler .

President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will campaign in Georgia ahead of crucial Senate runoff elections on January 5. The outcome will decide the balance of power in the chamber.
Democrat Jon Ossoff will face Republican Senator David Perdue, while Rev. Raphael Warnock is running against Senator Kelly Loeffler in a state where Democrats usually perform poorly in special elections.
Harris will make the trip to Savannah on Sunday, January 3 and Biden will campaign in Atlanta on Monday—just one day before the special elections—according to CNN.
Read more Stacey Abrams' Sister Stokes New Controversy in Fraught Georgia Senate Vote Stacey Abrams' Sister Stokes New Controversy in Fraught Georgia Senate Vote
Biden's visit will come on the same day President Donald Trump holds a rally for the Republican senators in Dalton, Georgia.
The president-elect last visited the state earlier this month following the meeting of the Electoral College to affirm his victory in the 2020 presidential election.
Biden accused Loeffler and Perdue of having "fully embraced nullifying nearly 5 million Georgia votes."
Loeffler had previously failed to acknowledge Biden's win when asked about the matter five times. Trump and some of his allies have made repeated unsubstantiated claims that the presidential election in Georgia suffered from mass voter fraud. The idea has been rejected by Republican officials there. Congress will meet on January 6 to ratify the votes of the Electoral College.
"Send me these two men and we will control the Senate and change the lives of people in Georgia," Biden said at a December campaign event for Ossoff and Warnock.
If both Democratic candidates can win on January 5, the Senate will be tied between the parties and as vice president, Harris would be able to break deadlocks in the administration's favor.
Perdue and Loeffler have cast the special elections in stark terms with both seeking to paint their opponents as far-left radicals. Perdue spoke to Fox News about the urgency of the runoffs on Tuesday.
"Every generation has a moment of truth; my dad was in World War II and Korea," the senator said. "Every generation has a moment."
"The eyes of America, and I think the eyes of every future generation, are on us right now here in Georgia. And our responsibility is not to let them down," he said.
Polls show Perdue virtually neck-and-neck with Ossoff, while Warnock enjoys a very slim lead over Loeffler.


newsweek--2020-12-30--Mitch McConnell's Stimulus Gambit Tests Public Trust in Congress

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) has been accused of undermining trust in Congress , where public faith is already low , with his latest stimulus check gambit .
As lawmakers wrangle over boosting direct relief payments from a maximum of $ 600 to $ 2,000 , McConnell has moved to bring a proposal tying this action to other measures less palatable to many of those who want the increase .
`` This is exactly why people do n't trust Congress , '' Sen. Jon Tester ( D-MT ) wrote on Twitter , in response to details of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase to funding investigations into voter fraud and also look to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1996 .
`` Instead of having a real debate and letting folks vote how they want , Sen McConnell is setting up a sham vote with the aim of nothing happening .
`` It 's pathetic and Americans deserve better . ''
Tester 's comments on McConnell 's actions attributing to distrust in Congress come with the public 's faith in the lawmaking apparatus at a low point , according to recent polling .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 among 1,018 U.S. adults found 82 percent of respondents disapproved of how Congress is functioning , with 15 percent approving .
The 82 percent disapproval rating is the lowest in Gallup 's polling since it hit 83 percent in July 2016 .
YouGov/The Economist polling similarly found a majority of people disapproving of how Congress is handling its job .
More than half , 58 percent , disapproved—22 percent somewhat and 36 percent strongly .
The question was put to 1,500 U.S. adults December 19 to 22 .
Prior polling related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of faith in its functionality , with many having not expected a relief deal to be struck this year prior to the recent agreement .
Newsweek has contacted McConnell 's office for comment on how his actions might impact the public 's view of Congress .
His moves have prompted disdain from many lawmakers who are for the $ 2,000 payments , with demands for a vote solely on the stimulus boost .
Democrat lawmakers are strongly pushing for the increased checks , with a measure to this end having passed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also an advocate of the amount being raised .
The president attributed some of his hesitance in signing the latest relief legislation to the amount in direct payments being below what he felt it should be .
While the debate over the stimulus check boost continues , the already signed off payments have started to be sent out .
The current maximum amount is $ 600 .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has been accused of undermining trust in Congress, where public faith is already low, with his latest stimulus check gambit.
As lawmakers wrangle over boosting direct relief payments from a maximum of $600 to $2,000, McConnell has moved to bring a proposal tying this action to other measures less palatable to many of those who want the increase.
"This is exactly why people don't trust Congress," Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) wrote on Twitter, in response to details of McConnell's proposal—which would tie the stimulus increase to funding investigations into voter fraud and also look to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1996.
"Instead of having a real debate and letting folks vote how they want, Sen McConnell is setting up a sham vote with the aim of nothing happening.
"It's pathetic and Americans deserve better."
Tester's comments on McConnell's actions attributing to distrust in Congress come with the public's faith in the lawmaking apparatus at a low point, according to recent polling.
A Gallup poll conducted December 1 to 17 among 1,018 U.S. adults found 82 percent of respondents disapproved of how Congress is functioning, with 15 percent approving.
The 82 percent disapproval rating is the lowest in Gallup's polling since it hit 83 percent in July 2016.
YouGov/The Economist polling similarly found a majority of people disapproving of how Congress is handling its job.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) heads to his office from the floor of the Senate on December 20, 2020 in Washington, D.C. He is facing a backlash over his actions during a push from many lawmakers to boost stimulus check payments from $600 to $2,000. Samuel Corum/Getty Images
More than half, 58 percent, disapproved—22 percent somewhat and 36 percent strongly. The question was put to 1,500 U.S. adults December 19 to 22.
Prior polling related to a stimulus also highlighted the public's lack of faith in its functionality, with many having not expected a relief deal to be struck this year prior to the recent agreement.
Newsweek has contacted McConnell's office for comment on how his actions might impact the public's view of Congress.
Read more $600 Second Stimulus Payments on the Way, With $2,000 Checks in Limbo $600 Second Stimulus Payments on the Way, With $2,000 Checks in Limbo
His moves have prompted disdain from many lawmakers who are for the $2,000 payments, with demands for a vote solely on the stimulus boost.
Democrat lawmakers are strongly pushing for the increased checks, with a measure to this end having passed the House, while President Donald Trump is also an advocate of the amount being raised.
The president attributed some of his hesitance in signing the latest relief legislation to the amount in direct payments being below what he felt it should be.
While the debate over the stimulus check boost continues, the already signed off payments have started to be sent out. The current maximum amount is $600.


newsweek--2020-12-30--Houston Councilman Defends Unflattering Michelle Obama Meme: 'I Like Black Women'

Houston City Councilman Greg Travis has become the subject of significant criticism following a controversial Facebook post comparing first lady Melania Trump with former first lady Michelle Obama .
The image shows Obama sitting with her legs uncrossed next to a photo of Trump sitting cross-legged .
Both women are wearing pants suits .
Travis , who represents Houston 's District G , shared the meme on December 21 with the comment : `` Yep .
Just saying . ''
Ashton P. Woods , founder of Black Lives Matter Houston , shared screenshots of the Facebook post and comments underneath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Travis to resign .
The screenshots show Travis ' response to a comment from local businesswoman and former city council candidate Laurie Robinson .
In his response , Travis offered further criticism of Obama and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris .
`` It 's called Affirmative Action .
Does n't take much—she was born with her qualification .
She is n't the brightest bulb in the lot , '' Travis wrote .
`` And let 's not talk about Kamala—her qualification is that she sleeps with powerful men .
And do n't bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be nothing without Bill and she had to cover up for him raping those five women .
Feminism is dead on the left .
These three helped to kill it . ''
Robinson has also called for Travis ' resignation In an interview with Houston 's KPRC 2 , the councilman defended his decision to share the images and doubled down on his criticism of Obama .
He also said he would not be resigning .
`` I have every right to my opinion .
They have every right to their opinion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't have their opinion , '' he said .
`` They can call for whatever they want .
I 'm not resigning .
`` There 's a difference , '' Travis said of Trump and Obama .
`` I think one is classier .
One is not . ''
When pressed , he added : `` Well , I just think that one represents the first lady ideal .
Michelle Obama has always been too political for me . ''
On the issue of Affirmative Action , Travis told KPRC 2 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You do n't get Affirmative Action if you 're white . ''
Walker asked him how Obama , a Harvard graduate , had benefited from Affirmative Action .
`` Well , the answer is I do n't specifically know because I did n't see her transcript , but I will tell you I 've read articles that alluded to that .
So , the answer is I do n't know if she did or if she did n't , '' Travis said .
`` I like women .
I like Blacks .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KPRC 2 .
`` One of my favorite people is Candace Owens .
I actually gave money to her organization .
If I did n't like Black women , I probably would n't be supporting her . ''
He noted that his chief of staff was a woman , and added : `` What 's trying to be done to me is to cancel me out .
It 's not going to work .
When people do that I just fight even harder . ''

Houston City Councilman Greg Travis has become the subject of significant criticism following a controversial Facebook post comparing first lady Melania Trump with former first lady Michelle Obama.
The image shows Obama sitting with her legs uncrossed next to a photo of Trump sitting cross-legged. Both women are wearing pants suits. Travis, who represents Houston's District G, shared the meme on December 21 with the comment: "Yep. Just saying."
Ashton P. Woods, founder of Black Lives Matter Houston, shared screenshots of the Facebook post and comments underneath on Twitter on December 29, calling on Travis to resign.
Read more Fact Check: Would Repealing Section 230 Promote Free Speech as Trump Says? Fact Check: Would Repealing Section 230 Promote Free Speech as Trump Says?
"Houston City Councilman Greg Travis hates black women," Woods wrote, adding: "DEMAND HIS RESIGNATIOM [sic]."
The screenshots show Travis' response to a comment from local businesswoman and former city council candidate Laurie Robinson. In his response, Travis offered further criticism of Obama and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
"It's called Affirmative Action. Doesn't take much—she was born with her qualification. She isn't the brightest bulb in the lot," Travis wrote.
"And let's not talk about Kamala—her qualification is that she sleeps with powerful men. And don't bring up Hillary. Please, she would be nothing without Bill and she had to cover up for him raping those five women. Feminism is dead on the left. These three helped to kill it."
Robinson has also called for Travis' resignation
#BLMHOU | #BREAKING
.@TravisDistrictG Houston City Councilman Greg Travis hates black women. Here's Greg's email & email of Mayor Turner:
districtg@houstontx.gov
mayor@houstontx.gov
DEMAND HIS RESIGNATIOM pic.twitter.com/SZFAyD5U41 — Ashton P. Woods (@AshtonPWoods) December 29, 2020
In an interview with Houston's KPRC 2, the councilman defended his decision to share the images and doubled down on his criticism of Obama. He also said he would not be resigning.
"I have every right to my opinion. They have every right to their opinion. I don't tell other people they can't have their opinion," he said. "They can call for whatever they want. I'm not resigning.
"There's a difference," Travis said of Trump and Obama. "I think one is classier. One is not."
When pressed, he added: "Well, I just think that one represents the first lady ideal. Michelle Obama has always been too political for me."
On the issue of Affirmative Action, Travis told KPRC 2's Brandon Walker that "Affirmative Action. You don't get Affirmative Action if you're white." Walker asked him how Obama, a Harvard graduate, had benefited from Affirmative Action.
"Well, the answer is I don't specifically know because I didn't see her transcript, but I will tell you I've read articles that alluded to that. So, the answer is I don't know if she did or if she didn't," Travis said.
"I like women. I like Blacks. I like Black women," Travis told KPRC 2. "One of my favorite people is Candace Owens. I actually gave money to her organization. If I didn't like Black women, I probably wouldn't be supporting her."
He noted that his chief of staff was a woman, and added: "What's trying to be done to me is to cancel me out. It's not going to work. When people do that I just fight even harder."


newsweek--2020-12-30--Jon Ossoff Shares Attack Ad Calling David Perdue 'Empty Suit' Ahead of Georgia Runoff

Democratic Senate candidate Jon Ossoff shared an attack advert that labeled Republican Senator David Perdue an `` empty suit '' less than a week before the Georgia Senate runoff elections slated for January 6 .
The advert unveiled by the progressive MeidasTouch political action committee on Tuesday used clips from remarks Ossoff made during a debate Perdue dodged earlier this month , and closed by calling on Georgians to vote for the Democratic challenger on Tuesday next week .
`` Georgia deserves a senator who shows up , '' the 74-second PAC spot said .
`` Not an empty suit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ossoff could be heard arguing that Perdue was an `` absent '' senator who was failing to help Americans despite his position in Congress .
`` You can rest assured I will come to public forums like this one and answer questions in open , unlike David Perdue , '' Ossoff said in the debate clip .
`` Because that 's what you deserve from someone who serves you . ''
The attack advert has been watched more than 400,000 times on Twitter , but only has a little more than 6,000 views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after its release .
Newsweek has contacted the Perdue re-election campaign for comment .
The MeidasTouch PAC released its latest Perdue attack ad as polls from Georgia remained split .
One new poll released on Tuesday by Trafalgar Group showed Democratic challengers Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff held narrow single-digit leads over their Republican rivals Senator Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue .
Ossoff was found to lead Perdue by a little under 3 percentage points among likely voters , while Warnock led Loeffler by only a single point .
Both leads were within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ error .
A separate pair of polls released by the Open Model Project on Monday , and conducted between December 21 and December 28 , found the Republican incumbents were 4 points ahead of their Democratic rivals with a week left until Election Day .
Again , the results were within the survey 's margin of error .
The outcome of the Georgia Senate runoff elections next week will have a major impact on the make up of Congress and the power of the incoming Biden administration over the next two years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hold onto their spot in the upper chamber , the GOP will maintain its control of the Senate and have the power to obstruct President-elect Joe Biden 's legislative agenda .
If the Democratic rivals unseat the incumbents , the Senate will be divided evenly along party lines .
Under such a scenario , Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would have a powerful tiebreaker vote in the upper chamber .

Democratic Senate candidate Jon Ossoff shared an attack advert that labeled Republican Senator David Perdue an "empty suit" less than a week before the Georgia Senate runoff elections slated for January 6.
The advert unveiled by the progressive MeidasTouch political action committee on Tuesday used clips from remarks Ossoff made during a debate Perdue dodged earlier this month, and closed by calling on Georgians to vote for the Democratic challenger on Tuesday next week.
"Georgia deserves a senator who shows up," the 74-second PAC spot said. "Not an empty suit."
Earlier in the advert, Ossoff could be heard arguing that Perdue was an "absent" senator who was failing to help Americans despite his position in Congress.
Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Jon Ossoff speaks onstage during the "Vote GA Blue" concert on December 28, in Stonecrest, Georgia. Paras Griffin/Getty Images
"You can rest assured I will come to public forums like this one and answer questions in open, unlike David Perdue," Ossoff said in the debate clip. "Because that's what you deserve from someone who serves you."
The attack advert has been watched more than 400,000 times on Twitter, but only has a little more than 6,000 views on YouTube, more than 12 hours after its release. Newsweek has contacted the Perdue re-election campaign for comment.
The MeidasTouch PAC released its latest Perdue attack ad as polls from Georgia remained split. One new poll released on Tuesday by Trafalgar Group showed Democratic challengers Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff held narrow single-digit leads over their Republican rivals Senator Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue.
Ossoff was found to lead Perdue by a little under 3 percentage points among likely voters, while Warnock led Loeffler by only a single point. Both leads were within the poll's 2.99 point margin of error.
A separate pair of polls released by the Open Model Project on Monday, and conducted between December 21 and December 28, found the Republican incumbents were 4 points ahead of their Democratic rivals with a week left until Election Day. Again, the results were within the survey's margin of error.
The outcome of the Georgia Senate runoff elections next week will have a major impact on the make up of Congress and the power of the incoming Biden administration over the next two years.
If either of the Republican senators manages to hold onto their spot in the upper chamber, the GOP will maintain its control of the Senate and have the power to obstruct President-elect Joe Biden's legislative agenda.
If the Democratic rivals unseat the incumbents, the Senate will be divided evenly along party lines. Under such a scenario, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would have a powerful tiebreaker vote in the upper chamber.


newsweek--2020-12-30--China's COVID Whistleblower Doctor First Reported Patients One Year Ago

Internet users in China are flooding the social media page of the late whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang , who was censured by Wuhan police after issuing what turned out to be the world 's first COVID-19 warning one year ago today .
The 33-year-old ophthalmologist , who worked at Wuhan Central Hospital in central China 's Hubei Province , was later infected with the virus himself and died in early February , before a Chinese government inquiry cleared his name .
On December 31 , 2019 , health authorities in Wuhan first alerted the World Health Organization about a cluster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Li had already sounded the alarm the day before by warning friends and colleagues in a private chat group about seven hospital patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome ( SARS ) .
His private message went viral , and days later Li was summoned and given an official reprimand by the Wuhan Public Security Bureau for `` spreading false rumors online . ''
He was made to sign a statement acknowledging his offense .
After Wuhan officials admitted to the severity of the outbreak and the WHO declared it a Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 , Li revealed on China 's Twitter-like service Weibo that he was hospitalized in intensive care with a cough , fever and breathing difficulties—all symptoms of COVID-19 .
`` My parents are hospitalized , too , '' he wrote on January 31 .
`` From my hospital room , I can still see all the support and encouragement netizens are giving me . ''
`` Thank you for your support , '' he added .
`` Rest assured , I will cooperate with the treatment and be back as soon as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made his final post , confirming his coronavirus diagnosis , before passing away from related complications six days later .
It was not until after the WHO had declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March that an official government inquiry exonerated Li and retracted his reprimand .
The Chinese Communist Party issued a `` solemn apology '' to his family and honored him with the title of `` martyr . ''
To date , more than 82 million coronavirus cases have been reported worldwide , including nearly 1.8 million deaths , 4,634 of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures .
Li 's final Weibo post on February 1 has amassed more than 3.8 million likes and had already reached the website 's post count limit of 1 million comments by the summer .
Social media users are paying tribute to Li , who is survived by a wife and two children , with hundreds to thousands of new posts every minute wishing him happy new year and describing him as a `` hero . ''
`` It 's been a year .
How are you doing over there , Doctor Li @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have n't forgotten about you .
You will remain a hero in our hearts forever . ''
`` If only we had listened to you sooner , life might have been a lot more normal , '' another Weibo user wrote .
China declared victory over the coronavirus in the spring but has been grappling with a surge of new locally transmitted cases this month .
Beijing initiated partial lockdowns of residential neighborhoods on Tuesday after the capital reported seven new cases of community transmission on top of so-called `` imported '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported one additional local case .
Also on Tuesday , a court in Shanghai sentenced Chinese journalist Zhang Zhan , 37 , to four years in prison for her citizen reporting on the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan .
Zhang reported from the epicenter of the outbreak for three months , posting on websites such as Twitter and YouTube—both blocked in China—before reports revealed she had been arrested in May .
China 's state-run media outlets have described Zhang 's actions as `` troublemaking . ''
In an editorial written by Hu Xijin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times , Zhang 's reporting was said to be `` in conflict with China 's social governance system . ''
Despite criticism from the likes of President Donald Trump for the way Beijing handled the early stages of the pandemic , the Chinese government maintains its methods in containing the virus have been a success throughout .

Internet users in China are flooding the social media page of the late whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang, who was censured by Wuhan police after issuing what turned out to be the world's first COVID-19 warning one year ago today.
The 33-year-old ophthalmologist, who worked at Wuhan Central Hospital in central China's Hubei Province, was later infected with the virus himself and died in early February, before a Chinese government inquiry cleared his name.
On December 31, 2019, health authorities in Wuhan first alerted the World Health Organization about a cluster of cases of mysterious pneumonia. However, Li had already sounded the alarm the day before by warning friends and colleagues in a private chat group about seven hospital patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
His private message went viral, and days later Li was summoned and given an official reprimand by the Wuhan Public Security Bureau for "spreading false rumors online." He was made to sign a statement acknowledging his offense.
After Wuhan officials admitted to the severity of the outbreak and the WHO declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, Li revealed on China's Twitter-like service Weibo that he was hospitalized in intensive care with a cough, fever and breathing difficulties—all symptoms of COVID-19.
"My parents are hospitalized, too," he wrote on January 31. "From my hospital room, I can still see all the support and encouragement netizens are giving me."
"Thank you for your support," he added. "Rest assured, I will cooperate with the treatment and be back as soon as possible!"
On February 1, Li made his final post, confirming his coronavirus diagnosis, before passing away from related complications six days later.
It was not until after the WHO had declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March that an official government inquiry exonerated Li and retracted his reprimand. The Chinese Communist Party issued a "solemn apology" to his family and honored him with the title of "martyr."
To date, more than 82 million coronavirus cases have been reported worldwide, including nearly 1.8 million deaths, 4,634 of which occurred in China, according to government figures.
Li's final Weibo post on February 1 has amassed more than 3.8 million likes and had already reached the website's post count limit of 1 million comments by the summer.
This photo taken on February 7, 2020 shows a photo of the late ophthalmologist Li Wenliang with flower bouquets at the Houhu Branch of Wuhan Central Hospital in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province. Li, a doctor who was punished after raising the alarm about the new coronavirus, died on February 7 after being infected by the pathogen. STR/AFP via Getty Images
Social media users are paying tribute to Li, who is survived by a wife and two children, with hundreds to thousands of new posts every minute wishing him happy new year and describing him as a "hero."
"It's been a year. How are you doing over there, Doctor Li?" wrote one commenter. "We haven't forgotten about you. You will remain a hero in our hearts forever."
"If only we had listened to you sooner, life might have been a lot more normal," another Weibo user wrote.
China declared victory over the coronavirus in the spring but has been grappling with a surge of new locally transmitted cases this month.
Beijing initiated partial lockdowns of residential neighborhoods on Tuesday after the capital reported seven new cases of community transmission on top of so-called "imported" cases.
On Wednesday, the city reported one additional local case.
Also on Tuesday, a court in Shanghai sentenced Chinese journalist Zhang Zhan, 37, to four years in prison for her citizen reporting on the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan.
Zhang reported from the epicenter of the outbreak for three months, posting on websites such as Twitter and YouTube—both blocked in China—before reports revealed she had been arrested in May.
China's state-run media outlets have described Zhang's actions as "troublemaking."
In an editorial written by Hu Xijin, chief of Chinese Communist Party tabloid Global Times, Zhang's reporting was said to be "in conflict with China's social governance system."
Despite criticism from the likes of President Donald Trump for the way Beijing handled the early stages of the pandemic, the Chinese government maintains its methods in containing the virus have been a success throughout.


newsweek--2020-12-30--Will New COVID Variant in U.S. Affect Vaccines, Why Is It More Contagious?

A new variant of COVID believed to have first surfaced in the U.K. was discovered in Colorado on Tuesday , with health officials confirming a man in his 20s with no travel history had contracted the disease .
While much is still unknown about the new strain , analysis conducted by authorities in the U.K suggests it is up to 70 percent more transmissible than other variants , playing a significant role in a surge in cases across London and the south east of England .
According to the U.K. government , genetic evidence suggests the new variant emerged in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public until mid-November .
Officials say there is no evidence that it causes more severe disease or higher chance of death but noted `` mortality is a lagging indicator '' and investigations continue .
Now , scientists are studying whether this new variant , named VUI–202012/01 , impacts the effectiveness of the multiple COVID vaccinations being rolled out around the world , including those developed by Pfizer/BioNTech , Moderna and Oxford/AstraZeneca .
Is the new variant resistant to the vaccines ?
While the mutated strain , which has been dubbed B.1.1.7 by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faster than the previous novel coronavirus , experts say that studies are ongoing to determine if currently-authorized vaccines will be able to protect people .
But the vaccine-makers have appeared optimistic their preventative medications will be able to combat new variants , or be adapted to do so in a relatively short period of time by tinkering with sections of messenger RNA ( mRNA ) used in the vaccines .
`` The beauty of the messenger RNA technology is that we can directly start to engineer a vaccine , which completely mimics this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sahin said in a press briefing this month , pharmaceutical news outlet PMLiVE reported .
Unlike traditional vaccines that introduce a weakened form of the virus into the body to jump-start defense against infectious disease , mRNA vaccines do n't use the live virus that causes COVID and so they do not carry any risk of COVID infection .
Instead , mRNA vaccines trigger an immune response by making cells make a harmless spike protein found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID , teaching the body to fight infection , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( CDC ) has said .
AstraZeneca and Moderna made similar statements that their vaccines should be able to combat new strains of the virus—and some academics appeared to agree .
`` What you can do is you can change the RNA of the vaccine to match the new mutation , and then make antibodies to the mutation as well , so they can do that .
We do that with the flu vaccine every year , '' Stanford University epidemiologist Dr. Yvonne Maldonado told ABC7 , noting there are many COVID variants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has previously said online that there is `` currently no evidence to suggest that the Pfizer vaccine would not protect people against the new variant . ''
Broadly , experts say existing health advice—social distancing , hand washing and face masks—remain some of the most effective ways to limit the chance of contracting the illness , which has been tied to more than 346,500 deaths in the U.S .
Adding to the list of unknowns is how widespread the new COVID variant has spread in Colorado , or other parts of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second suspected case was identified in the state , but details were scant .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) says investigations are ongoing to find out if the variant is linked to shifts in antibody responses or vaccine efficacy , confirming it has also been found in Australia , Denmark , Italy , Iceland and the Netherlands .
The CDC has warned in a fact sheet that `` ongoing travel '' between the U.K and the U.S. would `` increase the likelihood of importation '' of the new coronavirus variant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be in the U.S. without having been detected .
`` Scientists are working to learn more about this variant to better understand how easily it might be transmitted and whether currently authorized vaccines will protect people against it .
At this time , there is no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness or increased risk of death , '' it said , adding that facts are still `` rapidly emerging . ''
The agency said there is `` no evidence '' vaccine effectiveness is impacted and said most experts `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the nature of the drug makeups .
Despite the ongoing vaccine rollout , leading U.S. infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has warned the pandemic is likely to `` get worse '' because of holiday season .
He previously advised against traveling for Christmas and to avoid large gatherings .
Why is the new variant more transmissible ?
Much like the impact on approved vaccines , experts from the U.K 's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group ( NERVTAG ) said earlier this month that the `` underlying mechanism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strain is unclear but there had been some indication that it could be more likely to infect children .
The U.K. government said : `` We know that mutations in the spike protein , the part of the virus that makes it infectious , can change how the virus interacts with human cells .
However , we do not yet know the mechanism for this increase in transmission .
`` The evidence shows that infection rates in geographical areas where this particular variant has been circulating have increased faster than expected , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ variant has a higher transmission rate than other variants in current circulation . ''
Scientists ' investigations are ongoing .
Patients with the new variant may have higher loads of the virus in the blood , according to a study from PHE Public Health Laboratory Birmingham that details possible reasons for higher transmission that is yet to be peer-reviewed , The Guardian reported .
Dr. Michael Kidd , who led the team , said : `` It does seem as though the patients with this variant have higher viral loads—then the obvious thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread it to other people . ''
He stressed the analysis was `` preliminary and needs repeating . ''

A new variant of COVID believed to have first surfaced in the U.K. was discovered in Colorado on Tuesday, with health officials confirming a man in his 20s with no travel history had contracted the disease.
While much is still unknown about the new strain, analysis conducted by authorities in the U.K suggests it is up to 70 percent more transmissible than other variants, playing a significant role in a surge in cases across London and the south east of England.
According to the U.K. government, genetic evidence suggests the new variant emerged in September and circulated at low levels in the public until mid-November.
Officials say there is no evidence that it causes more severe disease or higher chance of death but noted "mortality is a lagging indicator" and investigations continue.
Now, scientists are studying whether this new variant, named VUI–202012/01, impacts the effectiveness of the multiple COVID vaccinations being rolled out around the world, including those developed by Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford/AstraZeneca.
Is the new variant resistant to the vaccines?
While the mutated strain, which has been dubbed B.1.1.7 by U.S. officials, is believed to spread faster than the previous novel coronavirus, experts say that studies are ongoing to determine if currently-authorized vaccines will be able to protect people.
But the vaccine-makers have appeared optimistic their preventative medications will be able to combat new variants, or be adapted to do so in a relatively short period of time by tinkering with sections of messenger RNA (mRNA) used in the vaccines.
"The beauty of the messenger RNA technology is that we can directly start to engineer a vaccine, which completely mimics this new mutation," BioNTech boss Ugur Sahin said in a press briefing this month, pharmaceutical news outlet PMLiVE reported.
Unlike traditional vaccines that introduce a weakened form of the virus into the body to jump-start defense against infectious disease, mRNA vaccines don't use the live virus that causes COVID and so they do not carry any risk of COVID infection.
Instead, mRNA vaccines trigger an immune response by making cells make a harmless spike protein found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID, teaching the body to fight infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said.
AstraZeneca and Moderna made similar statements that their vaccines should be able to combat new strains of the virus—and some academics appeared to agree.
"What you can do is you can change the RNA of the vaccine to match the new mutation, and then make antibodies to the mutation as well, so they can do that. We do that with the flu vaccine every year," Stanford University epidemiologist Dr. Yvonne Maldonado told ABC7, noting there are many COVID variants in the wild.
The U.K. government has previously said online that there is "currently no evidence to suggest that the Pfizer vaccine would not protect people against the new variant."
Broadly, experts say existing health advice—social distancing, hand washing and face masks—remain some of the most effective ways to limit the chance of contracting the illness, which has been tied to more than 346,500 deaths in the U.S.
Adding to the list of unknowns is how widespread the new COVID variant has spread in Colorado, or other parts of the country. Colorado Politics reported on Tuesday that a second suspected case was identified in the state, but details were scant.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says investigations are ongoing to find out if the variant is linked to shifts in antibody responses or vaccine efficacy, confirming it has also been found in Australia, Denmark, Italy, Iceland and the Netherlands.
The CDC has warned in a fact sheet that "ongoing travel" between the U.K and the U.S. would "increase the likelihood of importation" of the new coronavirus variant and said it is possible the variant could be in the U.S. without having been detected.
"Scientists are working to learn more about this variant to better understand how easily it might be transmitted and whether currently authorized vaccines will protect people against it. At this time, there is no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness or increased risk of death," it said, adding that facts are still "rapidly emerging."
The agency said there is "no evidence" vaccine effectiveness is impacted and said most experts "believe this is unlikely to occur" due to the nature of the drug makeups.
Despite the ongoing vaccine rollout, leading U.S. infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has warned the pandemic is likely to "get worse" because of holiday season. He previously advised against traveling for Christmas and to avoid large gatherings.
Why is the new variant more transmissible?
Much like the impact on approved vaccines, experts from the U.K's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) said earlier this month that the "underlying mechanism of increased transmissibility" of the new strain is unclear but there had been some indication that it could be more likely to infect children.
The U.K. government said: "We know that mutations in the spike protein, the part of the virus that makes it infectious, can change how the virus interacts with human cells. However, we do not yet know the mechanism for this increase in transmission.
"The evidence shows that infection rates in geographical areas where this particular variant has been circulating have increased faster than expected, and the modeling evidence has demonstrated that this variant has a higher transmission rate than other variants in current circulation." Scientists' investigations are ongoing.
Patients with the new variant may have higher loads of the virus in the blood, according to a study from PHE Public Health Laboratory Birmingham that details possible reasons for higher transmission that is yet to be peer-reviewed, The Guardian reported.
Dr. Michael Kidd, who led the team, said: "It does seem as though the patients with this variant have higher viral loads—then the obvious thing is it is easier for them to spread it to other people." He stressed the analysis was "preliminary and needs repeating."


newsweek--2020-12-30--Where to Watch 'The Office' After It Leaves Netflix

Netflix is about to lose one of its biggest shows at the start of 2021 as the American version of The Office moves to a new home .
The 180+ episodes of the workplace comedy starring Steve Carell and John Krasinski have been a regular feature in the Netflix top 10 charts , but the series has become the latest big show to leave the streamer as the so-called `` streaming wars '' continue .
Where to watch The Office after it leaves Netflix The Office is set to leave Netflix U.S. after midnight Pacific Time on January 1 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ before it is available to watch online on a new service .
As soon as The Office is no longer on the Netflix catalog , it will be streaming on Peacock , the new streaming service from NBCUniversal .
This means that , for the first time in a while , some of The Office will be available to watch online for free on a streaming service .
Peacock will make the first two seasons available to watch online with ads for the streamer 's free tier subscribers .
To watch The Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans will have to subscribe to one of Peacock 's two paid tiers .
These are Peacock Premium , which offers the full catalog with ads for $ 4.99 a month ( or $ 49.99 a year ) or without commercials for $ 9.99 a month ( $ 99.99 a year ) .
Both of these tiers also offer a seven-day free trial .
Peacock Premium also has some added treats for fans of The Office .
The streamer will be adding a collection of what it is calling `` Superfan Episodes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In December , the first of these episodes was teased in a video on the Peacock YouTube channel , which saw Michael ( Steve Carell ) join Ryan 's ( B.J .
Novak ) business school class .
In a statement , The Office U.S. creator Greg Daniels said of these extended episodes , `` Having The Office back in the NBC family opens up access to a lot of extra content that we originally shot ...
The experience on Peacock should feel like a celebration of The Office for fans . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as Peacock is currently an American-only service this should not affect users in other countries .
In the U.K. , for example , The Office is actually returning to Netflix in January 2021 , after a few years on Amazon Prime Video .
Currently , The Office is only streaming on Netflix U.S. and Canada .
Though the show is leaving American Netflix , it is expected to stay on the Canadian version of the streamer – and the show 's addition to the British catalog suggests it will soon be available @ @ @ @

Netflix is about to lose one of its biggest shows at the start of 2021 as the American version of The Office moves to a new home. The 180+ episodes of the workplace comedy starring Steve Carell and John Krasinski have been a regular feature in the Netflix top 10 charts, but the series has become the latest big show to leave the streamer as the so-called "streaming wars" continue.
Where to watch The Office after it leaves Netflix
The Office is set to leave Netflix U.S. after midnight Pacific Time on January 1. However, it will not be long before it is available to watch online on a new service.
As soon as The Office is no longer on the Netflix catalog, it will be streaming on Peacock, the new streaming service from NBCUniversal.
This means that, for the first time in a while, some of The Office will be available to watch online for free on a streaming service. Peacock will make the first two seasons available to watch online with ads for the streamer's free tier subscribers.
"The Office" will become the latest show to leave Netflix in January 2021. NBC
To watch The Office Seasons 3 to 9, however, fans will have to subscribe to one of Peacock's two paid tiers. These are Peacock Premium, which offers the full catalog with ads for $4.99 a month (or $49.99 a year) or without commercials for $9.99 a month ($99.99 a year). Both of these tiers also offer a seven-day free trial.
Peacock Premium also has some added treats for fans of The Office. The streamer will be adding a collection of what it is calling "Superfan Episodes," extended episodes featuring never-before-seen footage.
In December, the first of these episodes was teased in a video on the Peacock YouTube channel, which saw Michael (Steve Carell) join Ryan's (B.J. Novak) business school class.
In a statement, The Office U.S. creator Greg Daniels said of these extended episodes, "Having The Office back in the NBC family opens up access to a lot of extra content that we originally shot... The experience on Peacock should feel like a celebration of The Office for fans."
Though The Office is leaving Netflix U.S., as Peacock is currently an American-only service this should not affect users in other countries. In the U.K., for example, The Office is actually returning to Netflix in January 2021, after a few years on Amazon Prime Video.
Currently, The Office is only streaming on Netflix U.S. and Canada. Though the show is leaving American Netflix, it is expected to stay on the Canadian version of the streamer – and the show's addition to the British catalog suggests it will soon be available in other countries.