newsweek--2020-12-19--French President Emmanuel Macron Working Despite COVID Symptoms Amid Claims He Broke Pandemic Rules

French President Emmanuel Macron is carrying on with his duties despite his recent COVID-19 diagnosis , according to a statement from the Elysée Palace on Saturday .
Macron began seven days of isolation after showing some symptoms of the virus on Friday amid some criticism that he had broken his own government 's guidelines .
`` The medical condition of the president is stable compared with ... Friday , '' the Elysée said .
`` He presents similar COVID-19 symptoms which do not prevent him from fulfilling his obligations . ''
Macron reportedly has a fever , fatigue and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presidential residence of La Lanterne in Versailles , former home of France 's kings .
Speaking to the nation on Thursday in what appeared to be a self-recorded video , Macron said he wanted to be `` totally transparent '' about his diagnosis .
`` I am doing well , '' Macron said .
`` Normally , there is no reason for it to evolve in a bad way . ''
The French president said him getting the disease `` shows that the virus really can touch everyone , because I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite everything I caught this virus – perhaps , doubtless , a moment of negligence , a moment of bad luck too . ''
Macron has faced criticism for apparently breaching France 's COVID-19 rules in recent weeks .
Though he 's mostly appeared in public wearing a mask , he 's also been caught on camera ignoring the country 's rules .
Macron hosted a dinner at the Elysée Palace on Wednesday night which was attended by at least 10 officials and reportedly lasted until midnight .
This violates a rule that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must return home by 8pm , according to BBC News .
`` Where the heck are the police ?
An irresponsible person infected with Covid is hosting a dinner with more than 10 people , '' left-wing politician Eric Coquerel joked on Twitter this week .
Macron was also seen shaking hands with and partially embracing Angel Gurría , head of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development on Monday .
Though both of them wore masks at the time , they later said touching had been a `` mistake . ''
Macron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be diagnosed with COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic .
These include President Donald Trump , Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
It 's not clear how Macron caught the disease but there 's speculation he could have come into contact with it during meetings with European Union officials and the leaders of other European governments .

French President Emmanuel Macron is carrying on with his duties despite his recent COVID-19 diagnosis, according to a statement from the Elysée Palace on Saturday.
Macron began seven days of isolation after showing some symptoms of the virus on Friday amid some criticism that he had broken his own government's guidelines.
"The medical condition of the president is stable compared with ... Friday," the Elysée said. "He presents similar COVID-19 symptoms which do not prevent him from fulfilling his obligations."
Read more Frontline Healthcare Workers Say COVID Vaccine 'Is the Light We Finally Get Frontline Healthcare Workers Say COVID Vaccine 'Is the Light We Finally Get
Macron reportedly has a fever, fatigue and a dry cough. He's isolating at the presidential residence of La Lanterne in Versailles, former home of France's kings.
Speaking to the nation on Thursday in what appeared to be a self-recorded video, Macron said he wanted to be "totally transparent" about his diagnosis.
"I am doing well," Macron said. "Normally, there is no reason for it to evolve in a bad way."
The French president said him getting the disease "shows that the virus really can touch everyone, because I am very protected and am very careful. Despite everything I caught this virus – perhaps, doubtless, a moment of negligence, a moment of bad luck too."
🔴« Le Président de la République présente un état de santé stable par rapport à la journée de vendredi. Il présente toujours les mêmes symptômes de la maladie #Covid 19 (fatigue, toux, courbatures) qui ne l’empêchent en rien de remplir ses fonctions » (Elysée) #Macron pic.twitter.com/DC6N44naMf — Guillaume Daret (@GuillaumeDaret) December 19, 2020
Macron has faced criticism for apparently breaching France's COVID-19 rules in recent weeks. Though he's mostly appeared in public wearing a mask, he's also been caught on camera ignoring the country's rules.
Macron hosted a dinner at the Elysée Palace on Wednesday night which was attended by at least 10 officials and reportedly lasted until midnight. This violates a rule that allows gatherings of only six people who must return home by 8pm, according to BBC News.
"Where the heck are the police? An irresponsible person infected with Covid is hosting a dinner with more than 10 people," left-wing politician Eric Coquerel joked on Twitter this week.
Macron was also seen shaking hands with and partially embracing Angel Gurría, head of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development on Monday. Though both of them wore masks at the time, they later said touching had been a "mistake."
Macron is one of many national leaders to be diagnosed with COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. These include President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
It's not clear how Macron caught the disease but there's speculation he could have come into contact with it during meetings with European Union officials and the leaders of other European governments.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Bids to Implode Trump Plaza in Atlantic City Hit $60,000

It 's a stunt President Donald Trump 's critics might consider a metaphor for the end of his presidency as bidders line up to be the one to push the detonate button on the Atlantic City casino bearing his name .
The Trump Plaza casino was opened in 1984 , but has gone to seed since it closed in 2014 after it was beset by financial troubles for years .
For the last four years , billionaire developer Carl Icahn has owned the property which has been deemed by local officials as a public safety hazard .
In the entrepreneurial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is known for , a call has gone out for people to place their bids to implode the building for charity .
As of Saturday morning , there were 15 bids which had reached $ 60,000 .
Killing two birds with one stone , the stunt will get rid of an eyesore and help fund the youth development programs of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City .
`` I think it 's extremely important that we do something worthwhile , '' Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. told a news conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better organization than the Boys and Girls , '' he added , according to CBS News .
`` Not often does inner-city oceanfront land open up , '' Small said .
`` We have one chance to get this right . ''
The implosion had been scheduled for January 29 but has been delayed to February , with no set date yet .
Bodnar 's Auction , the auction house is collecting bids for what it describes on liveauctioneers.com as a `` once in a lifetime opportunity . ''
`` For several years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the time to end an era and replace it with something new , '' it said .
`` This will be done remotely and can be done anywhere in the world as well as close to the Plaza as we can safely get you there . ''
Trump cut most ties with Atlantic City in 2009 but had once owned two other casinos in the city , the Trump Taj Mahal and Trump Marina .
Both were later rebranded and operated under new management following bankruptcies .
The demolition was initially planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump leaves office .
However , Small said that this has been delayed until February , with a firm date yet to be finalized .
The last time a casino was imploded in Atlantic City was in October 2007 when the former Sands casino was dynamited for a new casino-hotel project that never was built , CBS reported .

It's a stunt President Donald Trump's critics might consider a metaphor for the end of his presidency as bidders line up to be the one to push the detonate button on the Atlantic City casino bearing his name.
The Trump Plaza casino was opened in 1984, but has gone to seed since it closed in 2014 after it was beset by financial troubles for years.
For the last four years, billionaire developer Carl Icahn has owned the property which has been deemed by local officials as a public safety hazard.
In the entrepreneurial spirit the New Jersey gambling seaside town is known for, a call has gone out for people to place their bids to implode the building for charity. As of Saturday morning, there were 15 bids which had reached $60,000.
Killing two birds with one stone, the stunt will get rid of an eyesore and help fund the youth development programs of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.
"I think it's extremely important that we do something worthwhile," Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. told a news conference Thursday. " And there's not a better organization than the Boys and Girls," he added, according to CBS News.
Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Bids have opened to detonate the building next year. Mark Makela/Getty Images
"Not often does inner-city oceanfront land open up," Small said. "We have one chance to get this right." The implosion had been scheduled for January 29 but has been delayed to February, with no set date yet.
Bodnar's Auction, the auction house is collecting bids for what it describes on liveauctioneers.com as a "once in a lifetime opportunity."
"For several years it has been sitting empty and now is the time to end an era and replace it with something new," it said. "This will be done remotely and can be done anywhere in the world as well as close to the Plaza as we can safely get you there."
Trump cut most ties with Atlantic City in 2009 but had once owned two other casinos in the city, the Trump Taj Mahal and Trump Marina. Both were later rebranded and operated under new management following bankruptcies.
The demolition was initially planned for January 29, nine days after Trump leaves office. However, Small said that this has been delayed until February, with a firm date yet to be finalized.
The last time a casino was imploded in Atlantic City was in October 2007 when the former Sands casino was dynamited for a new casino-hotel project that never was built, CBS reported.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Chadwick Boseman Leaves a Lasting Final Impression in 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom'

The sun is shining when Chadwick Boseman makes his entrance in the Netflix film Ma Rainey 's Black Bottom .
He appears on a corner in Chicago , cigarette in hand with all the jovial hope of a youthful musician smattered across his face .
Flirtatious smiles for the pretty girls who pass by , as Levee the cornet player , Boseman is undeniably charming from the very start of the movie without having uttered a word .
When he does finally speak though , his charisma is unmatched .
Releasing on Netflix on Friday , Ma Rainey 's Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and directed by George C. Wolfe—is the story of rising tension among the members of the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey 's band during a recording session on a blazing hot day in the 1920s .
Viola Davis stars as the Mother of Blues while Boseman serves as her cornet player who 's starry-eyed jazz ambitions lead to more misfortune than luck .
Davis delivers a compelling performance and is very clearly the leader of this troupe , commanding fear and respect from all who cross Ma 's path .
But Boseman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Boseman 's work in the film is already generating Oscar buzz , and critics have deemed the performance as perhaps `` his best and most spiritual gift to cinema . ''
It 's deserving praise considering the way Boseman portrays the complete unraveling of Levee with such conviction .
When he tells Cutler ( Coleman Domingo ) that he 's not like the rest of his bandmates , you believe him .
`` I got talent , '' he says .
And he does .
One particularly moving monologue comes when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Almighty has turned his back on Black people .
`` God ai n't never listen to no n***a 's prayers , '' Levee so passionately proclaims .
It 's a heart-pounding scene that draws a visceral reaction from Levee 's bandmates as they watch a flood of emotions pour out of Boseman 's character .
He appears as a man unhinged , pissed off , hurt , tired and , most of all , honest .
Watching the film now , just four months after Boseman 's death from cancer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he too was in a fight with God while filming the movie and knowing an end was ultimately near .
In an interview with NBC released on Wednesday , Michael Potts , who plays Ma Rainey 's bassist Slow Drag , recalled watching Boseman deliver the chilling speech .
`` It 's like everything came to a stop , '' Potts said .
`` Something very spiritual happened in that moment .
It was something you could not look away from.… It was an extraordinary moment .
It was a terrifying moment as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a powerful final performance Boseman gives in Ma Rainey 's Black Bottom , and it 's a memorable one that will likely land him on best actor lists far and wide .

The sun is shining when Chadwick Boseman makes his entrance in the Netflix film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. He appears on a corner in Chicago, cigarette in hand with all the jovial hope of a youthful musician smattered across his face. Flirtatious smiles for the pretty girls who pass by, as Levee the cornet player, Boseman is undeniably charming from the very start of the movie without having uttered a word. When he does finally speak though, his charisma is unmatched.
Releasing on Netflix on Friday, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom—an adaptation of the August Wilson play and directed by George C. Wolfe—is the story of rising tension among the members of the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey's band during a recording session on a blazing hot day in the 1920s. Viola Davis stars as the Mother of Blues while Boseman serves as her cornet player who's starry-eyed jazz ambitions lead to more misfortune than luck. Davis delivers a compelling performance and is very clearly the leader of this troupe, commanding fear and respect from all who cross Ma's path. But Boseman, like his character, is the standout.
Chadwick Boseman appears as Levee in the Netflix original film, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." The movie released on the streaming platform on December 18. David Lee/NETFLIX
Boseman's work in the film is already generating Oscar buzz, and critics have deemed the performance as perhaps "his best and most spiritual gift to cinema." It's deserving praise considering the way Boseman portrays the complete unraveling of Levee with such conviction. When he tells Cutler (Coleman Domingo) that he's not like the rest of his bandmates, you believe him. "I got talent," he says. And he does.
"I'm happy that I got to be a part of sharing his genius with the world." - Denzel Washington on Chadwick Boseman in #MaRaineyFilm. Learn what else Denzel and Chadwick's co-stars said about working with him and watch #MaRaineyFilm on @netflix tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/38gszvQt5Y — MaRaineyFilm (@MaRaineyFilm) December 17, 2020
One particularly moving monologue comes when the horn player wails against God and suggests that the Almighty has turned his back on Black people. "God ain't never listen to no n***a's prayers," Levee so passionately proclaims.
It's a heart-pounding scene that draws a visceral reaction from Levee's bandmates as they watch a flood of emotions pour out of Boseman's character. He appears as a man unhinged, pissed off, hurt, tired and, most of all, honest. Watching the film now, just four months after Boseman's death from cancer, one can't help but wonder if he too was in a fight with God while filming the movie and knowing an end was ultimately near.
In an interview with NBC released on Wednesday, Michael Potts, who plays Ma Rainey's bassist Slow Drag, recalled watching Boseman deliver the chilling speech. "It's like everything came to a stop," Potts said.
"Something very spiritual happened in that moment. It was something you could not look away from.… It was an extraordinary moment. It was a terrifying moment as well," he continued.
It's a powerful final performance Boseman gives in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, and it's a memorable one that will likely land him on best actor lists far and wide.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom debuted on Netflix on December 18.


newsweek--2020-12-19--'I'm Not An Addict, But The 12 Steps Saved My Life And Marriage'

I found the 12 steps of addiction recovery in a way many addicts do : lost , desperate , broken , and looking for change .
However , I was n't drinking daily , using drugs , gambling or overeating .
To most , I was a high-functioning , happily married , mother of two who was gainfully employed as a mental health therapist .
But after a string of brutal life events in the late 2000s turned my world upside down , I found myself floundering , rage-filled , and drowning in fear and shame .
I initially turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only found platitudes that further fed my resentment and despair .
Then I sought therapy and found a string of therapists that seemed to agree with whatever I was saying .
Supportive ?
Yes .
Helpful in changing my dire circumstances ?
No .
My mom had died suddenly and unexpectedly of pancreatic cancer at a time when I was having my own children and trying to figure out my role as a wife , professional therapist and mother .
My husband shifted from a career in the military to the civilian sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The years of poor communication , blaming , resentment , and lack of healthy coping skills took its toll and my husband wanted out of the marriage .
I felt I had lost everything important to me .
My lack of understanding of myself , what I was experiencing , and how to cope with it all created a dark storm of emotions in me .
I became possessed by my hatred toward God , cancer , my husband , and every other uncontrollable entity in my life .
I became robotic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my back on all of my guiding principles and values .
Only retrospectively do I realize what I was searching for all that time : a community of non-judgmental people who bravely shared their stories and insight into their messiness , that one could n't help but feel inspired to dig deep and begin to own one 's own darkness and light .
The 12 steps community was where I found that .
Even as a non-addict .
Later , when I learned about step one of the 12 steps of addiction recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not technically an `` addict '' , I was experiencing what addicts call `` powerlessness . ''
I had lost control of my life , my faculties ; everything I had previously known was important to me .
I was clueless about what healthy coping skills to use to stop the pain and what the healthy way forward from it all .
My life had become unmanageable and I needed a new manager .
I had to do what recovering addicts call `` surrender . ''
With my marriage over and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job running a new program at a high-end Malibu residential treatment center : a male-only drug and sex addiction recovery program .
The job and the clientele intimidated the hell out of me , but desperation and intrigue pushed me forward .
I figured I knew enough about addiction recovery and the 12 steps because my previous jobs and education had glossed over them .
In retrospect , I made a naive mistake when I was first introduced to the 12 step concepts and material : over-simplifying and under-appreciating the magnitude of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of people change their lives for the better since they were first created for Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1930s .
To members of 12 step fellowships , the steps are far more than a few sentences on a poster .
The 12 steps represent a community , an accountability structure , and a system of challenging and restructuring flawed ways of thinking and acting .
Most of all , they have been proven to be an effective pathway out of misery for many .
This was precisely what I needed .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 steps and addiction recovery , reading several of the 12 steps fellowship material , including ; Alcoholics Anonymous , Narcotics Anonymous , Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous , Al-Anon .
Initially , I was driven by my desire to be a good therapist to my clients who sought recovery .
Eventually , it became my lifeline .
Most of my colleagues and my boss were in long-term recovery themselves , so I began to covet our talks and time together .
I found their honesty and willingness to call themselves out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They shared stories of their struggles , 12 step fellowship `` isms '' -sayings like `` if nothing changes , nothing changes , '' `` tell the truth and tell it faster , '' `` do the next right thing , '' and `` one day at a time '' .
Little by little I began to find my own truth hidden behind all of my shame and defensiveness .
Once , while talking to a female co-worker about the challenges of balancing roles as a mom and a professional , she joked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings with all those moms doing mom stuff and I feel like such an imposter .
I want to just say out loud , 'Girl , you do n't even know !
I used to do crack ! '
'' Could I relate to her use of crack ?
No .
But did I have a real , visceral reaction as she shared about the constant tug-of-war that goes on in our heads as we try to navigate our different roles in life ?
Absolutely .
I also began to seek friendships where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of honesty and willingness to discuss real , messy , life challenges in a non-judgmental space .
Its important to note that I did n't `` work '' the steps in the way that is recommended by recovering addicts .
I did n't regularly attend 12 step meetings , form a 12 step sober community , find someone to `` sponsor '' my recovery while working the 12 step exercises with that sponsor .
And I have tremendous respect for those who do .
At the time , I was n't sure which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-substance using , semi-love addict , newly scorned divorcee .
Instead , I tried to work the steps through osmosis , focusing on common themes of each step .
Steps one through three are about realizing that I have a problem and that my best efforts still brought me here , so I need to own what 's not working while also be willing to seek and receive help with my problems .
Step four through seven focus on the internal work of exploring , owning , or repairing all of my wounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of my life and my personality .
Steps eight and nine focus on exploring and repairing my interpersonal relationships .
And Steps 10 , 11 , and 12 are meant to be daily practices to keep me conscious and connected to myself and others .
Learning about , and applying the principles of , the 12 steps provided me clear , applicable , relatable tools to meet life on life 's terms .
Things I 'd never heard or understood before , even from my years spent in church or in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see all that the 12 steps have given me : more intimate and fulfilling relationships , shame resiliency , less self-righteousness , and more authenticity ; all things that are crucial to healthily navigating the uncertainties of life .
I also credit this work with improving my capacity for empathy , compassion , and forgiveness—all skills that helped me as a therapist , but , most importantly , in my subsequent work with my husband when we were able to work toward healing our marriage and family .
My time with friends in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life practices like candid honesty , accountability and always considering `` my part '' in anything and everything , especially in my relationships .
Those tools were paramount in helping me move beyond my season of victimhood , into a greater space of empathy and compassion for myself and others , and into forgiveness .
Features that played a central role in repairing my marriage .
There was a season for acknowledging what was not OK and what we needed to improve in our marriage .
However , steps four through nine helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ways I was harmed and hurt by others , that only fueled my bad choices and behaviors .
Ultimately , the internal and interpersonal work of 12 steps concepts created a path for my husband and I to heal .
I 've learned that non-addicts are not completely different to addicts .
When faced with stress and other forms of emotional discomfort , both groups cope , at least some of the time , in maladaptive ways However , the 12 step concepts , its community , and its structure allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victories and failures , seek and provide comfort , and inspire or acquire courage in the face of numerous life 's challenges .
Kristin M. Snowden , MA , LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in treating intimacy disorders at Avalon Malibu and in her private practice in Westlake Village , California .
Snowden co-authored Life Anonymous : 12 Steps to Heal and Transform Your Life with Scott Brassart .
The book encourages everyone to explore and `` work '' the 12 Steps in all facets of their lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not .
Find out more at www.KristinSnowden.com or follow Kristin on Instagram @ life_anonymous_book .
All views expressed in this article are the author 's own .

I found the 12 steps of addiction recovery in a way many addicts do: lost, desperate, broken, and looking for change. However, I wasn't drinking daily, using drugs, gambling or overeating. To most, I was a high-functioning, happily married, mother of two who was gainfully employed as a mental health therapist.
But after a string of brutal life events in the late 2000s turned my world upside down, I found myself floundering, rage-filled, and drowning in fear and shame. I initially turned to religion for help and answers but only found platitudes that further fed my resentment and despair.
Then I sought therapy and found a string of therapists that seemed to agree with whatever I was saying. Supportive? Yes. Helpful in changing my dire circumstances? No.
My mom had died suddenly and unexpectedly of pancreatic cancer at a time when I was having my own children and trying to figure out my role as a wife, professional therapist and mother. My husband shifted from a career in the military to the civilian sector amidst the chaos of a global recession. The years of poor communication, blaming, resentment, and lack of healthy coping skills took its toll and my husband wanted out of the marriage. I felt I had lost everything important to me.
My lack of understanding of myself, what I was experiencing, and how to cope with it all created a dark storm of emotions in me. I became possessed by my hatred toward God, cancer, my husband, and every other uncontrollable entity in my life. I became robotic and selfish in my choices, turning my back on all of my guiding principles and values.
Only retrospectively do I realize what I was searching for all that time: a community of non-judgmental people who bravely shared their stories and insight into their messiness, that one couldn't help but feel inspired to dig deep and begin to own one's own darkness and light. The 12 steps community was where I found that. Even as a non-addict.
Later, when I learned about step one of the 12 steps of addiction recovery, I realized that even though I was not technically an "addict", I was experiencing what addicts call "powerlessness." I had lost control of my life, my faculties; everything I had previously known was important to me. I was clueless about what healthy coping skills to use to stop the pain and what the healthy way forward from it all. My life had become unmanageable and I needed a new manager. I had to do what recovering addicts call "surrender."
Getty/iStock
With my marriage over and my life in shambles, I took a job running a new program at a high-end Malibu residential treatment center: a male-only drug and sex addiction recovery program. The job and the clientele intimidated the hell out of me, but desperation and intrigue pushed me forward. I figured I knew enough about addiction recovery and the 12 steps because my previous jobs and education had glossed over them.
In retrospect, I made a naive mistake when I was first introduced to the 12 step concepts and material: over-simplifying and under-appreciating the magnitude of a time-tested, worldwide program that has helped millions of people change their lives for the better since they were first created for Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1930s.
To members of 12 step fellowships, the steps are far more than a few sentences on a poster. The 12 steps represent a community, an accountability structure, and a system of challenging and restructuring flawed ways of thinking and acting. Most of all, they have been proven to be an effective pathway out of misery for many. This was precisely what I needed.
I dove into the work of learning about 12 steps and addiction recovery, reading several of the 12 steps fellowship material, including; Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, Al-Anon. Initially, I was driven by my desire to be a good therapist to my clients who sought recovery. Eventually, it became my lifeline. Most of my colleagues and my boss were in long-term recovery themselves, so I began to covet our talks and time together.
A selection of books Kristin Snowden read to help her understand the 12 steps, including the book she eventually wrote. Kristin Snowdon
I found their honesty and willingness to call themselves out on their own s**t to be intoxicating. They shared stories of their struggles, 12 step fellowship "isms" -sayings like "if nothing changes, nothing changes," "tell the truth and tell it faster," "do the next right thing," and "one day at a time". Little by little I began to find my own truth hidden behind all of my shame and defensiveness.
Once, while talking to a female co-worker about the challenges of balancing roles as a mom and a professional, she joked: "I walk into those PTA meetings with all those moms doing mom stuff and I feel like such an imposter. I want to just say out loud, 'Girl, you don't even know! I used to do crack!'" Could I relate to her use of crack? No. But did I have a real, visceral reaction as she shared about the constant tug-of-war that goes on in our heads as we try to navigate our different roles in life? Absolutely. I also began to seek friendships where I felt safe to practice similar levels of honesty and willingness to discuss real, messy, life challenges in a non-judgmental space.
Its important to note that I didn't "work" the steps in the way that is recommended by recovering addicts. I didn't regularly attend 12 step meetings, form a 12 step sober community, find someone to "sponsor" my recovery while working the 12 step exercises with that sponsor. And I have tremendous respect for those who do.
At the time, I wasn't sure which type of meeting was appropriate for a non-substance using, semi-love addict, newly scorned divorcee. Instead, I tried to work the steps through osmosis, focusing on common themes of each step. Steps one through three are about realizing that I have a problem and that my best efforts still brought me here, so I need to own what's not working while also be willing to seek and receive help with my problems. Step four through seven focus on the internal work of exploring, owning, or repairing all of my wounds, strengths, hurts, and redeeming parts of my life and my personality. Steps eight and nine focus on exploring and repairing my interpersonal relationships. And Steps 10, 11, and 12 are meant to be daily practices to keep me conscious and connected to myself and others.
Learning about, and applying the principles of, the 12 steps provided me clear, applicable, relatable tools to meet life on life's terms. Things I'd never heard or understood before, even from my years spent in church or in a therapist's office.
Retrospectively, I see all that the 12 steps have given me: more intimate and fulfilling relationships, shame resiliency, less self-righteousness, and more authenticity; all things that are crucial to healthily navigating the uncertainties of life. I also credit this work with improving my capacity for empathy, compassion, and forgiveness—all skills that helped me as a therapist, but, most importantly, in my subsequent work with my husband when we were able to work toward healing our marriage and family.
My time with friends in recovery helped me adopt helpful, daily life practices like candid honesty, accountability and always considering "my part" in anything and everything, especially in my relationships. Those tools were paramount in helping me move beyond my season of victimhood, into a greater space of empathy and compassion for myself and others, and into forgiveness. Features that played a central role in repairing my marriage.
There was a season for acknowledging what was not OK and what we needed to improve in our marriage. However, steps four through nine helped me see that when I focused only on the ways I was harmed and hurt by others, that only fueled my bad choices and behaviors. Ultimately, the internal and interpersonal work of 12 steps concepts created a path for my husband and I to heal.
I've learned that non-addicts are not completely different to addicts. When faced with stress and other forms of emotional discomfort, both groups cope, at least some of the time, in maladaptive ways
However, the 12 step concepts, its community, and its structure allowed me a safe space to share our victories and failures, seek and provide comfort, and inspire or acquire courage in the face of numerous life's challenges.
Kristin M. Snowden, MA, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in treating intimacy disorders at Avalon Malibu and in her private practice in Westlake Village, California. Snowden co-authored Life Anonymous: 12 Steps to Heal and Transform Your Life with Scott Brassart. The book encourages everyone to explore and "work" the 12 Steps in all facets of their lives, regardless of identifying as an addict or not. Find out more at www.KristinSnowden.com or follow Kristin on Instagram @life_anonymous_book.
All views expressed in this article are the author's own.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Trump 'Is the Republican Party,' Pollster Says as President Hoards Campaign Donations

Republican pollster John McLaughlin said President Donald Trump is now effectively the Republican Party as the president continues to bring in campaign donations ahead of the Georgia Senate runoffs on January 5 .
His comments come as Trump 's new leadership PAC , Save America , is making fundraising appeals and calling on the president 's supporters to help Republican Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue win reelection .
But Save America does not appear to be spending on the Georgia Senate elections , according to ABC News , citing ad placement data and campaign disclosures .
`` Right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' McLaughlin told The New York Times on Friday .
`` The party knows that virtually every dollar they 've raised in the last four years , it 's because of Donald Trump . ''
The Trump campaign and the Republican Party have raised around $ 200 million since election day and a large proportion of that has gone to Save America .
The president 's most recent fundraising emails show that 25 percent of donations go to the Republican National Committee and 75 percent go to Save America , up to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Georgia Runoff Election is right around the corner and the fate of the Nation hangs in the balance , '' one recent Trump fundraising email read .
`` So much is at stake and I need to know that you are on our team and ready to FIGHT for America . ''
It 's not clear how much money Save America has raised or spent thus far .
However , campaign finance specialist Brian Fischer of the Campaign Legal Center told The Guardian on Saturday that the figure could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there 's well over $ 100m in the leadership PAC account by this point , '' Fischer said .
`` That is exceptional .
That is a lot of money , far more than any other leadership PAC that I can think of has raised . ''
Despite these estimates , detailed information on Save America 's finances is not yet available .
A HuffPost analysis of `` independent expenditures '' in the Georgia runoffs published on December 17 found no evidence that Save America had spent money on the two races @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Senate .

Republican pollster John McLaughlin said President Donald Trump is now effectively the Republican Party as the president continues to bring in campaign donations ahead of the Georgia Senate runoffs on January 5.
His comments come as Trump's new leadership PAC, Save America, is making fundraising appeals and calling on the president's supporters to help Republican Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue win reelection.
But Save America does not appear to be spending on the Georgia Senate elections, according to ABC News, citing ad placement data and campaign disclosures.
Read more What Polls Say About David Perdue and Jon Ossoff 2 Weeks Before Election What Polls Say About David Perdue and Jon Ossoff 2 Weeks Before Election
"Right now, he is the Republican Party," McLaughlin told The New York Times on Friday. "The party knows that virtually every dollar they've raised in the last four years, it's because of Donald Trump."
The Trump campaign and the Republican Party have raised around $200 million since election day and a large proportion of that has gone to Save America.
The president's most recent fundraising emails show that 25 percent of donations go to the Republican National Committee and 75 percent go to Save America, up to the first $5,000, according to Politico.
"The Georgia Runoff Election is right around the corner and the fate of the Nation hangs in the balance," one recent Trump fundraising email read. "So much is at stake and I need to know that you are on our team and ready to FIGHT for America."
It's not clear how much money Save America has raised or spent thus far. However, campaign finance specialist Brian Fischer of the Campaign Legal Center told The Guardian on Saturday that the figure could be significantly high.
"We'd expect that there's well over $100m in the leadership PAC account by this point," Fischer said. "That is exceptional. That is a lot of money, far more than any other leadership PAC that I can think of has raised."
Despite these estimates, detailed information on Save America's finances is not yet available. A HuffPost analysis of "independent expenditures" in the Georgia runoffs published on December 17 found no evidence that Save America had spent money on the two races that will be crucial in deciding control of the Senate.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Frontline Healthcare Workers Say COVID Vaccine 'Is the Light We Finally Get to See'

Following months of treating the coronavirus pandemic and putting themselves at risk to help others , medical professionals have spoken of their relief in finally getting the COVID-19 vaccine .
With hospitalizations across the U.S. hitting record levels , the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) has authorized a vaccine developed by Moderna for emergency use—the second COVID-19 vaccine to get such approval .
The FDA commissioner , Stephen Hahn said that the availability of a vaccine in addition to the one developed by Pfizer , was `` another crucial step in the fight against this global pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ( NIAID ) told NBC he expected Moderna 's vaccine , which is is 94 percent effective at preventing the disease , to be administered to people `` by the very early part of next week . ''
It comes as Americans have received their first dose of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine , which was authorized by the FDA last week .
To boost public confidence in the vaccine , Vice President Mike Pence and U.S .
Surgeon General Jerome Adams both received it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were among the first to get the jab , have described how they feel that tackling the pandemic is taking a turn for the better .
`` We 're gon na make it through this .
It 's the light at the end of the tunnel .
We have not seen that light yet , this is that light that we finally get to see , '' said Gena Bravo , chief nurse executive at California 's Woodland Memorial Hospital .
Medical workers throughout northern California had expressed concerned about the lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the vaccine had changed the mood of staff .
`` A lot of people went out on leave early on because they were so terrified , '' she told CBS 13 , `` I have to tell you they say chaos brings out the best in people and I am so proud of the group of leaders I work with . ''
`` It 's like the weight of the world is off my shoulders .
It really is .
I went to sleep feeling a lot different last night than I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston , Andrew Matuskowitz , said that he found himself `` getting really emotional '' when he went to get the vaccine but its arrival had lifted the spirits of his colleagues significantly .
`` Every clinician and every nurse that I 've spoken to has been eager to get the vaccine , '' he told CNN .
`` There 's a great enthusiasm from the medical community on the front lines . ''
However , amid the optimism is concern over the extent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Over the past week , more than 18,000 Americans have died of the disease , and the University of Washington 's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation projects another 237,000 could die in the next three months .
The graphic below by Statista shows how willing Americans are to receive a COVID-19 vaccine .

Following months of treating the coronavirus pandemic and putting themselves at risk to help others, medical professionals have spoken of their relief in finally getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
With hospitalizations across the U.S. hitting record levels, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized a vaccine developed by Moderna for emergency use—the second COVID-19 vaccine to get such approval.
The FDA commissioner, Stephen Hahn said that the availability of a vaccine in addition to the one developed by Pfizer, was "another crucial step in the fight against this global pandemic.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) told NBC he expected Moderna's vaccine, which is is 94 percent effective at preventing the disease, to be administered to people "by the very early part of next week."
A healthcare worker receives a Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine at the Research Centers of America in Hollywood, Florida, on December 18. Health workers are among the first to get the jab. CHANDAN KHANNA/Getty Images
It comes as Americans have received their first dose of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine, which was authorized by the FDA last week. To boost public confidence in the vaccine, Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams both received it publicly on Friday.
Frontline health workers who were among the first to get the jab, have described how they feel that tackling the pandemic is taking a turn for the better.
"We're gonna make it through this. It's the light at the end of the tunnel. We have not seen that light yet, this is that light that we finally get to see," said Gena Bravo, chief nurse executive at California's Woodland Memorial Hospital.
Medical workers throughout northern California had expressed concerned about the lack of protective equipment like surgical masks, but the vaccine had changed the mood of staff.
"A lot of people went out on leave early on because they were so terrified," she told CBS 13, "I have to tell you they say chaos brings out the best in people and I am so proud of the group of leaders I work with."
"It's like the weight of the world is off my shoulders. It really is. I went to sleep feeling a lot different last night than I will tonight," she added.
At the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, Andrew Matuskowitz, said that he found himself "getting really emotional" when he went to get the vaccine but its arrival had lifted the spirits of his colleagues significantly.
"Every clinician and every nurse that I've spoken to has been eager to get the vaccine," he told CNN. "There's a great enthusiasm from the medical community on the front lines."
However, amid the optimism is concern over the extent to which the pandemic is raging across the U.S. Over the past week, more than 18,000 Americans have died of the disease, and the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation projects another 237,000 could die in the next three months.
The graphic below by Statista shows how willing Americans are to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.


newsweek--2020-12-19--What Polls Say About David Perdue and Jon Ossoff 2 Weeks Before the Georgia Election

Senator David Perdue and Jon Ossoff are headed for a close election , although polls have shifted in the incumbent senator 's favor in recent days .
Mail-in and early in-person voting for the Georgia runoff election has already begun and there 's just about two weeks until Election Day .
With control of the Senate on the line , Democrats and Republicans have a vested interest in the outcome of the race between Perdue and Ossoff and Georgians have already cast about 500,000 ballots .
On average , Perdue has a .8 point lead over his Democratic challenger , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes for a statistical tie .
The most recent poll came out on Thursday from Emerson College and gave Perdue a 3 point advantage , a lead that 's within the poll 's margin of error .
Of the 600 people polled , 51 percent said they were going to vote for Perdue and 48 percent were planning on supporting Ossoff .
Democrats have the lead among younger voters and Republicans have an advantage with those over the age of 45 .
Given that there are a limited number of voters who plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one race and a Democrat in another , Spencer Kimball , Director of Emerson College Polling , suspected one party would win both seats .
If Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock , who is challenging Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler for her seat in a runoff election , oust the two Republicans from office , there will be a 50-50 split in the Senate .
This effectively gives Democrats control because Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will cast any necessary tie-breaking votes .
President-elect Joe Biden benefitted from mail-in voting and it turned the tide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump largely dissuaded voters from casting their ballots by mail , but this time around , the president and vice president have pushed Georgians to vote by any available method .
Emerson 's poll found 61 percent of people who already voted went for Ossoff and 39 percent cast ballots for Perdue .
However , 68 percent of those polled who plan to vote on January 5 are planning on casting ballots for Perdue .
One of the top priorities for voters in the Georgia election is the COVID-19 response and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters .
The Democratic candidate has been a vocal advocate for a second round of stimulus checks and has hit Perdue for not having the same level of enthusiasm about the measure .
Perdue voted in favor of the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act in March , but said he opposed direct payments on a personal level .
In November , Perdue received about 80,000 more votes than Ossoff , but because he fell short of the 50 percent threshold needed to win an election in Georgia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although he had the advantage in November , nothing is guaranteed come January and pollsters expect the race to come down to the wire .

Senator David Perdue and Jon Ossoff are headed for a close election, although polls have shifted in the incumbent senator's favor in recent days.
Mail-in and early in-person voting for the Georgia runoff election has already begun and there's just about two weeks until Election Day. With control of the Senate on the line, Democrats and Republicans have a vested interest in the outcome of the race between Perdue and Ossoff and Georgians have already cast about 500,000 ballots.
On average, Perdue has a .8 point lead over his Democratic challenger, according to FiveThirtyEight, a margin that makes for a statistical tie. The most recent poll came out on Thursday from Emerson College and gave Perdue a 3 point advantage, a lead that's within the poll's margin of error.
Of the 600 people polled, 51 percent said they were going to vote for Perdue and 48 percent were planning on supporting Ossoff. Democrats have the lead among younger voters and Republicans have an advantage with those over the age of 45.
Given that there are a limited number of voters who plan to cast votes for a Republican in one race and a Democrat in another, Spencer Kimball, Director of Emerson College Polling, suspected one party would win both seats.
If Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, who is challenging Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler for her seat in a runoff election, oust the two Republicans from office, there will be a 50-50 split in the Senate. This effectively gives Democrats control because Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will cast any necessary tie-breaking votes.
Senator David Perdue has a slight edge over Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff but the race is still too close to call. Perdue addresses the crowd during a campaign rally at Peachtree Dekalb Airport on Monday in Atlanta, Georgia. Jessica McGowan/Getty
President-elect Joe Biden benefitted from mail-in voting and it turned the tide of the election in his favor. President Donald Trump largely dissuaded voters from casting their ballots by mail, but this time around, the president and vice president have pushed Georgians to vote by any available method.
Emerson's poll found 61 percent of people who already voted went for Ossoff and 39 percent cast ballots for Perdue. However, 68 percent of those polled who plan to vote on January 5 are planning on casting ballots for Perdue.
One of the top priorities for voters in the Georgia election is the COVID-19 response and in that area, Ossoff leads among voters. The Democratic candidate has been a vocal advocate for a second round of stimulus checks and has hit Perdue for not having the same level of enthusiasm about the measure.
Perdue voted in favor of the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March, but said he opposed direct payments on a personal level.
In November, Perdue received about 80,000 more votes than Ossoff, but because he fell short of the 50 percent threshold needed to win an election in Georgia, it forced the race into a runoff. Although he had the advantage in November, nothing is guaranteed come January and pollsters expect the race to come down to the wire.


newsweek--2020-12-19--What Polls Say About Kelly Loeffler and Raphael Warnock 2 Weeks Before Georgia's Election

Candidates in Georgia 's crucial Senate runoff elections have just two weeks to campaign and appeal to voters until the polls close on January 5 .
In the case of Republican incumbent Senator Kelly Loeffler and Democratic challenger Reverend Raphael Warnock , their contest is poised to be a battle to the very end .
Loeffler , who Governor Brian Kemp appointed to fill a vacant seat in 2019 , trailed Warnock in the November election by seven points .
However , Warnock fell short of the 50 percent threshold needed to be declared the winner .
With early in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a close race , according to polls .
Averaging the limited number of polls that have been done since the November election , FiveThirtyEight put Loeffler and Warnock each at 48.4 percent support .
An Emerson College poll conducted between Monday and Wednesday gave Loeffler a slight edge over Warnock .
Of the 605 voters polled , 51 percent said they were supporting Loeffler and 48 percent said they were going for Warnock .
An identical split was found in the race between Republican incumbent Senator David Perdue and Democratic challenger Jon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is within the poll 's margin of error .
Mail-in ballots have already been returned and early in-person voting began on Monday in Georgia .
Emerson 's poll found 61 percent of people who already voted went for Ossoff and 70 percent of voters who were planning on casting their ballots on Election Day were going for Loeffler .
Male voters are braking for the Republican Senate candidates 53 percent to 47 percent , and Loeffler has a slim advantage of one point over Warnock with female voters .
Of the four biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , health care , and social justice—Loeffler dominates with voters who see the economy as their top issue .
However , Warnock has more than 60 percent of support from voters who listed any of the other three issues as their biggest concern .
His strongest polling , at 79 percent , was among voters who put social justice at the top of their list .
Democrats and Republicans are pulling out all the stops for the two Georgia runoff elections , with big names within their parties heading to the Peach State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged voters to cast ballots as if their lives `` depended on it , '' because , he said , they did .
With Ossoff and Warnock in office , Biden said it would be helpful for him passing additional COVID-19 relief because their support would counteract people in Congress who were `` threatening to do everything in their power to block our efforts . ''
In his visit to Georgia , Pence attempted to rally voters by hammering home the necessity of having a Republican-controlled Senate .
If Loeffler and Perdue lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50-50 split , giving Democrats control in the event of a tie because Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will cast the deciding vote .
With a 50-50 split in the Senate , Democrats would have control of both chambers of Congress and the Executive Branch , giving up the Republicans ' last `` line of defense '' against the `` radical left '' agenda , according to Pence .

Candidates in Georgia's crucial Senate runoff elections have just two weeks to campaign and appeal to voters until the polls close on January 5. In the case of Republican incumbent Senator Kelly Loeffler and Democratic challenger Reverend Raphael Warnock, their contest is poised to be a battle to the very end.
Loeffler, who Governor Brian Kemp appointed to fill a vacant seat in 2019, trailed Warnock in the November election by seven points. However, Warnock fell short of the 50 percent threshold needed to be declared the winner.
With early in-person voting underway, the two candidates are in a close race, according to polls.
Averaging the limited number of polls that have been done since the November election, FiveThirtyEight put Loeffler and Warnock each at 48.4 percent support.
An Emerson College poll conducted between Monday and Wednesday gave Loeffler a slight edge over Warnock. Of the 605 voters polled, 51 percent said they were supporting Loeffler and 48 percent said they were going for Warnock.
An identical split was found in the race between Republican incumbent Senator David Perdue and Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff. The gap between the candidates is within the poll's margin of error.
Senator Kelly Loeffler and Reverend Raphael Warnock are battling in a close race for a seat in the Senate. Loeffler speaks at a Defend The Majority campaign event attended by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday in Columbus, Georgia. Elijah Nouvelage/Getty
Mail-in ballots have already been returned and early in-person voting began on Monday in Georgia. Emerson's poll found 61 percent of people who already voted went for Ossoff and 70 percent of voters who were planning on casting their ballots on Election Day were going for Loeffler.
Male voters are braking for the Republican Senate candidates 53 percent to 47 percent, and Loeffler has a slim advantage of one point over Warnock with female voters. Of the four biggest issues for voters—the economy, COVID-19 response, health care, and social justice—Loeffler dominates with voters who see the economy as their top issue.
However, Warnock has more than 60 percent of support from voters who listed any of the other three issues as their biggest concern. His strongest polling, at 79 percent, was among voters who put social justice at the top of their list.
Democrats and Republicans are pulling out all the stops for the two Georgia runoff elections, with big names within their parties heading to the Peach State to rally the vote. President-elect Biden urged voters to cast ballots as if their lives "depended on it," because, he said, they did.
With Ossoff and Warnock in office, Biden said it would be helpful for him passing additional COVID-19 relief because their support would counteract people in Congress who were "threatening to do everything in their power to block our efforts."
In his visit to Georgia, Pence attempted to rally voters by hammering home the necessity of having a Republican-controlled Senate. If Loeffler and Perdue lose their seats, there will be a 50-50 split, giving Democrats control in the event of a tie because Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will cast the deciding vote.
With a 50-50 split in the Senate, Democrats would have control of both chambers of Congress and the Executive Branch, giving up the Republicans' last "line of defense" against the "radical left" agenda, according to Pence.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Primates Used in Testing of Juvenile COVID-19 Vaccine Show 'Promising' Results

The California National Primate Research Center at the University of California , Davis , has seen `` promising '' results in its work to develop a COVID-19 vaccine suitable for children .
Researchers are using rhesus macaques as part of their push to develop a juvenile vaccine for the disease .
The monkeys have immune systems similar to human children .
`` We are testing some of the vaccines in infant monkeys .
We started these experiments in September .
We started with 16 monkeys .
They were at that time 3 to 4 months of age , '' researcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ macaques have played a key role in research around HIV and the Zika virus .
The UC Davis test subjects have already received two doses of a potential vaccine .
`` The preliminary data so far looks very promising , '' Van Rompay said .
`` If we see the vaccine is safe and we see that it induces good immune responses , this data can help guide and speed up the start of similar trials in human children and infants , '' he said .
`` There are many children in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Even though they do n't usually get sick , they can still transmit the virus to older relatives or school teachers .
If we can immunize children we can break the cycle of transmission in the local community . ''
A possible vaccine will have to proceed to human trials before it can be approved for use on children but UC Davis has said they are in contact with U.S. regulatory agencies about their progress .
Distribution of a COVID vaccine for adults has already begun .
The U.S. Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine .
There have been some difficulties with the rollout , however .
Delays and a small number of allergic reactions have affected the initial phase of vaccination .
The ultimate aim is to reach a critical mass of people inoculated so that the vaccine can be as effective as possible .
The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) authorized a second vaccine on Friday .
FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said his agency `` cut through regulatory red tape '' to move forward with the Moderna vaccine .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as approval .
More research will be needed to fully meet the agency 's standards .
`` We worked quickly based on the urgency of this global pandemic , '' Hahn said at a press conference announcing the decision .
`` We have not cut corners . ''

The California National Primate Research Center at the University of California, Davis, has seen "promising" results in its work to develop a COVID-19 vaccine suitable for children.
Researchers are using rhesus macaques as part of their push to develop a juvenile vaccine for the disease. The monkeys have immune systems similar to human children.
"We are testing some of the vaccines in infant monkeys. We started these experiments in September. We started with 16 monkeys. They were at that time 3 to 4 months of age," researcher Koen Van Rompay told CBS13.
Read more FDA Approves Moderna COVID Vaccine One Week After Pfizer's FDA Approves Moderna COVID Vaccine One Week After Pfizer's
Rhesus macaques have played a key role in research around HIV and the Zika virus. The UC Davis test subjects have already received two doses of a potential vaccine.
"The preliminary data so far looks very promising," Van Rompay said.
"If we see the vaccine is safe and we see that it induces good immune responses, this data can help guide and speed up the start of similar trials in human children and infants," he said.
"There are many children in this country," Van Rompay said. "Even though they don't usually get sick, they can still transmit the virus to older relatives or school teachers. If we can immunize children we can break the cycle of transmission in the local community."
A possible vaccine will have to proceed to human trials before it can be approved for use on children but UC Davis has said they are in contact with U.S. regulatory agencies about their progress.
Distribution of a COVID vaccine for adults has already begun. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has started rolling out the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. There have been some difficulties with the rollout, however.
Delays and a small number of allergic reactions have affected the initial phase of vaccination. The ultimate aim is to reach a critical mass of people inoculated so that the vaccine can be as effective as possible.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized a second vaccine on Friday. FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said his agency "cut through regulatory red tape" to move forward with the Moderna vaccine. However, FDA authorization is not the same as approval. More research will be needed to fully meet the agency's standards.
"We worked quickly based on the urgency of this global pandemic," Hahn said at a press conference announcing the decision. "We have not cut corners."


newsweek--2020-12-19--Mega Millions Results, Numbers for 12/18/20: Jackpot Is $310 Million

The Mega Millions jackpot on Friday was estimated to be $ 310 million , with a cash value of $ 238 million .
This is the second-largest jackpot of the 2020 calendar year and the largest prize offered since early June .
The jackpot had rolled after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn Tuesday night .
The winning numbers on Friday night were 7 , 15 , 25 , 51 and 60 with the Mega Ball 5 and the Megaplier 3x , according to the Mega Millions website .
Results are still pending , but this time last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won in Ohio on December 17 , 2019 .
Jackpots have gone past $ 300 million in each of the prior two holiday seasons as well .
Since the jackpot was last won in Wisconsin on September 15 , around 12.5 million winning tickets have been sold at all prize levels , including 19 worth $ 1 million or more .
Some big winners this year came from a ticket sold in Wisconsin on September 15 for a jackpot worth $ 119 million , a $ 372 million ticket sold in Ohio and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sold on September 24 , 2019 , in the city of Cedar Park , Texas .
One of the most popular multi-states lotteries in the country , Mega Millions first launched on August 31 , 1996 as `` The Big Game . ''
Tickets are sold in 45 states , as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands .
The five states not to sell lottery tickets are Alabama , Alaska , Hawaii , Nevada , and Utah .
Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at WSB-TV in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white balls are drawn from a set of balls numbered 1 through 70 , with one gold Mega Ball drawn from a set of balls numbered 1 through 25 .
With nine different ways to win a prize , your chances of winning at least $ 2 are 1 in 24 , according to the Mega Millions website .
If you are a lucky winner , you will have between 90 days and one year to redeem your ticket , depending on local rules and regulations .
All jackpot winners are entitled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option of an initial payout followed by 29 annual payments that are each five percent larger than the previous ones .
All prizes are subject to income taxes .

The Mega Millions jackpot on Friday was estimated to be $310 million, with a cash value of $238 million.
This is the second-largest jackpot of the 2020 calendar year and the largest prize offered since early June. The jackpot had rolled after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn Tuesday night.
The winning numbers on Friday night were 7, 15, 25, 51 and 60 with the Mega Ball 5 and the Megaplier 3x, according to the Mega Millions website.
Results are still pending, but this time last year, a $375 million jackpot was won in Ohio on December 17, 2019. Jackpots have gone past $300 million in each of the prior two holiday seasons as well.
A man holds up a Mega Millions lottery ticket in this illustrative image. A jackpot of $310 million was up for grabs on December 28 2020. FREDERIC J. BROWN/Getty Images
Since the jackpot was last won in Wisconsin on September 15, around 12.5 million winning tickets have been sold at all prize levels, including 19 worth $1 million or more.
Some big winners this year came from a ticket sold in Wisconsin on September 15 for a jackpot worth $119 million, a $372 million ticket sold in Ohio and a $227 million ticket that was sold on September 24, 2019, in the city of Cedar Park, Texas.
How does Mega Millions work?
One of the most popular multi-states lotteries in the country, Mega Millions first launched on August 31, 1996 as "The Big Game." Tickets are sold in 45 states, as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The five states not to sell lottery tickets are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at WSB-TV in Atlanta by host John Crow.
Five white balls are drawn from a set of balls numbered 1 through 70, with one gold Mega Ball drawn from a set of balls numbered 1 through 25. With nine different ways to win a prize, your chances of winning at least $2 are 1 in 24, according to the Mega Millions website.
If you are a lucky winner, you will have between 90 days and one year to redeem your ticket, depending on local rules and regulations. All jackpot winners are entitled to either a cash option or an annuity option of an initial payout followed by 29 annual payments that are each five percent larger than the previous ones. All prizes are subject to income taxes.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Kyle Rittenhouse's Legal Fight Is Being Funded By 'Free Kyle' Merchandise

The legal fight for the teenager charged with killing of two men during protests in Kenosha , Wisconsin sparked by the police shooting of a Black man , is being funded by merchandise sold online .
Kyle Rittenhouse , 17 , from Antioch , Illinois , faces charges in the killing of Joseph Rosenbaum , 36 , and Anthony Huber , 26 , and the attempted murder of Gaige Grosskreutz , also 26 .
The shootings followed protests after Jacob Blake was shot on August 23 at close range by Kenosha police and left paralyzed .
Rittenhouse had arrived at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but his lawyer , Mark Richards , has said that he acted in self defence .
His case has fuelled a bitter debate about race and gun control , with Black Lives Matter supporters characterizing him as a white vigilante seeking to provoke violence during a volatile situation .
Gun rights supporters insist he was there to help law enforcement protect people and property .
On the website FreeKyleUsa.com , merchandise emblazoned with a slogan of support for Rittenhouse is available .
The words `` Free Kyle '' feature on a range of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mugs , iPhone covers and laptop sleeves .
Some of the clothing items also carry the message `` self defense is a right not a privilege . ''
The website outlines Rittenhouse 's claims for defence , and describes how he arrived at the scene of the protest having `` volunteered to help protect local businesses . ''
It went on to claim that he was `` attacked '' and so `` was forced to defend his life , '' adding that the `` God-given and Constitutional right to self-defense is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' In a statement , the teenager 's mother , Wendy Rittenhouse , thanks supporters for donations to the Fightback Foundation led by attorney Lin Wood which was involved in raising the money used to post Rittenhouse 's $ 2 million bail .
She estimates the defense costs for trial to be a further $ 2 to $ 2.5 million and says in a message : `` Asking for help has never been easy for me , but Kyle and my family really need your help . ''
John Pierce , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income from the products would only go to defense costs .
`` As I have said repeatedly , yes , all proceeds of FreeKyleUSA.com will be held in trust and controlled by Kyle 's mom for defense fees and costs .
There is no profit being made , '' he said , according to Madison.com .
Rittenhouse is scheduled to be arraigned on January 5 in Kenosha County Circuit Court .

The legal fight for the teenager charged with killing of two men during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin sparked by the police shooting of a Black man, is being funded by merchandise sold online.
Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, from Antioch, Illinois, faces charges in the killing of Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, and the attempted murder of Gaige Grosskreutz, also 26.
The shootings followed protests after Jacob Blake was shot on August 23 at close range by Kenosha police and left paralyzed. Rittenhouse had arrived at the protests armed with an AR-15 rifle but his lawyer, Mark Richards, has said that he acted in self defence.
His case has fuelled a bitter debate about race and gun control, with Black Lives Matter supporters characterizing him as a white vigilante seeking to provoke violence during a volatile situation. Gun rights supporters insist he was there to help law enforcement protect people and property.
A man wears "Free Kyle" T-shirt at a pro-Donald Trump rally in Bemidji, Minnesota, in September. Merchandise supporting Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager accused of homicide, is available online. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
On the website FreeKyleUsa.com, merchandise emblazoned with a slogan of support for Rittenhouse is available.
The words "Free Kyle" feature on a range of products including T-shirts, hoodies, stickers, mugs, iPhone covers and laptop sleeves. Some of the clothing items also carry the message "self defense is a right not a privilege."
The website outlines Rittenhouse's claims for defence, and describes how he arrived at the scene of the protest having "volunteered to help protect local businesses."
It went on to claim that he was "attacked" and so "was forced to defend his life," adding that the "God-given and Constitutional right to self-defense is now on trial in Kenosha, Wisconsin."
In a statement, the teenager's mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, thanks supporters for donations to the Fightback Foundation led by attorney Lin Wood which was involved in raising the money used to post Rittenhouse's $2 million bail.
She estimates the defense costs for trial to be a further $2 to $2.5 million and says in a message: "Asking for help has never been easy for me, but Kyle and my family really need your help."
John Pierce, who is representing Rittenhouse in civil cases said the income from the products would only go to defense costs.
"As I have said repeatedly, yes, all proceeds of FreeKyleUSA.com will be held in trust and controlled by Kyle's mom for defense fees and costs. There is no profit being made," he said, according to Madison.com.
Rittenhouse is scheduled to be arraigned on January 5 in Kenosha County Circuit Court.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Officer Who Gloated About Running Over BLM Protesters Placed on Administrative Leave

A Boston police sergeant who was caught on camera talking about running over protesters with a car has been placed on administrative leave while the matter is investigated .
The unnamed officer was captured on police bodycam footage during a protest against racial injustice and police brutality on May 31 as part of a wave of Black Lives Matter protests this year .
The footage was originally published on Friday by The Appeal , a national online news and commentary website focusing on the legal system , among other issues .
It was quickly picked up by other outlets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be heard saying to another officer : `` Dude , dude , dude , I f*ckin ' drove down Tremont [ Street ] —there was an unmarked state police cruiser they were all gathered around . ''
`` So then I had a f*cker keep coming , f*cking running , '' the sergeant says .
`` I 'm f*cking hitting people with the car , did you hear me , I was like , 'get the f*ck . ''
A little later in the video , the other officer tells the sergeant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which point the sergeant says : `` Oh , no no no no no , what I 'm saying is , though , that they were in front , like , I did n't hit anybody , like , just driving , that 's all . ''
He then apologizes , and adds : `` This thing just f*cking went on automatically . ''
Boston Police Commissioner William G. Gross issued a statement on Friday announcing an investigation into the footage .
The sergeant in the bodycam footage was not named .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to my attention , I immediately ordered my Bureau of Professional Standards to open and conduct a thorough and fair investigation into this matter , and the totality of circumstances involved , '' Gross said .
`` I have placed a Sergeant involved in this incident on administrative leave and I will take any additional action as necessary at the conclusion of the investigation .
I want to encourage people to bring these matters to our attention so that we can investigate them appropriately . ''
The Appeal reported on Friday that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site by Boston attorney Carl Williams .
He obtained the bodycam footage through discovery as he is representing some of the protesters arrested on May 31 .
The videos show police officer using force against non-violent protesters and using pepper spray against crowds .
`` It 's this mob mentality , '' Williams said .
`` And I use 'mob ' as a sort of a double entendre—mob like the mafia and mob like a group of a pack of wild people roaming the streets looking to attack people . ''

A Boston police sergeant who was caught on camera talking about running over protesters with a car has been placed on administrative leave while the matter is investigated.
The unnamed officer was captured on police bodycam footage during a protest against racial injustice and police brutality on May 31 as part of a wave of Black Lives Matter protests this year.
The footage was originally published on Friday by The Appeal, a national online news and commentary website focusing on the legal system, among other issues. It was quickly picked up by other outlets.
In the video, a police sergeant can be heard saying to another officer: "Dude, dude, dude, I f*ckin' drove down Tremont [Street]—there was an unmarked state police cruiser they were all gathered around."
"So then I had a f*cker keep coming, f*cking running," the sergeant says. "I'm f*cking hitting people with the car, did you hear me, I was like, 'get the f*ck."
A little later in the video, the other officer tells the sergeant that the camera is on, at which point the sergeant says: "Oh, no no no no no, what I'm saying is, though, that they were in front, like, I didn't hit anybody, like, just driving, that's all."
He then apologizes, and adds: "This thing just f*cking went on automatically."
Boston Police Commissioner William G. Gross issued a statement on Friday announcing an investigation into the footage. The sergeant in the bodycam footage was not named.
"As soon as these videos were brought to my attention, I immediately ordered my Bureau of Professional Standards to open and conduct a thorough and fair investigation into this matter, and the totality of circumstances involved," Gross said.
"I have placed a Sergeant involved in this incident on administrative leave and I will take any additional action as necessary at the conclusion of the investigation. I want to encourage people to bring these matters to our attention so that we can investigate them appropriately."
The Appeal reported on Friday that it had hours of footage given to the site by Boston attorney Carl Williams. He obtained the bodycam footage through discovery as he is representing some of the protesters arrested on May 31. The videos show police officer using force against non-violent protesters and using pepper spray against crowds.
"It's this mob mentality," Williams said. "And I use 'mob' as a sort of a double entendre—mob like the mafia and mob like a group of a pack of wild people roaming the streets looking to attack people."


newsweek--2020-12-19--Winter Solstice 2020: When Is It and Why Is It the Shortest Day of the Year?

The December solstice this year will occur at 5:02 a.m .
ET on Monday , December 21 , marking the shortest day of the year and the beginning of astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere .
While we tend to think that the term `` winter solstice '' refers to an entire day , it technically only refers to a specific moment in time—when the Earth 's North Pole is pointing furthest away from the sun .
The day on which the December solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere has the fewest daylight hours and the longest night .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get longer again .
The reason the day of the winter solstice is so short in the Northern Hemisphere can be explained by the fact that Earth is tilted on its axis by 23.5 degrees relative to the plane of the planet 's orbit around the sun .
Thanks to this phenomenon , the Earth 's Northern Hemisphere is pointed as far away from the sun as possible at the December solstice .
At the same time , the Southern Hemisphere is pointed furthest towards our star .
On December 21 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path across the sky after rising in the east and setting in the west , providing the Northern Hemisphere with fewer hours of light than any other day this year .
The December solstice marks the start of `` astronomical winter . ''
This astronomical definition of winter is based on the movement of our planet around the sun .
`` Meteorological winter , '' on the other hand , begins three weeks earlier on December 1 .
This meteorological definition of winter is based on annual temperature cycles , with the mercury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its lowest average levels in December , January and February .
Because of Earth 's tilt , different parts of our planet receive the sun 's most direct rays over the course of the year , giving rise to the seasons .
When Earth 's North Pole is tilted away from the sun , the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter because it is receiving less direct radiation .
The opposite scenario is true when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun .
During this period the hemisphere experiences summer .
As you move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or south , the effect of Earth 's tilt on the seasons becomes more pronounced .
While Earth 's equatorial regions do experience different seasons—wet and dry—there is little variation in temperature throughout the year , unlike at higher latitudes .
The December solstice usually occurs on the 21st or 22nd day of the month but on rare occasions it falls on the 20th or 23rd .

The December solstice this year will occur at 5:02 a.m. ET on Monday, December 21, marking the shortest day of the year and the beginning of astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
While we tend to think that the term "winter solstice" refers to an entire day, it technically only refers to a specific moment in time—when the Earth's North Pole is pointing furthest away from the sun.
The day on which the December solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere has the fewest daylight hours and the longest night. From this date onwards, the days start to get longer again.
The reason the day of the winter solstice is so short in the Northern Hemisphere can be explained by the fact that Earth is tilted on its axis by 23.5 degrees relative to the plane of the planet's orbit around the sun.
Thanks to this phenomenon, the Earth's Northern Hemisphere is pointed as far away from the sun as possible at the December solstice. At the same time, the Southern Hemisphere is pointed furthest towards our star.
On December 21, the sun will take its lowest possible path across the sky after rising in the east and setting in the west, providing the Northern Hemisphere with fewer hours of light than any other day this year.
The December solstice marks the start of "astronomical winter." This astronomical definition of winter is based on the movement of our planet around the sun.
"Meteorological winter," on the other hand, begins three weeks earlier on December 1. This meteorological definition of winter is based on annual temperature cycles, with the mercury in the Northern Hemisphere typically falling to its lowest average levels in December, January and February.
Because of Earth's tilt, different parts of our planet receive the sun's most direct rays over the course of the year, giving rise to the seasons. When Earth's North Pole is tilted away from the sun, the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter because it is receiving less direct radiation.
The opposite scenario is true when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun. During this period the hemisphere experiences summer.
As you move further away from the equator either north or south, the effect of Earth's tilt on the seasons becomes more pronounced. While Earth's equatorial regions do experience different seasons—wet and dry—there is little variation in temperature throughout the year, unlike at higher latitudes.
The December solstice usually occurs on the 21st or 22nd day of the month but on rare occasions it falls on the 20th or 23rd.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Tucker Carlson Doubles Down on Encouraging People to be 'Nervous' About COVID Vaccine

Fox News host Tucker Carlson doubled down on warnings about the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine on Friday .
For the second day in a row , Carlson told his audience they had reason to worry about the vaccine .
In a segment of his prime time show , which was accompanied by a similar op-ed on the Fox News website , Carlson said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control 's plan to distribute the vaccine was based on race and would disadvantage older white people .
He went on to claim that sections of the scientific community and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discredited idea of improving the human race through selective breeding , which had a strongly racist dimension .
Carlson said `` we should be rejoicing '' that a COVID vaccine has been developed but added `` [ t ] here are rational reasons to be skeptical .
There 's never in history been a successful vaccine for any variety of the coronavirus . ''
`` Americans understand that many of our leaders really do n't care about them .
They do n't care human beings in general , '' Carlson went on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious fanatics who worship their secular gods of money , power , woke .
Whether their policies help or hurt individuals does n't seem of great interest to them .
`` These are the people who removed police from poor neighborhoods because it made them feel less guilty about their own pampered lives and their own ill-gotten wealth .
As a result of that decision , many Americans died , including small children , but they kept doing it .
They never apologized .
Human suffering seemed irrelevant to them .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unfortunately , some of these very same people , the worst in our already unimpressive professional class , are now in charge of the coronavirus vaccine , and that should make you nervous , '' he said .
Carlson also criticized the CDC 's planned rollout of the vaccine in his Fox News Op-Ed , calling it `` entirely racial '' and claiming that the CDC had decided `` Old people in this country are too White to save .
They even put it in writing . ''
He was referring to reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers before the elderly in an effort to mitigate racial healthcare inequalities .
Many communities of color have been severely affected by the virus .
`` It 's been a very long time since anyone close to what we would consider the mainstream has endorsed eugenics , but that 's exactly what this is , '' Carlson wrote , before citing what he claimed were examples in the media During his Thursday show , which is the most watched cable news show in history , Carlson had said of the vaccine program : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us supposed to respond to a marketing campaign like this ?
Well , nervously .
Even if you 're strongly supportive of vaccines , and we are even if you recognize how many millions of lives have been saved over the past 50 years by vaccines , and we do , it all seems a bit much , it feels false , because it is .
It 's too slick . ''

Fox News host Tucker Carlson doubled down on warnings about the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine on Friday. For the second day in a row, Carlson told his audience they had reason to worry about the vaccine.
In a segment of his prime time show, which was accompanied by a similar op-ed on the Fox News website, Carlson said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's plan to distribute the vaccine was based on race and would disadvantage older white people.
He went on to claim that sections of the scientific community and the media were now supporting eugenics, the discredited idea of improving the human race through selective breeding, which had a strongly racist dimension.
Read more FDA Approves Moderna COVID Vaccine One Week After Pfizer's FDA Approves Moderna COVID Vaccine One Week After Pfizer's
Carlson said "we should be rejoicing" that a COVID vaccine has been developed but added "[t]here are rational reasons to be skeptical. There's never in history been a successful vaccine for any variety of the coronavirus."
"Americans understand that many of our leaders really don't care about them. They don't care human beings in general," Carlson went on.
"They are ideologues. They're religious fanatics who worship their secular gods of money, power, woke. Whether their policies help or hurt individuals doesn't seem of great interest to them.
"These are the people who removed police from poor neighborhoods because it made them feel less guilty about their own pampered lives and their own ill-gotten wealth. As a result of that decision, many Americans died, including small children, but they kept doing it. They never apologized. Human suffering seemed irrelevant to them. It was the theory that mattered."
"Unfortunately, some of these very same people, the worst in our already unimpressive professional class, are now in charge of the coronavirus vaccine, and that should make you nervous," he said.
Carlson also criticized the CDC's planned rollout of the vaccine in his Fox News Op-Ed, calling it "entirely racial" and claiming that the CDC had decided "Old people in this country are too White to save. They even put it in writing."
He was referring to reports that the CDC wants to vaccinate essential workers before the elderly in an effort to mitigate racial healthcare inequalities. Many communities of color have been severely affected by the virus.
"It's been a very long time since anyone close to what we would consider the mainstream has endorsed eugenics, but that's exactly what this is," Carlson wrote, before citing what he claimed were examples in the media
During his Thursday show, which is the most watched cable news show in history, Carlson had said of the vaccine program: "So how are the rest of us supposed to respond to a marketing campaign like this? Well, nervously. Even if you're strongly supportive of vaccines, and we are even if you recognize how many millions of lives have been saved over the past 50 years by vaccines, and we do, it all seems a bit much, it feels false, because it is. It's too slick."