newsweek--2020-12-25--'I'm A Real Life Santa'

'I'm A Real Life Santa'

In 2002 my wife was organizing a charity drive for underserved families in the area .
Someone had suggested that it would be nice to have a Santa to deliver the packages to them as the real Santa would probably be a bit busy at the time of year .
None of the group felt they could pull it off because they were women .
then my wife brought the house down when she said she happened to know a fat man with nothing to do during the holidays .
She brought a suit someone had found home the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call it the pyjama suit—it was so thin .
At the time I had a beard but it was dark and way too short , so I had no choice but to wear the cheap , ratty beard that came with the suit—I looked so bad !
I remember feeling so anxious when we went up to the first door , but as soon as we walked into the house it took me seconds to realize that the children just saw Santa Claus .
By the time we went to the third house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from everyone in it , my wife asked how I felt .
I was able to tell her that I felt ten feet tall and bulletproof .
Fortunately my wife 's mother is a professional seamstress , so after that first season she was able to put together a suit for me that lasted me for the next few years until I could buy an expensive $ 1,200 suit .
Back in 2005 when I was looking for an upgraded suit online , I came across a group called the Amalgamated Order of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They were having their annual luncheon the following day in a town not too far away from me .
So , my wife and I went along , and the first time we walked into a room full of professional Claus ' was an epiphany moment for both of us .
We fell in love .
That order had actually originated from a casting call in 1994 .
A huge German catalogue had sent out a call for ten professional Santas .
It asked for Santas who had their own suit and real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shoot , they had so much fun swapping stories that they agreed they should meet up again in the future .
With the Christmas season coming up the final Sunday in the following January was agreed upon .
By the third year of their annual luncheon , there were 30 Santas around the table , and it really started to take off after that .
Then , in 2006 the first Santa Claus convention was held and membership began to explode .
In 2008 the Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became an official non-profit fraternity .
I 'm currently the Chairman and CEO , but I have served in various roles within the board of directors .
Constituent chapters require five Santas in a close geographic area and they generally meet once a month .
One of the older and more experienced Santas provides training for newer Santas ; Santa 's beard is a very popular topic as well as wardrobe .
The Santas will trade war stories of our best and worst gigs over the years .
It 's an opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to our bylaws , membership is restricted to those who grow and maintain their own facial hair for the purpose of portraying Santa Claus .
However , most Santas will admit rapidly and openly that they could n't do much without their Mrs Claus , or their significant other .
And , we do also have an associate membership for anyone who regularly appears with a member in good standing .
That could be a Mrs Claus , an elf or a reindeer , for example .
There are three types of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pole .
The `` photographic '' Santa who appears in catalogues and videos , that 's a certain look ; a nice suit and a good beard .
Then there is the `` set '' Santa who you see in the mall ; these are Santas who can handle quick interactions with an entire family .
The third category is a `` live event '' Santa , and that 's my specialty .
I was the singer Fergie 's Santa for a commercial and I 've been Santa for Hayden Panettiere .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although I wo n't be performing at any live events this year , because of the pandemic , I have many heartwarming stories from previous years .
About ten years ago I started working with a kid 's dental company here in California .
Every Christmas they provided a free wrapped gift for kids , and at the time they wanted to also start providing a free Santa photo for every child in their neighborhood .
The families in those communities are n't necessarily well off .
This may be their only opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gift could be a significant contribution to their Christmas—they often line up by the hundreds or even thousands .
I have always been touched by the capacity of people who have so little to be so grateful .
By contrast , I have been Santa in wealthy gated communities in areas like Orange County .
I 'll ask what that kid would want for Christmas and they might say , `` my iPhone is over a year old and I 'd like the new one '' .
When a kid asks for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sneak a glance to the parents and look at what their response is .
If they seem shocked then I will try to downplay the kids expectations by saying that it 's very popular this year , I 'll have to check at Santa 's toy factory .
I 've never begrudged any of those rich kids their fortune , I 've only wished and hoped that the parents are teaching their kids gratitude for their good fortune .
If they appreciate what they have , God bless them , every one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ red—or black and try to look like a biker instead of Santa—certain people are going to look at me and see Santa and they 're going to address me as Santa .
It happened at least once or twice a day before the pandemic when you could go out and about to see people .
Every second or third person who would address me as Santa would want a picture , so we recognize it 's a bit of a commitment for anyone who maintains this beard for this purpose , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the benefits we offer every Santa , part of the FORBS is to encourage and reward our members for that commitment .
We have been meeting each other for 27 years now , so our annual January reunion is considered the birthday of the modern Santa world .
This is the first year we 're not meeting in person , we 're going to do a virtual reunion .
I absolutely refuse to let the weekend pass without a stamped reunion to put in the books .
Overall , my favorite moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm in front of a crowd , myself and Mrs Claus have the spell working and everybody in the audience is bobbing and weaving with the tales and the songs .
When I then catch a parent 's eye and see that they have realized that they 're believing in all this as much as their children are , my heart swells .
It almost brings a tear to my eye .
Santa Ric Erwin is the Chairman and CEO of The Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas ( FORBS ) .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and looks forward to recommencing in-person Santa duties in 2021 .
For more information about membership , visit forbsantas.com .
All views expressed in this article are the author 's own .

In 2002 my wife was organizing a charity drive for underserved families in the area. Someone had suggested that it would be nice to have a Santa to deliver the packages to them as the real Santa would probably be a bit busy at the time of year.
None of the group felt they could pull it off because they were women. then my wife brought the house down when she said she happened to know a fat man with nothing to do during the holidays.
She brought a suit someone had found home the next day. To this day I still call it the pyjama suit—it was so thin. At the time I had a beard but it was dark and way too short, so I had no choice but to wear the cheap, ratty beard that came with the suit—I looked so bad!
I remember feeling so anxious when we went up to the first door, but as soon as we walked into the house it took me seconds to realize that the children just saw Santa Claus. By the time we went to the third house and I received the same general response from everyone in it, my wife asked how I felt. I was able to tell her that I felt ten feet tall and bulletproof.
Fortunately my wife's mother is a professional seamstress, so after that first season she was able to put together a suit for me that lasted me for the next few years until I could buy an expensive $1,200 suit.
Read more 'We Celebrate Christmas In a Tiny House' 'We Celebrate Christmas In a Tiny House'
Back in 2005 when I was looking for an upgraded suit online, I came across a group called the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas (AORBS). They were having their annual luncheon the following day in a town not too far away from me. So, my wife and I went along, and the first time we walked into a room full of professional Claus' was an epiphany moment for both of us. We fell in love.
That order had actually originated from a casting call in 1994. A huge German catalogue had sent out a call for ten professional Santas. It asked for Santas who had their own suit and real beards. When the Santas were on the shoot, they had so much fun swapping stories that they agreed they should meet up again in the future. With the Christmas season coming up the final Sunday in the following January was agreed upon. By the third year of their annual luncheon, there were 30 Santas around the table, and it really started to take off after that.
Then, in 2006 the first Santa Claus convention was held and membership began to explode. In 2008 the Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas (FORBS) was formed from AORBS and became an official non-profit fraternity. I'm currently the Chairman and CEO, but I have served in various roles within the board of directors. Constituent chapters require five Santas in a close geographic area and they generally meet once a month. One of the older and more experienced Santas provides training for newer Santas; Santa's beard is a very popular topic as well as wardrobe. The Santas will trade war stories of our best and worst gigs over the years. It's an opportunity to pass the wisdom down the train.
Santa Ric Erwin has been portraying Santa since 2002. Courtesy of Ric Erwin
According to our bylaws, membership is restricted to those who grow and maintain their own facial hair for the purpose of portraying Santa Claus. However, most Santas will admit rapidly and openly that they couldn't do much without their Mrs Claus, or their significant other. And, we do also have an associate membership for anyone who regularly appears with a member in good standing. That could be a Mrs Claus, an elf or a reindeer, for example.
There are three types of Santas who portray Santa from the north pole. The "photographic" Santa who appears in catalogues and videos, that's a certain look; a nice suit and a good beard. Then there is the "set" Santa who you see in the mall; these are Santas who can handle quick interactions with an entire family. The third category is a "live event" Santa, and that's my specialty. I was the singer Fergie's Santa for a commercial and I've been Santa for Hayden Panettiere. I also met Adam Sandler as Santa.
Although I won't be performing at any live events this year, because of the pandemic, I have many heartwarming stories from previous years. About ten years ago I started working with a kid's dental company here in California. Every Christmas they provided a free wrapped gift for kids, and at the time they wanted to also start providing a free Santa photo for every child in their neighborhood. The families in those communities aren't necessarily well off. This may be their only opportunity for a Santa photo and the wrapped gift could be a significant contribution to their Christmas—they often line up by the hundreds or even thousands. I have always been touched by the capacity of people who have so little to be so grateful.
By contrast, I have been Santa in wealthy gated communities in areas like Orange County. I'll ask what that kid would want for Christmas and they might say, "my iPhone is over a year old and I'd like the new one". When a kid asks for a big ticket item I'll try to sneak a glance to the parents and look at what their response is. If they seem shocked then I will try to downplay the kids expectations by saying that it's very popular this year, I'll have to check at Santa's toy factory.
I've never begrudged any of those rich kids their fortune, I've only wished and hoped that the parents are teaching their kids gratitude for their good fortune. If they appreciate what they have, God bless them, every one.
Throughout the year, whether I wear red—or black and try to look like a biker instead of Santa—certain people are going to look at me and see Santa and they're going to address me as Santa. It happened at least once or twice a day before the pandemic when you could go out and about to see people.
Every second or third person who would address me as Santa would want a picture, so we recognize it's a bit of a commitment for anyone who maintains this beard for this purpose, and we want to honor that. In addition to the benefits we offer every Santa, part of the FORBS is to encourage and reward our members for that commitment.
A group of the FORBS Santas in south California in 2018. Courtesy of Ric Erwin
We have been meeting each other for 27 years now, so our annual January reunion is considered the birthday of the modern Santa world. This is the first year we're not meeting in person, we're going to do a virtual reunion. I absolutely refuse to let the weekend pass without a stamped reunion to put in the books.
Overall, my favorite moment as Santa has to be when I'm in front of a crowd, myself and Mrs Claus have the spell working and everybody in the audience is bobbing and weaving with the tales and the songs. When I then catch a parent's eye and see that they have realized that they're believing in all this as much as their children are, my heart swells. It almost brings a tear to my eye.
Santa Ric Erwin is the Chairman and CEO of The Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas (FORBS). He lives in California with his Mrs. Claus and looks forward to recommencing in-person Santa duties in 2021. For more information about membership, visit forbsantas.com.
All views expressed in this article are the author's own.
As told to Jenny Haward.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Queen Elizabeth Christmas Speech 2020 Livestream: How to Watch, Channel, Time and More

The year 2020 has been a trying one for many .
The coronavirus pandemic spread far and wide around the globe and continues to impact people 's daily lives , even as new vaccines bring a sense of hope .
But in the face of all of this year 's upheavals , some traditions remain intact , including Queen Elizabeth II 's annual Christmas speech .
Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip , Duke of Edinburgh , have canceled the family 's usual holiday trip to her Sandringham Estate in Norfolk .
Instead , the couple will spend the Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been quarantining in light of the pandemic .
The Christmas speech , which is prerecorded each year at Buckingham Palace , is set to air on Christmas Day at 3 p.m. London time ( that 's 10 a.m .
ET ) and will last for roughly 10 minutes .
A number of broadcast channels will air the speech , including BBC One , ITV , Sky One and Sky News .
People can also listen to the broadcast on BBC Radio 4 .
For those hoping to live-stream the event , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the BBC 's website , as well as the Royal Family YouTube channel and Facebook page .
It 's unclear what the queen will speak about during her address this year , but she 'll likely make an effort to lift the nation 's spirits .
Royal commentator Phil Dampier suggested that Queen Elizabeth II would aim to `` raise morale and encourage people , '' according to a Wednesday report from The Sun .
`` It will be a very , very important Christmas speech this year , very much along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 'We 'll meet again ' one , '' he said .
Those tuning in can likely expect to hear some sort of mention of just how turbulent this year has been for the U.K. and the rest of the globe , along with an acknowledgement of all the hard work of first responders , and medical and essential workers .
Back in April , the queen surprised and moved Brits when she gave an impromptu speech addressing the virus and thanking residents for following U.K. mandates to stay home , to limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families and to wear masks when leaving home .
`` While we have faced challenges before , this one is different , '' Queen Elizabeth II said during that speech .
`` This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavor , using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal .
We will succeed—and that success will belong to every one of us . ''
The queen added : `` We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be with our friends again ; we will be with our families again ; we will meet again . ''

The year 2020 has been a trying one for many. The coronavirus pandemic spread far and wide around the globe and continues to impact people's daily lives, even as new vaccines bring a sense of hope. But in the face of all of this year's upheavals, some traditions remain intact, including Queen Elizabeth II's annual Christmas speech.
Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, have canceled the family's usual holiday trip to her Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Instead, the couple will spend the Christmas season at Windsor Castle, where they have been quarantining in light of the pandemic.
The Christmas speech, which is prerecorded each year at Buckingham Palace, is set to air on Christmas Day at 3 p.m. London time (that's 10 a.m. ET) and will last for roughly 10 minutes. A number of broadcast channels will air the speech, including BBC One, ITV, Sky One and Sky News. People can also listen to the broadcast on BBC Radio 4.
For those hoping to live-stream the event, the broadcast will also be available for viewing on the BBC's website, as well as the Royal Family YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she arrives before the Opening of the Flanders' Fields Memorial Garden at Wellington Barracks on November 6, 2014, in London, England. Stefan Wermuth - WPA Pool /Getty Images
It's unclear what the queen will speak about during her address this year, but she'll likely make an effort to lift the nation's spirits. Royal commentator Phil Dampier suggested that Queen Elizabeth II would aim to "raise morale and encourage people," according to a Wednesday report from The Sun.
"It will be a very, very important Christmas speech this year, very much along the lines of her earlier broadcast, the 'We'll meet again' one," he said.
Those tuning in can likely expect to hear some sort of mention of just how turbulent this year has been for the U.K. and the rest of the globe, along with an acknowledgement of all the hard work of first responders, and medical and essential workers.
Back in April, the queen surprised and moved Brits when she gave an impromptu speech addressing the virus and thanking residents for following U.K. mandates to stay home, to limit interactions with those outside of their immediate families and to wear masks when leaving home.
"While we have faced challenges before, this one is different," Queen Elizabeth II said during that speech. "This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavor, using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal. We will succeed—and that success will belong to every one of us."
The queen added: "We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: We will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again."


newsweek--2020-12-25--Are Post Offices Open on Christmas Day? USPS, UPS and FedEx Holiday Hours

Christmas Day is a time to swap gifts with loved ones , but if yours has n't arrived by today , you may have to wait a little longer .
As Christmas Day is a holiday observed by the United States Postal Service , post offices and mail delivery services will be affected .
Services from the USPS , as well as the UPS and FedEx are generally impacted by federal holidays , such as Thanksgiving Day and New Year 's Day , and Christmas Day is no different .
Find out below what the holiday hours are for USPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as when the post office will be open or closed .
Plus , take a look at the postal service 's holiday calendar to help you plan ahead for the upcoming holidays in 2021 .
Post offices will be closed on Christmas Day and regular USPS mail will not be delivered .
However , USPS Priority Mail Express mail will still be delivered on December 25 .
Post offices will open and USPS mail services will resume on Saturday , December 26 , so if you 're expecting a late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much longer to wait .
Plan ahead for next week and remember that the post offices will be open on New Year 's Eve , December 31 , but they will be closed on New Year 's Day , January 1 .
The same goes for USPS mail services , as regular mail will be delivered on New Year 's Eve , but the mail wo n't run on New Year 's Day .
UPS follows a similar schedule to USPS and will not be delivering or picking up regular mail on Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be closed .
However , the UPS Express Critical service is available 7/24/365 , including Christmas Day .
On Christmas Day , all FedEx services will be closed except for FedEx Custom Critical .
Services will return to normal on the day after Christmas , except for FedEx Express and FedEx Office which will be running with modified hours .
To plan ahead for 2021 , take note of the holidays that the USPS will observe next year .
USPS services will be impacted on January 1—New Year 's Day , January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15—Presidents ' Day , May 31—Memorial Day , July 5—Independence Day ( the fourth of July falls on a Sunday in 2021 ) , September 6—Labor Day , October 11—Columbus Day , November 11—Veterans Day , November 25—Thanksgiving Day , and December 25—Christmas Day .
Other federal services , such as banking and social security offices , are also generally impacted by these federal holidays .

Christmas Day is a time to swap gifts with loved ones, but if yours hasn't arrived by today, you may have to wait a little longer. As Christmas Day is a holiday observed by the United States Postal Service, post offices and mail delivery services will be affected.
Services from the USPS, as well as the UPS and FedEx are generally impacted by federal holidays, such as Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day, and Christmas Day is no different.
Find out below what the holiday hours are for USPS, UPS, and FedEx around Christmas, as well as when the post office will be open or closed. Plus, take a look at the postal service's holiday calendar to help you plan ahead for the upcoming holidays in 2021.
Post Office Christmas Hours
Post offices will be closed on Christmas Day and regular USPS mail will not be delivered. However, USPS Priority Mail Express mail will still be delivered on December 25.
A woman walks past a mailbox outside a post office on August 17, 2020, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Post offices will be closed and mail will not run on Christmas Day. Gary Hershorn/Getty
Post offices will open and USPS mail services will resume on Saturday, December 26, so if you're expecting a late gift, you shouldn't have too much longer to wait.
Plan ahead for next week and remember that the post offices will be open on New Year's Eve, December 31, but they will be closed on New Year's Day, January 1. The same goes for USPS mail services, as regular mail will be delivered on New Year's Eve, but the mail won't run on New Year's Day.
UPS Holiday Hours
UPS follows a similar schedule to USPS and will not be delivering or picking up regular mail on Christmas Day, and the UPS stores will also be closed. However, the UPS Express Critical service is available 7/24/365, including Christmas Day.
FedEx Holiday Hours
On Christmas Day, all FedEx services will be closed except for FedEx Custom Critical. Services will return to normal on the day after Christmas, except for FedEx Express and FedEx Office which will be running with modified hours.
To plan ahead for 2021, take note of the holidays that the USPS will observe next year.
USPS services will be impacted on January 1—New Year's Day, January 18—Martin Luther King Jr. birthday, February 15—Presidents' Day, May 31—Memorial Day, July 5—Independence Day (the fourth of July falls on a Sunday in 2021), September 6—Labor Day, October 11—Columbus Day, November 11—Veterans Day, November 25—Thanksgiving Day, and December 25—Christmas Day.
Other federal services, such as banking and social security offices, are also generally impacted by these federal holidays.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Are Gyms Open on Christmas Day 2020? Planet Fitness, Equinox and More

Most gyms are open on Christmas Day , but may be operating on a modified schedule .
Check with your local venue before traveling to confirm exact opening and closing times .
Here we look at the Christmas Day hours at some fitness chains across the country .
Most Planet Fitness gyms are open 24 hours a day throughout the year but may be running on reduced hours on Christmas Day .
Contact your local branch to confirm the exact hours of operation for December 25 .
The fitness chain has introduced several safety measures amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guests and social distancing guidelines .
Guests can also see how many people are currently at their local branch before visiting using the company 's Crowd Meter app .
`` With more than 45 million Planet Fitness check-ins since May 1 , only .00028 percent have tested positive for COVID-19 .
That 's 1 in 354,000 , and there 's no evidence that a single person has contracted COVID-19 in our clubs , '' says the company 's website .
See the Planet Fitness website for more information on COVID-19 safety at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vary over different holidays , including Christmas .
Contact your local branch to confirm exact opening and closing times for December 25 .
The company has also implemented several COVID-19 safety protocols , including temperature checks before entry , mask requirements and advanced booking for all gym sessions using the Equinox app .
`` Touch-free temperature checks will be required upon each entry to the club .
If your temperature is higher than 100.4 degrees , or local guidelines , you will not be permitted to access the club for 3 days from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may , at its discretion , offer to retest your temperature one time .
Please review our full Member Policies addendum for full details , '' the company said .
At some branches , guests must wear a mask at all times ( including during exercise ) , while at a selection of other branches , masks may be removed when exercising .
See the Equinox website for more information .
Some Crunch Fitness locations may be closed on Christmas , while others may be open on a reduced schedule .
Contact your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for December 25 .
Guests should be mindful of the COVID-19 safety measures in place at all Crunch Fitness gyms .
They include contactless check-in using the Crunch mobile app , contactless payment and keeping a six-foot distance from other guests throughout its facilities .
All staff members will wear face coverings , while guests are recommended to do so .
`` Team Members will wear masks ( alongside other PPE if required by public health officials ) .
We recommend members wear masks within the gym ( unless mask wearing is required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , '' the company said .
See the Crunch Fitness website for more information .
Most Anytime Fitness gyms are open 24 hours a day year-round , but may be on modified hours on Christmas .
Check your local branch for exact times before visiting .
Amid the ongoing pandemic , the company noted `` all safety guidelines will be made available upon entrance , throughout the gym , and via digital platforms , '' in a statement updated last month .
Staff members are `` strongly encouraged to wear masks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available , '' while gym capacity is limited and `` no contact training and no equipment sharing training sessions '' are allowed , the company noted .
See the Anytime Fitness website for more information .
The hours of operation at Gold 's Gym branches vary by location .
Contact your local venue to confirm exact times for Christmas Day .
The fitness chain also issued several safety measures amid the pandemic .
`` Many of our gyms have reopened with modified hours to allow for additional cleaning and safety measures throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group exercise classes will be determined based on each gym 's state and local guidelines , '' the company noted .
See the Gold 's Gym website for more information .
Some 24 Hour Fitness gyms have reopened amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak , while others have yet to resume business .
Check your local branch for the exact hours for Christmas Day .
The company has also implemented several COVID-19 safety measures , including amended hours of operations , such as dedicated hours for senior guests only at some branches .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhanced cleaning , `` while `` some equipment may be powered off or moved to provide ample space to work out safely , '' and `` classes will meet at modified times and locations to support social distancing , '' the company stated .
See the 24 Hour Fitness website for more information .

Most gyms are open on Christmas Day, but may be operating on a modified schedule. Check with your local venue before traveling to confirm exact opening and closing times. Here we look at the Christmas Day hours at some fitness chains across the country.
Planet Fitness
Most Planet Fitness gyms are open 24 hours a day throughout the year but may be running on reduced hours on Christmas Day. Contact your local branch to confirm the exact hours of operation for December 25.
The fitness chain has introduced several safety measures amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including a face-covering requirement for all guests and social distancing guidelines.
Guests can also see how many people are currently at their local branch before visiting using the company's Crowd Meter app.
"With more than 45 million Planet Fitness check-ins since May 1, only .00028 percent have tested positive for COVID-19. That's 1 in 354,000, and there's no evidence that a single person has contracted COVID-19 in our clubs," says the company's website.
See the Planet Fitness website for more information on COVID-19 safety at the gyms.
Equinox
The hours at Equinox gyms vary over different holidays, including Christmas. Contact your local branch to confirm exact opening and closing times for December 25.
The company has also implemented several COVID-19 safety protocols, including temperature checks before entry, mask requirements and advanced booking for all gym sessions using the Equinox app.
"Touch-free temperature checks will be required upon each entry to the club. If your temperature is higher than 100.4 degrees, or local guidelines, you will not be permitted to access the club for 3 days from the time of your reading. Equinox may, at its discretion, offer to retest your temperature one time. Please review our full Member Policies addendum for full details," the company said.
At some branches, guests must wear a mask at all times (including during exercise), while at a selection of other branches, masks may be removed when exercising.
See the Equinox website for more information.
Crunch Fitness
Some Crunch Fitness locations may be closed on Christmas, while others may be open on a reduced schedule. Contact your local venue to confirm the exact times for December 25.
Guests should be mindful of the COVID-19 safety measures in place at all Crunch Fitness gyms. They include contactless check-in using the Crunch mobile app, contactless payment and keeping a six-foot distance from other guests throughout its facilities.
All staff members will wear face coverings, while guests are recommended to do so.
"Team Members will wear masks (alongside other PPE if required by public health officials). We recommend members wear masks within the gym (unless mask wearing is required at all times by public health officials)," the company said.
See the Crunch Fitness website for more information.
Anytime Fitness
Most Anytime Fitness gyms are open 24 hours a day year-round, but may be on modified hours on Christmas. Check your local branch for exact times before visiting.
Amid the ongoing pandemic, the company noted "all safety guidelines will be made available upon entrance, throughout the gym, and via digital platforms," in a statement updated last month.
Staff members are "strongly encouraged to wear masks and gloves at all times whenever provisions are available," while gym capacity is limited and "no contact training and no equipment sharing training sessions" are allowed, the company noted.
See the Anytime Fitness website for more information.
Gold's Gym
The hours of operation at Gold's Gym branches vary by location. Contact your local venue to confirm exact times for Christmas Day.
The fitness chain also issued several safety measures amid the pandemic. "Many of our gyms have reopened with modified hours to allow for additional cleaning and safety measures throughout the day. Capacity limits for workouts and group exercise classes will be determined based on each gym's state and local guidelines," the company noted.
See the Gold's Gym website for more information.
24 Hour Fitness
Some 24 Hour Fitness gyms have reopened amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, while others have yet to resume business. Check your local branch for the exact hours for Christmas Day.
The company has also implemented several COVID-19 safety measures, including amended hours of operations, such as dedicated hours for senior guests only at some branches.
"Clubs will close overnight to allow for enhanced cleaning, " while "some equipment may be powered off or moved to provide ample space to work out safely," and "classes will meet at modified times and locations to support social distancing," the company stated.
See the 24 Hour Fitness website for more information.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Is Walmart, Target Open on Christmas Day? Store Opening Hours During Holiday

Some businesses are open on Christmas Day but Walmart and Target are among the major retailers that are closed on the day .
However , some pharmacies , such as CVS , as well as food stores are open on Christmas .
Stores that are open may be on a reduced schedule on December 25 .
Below are some venues that are open on Christmas .
Some branches of these chains are open on December 25 but their opening and closing times may vary from normal hours .
Contact your local branch before visiting these shops to confirm their exact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most stores have also implemented several safety protocols amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
Be sure to check store policies on face coverings and other requirements before traveling .
• CVS : Store hours typically range from around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time , seven days a week .
• Walgreens : Normal hours of operation are from around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time every day .
• Rite Aid : Opening and closing times are usually from around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time from Monday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are from around 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time .
• Albertsons : Some branches are open on Christmas Day from around 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time .
Normal hours are from around 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time .
• Giant : On December 25 , the hours are from around 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time at select branches that are open .
Typical opening and closing times range from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. local time every day .
• Safeway : A selection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hours will vary on the day .
Typical opening and closing times are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time , seven days a week .
• 7-Eleven : Typically 7-Eleven stores are open 24 hours a day , seven days a week .
But the hours may be reduced on Christmas Day .
• Cumberland Farms : Typically , Cumberland Farms branches are open from around 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time .
But the hours vary on Christmas Day .
• Dunkin ' Donuts : Most locations are open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by branch .
• Family Dollar : Typical hours are from around 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time , seven days a week .
But the hours may vary on Christmas Day .
• Starbucks : Most branches of Starbucks are open on Christmas but the opening times may vary from normal hours of operations .
Most stores are typically open every day from around 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time .
• Wawa : Wawa stores are usually open 24 hours every day but the hours may vary on Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Christmas

Some businesses are open on Christmas Day but Walmart and Target are among the major retailers that are closed on the day. However, some pharmacies, such as CVS, as well as food stores are open on Christmas. Stores that are open may be on a reduced schedule on December 25.
Below are some venues that are open on Christmas. Some branches of these chains are open on December 25 but their opening and closing times may vary from normal hours. Contact your local branch before visiting these shops to confirm their exact hours of operation on Christmas Day.
Most stores have also implemented several safety protocols amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to check store policies on face coverings and other requirements before traveling.
Pharmacies
CVS: Store hours typically range from around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week.
Store hours typically range from around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Walgreens: Normal hours of operation are from around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time every day.
Normal hours of operation are from around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time every day. Rite Aid: Opening and closing times are usually from around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time from Monday to Saturday. On Sunday, typical hours are from around 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time.
Groceries/supermarkets
Albertsons: Some branches are open on Christmas Day from around 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time. Normal hours are from around 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time.
Some branches are open on Christmas Day from around 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time. Normal hours are from around 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time. Giant: On December 25, the hours are from around 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time at select branches that are open. Typical opening and closing times range from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. local time every day.
On December 25, the hours are from around 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time at select branches that are open. Typical opening and closing times range from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. local time every day. Safeway: A selection of Safeway shops are open on Christmas but the hours will vary on the day. Typical opening and closing times are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week.
Convenience stores and coffee shops
7-Eleven: Typically 7-Eleven stores are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But the hours may be reduced on Christmas Day.
Typically 7-Eleven stores are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But the hours may be reduced on Christmas Day. Cumberland Farms: Typically, Cumberland Farms branches are open from around 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time. But the hours vary on Christmas Day.
Typically, Cumberland Farms branches are open from around 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time. But the hours vary on Christmas Day. Dunkin' Donuts: Most locations are open on December 25 but the hours vary by branch.
Most locations are open on December 25 but the hours vary by branch. Family Dollar : Typical hours are from around 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time, seven days a week. But the hours may vary on Christmas Day.
: Typical hours are from around 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time, seven days a week. But the hours may vary on Christmas Day. Starbucks: Most branches of Starbucks are open on Christmas but the opening times may vary from normal hours of operations. Most stores are typically open every day from around 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
Most branches of Starbucks are open on Christmas but the opening times may vary from normal hours of operations. Most stores are typically open every day from around 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Wawa: Wawa stores are usually open 24 hours every day but the hours may vary on Christmas Day.
Major retailers that are closed on Christmas


newsweek--2020-12-25--Are Banks Open on Christmas Day? Bank of America, Chase and Wells Fargo Holiday Hours

Christmas Day is today and many workers across the U.S. will have the day off to spend the holiday with their loved ones .
Christmas Day is a federal holiday , which means many federal services will be not be operating—so will the banks be open on Christmas ?
Many businesses and services will be affected by the holiday , so Americans may need to adjust their plans if they want to run any errands today .
On federal holidays , federal services , including the Federal Reserve , will be closed .
Banks generally follow the Federal Reserve 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed on Christmas Day , December 25 .
To help you plan ahead for the next year , the other holidays observed by the Federal Reserve System are New Year 's Day , Martin Luther King Jr. 's Birthday , Washington 's Birthday , Memorial Day , Independence Day , Labor Day , Columbus Day , Veterans Day , and Thanksgiving Day .
Remember that on these holidays , federal services will be closed , including banks .
Businesses will also be affected as some stores and restaurants may decide to close or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day .
Although most major U.S. banks will be closed on Christmas Day , some banking services will still be available so you should still be able to access your money .
For example , services such as ATMs , and mobile and online banking , will still be running through the holiday .
As banks are closed , any services that require a bank teller will not be available , and other services may be delayed , so bear this in mind if you are waiting on a payment or other service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Christmas Day include the United States Postal Service , so post offices will be closed and the USPS will not deliver , and Social Security offices .
However , the day after Christmas is not observed as a holiday , so services like banking and postal services should be up and running as usual on December 26 .

Christmas Day is today and many workers across the U.S. will have the day off to spend the holiday with their loved ones. Christmas Day is a federal holiday, which means many federal services will be not be operating—so will the banks be open on Christmas?
Many businesses and services will be affected by the holiday, so Americans may need to adjust their plans if they want to run any errands today.
On federal holidays, federal services, including the Federal Reserve, will be closed. Banks generally follow the Federal Reserve's holiday, which means they will be closed on Christmas Day, December 25.
To help you plan ahead for the next year, the other holidays observed by the Federal Reserve System are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving Day.
Stock pic: Signage with logo at headquarters of Wells Fargo Capital Finance, the commercial banking division of Wells Fargo Bank, in the Financial District neighborhood of San Francisco, California, September 26, 2016. Banks will generally be closed on Christmas Day as the tend to follow the holiday schedule of the Federal Reserve. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty
Remember that on these holidays, federal services will be closed, including banks. Businesses will also be affected as some stores and restaurants may decide to close or will operate with limited hours on Christmas Day.
Banks Closed on Christmas Day
Bank of America
Bank of the West
BBVA
BB&T
BMO Harris Bank
Capital One
Chase
Citibank
Citizens Bank
Comerica Bank
Fifth Third Bank
Huntington
KeyBank
People's United Bank
PNC Bank
Regions
Santander Bank
SunTrust
TD Bank
UBank
Union Bank
U.S. Bank
Wells Fargo
Although most major U.S. banks will be closed on Christmas Day, some banking services will still be available so you should still be able to access your money. For example, services such as ATMs, and mobile and online banking, will still be running through the holiday.
As banks are closed, any services that require a bank teller will not be available, and other services may be delayed, so bear this in mind if you are waiting on a payment or other service.
Other federal services that are closed on Christmas Day include the United States Postal Service, so post offices will be closed and the USPS will not deliver, and Social Security offices.
However, the day after Christmas is not observed as a holiday, so services like banking and postal services should be up and running as usual on December 26.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Christmas Day Store Hours—What Time Do Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS Open?

Christmas Day has arrived and , hopefully , everyone has everything they need—but if you do n't , some stores will be open to save the day .
Whether you 're missing an ingredient for Christmas dinner or require emergency household supplies , some grocery and convenience stores will remain open on Christmas Day .
Although major chains such as Sam 's Club and Trader Joe 's will be closed today , convenience stores that typically stay open 24/7 , such as 7-Eleven and Speedway , will be open on December 25 .
Stores may be operating with modified hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check opening times before you set out .
Plus , make sure that you understand your local store 's COVID safety policies and be sure to follow any guidelines , such as wearing a mask and keeping a distance from other shoppers .
The following stores , including CVS and Rite Aid pharmacies , will be open : Acme stores will generally be open on Christmas Day .
Most outlets will be open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m .
Some Walgreens stores will remain open on Christmas Day from 8 a.m. until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open 24/7 , but some stores may be operating with modified hours on Christmas Day .
Check with your local Rite Aid before heading out .
CVS stores will be open today , with most locations operating from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Speedway is open 24/7 and most stores will stay open on Christmas Day .
Most Wawa stores will be open today , as the stores usually stay open 24/7 .
Some Cumberland Farms stores will be open from 7 a.m. until midnight on Christmas Day , so check with your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albertsons will be open today from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m .
The following stores , including Target and Walmart , will be closed on Christmas Day :

Christmas Day has arrived and, hopefully, everyone has everything they need—but if you don't, some stores will be open to save the day. Whether you're missing an ingredient for Christmas dinner or require emergency household supplies, some grocery and convenience stores will remain open on Christmas Day.
Although major chains such as Sam's Club and Trader Joe's will be closed today, convenience stores that typically stay open 24/7, such as 7-Eleven and Speedway, will be open on December 25.
Stores may be operating with modified hours for the holidays, however, so check opening times before you set out.
Plus, make sure that you understand your local store's COVID safety policies and be sure to follow any guidelines, such as wearing a mask and keeping a distance from other shoppers.
Stores Open on Christmas Day
The following stores, including CVS and Rite Aid pharmacies, will be open:
Acme
Walgreens
Rite Aid
CVS
7-Eleven
Speedway
Wawa
Cumberland Farms
Albertsons
Acme Christmas Hours
Acme stores will generally be open on Christmas Day. Most outlets will be open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Walgreens Christmas Day Hours
Some Walgreens stores will remain open on Christmas Day from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Rite Aid Christmas Hours
Rite Aid stores are generally open 24/7, but some stores may be operating with modified hours on Christmas Day. Check with your local Rite Aid before heading out.
CVS Christmas Hours
CVS stores will be open today, with most locations operating from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.
7-Eleven Holiday Hours
7-Eleven remains open 24/7 all year round, including on December 25.
Speedway Christmas Day Hours
Speedway is open 24/7 and most stores will stay open on Christmas Day.
Wawa Christmas Hours
Most Wawa stores will be open today, as the stores usually stay open 24/7.
Cumberland Farms Christmas Day Hours
Some Cumberland Farms stores will be open from 7 a.m. until midnight on Christmas Day, so check with your local store before heading out.
Albertsons Holiday Hours
Most Albertsons will be open today from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Stores Closed on Christmas Day
The following stores, including Target and Walmart, will be closed on Christmas Day:
Aldi
Costco
Dollar General
Kroger
Michaels
Publix
Sam's Club
ShopRite
Stop & Shop
Trader Joe's
Target
Walmart
Wegmans
Whole Foods


newsweek--2020-12-24--Little Boy and Dog Abandoned in Cemetery Before Christmas

A 3-year-old boy and his family dog were allegedly abandoned by the boy 's parents at a Hinckley , Ohio cemetery two days before Christmas .
The Hinckley Township Police Department posted a picture of the boy , named Tony , along with a call for him to be identified on Wednesday afternoon , the same day that he was picked up from the cemetery following a report that he had been abandoned .
Police quickly identified Tony 's parents after the boy identified them as `` David '' and `` Katy . ''
The family dog was found in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his father , according to local Fox affiliate WJW .
`` While the investigation is still on going with a lot of questions still unanswered I want to assure everyone that Tony is doing very well in the loving home of a foster family here in Medina County , '' Hinckley Police Chief David Centner said in an update posted to the page Thursday afternoon .
`` His Dad has been very cooperative with us and Children Services in the investigation .
I will release further information when I can . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their kindness in wanting to buy Christmas presents for Tony , take him in and adopt him , '' he added .
`` You all are amazing people and why we have such a great community here in Hinckley , all of Medina County and beyond . ''
In a later post , Centner later thanked the public for their `` overwhelming '' response and a generous bounty of Christmas gifts for Tony , commenting that the police department `` lobby is full from the gifts that have been dropped off , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon .
Police said they first received a call about an abandoned child at Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 12:16 p.m. on Wednesday , from a witness who said she had seen a car , presumably driven by Tony 's parents , driving away from him `` at a high rate of speed . ''
The witness then `` observed a little boy running after the car followed by a dog '' before the vehicle left the cemetery .
Tony was quickly taken into custody before being placed in the temporary care of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will care for him in the longer term , although hundreds have volunteered to adopt the boy , including Centner , according to a report from ABC affiliate WEWS .
While it is not clear why Tony was abandoned , local officials have urged the public to restrain themselves in jumping to conclusions while the investigation moves forward .
`` It 's really easy for people to start prosecuting who did this and we do n't know who did it yet , '' Medina County Department of Job and Family Services Debbie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to slow everyone down and let 's not point fingers and presume it was a parent or grandparent or a brother or sister .
We do n't have that information yet . ''

A 3-year-old boy and his family dog were allegedly abandoned by the boy's parents at a Hinckley, Ohio cemetery two days before Christmas.
The Hinckley Township Police Department posted a picture of the boy, named Tony, along with a call for him to be identified on Wednesday afternoon, the same day that he was picked up from the cemetery following a report that he had been abandoned. Police quickly identified Tony's parents after the boy identified them as "David" and "Katy." The family dog was found in the cemetery later that night and returned to his father, according to local Fox affiliate WJW.
"While the investigation is still on going with a lot of questions still unanswered I want to assure everyone that Tony is doing very well in the loving home of a foster family here in Medina County," Hinckley Police Chief David Centner said in an update posted to the page Thursday afternoon. "His Dad has been very cooperative with us and Children Services in the investigation. I will release further information when I can."
"I would like to thank everyone for their kindness in wanting to buy Christmas presents for Tony, take him in and adopt him," he added. "You all are amazing people and why we have such a great community here in Hinckley, all of Medina County and beyond."
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In a later post, Centner later thanked the public for their "overwhelming" response and a generous bounty of Christmas gifts for Tony, commenting that the police department "lobby is full from the gifts that have been dropped off," which would be delivered to him soon.
Christmas wreaths placed at graves are seen dusted by snow in this photograph taken at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. in 2016. josephgruber/Getty
Police said they first received a call about an abandoned child at Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 12:16 p.m. on Wednesday, from a witness who said she had seen a car, presumably driven by Tony's parents, driving away from him "at a high rate of speed." The witness then "observed a little boy running after the car followed by a dog" before the vehicle left the cemetery.
Tony was quickly taken into custody before being placed in the temporary care of a foster family. It is not clear who will care for him in the longer term, although hundreds have volunteered to adopt the boy, including Centner, according to a report from ABC affiliate WEWS. While it is not clear why Tony was abandoned, local officials have urged the public to restrain themselves in jumping to conclusions while the investigation moves forward.
"It's really easy for people to start prosecuting who did this and we don't know who did it yet," Medina County Department of Job and Family Services Debbie Kiley told the news outlet. "I want to slow everyone down and let's not point fingers and presume it was a parent or grandparent or a brother or sister. We don't have that information yet."


newsweek--2020-12-25--'Wonder Woman 1984' Spoilers: Ending, Mid-Credits Scene Explained

American DC Cinematic Universe film fans got a Christmas present on Friday in the form of the HBO Max streaming debut of Wonder Woman 1984 , the sequel to 2017 's Wonder Woman .
Key moments in the new film provide callbacks to the history of the series , while the unlikely return of a character from the previous film happens thanks to a plot device that dominates the story .
A short sequence playing during the film 's end credits provides a nostalgic moment for fans of the franchise 's more distant past .
The plot of Wonder Woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the Dreamstone , which is able to grant the wishes of those who touch it while causing something undesirable to happen in return .
After the stone is brought to her attention by a new co-worker , Gal Gadot 's Wonder Woman , aka Diana Prince , unwittingly uses the artifact to bring back Chris Pine 's character Steve Trevor , who died in the first film .
The resurrection , achieved by Trevor possessing another man 's body , causes Prince 's superpowers to weaken and Trevor eventually convinces her to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The movie 's main antagonist , Pedro Pascal 's power-hungry businessman Maxwell Lord , uses the stone to essentially take on all of its powers , before quickly going on to dominate the world with numerous negative consequences .
Prince 's coworker Barbara , played by Kristen Wiig , uses the stone to become more powerful and transforms into the beastly Cheetah by the end of the film .
The climatic ending sequence features Wonder Woman facing off against Cheetah and defeating her , before moving onto Lord , who has plunged the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of satellite system to grant further wishes throughout the world .
The protagonist uses her Lasso of Truth to convince many around the world to renounce their wishes , while a vision of Lord 's son in peril amid the disarray finally convinces him to renounce his wish and pull the planet back from the brink of destruction .
With order restored , the last few minutes of the movie see Prince strolling outside during winter , along a busy street filled with people and Christmas decorations .
She then has what seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose body Trevor had possessed .
The final moments show Wonder Woman flying through the clouds before the credits roll .
Although the first Wonder Woman film did not have a bonus scene in the credits , the sequel features one that harkens back to the past of the Wonder Woman franchise with a notable cameo .
A dark-haired woman is seen walking through an outdoor market when a large wooden pole suddenly begins to fall .
The woman blocks the pole from hitting a child , whose mother then tries to thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mysterious woman turns around and is revealed to be Lynda Carter , who starred as Diana Prince in the 1970s Wonder Woman television series .
Carter introduces herself as `` Asteria . ''
She tells the mother `` I 've been doing this a long time '' and then winks to the camera before walking away .
Prince mentioned Asteria earlier in the film , explaining that she was a legendary Amazon warrior thought to be dead .
Towards the end of the movie , when Prince faces off against Cheetah , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is not clear whether Carter will appear as Asteria in a further sequel , but the cameo seems to raise the possibility .
In mid-November , Warner Bros. announced that Wonder Woman 1984 would debut on HBO Max on Christmas , the same day as a limited theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Weeks later the studio announced that their entire roster of films for 2021 , including hotly anticipated titles like Dune and The Matrix 4 , would follow the same pattern by debuting on the streaming service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and remaining available to stream for one month .

American DC Cinematic Universe film fans got a Christmas present on Friday in the form of the HBO Max streaming debut of Wonder Woman 1984, the sequel to 2017's Wonder Woman.
Key moments in the new film provide callbacks to the history of the series, while the unlikely return of a character from the previous film happens thanks to a plot device that dominates the story. A short sequence playing during the film's end credits provides a nostalgic moment for fans of the franchise's more distant past.
The plot of Wonder Woman 1984 centers on a magical artifact known as the Dreamstone, which is able to grant the wishes of those who touch it while causing something undesirable to happen in return. After the stone is brought to her attention by a new co-worker, Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman, aka Diana Prince, unwittingly uses the artifact to bring back Chris Pine's character Steve Trevor, who died in the first film. The resurrection, achieved by Trevor possessing another man's body, causes Prince's superpowers to weaken and Trevor eventually convinces her to restore order by renouncing her wish.
The movie's main antagonist, Pedro Pascal's power-hungry businessman Maxwell Lord, uses the stone to essentially take on all of its powers, before quickly going on to dominate the world with numerous negative consequences. Prince's coworker Barbara, played by Kristen Wiig, uses the stone to become more powerful and transforms into the beastly Cheetah by the end of the film.
A "Wonder Woman" backdrop is seen at the Comic Con Experience convention, or CCXP, in Sao Paulo, Brazil on December 6, 2019. Alexandre Schneider/Getty
The climatic ending sequence features Wonder Woman facing off against Cheetah and defeating her, before moving onto Lord, who has plunged the world into chaos while using new type of satellite system to grant further wishes throughout the world. The protagonist uses her Lasso of Truth to convince many around the world to renounce their wishes, while a vision of Lord's son in peril amid the disarray finally convinces him to renounce his wish and pull the planet back from the brink of destruction.
With order restored, the last few minutes of the movie see Prince strolling outside during winter, along a busy street filled with people and Christmas decorations. She then has what seems like a chance meeting with the man whose body Trevor had possessed. The final moments show Wonder Woman flying through the clouds before the credits roll.
Although the first Wonder Woman film did not have a bonus scene in the credits, the sequel features one that harkens back to the past of the Wonder Woman franchise with a notable cameo. A dark-haired woman is seen walking through an outdoor market when a large wooden pole suddenly begins to fall.
The woman blocks the pole from hitting a child, whose mother then tries to thank her for the good deed. The mysterious woman turns around and is revealed to be Lynda Carter, who starred as Diana Prince in the 1970s Wonder Woman television series.
Carter introduces herself as "Asteria." She tells the mother "I've been doing this a long time" and then winks to the camera before walking away. Prince mentioned Asteria earlier in the film, explaining that she was a legendary Amazon warrior thought to be dead. Towards the end of the movie, when Prince faces off against Cheetah, she is wearing Asteria's golden winged armor. It is not clear whether Carter will appear as Asteria in a further sequel, but the cameo seems to raise the possibility.
In mid-November, Warner Bros. announced that Wonder Woman 1984 would debut on HBO Max on Christmas, the same day as a limited theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Weeks later the studio announced that their entire roster of films for 2021, including hotly anticipated titles like Dune and The Matrix 4, would follow the same pattern by debuting on the streaming service on the same day as in theaters and remaining available to stream for one month.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Overwhelmed CA Hospital Places Gurneys in Gift Shop, Waiting Room in Outside Tent

A hospital in South Los Angeles has been so overwhelmed with new coronavirus cases that it has been forced to set up a tent outside to act as a waiting room .
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital ( MLKCH ) normally sees around 30 people , but with the coronavirus outbreak , frontline health care workers have had to serve over 100 people a day , according to a report from The New York Times .
The overflow is so severe that the lobby has been converted to a place to care for patients while an outside tent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting room .
Gurneys are now stored in the hospital 's gift shop .
`` Everything is backed up all the way to the street , '' said Dr. Oscar Casillas , the medical director of the hospital 's emergency department told the Times .
The hospital serves the low-income South Los Angeles area , which has a 72 percent higher mortality rate than the rest of L.A. , according to MLKCH .
Though the hospital only has 133 beds , as of Tuesday , it had 206 patients , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have more COVID patients now than hospitals that are three to four times larger than we are , '' Dr. Elaine Batchlor , the CEO of MLKCH , said Tuesday during a Covered California video conference .
`` The testing site on our campus , has a COVID positivity rate of 25 percent , versus 12 to 13 percent countywide .
We 're a small community hospital , 131 beds , and we have already exceeded our surge capacity .
We started this morning with 206 patients in our 131-bed hospital , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 29-bed emergency department . ''
Los Angeles County has the most COVID-19 deaths in the United States , according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Research Center .
As of Thursday , there have been 9,299 deaths in the county—accounting for nearly 3 percent of all the U.S. deaths—and 677,299 confirmed cases .
Of those deaths , over 1,000 have come in the last two weeks , according to Deadline .
The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on the frontline health care workers as well .
ICU nurse Angela Escobar described watching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as `` incredibly stressful , '' according to a MLKCH press release .
`` It 's such a sad virus , '' said Escobar .
`` You are the only person they see .
You build a relationship with them .
They depend on you—they express their feelings and their fears .
You are in the room when they cry with their family members during a remote call .
And then you see them start to decline .
They die by themselves and you are the only one with them . ''
Escobar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID patients were isolated and did not allow families to visit dying loved ones .
Due in part to Escobar 's efforts , the policy has changed .
`` The change was immensely important for patients and their families , '' said Anahiz Correa , head of the ICU nursing unit .
`` But it was also important for the nurses who care for them because they saw that their patients would not be alone at the end . ''
South Los Angeles is populated by mostly people of color .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the area are Latino and 28.7 percent are African American .
These demographics have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus .
Covered California Director Peter Lee said on the conference call that 60 percent of Latinos know someone who has died or been hospitalized due to COVID-19 .
That number jumps to 70 percent within the African American community , compared to 50 percent of white people .
`` The COVID pandemic is hitting the African-American community harder than any other community , '' Lee said .
`` Now the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now with us , but most of us will not be getting those vaccines until 2021 .
There 's also reason for concern .
Black Americans—only 40 percent say they 'd take a vaccine right now .
That is well below the rates of other communities .
About 80 percent of Asian communities say they 'd likely take a vaccine , 60 percent of Hispanics and whites . ''

A hospital in South Los Angeles has been so overwhelmed with new coronavirus cases that it has been forced to set up a tent outside to act as a waiting room.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital (MLKCH) normally sees around 30 people, but with the coronavirus outbreak, frontline health care workers have had to serve over 100 people a day, according to a report from The New York Times. The overflow is so severe that the lobby has been converted to a place to care for patients while an outside tent has been erected to act as a waiting room. Gurneys are now stored in the hospital's gift shop.
"Everything is backed up all the way to the street," said Dr. Oscar Casillas, the medical director of the hospital's emergency department told the Times.
The hospital serves the low-income South Los Angeles area, which has a 72 percent higher mortality rate than the rest of L.A., according to MLKCH. Though the hospital only has 133 beds, as of Tuesday, it had 206 patients, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
"We have more COVID patients now than hospitals that are three to four times larger than we are," Dr. Elaine Batchlor, the CEO of MLKCH, said Tuesday during a Covered California video conference. "The testing site on our campus, has a COVID positivity rate of 25 percent, versus 12 to 13 percent countywide. We're a small community hospital, 131 beds, and we have already exceeded our surge capacity. We started this morning with 206 patients in our 131-bed hospital, and 70 patients in the emergency department—that is a 29-bed emergency department."
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital is at 157 percent capacity as of Tuesday, due to surges in COVID-19 cases in South Los Angeles. Andrey Zhuravlev/iStock/Getty
Los Angeles County has the most COVID-19 deaths in the United States, according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Research Center. As of Thursday, there have been 9,299 deaths in the county—accounting for nearly 3 percent of all the U.S. deaths—and 677,299 confirmed cases. Of those deaths, over 1,000 have come in the last two weeks, according to Deadline.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on the frontline health care workers as well. ICU nurse Angela Escobar described watching patients die as she tried to help as "incredibly stressful," according to a MLKCH press release.
"It's such a sad virus," said Escobar. "You are the only person they see. You build a relationship with them. They depend on you—they express their feelings and their fears. You are in the room when they cry with their family members during a remote call. And then you see them start to decline. They die by themselves and you are the only one with them."
Escobar was describing an earlier MLKCH policy where COVID patients were isolated and did not allow families to visit dying loved ones. Due in part to Escobar's efforts, the policy has changed.
"The change was immensely important for patients and their families," said Anahiz Correa, head of the ICU nursing unit. "But it was also important for the nurses who care for them because they saw that their patients would not be alone at the end."
South Los Angeles is populated by mostly people of color. According to the 2014 census, 61 percent of people in the area are Latino and 28.7 percent are African American. These demographics have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus. Covered California Director Peter Lee said on the conference call that 60 percent of Latinos know someone who has died or been hospitalized due to COVID-19. That number jumps to 70 percent within the African American community, compared to 50 percent of white people.
"The COVID pandemic is hitting the African-American community harder than any other community," Lee said. "Now the good news is, the vaccines are now with us, but most of us will not be getting those vaccines until 2021. There's also reason for concern. Black Americans—only 40 percent say they'd take a vaccine right now. That is well below the rates of other communities. About 80 percent of Asian communities say they'd likely take a vaccine, 60 percent of Hispanics and whites."


newsweek--2020-12-25--Human Remains in Nashville RV That Broadcast 15-minute Countdown to Bombing

Nashville Police Chief John Drake said that `` tissue '' had been found at the site of the massive explosion that shook the city on Christmas Day , with the tissue reportedly consisting of human remains .
Three people were injured in the early morning blast .
The explosion originated from an RV parked in downtown Nashville .
Witnesses said that a 15-minute countdown to the explosion was broadcast from the vehicle , warning those nearby to `` evacuate '' the area due to a bomb .
It is not clear whether anyone was inside the RV .
No further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , Drake said that police believe the tissue `` could be '' remains , while two law enforcement officials , speaking on the condition of anonymity , told The Associated Press that human remains were found in the area .
`` We have found tissue that we believe could be remains , '' Drake said after being asked to confirm if remains had been found during an evening press conference .
`` We 'll have that examined , and then we 'll be able to let you know from that point .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it was someone inside , we have no idea , it was such a large explosion , '' he added .
`` The investigation is continuing .
There 's matter all over the area down there .
So , we 'll continue to examine that to see if it 's human remains . ''
When asked for an `` estimate '' on the number of fatalities at the scene , Drake reiterated that no deaths had been confirmed , saying `` right now , it 's no known fatalities , that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on social media appears to show the explosion from a video camera placed nearby .
A recorded voice can be heard on the video repeating `` this area must be evacuated now , '' before saying , `` If you can hear this message , evacuate now '' twice .
The image then quickly flashes and goes white as a large explosion is heard .
The motive of those who carried out the apparently intentional incident remains unclear , although an ongoing investigation could help to clear up some of the uncertainties soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was from a person who perished in the explosion .
All three of the people who were injured were reported to be hospitalized in stable condition as of Friday night .
`` We 're following up on every lead that we can , '' Drake said .
`` Why Christmas morning ?
We have no idea , it was a total surprise .
In fact , when I was briefed this morning I thought maybe it was going to be a propane explosion from an RV but it turned out to be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following up on tips that are coming in now , '' he added .
`` We 'll continue our investigative efforts . ''
Newsweek reached out to the Nashville Police Department for comment .

Nashville Police Chief John Drake said that "tissue" had been found at the site of the massive explosion that shook the city on Christmas Day, with the tissue reportedly consisting of human remains.
Three people were injured in the early morning blast. The explosion originated from an RV parked in downtown Nashville. Witnesses said that a 15-minute countdown to the explosion was broadcast from the vehicle, warning those nearby to "evacuate" the area due to a bomb. It is not clear whether anyone was inside the RV.
No further injuries or deaths have been confirmed. However, Drake said that police believe the tissue "could be" remains, while two law enforcement officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that human remains were found in the area.
"We have found tissue that we believe could be remains," Drake said after being asked to confirm if remains had been found during an evening press conference. "We'll have that examined, and then we'll be able to let you know from that point."
"The RV was detonated so if it was someone inside, we have no idea, it was such a large explosion," he added. "The investigation is continuing. There's matter all over the area down there. So, we'll continue to examine that to see if it's human remains."
Emergency vehicles surround an area damaged by a large explosion in downtown Nashville, Tennessee on December 25, 2020. Terry Wyatt/Getty
When asked for an "estimate" on the number of fatalities at the scene, Drake reiterated that no deaths had been confirmed, saying "right now, it's no known fatalities, that we know of."
A video appearing on social media appears to show the explosion from a video camera placed nearby. A recorded voice can be heard on the video repeating "this area must be evacuated now," before saying, "If you can hear this message, evacuate now" twice. The image then quickly flashes and goes white as a large explosion is heard.
Nashville explosion:
“If you can hear this message - evacuate now.”
omg...pic.twitter.com/xWZDgnEhmg — Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) December 25, 2020
The motive of those who carried out the apparently intentional incident remains unclear, although an ongoing investigation could help to clear up some of the uncertainties soon, in particular whether the tissue found was from a person who perished in the explosion. All three of the people who were injured were reported to be hospitalized in stable condition as of Friday night.
"We're following up on every lead that we can," Drake said. "Why Christmas morning? We have no idea, it was a total surprise. In fact, when I was briefed this morning I thought maybe it was going to be a propane explosion from an RV but it turned out to be an intentional act."
"We're following up on tips that are coming in now," he added. "We'll continue our investigative efforts."
Newsweek reached out to the Nashville Police Department for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-25--On Christmas Day, Joe Biden Warns Against Large Gatherings: 'Not This Year'

President-elect Joe Biden and his wife , Dr. Jill Biden , released their Christmas message Friday morning .
In their well-wishes for the season , the Bidens also asked Americans to stay home this year and not have large family gatherings .
The video , posted to Joe Biden 's official Twitter , has 1.7 million views as of this writing .
The video shows the Bidens sharing a couch , addressing the camera .
`` Merry Christmas , Happy Holidays .
Jill and I wish you and your family peace , joy , health and happiness this season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you in our nation , this has been a very difficult year , '' Joe Biden said , opening the video .
`` Many of our fellow Americans are struggling to find work , literally put food on the table , pay their rent or their mortgage .
We 're reminded we 're on this Earth to care for one another , to give what we can and to be a source of help and hope to friend and stranger alike . ''
Dr. Jill Biden spoke of the losses of this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thanks to the new COVID-19 vaccines recently approved by the FDA , as well as Americans helping others .
`` Many families are facing their first Christmas having lost a loved one .
And Joe and I know that sorrow .
And we know how in times of grief , a kind word can mean so much .
This is also a season of gratitude .
And we 're so thankful for the frontline and essential workers who have put themselves at risk for all of us .
And for the scientists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines that are an incredible scientific breakthrough .
And we 're thinking of our service members for far from home and the loved ones who miss them .
Our family knows your sacrifice , and our hearts are with you , '' she said .
Joe Biden then urged people to stay home in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
`` We usually have 20 to 25 people over Christmas Eve for dinner , but not this year .
Well , we 're gon na miss our family , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep our family safe .
We hope you 'll consider limiting travel and the size of family gatherings as well this year , '' he said .
Dr. Jill Biden added , `` Even as our celebrations are dimmed , we know that this wo n't be forever , and brighter days are coming soon .
On this holy day , we remember that love and joy can be shared across the farthest distances , we celebrate apart , but not alone , and look forward to next year , when we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and the traditions we love . ''
Despite pleas from the Bidens and scientists , many people are not heeding warnings to stay home .
The TSA reported that over 1 million travelers were screened at airports on Wednesday , the busiest air-travel day since March .
Another 3 million were screened during the weekend , and the number of air travelers on Tuesday was just shy of 1 million .
COVID-19 cases and deaths have sharply risen this winter .
The Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center reports a case spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million new cases reported that day .
As of Friday at 5:22 p.m. , Johns Hopkins reports 330,149 total deaths in the United States and 18.7 million total U.S. cases .
Hospitalizations in the U.S. have been at record levels since early November .
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington has predicted that by January 10 , there could be over 1 million new cases in the U.S. per day .
However , that number could be more than halved with `` rapid vaccine rollout , '' @ @ @ @

President-elect Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, released their Christmas message Friday morning. In their well-wishes for the season, the Bidens also asked Americans to stay home this year and not have large family gatherings.
The video, posted to Joe Biden's official Twitter, has 1.7 million views as of this writing. The video shows the Bidens sharing a couch, addressing the camera.
"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. Jill and I wish you and your family peace, joy, health and happiness this season. But we know for so many of you in our nation, this has been a very difficult year," Joe Biden said, opening the video. "Many of our fellow Americans are struggling to find work, literally put food on the table, pay their rent or their mortgage. We're reminded we're on this Earth to care for one another, to give what we can and to be a source of help and hope to friend and stranger alike."
Dr. Jill Biden spoke of the losses of this year, but shared a feeling of hope, thanks to the new COVID-19 vaccines recently approved by the FDA, as well as Americans helping others.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. pic.twitter.com/NzVEFFfrG1 — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 25, 2020
"Many families are facing their first Christmas having lost a loved one. And Joe and I know that sorrow. And we know how in times of grief, a kind word can mean so much. This is also a season of gratitude. And we're so thankful for the frontline and essential workers who have put themselves at risk for all of us. And for the scientists and researchers who have worked to deliver vaccines that are an incredible scientific breakthrough. And we're thinking of our service members for far from home and the loved ones who miss them. Our family knows your sacrifice, and our hearts are with you," she said.
President-elect Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden—shown here receiving COVID-19 vaccinations on Monday—urged Americans to stay home and not hold large family gatherings this Christmas. Joshua Roberts/Getty
Joe Biden then urged people to stay home in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.
"We usually have 20 to 25 people over Christmas Eve for dinner, but not this year. Well, we're gonna miss our family, but it's what we need to do to keep our family safe. We hope you'll consider limiting travel and the size of family gatherings as well this year," he said.
Dr. Jill Biden added, "Even as our celebrations are dimmed, we know that this won't be forever, and brighter days are coming soon. On this holy day, we remember that love and joy can be shared across the farthest distances, we celebrate apart, but not alone, and look forward to next year, when we can come together with renewed appreciation for the people and the traditions we love."
Despite pleas from the Bidens and scientists, many people are not heeding warnings to stay home. The TSA reported that over 1 million travelers were screened at airports on Wednesday, the busiest air-travel day since March. Another 3 million were screened during the weekend, and the number of air travelers on Tuesday was just shy of 1 million.
COVID-19 cases and deaths have sharply risen this winter. The Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center reports a case spike on December 10, with nearly 1.5 million new cases reported that day. As of Friday at 5:22 p.m., Johns Hopkins reports 330,149 total deaths in the United States and 18.7 million total U.S. cases. Hospitalizations in the U.S. have been at record levels since early November.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington has predicted that by January 10, there could be over 1 million new cases in the U.S. per day. However, that number could be more than halved with "rapid vaccine rollout," the institute said.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Who Is Terpsichore Maras-Lindeman? Powell Witness Identified As a Pro-Trump Podcaster

Terpsichore Maras-Lindeman , the witness who claimed to be a private intelligence contractor in testimonies meant to back Sidney Powell 's election lawsuits , is a conservative podcaster and supporter of President Donald Trump .
In a Thursday report , The Washington Post identified Maras-Lindeman as Powell 's witness , who was described as a `` private contractor with experience gathering and analyzing foreign intelligence . ''
The former Trump campaign lawyer filed a stack of affidavits earlier month .
As the Post noted , language that appeared in a redacted affidavit bore striking resemblance to a blog post written @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called Tore Says .
Both the blog post and affidavit present similar arguments alleging U.S. presidential ballot tallies were manipulated by government forces abroad .
Maras-Lindeman reportedly acknowledged that she wrote the affidavit in comments to the newspaper .
The podcaster describes herself as an `` independent journalist .
In a recent episode of Tore Says , she promoted Trump 's unfounded , widely discredited claims of a stolen presidential election .
Her recent social media activity features a handful of retweeted posts originally shared on Trump 's account , including one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that reads , `` VOTER FRAUD IS NOT A CONSPIRACY THEORY , IT IS A FACT !
!
! ''
In her affidavit , cited under Exhibit 13 in Powell 's court documents , Maras-Lindeman identifies as a `` private contractor with experience gathering and analyzing foreign intelligence , '' in addition to `` trained Cryptolinguist . ''
The testimony goes on to suggest that foreign government actors interfered with election results and implicates electronic voting software used to tabulate ballots across the country .
The allegations closely align with those pushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team in the aftermath of November 's election .
The president has yet to admit President-elect Joe Biden 's election win .
Instead , his camp has filed numerous lawsuits seeking to challenge election outcomes in various swing states and counties where Biden won .
Although the vast majority of legal actions proved immediately unsuccessful in court , Trump has continued to insist that the election results were skewed to favor his opponent .
Powell resigned from the Trump campaign 's legal team in the weeks following Election Day , although the attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's victory .
After promising to `` release the Kraken '' with a series of lawsuits that would prove Trump 's loss was contrived , she filed a number of lengthy legal actions that garnered criticism for far-fetched accusations , typographical errors and lack of evidentiary support .
The Post previously identified another confidential witness , whose election fraud testimony Powell included in one of her lawsuits , in a report that debunked his credibility .
Newsweek reached out to Maras-Lindeman for comment .

Terpsichore Maras-Lindeman, the witness who claimed to be a private intelligence contractor in testimonies meant to back Sidney Powell's election lawsuits, is a conservative podcaster and supporter of President Donald Trump.
In a Thursday report, The Washington Post identified Maras-Lindeman as Powell's witness, who was described as a "private contractor with experience gathering and analyzing foreign intelligence." The former Trump campaign lawyer filed a stack of affidavits earlier month.
As the Post noted, language that appeared in a redacted affidavit bore striking resemblance to a blog post written by Maras-Lindeman, who operates a podcast called Tore Says.
Both the blog post and affidavit present similar arguments alleging U.S. presidential ballot tallies were manipulated by government forces abroad. Maras-Lindeman reportedly acknowledged that she wrote the affidavit in comments to the newspaper.
Terpsichore Maras-Lindeman, one of the confidential witnesses that penned an affidavit for Sidney Powell's election fraud lawsuits, was identified as a pro-Trump podcaster. A November 19, 2020 photo shows Sidney Powell speaking during a press conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, DC. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
The podcaster describes herself as an "independent journalist. In a recent episode of Tore Says, she promoted Trump's unfounded, widely discredited claims of a stolen presidential election. Her recent social media activity features a handful of retweeted posts originally shared on Trump's account, including one, flagged by Twitter for its unsubstantiated claims, that reads, "VOTER FRAUD IS NOT A CONSPIRACY THEORY, IT IS A FACT!!!"
In her affidavit, cited under Exhibit 13 in Powell's court documents, Maras-Lindeman identifies as a "private contractor with experience gathering and analyzing foreign intelligence," in addition to "trained Cryptolinguist."
The testimony goes on to suggest that foreign government actors interfered with election results and implicates electronic voting software used to tabulate ballots across the country.
The allegations closely align with those pushed by Trump, his campaign and legal team in the aftermath of November's election. The president has yet to admit President-elect Joe Biden's election win. Instead, his camp has filed numerous lawsuits seeking to challenge election outcomes in various swing states and counties where Biden won. Although the vast majority of legal actions proved immediately unsuccessful in court, Trump has continued to insist that the election results were skewed to favor his opponent.
Powell resigned from the Trump campaign's legal team in the weeks following Election Day, although the attorney did not halt efforts to undermine Biden's victory.
After promising to "release the Kraken" with a series of lawsuits that would prove Trump's loss was contrived, she filed a number of lengthy legal actions that garnered criticism for far-fetched accusations, typographical errors and lack of evidentiary support.
The Post previously identified another confidential witness, whose election fraud testimony Powell included in one of her lawsuits, in a report that debunked his credibility.
Newsweek reached out to Maras-Lindeman for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Gets COVID-19 Vaccine in Televised Broadcast

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine during a live broadcast on Friday , according to state media .
Prince Mohammed was administered the vaccine in line with the Saudi Health Ministry 's national COVID-19 vaccination plan , a report from the Saudi Press Agency said .
Saudi Arabia 's health minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah also received the vaccine on Friday , and applauded Prince Mohammed `` for his keenness and ongoing follow-up to provide vaccines to citizens and residents , '' the report said .
The country received its first shipments of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and began its vaccination campaign on December 17 , according to The Hill .
The health minister referred to the campaign as a `` prevention is better than cure '' policy , which is `` represented by intensifying proactive precautionary measures , emphasizing that human health is first , providing safe and internationally recognized vaccines , in record time , and presenting the vaccines to citizens and residents , alike , '' the press agency reported .
Saudi Arabia has recorded 361,903 coronavirus cases and 6,168 deaths since the pandemic first began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins University .
The country reported 178 new cases and nine new deaths in the past 24 hours .
Prince Mohammed 's broadcasted vaccination follows suit with several other political leaders who have been given their first jabs on television .
Last week , Israel 's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received his first dose during a live broadcast .
President-elect Joe Biden received his first dose of the vaccine in front of cameras on Monday , and Vice President Mike Pence said he `` did n't feel a thing , '' after receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 .
Biden said he was eager to get the vaccination on camera in order raise public trust and awareness of its safety .
Vice-president elect Kamala Harris is scheduled to get her first dose in public next week .
`` I 'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it 's available to take the vaccine , '' he said after receiving his shot at a hospital in Wilmington , Delaware .
But President Donald Trump has still not said whether or not he will receive the vaccination before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As of Thursday , more than 1 million Americans have been inoculated , Robert Redfield , director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , said in a press release .
`` While we celebrate this historic milestone , we also acknowledge the challenging path ahead .
There is currently a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. , but supply will increase in the weeks and months to come , '' Redfield said .
`` The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get vaccinated against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are available . ''
Newsweek reached out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia for comment .

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine during a live broadcast on Friday, according to state media.
Prince Mohammed was administered the vaccine in line with the Saudi Health Ministry's national COVID-19 vaccination plan, a report from the Saudi Press Agency said.
Saudi Arabia's health minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah also received the vaccine on Friday, and applauded Prince Mohammed "for his keenness and ongoing follow-up to provide vaccines to citizens and residents," the report said.
The country received its first shipments of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine earlier this month, and began its vaccination campaign on December 17, according to The Hill.
The health minister referred to the campaign as a "prevention is better than cure" policy, which is "represented by intensifying proactive precautionary measures, emphasizing that human health is first, providing safe and internationally recognized vaccines, in record time, and presenting the vaccines to citizens and residents, alike," the press agency reported.
Saudi Arabia has recorded 361,903 coronavirus cases and 6,168 deaths since the pandemic first began, according to data from the Johns Hopkins University. The country reported 178 new cases and nine new deaths in the past 24 hours.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received his first coronavirus vaccine during a live broadcast on Friday. In this photo, he attends a meeting with Lebanon's Christian Maronite patriarch on November 14, 2017, in Riyadh. FAYEZ NURELDINE/Getty
Prince Mohammed's broadcasted vaccination follows suit with several other political leaders who have been given their first jabs on television. Last week, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received his first dose during a live broadcast.
President-elect Joe Biden received his first dose of the vaccine in front of cameras on Monday, and Vice President Mike Pence said he "didn't feel a thing," after receiving a dose on live television on December 18.
Biden said he was eager to get the vaccination on camera in order raise public trust and awareness of its safety. Vice-president elect Kamala Harris is scheduled to get her first dose in public next week.
"I'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it's available to take the vaccine," he said after receiving his shot at a hospital in Wilmington, Delaware.
But President Donald Trump has still not said whether or not he will receive the vaccination before departing from the White House in January.
As of Thursday, more than 1 million Americans have been inoculated, Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a press release.
"While we celebrate this historic milestone, we also acknowledge the challenging path ahead. There is currently a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S., but supply will increase in the weeks and months to come," Redfield said. "The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as large enough quantities are available."
Newsweek reached out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia for comment.