newsweek--2020-12-19--'ARK' Winter Wonderland 5 Tips: GachaClaus, RaptorClaus, Mistletoe and Coal Explained

ARK : Survival Evolved Winter Wonderland 5 is underway December 17 through January 7 , and we want to make sure you 're fully acquainted with the returning and new gameplay mechanics associated with this festive limited-time event .
Want to know where to find Coal and Mistletoe ?
Curious about the potential to tame GachaClaus ?
We 've got you covered with all the details you 're looking for with or without cheats .
How to get Coal and Mistletoe and what to do with it ?
The main currencies for the ARK Winter Wonderland event are Mistletoe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you must wait for RaptorClaus to arrive .
He makes his presence known once the in-game timer strikes midnight , and he stays till about 2 a.m. You 'll see him , and his festive sleigh , in the sky .
The real challenge , though , is catching the presents he drops .
Use the fastest flyer in your tribe , and seek out the glowing objects as they fall .
Given that every player on your server is likely hunting for the same thing , you 'll have to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage to find a gift box , opening it functions just like a standard loot box featured in many other games .
It can contain a wide variety of items including large chunks of consumables , Chibis , weapons , blueprints and saddles .
Most importantly , these parcels also have a small purse of Coal and Mistletoe as well .
The Coal and Mistletoe you collect can be used in two different ways .
Holiday items can be crafted directly via the Cooking Pot in the `` Holiday '' folder just like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can spend larger amounts of Coal and Mistletoe to get the exact skins you want .
If you 'd like to try your hand at something a little more random , you can also take just one Coal and one Mistletoe to one of the many different GachaClaus creatures scattered around the map .
Place the two consumables in his inventory , and in a few moments he 'll drop a Gacha Crystal .
Open the crystals in your inventory to get a random holiday item or Chibi .
And no , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under any circumstances .
• Male and Female Noglin Swimsuit Skin : five Coal and five Mistletoe • Male and Female Yeti Swimsuit Skin : five Coal and five Mistletoe • Christmas Bola Skin : five Fiber , two Electronics , three , Coal , three Mistletoe • Holiday Lights : one Crystal , three Fiber , one Mistletoe • Snowman : 20 Fiber , seven Mistletoe , five Obsidian , one Rockroot , eight Wood You 'll need lots of Mistletoe , Coal and other materials if you want to make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are also cheats available for those who 'd like to cut out the grind and get right to the festive fun .
Type in these specific codes , and you 'll be able to check out all the new skins and Chibis as fast as your fingers can enter the password .
To enable cheats in ARK , press tab on PC or use L1 + R1 + Square + Triangle [ PS4 ] or LB + RB + X + Y [ Xbox One ] .
This opens the cheat menu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single-player game , start by typing `` enablecheats . ''
For the most part , cheats are disabled in multiplayer .
Once cheats have been turned on , here are the spawn codes for each new and returning item .
That 's all you need to know about playing ARK Winter Wonderland 5 with and without cheats .
With these tips , you should be able to experience everything the limited-time event has to offer .
ARK : Survival Evolved is available now on PC , Xbox One , PS4 , Switch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think of Winter Wonderland 5 so far ?
Have you been able to collect all the new Chibis ?
Tell us in the comments section !

ARK: Survival Evolved Winter Wonderland 5 is underway December 17 through January 7, and we want to make sure you're fully acquainted with the returning and new gameplay mechanics associated with this festive limited-time event. Want to know where to find Coal and Mistletoe? Curious about the potential to tame GachaClaus? We've got you covered with all the details you're looking for with or without cheats.
'ARK: Survival Evolved' Winter Wonderland 5 is active through January 7. Learn about Mistletoe, Coal and GachaClaus below. 'ARK' is available now on PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, Mac and Linux. Studio Wildcard
How to get Coal and Mistletoe and what to do with it?
The main currencies for the ARK Winter Wonderland event are Mistletoe and Coal. In order to get them, you must wait for RaptorClaus to arrive. He makes his presence known once the in-game timer strikes midnight, and he stays till about 2 a.m. You'll see him, and his festive sleigh, in the sky. The real challenge, though, is catching the presents he drops. Use the fastest flyer in your tribe, and seek out the glowing objects as they fall. Given that every player on your server is likely hunting for the same thing, you'll have to work quickly to be successful.
If you manage to find a gift box, opening it functions just like a standard loot box featured in many other games. It can contain a wide variety of items including large chunks of consumables, Chibis, weapons, blueprints and saddles. Most importantly, these parcels also have a small purse of Coal and Mistletoe as well.
The Coal and Mistletoe you collect can be used in two different ways. Holiday items can be crafted directly via the Cooking Pot in the "Holiday" folder just like all previous events. Through this method you can spend larger amounts of Coal and Mistletoe to get the exact skins you want.
RaptorClaus drops the Coal and Mistletoe that you can trade to GachaClaus for holiday cosmetics. Studio Wildcard
If you'd like to try your hand at something a little more random, you can also take just one Coal and one Mistletoe to one of the many different GachaClaus creatures scattered around the map. Place the two consumables in his inventory, and in a few moments he'll drop a Gacha Crystal. Open the crystals in your inventory to get a random holiday item or Chibi. And no, you can't tame GachaClaus or RaptorClaus under any circumstances.
Rex Sweater Skin: 10 Mistletoe, 10 Coal, 20 Fiber
Carolers Sweater Skin: 10 Mistletoe, 10 Coal, 20 Fiber
Bulbdog Sweater Skin: 10 Mistletoe, 10 Coal, 20 Fiber
Blue Winter Beanie: two Mistletoe, two Coal, 10 Fiber
Purple Winter Beanie: two Mistletoe, two Coal, 10 Fiber
Green Winter Beanie: two Mistletoe, two Coal, 10 Fiber
Male and Female Noglin Swimsuit Skin: five Coal and five Mistletoe
Male and Female Yeti Swimsuit Skin: five Coal and five Mistletoe
Candy Cane Club Skin: 15 Crystal, five Metal or Scrap Ingot, 40 Mistletoe
Christmas Bola Skin: five Fiber, two Electronics, three, Coal, three Mistletoe
Nutcracker Slingshot Skin: two Wood, 10 Fiber, one Hide, 10 Coal, 10 Mistletoe
Dino Ornament Swim Bottom Skin: five Mistletoe, five Coal
Dino Ornament Swim Top Skin: five Mistletoe, five Coal
Jerboa Wreath Swim Bottom Skin: five Mistletoe, five Coal
Jerboa Wreath Swim Top Skin: five Mistletoe, five Coal
Ugly Bronto Sweater Skin: 10 Mistletoe, 10 Coal, 20 Fiber
Ugly Carno Sweater Skin: 10 Mistletoe, 10 Coal, 20 Fiber
Ugly Chibi Sweater Skin: 10 Mistletoe, 10 Coal, 20 Fiber
Gray Winter Beanie Skin: two Mistletoe, two Coal, 10 Fiber
Purple Winter Beanie Skin: two Mistletoe, two Coal, 10 Fiber
Red Winter Beanie Skin: two Mistletoe, two Coal, 10 Fiber
Felt Reindeer Antlers Skin: two Mistletoe, two Coal, 10 Fiber
Santa Hat Skin: 90 Fiber, eight Hide, 30 Mistletoe, 25 Pelt
Holiday Lights: one Crystal, three Fiber, one Mistletoe
Holiday Stocking: 25 Fiber, eight Hide, two Mistletoe
Holiday Tree: 80 Fiber, 10 Mistletoe, 40 Thatch, 80 Wood
Gift Box: 20 Fiber, eight Mistletoe, 20 Thatch
Snowman: 20 Fiber, seven Mistletoe, five Obsidian, one Rockroot, eight Wood
ARK Winter Wonderland 5 spawn commands
Use these spawn command cheats and you can take advantage of everything Winter Wonderland 5 has so offer. Studio Wildcard
You'll need lots of Mistletoe, Coal and other materials if you want to make the most of Winter Wonderland 5, but there are also cheats available for those who'd like to cut out the grind and get right to the festive fun. Type in these specific codes, and you'll be able to check out all the new skins and Chibis as fast as your fingers can enter the password.
To enable cheats in ARK, press tab on PC or use L1 + R1 + Square + Triangle [PS4] or LB + RB + X + Y [Xbox One]. This opens the cheat menu. When first trying cheats in a single-player game, start by typing "enablecheats." For the most part, cheats are disabled in multiplayer. Once cheats have been turned on, here are the spawn codes for each new and returning item.
Coal : cheat GFI Coal 1 0 0
: cheat GFI Coal 1 0 0 Mistletoe : cheat GFI Mistletoe 1 0 0
: cheat GFI Mistletoe 1 0 0 Rex Sweater Skin : cheat GFI XmasSweater_Rex 1 0 0
: cheat GFI XmasSweater_Rex 1 0 0 Carolers Sweater Skin : cheat GFI XmasSweater_Carolers 1 0 0
: cheat GFI XmasSweater_Carolers 1 0 0 Bulbdog Sweater Skin : cheat GFI XmasSweater_Bulbdog 1 0 0
: cheat GFI XmasSweater_Bulbdog 1 0 0 Blue Winter Beanie : cheat GFI WinterHatD 1 0 0
: cheat GFI WinterHatD 1 0 0 Purple Winter Beanie : cheat GFI WinterHatC 1 0 0
: cheat GFI WinterHatC 1 0 0 Green Winter Beanie : cheat GFI WinterHatF 1 0 0
: cheat GFI WinterHatF 1 0 0 Male and Female Noglin Swimsuit Skin
Male and Female Yeti Swimsuit Skin : [ttop] cheat GFI SwimShirt_Noglin 1 0 0 / [bottom] cheat GFI Underwear_Noglin 1 0 0
: [ttop] cheat GFI SwimShirt_Noglin 1 0 0 / [bottom] cheat GFI Underwear_Noglin 1 0 0 Candy Cane Club Skin : cheat GFI CandyClub 1 0 0
: cheat GFI CandyClub 1 0 0 Christmas Bola Skin : cheat GFI Xmas_Bola 1 0 0
: cheat GFI Xmas_Bola 1 0 0 Nutcracker Slingshot Skin : cheat GFI Nutcracker_Slingshot 1 0 0
: cheat GFI Nutcracker_Slingshot 1 0 0 Dino Ornament Swim Bottom Skin : cheat GFI Underwear_DinoOrnament 1 0 0
: cheat GFI Underwear_DinoOrnament 1 0 0 Dino Ornament Swim Top Skin : cheat GFI SwimShirt_DinoOrnament 1 0 0
: cheat GFI SwimShirt_DinoOrnament 1 0 0 Jerboa Wreath Swim Bottom Skin : cheat GFI Underwear_JerboaWreath1 0 0
: cheat GFI Underwear_JerboaWreath1 0 0 Jerboa Wreath Swim Top Skin : cheat GFI SwimShirt_JerboaWreath 1 0 0
: cheat GFI SwimShirt_JerboaWreath 1 0 0 Ugly Bronto Sweater Skin : cheat GFI XmasSweaterBronto 1 0 0
: cheat GFI XmasSweaterBronto 1 0 0 Ugly Carno Sweater Skin : cheat GFI XmasSweaterCarno 1 0 0
: cheat GFI XmasSweaterCarno 1 0 0 Ugly Chibi Sweater Skin : cheat GFI XmasSweaterChibi 1 0 0
: cheat GFI XmasSweaterChibi 1 0 0 Gray Winter Beanie Skin : cheat GFI WinterHatB 1 0 0
: cheat GFI WinterHatB 1 0 0 Purple Winter Beanie Skin : cheat GFI WinterHatE 1 0 0
: cheat GFI WinterHatE 1 0 0 Red Winter Beanie Skin : cheat GFI WinterHatA 1 0 0
: cheat GFI WinterHatA 1 0 0 Felt Reindeer Antlers Skin : cheat GFI Antlers 1 0 0
: cheat GFI Antlers 1 0 0 Santa Hat Skin : cheat GFI SantaHat 1 0 0
: cheat GFI SantaHat 1 0 0 Holiday Lights : cheat GFI XmasLights 1 0 0
: cheat GFI XmasLights 1 0 0 Holiday Stocking : cheat GFI Stocking 1 0 0
: cheat GFI Stocking 1 0 0 Holiday Tree : cheat GFI ChristmasTree 1 0 0
: cheat GFI ChristmasTree 1 0 0 Gift Box : cheat GFI ChristmasGift 1 0 0
: cheat GFI ChristmasGift 1 0 0 Snowman : cheat GFI Snowman 1 0 0
: cheat GFI Snowman 1 0 0 Shinehorn Chibi : cheat GFI chibidino_shinehorn 1 0 0
: cheat GFI chibidino_shinehorn 1 0 0 Featherlight Chibi : cheat GFI chibidino_featherlight 1 0 0
: cheat GFI chibidino_featherlight 1 0 0 Bulbdog Chibi : cheat GFI chibidino_builbdog 1 0 0
: cheat GFI chibidino_builbdog 1 0 0 Reindeer Chibi : cheat GFI chibidino_reindeer 1 0 0
: cheat GFI chibidino_reindeer 1 0 0 Glowtail Chibi : cheat GFI chibidino_glowtail 1 0 0
: cheat GFI chibidino_glowtail 1 0 0 GachaClaus Chibi : cheat GFI chibidino_gacha 1 0 0
: cheat GFI chibidino_gacha 1 0 0 Top-hat Kairuku Chibi: cheat GFI chibidino_tophat 1 0 0
That's all you need to know about playing ARK Winter Wonderland 5 with and without cheats. With these tips, you should be able to experience everything the limited-time event has to offer.
ARK: Survival Evolved is available now on PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, Mac and Linux.
What do you think of Winter Wonderland 5 so far? Have you been able to collect all the new Chibis? Tell us in the comments section!


newsweek--2020-12-19--Trump Finally Comments on the SolarWinds Hack—and Ties It to His Election Loss

In his first tweets addressing the SolarWinds cyberattack affecting U.S. government agencies , President Donald Trump suggested the hack might be related to the alleged voter fraud that he claims cost him the election .
In a pair of tweets on Saturday , the president addressed the hack , which had been uncovered by the Department of Homeland Security 's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency ( CISA ) , as previously reported .
His silence on the matter had been widely noted .
In his tweets , Trump seemed to downplay the severity of the attack , writing , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Fake News Media than in actuality .
I have been fully briefed and everything is well under control . ''
In an interview Friday with CNN , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said , `` I think it 's the case that now we can say pretty clearly that it was the Russians that engaged in this activity . ''
Despite Pompeo 's remark , the president suggested that the hack may have had a different foreign source , although it seemed to be just an idea rather than a definitive statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when anything happens because Lamestream is , for mostly financial reasons , petrified of discussing the possibility that it may be China ( it may ! )
, '' Trump tweeted .
Trump then suggested that the hack may have been part of a voter fraud conspiracy that cost him the election .
`` There could also have been a hit on our ridiculous voting machines during the election , which is now obvious that I won big , making it an even more corrupted embarrassment for the USA , '' he wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and electoral votes have been cast , finalizing the victory of President-elect Joe Biden .
Trump also tagged Pompeo and John Ratcliffe , the director of national intelligence , in his tweet .
Former CISA director Chris Krebs tweeted Saturday that the voter fraud claims connected to the hack are unfounded .
`` Do not conflate voting system security and SolarWinds .
The proof is in the paper .
You can audit or recount again to confirm the outcome .
Like they did in Georgia .
And Michigan .
And Wisconsin .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he wrote .
Regarding the hack , on Wednesday the FBI , CISA and Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a joint statement acknowledging that there had been a `` significant and ongoing cybersecurity campaign . ''
The CISA released an emergency directive telling agencies to stop using SolarWinds Orion products .
`` CISA is engaging with our public and private stakeholders across the critical infrastructure community to ensure they understand their exposure and are taking steps to identify and mitigate any compromises , '' the statement said .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the attack may be grounds for retaliation from the United States .
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment .
Update 12/19/20 1:56 p.m .
ET : This story has been updated to include Chris Krebbs ' tweet .

In his first tweets addressing the SolarWinds cyberattack affecting U.S. government agencies, President Donald Trump suggested the hack might be related to the alleged voter fraud that he claims cost him the election.
In a pair of tweets on Saturday, the president addressed the hack, which had been uncovered by the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), as previously reported. His silence on the matter had been widely noted.
In his tweets, Trump seemed to downplay the severity of the attack, writing, "The Cyber Hack is far greater in the Fake News Media than in actuality. I have been fully briefed and everything is well under control."
....discussing the possibility that it may be China (it may!). There could also have been a hit on our ridiculous voting machines during the election, which is now obvious that I won big, making it an even more corrupted embarrassment for the USA. @DNI_Ratcliffe @SecPompeo — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2020
In an interview Friday with CNN, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "I think it's the case that now we can say pretty clearly that it was the Russians that engaged in this activity."
Despite Pompeo's remark, the president suggested that the hack may have had a different foreign source, although it seemed to be just an idea rather than a definitive statement. "Russia is the priority chant when anything happens because Lamestream is, for mostly financial reasons, petrified of discussing the possibility that it may be China (it may!)," Trump tweeted.
Trump then suggested that the hack may have been part of a voter fraud conspiracy that cost him the election. "There could also have been a hit on our ridiculous voting machines during the election, which is now obvious that I won big, making it an even more corrupted embarrassment for the USA," he wrote.
Election results have been certified, and electoral votes have been cast, finalizing the victory of President-elect Joe Biden.
Trump also tagged Pompeo and John Ratcliffe, the director of national intelligence, in his tweet.
Former CISA director Chris Krebs tweeted Saturday that the voter fraud claims connected to the hack are unfounded. "Do not conflate voting system security and SolarWinds. The proof is in the paper. You can audit or recount again to confirm the outcome. Like they did in Georgia. And Michigan. And Wisconsin. And Arizona. Can't hack paper," he wrote.
Do not conflate voting system security and SolarWinds. The proof is in the paper. You can audit or recount again to confirm the outcome. Like they did in Georgia. And Michigan. And Wisconsin. And Arizona. Can't hack paper. — Chris Krebs (@C_C_Krebs) December 19, 2020
Regarding the hack, on Wednesday the FBI, CISA and Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a joint statement acknowledging that there had been a "significant and ongoing cybersecurity campaign." The CISA released an emergency directive telling agencies to stop using SolarWinds Orion products. "CISA is engaging with our public and private stakeholders across the critical infrastructure community to ensure they understand their exposure and are taking steps to identify and mitigate any compromises," the statement said.
As previously reported, some experts have said that the attack may be grounds for retaliation from the United States.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment.
A stock image depicts a computer hacker. President Donald Trump tweeted about recent SolarWinds hacks on Saturday. Bill Hinton/Getty
Update 12/19/20 1:56 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to include Chris Krebbs' tweet.


newsweek--2020-12-19--U.K. Issues Strict Lockdown After Detecting New COVID Strain

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a strict new lockdown for millions across England on Saturday , just days after he said it would be `` inhuman '' to cancel Christmas .
The restrictions come after scientists discovered a new variant of the coronavirus in England 's southeast that could be up to 70 percent more transmissible .
Announced today , the new strain is fast-moving , but scientists say it does n't appear to be deadlier .
`` There 's no evidence to suggest it is more lethal or causes more severe illness , '' Johnson said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest the vaccine will be any less effective against the new variant . ''
Nonetheless , the prime minister said the government needed to take urgent action .
`` It is with a very heavy heart I must tell you we can not continue with Christmas as planned , '' Johnson told a news conference .
`` I sincerely believe there is no alternative open to me . ''
The new lockdown order will go into effect Saturday at midnight and will cover all of London and much of southeast England .
Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new 'Tier 4 ' restrictions requiring people to stay at home except for essential work , while closing all non-essential businesses and indoor leisure .
The order will also prohibit families from mixing outside of their households on Christmas .
Instead , socializing will be limited to meeting with one other person in an outdoor setting .
Households outside of the Tier 4 zones will be allowed to see friends and family for only one day , Christmas .
`` I know how much emotion people invest in this time of year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instance for grandparents to see their grandchildren , for families to be together , '' Johnson said .
`` We have said throughout this pandemic that we must and we will be guided by the science .
When the science changes , we must change our response . ''
Just a few days before news broke of the new coronavirus strain , Johnson attempted to ease coronavirus restrictions for five days during the holiday week , and allow up to three families to gather in celebration .
On Wednesday , the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to cancel Christmas gatherings .
But Johnson 's new restrictions come as the country is already battling a surge in cases , on top of news that the new strain , VUI202012/01 , could make matters worse .
Sir Jeremy Farrar , a member of the nation 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , wrote on Twitter Saturday that the new strain was worrying .
`` The new strain of COVID-19 is worrying & real cause for concern & extra caution .
Research is ongoing to understand more , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is no part of the UK & globally that should not be concerned .
As in many countries , the situation is fragile , '' he wrote .
England 's Chief Medical Officer Chris Witty has informed the World Health Organization of the new virus strain .
As of Saturday , the U.K. has recorded over 2 million coronavirus cases and more than 67,100 deaths , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a strict new lockdown for millions across England on Saturday, just days after he said it would be "inhuman" to cancel Christmas.
The restrictions come after scientists discovered a new variant of the coronavirus in England's southeast that could be up to 70 percent more transmissible. Announced today, the new strain is fast-moving, but scientists say it doesn't appear to be deadlier.
"There's no evidence to suggest it is more lethal or causes more severe illness," Johnson said. "Equally, there's no evidence to suggest the vaccine will be any less effective against the new variant."
Nonetheless, the prime minister said the government needed to take urgent action.
"It is with a very heavy heart I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned," Johnson told a news conference. "I sincerely believe there is no alternative open to me."
The new lockdown order will go into effect Saturday at midnight and will cover all of London and much of southeast England.
Johnson's administration has placed these areas under new 'Tier 4' restrictions requiring people to stay at home except for essential work, while closing all non-essential businesses and indoor leisure.
The order will also prohibit families from mixing outside of their households on Christmas. Instead, socializing will be limited to meeting with one other person in an outdoor setting.
Households outside of the Tier 4 zones will be allowed to see friends and family for only one day, Christmas.
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces new COVID restrictions on December 19 following the discovery of a new coronavirus strain that could be up to 70 percent more transmissible. TOBY MELVILLE/Getty
"I know how much emotion people invest in this time of year, and how important it is, for instance for grandparents to see their grandchildren, for families to be together," Johnson said. "We have said throughout this pandemic that we must and we will be guided by the science. When the science changes, we must change our response."
Just a few days before news broke of the new coronavirus strain, Johnson attempted to ease coronavirus restrictions for five days during the holiday week, and allow up to three families to gather in celebration. On Wednesday, the prime minister said it would be "frankly inhuman" to cancel Christmas gatherings.
But Johnson's new restrictions come as the country is already battling a surge in cases, on top of news that the new strain, VUI202012/01, could make matters worse.
Sir Jeremy Farrar, a member of the nation's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), wrote on Twitter Saturday that the new strain was worrying.
"The new strain of COVID-19 is worrying & real cause for concern & extra caution. Research is ongoing to understand more, but acting urgently now is critical. There is no part of the UK & globally that should not be concerned. As in many countries, the situation is fragile," he wrote.
England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Witty has informed the World Health Organization of the new virus strain.
As of Saturday, the U.K. has recorded over 2 million coronavirus cases and more than 67,100 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Anthony Fauci Reassures Kids He Gave Santa the COVID Vaccine: 'He's Good to Go'

While many people are expecting the Christmas season this year to be very different than normal , children across the world can rest assured that Santa Claus will still deliver presents .
In a CNN appearance on Saturday , Anthony Fauci , head of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases , told kids that the man in the red suit has received the vaccine and will be OK to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve .
Introduced by Sesame Street 's Elmo , children asked Fauci hard-hitting questions , including how did Kris Kringle get the vaccine and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have been good all year long .
`` Will Santa still be able to visit me in coronavirus this season ?
What if he ca n't go to anyone 's house or near his reindeer ? ''
one child said .
With a smile , Fauci said he himself had vaccinated Saint Nick , who would still be able to make his annual visit down the chimney .
`` Well , I have to say I took care of that for you , because I was worried that you 'd all be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while ago , I took a trip up there to the North Pole .
I went there , and I vaccinated Santa Claus myself .
I measured his level of immunity , and he is good to go , '' he said .
`` He can come down the chimney .
He can leave the presents ... you have nothing to worry about .
Santa Claus is good to go , '' he continued .
The CNN anchor told Fauci that he had made many children `` so happy , '' before wishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will turn 80 on Christmas Eve .
While millions of Americans anticipate a very different Christmas season in light of COVID-19 wariness and restrictions , Fauci has repeatedly reassured children that Santa will still be able to deliver presents without issue .
As previously reported , Fauci made sure children knew Santa would still be able to come this year , even with COVID restrictions .
In an interview with USA Today , he said that Father Christmas would not be `` be spreading any infections to anybody '' this year .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of all the good qualities , has a lot of good innate immunity , '' he said .
Fauci had mentioned that the man in the red suit was being extra careful this holiday season and limiting appearances , where he normally lets children sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas .
Various health experts have told people to avoid lining up to see Santa this year .
Newsweek reached out to the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases for additional comment Saturday .

While many people are expecting the Christmas season this year to be very different than normal, children across the world can rest assured that Santa Claus will still deliver presents. In a CNN appearance on Saturday, Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, told kids that the man in the red suit has received the vaccine and will be OK to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve.
Santa Claus will be coming to town this year, Dr. Anthony Fauci says.
“I took care of that for you,” he says. “…I took a trip up there to the North Pole; I went there and I vaccinated Santa Claus myself. I measured his level of immunity, and he is good to go.” #CNNSesameStreet pic.twitter.com/CNJ520XTew — CNN (@CNN) December 19, 2020
Introduced by Sesame Street's Elmo, children asked Fauci hard-hitting questions, including how did Kris Kringle get the vaccine and how can he safely deliver presents to kids who have been good all year long. "Will Santa still be able to visit me in coronavirus this season? What if he can't go to anyone's house or near his reindeer?" one child said.
With a smile, Fauci said he himself had vaccinated Saint Nick, who would still be able to make his annual visit down the chimney.
"Well, I have to say I took care of that for you, because I was worried that you'd all be upset. What I did a little while ago, I took a trip up there to the North Pole. I went there, and I vaccinated Santa Claus myself. I measured his level of immunity, and he is good to go," he said.
"He can come down the chimney. He can leave the presents...you have nothing to worry about. Santa Claus is good to go," he continued.
The CNN anchor told Fauci that he had made many children "so happy," before wishing him an early happy birthday. Fauci will turn 80 on Christmas Eve.
While millions of Americans anticipate a very different Christmas season in light of COVID-19 wariness and restrictions, Fauci has repeatedly reassured children that Santa will still be able to deliver presents without issue.
As previously reported, Fauci made sure children knew Santa would still be able to come this year, even with COVID restrictions. In an interview with USA Today, he said that Father Christmas would not be "be spreading any infections to anybody" this year.
"Santa is exempt from this because Santa, of all the good qualities, has a lot of good innate immunity," he said.
Fauci had mentioned that the man in the red suit was being extra careful this holiday season and limiting appearances, where he normally lets children sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas.
Various health experts have told people to avoid lining up to see Santa this year.
Newsweek reached out to the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases for additional comment Saturday.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Trump Encourages 'Wild' Protests in D.C. on Date of Electoral College Vote Count

President Donald Trump is calling for `` wild '' protests to occur in the nation 's capital on January 6 , the final date on which he and his most hard-line Republican allies desperately hope to overturn President-elect Joe Biden 's victory .
Trump , who twice campaigned on being the `` law and order '' candidate , is hoping to create chaos in Washington two weeks before Inauguration Day .
As he continues to baselessly claim that it 's `` statistically impossible '' he lost , Trump Saturday urged his supporters to interrupt what is typically an innocuous joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which they will count Biden 's 306 to 232 win among state electoral votes .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has urged Republicans not to object to the election results , but some GOP lawmakers and far-right conspiracy theorists say they plan to disrupt the final procedural hurdle before Biden takes office .
`` Peter Navarro releases 36-page report alleging election fraud 'more than sufficient ' to swing victory to Trump , '' the president tweeted Saturday .
`` A great report by Peter .
Statistically impossible to have lost the 2020 Election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6th .
Be there , will be wild ! ''
Twitter flagged Trump 's claim as `` disputed , '' as it 's done often of late .
Legal experts say the January 6 gathering of House and Senate lawmakers , presided over by Vice President Mike Pence , is traditionally just a formality in which Congress received and approves the long-since decided state electoral votes .
But several vehemently pro-Trump Republicans—Alabama 's Mo Brooks and Georgia 's Representative-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene , along with Alabama 's senator-elect Tommy Tuberville—say they plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're gon na get that all corrected , '' Tuberville , who defeated Trump 's ex-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in Alabama 's Senate race , said of Biden 's victory .
`` Do n't give up .
It 's impossible .
It is impossible what happened . ''
But many Republicans and Washington law experts say Trump has zero chance of stalling the results and that his call for `` wild '' protests on January 6 is just a final desperate stunt .
Trevor Potter , Republican former chairman of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post essay warning American voters , `` January 6 is not another Election Day .
Do n't let President Trump convince you it is . ''
This comes as McConnell warned Republican senators Tuesday in a private call not to object to the January 6 vote , Politico reported .
Trump has also drummed up the support of far-right conspiracy theorists and others who are calling for a full-on civil war in America .
Alex Jones told a crowd of Trump supporters in Washington that Biden `` will be removed one way or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones , `` Proud Boys '' members and other fanatical Trump backers have repeatedly told the president they will not allow him to be removed from office .
That potentially violent and chaotic sentiment appears to be fully supported by the president himself .
`` He did n't win the Election .
He lost all 6 Swing States , by a lot .
They then dumped hundreds of thousands of votes in each one , and got caught .
Now Republican politicians have to fight so that their great victory is not stolen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Trump tweeted Saturday .
Newsweek reached out to the White House as well as the Tuberville and Brooks offices for additional remarks Saturday morning .

President Donald Trump is calling for "wild" protests to occur in the nation's capital on January 6, the final date on which he and his most hard-line Republican allies desperately hope to overturn President-elect Joe Biden's victory.
Trump, who twice campaigned on being the "law and order" candidate, is hoping to create chaos in Washington two weeks before Inauguration Day. As he continues to baselessly claim that it's "statistically impossible" he lost, Trump Saturday urged his supporters to interrupt what is typically an innocuous joint session of Congress on January 6 in which they will count Biden's 306 to 232 win among state electoral votes. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has urged Republicans not to object to the election results, but some GOP lawmakers and far-right conspiracy theorists say they plan to disrupt the final procedural hurdle before Biden takes office.
"Peter Navarro releases 36-page report alleging election fraud 'more than sufficient' to swing victory to Trump," the president tweeted Saturday. "A great report by Peter. Statistically impossible to have lost the 2020 Election. Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!"
Twitter flagged Trump's claim as "disputed," as it's done often of late.
Legal experts say the January 6 gathering of House and Senate lawmakers, presided over by Vice President Mike Pence, is traditionally just a formality in which Congress received and approves the long-since decided state electoral votes. But several vehemently pro-Trump Republicans—Alabama's Mo Brooks and Georgia's Representative-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene, along with Alabama's senator-elect Tommy Tuberville—say they plan to disrupt the rudimentary process next month.
"We're gonna get that all corrected," Tuberville, who defeated Trump's ex-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in Alabama's Senate race, said of Biden's victory. "Don't give up. It's impossible. It is impossible what happened."
On January 6th, @RepMoBrooks and I will OBJECT and REJECT the fraudulent electoral votes from several states across the country.
As soon as I met with Mo on December 2nd, I knew that I was in 100%!#FightForTrump https://t.co/F8Rh6yju64 — Marjorie Taylor Greene 🇺🇸 (@mtgreenee) December 19, 2020
But many Republicans and Washington law experts say Trump has zero chance of stalling the results and that his call for "wild" protests on January 6 is just a final desperate stunt. Trevor Potter, Republican former chairman of the Federal Election Commission, penned a Washington Post essay warning American voters, "January 6 is not another Election Day. Don't let President Trump convince you it is."
This comes as McConnell warned Republican senators Tuesday in a private call not to object to the January 6 vote, Politico reported.
Trump has also drummed up the support of far-right conspiracy theorists and others who are calling for a full-on civil war in America. Alex Jones told a crowd of Trump supporters in Washington that Biden "will be removed one way or another" from the White House. Jones, "Proud Boys" members and other fanatical Trump backers have repeatedly told the president they will not allow him to be removed from office.
That potentially violent and chaotic sentiment appears to be fully supported by the president himself.
"He didn't win the Election. He lost all 6 Swing States, by a lot. They then dumped hundreds of thousands of votes in each one, and got caught. Now Republican politicians have to fight so that their great victory is not stolen. Don't be weak fools!" Trump tweeted Saturday.
Newsweek reached out to the White House as well as the Tuberville and Brooks offices for additional remarks Saturday morning.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Santa Claus Phone Number 2020: How to Call Kris Kringle Before Christmas

Santa Claus is coming to town , but you do n't have to wait until Christmas Eve to hear from Ol ' Saint Nick .
While he 's incredibly busy with last-minute touch-ups and making sure everything 's in order in his workshop , you can listen to Santa 's personal voicemail message right now .
For a few years , Santa has allowed children in the United States ( and all over the world , if they 've gotten permission to dial an American area code ) to give him a phone call , so they can check in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , right now , Santa is a little too busy to actually answer the phone himself .
So , he left a helpful message for every caller to enjoy .
To contact Santa , you can call ( 951 ) 262-3062 and be immediately directed to his `` personal hotline . ''
When Santa 's pre-recorded message answers the phone , the jolly jingle in his voice is enough to make any skeptic believe in the magic of the season .
`` Ho ho ho ! ''
Santa says , chuckling .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claus and you have reached my personal hotline . ''
The message continues with a useful reminder .
Santa tells children to obey their parents year-round in order to make it on his `` Nice '' list .
`` We have been very busy making all of those toys to deliver on Christmas morning .
I want you to know , your family loves you very much , and so do I .
So be good , and do n't forget to always listen to your parents . ''
If you 're just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're a little late to the ( Christmas ) party .
Santa Claus 's hotline first debuted in 2009 , thanks to the Free Conference Call service .
In case you 're wondering , the company is based in California , hence the California area code .
Do n't worry , though .
Santa is certainly up in the North Pole .
He just accepted a little help from his friends in California to set up the voicemail system .
In 2009 , Free Conference Call President Dave Erickson explained why it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Santa via the phone .
Seeing as there 's less and less of a focus on letter writing in the 21st century , digital connection with the Christmas icon seemed important .
`` The way that children connect with Santa is evolving and we are excited to help connect today 's next generation of communicators to Santa over the phone , '' he said .
Wherever you are this Christmas , Santa Claus is just a phone call away .
Even if he ca n't answer your call due to the ever-growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can hear his voice right now by calling the number above .

Santa Claus is coming to town, but you don't have to wait until Christmas Eve to hear from Ol' Saint Nick. While he's incredibly busy with last-minute touch-ups and making sure everything's in order in his workshop, you can listen to Santa's personal voicemail message right now.
For a few years, Santa has allowed children in the United States (and all over the world, if they've gotten permission to dial an American area code) to give him a phone call, so they can check in on him ahead of Christmas. Of course, right now, Santa is a little too busy to actually answer the phone himself. So, he left a helpful message for every caller to enjoy.
To contact Santa, you can call (951) 262-3062 and be immediately directed to his "personal hotline."
When Santa's pre-recorded message answers the phone, the jolly jingle in his voice is enough to make any skeptic believe in the magic of the season. "Ho ho ho!" Santa says, chuckling. "Merry Christmas! This is Santa Claus and you have reached my personal hotline."
The message continues with a useful reminder. Santa tells children to obey their parents year-round in order to make it on his "Nice" list. "We have been very busy making all of those toys to deliver on Christmas morning. I want you to know, your family loves you very much, and so do I. So be good, and don't forget to always listen to your parents."
Santa Claus takes a call on his mobile phone as he waits for visitors at Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle near Rovaniemi, Finland on December 21, 2002. Tony Lewis/Getty Images/Getty
If you're just hearing about Santa's personal hotline, you're a little late to the (Christmas) party. Santa Claus's hotline first debuted in 2009, thanks to the Free Conference Call service. In case you're wondering, the company is based in California, hence the California area code.
Don't worry, though. Santa is certainly up in the North Pole. He just accepted a little help from his friends in California to set up the voicemail system.
In 2009, Free Conference Call President Dave Erickson explained why it was so important for children to connect with Santa via the phone. Seeing as there's less and less of a focus on letter writing in the 21st century, digital connection with the Christmas icon seemed important. "The way that children connect with Santa is evolving and we are excited to help connect today's next generation of communicators to Santa over the phone," he said.
Wherever you are this Christmas, Santa Claus is just a phone call away. Even if he can't answer your call due to the ever-growing pile of presents in his sleigh, you can hear his voice right now by calling the number above.


newsweek--2020-12-19--'I'm Not Heartless': GOP Senator Defends Blocking Stimulus Checks Twice in One Day

Senator Ron Johnson , a Republican from Wisconsin , blocked two separate efforts Friday to pass a new round of $ 1,200 coronavirus stimulus checks .
While defending his decisions , he insisted he was n't `` heartless . ''
According to Senate rules , it only takes one senator to object and block a bill .
Johnson blocked budget proposals from both Senator Bernie Sanders , an independent from Vermont , and Republican Senator Josh Hawley .
Both senators attempted to pass a second round of stimulus similar to the payments provided from the the Coronavirus Aid , Relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act in March .
`` What we did back in March , that every senator voted for , $ 1,200 for every working individual , $ 2,400 for working couples , 500 bucks for kids and dependents , '' Hawley said from the Senate floor .
`` It 's the least that we can do .
It should be the first thing to do . ''
But Johnson struck down the proposal , calling it a `` shotgun approach '' and stating that efforts needed to be more targeted .
`` I completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small businesses ...
So what I fear we 're going to do with this bipartisan package and what the senator from Missouri is talking about is the same thing , is a shotgun approach , '' Johnson said .
`` We will not have learned the lessons from our very hurried , very rushed earlier relief packages . ''
`` When I first got here , I ran because we were mortgaging our kids ' future , '' he said .
`` I 'm not heartless .
I want to help people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted for the $ 2.2 trillion CARES Act , but I also am concerned about our children 's future . ''
The senator shot down a second effort from Sanders , a longtime supporter for stimulus checks , and instead cited a GOP proposal released earlier this fall that included money for unemployment benefits , a new round of money for the Paycheck Protection Program and liability reform .
But Sanders shot back Friday , saying , `` We did not take for an answer the Republican bill which did not have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not take yes for an answer for a bill that did not have a nickel for direct payments . ''
Stimulus checks have been one of the major areas of concern regarding a new coronavirus relief package , with Democrats supporting the direct payments , while some Republicans have argued that $ 1,200 goes too far .
On Friday , the federal government failed to reach a coronavirus budget agreement before the midnight deadline .
To avoid a government shutdown , President Donald Trump signed an emergency two-day funding bill that will allow @ @ @ @ @ @

Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, blocked two separate efforts Friday to pass a new round of $1,200 coronavirus stimulus checks. While defending his decisions, he insisted he wasn't "heartless."
According to Senate rules, it only takes one senator to object and block a bill.
Johnson blocked budget proposals from both Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, and Republican Senator Josh Hawley. Both senators attempted to pass a second round of stimulus similar to the payments provided from the the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March.
"What we did back in March, that every senator voted for, $1,200 for every working individual, $2,400 for working couples, 500 bucks for kids and dependents," Hawley said from the Senate floor. "It's the least that we can do. It should be the first thing to do."
But Johnson struck down the proposal, calling it a "shotgun approach" and stating that efforts needed to be more targeted.
"I completely support some kind of program targeted for small businesses...So what I fear we're going to do with this bipartisan package and what the senator from Missouri is talking about is the same thing, is a shotgun approach," Johnson said. "We will not have learned the lessons from our very hurried, very rushed earlier relief packages."
Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson shot down a second round of $1,200 stimulus checks twice on Friday. In this photo, Johnson speaks during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing to discuss election security and the 2020 election process on December 16, 2020 in Washington, DC. Greg Nash-Pool/Getty
Johnson also cited concerns for a rising federal deficit.
"When I first got here, I ran because we were mortgaging our kids' future," he said. "I'm not heartless. I want to help people. I voted to help people. I voted for the $2.2 trillion CARES Act, but I also am concerned about our children's future."
The senator shot down a second effort from Sanders, a longtime supporter for stimulus checks, and instead cited a GOP proposal released earlier this fall that included money for unemployment benefits, a new round of money for the Paycheck Protection Program and liability reform.
But Sanders shot back Friday, saying, "We did not take for an answer the Republican bill which did not have a nickel for unemployment benefits. We did not take yes for an answer for a bill that did not have a nickel for direct payments."
Stimulus checks have been one of the major areas of concern regarding a new coronavirus relief package, with Democrats supporting the direct payments, while some Republicans have argued that $1,200 goes too far.
On Friday, the federal government failed to reach a coronavirus budget agreement before the midnight deadline.
To avoid a government shutdown, President Donald Trump signed an emergency two-day funding bill that will allow Congress to reconvene on Sunday.
Newsweek attempted to reach Johnson's office for additional comment.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Nearly 250,000 New COVID Cases in U.S. Breaks Record for Daily Increase

The positive news of a second COVID vaccine being given Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) approval has been tempered by sobering figures revealing that the U.S. has recorded its highest daily jump in coronavirus cases .
Data from Johns Hopkins University and CNN revealed that 249,709 new coronavirus cases were recorded on Friday , up by more than 2,000 from the previous day , and the highest single rise since the pandemic began .
There were also 2,814 virus-related deaths , which was down from more than 3,300 recorded the previous day , but it is still among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brings the total death toll to 313,764 .
Overall , the number of cases in the U.S. stands at 17,472,522 .
Meanwhile , information from the Covid Tracking Project , showed that a record 114,751 people were hospitalised on Friday and nearly 22,000 people were in intensive care .
CNN reported that the U.S. is now averaging 230,930 new coronavirus cases per day which is the highest seven-day rolling average since the pandemic began .
Over the last week , the most populous state , California , has reported more than a quarter-million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were trending downwards three months ago , but those gains have been lost , with nearly six times as many cases and three times as many deaths being reported daily , according to a New York Times database .
The University of Washington 's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation projects another more than 237,000 Americans will die from the disease in the next three months .
The scale of the disease 's spread is stretching medical facilities to their limits .
`` There 's no room at the inn , so to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive of Los Angeles ' Corona Regional Medical Center , told the Associated Press .
`` Literally every nook and cranny of the hospital is being used . ''
The country 's top infectious-disease expert , Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Friday some areas of California are `` just right at that cusp of getting overrun . ''
The bleak figures come at a time when frontline medical staff have hailed the start of a vaccination rollout .
Optimism was further swelled by news that the FDA had authorized a vaccine developed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the approval given to the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine last week .
Fauci told CNN on Saturday that adults and children still needed to wear masks around older family members who had received a vaccine `` until we get this blanket of protection over everyone . ''
`` Vaccines are extremely important to ending this outbreak but until we get the full component of almost everyone vaccinated , we ca n't abandon the common public health measures of wearing a mask .
So yes , you still should be wearing a mask , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graphic below by Statista shows how willing Americans are to receive a COVID-19 vaccine .

The positive news of a second COVID vaccine being given Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval has been tempered by sobering figures revealing that the U.S. has recorded its highest daily jump in coronavirus cases.
Data from Johns Hopkins University and CNN revealed that 249,709 new coronavirus cases were recorded on Friday, up by more than 2,000 from the previous day, and the highest single rise since the pandemic began.
There were also 2,814 virus-related deaths, which was down from more than 3,300 recorded the previous day, but it is still among the deadliest days in the pandemic and brings the total death toll to 313,764. Overall, the number of cases in the U.S. stands at 17,472,522.
Meanwhile, information from the Covid Tracking Project, showed that a record 114,751 people were hospitalised on Friday and nearly 22,000 people were in intensive care.
A lab technician works on a COVID-19 vaccination study at the Research Centers of America in Hollywood, Florida, on December 18. The U.S. has hit a record number of daily cases. CHANDAN KHANNA/Getty Images
CNN reported that the U.S. is now averaging 230,930 new coronavirus cases per day which is the highest seven-day rolling average since the pandemic began. Over the last week, the most populous state, California, has reported more than a quarter-million cases and 1,500 deaths.
New cases were trending downwards three months ago, but those gains have been lost, with nearly six times as many cases and three times as many deaths being reported daily, according to a New York Times database.
The University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation projects another more than 237,000 Americans will die from the disease in the next three months.
The scale of the disease's spread is stretching medical facilities to their limits. "There's no room at the inn, so to speak," Mark Uffer, chief executive of Los Angeles' Corona Regional Medical Center, told the Associated Press. "Literally every nook and cranny of the hospital is being used."
The country's top infectious-disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Friday some areas of California are "just right at that cusp of getting overrun."
The bleak figures come at a time when frontline medical staff have hailed the start of a vaccination rollout. Optimism was further swelled by news that the FDA had authorized a vaccine developed by Moderna for emergency use, which follows the approval given to the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine last week.
Fauci told CNN on Saturday that adults and children still needed to wear masks around older family members who had received a vaccine "until we get this blanket of protection over everyone."
"Vaccines are extremely important to ending this outbreak but until we get the full component of almost everyone vaccinated, we can't abandon the common public health measures of wearing a mask. So yes, you still should be wearing a mask," he told the network.
The graphic below by Statista shows how willing Americans are to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Fox Host Lou Dobbs Airs Debunking of Election Fraud Claims Made on His Own Show

Fox Business host Lou Dobs ran a segment Friday night fact-checking his own claims that electronic voting companies like Smartmatic helped rig the 2020 election against President Donald Trump .
The segment came just five days after Florida-based Smartmatic , the voting technology system used only in Los Angeles County , issued legal notices and retraction demands against Fox News and two other right-wing media companies , OAN and Newsmax , for `` publishing false and defamatory statements '' about the company 's involvement in the general election .
A Monday statement from Smartmatic says that there are dozens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization as part of a `` disinformation campaign '' to discredit the election .
`` Lots of opinions about the integrity of the election , the irregularities of mail-in voting , of election voting machines and voting software , '' Dobbs said during the Friday segment on Lou Dobbs Tonight .
`` One of the companies is Smartmatic , and we reached out to one of the leading authorities on open source software for elections , Eddie Perez , for his insight and views . ''
Perez , the global director of technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Source Election Technology Institute , then proceeded to debunk claims made against Smartmatic on the network while answering a series of questions .
They included whether there was any evidence indicating that Smartmatic software flipped the votes for President-elect Joe Biden and whether the company and Dominion , another voting machine software that has been a target of frequent attacks from the Trump campaign and right-wing media like Fox News , were linked in any way .
`` I have not seen any evidence that Smartmatic software was used to delete , change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Perez said .
`` Both Dominion and Smartmatic individually and respectively put out very clear statements from their corporate headquarters , each of them indicating they are independent companies , they are not related to each other , '' Perez said when asked if the two were owned by the same person .
`` It is my understanding that neither one of them has an ownership stake in the other or anything like that . ''
He also denied claims that there is any connection between billionaire philanthropist George Soros and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't aware of any evidence to indicate that the company sent U.S. votes to be tabulated in other countries , nor were there instances where Smartmatic 's technology was banned in the U.S. due to security weaknesses .
Fox News pointed Newsweek back to the Lou Dobbs segment when asked for comment on Saturday .
The baseless claims against Smartmatic were peddled on Dobbs ' own show when former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell falsely accused Venezuelan communications minister Jorge Rodriguez of being the `` ringleader '' of an election fraud system involving voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and what Powell called a `` Cyber Pearl Harbor . ''
One of the four people who Powell baselessly claims `` orchestrated '' these attacks was Smartmatic CEO Antonio Mugica .
`` They have no evidence to support their attacks on Smartmatic because there is no evidence .
This campaign was designed to defame Smartmatic and undermine legitimately conducted elections , '' said Mugica in a statement .
`` Our efforts are more than just about Smartmatic or any other company , '' he continued .
`` This campaign is an attack on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to depress confidence in future elections and potentially counter the will of the voters , not just here , but in democracies around the world . ''
The statement notes that Smartmatic , founded in 2000 , has designed and enacted secure election technology in 25 countries and helped tabulate over 5 billion auditable votes without any security breaches .
Several conspiracy theories pushed claims that the company is tied to the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez .
However , Smartmatic , which began working with Mugica 's native Venezuela in 2004 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 after Venezuelan leaders announced election results different from Smartmatic 's tally .
Because of the automated election system , Smartmatic was able to detect the overstated turnout and publicly denounced the fraud .
The company 's announcement indicates that Smartmatic is reserving its right to pursue defamation and disparagement claims .

Fox Business host Lou Dobs ran a segment Friday night fact-checking his own claims that electronic voting companies like Smartmatic helped rig the 2020 election against President Donald Trump.
The segment came just five days after Florida-based Smartmatic, the voting technology system used only in Los Angeles County, issued legal notices and retraction demands against Fox News and two other right-wing media companies, OAN and Newsmax, for "publishing false and defamatory statements" about the company's involvement in the general election.
A Monday statement from Smartmatic says that there are dozens of factually inaccurate statements made by each media organization as part of a "disinformation campaign" to discredit the election.
"Lots of opinions about the integrity of the election, the irregularities of mail-in voting, of election voting machines and voting software," Dobbs said during the Friday segment on Lou Dobbs Tonight. "One of the companies is Smartmatic, and we reached out to one of the leading authorities on open source software for elections, Eddie Perez, for his insight and views."
Perez, the global director of technology development and open standards for the Open Source Election Technology Institute, then proceeded to debunk claims made against Smartmatic on the network while answering a series of questions. They included whether there was any evidence indicating that Smartmatic software flipped the votes for President-elect Joe Biden and whether the company and Dominion, another voting machine software that has been a target of frequent attacks from the Trump campaign and right-wing media like Fox News, were linked in any way.
"I have not seen any evidence that Smartmatic software was used to delete, change, alter anything related to vote tabulation," Perez said.
This is very bizarre. Lou Dobbs ran a segment tonight basically debunking his own lies about Smartmatic voting machines pic.twitter.com/FDM91SPtT1 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 19, 2020
"Both Dominion and Smartmatic individually and respectively put out very clear statements from their corporate headquarters, each of them indicating they are independent companies, they are not related to each other," Perez said when asked if the two were owned by the same person. "It is my understanding that neither one of them has an ownership stake in the other or anything like that."
He also denied claims that there is any connection between billionaire philanthropist George Soros and Smartmatic. He added that he wasn't aware of any evidence to indicate that the company sent U.S. votes to be tabulated in other countries, nor were there instances where Smartmatic's technology was banned in the U.S. due to security weaknesses.
Lou Dobbs of Fox Business Network speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center February 24, 2017 in National Harbor, Maryland. Alex Wong/Getty
Fox News pointed Newsweek back to the Lou Dobbs segment when asked for comment on Saturday.
The baseless claims against Smartmatic were peddled on Dobbs' own show when former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell falsely accused Venezuelan communications minister Jorge Rodriguez of being the "ringleader" of an election fraud system involving voting machines like those from Smartmatic and Dominion and what Powell called a "Cyber Pearl Harbor." One of the four people who Powell baselessly claims "orchestrated" these attacks was Smartmatic CEO Antonio Mugica.
"They have no evidence to support their attacks on Smartmatic because there is no evidence. This campaign was designed to defame Smartmatic and undermine legitimately conducted elections," said Mugica in a statement.
"Our efforts are more than just about Smartmatic or any other company," he continued. "This campaign is an attack on election systems and election workers in an effort to depress confidence in future elections and potentially counter the will of the voters, not just here, but in democracies around the world."
The statement notes that Smartmatic, founded in 2000, has designed and enacted secure election technology in 25 countries and helped tabulate over 5 billion auditable votes without any security breaches.
Several conspiracy theories pushed claims that the company is tied to the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez. However, Smartmatic, which began working with Mugica's native Venezuela in 2004, broke all ties with the country in 2017 after Venezuelan leaders announced election results different from Smartmatic's tally. Because of the automated election system, Smartmatic was able to detect the overstated turnout and publicly denounced the fraud.
The company's announcement indicates that Smartmatic is reserving its right to pursue defamation and disparagement claims.


newsweek--2020-12-19--Is 'SNL' on Tonight? Season 46, Episode 9 Host, Musical Guest

The fall season of Saturday Night Live is officially coming to a close .
Kenan Thompson , Kate McKinnon , Beck Bennett , Aidy Bryant , Ego Nwodim and the rest of the SNL gang will appear in the Season 46 midseason finale this week before taking a nice long holiday break .
A winter return date for Season 46 has yet to be revealed , but more than likely , previously aired episodes of the sketch comedy show will run on NBC until the cast returns with new material .
In the meantime , fans can get one last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fresh episode that will bring the return of a coveted SNL alum .
Find out everything you need to know about the SNL Season 46 midseason finale below .
Kristen Wiig is making a grand return to SNL as the show 's host .
The actor was a cast member on SNL from 2005 to 2012 and was known for her hilarious characters like Target Lady , the infamous smack-talking Penelope and the always excited Sue .
Here 's to hoping Wiig 's Christmas gift to SNL viewers will include an updated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps a new holiday melody performed with her former Garth and Kat partner , Fred Armisen .
Although it 's been eight years since Wiig made her exit from SNL , she 's visited on quite a few occasions .
The Wonder Woman 1984 star has hosted the show three times since leaving the cast in addition to making a number of cameos over the years .
She actually made a pit stop on SNL earlier this year and appeared in a homemade sketch while the show was airing SNL At Home during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to hit the SNL stage this week : Dua Lipa .
Lipa was slated to appear on SNL on the heels of the release of her latest album Future Nostalgia in March .
However , that episode of the show was nixed due to the pandemic shutdown of the SNL .
Lipa will make her second appearance this week nearly three years after first performing on SNL in 2018 .
The last fall episode of SNL 's 46th season will air at its usual scheduled time on NBC on Saturday at 11:30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live-streamed ?
You sure can live stream the mid-season finale on NBC 's website or app on any smart device .
You 'll need a cable provider login to access the stream though .
Folks with pay-for streaming subscriptions like Hulu +Live , YouTube TV and Sling TV among others can always tune into the show in real-time on those platforms .
If you 're only interested in catching the best clips of the night , all the sketches and some extra bits will be available for viewing on SNL 's YouTube shortly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also keep up with all the SNL chatter by following the social media hashtag , # SNL .

The fall season of Saturday Night Live is officially coming to a close. Kenan Thompson, Kate McKinnon, Beck Bennett, Aidy Bryant, Ego Nwodim and the rest of the SNL gang will appear in the Season 46 midseason finale this week before taking a nice long holiday break.
A winter return date for Season 46 has yet to be revealed, but more than likely, previously aired episodes of the sketch comedy show will run on NBC until the cast returns with new material.
In the meantime, fans can get one last round of Saturday night laughs in with a fresh episode that will bring the return of a coveted SNL alum. Find out everything you need to know about the SNL Season 46 midseason finale below.
Who is hosting?
From left, "Saturday Night Live" musical guest Dua Lipa, host Kristen Wiig, and Kate McKinnon during Promos in Studio 8H on Thursday, December 17. Wiig will host the NBC sketch comedy show on December 19. Rosalind O'Connor/NBC
Kristen Wiig is making a grand return to SNL as the show's host. The actor was a cast member on SNL from 2005 to 2012 and was known for her hilarious characters like Target Lady, the infamous smack-talking Penelope and the always excited Sue. Here's to hoping Wiig's Christmas gift to SNL viewers will include an updated take on any of these characters or perhaps a new holiday melody performed with her former Garth and Kat partner, Fred Armisen.
Although it's been eight years since Wiig made her exit from SNL, she's visited on quite a few occasions. The Wonder Woman 1984 star has hosted the show three times since leaving the cast in addition to making a number of cameos over the years. She actually made a pit stop on SNL earlier this year and appeared in a homemade sketch while the show was airing SNL At Home during the quarantine.
Who is performing?
Another repeat artist is set to hit the SNL stage this week: Dua Lipa.
Lipa was slated to appear on SNL on the heels of the release of her latest album Future Nostalgia in March. However, that episode of the show was nixed due to the pandemic shutdown of the SNL. Lipa will make her second appearance this week nearly three years after first performing on SNL in 2018.
When does SNL air?
The last fall episode of SNL's 46th season will air at its usual scheduled time on NBC on Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET.
Can it be live-streamed?
You sure can live stream the mid-season finale on NBC's website or app on any smart device. You'll need a cable provider login to access the stream though. Folks with pay-for streaming subscriptions like Hulu +Live, YouTube TV and Sling TV among others can always tune into the show in real-time on those platforms.
If you're only interested in catching the best clips of the night, all the sketches and some extra bits will be available for viewing on SNL's YouTube shortly after the show airs. Fans can also keep up with all the SNL chatter by following the social media hashtag, #SNL.


newsweek--2020-12-19--'Fortnite' Bhangra Boogie Cup: Start Time and How to Get a Free OnePlus 8T

Fortnite 's Bhangra Boogie Cup finally kicks off December 20 , and we want to make sure you 're prepared for this Android-exclusive tournament .
Below , we list the tournament 's regional start times , rules and everything you must do to win a free OnePlus 8T smartphone .
If you want 90 fps Fortnite action on mobile , the OnePlus 8T is currently the only device that can handle it .
What time does the Fortnite Bhangra Boogie Cup start ?
The Fortnite Bhangra Boogie Cup is set to run throughout the day on December 20 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differs depending on the region in which you intend to play .
We 've listed all the regional start times for the Bhangra Boogie Cup below in Eastern Standard Time .
• Oceania : 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. EST • Asia : 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. EST This tournament is exclusive to Android devices , which means you must download the game from the Fortnite Android website while browsing on an Android device .
Said device must also be powerful enough to support Fortnite .
An official list of supported devices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scoring work in the Bhangra Boogie Cup ?
In the Bhangra Boogie Cup , all players must have 2FA enabled and be at account level 30 or above .
To learn more about 2FA , read our 2FA guide .
The tournament will be played in Solos , and players will be able to participate in a maximum of 10 matches during the above-listed time window .
Players with the highest score will be eligible for prizing , with points being doled out in the following format .
Prizing - How to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spray or Bhangra Boogie Emote Unlike the PlayStation-centric Generations Cup that took place on Friday , the Bhangra Boogie Cup has multiple prizes for those who reach different positions on the leaderboard .
The leaderboard can be viewed in-game as the event happens or via third-party websites like Fortnite Tracker .
Provided you reach these thresholds , you 'll either be contacted by email or delivered your digital rewards .
To put it simply , the winner for each tournament gets a OnePlus 8T and a pair of earbuds , while top three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As for the Emote and Spray , those are widely available to the vast majority of players just for taking part in the action .
If you 're a Fortnite mobile fan , it 's almost impossible to come away from this event empty handed .
Fortnite is available now on PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X|S , Xbox One , Switch , PC and Android .
Will you try out Fortnite on Android for the Bhangra Boogie Cup ?
How far up the leaderboard do you expect to place ?
Tell @ @ @ @ @ @

Fortnite's Bhangra Boogie Cup finally kicks off December 20, and we want to make sure you're prepared for this Android-exclusive tournament. Below, we list the tournament's regional start times, rules and everything you must do to win a free OnePlus 8T smartphone. If you want 90 fps Fortnite action on mobile, the OnePlus 8T is currently the only device that can handle it.
What time does the Fortnite Bhangra Boogie Cup start?
The Fortnite Bhangra Boogie Cup is set to run throughout the day on December 20, but the exact start time for the tournament differs depending on the region in which you intend to play. We've listed all the regional start times for the Bhangra Boogie Cup below in Eastern Standard Time.
'Fortnite' hosts the Bhangra Boogie Cup December 20. Find out the start time for your region from the list below. 'Fortnite' is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC and Android. Epic Games
NA East: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST
NA West: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST
Europe: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST
Brazil: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST
Oceania: 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. EST
Asia: 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. EST
Middle East: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST
This tournament is exclusive to Android devices, which means you must download the game from the Fortnite Android website while browsing on an Android device. Said device must also be powerful enough to support Fortnite. An official list of supported devices can be found here.
How does scoring work in the Bhangra Boogie Cup?
In the Bhangra Boogie Cup, all players must have 2FA enabled and be at account level 30 or above. To learn more about 2FA, read our 2FA guide. The tournament will be played in Solos, and players will be able to participate in a maximum of 10 matches during the above-listed time window. Players with the highest score will be eligible for prizing, with points being doled out in the following format.
Victory Royale: 10 points
Second-fifth: seven points
Sixth-15th: five points
16th-25th: three points
26th-100th: one point
Eliminations: one point each
Prizing - How to get a free OnePlus 8T phone, Nana Spray or Bhangra Boogie Emote
Unlike the PlayStation-centric Generations Cup that took place on Friday, the Bhangra Boogie Cup has multiple prizes for those who reach different positions on the leaderboard. The leaderboard can be viewed in-game as the event happens or via third-party websites like Fortnite Tracker. Provided you reach these thresholds, you'll either be contacted by email or delivered your digital rewards.
NA East
First: OnePlus Buds
First-third: OnePlus 8T phone
First-7,000th: Bhangra Boogie emote
Five points earned: Bhangra Boogie spray
NA West
First: OnePlus Buds
First-third: OnePlus 8T phone
First-2,500th: Bhangra Boogie emote
Five points earned: Bhangra Boogie spray
Europe
First: OnePlus Buds
First-third: OnePlus 8T phone
First-10,000th: Bhangra Boogie emote
Five points earned: Bhangra Boogie spray
Brazil
First: OnePlus Buds
First-third: OnePlus 8T phone
First-2,500th: Bhangra Boogie emote
Five points earned: Bhangra Boogie spray
Oceania
First: OnePlus Buds
First-third: OnePlus 8T phone
First-1,000th: Bhangra Boogie emote
Five points earned: Bhangra Boogie spray
Asia
First: OnePlus Buds
First-third: OnePlus 8T phone
First-1,000th: Bhangra Boogie emote
Five points earned: Bhangra Boogie spray
Middle East
First: OnePlus Buds
First-third: OnePlus 8T phone
First-1,000th: Bhangra Boogie emote
Five points earned: Bhangra Boogie spray
To put it simply, the winner for each tournament gets a OnePlus 8T and a pair of earbuds, while top three finishers get a OnePlus 8T phone. As for the Emote and Spray, those are widely available to the vast majority of players just for taking part in the action. If you're a Fortnite mobile fan, it's almost impossible to come away from this event empty handed.
Fortnite is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC and Android.
Will you try out Fortnite on Android for the Bhangra Boogie Cup? How far up the leaderboard do you expect to place? Tell us in the comments section!


newsweek--2020-12-19--New COVID Strain is Fast-Moving Says England's Chief Medical Officer

England 's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) that a new strain of COVID-19 has been identified in the country 's South East .
The new strain is fast-moving but does n't appear to be deadlier .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due hold a press conference on the matter at 4 p.m. local time .
Johnson was holding talks with the cabinet this afternoon about a potential response .
The news has sparked fears that a third nationwide lockdown could be in prospect just as millions of Britons prepare to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces pressure not to `` cancel Christmas . ''
Whitty issued a statement on Saturday saying `` the new strain can spread more quickly . ''
`` There is no current evidence to suggest the new strain causes a higher mortality rate or that it affects vaccines and treatments , although urgent work is under way to confirm this , '' Whitty said .
`` Given this latest development , it is now more vital than ever that the public continue to take action in their area to reduce transmission . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also holding meetings regarding the new COVID strain , according to a Sky News report .
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland have imposed differing restrictions throughout the pandemic as the devolved administrations have made decisions tailored to their needs .
Rules for England are determined by the Conservative government at Westminster .
Sir Jeremy Farrar , a member of the United Kingdom 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , warned on Twitter on Saturday that the new strain of the virus was a worrying development .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
`` Why reducing community transmission is so important .
The more virus circulating , under immune pressure , the more likely it is to mutate , evolve and change . ''
`` The new strain of COVID-19 is worrying & real cause for concern & extra caution .
Research is ongoing to understand more , but acting urgently now is critical .
There is no part of the UK & globally that should not be concerned .
As in many countries , the situation is fragile , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first vaccines to have the impact needed .
We must be prepared to respond fast to new and continued challenges now and as we move into 2021 .
There is still much to learn about COVID-19 and no time for complacency . ''
Measures to tackle the new COVID strain could include increased travel restrictions in London and the South East .
The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is still being reviewed by U.K. regulators and it 's unclear if it will be effective against the new strain .
However , the vaccine is effective against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further study of the strain reported today will be essential .

England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has informed the World Health Organization (WHO) that a new strain of COVID-19 has been identified in the country's South East. The new strain is fast-moving but doesn't appear to be deadlier.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due hold a press conference on the matter at 4 p.m. local time. Johnson was holding talks with the cabinet this afternoon about a potential response.
The news has sparked fears that a third nationwide lockdown could be in prospect just as millions of Britons prepare to celebrate the festive season and the government faces pressure not to "cancel Christmas."
Read more Emmanuel Macron Working Despite COVID Symptoms Amid Claims He Broke Rules Emmanuel Macron Working Despite COVID Symptoms Amid Claims He Broke Rules
Whitty issued a statement on Saturday saying "the new strain can spread more quickly."
"There is no current evidence to suggest the new strain causes a higher mortality rate or that it affects vaccines and treatments, although urgent work is under way to confirm this," Whitty said.
"Given this latest development, it is now more vital than ever that the public continue to take action in their area to reduce transmission."
The devolved governments in Scotland and Wales are also holding meetings regarding the new COVID strain, according to a Sky News report.
🚨 Statement from @CMO_England on the new strain of coronavirus identified in the south east: pic.twitter.com/L7xKOASfjT — Sebastian Payne (@SebastianEPayne) December 19, 2020
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have imposed differing restrictions throughout the pandemic as the devolved administrations have made decisions tailored to their needs. Rules for England are determined by the Conservative government at Westminster.
Sir Jeremy Farrar, a member of the United Kingdom's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), warned on Twitter on Saturday that the new strain of the virus was a worrying development.
"This is a very major concern," Farrar wrote. "Why reducing community transmission is so important. The more virus circulating, under immune pressure, the more likely it is to mutate, evolve and change."
"The new strain of COVID-19 is worrying & real cause for concern & extra caution. Research is ongoing to understand more, but acting urgently now is critical. There is no part of the UK & globally that should not be concerned. As in many countries, the situation is fragile," he said.
"It will take time for the first vaccines to have the impact needed. We must be prepared to respond fast to new and continued challenges now and as we move into 2021. There is still much to learn about COVID-19 and no time for complacency."
Measures to tackle the new COVID strain could include increased travel restrictions in London and the South East. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is still being reviewed by U.K. regulators and it's unclear if it will be effective against the new strain. However, the vaccine is effective against all known strains in circulation, meaning further study of the strain reported today will be essential.


newsweek--2020-12-19--SpaceX's Last Launch of 2020, a Spy Satellite, Heads to Space Successfully

SpaceX marked the end of an eventful 2020 by sending a new spy satellite into space on Saturday .
In a year in which it put astronauts in space , SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket that will deliver a satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office ( NRO ) .
The launch was supposed to take place on Thursday but following an unusually high pressure reading in the upper-stage liquid oxygen tank , this was delayed first to Friday , then a further day .
The website for SpaceX said it targeted `` December 19 for launch of the NROL-108 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) at Kennedy Space Center , Florida . ''
`` Saturday 's three-hour launch window opens at 9:00 a.m. EST , or 14:00 UTC , and closes at 12:00 p.m. EST , or 17:00 UTC , '' it said .
People can watch coverage of the mission at the SpaceX website as well as the Space.com website .
This Falcon 9 's first-stage has already flown four times previously , having supported the launch of SpaceX 's 19th and 20th cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station , a Starlink mission , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to CNET .
Instead of a normal drone landing at sea , the mission will feature a landing at Landing Zone 1 ( LZ1 ) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station .
The landings at sea allowed for the recovery of rocket boosters that did not have enough fuel remaining on board to make it back to land .
SpaceX , which is owned by billionaire Elon Musk , has warned that those living nearby may hear a sonic boom during the landing attempt .
`` Residents of Brevard County are most likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although what residents experience will depend on weather conditions and other factors , '' it said .
Saturday 's launch was the sixth NRO launch this year and had been publicized via a poster and slogan of a cartoon gorilla beating its chest .
In a cryptic tweet , the NRO said : `` Gorillas are peaceful animals but can be fierce when necessary . ''
`` Like the gorilla , our # NROL108 mission is constantly vigilant and ready to defend its own , '' the tweet said .
Saturday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for SpaceX and its Falcon 9 rocket , according to Space.com .
In November , SpaceX launched four astronauts to the International Space Station on the first fully-fledged flight for NASA by a private company .
The graphic below by SpaceX gives a snapshot of its launches over the last decade and a half .

SpaceX marked the end of an eventful 2020 by sending a new spy satellite into space on Saturday.
In a year in which it put astronauts in space, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket that will deliver a satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
The launch was supposed to take place on Thursday but following an unusually high pressure reading in the upper-stage liquid oxygen tank, this was delayed first to Friday, then a further day.
The website for SpaceX said it targeted "December 19 for launch of the NROL-108 mission from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center, Florida."
"Saturday's three-hour launch window opens at 9:00 a.m. EST, or 14:00 UTC, and closes at 12:00 p.m. EST, or 17:00 UTC," it said.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from launch complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on November 15. SpaceX is scheduled to launch a new spy satellite on Saturday December 19. Gregg Newton/Getty Images
People can watch coverage of the mission at the SpaceX website as well as the Space.com website.
This Falcon 9's first-stage has already flown four times previously, having supported the launch of SpaceX's 19th and 20th cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station, a Starlink mission, and the SAOCOM 1B mission, according to CNET.
Instead of a normal drone landing at sea, the mission will feature a landing at Landing Zone 1 (LZ1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The landings at sea allowed for the recovery of rocket boosters that did not have enough fuel remaining on board to make it back to land.
SpaceX, which is owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has warned that those living nearby may hear a sonic boom during the landing attempt.
"Residents of Brevard County are most likely to hear one or more sonic boom, although what residents experience will depend on weather conditions and other factors," it said.
Saturday's launch was the sixth NRO launch this year and had been publicized via a poster and slogan of a cartoon gorilla beating its chest. In a cryptic tweet, the NRO said: "Gorillas are peaceful animals but can be fierce when necessary."
"Like the gorilla, our #NROL108 mission is constantly vigilant and ready to defend its own," the tweet said.
Saturday's mission marked the 31st launch this year for SpaceX and its Falcon 9 rocket, according to Space.com. In November, SpaceX launched four astronauts to the International Space Station on the first fully-fledged flight for NASA by a private company.
The graphic below by SpaceX gives a snapshot of its launches over the last decade and a half.


newsweek--2020-12-20--SNL Looks Back At The 'Greatest' Moments of Donald Trump's Presidency

Saturday Night Live 's Weekend Update segment took a moment in last night 's episode to look back at Donald Trump 's presidency .
`` Well , guys , barring a reverse Christmas miracle , this is the last Weekend Update with Donald Trump still in office , '' host Colin Jost said , to raucous cheers from the audience .
`` Now , as a president , he was mostly bad , but there were a few bright spots , '' Jost continued .
`` So before he is tranquilized and moved like a dinosaur in Jurassic Park , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to recognize some of his greatest moments in office . ''
Then , a montage set to Semisonic 's Closing Time showed a few of the more memorable photos and clips of Trump from the past five years .
It started with a photo of Trump hugging an American flag at last year 's Conservative Political Action Conference , followed by a shot of Trump proudly posing with fast food that was later served to the Clemson Tigers football team when they visited the White House in 2019 .
Then came a clip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd during a trip to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017—a move that prompted much criticism .
Other viral photos included in the montage included the president pretending to drive a truck at the White House , touching a glowing orb alongside the King of Saudi Arabia and appearing to yell at a boy mowing the lawn .
It ended with another widely criticized clip of Trump , this one showing him mocking a disabled reporter at a 2015 campaign rally .
`` Wow , wow , '' Jost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't cry because it 's over ... smile because it happened .
And then probably cry a little bit .
I do n't know , I 'm still working it out with my therapist . ''
Co-host Michael Che then moved on to Vice President Mike Pence receiving the coronavirus vaccine , joking that it was the first time he has `` ever been OK with using protection . ''
Jost returned to Trump later in the segment , mocking both the president and his daughter Ivanka Trump .
`` The White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states to distribute the vaccine , which shocks me because knowing Trump , I thought for sure it would be done through a live Powerball lottery , '' he said .
`` The ratings would have been insane , and it would have been the first White House job Ivanka was qualified for . ''
Che then moved on to Trump supporters .
`` During a pro-Trump rally in Washington , D.C. , protesters burned Black Lives Matter signs at two historic Black churches , '' he said .
You know , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here , but at some point , when you 're setting fires at Black churches , you 've got to stop and ask yourself ... 'Hey , am I the bad guy here ? '
''

Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update segment took a moment in last night's episode to look back at Donald Trump's presidency.
"Well, guys, barring a reverse Christmas miracle, this is the last Weekend Update with Donald Trump still in office," host Colin Jost said, to raucous cheers from the audience.
"Now, as a president, he was mostly bad, but there were a few bright spots," Jost continued. "So before he is tranquilized and moved like a dinosaur in Jurassic Park, I just want to take a moment to recognize some of his greatest moments in office."
Then, a montage set to Semisonic's Closing Time showed a few of the more memorable photos and clips of Trump from the past five years.
It started with a photo of Trump hugging an American flag at last year's Conservative Political Action Conference, followed by a shot of Trump proudly posing with fast food that was later served to the Clemson Tigers football team when they visited the White House in 2019.
Then came a clip of Trump throwing paper towels into a crowd during a trip to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017—a move that prompted much criticism.
Other viral photos included in the montage included the president pretending to drive a truck at the White House, touching a glowing orb alongside the King of Saudi Arabia and appearing to yell at a boy mowing the lawn.
It ended with another widely criticized clip of Trump, this one showing him mocking a disabled reporter at a 2015 campaign rally.
Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update segment looked back at Donald Trump's presidency in last night's episode. NBC/Saturday Night Live
"Wow, wow," Jost added afterward. "So, America don't cry because it's over... smile because it happened. And then probably cry a little bit. I don't know, I'm still working it out with my therapist."
Co-host Michael Che then moved on to Vice President Mike Pence receiving the coronavirus vaccine, joking that it was the first time he has "ever been OK with using protection."
Jost returned to Trump later in the segment, mocking both the president and his daughter Ivanka Trump.
"The White House has left it up to the states to distribute the vaccine, which shocks me because knowing Trump, I thought for sure it would be done through a live Powerball lottery," he said. "The ratings would have been insane, and it would have been the first White House job Ivanka was qualified for."
Che then moved on to Trump supporters. "During a pro-Trump rally in Washington, D.C., protesters burned Black Lives Matter signs at two historic Black churches," he said.
You know, I don't want to be too judgmental here, but at some point, when you're setting fires at Black churches, you've got to stop and ask yourself... 'Hey, am I the bad guy here?'"


newsweek--2020-12-20--What Is the Winter Solstice?

What Is the Winter Solstice?

The Winter Solstice is nearly upon us , which means we 're almost officially in the coldest season .
The Solstice also signals the shortest day of the year , the longest night of the year and has historically been celebrated with a number of different traditions and rituals .
According to the Farmer 's Almanac , the Winter Solstice is the `` astronomical moment when the Sun reaches the Tropic of Capricorn . ''
During this occurrence , we experience `` our shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere in terms of daylight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ point in the sky of the year .
( Fun fact : Because of the sun 's placement , your shadow will appear the `` tallest '' that it can be the day of the Winter Solstice at noon ) .
The Winter Solstice happens either on December 21 or 22 every year .
This year , it takes place in the northern hemisphere on Monday , December 21 , at 5:02 a.m. EST .
Though it is is the shortest and darkest day of the year , there are ( literally ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solstice , we begin to experience increasingly longer `` days '' ( meaning amounts of sunlight ) until the Summer Solstice in June .
According to the Farmer 's Almanac , the word `` solstice '' stems from the Latin words `` sol , '' meaning `` sun , '' and `` sistere , '' which means `` to stand still . ''
Historians believe that Stonehenge in Wiltshire , England , was built to track the sun 's movement , since the stones are set up in alignment to both the Winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrations for the Winter Solstice all throughout the world .
One such festival is Alban Arthan , the name of which is Welsh for `` The Light of Winter . ''
Druidic beliefs treat the solstice as the start of a new year ; it 's thought of as a time when the older year 's sun `` dies , '' during the December 21 sunset , and a new one is born with the sunrise on December 22 , thus marking a new year .
Scandinavians treated the Winter Solstice as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As noted by the Farmer 's Almanac , a Juul log ( which , maybe you would better recognize as a `` Yule log '' ) would be burnt , in recognition of `` the heat , light and life-giving properties of the returning Sun '' and to pay tribute to the Scandinavian god of Thor .
The domestic tradition of burning a Yule log is thought to derive from this ancient feast .
Meanwhile , over in Ancient Rome , the Saturnalia festival took place in the days leading up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturn , the god of harvest and agriculture .
What makes the 2020 Winter Solstice extra special this year is that the so-called `` Christmas Star '' will be visible .
It 's actually a rare planetary alignment , in which Saturn and Jupiter are expected to line up and come so close to Earth that they 'll look like an especially bright star .
Stargazers should catch the sight while they can , since this close of an alignment between those two planets apparently has n't occurred in nearly 800 years .

The Winter Solstice is nearly upon us, which means we're almost officially in the coldest season. The Solstice also signals the shortest day of the year, the longest night of the year and has historically been celebrated with a number of different traditions and rituals.
According to the Farmer's Almanac, the Winter Solstice is the "astronomical moment when the Sun reaches the Tropic of Capricorn." During this occurrence, we experience "our shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere in terms of daylight." The sun appears at the lowest point in the sky of the year. (Fun fact: Because of the sun's placement, your shadow will appear the "tallest" that it can be the day of the Winter Solstice at noon).
The Winter Solstice happens either on December 21 or 22 every year. This year, it takes place in the northern hemisphere on Monday, December 21, at 5:02 a.m. EST.
Snow blankets the Boston Common as the first winter storm of the season impacts the region on December 3, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. Scott Eisen/Getty Images
Though it is is the shortest and darkest day of the year, there are (literally) brighter days ahead. After the Winter Solstice, we begin to experience increasingly longer "days" (meaning amounts of sunlight) until the Summer Solstice in June.
Read more Here's How You Can Zoom With Santa This Year Here's How You Can Zoom With Santa This Year
According to the Farmer's Almanac, the word "solstice" stems from the Latin words "sol," meaning "sun," and "sistere," which means "to stand still."
Historians believe that Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, was built to track the sun's movement, since the stones are set up in alignment to both the Winter and Summer solstices.
There are different celebrations for the Winter Solstice all throughout the world. One such festival is Alban Arthan, the name of which is Welsh for "The Light of Winter." Druidic beliefs treat the solstice as the start of a new year; it's thought of as a time when the older year's sun "dies," during the December 21 sunset, and a new one is born with the sunrise on December 22, thus marking a new year.
Scandinavians treated the Winter Solstice as a reason to celebrate the Feast of Juul. As noted by the Farmer's Almanac, a Juul log (which, maybe you would better recognize as a "Yule log") would be burnt, in recognition of "the heat, light and life-giving properties of the returning Sun" and to pay tribute to the Scandinavian god of Thor. The domestic tradition of burning a Yule log is thought to derive from this ancient feast.
Meanwhile, over in Ancient Rome, the Saturnalia festival took place in the days leading up to the Winter Solstice, in observance of Saturn, the god of harvest and agriculture.
What makes the 2020 Winter Solstice extra special this year is that the so-called "Christmas Star" will be visible. It's actually a rare planetary alignment, in which Saturn and Jupiter are expected to line up and come so close to Earth that they'll look like an especially bright star. Stargazers should catch the sight while they can, since this close of an alignment between those two planets apparently hasn't occurred in nearly 800 years.