HOUSTON — The Huffington Post and one of its writers is facing a $1 million libel suit filed by Charles Johnson who alleges he was falsely labeled a white supremacist.
Charles Johnson filed a complaint Jan. 16 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Verizon CMP Holdings LLC, huffpost.com Inc., and Andy Campbell alleging libel.
According to the complaint, Johnson is involved with "conservative political causes." He alleges that a Feb. 17, 2019 Huffington Post article authored by Campbell titled "2 GOP Lawmakers Host Chuck Johnson, Holocaust-Denying White Nationalist" was a "hit job" suggesting he was a "white supremacist, white nationalist and anti-Semitic."
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Prager: The American Tradition of Personal Responsibility
There is a saying, apparently from Oregon, that you do not know how big a tree is until you cut it down. It is a human tendency not to value something until it is under assault or lost.
I never would have thought about the American tradition of personal responsibility in any systematic fashion if it were not being attacked as broadly as it is. The same thing happened to me with regard to religion. I came to religion in large measure because I have seen what happens when it disappears. The same thing happened to me with regard to religion. I came to religion in large measure because I have seen what happens when it disappears. I came to realize that there is no alternative to. religion, morally and in many other ways. That is why, though I am a Jew, I hold that a post-Christian America is a frightening prospect. I know that when Christianity died in Europe in the twentieth century, Communism and Nazism arose in its place.
Who would have thought about personal responsibility so much were it not for the present onslaught against it? I will therefore address the onslaught more than I will the specific tradition.
But I begin with the tradition.
[This is a multi-page report, but well worth the time to read. It clearly shows what our social battle is all about. --Editor]
I never would have thought about the American tradition of personal responsibility in any systematic fashion if it were not being attacked as broadly as it is. The same thing happened to me with regard to religion. I came to religion in large measure because I have seen what happens when it disappears. The same thing happened to me with regard to religion. I came to religion in large measure because I have seen what happens when it disappears. I came to realize that there is no alternative to. religion, morally and in many other ways. That is why, though I am a Jew, I hold that a post-Christian America is a frightening prospect. I know that when Christianity died in Europe in the twentieth century, Communism and Nazism arose in its place.
Who would have thought about personal responsibility so much were it not for the present onslaught against it? I will therefore address the onslaught more than I will the specific tradition.
But I begin with the tradition.
[This is a multi-page report, but well worth the time to read. It clearly shows what our social battle is all about. --Editor]
British Scientists May Have Found Cure For Cancer. By Accident.
British scientists may have discovered a cure for cancer — by accident.
As The Telegraph reports, “Researchers at Cardiff University were analyzing blood from a bank in Wales, looking for immune cells that could fight bacteria, when they found an entirely new type of T-cell. That new immune cell carries a never-before-seen receptor which acts like a grappling hook, latching on to most human cancers, while ignoring healthy cells.”
What makes this new discovery so exciting is that prior therapies, referred to as CAR-T and TCR-T therapies, which use immune cells to attach to HLA molecules on cancer cells’ surface, fight cancer but are incapable of fighting solid tumors. As The Telegraph points out, HLA molecules vary in people, but the new therapy attaches to a molecule called MR1, which does not vary in humans, which gives it the chance of fighting most cancers and additionally means people could share the treatment, allowing banks of the cells to be stored and thus be offered quickly to people suffering from the disease.
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As The Telegraph reports, “Researchers at Cardiff University were analyzing blood from a bank in Wales, looking for immune cells that could fight bacteria, when they found an entirely new type of T-cell. That new immune cell carries a never-before-seen receptor which acts like a grappling hook, latching on to most human cancers, while ignoring healthy cells.”
What makes this new discovery so exciting is that prior therapies, referred to as CAR-T and TCR-T therapies, which use immune cells to attach to HLA molecules on cancer cells’ surface, fight cancer but are incapable of fighting solid tumors. As The Telegraph points out, HLA molecules vary in people, but the new therapy attaches to a molecule called MR1, which does not vary in humans, which gives it the chance of fighting most cancers and additionally means people could share the treatment, allowing banks of the cells to be stored and thus be offered quickly to people suffering from the disease.
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West Virginia on the Right Track to Lower Drug Costs, But is it Enough?
The GOP-controlled House of Delegates in West Virginia recently unanimously passed a bill that would require pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) to share the rebates they receive from drug companies with consumers at the point of purchase. The bill now goes to the state Senate.
Pharmacy benefit managers were created to administer drug benefits for health plans including commercial, employee and retiree plans and Medicare Part D. In 2003, the PBM industry secured safe harbor status from Congress that exempted them from criminal prosecution for taking rebates from drug manufacturers.
Essentially, PBMs can collect these kickbacks and give certain medications access to the millions of insured lives they manage over another manufacturer’s products based on how much the companies pay them. The PBMs’ priority shifted from the payer (health plans) to the seller (drug manufacturers) and created a conflict of interest.
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Pharmacy benefit managers were created to administer drug benefits for health plans including commercial, employee and retiree plans and Medicare Part D. In 2003, the PBM industry secured safe harbor status from Congress that exempted them from criminal prosecution for taking rebates from drug manufacturers.
Essentially, PBMs can collect these kickbacks and give certain medications access to the millions of insured lives they manage over another manufacturer’s products based on how much the companies pay them. The PBMs’ priority shifted from the payer (health plans) to the seller (drug manufacturers) and created a conflict of interest.
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President Xi Admits "Grave" Coronavirus Is Accelerating" As Hong Kong Declares State Of Emergency
Summary
* * *
Update (1530ET): Now that the market is closed, local authorities apparently feel it's safe to start dribbling out the real numbers. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases soared on Saturday as China confirmed roughly 500 new cases. The number of cases outside China has also grown as Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia have all confirmed new cases. Meanwhile, another death has been confirmed, bringing the total to 42.
According to the South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong newspaper that has been keeping probably the most comprehensive tally of confirmed CoV cases around the world, put the total number at 1,497 Saturday afternoon in New York. Three doctors in Beijing who visited Wuhan have been confirmed to have the virus.
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- 1497 Cases Worldwide; 42 Deaths: 3% official mortality rate (SARS was 11%)
- 18 Chinese cities - 56 million people - quarantined
- President Xi said China faces a 'grave situation' as the spread is 'accelerating'
- US and Russia planning evacuation of citizens from Wuhan
- Australia and Malaysia join the list of global nations with CoV cases, in addition to France, Pakistan, Singapore, the US and Nepal
- Chinese President Xi Jinping empowered local governments and said teams from Beijing will be sent to severely impacted areas to strengthen front-line prevention and containment
- The US and France chartered planes to evacuate diplomats and nationals in containment zones
- The director of the CDC says she expects cases of human-to-human transmission in the US
- China banned all domestic tour groups immediately and overseas group tours from Jan 27
- Starbucks and China said they were closing some stores in China
- Wuhan is building a second emergency hospital, this one with 1300 beds
- 3 doctors in Beijing who visited Wuhan are confirmed to have the virus
* * *
Update (1530ET): Now that the market is closed, local authorities apparently feel it's safe to start dribbling out the real numbers. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases soared on Saturday as China confirmed roughly 500 new cases. The number of cases outside China has also grown as Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia have all confirmed new cases. Meanwhile, another death has been confirmed, bringing the total to 42.
According to the South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong newspaper that has been keeping probably the most comprehensive tally of confirmed CoV cases around the world, put the total number at 1,497 Saturday afternoon in New York. Three doctors in Beijing who visited Wuhan have been confirmed to have the virus.
More
District Attorney: Armed Beer Store Clerk Justified in Killing Robber at Nearby Business
The district attorney for Pennsylvania’s Lehigh County says a beer store employee was justified in intervening and fatally shooting a robber at Drake’s Pizza Thursday night.
The Morning Call reports that the robbery suspect, 27-year-old Darrell J. Mussa Jr., entered the pizza store and demanded money. Drake’s employee Orlando Martinez put all the money he could find on the counter and then ran for the back of the store. As he ran he heard gunshots and even took a bullet to his buttocks.
At that time, Martinez did not know that the clerk of the nearby beer store had intervened and shot Mussa multiple times.
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The Morning Call reports that the robbery suspect, 27-year-old Darrell J. Mussa Jr., entered the pizza store and demanded money. Drake’s employee Orlando Martinez put all the money he could find on the counter and then ran for the back of the store. As he ran he heard gunshots and even took a bullet to his buttocks.
At that time, Martinez did not know that the clerk of the nearby beer store had intervened and shot Mussa multiple times.
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Rusting Monuments to Stupidity: Staggering Cost of Cleaning Up the Wind Industry’s Giant Mess
The wind industry is like the partying college students that trash their parent’s house, never sparing a thought about cleaning up the mess afterwards.
With subsidies being slashed across the globe, the great wind industry ‘party’ will inevitably draw to a close. And the adults will need to raise the tricky issue about who cleans up the mess? And who pays?
Giant industrial wind turbines have an economic lifespan around 15 years, after which the chances are that they’ll be left to rust in some idiot’s back paddock.
Decommissioning these things properly at a sizeable wind farm would run into the hundreds of millions. Then there’s the toxic waste.
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With subsidies being slashed across the globe, the great wind industry ‘party’ will inevitably draw to a close. And the adults will need to raise the tricky issue about who cleans up the mess? And who pays?
Giant industrial wind turbines have an economic lifespan around 15 years, after which the chances are that they’ll be left to rust in some idiot’s back paddock.
Decommissioning these things properly at a sizeable wind farm would run into the hundreds of millions. Then there’s the toxic waste.
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CAN’T HIDE THIS: Times Square Billboard Runs Joe Biden Clip Threatening Ukraine
The Committee to Defend the President—one of America’s largest pro-Trump super PACs—is running a new billboard in New York City, criticizing Democrat candidate Joe Biden over the Ukraine scandal.
The billboard, located at 1500 Broadway and 43rd Street, is two-sided and both sides will feature the video of Biden admitting to withholding aid to Ukraine until its government fired the prosecutor investigating his son, Hunter.
Click HERE for the video
The billboard, located at 1500 Broadway and 43rd Street, is two-sided and both sides will feature the video of Biden admitting to withholding aid to Ukraine until its government fired the prosecutor investigating his son, Hunter.
Click HERE for the video
A River Runs Through It
Water was beginning to come under the door of the Classics and Collectibles shop in historic Ellicott City, Md. Proprietor Joan Eve and her long-time friend Gary Weltner had just finished restocking after moving every bit of inventory out of the store and onto trucks the previous spring weekend in 2018. They didn’t want to take any chances after a forecast of heavy rains and flash floods that never came. “It took us the week to get it all back in and in place,” says Gary.
They had reason to be concerned. Nearly two years earlier Joan’s store was demolished when floodwaters pushed an SUV through the front of her shop and washed away the entire contents of Classics and Collectibles.
As rising water swirled around their ankles, Joan and Gary realized they had to get out. Six-foot glass display cases were falling like dominoes all around them as the back wall was breached and floodwater gushed in. The front door was the only way out. Unable to push it open, Gary had to smash the glass window in the door, step outside and reach back in for his friend as two cars floated by.
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They had reason to be concerned. Nearly two years earlier Joan’s store was demolished when floodwaters pushed an SUV through the front of her shop and washed away the entire contents of Classics and Collectibles.
As rising water swirled around their ankles, Joan and Gary realized they had to get out. Six-foot glass display cases were falling like dominoes all around them as the back wall was breached and floodwater gushed in. The front door was the only way out. Unable to push it open, Gary had to smash the glass window in the door, step outside and reach back in for his friend as two cars floated by.
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US bio-safety experts warned in 2017 that a virus could 'escape' Chinese research lab
Scientists warned in 2017 that a SARS-like virus could escape a lab set up that year in Wuhan, China, to study some of the most dangerous pathogens in the world.
Now, a SARS-like coronavirus has infected more than 800 there, spread to at least 10 other countries and killed 25 in Wuhan and nearby provinces.
China installed the first of a planned five to seven bio-labs designed for maximum safety in Wuhan in 2017, for the purpose of studying the most high-risk pathogens, including the Ebola and the SARS viruses.
Tim Trevan, a Maryland bio-safety consultant, told Nature that year, when the lab was on the cusp of opening, that he worried that China's culture could make the institute unsafe because 'structures where everyone feels free to speak up and openness of information are important.'
In fact, the SARS virus had 'escaped' multiple times from a lab in Beijing, according to the Nature article.
More here
Now, a SARS-like coronavirus has infected more than 800 there, spread to at least 10 other countries and killed 25 in Wuhan and nearby provinces.
China installed the first of a planned five to seven bio-labs designed for maximum safety in Wuhan in 2017, for the purpose of studying the most high-risk pathogens, including the Ebola and the SARS viruses.
Tim Trevan, a Maryland bio-safety consultant, told Nature that year, when the lab was on the cusp of opening, that he worried that China's culture could make the institute unsafe because 'structures where everyone feels free to speak up and openness of information are important.'
In fact, the SARS virus had 'escaped' multiple times from a lab in Beijing, according to the Nature article.
More here
Ammo Sales Surge as Virginians Anticipate Democrat Gun Control
Ammunition sales are surging as many Virginian seek to stock up ahead of a slew of Democrat-mandated gun controls for the state.
WSET reports online ammunition seller AmmunitionToGo.com notes a 137 percent increase in ammo sales to Virginians now versus this same time last year.
AmmunitionToGo’s Brandon Black said, “We’re now seeing a massive number of Virginia shooters stocking up on ammunition in anticipation of new laws that they believe will make it harder to purchase rounds legally.”
Black noted firearm and ammunition sales are impacted by political change in a way unseen with other retail items. He said, “I doubt that any other businesses are affected as much by politics as firearm and ammunition manufacturers and retailers.”
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WSET reports online ammunition seller AmmunitionToGo.com notes a 137 percent increase in ammo sales to Virginians now versus this same time last year.
AmmunitionToGo’s Brandon Black said, “We’re now seeing a massive number of Virginia shooters stocking up on ammunition in anticipation of new laws that they believe will make it harder to purchase rounds legally.”
Black noted firearm and ammunition sales are impacted by political change in a way unseen with other retail items. He said, “I doubt that any other businesses are affected as much by politics as firearm and ammunition manufacturers and retailers.”
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Pasta becomes a vegetable under Trump administration as loophole is created which hacks away at Obama-era school lunch rules
A Trump administration 'loophole' in school lunch rules will allow for certain types of pasta to qualify as vegetables as well as for students to get more burgers and fries.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposals will continue to erode Michelle Obama's legacy by easing restrictions on the types and quantities on fruit and vegetables put on the table.
'Pasta made of vegetable flour(s) may credit as a vegetable, even if the pasta is not served with another recognizable vegetable,' the new guidelines say.
The department said the changes will help to reduce food waste because students were often given too much fruit and vegetables which was thrown away.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposals will continue to erode Michelle Obama's legacy by easing restrictions on the types and quantities on fruit and vegetables put on the table.
'Pasta made of vegetable flour(s) may credit as a vegetable, even if the pasta is not served with another recognizable vegetable,' the new guidelines say.
The department said the changes will help to reduce food waste because students were often given too much fruit and vegetables which was thrown away.
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Traitor Lindsey Graham Will Oppose Republican Subpoena of Hunter Biden in Impeachment Trial
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham says that he will vote against a motion by Republicans to subpoena Hunter Biden in the impeachment trial.
Many Republicans have been demanding that if the Democrats get to call additional witnesses against the president, they should get to call witnesses as well.
According to a report from The Hill, Graham said that if his Republican colleagues introduce a motion to subpoena Joe Biden’s son, he said “I vote against it.”
The Hill report adds, “Graham’s opposition essentially kills the threat that Republicans have wielded in recent weeks that if Democrats win a motion to hear from additional witnesses such as former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, they will retaliate by subpoenaing the Bidens.”
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Many Republicans have been demanding that if the Democrats get to call additional witnesses against the president, they should get to call witnesses as well.
According to a report from The Hill, Graham said that if his Republican colleagues introduce a motion to subpoena Joe Biden’s son, he said “I vote against it.”
The Hill report adds, “Graham’s opposition essentially kills the threat that Republicans have wielded in recent weeks that if Democrats win a motion to hear from additional witnesses such as former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, they will retaliate by subpoenaing the Bidens.”
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GOP Leaders Hit Nadler For Holding Up A Ban On Fentanyl During Impeachment Trial
Republican Oregon Rep. Greg Walden believes House Democrats’ “obsession” with impeaching President Donald Trump is distracting them from passing a temporary ban on fentanyl substances.
Democratic New York Rep. Jerry Nadler is holding up legislation preventing the distribution of a substance health officials say is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths, Walden said in a statement Friday to the Daily Caller News Foundation. The Oregon Republican said time is of the essence on this matter.
“Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee’s partisan obsession with impeachment is preventing us from taking common-sense action to extend a critical tool for law enforcement to combat the trafficking of fentanyl-related substances,” Walden said.
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Democratic New York Rep. Jerry Nadler is holding up legislation preventing the distribution of a substance health officials say is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths, Walden said in a statement Friday to the Daily Caller News Foundation. The Oregon Republican said time is of the essence on this matter.
“Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee’s partisan obsession with impeachment is preventing us from taking common-sense action to extend a critical tool for law enforcement to combat the trafficking of fentanyl-related substances,” Walden said.
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Signed, sealed, delivered: Historic moment Boris Johnson signs the Brexit Deal in Downing Street
Boris Johnson signed the Brexit divorce deal today, hailing the 'fantastic moment' that sends the UK officially on a path to quit the EU in a week's time.
He put Parker pen to paper on the official copy of the Withdrawal Agreement in Downing Street this afternoon, ending months and months of bitter and divisive politics.
The Prime Minister voiced his hope that it 'brings to an end far too many years of argument and division' ahead of Brexit on January 31.
His actions in a Downing Street anteroom came hours after it was claimed that Mr Johnson wants to strike a 'trailblazing' trade deal with Japan by the autumn and before deals are done with the EU and US.
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He put Parker pen to paper on the official copy of the Withdrawal Agreement in Downing Street this afternoon, ending months and months of bitter and divisive politics.
The Prime Minister voiced his hope that it 'brings to an end far too many years of argument and division' ahead of Brexit on January 31.
His actions in a Downing Street anteroom came hours after it was claimed that Mr Johnson wants to strike a 'trailblazing' trade deal with Japan by the autumn and before deals are done with the EU and US.
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Professors Donate To Democrats Over Republicans By A 95:1 Ratio, New Study Finds
Diversity in hiring is the top priority of most colleges and universities. However, the effort to hire more women, minorities, and LGBT individuals notably lacks one group: ideological diversity.
It is well-known that most faculty are composed of an overwhelming majority of liberal and democratic members. However, this view, while generally accepted, is largely anecdotal. Now a new study by Heterodox Academy Director of Research Sean Stevens and Brooklyn College Professor Mitchell Langbert claims to have put hard numbers on that lack of diversity.
In reviewing records with the Federal Election Commission, they say that they found that professors gave to Democrats over Republicans by a 95:1 ratio.
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It is well-known that most faculty are composed of an overwhelming majority of liberal and democratic members. However, this view, while generally accepted, is largely anecdotal. Now a new study by Heterodox Academy Director of Research Sean Stevens and Brooklyn College Professor Mitchell Langbert claims to have put hard numbers on that lack of diversity.
In reviewing records with the Federal Election Commission, they say that they found that professors gave to Democrats over Republicans by a 95:1 ratio.
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Ohio customs agents seize 3,700 'invasive' mitten crabs hidden in shipments from China
Customs agents in Cincinnati have seized approximately 3,700 mitten crabs, considered among the world’s most invasive species, from several shipments heading to the U.S. from China and Hong Kong.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said that agents at the Port of Cincinnati intercepted 51 shipments of the crabs, totaling around 3,400 pounds, over the last four months. The shipments came from China and Hong Kong, and most were set to arrive in New York.
Officials said in a press release that the live crabs were shipped falsely as "tools and various clothing articles.”
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https://www.foxnews.com/us/ohio-customs-agents-seize-3700-invasive-mitten-crabs-hidden-in-shipments-from-china-hong-kong-officials
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said that agents at the Port of Cincinnati intercepted 51 shipments of the crabs, totaling around 3,400 pounds, over the last four months. The shipments came from China and Hong Kong, and most were set to arrive in New York.
Officials said in a press release that the live crabs were shipped falsely as "tools and various clothing articles.”
More
https://www.foxnews.com/us/ohio-customs-agents-seize-3700-invasive-mitten-crabs-hidden-in-shipments-from-china-hong-kong-officials
'We're all trapped now': Wuhan residents say they have ALL been left to catch China's deadly coronavirus as city orders total lockdown – as country reports 41 people have died and more than 1,200 infected
Residents of the Chinese city at the centre of the country's coronavirus crisis fear they are 'trapped' and will all be infected because of the government lockdown which has stopped anyone from leaving.
Authorities today scrambled to shut tourist attractions and public transport systems in 14 cities in a bid to stop the spread of the deadly new coronavirus that has killed at least 41 people and infected more than 1,200.
In a drastic turn of events, part of the Great Wall of China and Disneyland in Shanghai were closed today as authorities desperately try to stop people spreading the Wuhan coronavirus.
Thirteen cities, home to around 40million people, are reported to have followed Wuhan's example and gone into some form of lockdown in the past 24 hours with public transport halted and roads closed.
More
Authorities today scrambled to shut tourist attractions and public transport systems in 14 cities in a bid to stop the spread of the deadly new coronavirus that has killed at least 41 people and infected more than 1,200.
In a drastic turn of events, part of the Great Wall of China and Disneyland in Shanghai were closed today as authorities desperately try to stop people spreading the Wuhan coronavirus.
Thirteen cities, home to around 40million people, are reported to have followed Wuhan's example and gone into some form of lockdown in the past 24 hours with public transport halted and roads closed.
More
Saudi Crown Prince Calls Jeff Bezos To Casually Ask Him About His First Pet, Mother’s Maiden Name, And The Street He Lived On As A Child
RIYADH—Saudi Arabia's crown prince called his buddy Jeff Bezos recently just to casually chat with him and ask what his first pet's name was, his mother's maiden name, and the name of the street he lived on as a child, sources confirmed Thursday.
"Jeff! Man, it's good to catch up with you," Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman said.
"Yeah, good to hear from you. Enjoyed that last Snap you sent with the dog filter," Bezos said, chuckling. "The dog filter gets me every time."
More Satire
"Jeff! Man, it's good to catch up with you," Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman said.
"Yeah, good to hear from you. Enjoyed that last Snap you sent with the dog filter," Bezos said, chuckling. "The dog filter gets me every time."
More Satire
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