December 31, 2019

Tuesday

December 31, 2019 T: 582-7800 www.arubatoday.com facebook.com/arubatoday instagram.com/arubatoday

Aruba’s ONLY English newspaper

3 years in, no sign of Trump's replacement for Obamacare

By A. MADHANI and R. ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — As a candidate for the White House, Donald Trump repeatedly promised that he would "immediately" replace President Barack Obama's health care law with a plan of his own that would provide "insurance for everybody." Back then, Trump made it sound that his plan — "much less expensive and much better" than the Affordable Care Act — was imminent. And he put drug companies on notice that their pricing power no longer would be "politically protected." Nearly three years after taking office, Americans still are waiting for Trump's big health insurance reveal. Meantime the uninsured rate has gone

In this Dec. 24, 2019 photo, President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media following a Christmas Eve video teleconference with members of the military at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. Associated Press

up on Trump's watch, rising in 2018 for the first time in nearly a decade to 8.5% of the population, or 27.5 mil-

lion people, according to the Census Bureau. "Every time Trump utters the words ACA or Obamacare, he

ends up frightening more people," said Andy Slavitt, who served as acting administrator of the Centers

for Medicare and Medicaid Services during the Obama administration.

He's "deepening their fear of what they have to lose."

White House officials argue that the president is improving the health care system in other ways, without dismantling private health care. White House spokesman Judd Deere noted Trump's signing of the "Right-to-Try" act that allows some patients facing life-threatening diseases to access unapproved treatment, revamping the U.S. kidney donation system and the FDA approving more generic drugs as key improvements. Trump has also launched a drive to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Continued on Page 3

A2 u.s.

Tuesday 31 December 2019

news

NYPD: Times Square safest place on Earth for New Year's Eve

By MICHAEL R. SISAK Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — New York City's counterterrorism czar expects Times Square to be "the safest place on the planet Earth" on New Year's Eve. Thousands of police officers will be on duty for Tuesday night's festivities, along with specialized units armed with long guns, bomb-sniffing dogs and other measures.

For the first time, police drones are expected to keep watch over the big, confetti-filled celebration — a year late after rain grounded the department's unmanned eye-inthe-sky last year.

This year's forecast calls for some clouds, but no rain and none of the bitter cold that iced out spectators two years ago.

The NYPD's Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence

Associated Press

and Counterterrorism, John Miller, said stacking various security tools and techniques gives po-

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lice "multiple chances to catch something coming through."

"Times Square is probably going to be the safest place on the planet Earth on New Year's Eve because nobody else puts that kind of effort into an event like this," Miller said.

Police Commissioner Der-

mot Shea said there are no specific, credible threats to the event, which brings hundreds of thousands of people to midtown Manhattan and attracts millions of TV viewers. Post Malone, BTS and Alanis Morissette are scheduled to perform on stages in the heart of Times Square.

Shea said spectators should feel safe but encouraged them to remain vigilant and alert an officer or call a police hotline if they feel something is amiss.

"This is going to be one of the most well-policed, wellprotected celebrations in the entire world and we'll have another safe and enjoyable New Year's Eve," Shea said.

Streets in and around Times Square will be closed to car traffic hours before the ball drops and police cars and sand-filled sanitation trucks will be positioned to stop vehicles from driving into the crowd.

Everyone showing up for the confetti-filled festivities should expect to be wanded with metal detectors before being ushered to one of 65 viewing pens set up around Times Square to prevent overcrowding.

Backpacks, chairs and coolers are banned, as well as personal drones.

And don't think about popping champagne or lifting a Maddog 20/20 to ring in 2020. The NYPD says alcohol is strictly prohibited.q

up front A3

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3 years in, no sign of Trump's replacement for Obamacare Continued from Front

"The president's policies are improving the American health care system for everyone, not just those in the individual market," Deere said.

But as Trump gears up for his reelection campaign, the lack of a health care plan is an issue that Democrats believe they can use against him. Particularly since he's still seeking to overturn "Obamacare" in court.

This month, a federal appeals court struck down the ACA's individual mandate, the requirement that Americans carry health insurance, but sidestepped a ruling on the law's overall constitutionality. The attorneys general of Texas and 18 other Republican-led states filed the underlying lawsuit, which was defended by Democrats and the U.S. House. Texas argued that due to the unlawfulness of the individual mandate, "Obamacare" must be entirely scrapped.

Trump welcomed the ruling as a major victory. Texas v.

United States appears destined to be taken up by the Supreme Court, potentially teeing up a constitutional showdown before the 2020 presidential election.

In a letter Monday to Democratic lawmakers, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi singled out the court case.

"The Trump administration continues to firmly support the recent ruling in the 5th Circuit, which they hope will move them one step closer to obliterating every protection and benefit of the Affordable Care Act," Pelosi wrote, urging Democrats to keep health care front and center in 2020.

Accused of trying to dismantle his predecessor's health care law with no

provision for millions who depend on it, Trump and senior administration officials have periodically teased that a plan was just around the corner.

In August, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Seema Verma, said officials were "actively engaged in conversations and working on things," while Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway suggested that same month an announcement was on the horizon.

In June, Trump told ABC News that he'd roll out his "phenomenal health care plan" in a couple of months, and that it would be a central part of his reelection pitch.

The country is still waiting.

Meantime Trump officials say the administration has made strides by championing transparency on hospital prices, pursuing a range of actions to curb prescription drug costs, and expanding lower-cost health insurance alternatives for small businesses and individuals.

One of Trump's small business options — association health plans — is tied up in court. And taken together, the administration's health insurance options are modest when compared with Trump's original goal of rolling back the ACA. Since Trump has not come through on his promise of a big plan, internecine skirmishes among 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls have largely driven the health care debate in recent months.

Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are leading the push among liberals for a "Medicare for All" plan that would effectively end private health insurance while more moderate candidates, like Joe

Biden, Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar, advocate for what they contend is a more attainable expansion of Medicare.

Brad Woodhouse, a former Democratic National Committee official and executive director of the Obamacare advocacy group Protect Our Care, said it is important for Democrats to "put down the knives they've been wielding against one another on health care."

"Instead turn their attention to this president and Republicans who are trying to take it away," Woodhouse counseled.

Some Democratic hopefuls appear to be doing just that.

During a campaign stop in Memphis, Tennessee. this

This screen grab from the website HealthCare.gov shows the extended deadline for signing up for health care coverage for 2020.

Associated Press

month, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg called out Trump on health care, saying the president is "determined to throw Americans off the boat, without giving them a life-

line."

Polling suggests Trump's failure to follow through on his promise to deliver a revamped health care system could be a drag on his reelection effort.q

A4 U.S.

Tuesday 31 December 2019

NEWS

Congressman John Lewis says cancer is his latest battle

In this Nov. 18, 2016, file photo, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., poses for a photograph under a quote of his that is displayed in the Civil Rights Room in the Nashville Public Library in Nashville, Tenn.

Associated Press

By BILL CORMIER Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — As a civil rights activist at 25, John Lewis was beaten so badly his skull was fractured and the TV images from an Alabama bridge in the 1960s forced a nation's awakening to racial discrimination.

As a congressman today at 79, Lewis is facing a foe like

none before: advanced pancreatic cancer.

The veteran Democrat congressman from Georgia has fought many struggles in his lifetime.

Yet, he said, "I have never faced a fight quite like the one I have now," announcing Sunday in Washington that the cancer was detected earlier this month and confirmed in a diagnosis.

Lewis has had many battles, and this he views as one more dawning. He was arrested at least 40 times in the civil rights era, several more times as a congressman since being elected in 1986 and only recently he has been rallying to help reunite immigrant families separated by the Trump administration.

The youngest and last survivor of the Big Six civil rights activists, a group once led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Lewis made clear that he has no plans to step aside from power while he undergoes treatment.

He said being elected to Congress "has been the honor of a lifetime" and that he will continue working for his constituents from Capitol Hill.

"I have been in some kind of fight — for freedom, equality, basic human rights — for nearly my entire life," he said.

Added Lewis: "I have a fighting chance."

He declined to say where he would receive cancer treatment or what that would entail. But he said he may not always be around the halls of Congress in the coming weeks.

"I may miss a few votes during this period, but with God's grace I will be back on the front lines soon," he said in asking for prayers.

Lewis also said he was "clear-eyed about the prognosis" even as doctors have told him that recent medical advances have made this type of cancer treatable in many cases.

He added that "treatment options are no longer as debilitating as they once were."

The American Cancer Society estimates 3% of patients with stage 4 pancreatic cancer are alive five years after being diagnosed.

Sometimes called the "conscience of the Congress," Lewis led hundreds of protesters in the 1965 Bloody Sunday march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.

He was at the head of the march when he was knocked to the ground and beaten by police.

The nationally televised images forced the country's attention on the racial inequalities being fought by King and so many others.

Lewis turned to politics in 1981, when he was elected to the Atlanta City Council.

In 2011 he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama, who had marched with Lewis hand in hand in Selma on the 50th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday attack.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was among those who sent her best wishes to Lewis after the announcement of his illness.

"We are all praying for you following this diagnosis.

John, know that generations of Americans have you in their thoughts & prayers as you face this fight." She said in a statement.

"We are all praying that you are comfortable. We know that you will be well."q

U.S. NEWS A5

Tuesday 31 December 2019

With births down, U.S. had slowest growth rate in a century

By MIKE SCHNEIDER Associated Press ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The past year's population growth rate in the United States was the slowest in a century due to declining births, increasing deaths and the slowdown of international migration, according to figures released Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The U.S. grew from 2018 to 2019 by almost a half percent, or about 1.5 million people, with the population standing at 328 million this year, according to population estimates.

That's the slowest growth rate in the U.S. since 1917 to 1918, when the nation was involved in World War I, said William Frey, a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution.

For the first time in decades, natural increase — the number of births minus the number of deaths — was less than 1 million in the U.S. due to an aging population of Baby Boomers, whose oldest members entered their 70s within the past several years. As the large Boomer population continues to age, this trend is going to continue.

"Some of these things are locked into place. With the aging of the population, as the Baby Boomers move into their 70s and 80s, there are going to be higher numbers of deaths," Frey said. "That means proportionately fewer women of child bearing age, so even if they have children, it's still

In this June 15, 2017, file photo, people walk inside the Oculus, the new transit station at the World Trade Center in New York.

Associated Press

going to be less."

Four states had a natural decrease, where deaths outnumbered births: West Virginia, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

For the first time this decade, Puerto Rico had a population increase. The island, battered by economic stagnation and Hurricane Maria in the past several years, increased

by 340 people between 2018 and 2019, with people moving to the island offsetting natural decrease.

International migration to the U.S. decreased to 595,000 people from 2018 to 2019, dropping from as many as 1 million international migrants in 2016, according to the population estimates. Immigration restrictions by the Trump

administration combined with a perception that the U.S. has fewer economic opportunities than it did before the recession a decade ago contributed to the decline, Frey said.

"Immigration is a wildcard in that it is something we can do something about," Frey said. "Immigrants tend to be younger and have children, and they can make a

population younger."

Ten states had population declines in the past year.

They included New York, which lost almost 77,000 people; Illinois, which lost almost 51,000 residents; West Virginia, which lost more than 12,000 people; Louisiana, which lost almost 11,000 residents; and Connecticut, which lost 6,200 people. Mississippi, Hawaii, New Jersey, Alaska and Vermont each lost less than 5,000 residents.

Regionally, the South saw the greatest population growth from 2018 to 2019, increasing 0.8% due to natural increase and people moving from others parts of the country. The Northeast had a population decrease for the first time this decade, declining 0.1% due primarily to people moving away.

Monday's population estimates also offer a preview of which states may gain or lose congressional seats from next year's apportionment process using figures from the 2020 Census. The process divvies up the 435 U.S. House seats among the 50 states based on population.

Several forecasts predict California, the nation's most populous state with 39.5 million residents, losing a seat for the first time.

Texas, the nation's second most-populous state with 28.9 million residents, is expected to gain as many as three seats, the most of any state.q

A6 U.S.

Tuesday 31 December 2019

NEWS

Alligators, pricey bananas and naked people: 2019 in Florida

By TAMARA LUSH Associated Press ST. PETERSBURG (AP) — In 2019, Florida Banana managed to eclipse Florida Man. From alligator antics to naked people doing wacky things, Florida did not disappoint in the weird news department this year.

(So. Many. Naked. People.)

In December, a Miami couple spent more than $100,000 on the "unicorn of the art world" — a banana duct-taped to a wall — during Art Basel. The piece was widely copied and mocked on social media, and then someone at the art fair ripped it off the wall and ate it.

Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan sold three editions of "Comedian," each in the $120,000 to $150,000 range.

"We are acutely aware of the blatant absurdity of the fact that "Comedian" is an otherwise inexpensive and perishable piece of produce and a couple inches of duct tape," one couple that purchased the banana said. "Ultimately we sense that Cattelan's banana will become an iconic historical object."

Florida is known for many

In this Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2019 photo provided by Paul Bedard, Bedard raises a 9-foot alligator over his head at a home in Parkland, Fla. Associated Press

things. Sunshine, beaches and oranges. The magic of Disney and the glamour of South Beach. It's also known for having the most bananas news in the United States.

As they often do, alligators topped the list of odd stories. Perhaps the most visually interesting happened in October, when Paul Bedard, who is contracted with the state's nuisance alligator program, responded to a call of a gator in a

swimming pool in Parkland.

Bedard "played" with the 8-foot long reptile until it became tired. Then he lifted it out of the water and held it over his head for an Instagram photo.

"I haven't had a good-sized gator in a swimming pool in probably a year, so I was kind of looking forward to this when I got the call," he said. The alligator was relocated to a wildlife park.

Humans tangled with gators in a multitude of other

Test shows citizenship question had impact with subgroups

By MIKE SCHNEIDER Associated Press ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Although a test showed that adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census wouldn't have had an impact on overall response rates, it did make a difference in neighborhoods that were bilingual and had substantial numbers of non-citizens, Hispanics and Asians, the U.S. Census Bureau said Monday.

In its final report on a test conducted last summer, the bureau said there were lower self-response rates when a citizenship question was added to a test questionnaire in neighborhoods where 5 percent or more of residents weren't citizens; where almost half the population was Hispanic; where 5% to 20% of residents were

Asian; and neighborhoods that received bilingual materials.

Self-response rates for the test questionnaire also were lower with a citizenship question when respondents mailed in their answers and within New York and Los Angeles. When a citizenship question was on the test form, the proportion of respondents who identified as Hispanic also was lower, the bureau said.

The test was conducted this summer as part of an effort to fine-tune planning for the 2020 head count next spring.

Test questionnaires were mailed to 480,000 households across the U.S. Half of the questionnaires had a citizenship question and the other half didn't.

The bureau announced

last October that preliminary results showed the test questionnaire with the citizenship question had a self-response rate of 51.5 percent, and the questionnaire without the citizenship question had a selfresponse rate of 52.0 percent.

At the start of the test, the Census Bureau didn't know if the question would be allowed since it was being litigated between the Trump administration, which was pushing for the question, and civil rights groups and several Democratic state attorneys who opposed it.

Critics said it would reduce participation by Hispanics and immigrant groups.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in late June that the question couldn't be on the 2020 questionnaire.q

ways. One reptile knocked on a woman's door the night before Thanksgiving in Fort Myers. In Martin County, two men poured Coors beer into an alligator's mouth. They were arrested.

Alligators weren't the only animals making headlines in Florida.

In August, a restaurant in Stuart canceled its "Monkey Mondays" when a 9-month-old capuchin named JoJo bit a child's finger.

Also in August, a Lake Worth Beach man began feeding a kinkajou (a raccoon relative with a prehensile tail that's native to Central and South America), but one day, it attacked his leg. "It was not a nice kinkajou. It was super aggressive," the man's girlfriend told The Palm Beach Post.

And a Labrador retriever somehow got behind the wheel of a car and did doughnuts in Port St. Lucie.

Some claim Florida's weird news surfaces because of the state's open public records laws, while others chalk it up to the fact that it's the third largest state, with more than 21 million people packed on a peninsula — many wearing scant clothing because of infernal heat most of the year.

Whatever the reason, taking stock of the year's strange stories in Florida is a time-honored tradition.

This year's no different, be-

cause the unusual is met with a chuckle and shrug precisely because it's so normal. (Honestly. In 1986, the state's official tourism slogan was "Florida ... The Rules Are Different Here").

Consider Patrick Eldridge of Jacksonville, who parked his tiny Smart Car in his kitchen because he was worried it would blow away during Hurricane Dorian.

The owners of a Port Orange funeral home gave away a free cremation as part of its grand reopening.

A toilet exploded in Port Charlotte when lighting struck the home's septic tank. No one was injured, and homeowner Marylou Ward expressed relief: "I'm just glad none of us were on the toilet."

Folks attacked one another with all manner of items, including (but not limited to): pancake batter, PopTarts, a fake Christmas tree, swords, McDonald's condiment packets and roach spray.

In the city of Port Richey, two mayors were arrested in the span of 20 days — one on charges of obstruction of justice; the other, on allegations he was practicing medicine without a license in his home.

Lest you think all Floridians are strange, a few did some remarkably kind things.

Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack went to his hometown of Fort Pierce and stopped by a Walmart store in December. He paid off all the layaways, to the tune of $80,000, according to the Chicago Tribune.

A Florida 9-year-old gave his third grade teacher all the feels when he offered his $15 of birthday money as a solution to the problem of teachers being underpaid.

In Gulf Breeze, a 73-yearold man wanted to "take a little bit of stress out" of the season for his neighbors and secretly gave $4,600 to help 36 families pay their water and gas bills.

But it's the weird that attracts the most attention here. A number of people were nude, or partially nude, when they made the news.q

U.S. NEWS A7

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Hate crimes charges against man accused in Hanukkah stabbing

By RYAN TARINELLI, JIM MUSTIAN and LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press MONSEY, N.Y. (AP) — Handwritten journals containing anti-Semitic references were found in the home of the man charged with federal hate crimes Monday in the stabbing and slashing of five people celebrating Hanukkah at a rabbi's house north of New York City, authorities said.

Grafton E. Thomas, 37, was held without bail after appearing in federal court in White Plains on five counts of obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by attempting to kill with a dangerous weapon and causing injuries in the Saturday attack. Authorities said a blood-stained 18-inch (45-centimeter) machete was recovered from his car.

The bearded Thomas, his ankles shackled, shuffled into the courtroom in a prison jumpsuit, telling a judge who asked him if his head was clear that he was "not clear at all" and needed sleep. But he added: "I am coherent."

His court-appointed attorney, Susanne Brody, said Thomas has issues with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The stabbings on the seventh night of Hanukkah come amid a series of violent attacks targeting Jews in the region that have led to increased security, particularly around religious gatherings.

A criminal complaint said journals recovered from Thomas' home in Greenwood Lake included comments questioning "why ppl

mourned for anti-Semitism when there is Semitic genocide" and a page with drawings of a Star of David and a swastika.

A phone recovered from his car included repeated internet searches for "Why did Hitler hate the Jews" as well as "German Jewish Temples near me" and "Prominent companies founded by Jews in America," the complaint said.

On the day of the stabbings, the phone's browser was used to access an article titled: "New York City Increases Police Presence in Jewish Neighborhoods After Possible Anti-Semitic Attacks. Here's What To Know," the complaint said.

Defense attorney Michael Sussman told reporters he visited Thomas' home and found stacks of notes he described as "the ramblings of a disturbed individual" but nothing to point to an "anti-Semitic motive" or suggest Thomas "intentionally targeted" the rabbi's home.

"My impression from speaking with him is that he needs serious psychiatric evaluation," Sussman said.

"His explanations were not terribly coherent."

Thomas' family said he was raised to embrace tolerance but has a long history of mental illness, including multiple hospitalizations.

"He has no history of like violent acts and no convictions for any crime," his family said in a statement.

"He has no known history of anti-Semitism and was raised in a home which embraced and respected all religions and races. He is not a member of any hate

groups." In a release, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said Thomas "targeted his victims in the midst of a religious ceremony, transforming a joyous Hanukkah celebration into a scene of carnage and pain."

William F. Sweeney Jr., head of New York's FBI office, said the possible life prison sentence that the federal charges carry "for this type of attack are severe and justified."

Thomas served in the Marines and was president of his class at a high school in Queens, Sussman said.

He attended William Paterson University between 2005 and 2007, the university confirmed, where he played football as a walkon running back.

Thomas' family said his mental health deteriorated over the years. He would hear voices and have trouble completing sentences at times, Paige and Sussman said.

In court papers filed in a 2013 eviction case in Utah, Thomas said he suffered from schizophrenia, depression and anxiety and his "conditions are spontaneous and untamed."

Thomas was arrested within two hours of the Saturday night attack in Monsey.

When police pulled his car over in Manhattan, he had blood all over his clothing and smelled of bleach but said "almost nothing" to the arresting officers, officials said.

The criminal complaint said authorities recovered a machete under the front passenger seat that appeared to have traces of

Grafton Thomas is led from Ramapo Town Hall in Ramapo, N.Y. following his arraignment Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019.

Associated Press

dried blood on it; a knife recovered from the rear of the seat appeared to have dried blood and hair on it.

Thomas' aunt told The Associated Press that he had a "germ phobia" and would obsessively wash his hands and feet with bleach.

She said Thomas grew up in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn and "lived peacefully" among Jewish neighbors.

She said Thomas had not been taking his medication and recently went missing for a week. The woman spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear she would lose her government job for speaking publicly.

"They're making him look like this monster," she said in a telephone interview. "My nephew is not a monster.

He's just sick. He just needs help."

According to the complaint, Thomas, a scarf covering his face, entered the rabbi's home next door to a synagogue and said "no one is leaving." He then took out a machete and

started stabbing and slashing people in the home packed with dozens of congregants, the complaint said.

The five victims suffered serious injuries — including a severed finger, slash wounds and deep lacerations — and at least one was in critical condition with a skull fracture, the complaint said. The rabbi's son was also injured.

On Sunday, Thomas pleaded not guilty to five counts of attempted murder and one count of burglary. He was detained on $5 million bail and refused to answer questions as he was escorted to a vehicle.

Thomas' criminal history includes an arrest for assaulting a police horse, according to an official briefed on the investigation who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

A lawyer representing Thomas at the arraignment said he had no convictions.q

A8 WORLD

Tuesday 31 December 2019

NEWS

French unions behind strikes get public funds

By ELAINE GANLEY Associated Press PARIS (AP) — As France's strikes entered their 26th day Monday, some in the country are questioning if the labor unions that are driving the crippling stoppages have outsized power.

The strikes have closed French landmarks, hurt small businesses over the Christmas season and hobbled public transportation. So packed was a Paris bus recently that an elderly man with a cane fell out when the doors opened at a stop. Yet the unions' cozy but paradoxical relationship with officialdom empowers them to block change.

Unions represent less than 10% of the country's salaried workers but receive funds from 100% of them.

The French state, local governments and employers help fill union coffers, too, in part to buy peace from what the government calls its "social partners."

But peace is elusive as the strikes continue and President Emmanuel Macron remains steadfast in vowing to to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 and do away with special benefits for some categories of workers.

France's increasingly putupon population has yet to rebel — an act that would demolish union cries of public support and weaken their negotiating position.

In this Dec. 9, 2019, file photo, railway workers gather during a meeting of the CGT union in Rennes, western France.

Associated Press

"The mobilization is still there.

That's a real message for the government," CGT leader Philippe Martinez, leader of the hard-left CGT union, said after a Paris march that drew thousands on Saturday.

Public support is hard to measure.

A Jan. 9 "day of action" protest may serve as a gauge.

The strikes already have broken the 1995 record of a 22-day action over pension reform before the government backed down.

Clues might be found in online crowdfunding efforts to help needy strikers. The largest, started by the CGT union's information and

communication branch, tweeted that it had collected more than 1 million euros ($1.1 million) by Dec. 26.

"I think ... people feel protected by the union organization," said Olivier Lefebvre, a maintenance worker at a Peugeot automobile plant and top official of the Workers' Force union at PSA Peugeot. "It's stable. It's always there, just in case."

He noted that deals negotiated by unions are "applicable to everyone," unionized or not.

First legalized in 1884, two decades after Napoleon III accorded workers the right to strike, France's unions have built up muscle and

money over the years.

Large unions have a considerable patrimony, including chateaux, some of them requisitioned at the end of World War II, according to Dominique Andolfatto, an expert on unions at the University of Bourgogne Franche-Comte. The chateaux are used in some cases as vacation or training centers.

But in recent years unions have been losing members — about a 30% decline since 1970, Andolfatto said.

France now has one of the lowest rates of unionized workers in the 36-nation Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, he said.

The loss in membership could mean a loss in funds from union dues, but a new category of public funding came into force in 2015 with a law obliging workers to contribute 0.016% of their paychecks to unions.

The small sum adds up and is part of the snug relationship between unions and the state.

Unions in some cases also benefit from direct subsidies from companies or cities and towns, Andolfatto said. Companies and the state also pay for employees "detached" from their job, some full time, to concentrate on union work, including arranging strike actions, he said, estimating that at least 20,000 civil servants are affected.

A 2011 parliamentary report on the circuitous finances of labor unions was buried, too taboo to be published.

Officially, France "considers ... that unionism is positive for the economy ... It contributes to democracy, to development," Andolfatto said. The unstated reason is that officials and employers consider they "are buying social peace."

Franck Queru, 52, a train driver and representative for the hard-left CGT union at Paris' Austerlitz train station, pays 1% of his monthly salary in union dues, and he scoffed at talk of retirement privileges or the reportedly hidden riches of the big unions.q

US, German, Israeli envoys weigh in on Russian WWII claims

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki arrives for an EU summit in Brussels, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019.

Associated Press

By MONIKA SCISLOWSKA Associated Press WARSAW, Poland (AP) — The U.S, German and Israeli ambassadors in Warsaw weighed in Monday

against claims by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Poland bears part of the blame for the outbreak of World War II. "Dear President Putin, Hitler

and Stalin colluded to start WWII. That is a fact. Poland was a victim of this horrible conflict," Ambassador Georgette Mosbacher said on Twitter in English and Polish. The Russian Embassy countered with a tweet saying: "Dear Ambassador, do you really think that you know about history any more than you do about diplomacy?"

World War II began on Sept.

1, 1939, when Nazi German troops invaded Poland.

Two weeks later, the Soviet Red Army also attacked embattled Poland from the east, in what Poles still refer

to as a "stab in the back."

Days earlier, Germany and Russia had signed a pact with a secret protocol to carve up Poland and the Baltic states between themselves. Some six million Poles lost their lives during the whole of WWII. Recently, Putin has argued that collusion between Western powers and Adolf Hitler paved the way for World War II. He also cast Poland as an anti-Semitic country that welcomed Hitler's plans to destroy Europe's Jews.

German Ambassador Rolf Nikel and Israeli Ambassa-

dor Alexander Ben Zvi took a stand Monday to blame the war's outbreak on the August 1939 Nazi-Soviet pact. Polish historian Mariusz Wolos told the Onet portal that Putin is aiming at "creating discord between Poland and the U.S. and the international Jewish diaspora." He said Putin is trying to erase Stalin's alliance with Hitler from history.

British historian Roger Moorehouse tweeted to say that Putin's words "provoked a much better popular understanding of the pact's true nefarious nature and significance." q

WORLD NEWS A9

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Spain: Socialists pin future government on Catalan's release

By ARITZ PARRA Associated Press MADRID (AP) — Two leftwing parties striving to form Spain's first coalition government in decades joined forces Monday announcing plans to hike taxes on the rich and boost social spending if they take office with the key acquiescence of a Catalan pro-independence party.

But the final go-ahead to a potential governing alliance between interim Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez' Socialists and the anti-austerity United We Can (Unidas Podemos) party could depend largely on the fate of an imprisoned separatist politician — Oriol Junqueras, who served as Catalonia's vice president until 2017.

In a move that could ease the way for the coalition, Spain's state attorney called Monday for Junqueras, who remains the head of the Catalan ERC party, to be released temporarily so he can be sworn in as a member of the European Union's legislative body.

Junqueras' ERC party controls 13 of the 350 seats in

Spain's caretaker Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, right and Podemos party leader Pablo Iglesias clasp hands after signing an agreement between the two parties in the Spanish parliament in Madrid, Spain, Monday, Dec. 30, 2019.

Associated Press

the Spanish Congress of Deputies, and their votes are crucial for success in breaking months of political deadlock unresolved by two consecutive general elections this year.

Spanish laws allow minority governments to be formed as long as they receive more votes in favor than

against in the parliament's lower house. But even with the support of a small Basque nationalist party, Sánchez and Iglesias still need ERC's abstention from the vote.

ERC has said it will decide on the matter next week, but is expected to be favorably swayed by the

state attorney's move on Junqueras.

The attorney's recommendation came after the European Union's top court rebuked Spain earlier this month, ruling that Junqueras enjoyed immunity from prosecution when he was elected to the bloc's parliament in May. Spain's top

court, which at the time was already hearing the case against Junqueras and other Catalans who pushed ahead with an illegal declaration of independence, denied Junqueras permission to get out of jail to take his seat.

Junqueras, 50, was eventually convicted of sedition and misuse of public funds for his role two years ago in promoting the illegal secession bid of the prosperous northeastern region of Catalonia, which includes the city of Barcelona.

In its response to the European ruling, the Spanish state attorney's office also said Monday that, while allowing the Catalan politician to become a lawmaker, a request should be made immediately for the European Parliament to drop the separatist politician's immunity so he can serve the 13-year prison term he was given.

The Supreme Court is expected to make a decision in coming days.

Other Spanish parties on Monday criticized the two potential coalition partners for relying on the help of an imprisoned separatist.

Police: no confirmation shots fired after alert in Berlin Associated Press BERLIN (AP) — Police sealed off a junction near Berlin's Checkpoint Charlie after they were alerted that a man had fired shots in an apparent robbery attempt on Monday, but later said that there was no robbery and they found a cartridge casing from a gun used to fire blank shots.

The police operation cen-

tered on a cafe a block from the famous former border crossing between East and West Berlin, a popular tourist spot. A subway station next to the scene was closed.

Police initially said that a man apparently tried to rob the cafe and fired shots before fleeing.

But they later said that, after questioning further wit-

nesses and examining the whole building, they had been unable to confirm the reported shots. They also said there had been no robbery. They said after searching the area that they also had garnered no further leads on a possible suspect. But they did find the casing from a cartridge that appeared to come from a starting pistol.q

A policeman in protective gear instructs the passers-by to bring themselves to safety during a police operation near the former Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, Germany, Monday, Dec. 30, 2019.

Associated Press

A10 WORLD

Tuesday 31 December 2019

NEWS

Cyprus court: British teen guilty of fabricating rape claims

By MENELAOS HADJICOSTIS Associated Press PARALIMNI, Cyprus (AP) — A Cyprus court on Monday found a 19 year-old British woman guilty of fabricating claims that she was gang raped by 12 Israelis in a hotel room at a tourist resort in the east Mediterranean island nation, saying that her story lacked credibility.

Famagusta District Court Judge Michalis Papathanasiou said the defendant didn't tell the truth and tried to deceive the court with "evasive" statements in her testimony.

The woman says she is innocent and will appeal the ruling.

The case had triggered widespread interest in Britain and Israel. It was reported as a shocking gang rape until Cypriot authorities cast down on the woman's account.

The woman, who has not been identified, was found guilty of the charge of "public mischief," which carries a maximum fine of 1,700 euros ($1,900) and up to a year imprisonment. She will remain in Cyprus until her Jan. 7 sentencing.

Emerging from the court house after the verdict, both the woman and her mother wore strips of fabric over their mouths onto which stitched lips were

Protesters stage a demonstration outside a court house in Paralimni, Cyprus on Monday, December 30, 2019, in support of a 19 year-old British woman who was found guilty of fabricating claims that she was gang raped by 12 Israelis.

Associated Press

drawn. The woman told investigators that she had been raped by as many as a dozen Israelis aged 15-20 on July 17. Cyprus police said she retracted the allegations 10 days later after investigators found what they said were inconsistencies in her statements.

Taking the stand earlier in the trial, the British woman said that while she was having sex with her boyfriend, she was pinned down and others who entered the room raped her.

The judge said the defen-

dant admitted to investigators under questioning that she had lied and apologized. He said she made up the claims because she was "ashamed" after finding out that some of the Israelis had videoed her having consensual sex with her Israeli boyfriend on their mobile phones. He said that the admission and her subsequent apology "was the only time the defendant told the truth."

The court heard that a physical examination of the woman after she filed the

complaint to police found no evidence of rape. The judge rejected testimony from a pathologist testifying for the defense that rape couldn't be ruled out.

All 12 Israelis returned home shortly after their release and their defense lawyers said they would sue the woman for damages.

During the trial, the British woman said that she felt threatened by investigators while she was being questioned and that she feared she would be arrested if she didn't sign the retrac-

tion, adding that she "even feared for her life."

Judge Papathanasiou dismissed her testimony as being "exaggerated, confused, contradictory and incoherent."

Defense lawyer Ritsa Pekri asked the court to mitigate her sentence, saying that she regretted her actions and only did what she did out of "immaturity," and because she was under strong psychological pressure. Pekri said the woman is on anti-depressants.

Outside of the court, Nicoletta Charalambidou, another lawyer on the British woman's legal team, said the conviction was expected and that an appeal would be filed to Cyprus' Supreme Court because defense lawyers feel that their client's rights to a fair trial had been "violated to a significant degree."

Michael Polak with the group Justice Abroad, which also helped defend the British woman, said the appeal will be based on the premise that there was evidence indicating that the woman had been raped, but that the judge refused to consider it.

Polak said the woman "is determined for justice to be done in her case as well as to help change the culture towards victims of sexual offences in Cyprus." q

Turkey seeks parliament approval to dispatch troops to Libya

By SUZAN FRASER Associated Press ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey's government on Monday submitted a motion to parliament seeking approval to deploy troops to Libya, arguing that the conflict in the North African country could escalate into a civil war and threaten Turkey's interests.

Legislators have been summoned to an emergency session in parliament on Thursday to vote for the motion, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported, as the government appeared intent on rushing the bill through the assembly.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had initially said the

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses the members of his ruling party, in Ankara, Turkey, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019.

Associated Press

motion would be submitted to parliament after a winter recess that ends on Jan 7.

The motion seeks a oneyear mandate to deploy

troops in the conflict-ridden country, maintaining that developments in Libya threaten Turkey's interests there, including Turkish busi-

nesses in the country and Turkish vessels sailing in the Mediterranean, according to the text of the motion reported by Anadolu.

The government said it would decide on the size, timing and scope of the deployment.

Erdogan has said the U.N.supported government in Libya asked Ankara to send troops to help authorities in Tripoli defend the city from an offensive by rebel forces.

Erdogan said the government of Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj in Tripoli "invited" Turkey to send troops after the two recently signed a military cooperation agreement. Ankara

and Tripoli have also signed a maritime border deal and both agreements have met with criticism across the region and beyond.

Sarraj's administration has faced an offensive since April by the rival government based in eastern Libya and forces loyal to commander Gen. Khalifa Hifter, who is trying to take Tripoli.

Earlier, Turkey's main opposition party said it would not support the motion, saying the possible deployment would embroil Turkey in another conflict and make it a party to the "shedding of Muslim blood." It said Turkey must instead "give priority to a diplomatic solution" in Libya.q

WORLD NEWS A11

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Kim calls for measures to protect North Korea's security

By KIM TONG-HYUNG Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for his military and diplomats to prepare unspecified "offensive measures" to protect the country's security and sovereignty, the North's state media said Monday, before his end-of-year deadline for the Trump administration to make major concessions to salvage a fragile nuclear diplomacy.

During a ruling Workers' Party meeting Sunday, Kim also "comprehensively and anatomically analyzed" problems arising in efforts to rebuild the North's moribund economy and presented tasks for "urgently correcting the grave situation of the major industrial sectors," the North's official Korean Central News Agency said.

The plenary meeting of the party's Central Committee, which began Saturday, is being closely watched amid concerns that Kim could suspend his deadlocked nuclear negotiations with the United States

In this Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, photo provided Monday, Dec. 30, by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during a Workers’ Party meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea.

Associated Press

and take a more confrontational approach by lifting a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile tests.

The North has said the meeting, which will continue for at least another day, is intended for discussions on overcoming "manifold and harsh trials and difficulties."

Kim, who has said the North would pursue a "new path"

Hong Kong police accuse protesters of inciting youth crime Associated Press HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong police on Monday accused activists in the long-running pro-democracy movement of inciting minors to commit crimes.

The claim Monday comes two days before a planned New Year’s Day march that is expected to attract tens of thousands of participants.

Chief police spokesman Kwok Ka-chuen told reporters that the force was in close contact with the organizers of the Jan. 1 event, but would not tolerate threats to public safety.

Kwok also said young people had been motivated to commit criminal acts during the protests, including dropping objects from the upper stories of apartment

buildings. It wasn’t clear whether those actions were directly tied to any specific demonstration.

“Over the weekend, during our arrest operation, we arrested a large number of youngsters and are very alarmed that some criminals incite youngsters to commit crimes,” Kwok said, adding that some of the violence had been inspired by the children’s teachers.

Children as young as 12 have been among the nearly 7,000 people arrested during the protests, which have drawn broad support and were originally sparked by now-discarded legislation that would have allowed citizens of the semi-autonomous Chinese city to be sent to China for trial.q

if Washington persists with sanctions and pressure, is expected to announce major policy changes during his New Year's address on Wednesday.

The KCNA report did not describe any decisions made at the meeting or mention any specific remarks by Kim about the United States.

The North's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper published photos of Kim, wear-

ing a white dress shirt and horn-rimmed glasses, speaking from a podium as hundreds of government and military officials jotted down his comments.

"Emphasizing the need to take positive and offensive measures for fully ensuring the sovereignty and security of the country as required by the present situation, (Kim) indicated the duties of the fields of

foreign affairs, munitions industry and armed forces of the DPRK," KCNA said in its English report, referring to North Korea's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

KCNA's Korean-language report said Kim called for "active and offensive" measures.

Kim also "comprehensively and anatomically analyzed the problems arising in the overall state building including the state management and economic construction in the present time," KCNA said.

"He stressed the need to reasonably straighten the country's economic work system and order and establish a strong discipline and presented the tasks for urgently correcting the grave situation of the major industrial sectors of the national economy," the report said.

It added that Kim stressed the need for a "decisive" increase in agricultural production and gave out instructions for improving science, education and public health standards.q

A12 WORLD

Tuesday 31 December 2019

NEWS

Sick woman campaigns for medically assisted suicide in Peru

By FRANKLIN BRICEÑO Associated Press LIMA, Peru (AP) — Almost completely paralyzed by a terminal illness, 42-year-old Peruvian Ana Estrada says she is a "prisoner in her own body" and yearns to be legally allowed to end her own life.

But Peru doesn't permit medically assisted suicide, so Estrada is campaigning for a change in the law from the electric wheelchair in her Lima home.

"It's about fighting for the right to choose," Estrada said in an interview with The Associated Press on her patio, surrounded by potted plants and small sculptures inspired by pre-Inca art. She spoke with a feeding tube in her belly and another tube inserted into her windpipe to help her breathe.

Estrada was diagnosed at the age of 14 with polymyositis, a disease that wastes away muscles and has no cure. By 20, she was too weak to walk and started using a wheelchair. Even so, she graduated with a psychology degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru and worked as a therapist.

Estrada continued to build her life, saving money, buying an apartment, having a

In this Dec. 18, 2019 photo, Ana Estrada a 42-year-old Peruvian psychologist sits inside her home in Lima, Peru.

Associated Press

relationship and taking on a pet cat. Things changed in 2015. Her condition deteriorated, she got pneumonia and spent a year in intensive care in a Lima hospital.

"It's like being a prisoner in my own body, 24 hours a day," said Estrada, who needs round-the-clock care. Her relationship collapsed and she gave up the cat for adoption, but has found renewed purpose in pushing for the legalization of physician-assisted suicide.

Like everything in Estrada's life, the campaign is strewn

with obstacles. No member of Peru's legislature has taken up her cause. In addition Abortion and homosexual marriage are also illegal in the mostly Catholic country.

"It's a subject that alarms people and nobody wants to put their hands in the fire because they'll get burned," said Estrada, whose family was initially reluctant to support her goal but now respects her decision.

She has found an ally in the public defender's office, which plans to go to court in the coming weeks to

seek a legal exemption for Estrada that would allow her the option of medically assisted suicide.

"In Peru, 'mercy killing' is crime carrying three years in jail, so any person or doctor who wants to help her would be committing a crime," Public Defender Walter Gutiérrez said.

"Her case won't change the law, but it opens a path," he said.

Among those countries to have legalized euthanasia or medically assisted suicide are Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Swit-

zerland. Eight U.S. states and Washington D.C. have also legalized medically assisted suicide. In addition, Montana doesn't have a specific law on the books but a state Supreme Court ruling has allowed such deaths to proceed.

"If this exists in other countries, I want it to exist here," Estrada said. She described her struggle as "a tiny grain of sand" that will hopefully make people think about the issue.

The walls of Estrada's bedroom have a picture of a woman lying in a forest, and another of a girl flying with birds. She has seven tattoos - birds, plants, a dagger - that she says remind her that "life is beautiful."

Pneumologist Gonzalo Gianella, who has treated Estrada, said the illness was methodically shutting down her body because, without functioning muscles, "you begin to have trouble speaking, swallowing, breathing, moving, doing your things."

Bath time was the worst moment for Estrada when she was in the hospital. One nurse held her and another cleaned her, speaking with each other but never looking at the patient to check if she was in pain.q

Bolivia says it’s expelling Mexican ambassador Associated Press LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Bolivia's interim president says her government is expelling the top Mexican and Spanish diplomats in the country over an alleged attempt by members of Bolivia's former government to leave refuge in the Mexican embassy with Spanish help and flee the country.

Spain expelled three Bolivian officials Monday in response.

Interim President Jeanine Áñez said Ambassador María Teresa Mercado, the Spanish charge d'affaires and the Spanish consul were all declared persona non grata and given 72 hours to leave the country.

The incident centers around a group of nine for-

People protest outside the residence of Mexico’s ambassador with flags and signs, against officials of the previous Bolivian government who have taken refuge inside the residence in La Paz, Bolivia, late Friday, Dec. 27. 2019.

Associated Press

mer officials in the government of deposed Bolivian President Evo Morales who sought refuge in the Mexi-

can embassy after Morales stepped down under pressure last month.

The acting Bolivian gov-

ernment has charged the former officials with sedition, terrorism and electoral fraud and has refused to allow them safe passage out of the country.

The Bolivian government has accused Spanish diplomats of trying to help the nine officials leave the Mexican embassy on Friday and says the Spaniards arrived at the embassy accompanied by a group of hooded Spanish security agents. Spain has denied the charges.

"A serious violation has been committed against Bolivian sovereignty and democracy, which must be respected," Áñez said.

Six Spanish security officials departed Bolivia on Sunday after the Bolivian

government asked them to leave.

Spain's interim government said Monday that it was expelling three Bolivian diplomats accredited in Spain in response to Bolivia's "hostile gesture."

It said that Spain "categorically rejects any hint about the alleged willingness to interfere in the internal political affairs of Bolivia," and called the allegations "conspiracy theories."

A police union in Spain said that the agents from the national police force's Special Operations Group, which provides diplomatic security, were partially masked Friday to protest their identities for their own security, a routine precaution. q

A13

Tuesday 31 December 2019

December fishing report: Calmer winds and clearer skies ORANJESTAD — Winter may be coming, but Aruba’s fishing scene has never been hotter. With hurricane season officially over, December brings calmer winds and clearer skies to the island. The temperature is as pleasant as ever, hovering around the 87-degree mark. The best part is that December transforms Aruba into one of the best fisheries in the entire Caribbean.

In terms of sheer variety, the December fishing in Aruba is nearly impossible to match. Inshore, offshore, on the reefs and flats, the plentiful Aruban waters have something for every angler.

If you’re into flats fishing, you’ll be in for a treat.

December is traditionally great for Permit fishing, not just because the fish come close to shore, but because the weather is amazing for it. December is one of the driest months in Aruba, meaning that you’ll have no trouble spotting those feisty flats monsters.

The Aruban signature species, the Wahoo, is as abundant as you’ll ever see it. Other reef fish like Barracuda and King Mackerel are also on the bite.

Offshore, Sailfish and White Marlin continue their feeding frenzies. If you’re lucky, you can snag a Blue Marlin while you’re at it, and complete a Billfish Grand Slam! If Billfish aren’t your thing, how about some tasty Mahi, Blackfin Tuna or even Red Snapper? The Aruban coast is dotted with seafood restaurants that will turn your catch into a memorable gourmet experience.

Captain Milton aboard Teaser Charters has been reeling fish in left and right these last couple of weeks.

On a recent outing, the captain and his guests caught a huge Wahoo just ten minutes from the dock.

On the way back, the party snatched a nice Blackfin Tuna, which they brought to a local restaurant for dinner to round the day off.

Captain of the Month – Milton Pichardo Coming from a long line of fishermen, Captain Milton has been fishing the Aruban waters ever since he was a kid. He earned his stripes helping his older brother as a first mate, and started his own charter business at the age of 20.

Today, Captain Milton is a big game fishing expert, and a record-setting tournament winner.

You’ll spend your outing with Captain Milton aboard the beautiful Teaser, a 35’ Bertram sportfisher.

Powered by two 315 HP Cummins engines, this vessel can carry 6 passengers and has all the amenities you’ll need for a comfortable outing on the water.

Among other things, the Teaser boasts an enclosed toilet, a fighting chair, life jackets, and air-conditioning.

The Captain enjoys showing beginners how to fish, so feel free to bring your kids along. At the end of your outing, you’ll split your catch 50-50 with the crew.

To make your experience complete, the crew cleans and fillet your fish, so you can enjoy it over a beautiful Aruban sunset.q

A14 LOCAL

Tuesday 31 December 2019

The Cassava

Episode XLIX (49)

The Cassava should be considered a world heritage food.

ORANJESTAD — The cassave, cassava or yuca plant for Arubans appears to have originated in Brazil and Paraguay and especially around the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. The root of this particular plant is used as a staple to make all kinds of food and as a flat bread that looks much like a tortilla. Manihot esculenta, commonly called cassava, manioc, yuca, macaxeira, mandioca, kappa kizhangu and aipim, is a woody shrub.

The Cassave has been spread by Amerindians throughout tropical areas of South, Central America and the Caribbean islands long before the arrival of the Europeans, and has become a world food just as corn, potatoes and tomatoes between many who are Native to the American continent, staples which great civilizations has thrived upon.

The Cassava (Manihot esculenta) also known as yuca is sometimes confused with an agave species of North America. However, the plant yucca, written with two letter c, is what is referred to as the North American plant and yuca with only one c in what our story is about. The confusion may stem from cassava often being referred to as yuca.

Cassava or yuca is a root vegetable.

The root can be eaten and in some cultures is it even used as a medicine.

Cassava is used for tiredness, dehydration in people with diarrhea, sepsis, and to induce labor yet there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

The cassava is a basic food for many rural families with low resources. It has been considered a valuable food from times of the aboriginal ones forming part of the selection of roots and tubers that the Cubans commonly denominate as `viandas.’

It is known that one of the most recurrent Caribbean indigenous foods in their diet was the yuca or casabe, food made from cassava that grew in these fields and predominated among Siboneyes, Caquetios and Taínos, who were engaged in harvesting and agriculture, respectively. This was the first typical meal of the Caribbean nations - a substitute for the basic wheat bread diet.

There was a saying widely used in popular Cuban slang and taken from the colonizers, "In the absence of bread, casabe."

In the United States, cassava root is also known by other common names such as, bitter cassava, manioc, tapioca, Brazilian arrowroot, and yuca.

Cassava and tapioca flour are not the same thing.

Continued on Page 15

LOCAL A15

Tuesday 31 December 2019

The Cassava Continued from Page 14

While sometimes the terms cassava flour and tapioca flour are used interchangeably, there are in fact distinct differences. Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava root through a process of washing and pulping. The wet pulp is then squeezed to extract a starchy liquid. Once all the water evaporates from the starchy liquid, the tapioca flour remains.

Alternatively, cassava flour is the whole root, simply peeled, dried and ground.

This means it has more dietary fiber than tapioca flour.

In Aruba, native farmers used to plant and eat this root in many ways. As cassava bread, the flour was mixed with water in to a mash and cooked on a hot iron or clay plate. It was also a stew ingredient

Episode XLIX (49) eaten fried. The grounded yuca root was also cooked up and used as starch for clothing.

Words of a renowned DR multimedia artist,Geo Ripley, “The Cassava is an Amerindian cultural patrimony which has perpetuated in time and space till our days, and a symbol for us, of this Caribbean Sea, which always had unified us and never had separated us.�

To get to know more about Aruba and its origins, its animals and culture, we highly recommend you to book your visit to our renowned cultural center, where encounter sessions have been entertaining curious participants for decades.

Mail us at etnianativa03@ gmail.comto confirm your participation. Our facilities and activities take place close to high rise hotels.q

A16 LOCAL

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Aruba to Me ORANJESTAD – Aruba Today likes to welcome readers to participate in our newspaper. You can see that in our Honored Guest-publications, specials like on Valentine’s Day and on other occasions.

Throughout the year you are always welcome to send us your vacation picture(s) together with completing the sentence:

Aruba to me is …….. (Email: news@arubatoday.com) For today’s newspaper we received a some lovely pictures from Traci Segal.

She wrote to us:

“Aruba to me is…. Priceless Moments with Nana”

This trip was especially exciting for Traci and her family as they moved into their new home in Aruba! What made it so special was that her Nana (grandmother) Beverly Serriello of Randolph, Massachusetts took her FIRST trip to Aruba at the age of 82!

She is loving her time in Savaneta and enjoying Baby Beach. She loved the caves and her fish pedicure. She tried pastechi, Oliebollen and Ayaca for the first time, and loved it! I think her favorite was the Dutch pancake from Linda’s.

Nana is loving our happy island and is 100% DUSHI

We also receive a great picture from son. She wrote to us:

Sandra Sander-

“Aruba to me is…. our go to place to relax and escape the challenges life offers at home.

2019 has been a tough year so we decided to spend Christmas here which has been wonderful.q

LOCAL A17

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Countdown into the New Year!

ORANJESTAD — New Year celebrations are up next! In Aruba, this means getting together with loved ones, hopping from one party to the next, setting off pagara and fireworks, indulging in good food, and toasting to the good life!

If you are in Aruba for this fun time of year or if you plan to visit next holiday season here is an overview of what to expect: Pagara and Champagne toasts all day long For those of you not familiar with Pagara, it is a long string of Chinese firecrackers. The Pagara is set off all around the island on New Year’s Eve Day and marks the end of the year for local businesses. It’s main purpose is to celebrate success of the past year and to ward off any evil spirits that may come their way.

By now it is not just done by

businesses but also by families. It’s tradition to gather with your friends, family or coworkers, light the pagara, and have a Champagne toast (or three). This tradition kicks off the New Year celebration rather early in the day and can last until late afternoon.

Here are some of the main pagara attractions: 11AM Mainstreet, Caya Betico Croes 12PM Playa Linda, 2.5 million shot 1PM Renaissance, one of the longest Pagaras set off on the island.

island’s neighborhoods.

And at last, for the final hooray, just before midnight, many resorts begin their grand fireworks show.

Find a high spot on the island to witness the spectacular panoramic island view of magic from above, or plop down on the beach and gaze up at the sky for a breathtaking show.

There are plenty of special dinners and parties held at restaurants, bars and resorts… all including a great view of fireworks.

Once the pagara celebrations have come to an end it’s time to freshen up and get ready for the main attraction, New Year’s Eve of course!

As you may have been able to tell, the holiday tradition here in Aruba is one of a kind, you really must try it for yourself. But please, do remember to celebrate responsibly and to always clean up after yourself!

Once the sun sets the fireworks madness begins! Fireworks are set off at all hours of the night throughout the

Aruba Today wishes you a new year blessed with health, wealth and happiness!q

linda.reijnders@cspnv.com

A18 SPORTS

Tuesday 31 December 2019

White Sox finalize $55.5M, 3-year deal with Keuchel

By JAY COHEN AP Sports Writer CHICAGO (AP) — Looking at the Chicago White Sox, Dallas Keuchel saw a team on the rise, a solid catching situation and a clubhouse with a positive reputation.

There also was a hidden bonus."Just being on the South Side, the black and white, really bodes well not only, I think, for my skillset, but for also my clothing apparel as well," Keuchel said. Chicago finalized a $55.5 million, three-year contract with Keuchel on Monday, adding an accomplished left-hander to the mix of young pitching talent on the White Sox. The 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner will earn $18 million in salary each of the next three seasons. The White Sox hold a $20 million option for 2023 with a $1.5 million buyout.

"We view this as the next logical step in our process, one that was a high priority for us entering this offseason," general manager Rick Hahn said, "and that being adding someone who not only helps stabilize the rotation, but someone who is going to be a key contributor inside the clubhouse as well."

Keuchel, who turns 32 on Wednesday, rose to prominence in Houston after making his major league debut in 2012. He went 20-8 with a 2.48 ERA in 33 starts when he won the Cy Young Award winner four years ago.

Continued on Page 20

JACK FLASH

Hughes scores in OT, sends Devils past Senators 4-3 New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) celebrates his winning goal over the Ottawa Senators during overtime NHL hockey game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019.

Associated Press Page 21

SPORTS A19

Tuesday 31 December 2019

James, Davis help Lakers rout Donic, Mavericks

By The Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James became the ninth player in NBA history to reach 9,000 assists, Anthony Davis scored 23 points and the Los Angeles Lakes beat the Dallas Mavericks 108-95 on Sunday night.

James — who turns 35 on Monday — reached the milestone with 4:35 remaining in the first quarter when he fired an outlet pass to Davis three-quarters of the way down the court for a dunk. It was one of 13 assists on the night for James.

He finished with 13 points.

Davis was 8 of 12 from the field in his 26th game this season with 20 or more points. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added a season-high 19 points and Dwight Howard scored 15 points — all in the second quarter.

Luka Doncic led Dallas with 19 points but struggled from the field a night after his ninth triple-double of the season. He shot 5 of 14 and missed all six of his 3-point attempts.

Los Angeles has won two straight after a four-game losing streak.

THUNDER 98, RAPTORS 97 TORONTO (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander matched his career-high with 32 points, Chris Paul had 25 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists and Oklahoma City beat Toronto for its sixth win in seven games.

Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet each scored 20 points and Serge Ibaka had 12 points and 14 rebounds for the Raptors.

They lost for the third time in four games.

Gilgeous-Alexander made the go-ahead basket on a jump shot with 36 seconds left in the fourth quarter,

then grabbed the rebound on a missed 3-pointer by VanVleet.

The third-year guard, who was born in Toronto and raised in nearby Hamilton, has scored 32 points three times in his past five games.

PELICANS 127, ROCKETS 112 NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Lonzo Ball highlighted a season-high 27-point performance with a careerhigh seven 3-pointers and New Orleans beat undermanned Houston for its fourth straight victory.

Brandon Ingram also had 27 points and Jrue Holiday and E'Twaun Moore each added 25, with Moore setting a career high.

Houston played without James Harden (sprained toe), Russell Westbrook (rest) and Clint Capela (bruised heel).

Daniel House Jr. scored 22 points for Houston and Eric Gordon, returning for the first time since having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in mid-November, added 20 points.

NUGGETS 120, KINGS 115 DENVER (AP) — Will Barton scored 19 points, including two free throws with eight seconds left, to help Denver hold off Sacramento for its ninth victory in 10 games.

Michael Porter Jr. had a season-high 19 points and six rebounds in his first start.

Nikola Jokic added 17 points and eight rebounds.

Nemenja Bjelica scored 27 points for Sacramento, and De'Aaron Fox had 18 points and 13 assists in his return to the lineup.

The Kings have lost seven in a row.

GRIZZLIES 117, HORNETS 104 MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Dillon Brooks scored 20 points, rookie Brandon Clarke added 18 and Memphis sent Charlotte to its fifth

straight loss. Jonas Valanciunas scored 16 points, and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 14 points and 12 rebounds for Memphis.

Malik Monk led Charlotte with 18 points off the bench and provided a fourth-quarter boost that pulled the Hornets within single-digits. Devonte' Graham had 16 points and 10 assists.q

Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard reacts after dunking against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles.

Associated Press

A20 SPORTS

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Keuchel Continued from Page 18

He helped lead the Astros to the 2017 World Series title. Keuchel also was a free agent last year, but he struggled to find work. He signed a roughly $13 million, one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves in June and went 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA for the NL East champions.

"The character is something and the reputation is something that you build over the length of a career," Hahn said on a conference call, "and Dallas has been someone that we've admired from that standpoint from afar for a while now."

The long-bearded veteran joins catcher Yasmani Grandal and slugger Edwin Encarnación as major additions to the White Sox this offseason. Grandal signed a $73 million, four-year contract last month, and Encarnación agreed last week to a $12 million, oneyear deal. The White Sox

also brought back slugger Jose Abreu on a $50 million, three-year deal, acquired outfielder Nomar Mazara from the Texas Rangers and added lefty starter Gio González on a $5 million, one-year contract that includes a 2021 option.

The flurry of moves caught Keuchel's attention.

"They're really pushing towards kind of opening that winning window," he said, "and I think in the AL Central there's about a threeto five-year gap right now to really push it.

"I know Rick didn't use the word push. I like to use the word push just because 162 (games) is long, but it goes quick and the years go by quick, too."

Keuchel and González join a rotation led by AllStar Lucas Giolito that also includes Reynaldo López and Dylan Cease. Promising young right-hander Michael Kopech is also expected to return following

In this Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 file photo, Atlanta Braves pitcher Dallas Keuchel delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets in New York.

Associated Press

Tommy John surgery.

Keuchel also pointed to Chicago's catchers as a major reason for his decision to join the team. Grandal is well-regarded for his pitching-framing skills, and Keuchel played college ball with James McCann at the University of Arkansas.

"You win and lose with the catchers," he said, "and I think that's really going to be a strength for us this year and hopefully for years to come."

Chicago is hoping to challenge in the AL Central behind a young core of hitters, including Yoán

Moncada, Tim Anderson and Eloy Jiménez. Top prospect Nick Madrigal might also be ready to get significant time at second base.

The White Sox were 72-89 last season, well behind the 101-win Minnesota Twins and 93-win Cleveland Indians.q

SPORTS A21

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Defending champ Blues beat Jets 4-1 for 8th straight victory

By The Associated Press ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jaden Schwartz scored twice and Jordan Binnington made 25 saves to help the St. Louis Blues beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-1 on Sunday for their season-best eighth straight victory. Ryan O'Reilly and Robert Thomas also scored for St. Louis. The defending champion Blues improved to 26-8-6, outscoring opponents 32-16 during the winning streak. They had a seven-game streak Oct. 27-Nov. 9. Nicholas Shore scored and Connor Hellebuyck made 24 saves for Winnipeg. The Jets have lost five of six to fall to 21-153. Schwartz gave the Blues a 2-1 lead with 4:51 left in the second period, taking a feed from Jordan Kyrou on a two-on-one break and beating Hellebuyck through the legs.

Schwartz added an emptynetter with 30 seconds remaining. He has 13 goals, two more than all of last season. In a six-game points streak, he has four goals and eight assists.

BRUINS 3, SABRES 2 BOSTON (AP) — Jake DeBrusk scored two powerplay goals 18 seconds apart early in the third period and Boston completed a home-and-home sweep of Buffalo.

David Pastrnak added his NHL-leading 29th goal and Tuukka Rask made 24 saves for the Bruins. They have earned at least one point in each of their last seven games, going 4-0-3.

St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in St. Louis.

Associated Press

Rasmus Ristolainen and ISLANDERS 3, WILD 1 ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Ryan Pulock and Matt Martin scored a 1:37 span early in the third period and struggling New York rallied to beat Minnesota.

Tom Kuhnhackl scored late and Semyon Varlamov stopped 25 shots for New York. The Islanders won for the second time in its past six games.

LIGHTNING 2, RED WINGS 1 TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Brayden Point scored a power-play goal in the third period and Tampa Bay beat Detroit for its third straight victory.

Tampa Bay has won 16 consecutive regular-season games against the Red

Wings, the longest winning streak in Lightning franchise history against one opponent. and the third-longest in NHL history.

Ondrej Palat also scored for Tampa Bay, and Curtis McElhinney made 19 saves.

Jonathan Bernier stopped 37 shots for Detroit, and Robby Fabbri scored.

PANTHERS 6, CANADIENS 5 SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Jonathan Huberdeau scored two goals in just over 30 seconds and added two assists, and Florida's top line had a nine-point game against Montreal.

Aleksander Barkov had two goals and an assist and Mike Matheson added a goal and two assists. Noel

Acciari also scored and Evgenii Dadonov finished with two assists. Sergei Bobrovsky made 37 saves.

The top line of Huberdeau, Barkov and Dadonov had four goals and five assists.

Jeff Petry had a goal and two assists, Tomas Tatar and Max Domi each added a goal and an assist, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Shea Weber also scored for Montreal.

BLACKHAWKS 3, BLUE JACKETS 2, SO COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane scored shootout goals in Chicago' victory over Columbus.

Chicago goalie Robin Lehner stopped Nathan Gerbe

in the third round of the tiebreaker to seal the win.

Lehner made 31 saves.

Dylan Strome and Erik Gustafsson score Chicago in the third period. PierreLuc Dubois and Riley Nash scored in regulation for Columbus.

FLYERS 2, DUCKS 1, OT ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Kevin Hayes scored at 3:53 of overtime and Brian Elliott made 27 saves in Philadelphia's fifth victory in six games.

Sean Couturier scored in the first period and Jakub Voracek had two assists for the Flyers in the second stop of their six-game West Coast trip.

After Erik Gudbranson scored for Anaheim in the opening minute.

John Gibson stopped 33 shots for the Ducks.

STARS 4, COYOTES 2 GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Roope Hintz scored the go-ahead goal late in Dallas' four-goal third period against Arizona.

Hintz's made it 3-2 with 4:09 left to play, and Mattias Janmark sealed the Stars' second straight win with an empty-netter with 1:36 remaining.

Jamie Benn had a goal and an assist, Alexander Radulov also scored, and Anton Khudobin stopped 33 shots for the Stars.

Conor Garland and Taylor Hall scored to give Arizona a 2-0 lead. The Coyotes have lost three straight in regulation for the first time this season.q

Host Blues to have 3 players at NHL All-Star Weekend

Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) celebrates his goal with left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils, Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Newark, N.J. Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — The host St. Louis Blues will have three players at NHL All-Star Weekend. Captain Alex Pietrangelo, goaltender Jordan Binnington and playoff MVP Ryan O'Reilly will represent the defending Stanley Cup champion Blues for All-Star festivities Jan. 24-25.

Forward David Perron was not chosen as an All-Star despite being in the middle of a career season. St. Louis native Matthew Tkachuk of the Calgary Flames was

also chosen as an All-Star.

The league's hockey operations department filled out the All-Star rosters beyond the captains voted in by fans. Washington's Alex Ovechkin was voted in by fans but opted to skip All-Star to rest his body for the stretch drive and playoffs. Capitals teammates John Carlson and Braden Holtby will go instead. Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane is set to make his ninth All-Star appearance,

which is the most among active players. With the skills competition and 3-on3 tournament more than three weeks away, two All-Star selections at goaltender will likely need to be replaced. Artemi Panarin will represent the New York Rangers after putting up 51 points in his 38 games for them since signing an $81.5 million, seven-year deal last summer. The rival New York Islanders are sending forward Matthew Barzal. q

A22

Tuesday 31 December 2019

SPORTS

Pats to play in wild-card game, 49ers get NFC's No. 1 seed

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Tom Brady and the New England Patriots will be playing in the postseason a week earlier than usual this year.

The defending Super Bowl champs open the playoffs during wild-card weekend for the first time since 2009 after they lost 27-24 to Miami on Sunday and Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 31-21 to earn a first-round bye."We didn't play the way we're capable of playing and it ended up costing us," Brady said. "Just too many bad mistakes." The Patriots (12-4) are the No. 3 overall seed in the AFC and will have to fix things in a hurry as they host Tennessee (97) next Saturday night.

"We've got a game next week, we've got to get ready to go," Patriots safety Devin McCourty said. "Nobody should feel sorry for us, we shouldn't feel sorry for ourselves. Our goal is to play in the playoffs. We got a shot next week at all of that."

San Francisco earned the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs with a 26-21 victory at Seattle. Jimmy Garoppolo and the NFC West champion 49ers (13-3) held on and sent Russell Wilson and the Seahawks (11-5) on the road to open the playoffs in the wild-card round next Sunday at Philadelphia.

"It's a good step in the right direction," Garoppolo said.

Miami Dolphins defensive end Trent Harris, left, sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass.

Associated Press

"We've got a long way to go, though."

The Titans clinched their spot by beating Houston 35-14, eliminating both Pittsburgh and Oakland in the process. All three teams had a chance at the playoffs, but Tennessee had the easiest path by needing to win — and got it against a Texans squad that rested several starters, including quarterback Deshaun Watson. "I think it's great when you can determine whether you get to continue to play football," Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. "There was some great effort, but we're going to have to improve and play better. Everything gets harder from here on out." The last time New England played on

wild-card weekend, it lost at home to the Ravens.

The Patriots have never made it to the Super Bowl with Brady and coach Bill Belichick while playing in the opening round.

"We've got to move forward and get ready to go or the end of our season will be next week if we don't turn the page and play good football, way better than today," McCourty said. "Nobody feels sorry for the Patriots not getting a first-round bye in the playoffs."

Meanwhile, the Chiefs (124) are the No. 2 seed and will be able to watch the opening round, along with the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens (14-2). "We'll step back, the guys will come

in tomorrow, we'll have a team meeting, I'll give them a schedule for what's going on the next week here during the bye week," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "The main thing is we get work done, but we rest up and get ready for whoever we might play."

Kansas City's victory also locked Houston into the No. 4 seed, and the Texans (10-6) will host the Buffalo Bills (10-6) next Saturday.

Despite resting several starters, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Mark Ingram, guard Marshal Yanda and safety Earl Thomas, Baltimore cruised past Pittsburgh 28-10 to ride into the playoffs on a 12-game winning streak. "It's the best team

in football in the regular season this year, but that doesn't count for anything in the next season," coach John Harbaugh said. "In the next season, we have to obviously go to work this week and become a better football team."

"We're hot," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "But you've got to start all over in the playoffs and it's all great football teams now, so the margin of error is even smaller."

Rodgers and the Packers (13-3) lost out on homefield advantage with San Francisco's win, but have the No. 2 seed in the conference. "The NFC is wide open," Rodgers said.

New Orleans routed Carolina 42-10 to finish 13-3 in the regular season, but Drew Brees and Co. then had to wait for the result of the 49ers-Seahawks game to see what their playoff path would be.

The NFC South champions will be the No. 3 seed and will host Minnesota (10-6) in the wild-card round next Sunday.

Injury-ravaged Philadelphia (9-7) won the NFC East with a 34-17 win over the New York Giants, eliminating Dallas with the victory. The Eagles, with their second division title in three years, will host the Seahawks.

"This team, when it's crunch time this time of year, we get it done," Eagles defensive tackle Tim Jernigan said after his team finished the schedule with a fourgame winning streak.q

UConn ends decade where it began: No. 1 in women’s Top 25

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — UConn finished off the decade in the same spot where it began — No. 1 in The Associated Press women's college basketball poll.

The Huskies received 19 first-place votes on Monday, beating No. 2 Oregon and No. 3 Oregon State, which both got five firstplace votes. South Carolina and Stanford round out the top five. With few games this week because

of the holidays, the first 22 teams in the poll stayed the same as the previous week.

It's been some decade for the Huskies: five national championships, a total of 17 losses and all 194 weeks ranked in the top five.

UConn has been the No. 1 team in the Top 25 in 111 of them, a run that included an 111-game winning streak.

The Huskies had the week off for the holidays, with their next game coming

on Thursday against Wichita State. UConn hopes to have coach Geno Auriemma back for that game after he missed the Huskies' final game of 2019 because of surgery to treat diverticulitis.

Other tidbits from the poll: RETURNING GOLDEN GOPHERS Minnesota returned to the rankings this week at No. 24 riding an 11-game winning streak. Lindsay Whalen's team was ranked 23rd in the preseason poll before

falling out after a loss to Missouri State in the opener. Minnesota replaced Michigan, which fell out of the rankings.

RISE AND FALL OF LADY VOLS While Tennessee has been holding strong in the poll this season, the 22ndranked Lady Vols saw a historic 31-year run in the Top 25 end earlier this decade. In 2016, Tennessee fell out of the poll for the first time since 1985, ending a record streak of

565 consecutive weeks ranked.

PAC-12 POWERS While UConn received 19 first-place votes and Oregon and Oregon State five apiece, South Carolina got the other one. The Ducks and Beavers are two of four Pac-12 teams in the top 10. Stanford is fifth and UCLA is 10th. The Beavers are off to the best start in school history, going 12-0.

UCLA has matched the program's fastest start, also going 12-0.q

SPORTS A23

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Name dropping: A few up-and-comers who may make mark in '20

By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer Some are already on the ascent (rock climber Brooke Raboutou). Others are currently making waves (surfer Kanoa Igarashi) or shooting for the stars (skateboarder Poppy Starr Olsen).

The names of Raboutou, Igarashi and Olsen may not ring a bell now. That could change in a few months when their sports make Olympic debuts this summer at the Tokyo Games.

They’re just a few of the emerging athletes to keep close tabs on heading into 2020.

Or the Josh Allens. That’s right, plural, because it was a good year to be named Josh Allen in the NFL. The Josh Allen who’s a quarterback in Buffalo led the Bills into the playoffs after throwing for 3,089 yards.

The Josh Allen who’s a rookie pass rusher in Jacksonville finished with 10 1/2 sacks. Bright futures to the power of two.

Two other stars to emerge in 2019 were New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso ( 53 home runs, NL rookie of the year) and Tour de France winner Egan Bernal. The NBA’s No. 1 pick, Zion Williamson, remains in a holding pattern due to a knee injury. The New Orleans Pelicans rookie could be considered a carryover with the calendar about to flip.

Let’s name-drop a few on the rise: — Igarashi, surfing, Japan.

This Aug. 4, 2017, file photo shows Kanoa Igarashi, of Huntington Beach, Calif., surfing in his heat at the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, Calif.

Associated Press

His father grew up surfing in Japan before moving to Huntington Beach, California, to be in the heart of surf country.

T he 22-year-old Igarashi has dual citizenship and elected to compete for Japan where he’s already a household name and been featured on a reality TV show.

— Raboutou, climber, U.S. She’s the first U.S. female climber to qualify for Tokyo. The teenager grew up with world-class climbing parents and split her time between Colorado and France. She’s a student at the University of San Diego majoring in business.— Olsen, skateboarding, Austra-

lia. The 19-year-old finished fourth at the Park World Championship in Brazil in September. There will be two skateboard disciplines contested in Tokyo — park and street.

— Joe Burrow, football, Louisiana State. OK, he’s not technically an “emerging star.” He’s already emerged — at least on the college level after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the Tigers to the national championship game. Next step, the NFL. Burrow could be the top pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the upcoming draft.

— E.J. Smith, football, Stanford. The son of Hall of Fame running back and former

Florida star Emmitt Smith w ill forge his own path with the Cardinal.

— James Wiseman, basketball, Memphis. C ould be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft over the summer after withdrawing from classes at Memphis earlier this month. His decision ended Wiseman’s tumultuous college career and his battles with the NCAA. — Jo Adell, baseball, L.A. Angels. Might break spring training as an outfielder for the Angels this season and be in the running for rookie of the year. He hit .289 with 10 homers in three minor league stops last season.

Was drafted 10th overall by the Angels in 2017.

— Alexis Lafreniere, hockey, Canada. The 6-foot-1 forward may be the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NHL draft.

He has 23 goals and 47 assists in 32 games for Rimouski Oceanic of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He’s with Team Canada for the world junior hockey championship, but is currently sidelined by a knee injury.

— Matthew Wolff, golf, U.S. Won the 3M Open in July.

He spent two seasons at Oklahoma State, where he was a two-time All-American and won the 2019 NCAA individual title.

— Maria Fassi, golf, Mexico.

Won the NCAA women’s individual title in May while at Arkansas. Turned pro and has earned $129,164 so far.

— Rose Lavelle, soccer, U.S. She sc ored a goal for the Americans in the World Cup final win over the Netherlands. Could be a big factor for the U.S. at the Tokyo Games.

— Amanda Anisimova, tennis, U.S. T he teenager advanced to the semifinal of the 2019 French Open before falling to eventual champion Ashleigh Barty of Australia. Anisimova was born in New Jersey to Russian parents and moved to Florida when she was young.

— Takeru Kitazono, gymnast, Japan. W on five gold medals at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Argentina. q

U.S. tops Czechs in OT, Canada beats Germany at junior worlds OSTRAVA, Czech Republic (AP) — Cole Caufield scored in overtime to give the United States a 4-3 win over the Czech Republic at the world junior hockey championship on Monday and a spot in the quarterfinals.

Caufield one-timed a shot with 1:46 left in overtime for a win that puts the U.S. atop Group B with eight points, two points ahead of Canada.

Earlier, Canada bounced back from a big loss to Russia with a 4-1 victory over Germany and also booked

a spot in the quarters, which begin Thursday.

Tuesday's final group stage games, when Russia plays Germany and Canada faces the Czechs, will determine the remaining two quarterfinal spots.

The Czechs have four points while Germany and Russia are on three.

Shane Pinto, Arthur Kaliyev and Jack Drury all scored in regulation for the Americans, who outshot the Czechs 43-29.

Libor Zabransky scored twice and Petr Cajka added one for the hosts.

In the early session, Nolan Foote, Liam Foudy and Ty Dellandrea had a goal and an assist each for Canada, with Calen Addison also scoring. Yannik Valenti netted for Germany.

Canada was thumped 6-0

by Russia on Saturday for its worst ever defeat at the tournament.

Canada forward Alexis Lafreniere, projected to be the No. 1 pick at the 2020 NHL draft, missed the Germany game after sustaining a knee injury against Russia but could return later in the tournament.q

Canada's goaltender Joel Hofer, centre, is congratulated by teammates after defeating Germany 4-1 at the World Junior Hockey Championships on Monday, Dec. 30, 2019 in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Associated Press

A24

Tuesday 31 December 2019

TECHNOLOGY

As robots take over warehousing, workers pushed to adapt

By MATT O'BRIEN AP Technology Writer NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Guess who's getting used to working with robots in their everyday lives?

The very same warehouse workers once predicted to be losing their jobs to mechanical replacements.

But doing your job side-byside with robots isn't easy.

According to their makers, the machines should take on the most mundane and physically strenuous tasks.

In reality, they're also creating new forms of stress and strain in the form of injuries and the unease of working in close quarters with mobile half-ton devices that direct themselves.

"They weigh a lot," Amazon worker Amanda Taillon said during the pre-Christmas rush at a company warehouse in Connecticut.

Nearby, a fleet of 6-foottall roving robot shelves zipped around behind a chain-link fence. Taillon's job is to enter a cage and tame Amazon's wheeled warehouse robots for long enough to pick up a fallen toy or relieve a traffic jam.

She straps on a light-up utility belt that works like a superhero's force field, commanding the nearest robots to abruptly halt and the others to slow down or adjust their routes.

"When you're out there, and you can hear them moving around, but you can't see them, it's like, 'Where are they going to come from?'," she said. "It's a little nerve-racking at first."

Taillon says she's gotten used to working with robots — something Amazon and its rivals are increasingly requiring warehouse employees to do. Amazon now has more than 200,000 robotic vehicles it calls "drives" that are moving goods through its delivery-fulfillment centers around the U.S. That's double the number it had last year and up from 15,000 units in 2014.

Its rivals have taken notice, and many are adding their own robots in a race to speed up productivity and bring down costs.

Without these fast-moving pods, robotic arms and

In this Dec. 17, 2019, photo dozens of Amazon robots transport packages from workers to chutes that are organized by zip code, at an Amazon warehouse facility in Goodyear, Ariz.

Associated Press

other forms of warehouse automation, retailers say they wouldn't be able to fulfill consumer demand for packages that can land on doorsteps the day after you order them online.

But while fears that robots will replace human workers haven't come to fruition, there are growing concerns that keeping up with the pace of the latest artificial intelligence technology is taking a toll on human workers' health, safety and morale. Warehouses powered by robotics and AI software are leading to human burnout by adding more work and upping the pressure on workers to speed up their performance, said Beth Gutelius, who studies urban economic development at the University of Illinois at Chicago and has interviewed warehouse operators around the U.S. It's not that workers aren't getting trained on how to work with robots safely. "The problem is it becomes very difficult to do so when the productivity standards are set so high," she said.

Much of the boom in warehouse robotics has its roots in Amazon's $775 million purchase of Massachusetts startup Kiva Systems in 2012.

The tech giant re-branded it as Amazon Robotics and transformed it into an inhouse laboratory that for seven years has been designing and building Amazon's robot armada.

Amazon's Kiva purchase

"set the tone for all the other retailers to stand up and pay attention," said Jim Liefer, CEO of San Francisco startup Kindred AI, which makes an artificially intelligent robotic arm that grasps and sorts items for retailers such as The Gap. A rush of venture capital and private sector investment in warehouse robotics spiked to $1.5 billion a year in 2015 and has remained high ever since, said Rian Whitton, a robotics analyst at ABI Research.

Canadian e-commerce company Shopify spent $450 million this fall to buy Massachusetts-based startup 6 River Systems, which makes an autonomous cart nicknamed Chuck that can follow workers around a warehouse. Other mobile robot startups are partnering with delivery giants such as FedEx and DHL or retailers such as Walmart.

Amazon this year bought another warehouse robotics startup, Coloradobased Canvas Technology, which builds wheeled robots guided by computer vision. Such robots would be more fully autonomous than Amazon's current fleet of caged-off vehicles, which have to follow bar codes and previously mapped routes within warehouses. The tech giant is also still rolling out new models descended from the Kiva line, including the Pegasus, a squarish vehicle with a conveyor belt on top

that can be found working the early-morning shift at a warehouse in the Phoenix suburb of Goodyear, Arizona. A crisscrossing fleet of robots carries packaged items across the floor and drops them into chutes based on the zip code of their final destination.

All of this is transforming warehouse work in a way that the head of Amazon Robotics says can "extend human capability" by shifting people to what they are best at: problem-solving, common sense and thinking on their feet.

"The efficiencies we gain from our associates and robotics working together harmoniously — what I like to call a symphony of humans and machines working together — allows us to pass along a lower cost to our customer," said Tye Brady, Amazon Robotics' chief technologist.

"It sounds quite lovely, but I rarely hear from a worker's perspective that that's what it feels like," she said.

Gutelius co-authored a report published this fall that found new warehouse technology could contribute to wage stagnation, higher turnover and poorer quality work experiences because of the way AI software can monitor and micro-manage workers' behaviors. A recent journalistic investigation of injury rates at Amazon warehouses from The Center for Investigative Reporting's

Reveal found that robotic warehouses reported more injuries than those without.

Reveal looked at records from 28 Amazon warehouses in 16 states and found that the overall rate of serious injuries was more than double the warehousing industry average. Amazon has countered it's misleading to compare its rate with rivals because of the company's "aggressive stance on recording injuries no matter how big or small."

The Reveal report also found a correlation between robots and safety problems, such as in Tracy, California, where the serious injury rate nearly quadrupled in the four years after robots were introduced.

Melonee Wise, CEO of California-based Fetch Robotics, which sells its autonomous robotic carts to retailers and other clients, credits Amazon's Kiva acquisition for propelling innovation in the industry.

But she said that Amazon's system forces workers to do "un-ergonomic moves" such as reaching up high or crouching down to pick out and stow inventory into the shelves-on-wheels.

"They have robots that live in cages," she said. "Our robots are designed to work safely around people, which is a very large distinction between the two systems." Amazon hasn't disclosed how its safety record at robot-powered warehouses compares to those without. But company officials remain optimistic that Amazon workers are adapting to the new technology.

At a visit with a reporter earlier in December to the warehouse in North Haven, Connecticut, Brady was explaining the workings of a powerful robotic arm called a "palletizer" when crates it was stacking on a pallet started tumbling over. Unfazed by the temporary malfunction, he watched as an employee disabled the machine, discovered an apparent structural weakness in the pallet, adjusted the stack of crates and let the robot get back to work.q

BUSINESS A25

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Liz Weston: When leasing a car is the more frugal option

By LIZ WESTON Associated Press If you need a car, the most frugal option is to buy one that’s 2 to 3 years old, pay cash and drive it until the wheels fall off.

The least frugal option traditionally has been leasing, where you make monthly payments to drive a car but don’t own it. You’re paying for the vehicle during its most expensive period — cars lose more than half their value on average in the first three years — and you have nothing to show for your payments after the lease ends.

Few people opt for the frugal way, however, and car buying has changed enough that leasing may no longer be the costliest option. In some situations, leasing could be the most sensible.

COSTLIER CARS, LONGER LOANS To understand why, let’s survey the U.S. automotive landscape. Americans are: — Buying more expensive cars.

— Financing larger amounts.

— Taking out longer loans.

Americans increasingly opt for SUVs and trucks over sedans, then spring for higher trim levels and more features than in the past, says Ronald Montoya, senior consumer advice editor for car comparison site Edmunds. The average purchase price for a new car in November was $37,981 — $4,699 more than the com-

This undated file photo provided by NerdWallet shows Liz Weston, a columnist for personal finance website NerdWallet.com Associated Press

parable figure from 2014, according to Edmunds.

Consumers stretch out their loans to get lower monthly payments; most buyers now opt for loans longer than five years. Even so, the average monthly payment is still a hefty $568, up from $492 five years ago. Leasing a similarly priced car would cost significantly less each month.

“You could probably get something for about $400 a month leased, easy,” Montoya says.

LEASE VS. BUY CALCULATION On paper, buying still comes out ahead mostly because you’ll own the

car with some equity at the end of the loan. But such “apples to apples” comparisons of a six-year car loan versus two three-year leases leave out a lot of important details, such as repair and maintenance bills.

These costs tick up as a car ages, and warranties (which cover most repair and maintenance costs) usually end at three years.

The expense normally wouldn’t be enough to make leasing the cheaper option — unless people don’t have savings and use a credit card or a payday loan.

That describes a whole lot of people in the U.S., where

2 out of 5 adults don’t have $400 to cover an emergency expense, according to the Federal Reserve. Plus, if you don’t have money for a down payment, it’s much easier to get a lease than a loan, Montoya says.

Another issue is that newcar buyers often don’t hang onto their vehicles long enough to get the most value from their purchase, Montoya says. Ideally, you would keep the car for many payment-free years.

What about buying used?

That’s still the most financially sound way to get into a vehicle since you’re letting the first owner take the depreciation hit. It’s less sound, though, when people finance the car with a long loan, as many do. The average used-car loan is 67.5 months, almost as long as the 69.3-month average for new cars.

“By the time you’re done with (the loan), it’s a 9-yearold car,” Montoya says.

WHEN LEASING IS BEST Leasing is usually better than buying when:

— You’re affluent and want a new car every few years.

— Money is tight and you need the predictability of a car that’s under warranty.

— You’re acquiring a new electric vehicle, since the tax credits that encourage people to buy these cars new also contribute to faster-than-average depreciation. The most frugal way to lease is to avoid the temptation to upgrade, since the same payment already gets you a more expensive car. Instead, lease the same car you could afford to buy and save the difference. You also can lease used cars at some dealerships or by using a leasetrading site.

One way to combine the advantages of leasing and buying used, Montoya says, is to buy your car at the end of its lease. Ideally, you would do that with cash or a loan of three years or less.

“You’re the previous owner so you know how well it was taken care of, and you have nice access to a great used car,” Montoya says.q

A26 COMICS

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Mutts

Conceptis Sudoku

6 Chix

Blondie

Mother Goose & Grimm

Baby Blues

Zits

Yesterday’s puzzle answer

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

CLASSIFIED A27

Tuesday 31 December 2019

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A28 SCIENCE

Tuesday 31 December 2019

West Coast fishery rebounds in rare conservation 'home run'

By GILLIAN FLACCUS Associated Press WARRENTON, Ore. (AP) — A rare environmental success story is unfolding in waters off the U.S. West Coast.

After years of fear and uncertainty, bottom trawler fishermen — those who use nets to scoop up rockfish, bocaccio, sole, Pacific Ocean perch and other deep-dwelling fish — are making a comeback here, reinventing themselves as a sustainable industry less than two decades after authorities closed huge stretches of the Pacific Ocean because of the species' depletion.

The ban devastated fishermen, but on Jan. 1, regulators will reopen an area roughly three times the size of Rhode Island off Oregon and California to groundfish bottom trawling — all with the approval of environmental groups that were once the industry's biggest foes. The two sides collaborated on a long-term plan that will continue to resuscitate the groundfish industry while permanently protecting thousands of square miles of reefs and coral beds that benefit the overfished species.

Now, the fishermen who see their livelihood returning must solve another piece of the puzzle: drumming up consumer demand for fish that haven't been in grocery stores or on menus for a generation.

"It's really a conservation home run," said Shems Jud, regional director for the Environmental Defense Fund's ocean program. "The recovery is decades ahead of schedule. It's the biggest environmental story that no one knows about."

The process also netted a win for conservationists concerned about the fu-

In this Dec. 11, 2019 photo, Kevin Dunn, who fishes off the coasts of Oregon and Washington, holds a rockfish at a processing facility in Warrenton, Oregon.

Associated Press

ture of extreme deepwater habitats where bottom trawlers currently don't go.

A tract of ocean the size of New Mexico with waters up to 2.1 miles (3.4 kilometers) deep will be off-limits to bottom-trawling to protect deep-sea corals and sponges just now being discovered.

"Not all fishermen are rapers of the environment. When you hear the word 'trawler,' very often that's associated with destruction of the sea and pillaging," said Kevin Dunn, whose trawler Iron Lady was featured in a Whole Foods television commercial about sustainable fishing.

Groundfish is a catch-all term that refers to dozens of species that live on, or near, the bottom of the Pacific off the West Coast.

Trawling vessels drag weighted nets to collect as many fish as possible, but that can damage critical rocky underwater habitat.

The groundfish fishery hasn't always struggled.

Starting in 1976, the federal government subsidized the construction of domestic fishing vessels to lock down U.S. interests in West Coast waters, and by the 1980s, that investment paid off. Bottom trawling was booming, with 500 vessels in California, Oregon and Washington hauling in 200 million pounds (91 million kilograms) of non-whiting groundfish a year. Unlike Dungeness crab and salmon, groundfish could be harvested year-round, providing an economic backbone for ports.

But in the late 1990s, scientists began to sound the alarm about dwindling fish stocks.

Just nine of the more than 90 groundfish species were in trouble, but because of the way bottom trawlers fished — indiscriminately hauling up millions of pounds of whatever their nets encountered — regulators focused on all bottom trawling. Multiple species of rockfish, slow-growing creatures with spiny fins and colorful names like canary, darkblotched and yellow eye, were the hardest hit.

By 2005, trawlers brought in just one-quarter of the haul of the 1980s. The fleet is now down to 75 boats, said Brad Pettinger, former director of the Oregon Trawl Commission who was key in

developing the plan to reopen fishing grounds.

"We really wiped out the industry for a number of years," Pettinger said. "To get those things up and going again is not easy."

In 2011, trawlers were assigned quotas for how many of each species they could catch. If they went over, they had to buy quota from other fishermen in a system reminiscent of a carbon cap-and-trade model. Mandatory independent observers, paid by the trawlers, accompanied the vessels and handcounted their haul.

Fishermen quickly learned to avoid areas heavy in offlimits species and began innovating to net fewer banned fish.

Surveys soon showed groundfish rebounding — in some cases, 50 years faster than predicted — and accidental trawling of overfished species fell by 80%.

The Marine Stewardship Council certified 13 species in the fishery as sustainable in 2014, and five more followed last year.

As the quota system's success became apparent, environmentalists and trawlers began to talk. Regulators would soon revisit the trawling rules, and the two sides wanted a voice.

They met more than 30 times, slowly building trust as they crafted a proposal.

Trawlers brought maps developed over generations, alerted environmentalists to reefs they didn't know about, and even shared proprietary tow paths.

"All we could do on our end is make a good-faith offer, and I really credit the guys in the industry for taking that up," said Seth Atkinson, an attorney with the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council. "These were tough compromises."

Last year, regulators approved a plan to reopen the 17-year-old Rockfish Conservation Area off Oregon and California, while banning future trawling in extreme-depth waters and making off-limits some habitat dubbed essential to fish reproduction, including a large area off Southern California.

"A fair number of fishermen thought it was a good deal and if it was going to happen, it was better for them to participate than not," said Tom Libby, a fish processor who was instrumental in crafting the agreement. "It's right up there with the best and most rewarding things in my career — and I've been at it 50 years."

Some groups, like Oceana, wanted even more protections from bottom trawling, which it calls the "most damaging fishing method to seafloor habitats off the West Coast." In a news release, the group emphasized that the agreement it did get safeguards 90 percent of the seafloor in U.S. waters off the West Coast.

Even so, with fragile species rebounding, trawlers could harvest as much as 120 million pounds (54 million kilograms) a year, but there's only demand for about half that much. That's because groundfish have been replaced in stores by farmed, foreign species like tilapia.

A trade association called Positively Groundfish is trying to change that by touring food festivals and culinary trade shows, evangelizing to chefs and seafood buyers about the industry's rebound and newfound sustainability. They give out samples, too.q

PEOPLE & ARTS A29

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Humorist Mo Rocca’s ‘Mobituaries’ makes for lively reading

By LYNN ELBER Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — A conversation with Mo Rocca is akin to his “Mobituaries” podcasts and his new book of Rocca-style obituaries: A swooping exploration of people and things past, with the author playing connect-the-dots in entertaining and enlightening fashion.

For instance, he starts discussing parallels between U.S. presidential brother Billy Carter and British royal sister Princess Margaret and the second-fiddle roles they played. Carter is in Rocca’s book; assessing Margaret’s similarities appeared to be a sudden fancy.

“My fantasy PSAT has a question, (Queen) Elizabeth is to Margaret as Jimmy Carter is to ...,” said Rocca, a “CBS Sunday Morning” correspondent known for his droll humor.

“Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving” (Simon & Schuster) takes on obituaries of people, as is customary, but includes those whose exploits were ignored or who Rocca thinks deserve reappraisals. He also digs up background for products (there’s a tribute to the “behemoth known as the station wagon,” for one), fictional characters and historical milestones.

In an interview with The As-

This image released by Simon & Schuster shows "Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving, " by Mo Rocca and Jonathan Greenberg.

Associated Press

sociated Press, he discussed how he approached the book (written with Jonathan Greenberg) and its browsing-friendly format that makes it a standout for bathroom reading (a compliment, which Rocca said he took as such) and the rare example that has footnotes. Quotes have been edited for clarity and length.

AP: Given your access to TV and podcast audiences, why write a book?

ROCCA: There are certain things that are easier to write about than to do an audio program about, things like the station wagon. And my head has long been stuffed with a lot of factoids and arcana, and that’s kind of fun on a page. The book has what

I call ‘graveyards.’ After each essay, I wanted there to be a graveyard that would surprise you in its relationship to the essay that came before it. so, for instance, Sammy Davis Jr. is followed by other famous one-eyed people, Thomas Paine is followed by other famous disembodied body parts. And I think that that looks nice on the page.”

AP: The book ranges so far afield with information on so many topics. Have you been gathering string for years?

ROCCA: I have gathered string for a long time, ideas that have been circulating.

My colleague, the film critic David Edelstein, helped me with this one: I’m a big Streisand fan, as you can probably tell from the book, and drawn to the idea that the movie ‘Funny Girl,’ when you watch it, you forget that it’s the story of this person, Fanny Brice. You think you’re watching the story of Barbra Streisand.

At least I think that, and it’s because the performance is so eclipsing and volcanic that it kind of displaces the person it’s about. And this is the kind of book that had a place for that, and then the ‘graveyard’ has other people, historic figures, who were eclipsed by the people who played them.

AP: As the footnotes dem-

onstrate, the book was thoroughly researched. Is it important to you that readers understand it is factbased history?

ROCCA: It is important to me. Look, I like to surprise the reader and there’s two different ways that are opposites. I like a topic that seems like it’s going to be fun and fizzy and it’s going to be a trip, like Billy Carter is going to be about Billy Beer and when you go into it, it’s ‘Why am I choking up?’ Conversely, I like to take something that seems like it’s going to be heavy. I like the challenge of (postCivil War) reconstruction, a word that’s going to make people go, ‘We’re really doing this this year?’ and then make it go down easy.

And in this case, I chose to humanize it by making it about the black congressmen of reconstruction.

AP: What surprised you in your research?

ROCCA: I think a lot of people confuse ‘past’ with ‘backward’ and, I’ll be transparent here, I’ve chosen to be generous with the past. I do think we need to cut the past some slack because the tendency is to disqualify people for their imperfections. I think that people are messy, and I really sought in this to embrace not only the messiness of people, but eras.q

Inuit-Canadian singer who covered ‘Diamonds’’ dies at 26

By LYNN ELBER Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kelly Fraser, a Canadian pop artist who gained attention for an Inuit-language cover of Rihanna's "Diamonds," part of her advocacy efforts for her indigenous culture, has died.

Fraser was 26.

Thor Simonsen, Fraser's friend and producer, said he was told the day after Christmas by the singersongwriter's family that she had died. The family declined to release details, including the cause of death, Simonsen said Saturday. Fraser, who grew up in Sanikiluaq, Nunavut,

In this March 25, 2018, file photo, Kelly Fraser arrives on the red carpet at the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Associated Press

Canada, and was living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, released "Isuma," her debut album, in 2014. Her soph-

omore album, "Sedna," came out in 2017 and was nominated for indigenous music album of the year

at Canada's Juno music awards. When Fraser wrote or translated songs into Inuktitut, an Inuit language, a key aim was to "use pop music as a platform to strengthen her language," Simonsen said.

She also wanted to make the music as accessible to as many people as possible, he said, so she mixed English and Inuktitut in her recordings and blended traditional Inuit sounds and themes with contemporary pop. A video of her version of "Diamonds" was widely viewed online.

Fraser was "extremely passionate about trying to improve conditions for Inuit

people" as well, and wanted to help young people understand the history that contributed to their difficulties, Simonsen said.

In a 2017 statement that accompanied the release of "Sedna," Fraser said the album's goal was to heal those suffering from the results of colonization, including the "damaging effects of residential school and forced relocation. There is a great need for Inuit artists to directly speak to those affected from the past."

She was working on a third album, "Decolonize," at the time of her death, Simonsen said.q

A30 PEOPLE

Tuesday 31 December 2019

& ARTS

Film explores Ronstadt's life, wide-ranging music career

By DAVID BAUDER Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Between the Kennedy Center Honors and a CNN documentary about her life debuting on television New Year's Day, Linda Ronstadt is taking a career victory lap.

Ronstadt drew attention this month for a comment at a dinner for Kennedy honorees hosted by the State Department and Secretary Mike Pompeo.

Ronstadt said she hadn't planned to mention the Trump administration but did so to show support for fellow honoree Sally Field.

The actress had remarked about living in an era where the idea of truth was being challenged, Ronstadt said.

"Half the room applauded and the other half sat in silence," Ronstadt recalled.

"I just wanted to say that I was in solidarity with her. I didn't want her to stand up

This Feb. 20, 1977 file photo shows singer Linda Ronstadt is flanked by Ringo Starr, left, and Paul Williams after she was named best pop singer for her "Hasten Down the Wind" at The 19th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

Associated Press

there by herself."

During his remarks, Pompeo referenced a Ronstadt hit, "When Will I Be Loved," saying he wondered when he'd be loved. When it was Ronstadt's turn to speak, the 73-year-old retired singer tartly answered the question and said it would be "when he stops enabling Donald Trump."

When will Ronstadt be loved? Now seems to be the time, with the well-received documentary, "Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice." Viewers will see that Ronstadt's career had two distinct stages.

There was the rock star, sex symbol days with hits like "You're No Good," "Heat Wave" and "Blue Bayou."

Part two began with her 1980 New York stage role in "The Pirates of Penzance," ushering in adventurous projects featuring jazz standards, traditional Mexican recordings and trio discs with Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton. Despite the fear of record company executives, many of the projects did quite well.

She now lives a quiet life in the San Francisco area, her singing voice stilled by Parkinson's Disease. Her last album, a collaboration with Cajun singer Ann Savoy that Ronstadt considers one of her best, was

released in 2006. She performed her last concert in 2009.

"I didn't do the work for prizes. I never took that into consideration," she said.

The recent recognition is "lovely, you know. I'm glad they like it. I like some of it and don't like most of it. The good thing is it got better.

My early work makes me cringe. Later on it got better."

She also had an admirer in Amy Entelis, an executive at CNN. "She was iconic in my life," said Entelis, who is in charge of CNN Films, and therefore, in position to green light the Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman documentary. It's not charity work; biographies have done well for CNN's film division, most notably "RBG" about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and others are in the works on Anthony Bourdain and Julia Child.

Her participation was minimal, aside from narrating stories about her early life, including her Mexican heritage and family's musical background, and a key final scene. Plenty of compatriots in the 1970s Los Angeles music scene were happy to talk, most notably J.D. Souther and Harris.

Ronstadt has deep roots

in that scene; an early backing band eventually morphed into the Eagles.

She paid Don Henley $250 a week to play the drums.

One of the things Entelis appreciates about the film is that the music is given a chance to breathe, that it's not presented as an alltoo-brief afterthought.

Filmmakers resisted the obvious temptation to make a tear-jerker, to completely frame it around the cruelty of a peerless singer no longer able to sing.

"My book doesn't even mention that I have Parkinson's, so they didn't dwell on it," Ronstadt said, referring to her 2013 autobiography. "I don't think it would be very interesting. A lot of people get sick."

Still, with the film nearly done, Entelis said it was clear there was something missing. That's what led to the final scene, which shows Ronstadt with her cousin and nephew in Mexico as they sing the song "A La Orilla de un Palmar."

Harris says in the film that her old trio partner doesn't miss making records, but does miss singing. The ache in Ronstadt's eyes in that scene is where you can see what Harris means. Ronstadt mouths the words, but you can't really tell what comes out.q

PEOPLE & ARTS A31

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Southwest Virginia river the star of new state park

By SARAH RANKIN Associated Press RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — As much of central Appalachia looks to reinvent itself amid the decline of coal, community leaders in southwest Virginia say they are seeing some early success by focusing on another natural resource: the Clinch River.

The Clinch, which flows for about 130 miles (209 kilometers) through four mountainous Virginia counties before crossing into Tennessee, is the centerpiece of what will be one of Virginia's newest state parks, thanks to a yearslong grassroots effort. Advocates say the park that's still under development will help protect the river, a biodiversity hot spot, and support a growing regional outdoor recreation and tourism industry.

"The Clinch is the greatest river in the U.S. that nobody's ever heard of," said Brad Kreps, an employee of The Nature Conservancy who has been involved for years in the push to create the park. "So we're really trying to do everything we can to raise awareness about how special this river is out in this quiet little part of far southwest Virginia."

The generally gentle river — ideal for mellow floats during the summer, or canoeing, kayaking and fishing — has the highest concentration of rare aquatic species of any river in the United States, according to Kreps, the Abingdon-based Clinch Valley program director for the global environmental nonprofit. That's mostly due to the number of rare mussels, which are filter-feeders that clean the water as well as a source of food for other aquatic species.

State lawmakers have allocated about $5 million so far to the Clinch River State Park, which will have an atypical design, said David Collett, interim state parks director. Instead of one large piece of land, the park will consist of several anchor parcels of several

This July 2019 photo provided by The Nature Conservancy shows a sunset overlooking the rolling Appalachian mountains at Flag Rock Recreation Area in Norton, Va. Associated Press

hundred acres each along the river — with amenities like cabins, picnic areas and visitors centers — plus smaller spots in between with river access.

Park advocates hope it will become a regional draw for tourists who will visit and spend money in restaurants, breweries, hotels and shops during their visit.

So far the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has acquired two of the anchor parcels and is working on the third.

The department has a park manager on site and held a "soft opening" this fall, Collett said.

After the major pieces of land are in hand, the department will start the master planning process, likely in the fall of 2020, seeking input from the public and developing a comprehensive capital plan. A full build out is expected to cost between $45 million and $60 million, said Collett, who grew up on the Clinch in Scott County.

The idea for the park grew out of the work of "a grassroots group of people with a fire in their bellies and a desire to see their communities improve," said Lou Wallace, a member of the Russell County Board of Supervisors who lives along the river in the town of St. Paul, over a five-hour drive from the state capital, Richmond. She has been a leader in the Clinch River Valley Initiative, a grassroots effort to diversify the area economy by taking

better advantage of the river as a natural asset, which kicked off in 2010.

The state park has been a critical part the group's work, but there have also been efforts around downtown revitalization and infrastructure improvements as well as environmental education components, Wallace and other members said.

The Clinch River Valley — and St. Paul in particular — is a bright spot in a region struggling with the decline of coal that for a long time "didn't really have to worry about tourism," said Chris Cannon, executive director of Friends of Southwest Virginia, a nonprofit that works to promote the region.

Wallace said the focus on tourism is paying off in St. Paul, where a boutique hotel recently opened.

She said the town of about 1,000 people is seeing an uptick in visitors and noted that Gov. Ralph Northam recently hosted a roundtable in the town with executives from Amazon's second headquarters in northern Virginia. After the meeting, Northam and some of the Amazon officials went for a muddy ATV ride on the Spearhead Trails, another outdoor recreational draw.

Collett, the interim parks manager, said studies have shown state parks are economic drivers for the communities they're located in, and he feels confident this new one will be transformative for the region. q

Queen Elizabeth's daughter is hardestworking royal, again!

In this Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019 file photo, Britain's Princess Anne talks to guests during a reception at Buckingham Palace, as NATO leaders gather to mark 70 years of the alliance, in London.

Associated Press

By NATASHA LIVINGSTONE ASSOCIATED PRESS LONDON (AP) — Being a member of the British royal family isn't the easiest job on earth, if TV shows and movies provide accurate pictures. But how much do the royals work?

According to official records, prominent members of the royal family worked an average of 84.5 days this year, or about a third of the 253 working days in the U.K. Queen Elizabeth II's only daughter, Princess Anne, was the hardest-working royal for at least the third year in a row, putting in a total of 167 days.

Heir to the throne Prince Charles came in second with 125 days of official duties.

The 93-year-old queen herself worked 67 days, four more than in 2018.

The figures were compiled and published Monday

by Britain's Press Association. Details of the monarchy's official engagements are recorded in the Court Circular, a daily list of the events attended by the queen and her family.

However, some royal family members carry out private engagements that support their public work, which may not be included in this list.

For instance, the queen, now in the 68th year of her reign, receives a red box of official correspondence every day no matter where she is in the world.

The member of the royal family who is second in line to inherit the throne, Prince William, worked 74 days in the past 12 months. His wife, Kate, worked 58 days.

The couple's duties included a tour of Pakistan, supporting the queen during President Donald Trump's state visit to the U.K. in June and spending time on their own charitable projects.

The nine most prominent members of the royal family (the queen, Charles, William, Kate, Anne, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan) worked 761 days put together.

The amount of time senior royals spent working in 2019 may have been affected by this year being a little "bumpy" for the family, as the queen admitted in her televised Christmas day address to Britain.

Prince Philip, the queen's 98-year-old husband, was involved in a car accident. Harry and Meghan spoke about their struggles living in the public eye. Prince Andrew gave a disastrous television interview about his friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.q