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The 355 – Movie trailer

Movies

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21 December, 2021

A dream team of formidable female stars comes together in a hard-driving original approach to the globe-trotting espionage genre in The 355. When a top-secret weapon falls into mercenary hands, wild card CIA agent Mason “Mace” Brown (Oscar®-nominated actress Jessica Chastain) will need to join forces with rival badass German agent Marie (Diane Kruger, In the Fade), former MI6 ally and cutting-edge computer specialist Khadijah (Oscar® winner Lupita Nyong’o), and skilled Colombian psychologist Graciela (Oscar® winner Penélope Cruz) on a lethal, breakneck mission to retrieve it, while also staying one step ahead of a mysterious woman, Lin Mi Sheng (Bingbing Fan, X-Men: Days of Future Past), who is tracking their every move.

As the action rockets around the globe from the cafes of Paris to the markets of Morocco to the wealth and glamour of Shanghai, the quartet of women will forge a tenuous loyalty that could protect the world—or get them killed. The film also stars Édgar Ramirez (The Girl on the Train) and Sebastian Stan (Avengers: Endgame).

The 355 is directed by genre-defying filmmaker Simon Kinberg (writer-director-producer of Dark Phoenix, producer of Deadpool and The Martian, and writer-producer of the X-Men films). The screenplay is by Theresa Rebeck (NBC’s Smash, Trouble) and Kinberg, from a story by Rebeck. The 355, presented by Universal Pictures in association with FilmNation Entertainment, is produced by Chastain and Kelly Carmichael for Chastain’s Freckle Films and by Kinberg for his Kinberg Genre Films. The film is executive produced by Richard Hewitt (Bohemian Rhapsody), Esmond Ren (Chinese Zodiac), and Wang Rui Huan.

Moderna booster shot increases antibody levels against Omicron

COVID-19

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21 December, 2021

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Moderna booster shot increases antibody levels against Omicron

Biotechnology company Moderna announced Monday that preliminary data suggests its half-dose booster shot increased antibody levels against the Omicron coronavirus variant — and a larger-sized dose of the booster increases antibody levels even more.

Currently, Moderna’s booster is administered as a 50-microgram dose. The company announcement noted that this dose increased antibody levels 37-fold, compared with the levels seen when a fully vaccinated person does not receive a booster, and a 100-microgram dose increased antibody levels 83-fold.

It remains unclear what these increases mean as far as how well the booster doses clinically work against Omicron.

But in the company’s statement, CEO Stéphane Bancel called the data reassuring.

“The dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases from the Omicron variant is concerning to all. However, these data showing that the currently authorized Moderna COVID-19 booster can boost neutralizing antibody levels 37-fold higher than pre-boost levels are reassuring,” Bancel said.

“To respond to this highly transmissible variant, Moderna will continue to rapidly advance an Omicron-specific booster candidate into clinical testing in case it becomes necessary in the future. We will also continue to generate and share data across our booster strategies with public health authorities to help them make evidence-based decisions on the best vaccination strategies against SARS-CoV-2.”

SARS-CoV-2 is the name of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.

It’s now up to US public health authorities to consider whether Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine booster should be given at a larger dose, Dr. Stephen Hoge, president of the company, said Monday.

“The decision of whether to deploy 100 micrograms or a higher dose is really one for public health agencies at this point. We are just providing the data, and obviously, we’ll share it with everybody so that they can make that determination,” Hoge said during a company conference call.

Moderna spokesperson Colleen Hussey confirmed to CNN in an emailed statement Monday that the company is “sharing the data with regulators as they begin to assess if any changes to the authorized boosters need to be made.”

Moderna’s current coronavirus vaccine booster is authorized for emergency use for people 18 and older in the United States and given as a half-dose at 50 micrograms, and it’s authorized at the 100-microgram dose for people who are severely immunocompromised, the statement noted.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 32% of fully vaccinated adults — almost 60 million people — have gotten a booster dose. More than 26.7 million of them have received a Moderna booster, according to CDC data.

Separately, “we’re going to continue to advance an Omicron-specific booster into clinical trials in early 2022,” Hoge said Monday.

Covid-19 booster shots can help improve protection against the Omicron coronavirus variant, and there is no need for a variant-specific booster dose at this time, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said last week.

“A number of studies have been done throughout the country and the world to take a look at how we might prepare in the context of vaccinations,” Fauci said.

“The message remains clear: If you are unvaccinated, get vaccinated,” added Fauci, the chief medical adviser to President Biden. “And particularly in the arena of Omicron, if you are fully vaccinated, get your booster shot.”

Source: edition.cnn.com

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Soars to Record $260M U.S. Opening, $600.8M Globally

International

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20 December, 2021

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‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Soars to Record $260M U.S. Opening, $600.8M Globally

The superhero pic scored the No. 2 domestic debut of all time as moviegoing returned to pre-pandemic levels for the first time despite omicron. But not all are celebrating: ‘Nightmare Alley’ found coal in its Christmas stocking.

Sony and Marvel’s Spider-Man: No Way Home spun a record-breaking web in its box office debut, grossing $260 million from 4,336 theaters to secure the second-biggest domestic opening of all-time at the box office despite growing worries over the COVID-19 omicron variant.

Monday’s final number of $260 million came in ahead of Sunday’s estimate of $253 million to supplant Avengers: Infinity War as the No. 2 launch ever, not adjusted for inflation.

Overseas — where the new variant is even more of a concern in certain markets, and particularly in Europe — the movie also made history, grossing $340.8 million — likewise an uptick over Sunday’s estimate of $334.2 million — for a revised global total of $600.8 million (without China). That’s the No. 3 global opening ever, not adjusted for inflation.

WANTED: Suspect responsible for Hit and Run

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20 December, 2021

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WANTED: Suspect responsible for Hit and Run

Crime Stoppers and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division need the public’s assistance identifying the suspect responsible for a Hit and Run – Failure to Stop and Render Aid.

On Friday, November 19, 2021, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the victim was riding their motorcycle in the 2400 block of Porter Rd. in Katy, Texas. During the incident, the victim was traveling southbound when they were struck by the suspect vehicle, a (tan or beige Mazda B-Series Pick-up truck). The suspect was traveling northbound and attempted to turn west on Lakecrest Harbour Dr. when the collision occurred. The suspect fled the scene without rendering aid to the victim. The victim suffered serious bodily injury and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.

Report a Tip Now!

Solid Waste Management Department Collection and Facility Schedule for Christmas Holiday and New Year’s Day

Houston

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20 December, 2021

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Solid Waste Management Department Collection and Facility Schedule for Christmas Holiday and New Year’s Day

A new Solid Waste collection schedule will be implemented in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Starting on Thursday, December 23rd, curbside recycling services will be affected by the schedule below.

Please note that citywide collections continue to be impacted by a shortage of drivers. The City is offering a $3,000 signing incentive pay for new drivers. For more information about SWMD and our services, visit us at houstonsolidwaste.org and download our app HTX Collects on Google Play or IOS Store to stay up to date on service alerts.

Monday, December 20 – Friday, December 24, 2021
Residents will receive normal trash, yard waste and junk waste collections. Monday and Tuesday residents will receive normal B-Week curbside recycling. All
Neighborhood Depositories and Recycling Centers will be open.

Thursday, December 23 – Friday, December 24, 2021
Thursday and Friday B-Week curbside recycling services will not be provided. Thursday and Friday B-Week curbside recycling will receive collections on your next regularly scheduled collection day (Visit HERE for your next regularly scheduled collection day.)

Saturday, December 25, 2021 (Christmas Day)
CITY HOLIDAY: No Collections on Christmas day. All Solid Waste facilities are closed.

Monday, December 27, 2021
CITY HOLIDAY: All trash, curbside recycling, yard waste and junk waste will resume as scheduled. All Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers and administrative offices will be closed.

Tuesday, December 28 – Friday, December 31, 2021
All Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers and administrative offices will resume normal operating hours.

Thursday, December 30 – Friday, December 31, 2021
Thursday and Friday A-Week curbside recycling services will not be provided. Thursday and Friday A-Week curbside recycling will receive collections on your next regularly scheduled collection day. (Visit HERE for your next regularly scheduled collection day.)

Saturday, January 1, 2022 (New Year’s Day)
CITY HOLIDAY: No Collections on New Year’s Day. All Solid Waste facilities are closed.

Monday, January 3, 2022
CITY HOLIDAY: All trash, curbside recycling, yard waste and tree waste will resume as scheduled. All Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers and administrative offices will be closed.

Tuesday, January 4, 2022
All Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers and administrative offices will resume normal operating hours.

For more information about SWMD and our services, visit us at www.houstonsolidwaste.org, “LIKE” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/houstonsolidwaste, follow us on Twitter @HoustonTrash, download our app HTX Collects on Google Play or IOS Store to Never Miss an Update again!, email: swdworks@houstontx.gov or call 3-1-1, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline.

About the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department
The Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) provides solid waste services to the citizens of Houston through the collection, disposal and recycling of discarded material in a manner that is safe, efficient, environmentally sound and cost-effective

Mayor Turner tests positive for COVID-19

Texas

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20 December, 2021

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Mayor Turner tests positive for COVID-19

Please attribute the following statement to Mayor Sylvester Turner.

“This afternoon, I learned that I tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.
I was not feeling well overnight and thought I was suffering from allergies or a sinus infection, so I decided to get tested before starting my daily schedule.
Before and after getting my test results, I canceled all events for today and the weekend.
My symptoms are mild, and I will spend the next several days isolating myself at home and getting some rest.”

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner says he’s tested positive for COVID-19

Texas

Adversavvy

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20 December, 2021

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Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner says he’s tested positive for COVID-19

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

Turner said in a released statement that his symptoms are mild and he wasn’t feeling well overnight, adding that he initially thought he was suffering from allergies or a sinus infection.

All scheduled events for Mayor Turner have been canceled.

The full statement reads:

“This afternoon, I learned that I tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. I was not feeling well overnight and thought I was suffering from allergies or a sinus infection, so I decided to get tested before starting my daily schedule. Before and after getting my test results, I canceled all events for today and the weekend. My symptoms are mild, and I will spend the next several days isolating myself at home and getting some rest.”

A spokesperson for Turner told KPRC 2 that Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex-Tatum will assist with mayoral duties.

City of Houston Health Authority Dr. David Persse said since the mayor was vaccinated and only has mild and not severe symptoms, this should be considered a vaccine success and not a failure.

“He says he’s feeling pretty good. He does have some mild symptoms but other than that he’s feeling pretty good and I really want to thank the mayor because he did everything right,” Persse said. “As soon as he got symptoms, he reached out. We were able to get him tested right away, got the test results back, he isolated himself as soon as he started feeling poorly and has been isolated ever since.”

The city and Texas Children’s Hospital are hosting a vaccine clinic for the whole family at the George R. Brown Convention Center until 8 p.m. Friday night.

They say this is especially timely as infections have nearly tripled in the Texas Medical Center in the last week.

Houston Methodist said 45% of their patients have been diagnosed with the Omicron variant.

Pediatric COVID cases at Texas Children’s have more than doubled in the past three days.

Mary Lee’s son is one of the cancer patients at Texas Children’s. He was vaccinated Friday afternoon.

“I feel safer because I’ve already lost a child to leukemia and I wasn’t prepared to lose a child to COVID,” Lee said.

Source: www.click2houston.com

Governor Abbott, TWC Announces New Employment High Of Nearly 13 Million Jobs, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Employment Level

Texas

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17 December, 2021

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Governor Abbott, TWC Announces New Employment High Of Nearly 13 Million Jobs, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Employment Level

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) today announced that the Texas labor market has reached 12,998,200 total nonagricultural jobs in November 2021, surpassing its previous pre-pandemic employment high of 12,970,000 jobs in February 2020. Texas also added 75,100 total nonagricultural jobs in November, marking gains in 18 of the last 19 months. In addition, the unemployment rate in Texas has fallen to 5.2%, a decrease of 0.2% from October 2021. Texas has added a total of 698,700 jobs since November 2020.

“Texas continues to reach unprecedented milestones thanks to our unwavering commitment to economic freedom and our young, skilled, growing, and diverse workforce,” said Governor Abbott. “By reaching nearly 13 million jobs last month, Texas has surpassed our pre-pandemic employment levels — a remarkable achievement and testament to our welcoming business climate and strong workforce. We will continue to unleash the full might of our economy, attract new business investments, and ensure a more prosperous future for all who call Texas home.”

“Reaching this milestone for job creation in Texas shows the strength of our economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The Lone Star State continues to create opportunities for Texans to succeed and TWC has many resources to help both employers and job seekers find success in our state.”

“Texas is not only a great place to live but a great place to find a career, and we’ve now surpassed a milestone of employment,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “We continue to add positions month after month in our labor market, and TWC is here to support job seekers with the training and career development tools they need to succeed.”

“Texas continues to be the top destination to do business, and the record-setting job growth we’ve seen month after month shows employers are committed to growing their footprint in our great state,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “One reason Texas stands out is the unparalleled access Texas employers have to resources at the state and local level that allows them to hire, train, and retain their employees, and together this results in a continued thriving Lone Star State economy.”

Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com.

Source: gov.texas.gov

Governor Abbott, TDHCA Commit 95% Of Total Funds From Texas Rent Relief Program To Texans In Need Of Rent, Utility Assistance

Texas

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17 December, 2021

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Governor Abbott, TDHCA Commit 95% Of Total Funds From Texas Rent Relief Program To Texans In Need Of Rent, Utility Assistance

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has committed over 95% of total funds from the Texas Rent Relief Program to Texans who applied for assistance. Texas was the first state to distribute $1 billion in rent relief funds, and the Texas program has served more households and provided more relief funds than any other state while reaching over 98% of its counties.

The agency is in the process of notifying the remaining applicants about their status, next steps, and additional resources available for rental assistance. The remaining funds will be committed and disbursed in the new year. TDHCA closed its application portal for the Texas Rent Relief program in November due to the total requests for assistance exceeding the funds available.

“The Texas Rent Relief program has provided hundreds of thousands of Texans with utility and rental assistance, and I thank TDHCA for ensuring that these funds were distributed swiftly to those that needed it most,” said Governor Abbott. “As TDHCA commits and disburses the remaining funds of the program, I urge Texans still in need of assistance to visit the Texas Rent Relief program website for other possible rent and utility resources across the state.”

Governor Abbott and TDHCA launched the Texas Rent Relief program in February 2021 — the first statewide rent and utility assistance program for qualifying households throughout Texas. As of today, the program has distributed nearly $2 billion, with more than 300,000 Texan households having been assisted or in the final payment process.

For more information, visit the Texas Rent Relief program website.

Source: gov.texas.gov