Joe Biden has set a rapid and effective fight against COVID-19 as one of his main goals after taking office. The retreat of the pandemic would certainly be good news for the Czech construction industry, which is still in decline. And did you know that director Ridley Scott is preparing another feature film?
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Joe Biden presented his plan to fight the coronavirus pandemic
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Joe BidenSource: Profimedia
The newly elected US president outlined what his first 100 days in office will look like with regard to the current situation about COVID-19. His administration plans to vaccinate 100 million Americans, return children to schools as soon as possible, and boost the trust of the people of the United States in wearing face masks and respirators.
"In 100 days, we can change the course of the pandemic and turn life in America for the better. Whatever your politics or point of view, mask up for 100 days,"
the 46th President of the United States appealed during his speech. In it, he also confirmed that he would nominate the retired Army General Lloyd Austin to the post of Minister of Defense.
The production decline in Czech construction industry continues
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Dělníci na stavbě domuSource: Pixabay.com/joffi
In October this year, construction output fell by 10 and a half percent year on year in real terms. Excluding seasonal effects, it was 1.7% lower per month. The construction authorities issued 7.6% fewer building permits year-on-year, and the approximate value of these permits fell by more than 35 percent. Year-on-year decline was also recorded in the construction of new dwellings. Compared to last year, almost a quarter less of these project have been started. 0.8% fewer dwellings were completed. The average registered number of employees also decreased, by 1.3 percent.
"In October, the construction industry continued to be affected by the coronavirus epidemic. Construction production relies mainly on large civil engineering companies, while building construction is decline in both size segments. Construction authorities also report limited traffic and there's been a slowdown in permitting processes,"
says Petra Cuřínová, head of the CZSO Department of Construction and Housing Statistics.
Two thousand cruise ship passengers ended up in quarantine
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Výletní loď Quantum of the SeasSource: Royalcaribbean.com
A passenger aboard the Singapore ship Quantum of the Seas tested positive for coronavirus. Royal Caribbean immediately implemented strict security measures and quarantined about 2,000 passengers in their cabins. The case brought back memories of the endless quarantine measures of the Diamond Princess, a ship where more than 700 guests became infected with coronavirus this spring in what was one of the first major outbreaks of COVID-19. Fortunately, the Quantum of the Seas won't follow the same scenario. The company has already stated that it tested all passengers who came into contact with the sick person. Everyone tested negative. The ship returned to Singapore one day before the end of the planned four-day voyage.
Another famous actor to star in a movie about Gucci
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Jeremy IronsSource: Profimedia
One of the world's most famous directors, Ridley Scott, can happily rub his hands together. He managed to rope another phenomenal actor into his biographical film Gucci. 72-year-old Brit Jeremy Irons will join the stellar selection of actors, consisting of Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Lady Gaga and Jared Leto. We probably don't need to introduce you this Hollywood actor, who starred in movies such as M. Butterfly, Death Trap 3, Lolita, Kingdom of Heaven, and The Man Who Knew Infinity.
Set in the time of the murder of Maurizio Gucci in 1995, Ridley Scott's film should hit the cinemas next year. The grandson of the founder of the world fashion brand Gucci will be portrayed by Adam Driver, known from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Marriage Story, or BlacKkKlansman. Maurizio's ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani, who had him shot and served 18 years in prison, will be portrayed by none other than actress and singer Lady Gaga.
The popularity of Pokémon doesn't fade; they have their own cereals
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Cereálie PokémonSource: General Mills
Next year, the legendary Pokémon will celebrate its 25th anniversary. The animated series that marked the childhood of millions of people around the world, has gone off-grid for a while, but the Pokémon GO mobile application restored its glory in 2016. The game in augmented reality made the cute monsters attractive to crowds of people yet again. They could reminiscence about how they'd loved the series about Pokémon trainer Ash and his friends at the turn of the millennium. Not only the animated series, but also various console games on card games enjoyed great popularity.
The popular franchise Kellog has now teamed up with General Mills to prepare a special edition of blueberry-flavored cornflakes and yellow marshmallows in the shape of the head or tail of the legendary yellow Pokémon Pikachu. The cereals are currently only sold in the US.
And that's all the news we've had for you this morning. Let's depart with an inspirational quote from the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer:
"Happiness and unhappiness both come for our good."
Think about that when you face difficult trials in life.
