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A satellite launch was trending Monday on Twitter as people tuned in to NASA’s livestream and social-media updates to see if it’d take off amid sketchy conditions. It didn’t.
As some on Twitter turned their gaze toward space, other users were eyeing the Golden Globes nominees.
Social Cues is our guide to what people are talking about on social media. Here’s what is trending on Monday morning:
Golden Globes: The nominees for the 2017 Golden Globes awards include Amazon exclusive series like “Transparent” and “Mozart in the Jungle” for best television series, musical or comedy. Netflix’s breakout hit of the year, “Stranger Things,” also earned a nomination. Tech-centric works like “Mr. Robot,” “Lion” and “Westworld” got nods as well. The trending Twitter topic included cheers for favorite shows getting nominated and frustration over snubs.
CYGNSS: Prepare for lift-off … next time. NASA had planned a Monday launch for the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System, which uses eight micro-satellites packing GPS technology that will track wind speeds across the oceans and help predict hurricanes. The agency had been promoting the launch on Twitter and asking people to watch live online. But weather issues delayed launch, and then mechanical problems were a deal-breaker. NASA dropped the launch because of an issue with a hydraulic pump needed to release the rocket. This is what the launch might have looked like:
Gen. John Kelly: The retired Marine Corps general has been officially announced as President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to head the Department of Homeland Security. The news had been all but confirmed in recent days, as Kelly’s name echoed throughout coverage of Trump’s cabinet picks. Kelly would be the third general in Trump’s cabinet, along with Gen. James Mattis and Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who have been tapped for secretary of defense and national security adviser, respectively. Twitter users are either complimenting or criticizing the Kelly pick.
Julian Assange: Former “Baywatch” star Pamela Anderson is hailing the WikiLeaks leader as a hero. She called for the US to drop charges against Assange, as well as other whistleblowers like Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning. Assange was trending on Facebook thanks to Anderson’s plea, though many posts wonder how much her opinion is actually valued in the national debate.
One China policy: Trump is facing backlash after suggesting the US isn’t bound by the longstanding One China policy. Chinese officials said they have “serious concerns” about the president-elect’s recent comments, saying they could damage US-China relations. This follows Trumps phone conversation earlier this month with the president of Taiwan, which China does not consider a legitimate government. The trending topic on Facebook has people debating China and Taiwan’s tense relationship and the role the US will play in the dynamic with Trump at the helm.
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