newyorkpost--2020-10-16--The cost to keep Masahiro Tanaka a Yankee is incredibly uncertain

One former Yankees first baseman thinks Brian Cashman should move ...

From the beginning to end MLB’s 60-game 2020 regular season provided difficulty in evaluating players, because of small sample size married to COVID-19 concerns that caused families to separate and players to fear being infected.
So, it is not a surprise the industry is all over the map about what Masahiro Tanaka will sign for when he becomes a free agent following the World Series.
Other than predicting Tanaka will return to The Bronx, there is a wide disparity of opinion concerning the terms of the contract he might receive from the Yankees, who like all teams took a financial beating this past season.
One voice said Tanaka could do better than the $23 million he made this past season when he went 3-3 with a 3.56 ERA in 10 starts. It was a year in which Tanaka got drilled in the head by a spring-training 2.0 liner off Giancarlo Stanton’s bat that caused a concussion.
Another believed a two-year deal for $26 million was in line. A third voice wondered: Would the Yankees make him an $18.9 million qualifying offer and would Tanaka accept it? Finally, another evaluator said Tanaka could get three years for $36 million.
One thing is certain: The Yankees’ rotation needs to be retooled. In Tanaka, who just finished a seven-year, $155 million deal, the Yankees would know what they are getting, which is a pitcher who has thrived in The Bronx, where others have wilted.
Free agents James Paxton and J.A. Happ aren’t expected to return. So, at the moment the rotation consists of ace Gerrit Cole and Jordan Montgomery. Youngsters Deivi Garcia and Clarke Schmidt are candidates, but nothing more at this juncture. Free of his suspension for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy, Domingo German’s future with the Yankees is cloudy. Luis Severino possibly won’t return from Tommy John surgery until June.
Trevor Bauer tops the free-agent list of starters, but if the Yankees want to get under the $210 million luxury tax ceiling, the right-hander might not fit their budget. Lower-cost free agents are possible and the field of non-tendered pitchers will be deeper than in other off-seasons.
“I think the starting rotation was at risk,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said of the postseason, when Tanaka posted a 12.38 ERA in two starts and Happ was deemed better backing up Garcia in Game 2 of the ALDS which resulted in a 7-5 loss to the Rays. “That needs to get improved upon.’’
Despite his subpar postseason, an NL scout remains impressed with Tanaka’s pitching IQ.
“He still knows how to maneuver his way through lineups,’’ the scout said of Tanaka, who will turn 32 on Nov. 1. “He is a competitor and you know what you are going to get from him. He certainly is still a good pitcher.’’
An AL scout mentioned Tanaka throwing more sliders than splitters this year, and the numbers back that up for the past two seasons. In games in August, September and October, Tanaka threw more sliders than splitters. That was also the case in 2019.
“He still has a four-pitch mix, throws the slider more than the split,’’ the scout said. “He commands the fastball and slider.’’
Ever since Tanaka’s rookie year (2014), when he suffered a small tear of the right ulnar collateral ligament, which wasn’t surgically repaired, teams have wondered about the elbow. From 2015-20, however, Tanaka made 153 starts while posting a 65-41 record and 3.88 ERA. In 10 career postseason starts, Tanaka is 5-4 with a 3.33 ERA. In two postseason outings this year, Tanaka posted a 12.38 ERA against the Indians and Rays.
This past Wednesday, Cashman gushed about what Tanaka has meant to the Yankees across the past seven seasons.
“He has been very special since he has been here,’’ Cashman said of Tanaka, who is 78-46 with a 3.74 ERA in 174 games (173 starts) as a Yankee.
Then, Cashman addressed the uncertainty that free agency brings.
“Obviously we enter the winter now as free agency he has another opportunity to enter free agency like he did when he left Japan and that is an unpredictable times how things happen,’’ Cashman said. “So far I thought he was special and fantastic. Everything we thought he could be, he was as advertised.’’


newyorkpost--2020-10-16--All New Yorkers paying growing price for de Blasio’s ‘go soft’ orders to NYPD

As protests go , this one was pretty run-of-the-mill : maybe 300 bicycle food-delivery guys crowding loudly into City Hall Park Thursday to demand more police protection .
They say their bikes are being stolen , often at gunpoint , and the NYPD isn ’ t doing much about it .
The claim has a familiar ring to it .
There ’ s a worrisome fraying of Gotham ’ s social fabric underway , and blame lies squarely with Bill de Blasio ’ s kinder , gentler approach to public safety .
Sure , the coronavirus , a deteriorating economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun-violence command a lot of attention .
At least nine people were shot , one fatally , between Tuesday and late Thursday , with the weekend looming .
And that ’ s not really news any longer , is it ?
So where do swiped bikes register compared to bloody sidewalks ?
Right ?
But if you need your bike to earn your living , meager as it may be , losing it to a pistol-waving thug is a very big deal indeed .
And when the NYPD ’ s response seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is said , nonexistent — well , who can blame the delivery guys for taking their beef to City Hall Park ?
Certainly the folks who run high-end retail in SoHo have cause to protest what ’ s euphemistically called shoplifting these days .
Slow-motion looting is more like it — folks wandering about the stores stuffing items worth thousands into duffel bags , then calmly strolling through the front door to waiting luxury automobiles , rarely a cop in sight .
A more downscale variation afflicts merchants all around Manhattan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vagrants with duffels of their own , fearlessly stripping shelves and freezers of small items that easily can be peddled to bodegas and small grocers eager for low-cost stock .
( Another reason not to buy Ben & Jerry ’ s ice cream : Who knows where it ’ s been ? )
All this happens in full view of the public — leaving folks to wonder two things : Where are our cops , and what the hell is happening to our city ?
It certainly doesn ’ t help that herds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avenues late at night , unmolested by police .
That addled vagrants wander the streets .
That the subways — well , don ’ t ask .
New York , not so long ago unambiguously America ’ s safest big city , certainly doesn ’ t feel that way any longer .
Gotham feels increasingly chaotic and unsafe .
That ’ s because it is .
And not by accident .
It ’ s not every day that one of the highest-ranking commanders in the NYPD flips the bird to a meddling mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief of Patrol Fausto Pichardo did this week .
Pichardo ’ s take-this-job-and-shove-it moment reportedly came after sustained , confused and often contradictory personal hectoring from de Blasio — a demonstration , as if another were needed , of the mayor ’ s abysmal management skills .
But it is also a predictable consequence of de Blasio ’ s low-impact public-safety policies — particularly the weakening of anti-gang efforts — that led to the city ’ s shooting epidemic ; of the end of broken-windows policing ; of the mayor ’ s refusal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation that cops believe place them in unnecessary danger ; his acquiescence in deep NYPD budget cuts and his overt support for explicitly anti-cop political demonstrations .
Pichardo , obviously , noticed .
Veteran cops noticed , too .
They ’ re bailing out of the department like paratroopers over Normandy — and they are not being replaced , which means far fewer cops on the street , which in turn is a boon to the criminal class .
Which , also in turn , seems to have noticed as well .
Armed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have , for sure , but also the seemingly low-threat folks who just make life in the city more difficult than need be : the bicycle thieves ; the duffel-bag locusts ; the ATV joy-riders — and , of course , the drugged-out panhandlers , subway perverts and sidewalk settlers given free rein by City Hall .
And now , it seems , regular New Yorkers are noticing ; public dissatisfaction with the mayor is broad , vocal and growing .
Whether voters connect their city ’ s decaying quality of life with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an open question , but here ’ s hoping .
There ’ s an election in a year , and watching that process closely will be many of the folks who will decide to invest in a full New York post-pandemic recovery — or not .
Will they or won ’ t they ?
There ’ s a lot at stake .

As protests go, this one was pretty run-of-the-mill: maybe 300 bicycle food-delivery guys crowding loudly into City Hall Park Thursday to demand more police protection. They say their bikes are being stolen, often at gunpoint, and the NYPD isn’t doing much about it.
The claim has a familiar ring to it. There’s a worrisome fraying of Gotham’s social fabric underway, and blame lies squarely with Bill de Blasio’s kinder, gentler approach to public safety.
Sure, the coronavirus, a deteriorating economy and New York’s steadily worsening gun-violence command a lot of attention. At least nine people were shot, one fatally, between Tuesday and late Thursday, with the weekend looming. And that’s not really news any longer, is it?
So where do swiped bikes register compared to bloody sidewalks? Right?
But if you need your bike to earn your living, meager as it may be, losing it to a pistol-waving thug is a very big deal indeed.
And when the NYPD’s response seems to be episodic at best — and often, it is said, nonexistent — well, who can blame the delivery guys for taking their beef to City Hall Park?
It’s a wonder the place ain’t packed.
Certainly the folks who run high-end retail in SoHo have cause to protest what’s euphemistically called shoplifting these days. Slow-motion looting is more like it — folks wandering about the stores stuffing items worth thousands into duffel bags, then calmly strolling through the front door to waiting luxury automobiles, rarely a cop in sight.
A more downscale variation afflicts merchants all around Manhattan, especially supermarkets and chain drugstores — vagrants with duffels of their own, fearlessly stripping shelves and freezers of small items that easily can be peddled to bodegas and small grocers eager for low-cost stock. (Another reason not to buy Ben & Jerry’s ice cream: Who knows where it’s been?)
All this happens in full view of the public — leaving folks to wonder two things: Where are our cops, and what the hell is happening to our city?
It certainly doesn’t help that herds of dirt-bikes are cruising Manhattan’s avenues late at night, unmolested by police. That addled vagrants wander the streets. That the subways — well, don’t ask. New York, not so long ago unambiguously America’s safest big city, certainly doesn’t feel that way any longer.
Gotham feels increasingly chaotic and unsafe. That’s because it is. And not by accident.
It’s not every day that one of the highest-ranking commanders in the NYPD flips the bird to a meddling mayor and walks out the door — as Chief of Patrol Fausto Pichardo did this week.
Pichardo’s take-this-job-and-shove-it moment reportedly came after sustained, confused and often contradictory personal hectoring from de Blasio — a demonstration, as if another were needed, of the mayor’s abysmal management skills.
But it is also a predictable consequence of de Blasio’s low-impact public-safety policies — particularly the weakening of anti-gang efforts — that led to the city’s shooting epidemic; of the end of broken-windows policing; of the mayor’s refusal to push back against state and local legislation that cops believe place them in unnecessary danger; his acquiescence in deep NYPD budget cuts and his overt support for explicitly anti-cop political demonstrations.
Pichardo, obviously, noticed. Veteran cops noticed, too. They’re bailing out of the department like paratroopers over Normandy — and they are not being replaced, which means far fewer cops on the street, which in turn is a boon to the criminal class.
Which, also in turn, seems to have noticed as well.
Armed robbers of every stripe and housing-project gangbangers have, for sure, but also the seemingly low-threat folks who just make life in the city more difficult than need be: the bicycle thieves; the duffel-bag locusts; the ATV joy-riders — and, of course, the drugged-out panhandlers, subway perverts and sidewalk settlers given free rein by City Hall.
And now, it seems, regular New Yorkers are noticing; public dissatisfaction with the mayor is broad, vocal and growing.
Whether voters connect their city’s decaying quality of life with de Blasio’s criminal-justice failures is an open question, but here’s hoping. There’s an election in a year, and watching that process closely will be many of the folks who will decide to invest in a full New York post-pandemic recovery — or not.
Will they or won’t they? There’s a lot at stake.
Twitter: @rlmac2


newyorkpost--2020-10-16--Bill de Blaio’s latest week of proving he’s the worst mayor ever

It was yet another week in which Bill de Blasio proved himself New York ’ s worst mayor ever — on multiple fronts .
Most obvious was his berating one of the city ’ s top cops , Chief of Patrol Fausto Pichardo , into quitting — amid soaring crime and sinking NYPD morale .
Pichardo by all accounts has been working his butt off , but he missed a phone call from the mayor — who wanted to engage in some of his patented micromanagement .
When the chief did get back to him , de Blasio complained about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally where a journalist and another man were assaulted .
And never mind that the mayor has been demanding unprecedented NYPD restraint on all fronts .
Then there ’ s the lunatic Blas-ordered purchase of the Reliant school-bus company to bail out its owner , a Blas donor — decades after the city got out of the bus business .
The mayor has long favored Reliant and its drivers with unique taxpayer subsidies ; now he ’ s having a near-bankrupt city throw away millions to buy it lock , stock and barrel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of millions of dollars in liabilities , an aging fleet of leased vehicles and questionable “ intellectual property.
” Its assets will go to a new nonprofit , New York City School Bus Umbrella Services , Inc. , responsible for transporting thousands of special-needs students .
With those workers getting improved perks and pay , this will drive up contracting costs for the still-private companies that bus the other 90 percent of city students .
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams , Comptroller Scott Stringer and , if need be , the feds should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop it dead .
Meanwhile , as The Post ’ s Susan Edelman reports , public-school parents are furious at being left in the dark about this year ’ s grading system and the scheduling of key tests for entry to the top high schools and Gifted and Talented programs , and even the annual state exams .
Heck , the Department of Education won ’ t even release the results of its parent survey .
Yet de Blasio stands by schools Chancellor Richard Carranza , who has bungled literally every challenge since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mayor fails to make the spending cuts needed to stave off the fiscal collapse the city ’ s soaring toward .
No wonder no one running to replace him is interested in “ winning ” de Blasio ’ s endorsement .

It was yet another week in which Bill de Blasio proved himself New York’s worst mayor ever — on multiple fronts.
Most obvious was his berating one of the city’s top cops, Chief of Patrol Fausto Pichardo, into quitting — amid soaring crime and sinking NYPD morale.
Pichardo by all accounts has been working his butt off, but he missed a phone call from the mayor — who wanted to engage in some of his patented micromanagement.
When the chief did get back to him, de Blasio complained about cops’ handling of a raucous Hasidic rally where a journalist and another man were assaulted. And never mind that the mayor has been demanding unprecedented NYPD restraint on all fronts.
Then there’s the lunatic Blas-ordered purchase of the Reliant school-bus company to bail out its owner, a Blas donor — decades after the city got out of the bus business. The mayor has long favored Reliant and its drivers with unique taxpayer subsidies; now he’s having a near-bankrupt city throw away millions to buy it lock, stock and barrel.
Rotten barrel: It has tens of millions of dollars in liabilities, an aging fleet of leased vehicles and questionable “intellectual property.” Its assets will go to a new nonprofit, New York City School Bus Umbrella Services, Inc., responsible for transporting thousands of special-needs students.
With those workers getting improved perks and pay, this will drive up contracting costs for the still-private companies that bus the other 90 percent of city students. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Comptroller Scott Stringer and, if need be, the feds should be all over this odiferous move — and stop it dead.
Meanwhile, as The Post’s Susan Edelman reports, public-school parents are furious at being left in the dark about this year’s grading system and the scheduling of key tests for entry to the top high schools and Gifted and Talented programs, and even the annual state exams. Heck, the Department of Education won’t even release the results of its parent survey.
Yet de Blasio stands by schools Chancellor Richard Carranza, who has bungled literally every challenge since COVID-19 hit.
All this, as the mayor fails to make the spending cuts needed to stave off the fiscal collapse the city’s soaring toward. No wonder no one running to replace him is interested in “winning” de Blasio’s endorsement.


newyorkpost--2020-10-16--By censoring The Post, Big Tech is begging for big-time reform

Twitter has refused to unlock The Post ’ s account unless the ...

The increasing brazenness with which the various Big Tech behemoths distort their search algorithms to hide conservative viewpoints, undermine conservatives through “shadow banning” and weaponize the sanctimonious and self-serving “fact-checking” cottage industry to suppress conservative voices has long been clear.
The 2017 dismissal of Google engineer James Damore exposed the search giant as an “ideological echo chamber” (Damore’s words) — a company that, incidentally, has a jaw-dropping 87.3 percent share of the US search market. Facebook has outright banned anti-lockdown pages and removed posts supportive of the besieged teenager Kyle Rittenhouse. Twitter affixes “fact-checking” warnings exclusively to the tweets of conservatives.
Conservative angst over Big Tech duplicity has now reached an apogee. Facebook and Twitter this week ganged up against the New York Post, founded by Alexander Hamilton and the nation’s oldest continually operating daily newspaper, in galling fashion.
The Post broke a bombshell story about Hunter Biden’s dealings with Ukrainian energy company Burisma — and the extent to which then-Vice President Joe Biden’s diplomatic efforts in the Eastern European nation might have been tainted because of it.
Facebook dutifully blacklisted the story — with its policy communications manager having the chutzpah to boast about it. Twitter followed its older corporate cousin’s lead, effectively banning in toto access to and sharing of the story.
It is, of course, fair game — indeed, it is a good thing — for public-spirited media watchdogs to closely scrutinize the Fourth Estate’s veracity (though one cannot help but wonder where this scrutiny was for the myriad journalistic outlets that reproduced, no questions asked, the infamous and reckless Hillary Clinton/Democratic National Committee bought-and-paid-for Steele dossier).
But The Post is not exactly a “fringe” outlet, and no one seems to be outright denying The Post’s reporting — not even Hunter Biden himself.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg will assuredly have to answer, via Senate subpoena, for what appears to any reasonable observer to be a deliberate, partisan attempt to quash a prospective “October surprise” and elevate one particular presidential candidate over another.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has even raised the possibility that the shameless censorship may amount to in-kind political contributions in violation of extant campaign-finance law.
But all of this raises the question: What is the proper “conservative” approach, in the 21st century, to the thorny issue of a preening, deceitful, uniformly leftist Big Tech corporate landscape — characterized by a small handful of firms exercising either monopolistic or near-monopolistic power?
Think-tanker Henry Olsen has written extensively about the American right’s decades-long malady of “free-market fundamentalism” — the liberalized notion that private-sector action is per se good and public-sector action per se bad. But whatever appeal such a sentiment might have for dorm-room libertarians reading Ayn Rand for the first time, to proffer such a creed as a viable theory of governance is to succumb to the elevation of fanciful dogma over the pragmatic realities of everyday life.
Justice and liberty are ill-served by large concentrations of tyrannical, unaccountable power, regardless of whether those concentrated power sources are public or private.
Legal theorists and policymakers are still contemplating how to reconcile the fact that our Constitution deals primarily with state action and the fact that the true threats to our liberty in the 21st century, whether in the form of online speech or digital privacy, disproportionately emanate from private, nonpublic action. That reconciliation process is unlikely to conclude any time soon.
In the interim, it is imperative that conservatives embrace the solemn responsibility of wielding the levers of political power in the service of good political order — to protect online speech from the heavy, censorious hand of Silicon Valley ideologues.
It is time for conservatives to support reform of Big Tech’s wide- ranging sweetheart legal immunity deal, Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, and antitrust enforcement against the worst offenders of concentrated power.


newyorkpost--2020-10-16--Stream It Or Skip It: ‘The Perfect Weapon’ On HBO, A Documentary About The Rise Of Cyber Attacks

For most of history , warfare has been conducted on the ground , in the air , and by sea .
Over the last decade and change , however , the fight has moved behind screens .
Cyber spying and warfare is now considered one of the top threats the United States faces today .
HBO ’ s The Perfect Weapon examines how we got here , where things might be going , and the implications of a few key events in the recent history of hacking and beyond .
THE PERFECT WEAPON : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ book The Perfect Weapon : War , Sabotage , and Fear In The Cyber Age , by New York Times national security correspondent David E. Sanger , John Maggio ’ s documentary The Perfect Weapon tells the story of cyber warfare and spying and the way it has rapidly advanced over the last few years .
We begin with a montage of news clips and interview segments that can only be described as chilling ; the reality of just what kind of damage cyber attacks can do can not be understated .
Beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking us to where we stand now with our current election and COVID-19 , The Perfect Weapon examines the many facets of cyber attacks and how they have affected us thus far .
Long before the Russians hacked the Democratic National Committee ’ s system ( though the documentary gets to that a little later on ) , the United States decided to meddle with Iran ’ s nuclear weapons projects right under their noses .
As Bush left office and President Obama began his first term , he was urged to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alive .
Eventually , the code got out , and the whole world discovered what we ’ d been up to .
This only made it fair game for everyone else to start doing the same , and as a result of one big-mouthed rich person ’ s dumb comments ( Sheldon Adelson ) , the Las Vegas Sands Corp casinos were hacked by Iran , costing them some $ 40 million .
Following this introduction to just how destructive these kinds of attacks can be , The Perfect Weapon spends much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : the Sony Pictures hack as a result of North Korea ’ s position against The Interview , the DNC hack , 2016 election meddling and Facebook ads , the anxiety surrounding the current election , and the impact of the spreading of misinformation surrounding COVID-19 ( among other topics wedged in between ) .
What Movies Will It Remind You Of ?
: The Perfect Weapon very much feels like many of various top-notch documentaries on HBO , like Agents of Chaos , and Citizenfour , as well as Netflix docuseries like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not to shower praise on the film ’ s only real actor by default , but Seth Rogen definitely provides some of the film ’ s more interesting and personal interviews .
It ’ s rare to see him get serious and insightful about subject matter of this nature , especially in this context .
( And yeah , that laugh is still infectious as hell . )
Memorable Dialogue : It would be easy for Americans in the documentary to clutch their pearls about the ways we ’ ve been digitally attacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one quote lays it all out : “ The United States had basically legitimized the use of cyber as a weapon against another country against whom you had not declared war .
It pushed the world into an entirely new territory.
” We set the precedent .
And we opened the door for other countries to do the same to us .
Sex and Skin : None here .
Our Take : I would watch an entire series based on the events described in The Perfect Weapon .
It feels like there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that doesn ’ t get explored for sake of keeping a lean runtime , and this isn ’ t necessarily a bad thing – it ’ s a testament to the filmmaking that I want to see more .
The group of interviewees , including the author of the book on which the documentary is based , is perfectly selected , each offering unique insight regarding specific events , technology , and politics .
To be frank , I was worried this might go over my head and feel like a bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a thrilling exposé , taking us on a seamless journey from one pivotal event to the next .
It ’ s also incredibly timely , a chilling reminder of what is happening right in front of our eyes as we scroll every single day , of how our collective future may rest in the hands of an unseen force hiding behind screens on the other side of the world .
At this point , we ’ re constantly being bombarded with the idea that the internet and social media is toxic ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doc manages to drive home that idea in a terrifying way without ever feeling preachy or righteous .
The Perfect Weapon rightfully takes responsibility for the United States ’ role in creating this monster , and is blunt about the fact our reliance on the internet makes us the perfect target .
The choice to examine crucial events across different fields – entertainment , elections , government , businesses , social media , health , etc – is also a smart one , as it really makes clear just how wide the reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really do believe it also would have worked well as a miniseries .
With an episode dedicated to each big event , they really could have dug deep into the consequences and responses to each one .
But I digress .
Despite its lean runtime , The Perfect Weapon does not feel rushed ; it ’ s a coherent , sharp piece of filmmaking , a relevant and necessary examination of the state of our world and the way things are changing every minute .
Our Call : STREAM IT .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paced in such a way that makes it feel like a high-stakes narrative thriller .
With input from politicians , government employees , celebrities , and a bevy of experts across many different fields , The Perfect Weapon paints a full – and terrifying – picture .
Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes .
Follow her on Twitter : @ jadebudowski .
Stream The Perfect Weapon on HBO Now

For most of history, warfare has been conducted on the ground, in the air, and by sea. Over the last decade and change, however, the fight has moved behind screens. Cyber spying and warfare is now considered one of the top threats the United States faces today. HBO’s The Perfect Weapon examines how we got here, where things might be going, and the implications of a few key events in the recent history of hacking and beyond.
THE PERFECT WEAPON: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
The Gist: Based on the best-selling book The Perfect Weapon: War, Sabotage, and Fear In The Cyber Age, by New York Times national security correspondent David E. Sanger, John Maggio’s documentary The Perfect Weapon tells the story of cyber warfare and spying and the way it has rapidly advanced over the last few years. We begin with a montage of news clips and interview segments that can only be described as chilling; the reality of just what kind of damage cyber attacks can do cannot be understated. Beginning in 2007 with the Bush administration and taking us to where we stand now with our current election and COVID-19, The Perfect Weapon examines the many facets of cyber attacks and how they have affected us thus far.
Long before the Russians hacked the Democratic National Committee’s system (though the documentary gets to that a little later on), the United States decided to meddle with Iran’s nuclear weapons projects right under their noses. As Bush left office and President Obama began his first term, he was urged to keep the drone program and this Iran program alive. Eventually, the code got out, and the whole world discovered what we’d been up to. This only made it fair game for everyone else to start doing the same, and as a result of one big-mouthed rich person’s dumb comments (Sheldon Adelson), the Las Vegas Sands Corp casinos were hacked by Iran, costing them some $40 million.
Following this introduction to just how destructive these kinds of attacks can be, The Perfect Weapon spends much of its runtime on a few central events: the Sony Pictures hack as a result of North Korea’s position against The Interview, the DNC hack, 2016 election meddling and Facebook ads, the anxiety surrounding the current election, and the impact of the spreading of misinformation surrounding COVID-19 (among other topics wedged in between).
What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: The Perfect Weapon very much feels like many of various top-notch documentaries on HBO, like Agents of Chaos, and Citizenfour, as well as Netflix docuseries like Dirty Money.
Performance Worth Watching: Not to shower praise on the film’s only real actor by default, but Seth Rogen definitely provides some of the film’s more interesting and personal interviews. It’s rare to see him get serious and insightful about subject matter of this nature, especially in this context. (And yeah, that laugh is still infectious as hell.)
Memorable Dialogue: It would be easy for Americans in the documentary to clutch their pearls about the ways we’ve been digitally attacked by outside forces, but early on, one quote lays it all out: “The United States had basically legitimized the use of cyber as a weapon against another country against whom you had not declared war. It pushed the world into an entirely new territory.” We set the precedent. And we opened the door for other countries to do the same to us.
Sex and Skin: None here.
Our Take: I would watch an entire series based on the events described in The Perfect Weapon. It feels like there’s a lot of background here that doesn’t get explored for sake of keeping a lean runtime, and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it’s a testament to the filmmaking that I want to see more. The group of interviewees, including the author of the book on which the documentary is based, is perfectly selected, each offering unique insight regarding specific events, technology, and politics.
To be frank, I was worried this might go over my head and feel like a bit of a snooze, but it plays out like a thrilling exposé, taking us on a seamless journey from one pivotal event to the next. It’s also incredibly timely, a chilling reminder of what is happening right in front of our eyes as we scroll every single day, of how our collective future may rest in the hands of an unseen force hiding behind screens on the other side of the world. At this point, we’re constantly being bombarded with the idea that the internet and social media is toxic (The Social Dilemma), but this doc manages to drive home that idea in a terrifying way without ever feeling preachy or righteous.
The Perfect Weapon rightfully takes responsibility for the United States’ role in creating this monster, and is blunt about the fact our reliance on the internet makes us the perfect target. The choice to examine crucial events across different fields – entertainment, elections, government, businesses, social media, health, etc – is also a smart one, as it really makes clear just how wide the reach of cyber attacks really are. I really do believe it also would have worked well as a miniseries. With an episode dedicated to each big event, they really could have dug deep into the consequences and responses to each one. But I digress. Despite its lean runtime, The Perfect Weapon does not feel rushed; it’s a coherent, sharp piece of filmmaking, a relevant and necessary examination of the state of our world and the way things are changing every minute.
Our Call: STREAM IT. It’s a fascinating, well-made documentary, paced in such a way that makes it feel like a high-stakes narrative thriller. With input from politicians, government employees, celebrities, and a bevy of experts across many different fields, The Perfect Weapon paints a full – and terrifying – picture.
Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.
Stream The Perfect Weapon on HBO Max
Stream The Perfect Weapon on HBO Now


newyorkpost--2020-10-16--Andrew Thomas isn’t ‘shaken’ by steep Giants learning curve

Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas has had his work cut out for him through the first few games of his NFL career .
In Week 1 , it was Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree .
Last week , he faced Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence .
On Sunday , it ’ ll be 2020 second-overall pick Chase Young when the Giants host the Washington Football Team at MetLife Stadium .
In listing the stiff competition , it makes sense Thomas has surrendered a league-high 28 pressures as one of just four tackles to have given up 20 or more .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 5 ) has given up more sacks than Thomas ( 4 ) .
But that hasn ’ t deterred the 21-year-old Thomas from focusing on his development .
“ No , I wouldn ’ t say that my confidence is shaken , ” he said on a Zoom call Friday afternoon .
“ There are things that I definitely need to work on , that comes from practicing , repetition and going against these very talented pass rushers early .
“ I think that will actually build my confidence because I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve seen what the greatest in the NFL look like so I can continue to get better each and every week.
” Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett said Thomas ’ learning curve resembles that of the Cowboys ’ Tyron Smith , who as a seven-time Pro Bowler is not a bad player to be compared to .
Garrett coached Smith in Dallas and watched him blossom into an All-Pro tackle over the course of nine seasons .
But Garrett recalled how Smith had to work through growing pains before becoming the dominant offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think about a guy like Tyron Smith , who we had in Dallas .
When we first got him there , he was going against DeMarcus Ware in practice every day , ” Garrett said .
“ To be honest with you , right at the start he didn ’ t do very well .
DeMarcus Ware really got after him .
As it went along in training camp and as it went along when they competed against each other , Tyron started to win some .
Then he started to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be back and forth and then it was 50/50 .
Then he started to win more than half .
“ That ’ s really what these guys have to do .
They have to keep battling , keep learning from their experiences .
Be mentally tough , be physically tough .
Technically , become better and you ’ ll grow and improve as a player over time .
There ’ s no question it ’ s one of the most challenging positions in football .
To block these elite rushers every week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far .
He ’ s going to get better and better as we go.
” In the Giants ’ 37-34 loss to the Cowboys this past Sunday , Thomas had his best run-blocking game of the season despite giving up a sack to Lawrence and eight pressures .
Garrett said facing the best of the best in the NFL will only serve Thomas well .
That will continue this Sunday when Thomas faces Young , who has racked up 2.5 sacks and eight solo tackles so far this season .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be fired up for it .
I ’ m sure they ’ ll both be fired up for it .
I don ’ t think I ’ m going to have to push him extra this week , ” offensive line coach Marc Colombo said of Thomas going up against Washington ’ s rookie defensive end .
“ He ’ ll be ready for the challenge , and it will be a challenge .
It ’ s a good pass rusher , really good pass rusher .
It ’ ll be exciting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m looking forward to it .
”

Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas has had his work cut out for him through the first few games of his NFL career.
In Week 1, it was Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree. Last week, he faced Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. On Sunday, it’ll be 2020 second-overall pick Chase Young when the Giants host the Washington Football Team at MetLife Stadium.
In listing the stiff competition, it makes sense Thomas has surrendered a league-high 28 pressures as one of just four tackles to have given up 20 or more. Only Washington’s Geron Christian Sr. (5) has given up more sacks than Thomas (4).
But that hasn’t deterred the 21-year-old Thomas from focusing on his development.
“No, I wouldn’t say that my confidence is shaken,” he said on a Zoom call Friday afternoon. “There are things that I definitely need to work on, that comes from practicing, repetition and going against these very talented pass rushers early.
“I think that will actually build my confidence because I’ve seen the best, I’ve seen what the greatest in the NFL look like so I can continue to get better each and every week.”
Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett said Thomas’ learning curve resembles that of the Cowboys’ Tyron Smith, who as a seven-time Pro Bowler is not a bad player to be compared to.
Garrett coached Smith in Dallas and watched him blossom into an All-Pro tackle over the course of nine seasons. But Garrett recalled how Smith had to work through growing pains before becoming the dominant offensive tackle that he is today.
“I think about a guy like Tyron Smith, who we had in Dallas. When we first got him there, he was going against DeMarcus Ware in practice every day,” Garrett said. “To be honest with you, right at the start he didn’t do very well. DeMarcus Ware really got after him. As it went along in training camp and as it went along when they competed against each other, Tyron started to win some. Then he started to win some more of them and then it would be back and forth and then it was 50/50. Then he started to win more than half.
“That’s really what these guys have to do. They have to keep battling, keep learning from their experiences. Be mentally tough, be physically tough. Technically, become better and you’ll grow and improve as a player over time. There’s no question it’s one of the most challenging positions in football. To block these elite rushers every week — Andrew has done a nice job so far. He’s going to get better and better as we go.”
In the Giants’ 37-34 loss to the Cowboys this past Sunday, Thomas had his best run-blocking game of the season despite giving up a sack to Lawrence and eight pressures. Garrett said facing the best of the best in the NFL will only serve Thomas well. That will continue this Sunday when Thomas faces Young, who has racked up 2.5 sacks and eight solo tackles so far this season.
“I’m sure Andrew’s going to be fired up for it. I’m sure they’ll both be fired up for it. I don’t think I’m going to have to push him extra this week,” offensive line coach Marc Colombo said of Thomas going up against Washington’s rookie defensive end. “He’ll be ready for the challenge, and it will be a challenge. It’s a good pass rusher, really good pass rusher. It’ll be exciting to see that matchup. I’m looking forward to it.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-16--Mayor’s office tweets out early voting reminder — with wrong date

Somebody needs to get City Hall a better calendar .
The Mayor ’ s office sent out a Friday night tweet reminding New Yorkers that early voting is starting on “ Saturday , November 3.
” Early voting does begin a week from Saturday , but the date is Oct. 24 .
November 3 , of course , is Election Day .
“ Election Day is 18 days away !
” the mayor ’ s office official twitter account wrote .
“ Take some time over the weekend to make your voting plan .
Early Voting starts next Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 AM to 9 PM , ” the tweet read .
Availability for early voting runs until Nov. 1 .
Hours vary by day , and polling sites for each borough are listed online by the city Board of Elections .
Next Saturday , sites across the city will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “ Please post correct dates .
This does more harm than good , ” Twitter user Susan Kirby wrote .
Another user , David , wrote : “ Please get this right .
At least .
@ @ @ @

Somebody needs to get City Hall a better calendar.
The Mayor’s office sent out a Friday night tweet reminding New Yorkers that early voting is starting on “Saturday, November 3.”
Early voting does begin a week from Saturday, but the date is Oct. 24. November 3, of course, is Election Day.
“Election Day is 18 days away!” the mayor’s office official twitter account wrote.
“Take some time over the weekend to make your voting plan. Early Voting starts next Saturday, November 3 and polls are open from 6 AM to 9 PM,” the tweet read.
Availability for early voting runs until Nov. 1. Hours vary by day, and polling sites for each borough are listed online by the city Board of Elections.
Next Saturday, sites across the city will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Commenters quickly pointed out the gaffe.
“Please post correct dates. This does more harm than good,” Twitter user Susan Kirby wrote.
Another user, David, wrote: “Please get this right. At least. Try again.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-16--Danielle Bernstein takes legal action against lingerie brand accusing her of copying designs

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Danielle Bernstein has her panties in a bunch .
The fashion influencer — who boasts 2.5 million followers — is taking legal action against lingerie brand the Great Eros in a move the brand ’ s lawyer calls “ slimier ” than anything he ’ s seen “ in more than a decade of practicing law.
” Bernstein , the founder of fashion blog and brand WeWoreWhat , filed papers in the Southern District on Thursday after the Williamsburg-based bra brand sent her a draft of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter claiming she copied them .
Bernstein is seeking a judgement that her use of the designs “ does not infringe , ” or “ violate Defendant ’ s purported copyright.
” The Great Eros ’ lawyer , Jeff Gluck , tells us , “ she secretly filed this lawsuit while pretending to hold settlement talks .
I have never seen anything slimier.
” In August , the undie brand accused Bernstein of ripping off a nude silhouette pattern they use on tissue paper and slapping it on her line ’ s wallpaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Great Eros co-owner , Christina Viviani , told us her design “ felt so spot on ” noting the size , poses and spacing of their nudes .
In the suit , Bernstein says her design “ was inspired by the generally ubiquitous concept of silhouette drawings of the human form along with a number of Henri Matisse ’ s line drawings.
” Gluck tells us , “ This misguided charade is nothing more than yet another nasty attempt to intimidate and silence independent creatives and small-business owners .
She believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her.
” Bernstein was accused of stealing mask designs from Second Wind and a design from an Etsy shop , both of which she denied .
Bernstein ’ s lawyer , Robert Salame , said , “ When it became clear that the Great Eros was going to baselessly sue our clients , we felt compelled to seek court confirmation that no infringement occurred .
”

Danielle Bernstein has her panties in a bunch.
The fashion influencer — who boasts 2.5 million followers — is taking legal action against lingerie brand the Great Eros in a move the brand’s lawyer calls “slimier” than anything he’s seen “in more than a decade of practicing law.”
Bernstein, the founder of fashion blog and brand WeWoreWhat, filed papers in the Southern District on Thursday after the Williamsburg-based bra brand sent her a draft of a planned lawsuit and a cease and desist letter claiming she copied them. Bernstein is seeking a judgement that her use of the designs “does not infringe,” or “violate Defendant’s purported copyright.”
The Great Eros’ lawyer, Jeff Gluck, tells us, “she secretly filed this lawsuit while pretending to hold settlement talks. I have never seen anything slimier.”
In August, the undie brand accused Bernstein of ripping off a nude silhouette pattern they use on tissue paper and slapping it on her line’s wallpaper and $195 bathing suits for Onia. The Great Eros co-owner, Christina Viviani, told us her design “felt so spot on” noting the size, poses and spacing of their nudes.
In the suit, Bernstein says her design “was inspired by the generally ubiquitous concept of silhouette drawings of the human form along with a number of Henri Matisse’s line drawings.”
Gluck tells us, “This misguided charade is nothing more than yet another nasty attempt to intimidate and silence independent creatives and small-business owners. She believes that rules don’t apply to her.”
Bernstein was accused of stealing mask designs from Second Wind and a design from an Etsy shop, both of which she denied.
Bernstein’s lawyer, Robert Salame, said, “When it became clear that the Great Eros was going to baselessly sue our clients, we felt compelled to seek court confirmation that no infringement occurred.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-16--Ripped Carmelo Anthony may be preparing for Knicks return

It looks like Carmelo Anthony could be muscling up for a return to the Knicks .
In a video and pictures posted Thursday on social media by his New York-based trainer , Chris Brickley , the 36-year-old Anthony can be seen draining 3-pointers at the Summit Gym in Midtown .
In one photo , he is shown shirtless and buffed up .
After Portland , Anthony ’ s team this past season , became a surprise bubble playoff entrant with a “ seedings-games ’ ’ surge , the Trail Blazers were eliminated 3-1 in the first round by the eventual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from exile , Anthony became a key third scorer for the Blazers , who were led by the spectacular play of Damian Lillard , along with CJ McCollum .
When the Blazers were eliminated on Aug. 29 , the Brooklyn native sounded very much like he wanted to re-sign with Portland .
“ I pray that it could be Portland , ” Anthony said on Zoom .
“ Honestly , thank God I found a home in Portland .
I got comfortable with the organization .
I got comfortable with the guys on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me.
’ ’ However , if point guard Chris Paul makes his way to the Knicks via a trade , sources have said Anthony is likely to want to follow .
Anthony and Paul are close friends and have dreamed of playing together on an NBA team .
Both players were represented by Knicks president Leon Rose when he was basketball chief of Creative Artists Agency .
A source said Rose is amenable to an Anthony return even without Paul .
If Julius Randle is part of a Paul deal , the Knicks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power forward .
Anthony plays either position .
The Blazers want Anthony back , especially judging by a wild back-and-forth between the Nuggets and Blazers ’ Twitter accounts Friday .
The Nuggets sent out a tweet picturing five former players and asking “ Who is your favorite Nugget of all-time ?
’ ’ Anthony was not one of the five pictured , despite his storied career in Denver .
Soon after , the Blazers posted an identically themed tweet with a frame of five former Portland stars — with Anthony alongside Lillard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walton .
The photo contained the exact same message : “ Who is your favorite Blazer of all-time ?
” Anthony ’ s chiseled look is noteworthy since one of the knocks on him during his career was that he never looked in superb shape and he relied on his enormous 1-on-1 ability .
Hence , scouts believed he never gave full effort on defense .
The pandemic that caused a four-month break to the season gave Anthony time to do more off-court training with basketball gyms closed .
Anthony won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the latter stages of next season .
During the shutdown , Anthony , a Knick from 2011 to 2017 , still worked with Brickley via virtual training .
Now they can train again in person .

It looks like Carmelo Anthony could be muscling up for a return to the Knicks.
In a video and pictures posted Thursday on social media by his New York-based trainer, Chris Brickley, the 36-year-old Anthony can be seen draining 3-pointers at the Summit Gym in Midtown. In one photo, he is shown shirtless and buffed up.
After Portland, Anthony’s team this past season, became a surprise bubble playoff entrant with a “seedings-games’’ surge, the Trail Blazers were eliminated 3-1 in the first round by the eventual champion Lakers.
To cap his comeback from exile, Anthony became a key third scorer for the Blazers, who were led by the spectacular play of Damian Lillard, along with CJ McCollum.
When the Blazers were eliminated on Aug. 29, the Brooklyn native sounded very much like he wanted to re-sign with Portland.
“I pray that it could be Portland,” Anthony said on Zoom. “Honestly, thank God I found a home in Portland. I got comfortable with the organization. I got comfortable with the guys on the team. They got comfortable with me.’’
However, if point guard Chris Paul makes his way to the Knicks via a trade, sources have said Anthony is likely to want to follow. Anthony and Paul are close friends who dreamed of playing together in the NBA and saw their alliance in Houston end prematurely.
Both players were represented by Knicks president Leon Rose when he was basketball chief of Creative Artists Agency. A source said Rose is amenable to an Anthony return even without Paul.
If Julius Randle is part of a Paul deal, the Knicks will need a starting small forward and power forward. Anthony plays either position.
The Blazers want Anthony back, especially judging by a wild back-and-forth between the Nuggets and Blazers’ Twitter accounts Friday.
The Nuggets sent out a tweet picturing five former players and asking “Who is your favorite Nugget of all-time?’’ Anthony was not one of the five pictured, despite his storied career in Denver.
Soon after, the Blazers posted an identically themed tweet with a frame of five former Portland stars — with Anthony alongside Lillard, Brandon Roy, Clyde Drexler and Bill Walton. The photo contained the exact same message: “Who is your favorite Blazer of all-time?”
Anthony’s chiseled look is noteworthy since one of the knocks on him during his career was that he never looked in superb shape and he relied on his enormous 1-on-1 ability. Hence, scouts believed he never gave full effort on defense.
The pandemic that caused a four-month break to the season gave Anthony time to do more off-court training with basketball gyms closed. Anthony won’t turn 37 until May — which would be the latter stages of next season.
During the shutdown, Anthony, a Knick from 2011 to 2017, still worked with Brickley via virtual training. Now they can train again in person.


newyorkpost--2020-10-16--Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez endorse Joe Biden

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez gave their considerable support to Joe Biden Friday , posting a video of a virtual @ @ @ @ @ and his wife Jill .
In the clip , which was watched 1.5 million times @ @ @ @ @ after it was posted on Instagram , the power couple grilled Biden on how the @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , and how it can use its voice in the run-up to Election @ @ @ @ @ said that they ’ re “ excited to vote ” and that “ we want @ @ @ @ @ team to defeat COVID and rebuild this US economy that needs us all so much @ @ @ @ @ Papi ” singer said , “ It ’ s my hope and quest that the @ @ @ @ @ their power .
”

It’s Jenny from the bloc.
Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez gave their considerable support to Joe Biden Friday, posting a video of a virtual sit-down with the presidential hopeful and his wife Jill.
In the clip, which was watched 1.5 million times in the first four hours after it was posted on Instagram, the power couple grilled Biden on how the Latino community can best survive the pandemic, and how it can use its voice in the run-up to Election Day.
The former slugger said that they’re “excited to vote” and that “we want to come together as a team to defeat COVID and rebuild this US economy that needs us all so much,” while the “Papi” singer said, “It’s my hope and quest that the Latino community … start understanding their power.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-17--New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern wins reelection in landslide

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ’ s center-left Labour Party won a landslide victory Saturday , reaping a reward from voters for her strong response to the coronavirus pandemic .
With 98 % of the vote counted , Labour had 49 % of the vote .
The center-right National Party , the second largest in the country , took about 27 % of the vote , losing up to 19 seats in the 119-seat Parliament , including many it held for years , Radio New Zealand reported .
It was the biggest victory for the Labour Party in 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader can form the first single-party government since the country introduced its current system for electing members of Parliament in 1996 , the Guardian reported .
That gives Ardern the chance to try to deliver more progressive policies that she was unable to deliver in her first term , when her party shared power with a smaller party .
“ After this result we have the mandate to accelerate our response and our recovery , and tomorrow , we start , ” Ardern said in her victory speech .
“ We know the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The last few have not been easy either , but there have been chinks of light that have shone through even the darkest of times .
“ So again , I say thank you , ” she continued .
“ This has not been an ordinary election and this has not been an ordinary time .
”

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s center-left Labour Party won a landslide victory Saturday, reaping a reward from voters for her strong response to the coronavirus pandemic.
With 98% of the vote counted, Labour had 49% of the vote. The center-right National Party, the second largest in the country, took about 27% of the vote, losing up to 19 seats in the 119-seat Parliament, including many it held for years, Radio New Zealand reported.
It was the biggest victory for the Labour Party in 50 years, and means that the 40-year-old leader can form the first single-party government since the country introduced its current system for electing members of Parliament in 1996, the Guardian reported. That gives Ardern the chance to try to deliver more progressive policies that she was unable to deliver in her first term, when her party shared power with a smaller party.
“After this result we have the mandate to accelerate our response and our recovery, and tomorrow, we start,” Ardern said in her victory speech. “We know the next few years will not be easy. The last few have not been easy either, but there have been chinks of light that have shone through even the darkest of times.
“So again, I say thank you,” she continued. “This has not been an ordinary election and this has not been an ordinary time.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-17--Banned Harlem kids soccer club gets new field in turf war with city

One thing is missing from James Bradberry ’ s budding résumé — ...

A kids Harlem soccer club is claiming victory in its turf war with the city Parks Department.
Even though the agency is kicking the Elephants off its longtime home field at Morningside Park, it has granted the group permission to play on a nearby field, and another across town.
The city’s move comes a week after The Post reported that Parks had barred the club from the 112th Street fields on several Saturdays this year and even issued the group a ticket last week.
“I want to emphasize that while this may be a disappointment to be moved off Morningside, please recognize that the fields we have been given are real soccer fields with artificial turf,” club manager Joe Lupton wrote to parents in an email. “Thousands of requests come in every year for these fields and Parks gave them to us.
“Please do not feel disheartened by this outcome. It should be viewed as a victory and a result of all the pressure you all put on the city and Parks Dept.”
The club’s younger cohort will practice three times a week at Frederick Douglass Park at 102nd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, while the older boys will play once a week on the east side, in Thomas Jefferson Park, at 114th Street and 1st Avenue.
“As soon as the Mayor saw this story, he ordered that we get the Elephants back to stomping on a field worthy of their squad,” mayoral spokesman Bill Neidhardt said.


newyorkpost--2020-10-17--Save up to 65 percent on 28 refurbished Apple iPads

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store , from our partner StackCommerce .
NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
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newyorkpost--2020-10-17--Boost your resume with this $40 self-paced Microsoft Excel training

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store , from our partner StackCommerce .
NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
If you scroll to the bottom of nearly any job ad , you are likely to see a requirement about having experience in Microsoft Excel .
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If you scroll to the bottom of nearly any job ad, you are likely to see a requirement about having experience in Microsoft Excel. But these days, basic proficiency in the powerful software isn’t enough. While anyone can open up an Excel sheet and start plugging in numbers, understanding how to take full advantage of the platform is far more valuable. Excel mastery can make your job — whatever it is — a whole lot easier, and it can make you as an employee a whole heck of a lot more marketable.
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newyorkpost--2020-10-17--Alabama vs. Georgia prediction, line: Bulldogs finally can beat Nick Saban

LSU ’ s title run didn ’ t change anything but the channel .
The SEC has returned to its regularly scheduled dominance .
No .
2 Alabama is the only undefeated team in the SEC West and already has demolished the division ’ s second-highest ranked team ( Texas A & M ) , while its greatest rivals ( Auburn , LSU ) have taken substantial steps backward .
No .
3 Georgia is the only undefeated team in the SEC East and just destroyed the team with the nation ’ s longest win streak ( Tennessee ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a fourth straight division title has shown its defense isn ’ t capable of contending for a championship .
Meetings between Alabama and Georgia don ’ t occur as often as they should .
Saturday ’ s preview of the SEC title game will be the first regular-season meeting between the powers since 2015 .
It will be just the third game between the teams since then .
Alabama has the nation ’ s top offense , averaging 51 points per game .
Georgia has the nation ’ s best defense , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) than any team has finished a season with since the Crimson Tide ’ s 2011 national championship team .
That Alabama defense was led by coordinator Kirby Smart , who spent 11 seasons by Nick Saban ’ s side before bringing Georgia back to prominence .
Scoring on Alabama is much easier these days .
The Tide have given up more than 45 points in three of their past eight games , including last week ’ s 48-point , 647-yard explosion from Mississippi , a game in which Saban still improved to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record was nearly sullied twice by Smart .
Two years ago , Jalen Hurts led a fourth-quarter comeback in the SEC title game .
The previous season , Saban boldly inserted unproven backup Tua Tagovailoa into the national championship game and overcame a 13-point second-half deficit .
This time , Saban might not be on the sideline , following his positive COVID-19 test Wednesday .
But Smart will be there , again putting the Bulldogs ( +6 ) in position to take down Alabama for the first time since 2007 .
As I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to reality against the first legitimate defense it faced this season .
The Hurricanes ’ offensive struggles will continue , facing the nation ’ s third-ranked run defense and Patrick Jones II , who leads the country with seven sacks .
Since the epic showdown with Lamar Jackson in 2016 , the Tigers have made a habit of following marquee wins by adding more exclamation points the next game .
It is why they ’ ve been the best program in college football since then .
“ To me , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
It ’ s on the road , it ’ s a noon game , a lot of people talking about you ’ re coming off a big game , ” coach Dabo Swinney said this week .
“ I want to see our team come out with some fire and play our best game.
” Bo Nix ’ s erratic throws will prevent the Tigers offense from building momentum anytime soon .
Take the points in a low-scoring battle .
The Volunteers were shut out in the second half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while rushing for negative yards .
The ground game won ’ t find much more success against the nation ’ s eighth-ranked run defense .
The last time the Fighting Irish were questioned — following a 14-point season-opening win over Duke — they responded with a 52-0 win over South Florida .
Last week ’ s underwhelming effort against Florida State pays off here .
It was two years ago that the Knights — in the midst of their second straight undefeated regular season — pulled out a one-point win at Memphis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home since .
With a competent officiating crew , the Razorbacks ’ only loss of the season would be at Georgia .
Instead , they ’ re heading for a 1-3 start .
The Hogs will build much-needed offensive confidence against the worst defense in the SEC , but matching points with Lane Kiffin ’ s second-ranked offense is too much to expect .
Even his former boss — the greatest defensive coach in college football history — had no answers with Alabama ’ s significantly more talented roster .
Jimbo Fisher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time since leaving Florida State .
Mike Leach and K.J .
Costello have experienced dizzying stock drops in the past two weeks .
I ’ m always happy to take what no one else wants .
It may be years before the Seminoles are “ back , ” but Tar Heels star sophomore Sam Howell is on track again after completing 18 of 23 passes for 257 yards , three touchdowns and no interceptions , as North Carolina put up 56 points against Virginia Tech .
The Hokies have lost their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have allowed the 10th-most yards per game this season .
If Phil Jurkovec could throw for 358 yards and three scores against Pittsburgh , Tech ’ s defense shouldn ’ t pose much of a problem .
Best bets : Pittsburgh , Notre Dame , Boston College This season ( best bets ) : 45-27 ( 9-6 ) 2014-19 record : 772-756-13

LSU’s title run didn’t change anything but the channel. The SEC has returned to its regularly scheduled dominance.
No. 2 Alabama is the only undefeated team in the SEC West and already has demolished the division’s second-highest ranked team (Texas A&M), while its greatest rivals (Auburn, LSU) have taken substantial steps backward.
No. 3 Georgia is the only undefeated team in the SEC East and just destroyed the team with the nation’s longest win streak (Tennessee), while its greatest threat (Florida) to a fourth straight division title has shown its defense isn’t capable of contending for a championship.
Meetings between Alabama and Georgia don’t occur as often as they should. Saturday’s preview of the SEC title game will be the first regular-season meeting between the powers since 2015. It will be just the third game between the teams since then.
Alabama has the nation’s top offense, averaging 51 points per game. Georgia has the nation’s best defense, allowing fewer yards per game (236.7) than any team has finished a season with since the Crimson Tide’s 2011 national championship team. That Alabama defense was led by coordinator Kirby Smart, who spent 11 seasons by Nick Saban’s side before bringing Georgia back to prominence.
Scoring on Alabama is much easier these days. The Tide have given up more than 45 points in three of their past eight games, including last week’s 48-point, 647-yard explosion from Mississippi, a game in which Saban still improved to 21-0 against former assistants.
The perfect record was nearly sullied twice by Smart. Two years ago, Jalen Hurts led a fourth-quarter comeback in the SEC title game. The previous season, Saban boldly inserted unproven backup Tua Tagovailoa into the national championship game and overcame a 13-point second-half deficit.
This time, Saban might not be on the sideline, following his positive COVID-19 test Wednesday. But Smart will be there, again putting the Bulldogs (+6) in position to take down Alabama for the first time since 2007.
(Home team in CAPS.)
Pittsburgh (+12) over MIAMI
As I said last week, Miami would crash back to reality against the first legitimate defense it faced this season. The Hurricanes’ offensive struggles will continue, facing the nation’s third-ranked run defense and Patrick Jones II, who leads the country with seven sacks.
Clemson (-27) over GEORGIA TECH
Since the epic showdown with Lamar Jackson in 2016, the Tigers have made a habit of following marquee wins by adding more exclamation points the next game. It is why they’ve been the best program in college football since then. “To me, this is the kind of game you can make a statement. It’s on the road, it’s a noon game, a lot of people talking about you’re coming off a big game,” coach Dabo Swinney said this week. “I want to see our team come out with some fire and play our best game.”
SOUTH CAROLINA (+3) over Auburn
Bo Nix’s erratic throws will prevent the Tigers offense from building momentum anytime soon. Take the points in a low-scoring battle.
Kentucky (+6) over TENNESSEE
The Volunteers were shut out in the second half of last week’s loss to Georgia, while rushing for negative yards. The ground game won’t find much more success against the nation’s eighth-ranked run defense.
NOTRE DAME (-17.5) over Louisville
The last time the Fighting Irish were questioned — following a 14-point season-opening win over Duke — they responded with a 52-0 win over South Florida. Last week’s underwhelming effort against Florida State pays off here.
MEMPHIS (+3.5) over Ucf
It was two years ago that the Knights — in the midst of their second straight undefeated regular season — pulled out a one-point win at Memphis. The Tigers haven’t lost at home since.
Mississippi (-1.5) over ARKANSAS
With a competent officiating crew, the Razorbacks’ only loss of the season would be at Georgia. Instead, they’re heading for a 1-3 start. The Hogs will build much-needed offensive confidence against the worst defense in the SEC, but matching points with Lane Kiffin’s second-ranked offense is too much to expect. Even his former boss — the greatest defensive coach in college football history — had no answers with Alabama’s significantly more talented roster.
MISSISSIPPI STATE (+6.5) over Texas A&M
Jimbo Fisher has a new set of believers for the first time since leaving Florida State. Mike Leach and K.J. Costello have experienced dizzying stock drops in the past two weeks. I’m always happy to take what no one else wants.
North Carolina (-13.5) over FLORIDA STATE
It may be years before the Seminoles are “back,” but Tar Heels star sophomore Sam Howell is on track again after completing 18 of 23 passes for 257 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, as North Carolina put up 56 points against Virginia Tech.
Boston College (+12) over VIRGINIA TECH
The Hokies have lost their past two meetings with B.C. and have allowed the 10th-most yards per game this season. If Phil Jurkovec could throw for 358 yards and three scores against Pittsburgh, Tech’s defense shouldn’t pose much of a problem.
Best bets: Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, Boston College
This season (best bets): 45-27 (9-6)
2014-19 record: 772-756-13


newyorkpost--2020-10-17--Giants’ James Bradberry emerging as one of top corners in the NFL

The Giants do not have enough team strengths to survive ...

One thing is missing from James Bradberry’s budding résumé — and it isn’t participating in “engaging activities.”
Bradberry, 27, signed a three-year free-agent contract with the Giants that gave him the seventh-highest average annual salary ($14.5 million) at his position. He has lived up to the investment through five games, leading the NFL with nine passes defended as the league’s second-highest graded cornerback by Pro Football Focus.
It’s the Giants’ most Pro Bowl-worthy performance — except the NFL just canceled this season’s Pro Bowl (for the first time since 1949) because of COVID-19 and announced it will be replaced by star players in “a variety of engaging activities.” No worries. Fans, players and coaches still will vote for Pro Bowlers in name only, so Bradberry still has a chance to put the title in front of his name for the overdue first time.
“I wouldn’t say it’s important to me,” Bradberry told The Post. “It’s on the list of accolades I want to achieve before I’m done playing football, but the most important thing to me is the wins. Everything else will come down the line. If we are winning, we will get more recognition off the field. That’s when you start getting Pro Bowls, All-Pros and things like that.”
Perhaps no one knows Bradberry’s capabilities better than the coach walking the opposite sideline Sunday: Washington’s Ron Rivera and Bradberry were together for four seasons with the Panthers. So, is Bradberry playing at an even higher level now than when he regularly faced Julio Jones, Michael Thomas and Mike Evans in NFC South matchups?
“He is,” Rivera said. “He’s one of my favorites. This guy competed at the highest level against the highest-level players, Sure, he might’ve gotten beaten once in a while, but he would come back, line up and he would be physical.
“He’s a guy that I knew would get a good opportunity — and really I think he’s a guy that the more he works at it, the more reps he gets, the better and better he keeps getting.”
Bradberry has allowed just 15 receptions on 28 targets while mostly shadowing opponents’ top receivers, including limiting the Cowboys’ Amari Cooper to two catches for 23 yards last week.
“Credit to the coaches: They are putting together a good game plan week-in and week-out,” Bradberry said. “The offense over there is multi-faceted with many weapons. Whenever my name was called and it was time to line up against Cooper, I feel like I did my job.”
No argument from the Giants.
“James is held in high regard throughout the league,” defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. “People respect him because of his play.
“The ball skills are there, the way he breaks up passes. His reaction and his anticipation are there, that helps us in terms of when we’re in our zone coverages. In man coverage, his ability to stay with his man and have good eye control makes it [so] you’re not worried about his side of the field or that guy.”
Bradberry admittedly didn’t do much research into Graham’s scheme during free agency. He was confident he could play in any system after blossoming with Carolina.
“That whole coaching staff taught me a lot about football,” Bradberry said. “[Rivera] was more than a coach. He talked to us about bringing your family around the facility and the importance of being a man and being there for your family. He did a lot for me off the field, too.”
Next up for Bradberry is likely Washington’s Terry McLaurin.
“He’s a young guy, but I definitely have a lot of respect for his game,” Bradberry said. “Explosive receiver, goes hard on every play, no matter what route is called, attacks the ball. We’ll definitely have our eyes open facing him.”
Good choice of words: Bradberry is doing plenty of eye-opening himself.
“I think I’ve still got some more room to grow,” Bradberry said. “I don’t think my game has increased a huge gap between this year and last year. I feel like I developed well each year while I was in Carolina, but you always want to take your game to another level.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-17--Mookie Betts’ defensive gem provides momentum boost for Dodgers

Where there is a Will , there is a Smith .
The ...

Mookie Betts knew diving for the ball would be a mistake.
As Dansby Swanson’s bloop to right field in the third inning descended, Betts reached toward his feet and caught it. His throw to home plate was late, but it didn’t matter: a replay challenge determined Marcell Ozuna had left early from third base and was out on appeal, negating the Braves’ third run of the game.
The Dodgers had their momentum shift in what became a 7-3 victory over the Braves in Game 5 of the NLCS on Friday in Arlington, Texas.
Corey Seager’s homer leading off the fourth sliced the Braves’ lead to 2-1. Which to the Dodgers sounded much nicer than 3-0.
“We were able to get a stop,” Betts said, referring to his catch. “[Thursday] we couldn’t stop the bleeding and today we were able to get a stop right there and put some pressure right on them.”
Betts downplayed his catch as the turning point of the game, instead pointing to Max Muncy’s walk in the sixth that preceded Will Smith’s three-run homer off lefty reliever Will Smith that put the Dodgers ahead for the first time.
But Dodgers manager Dave Roberts perhaps put Betts’ play in the proper perspective.
“We’ve had a lot of great plays this year, but if you are talking about a momentum shift, that is the play of the year for me,” Roberts said. “The probability of catching that baseball, where Joe [Kelly] was at, the game score, potentially having to go to [Blake] Treinen right there, to get that double play, for me that was the play of the game.”
The numbers say Clayton Kershaw is a postseason disappointment, but his manager doesn’t want to hear it.
Before the Dodgers faced the Braves on Friday, Roberts again defended his ace, who allowed four runs over five-plus innings the previous night. Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young award winner, is 11-12 with a 4.31 ERA lifetime in the postseason.
“There’s other times when you are talking about short rest where people nowadays just don’t do it and he’s done it numerous times,” Roberts said. “And other relievers giving up his runs. There’s just a lot of things that go into easily pinning on Clayton that he’s not a postseason pitcher. I just know that there’s not a team that wouldn’t want him taking the ball in the postseason.”
Braves manager Brian Snitker prefers the traditional LCS format that includes off days to the alignment this year, which could have the teams playing seven straight days. The off days were eliminated to streamline the postseason, getting to the World Series faster. The World Series will include the traditional days off following Games 2 and 5.
The flip side of eliminating the off days is teams don’t have to travel this year because of the playoff bubble.
“I think having off days is less taxing,” Snitker said. “The travel, we’re so used to that, it doesn’t bother us. This is a grind here, this seven days in a row. It taxes you, that is for sure. I think having the day off obviously from a pitching standpoint is good, because once you get to where you are going [with travel], you have all day to rest, so you can catch up a little bit.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-17--SCOTUS to hear Trump Administration’s argument to exclude illegal immigrants from census

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear oral arguments over President Donald Trump ’ s effort to exclude illegal immigrants from the population totals used to allocate congressional districts to states .
The court , likely to soon have a 6-3 conservative majority if the Republican-controlled Senate confirms Trump nominee Amy Coney Barrett , will hear the case on Nov. 30 .
The challengers to Trump ’ s July directive , including various states led by New York , cities , counties and immigrant rights groups , said it could leave several million people uncounted and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jersey to lose seats in the U.S. House of Representatives .
Trump “ seeks to reallocate political power among the states and to weaken the political influence of states with larger populations of undocumented immigrants , ” the challengers said in a court filing .
They alleged the policy could also deter people from participating in the census and argue that it violates both the Constitution and the Census Act , a federal law that outlines how the census is conducted .
A three-judge panel ruled against the administration in September .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seats in the House of Representatives be based on the “ whole number of persons in each state.
” The population number is derived from the census , which takes place every 10 years .
By statute , the president sends Congress a report in early January with the population of each state and their entitled number of representatives .
A ruling in the case could be expected before the report is due .
Once states are allocated the districts , the states themselves draw the districts , which will be used first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ census itself does not gather data on citizenship or immigration status .
The Trump administration would base its numbers on data gathered elsewhere .
The Supreme Court on Oct. 14 allowed the Trump administration to wind down population counting for the census early in a blow to civil rights advocates who said it could lead to an undercount of racial minorities .
Efforts to get an accurate census count have been hindered by the coronavirus pandemic , which has limited the ability of workers to follow up in person with those who did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ census data is also used to allocate billions of dollars a year in federal funding .

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear oral arguments over President Donald Trump’s effort to exclude illegal immigrants from the population totals used to allocate congressional districts to states.
The court, likely to soon have a 6-3 conservative majority if the Republican-controlled Senate confirms Trump nominee Amy Coney Barrett, will hear the case on Nov. 30.
The challengers to Trump’s July directive, including various states led by New York, cities, counties and immigrant rights groups, said it could leave several million people uncounted and likely cause California, Texas and New Jersey to lose seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Trump “seeks to reallocate political power among the states and to weaken the political influence of states with larger populations of undocumented immigrants,” the challengers said in a court filing.
They alleged the policy could also deter people from participating in the census and argue that it violates both the Constitution and the Census Act, a federal law that outlines how the census is conducted.
A three-judge panel ruled against the administration in September.
The U.S. Constitution ensures that the apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives be based on the “whole number of persons in each state.” The population number is derived from the census, which takes place every 10 years.
By statute, the president sends Congress a report in early January with the population of each state and their entitled number of representatives. A ruling in the case could be expected before the report is due.
Once states are allocated the districts, the states themselves draw the districts, which will be used first in the 2022 congressional election.
The census itself does not gather data on citizenship or immigration status. The Trump administration would base its numbers on data gathered elsewhere.
The Supreme Court on Oct. 14 allowed the Trump administration to wind down population counting for the census early in a blow to civil rights advocates who said it could lead to an undercount of racial minorities.
Efforts to get an accurate census count have been hindered by the coronavirus pandemic, which has limited the ability of workers to follow up in person with those who did not fill out the survey.
The census data is also used to allocate billions of dollars a year in federal funding.


newyorkpost--2020-10-17--Jets’ Breshad Perriman, Mekhi Becton may return against Dolphins

The finger-pointing has begun in Florham Park , less than halfway ...

The winless Jets actually appear to be making progress with some of their key injured players.
Starting wide receiver Breshad Perriman is “trending in the right direction” to play Sunday at Miami, according to beleaguered coach Adam Gase.
Rookie left tackle Mekhi Becton also has not been ruled out yet (he’s officially listed as doubtful) after returning to individual drills and possibly more Friday in practice.
Gase ordinarily wants players to return to full team drills before playing them in games, but said he’d “make an exception” with Becton if the medical staff clears him to face the Dolphins.
“He’s pretty good. I’m all for having our best player out there. All for it,” Gase said before practice in Florham Park. “We’ll start in individuals and see where it goes from there. … Anything past that is a great positive for us.”
The Jets’ first-round draft pick initially injured his shoulder in the Week 3 loss to Indianapolis.
Becton was dressed, but not expected to play the following Thursday night against the Broncos. He nevertheless gave it a try after his replacement, Chuma Edoga, also suffered a shoulder injury early in the first quarter.
The 6-foot-7 rookie had to be removed from that game by halftime because the pain was intolerable, and he later was diagnosed with a capsule injury, forcing him to miss last week’s loss to the Cardinals.
Gase said he was “fired up” about Becton’s potential return to practice. And he’s “not worried” the rookie will attempt to convince the coaching staff to let him play even if he’s not physically ready.
“It’s all about [whether] the trainers and doctors have concern. If they don’t, and [Becton] feels the right way, then we have a chance,” Gase said. “If he feels like something doesn’t feel right, then we don’t. That’s about as far as I’m looking right now.”
Gase sounded more optimistic that Perriman would return to the lineup Sunday for the first time since he suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 against the 49ers.
“Things are trending in the right direction. We need to have another good day [Friday],” Gase said. “But it’s good to get some of these guys out there.”
Due to his speed and ability to work downfield, Perriman’s injury “wiped out a lot of things in our game plan,” Gase added. In his last five games last season with the Buccaneers, Perriman had 25 receptions for 506 yards and five touchdowns.
A return by Perriman would help, with veteran Chris Hogan out this week with a high ankle sprain and Joe Flacco slated to make his second straight start at quarterback in place of Sam Darnold (shoulder).
“I think it helps anytime you get a guy who’s as fast as he is,” Gase said of Perriman. “It puts a different pressure on the defense. We haven’t had anybody with this kind of speed out there since he’s been gone.
“With the combination we have right now, I think our speed’s increasing on the outside, which is extremely helpful at that position. If he’s ready to go, I don’t see any restrictions on him.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-17--Fantasy football: Players to start, sit for NFL Week 6

The 2020 fantasy football season has been as tumultuous as ...

The Post’s Drew Loftis evaluates all the relevant fantasy football news ahead of Week 6 of the 2020 NFL season.
Big weeks
David Montgomery RB, Bears, at Panthers (FanDuel $5,900/DraftKings $5,800)
We’re going to continue to go to this free candy machine as long as it is distributing free candy. Only the Cardinals have failed to rack up 100 yards or get a rushing score from their RBs against Carolina.
James White RB, Patriots, vs. Broncos (FD $5,200/DK $4,800)
Denver is the stingiest of all defenses against opposing fantasy RBs. So expect a heavy dose of White catching passes out of the backfield — something returning QB Cam Newton is comfortable doing having worked with Christian McCaffrey.
D’Andre Swift RB, Lions, at Jaguars (FD $5,400/DK $4,500)
Coming out of a bye, and Adrian Pedestrian looking Peterson lately — Oops. Did I get my words mixed up there? — expect to see Swift’s workload increase against a suspect Jags run defense.
Randall Cobb WR, Texans, at Titans (FD $5,100/DK $4,400)
Titans slot corner Chris Jackson has the worst ranking of any CB slated to start this week, according to Pro Football Focus. Guess where Cobb lines up 82 percent of the time?
Small Weaks
Jared Goff QB, Rams, at 49ers (FD $7,700/DK $6,600)
Some might look at how Ryan Fitzpatrick carved up the Niners last week and be tempted to wrench Goff into their lineups. Don’t. We expect a get-right game from San Fran, at least on the defensive side.
Phillip Lindsay RB, Broncos, at Patriots (FD $5,100/DK $4,300)
Had Melvin Gordon been suspended for his DUI, Lindsay would be a hot ticket. But that doesn’t appears to be the case, so expect Lindsay, in his first game back from a toe injury, to get limited use in a tough matchup.
Robby Anderson WR, Panthers, vs. Bears (FD $6,500/DK $6,300)
Chicago has given up just one passing TD to WRs all season. Plus, we’re sort of waiting for this new Carolina bubble to burst.
Evan Engram TE, Giants, vs. Washington (FD $5,600/DK $4,900)
We think this matchup is more difficult that raw general numbers suggest. Despite 28th rank of WFT vs. fantasy TEs, that is inflated by two big games, from Eagles TE duo (Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert) in Week 1 and from Mark Andrews in Week 4. And we’re not convinced the Giants have figured out how to use Engram yet.
Fantasy Insanity Daily Duel
Site: FanDuel
Slate: main (11 games)
Pot: $60K
Top prize: $6K
Drew’s Crew
QB: Kirk Cousins (Min, vs. Atl) $7,100
RB: David Montgomery (Chi, at Car) $ 5,900
RB: Alexander Mattison (Min, vs. Atl) $7,000
WR: Randall Cobb (Hou, at Ten) $ 5,100
WR: Adam Thielen (Min, vs. Atl) $7,400
WR: Calvin Ridley (Atl, at Min) $8,600
TE: Mark Andrews (Bal, at Phi) $7,600
Flex: James Robinson (Jac, vs. Det) $6,500
DEF: Patriots (NE, vs. Den) $4,800
Wilk’s Warriors
QB: Matthew Stafford (Det, at Jac) $7,300
RB: David Montgomery (Chi, at Car) $5,900
RB: Myles Gaskin (Mia, vs. NYJ) $5,700
WR: Kenny Golladay (Det, at Jac) $7,200
WR: Adam Thielen (Min, vs. Atl) $7,200
WR: Calvin Ridley (Atl, at Min) $8,600
TE: Mark Andrews (Bal, at Phi) $7,600
Flex: Laviska Shenault Jr. (JAc, vs. Det) $5,800
DEF: Dolphins (Mia, vs. NJY) $4,400


newyorkpost--2020-10-17--Michigan court restores strict deadline for absentee ballots

In a blow to local Democrats , judges in the swing state of Michigan ruled Friday that absentee ballots must reach county and local clerks offices by Nov. 3 in order to count in the general election .
The decision by a three-judge Court of Appeals panel means that ballots arriving later than 8 p.m. on election day won ’ t be counted , even if they were postmarked by Nov. 2 .
The decision reverses a lower court ruling that would have allowed an extra two weeks , so long as the ballots were postmarked before election day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ let intermediaries deliver ballots to clerks ’ offices .
The decision is the latest court action in a lawsuit brought by the Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans and other voting rights groups , seeking to overturn what they saw as a deadline that had become unconstitutionally restrictive , given the constraints of the pandemic .
The appellate judges — all three of whom were GOP appointees — found that sufficient steps had been taken by the state to accommodate voters , including the addition of satellite clerk ’ s offices and some 1,000 @ @ @ @

In a blow to local Democrats, judges in the swing state of Michigan ruled Friday that absentee ballots must reach county and local clerks offices by Nov. 3 in order to count in the general election.
The decision by a three-judge Court of Appeals panel means that ballots arriving later than 8 p.m. on election day won’t be counted, even if they were postmarked by Nov. 2.
The decision reverses a lower court ruling that would have allowed an extra two weeks, so long as the ballots were postmarked before election day.
Also reversed are provisions that would have let intermediaries deliver ballots to clerks’ offices.
The decision is the latest court action in a lawsuit brought by the Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans and other voting rights groups, seeking to overturn what they saw as a deadline that had become unconstitutionally restrictive, given the constraints of the pandemic.
The appellate judges — all three of whom were GOP appointees — found that sufficient steps had been taken by the state to accommodate voters, including the addition of satellite clerk’s offices and some 1,000 new ballot boxes.