newyorkpost--2020-01-26--De Blasio reportedly tried to KO testimony of whistleblower who accused him of corruption

The de Blasio administration tried to stifle the testimony of a whistleblower who says he was fired for calling out corruption at City Hall , The Post has learned .
Ricardo Morales was sacked as deputy commissioner of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services in 2017 , claiming in an ensuing lawsuit that it was partly because he cooperated with federal investigators probing the Rivington House controversy .
In that case , the city lifted deed restrictions on the Lower East Side property while it was a not-for-profit nursing home for AIDS patients , paving the way for the seller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a de Blasio donor — to cash in on the site .
The feds ended up dropping their probe into the deal .
But the City Council ’ s Oversight Committee asked Morales to appear before it earlier this month to talk about improving whistleblower protections .
When the mayor caught wind of Morales ’ s impending testimony , his aides , including Chief of Staff Emma Wolfe , called Council Speaker Corey Johnson ( D-Manhattan ) and Committee Chair Ritchie Torres ( D-Bronx ) — and launched a “ hysterical overreaction ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance , sources said .
“ I think the administration was worried that Ricardo Morales would reveal information about the mayor ’ s role in Rivington , would air the dirty laundry of the administration , ” the source said .
Another source said , “ The mayor freaked out to the point where people started to say , ‘ Wow , you ’ re protesting too much.
’ ” Morales ’ s testimony went forward , anyway — although he didn ’ t even mention Rivington House .
“ The purpose of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue of Rivington .
It was to examine New York City ’ s whistleblower law , ” Torres told The Post .
In his pending lawsuit , Morales includes claims that mayoral aides interceded “ on behalf of politically connected donors in order to aid their attempts to gain favorable terms in dealings with the city ” and tried to cover up the scandal involving Rivington House nursing home .
He says in the suit that he was fired over the controversy and others .
Out of the 170 cases investigated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years , only one qualified for whistleblower protection .
A de Blasio spokeswoman noted that it did not involve Morales ’ s case .
“ The hearing was about a serious issue , and it was deserving of a serious conversation , ” de Blasio ’ s press secretary , Freddi Goldstsein , told The Post of the City Council whistleblower hearing .
“ We understand that Mr. Morales likes to think of himself as a whistleblower , but that ’ s just not the case , and we didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ’ De Blasio has previously said Morales was fired for “ performance ’ ’ issues .

The de Blasio administration tried to stifle the testimony of a whistleblower who says he was fired for calling out corruption at City Hall, The Post has learned.
Ricardo Morales was sacked as deputy commissioner of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services in 2017, claiming in an ensuing lawsuit that it was partly because he cooperated with federal investigators probing the Rivington House controversy.
In that case, the city lifted deed restrictions on the Lower East Side property while it was a not-for-profit nursing home for AIDS patients, paving the way for the seller and subsequent buyer — both repped by a de Blasio donor — to cash in on the site.
The feds ended up dropping their probe into the deal. But the City Council’s Oversight Committee asked Morales to appear before it earlier this month to talk about improving whistleblower protections.
When the mayor caught wind of Morales’s impending testimony, his aides, including Chief of Staff Emma Wolfe, called Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Manhattan) and Committee Chair Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx) — and launched a “hysterical overreaction” to the former city worker’s appearance, sources said.
“I think the administration was worried that Ricardo Morales would reveal information about the mayor’s role in Rivington, would air the dirty laundry of the administration,” the source said.
Another source said, “The mayor freaked out to the point where people started to say, ‘Wow, you’re protesting too much.’ ”
Morales’s testimony went forward, anyway — although he didn’t even mention Rivington House.
“The purpose of the hearing was not to re-litigate the issue of Rivington. It was to examine New York City’s whistleblower law,” Torres told The Post.
Previous 1 of 3 Next Advertisement Ricardo Morales James Messerschmidt Rivington House, an AIDS patient hospice in Manhattan. William Farrington Advertisement
In his pending lawsuit, Morales includes claims that mayoral aides interceded “on behalf of politically connected donors in order to aid their attempts to gain favorable terms in dealings with the city” and tried to cover up the scandal involving Rivington House nursing home.
He says in the suit that he was fired over the controversy and others.
Out of the 170 cases investigated by the city’s Department of Investigation over five years, only one qualified for whistleblower protection.
A de Blasio spokeswoman noted that it did not involve Morales’s case.
“The hearing was about a serious issue, and it was deserving of a serious conversation,” de Blasio’s press secretary, Freddi Goldstsein, told The Post of the City Council whistleblower hearing.
“We understand that Mr. Morales likes to think of himself as a whistleblower, but that’s just not the case, and we didn’t believe he had any expertise to offer.’’
De Blasio has previously said Morales was fired for “performance’’ issues.


newyorkpost--2020-01-26--Nets coach Kenny Atkinson gets emotional over Kobe Bryant’s death

Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson was visibly shaken and struggled to control his emotions as he spoke Sunday about Kobe Bryant ’ s death in a California helicopter crash .
Atkinson ’ s eyes were rimmed with red and brimming with tears as he addressed reporters ahead of a scheduled 6 p.m. game between the Nets and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden .
“ I ’ m just going to make a brief statement on behalf of the Nets organization .
We ’ d like to express our sincerest condolences to the Bryant family and everybody affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before letting out a loud sigh .
“ As an organization , we ’ re devastated .
Our players are devastated.
” Atkinson let out another big sigh before making a reference to the team ’ s star guard , Kyrie Irving , who left the arena upon learning that Bryant , a good friend , had been killed in the chopper mishap .
“ We have a player who was very close to Kobe , ” Atkinson said .
“ That ’ s , our thought and prayers are with him also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBA , for all of us .
That ’ s really all I have to say.
” Sunday night ’ s game would have been Irving ’ s first in the Garden as a Net .
Last year , when Irving led the Boston Celtics to victory there , Knicks fans expressed hope that his next appearance would be in a home team uniform .

Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson was visibly shaken and struggled to control his emotions as he spoke Sunday about Kobe Bryant’s death in a California helicopter crash.
Atkinson’s eyes were rimmed with red and brimming with tears as he addressed reporters ahead of a scheduled 6 p.m. game between the Nets and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
“I’m just going to make a brief statement on behalf of the Nets organization. We’d like to express our sincerest condolences to the Bryant family and everybody affected by the tragedy,” he said before letting out a loud sigh.
“As an organization, we’re devastated. Our players are devastated.”
Atkinson let out another big sigh before making a reference to the team’s star guard, Kyrie Irving, who left the arena upon learning that Bryant, a good friend, had been killed in the chopper mishap.
“We have a player who was very close to Kobe,” Atkinson said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with him also. Just a tough time for the NBA, for all of us. That’s really all I have to say.”
Sunday night’s game would have been Irving’s first in the Garden as a Net.
Last year, when Irving led the Boston Celtics to victory there, Knicks fans expressed hope that his next appearance would be in a home team uniform.
“We want Kyrie!” they chanted.


newyorkpost--2020-01-26--Packers stars lead tributes to Kobe Bryant at Pro Bowl

The Kobe Bryant tributes weren ’ t limited to the basketball court .
Packers linebacker Za ’ Darius Smith found @ @ @ @ @ Bowl in Orlando to honor the Lakers legend , who died Sunday at the age @ @ @ @ @ 13-year-old daughter Gianna and others in a helicopter crash in California .
After a strip @ @ @ @ @ , Smith directed five other members of the NFC ’ s defense into a circle @ @ @ @ @ Bryant jump shot routine .
Earlier in the day , the Spurs and Raptors took @ @ @ @ @ their game in San Antonio and the Nuggets held a moment of silence .
Smith @ @ @ @ @ Davante Adams added his own Bryant tribute , pointing to the sky and signalling the @ @ @ @ @ his fingers .
A moment of silence for Bryant and others who died in the @ @ @ @ @ the game .

The Kobe Bryant tributes weren’t limited to the basketball court.
Packers linebacker Za’Darius Smith found a way during the Pro Bowl in Orlando to honor the Lakers legend, who died Sunday at the age of 41 along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and others in a helicopter crash in California. After a strip sack in the third quarter, Smith directed five other members of the NFC’s defense into a circle. They all mimicked a Bryant jump shot routine.
Earlier in the day, the Spurs and Raptors took consecutive 24-second violations to start their game in San Antonio and the Nuggets held a moment of silence.
Smith’s Green Bay teammate Davante Adams added his own Bryant tribute, pointing to the sky and signalling the numbers two and four with his fingers. A moment of silence for Bryant and others who died in the crash was also held before the game.


newyorkpost--2020-01-26--LeBron James in tears following death of Kobe Bryant

Sometimes , there are no words .
Sometimes , even the memories aren ’ t ...

LeBron James was spotted in tears, hugging multiple people and walking with his head down hours following the stunning death of NBA and Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
According to video from NBC, James had just landed in Los Angeles with his teammates following a game in Bryant’s hometown of Philadelphia, where James passed Bryant with 33,655 points to become the third highest-scorer in NBA history.
Bryant, 41, was killed in a private helicopter crash Sunday morning in Calabasas, Calif. His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, also was killed and there were no survivors of crash, which authorities believe killed nine people. The crash, which occurred during foggy conditions, currently is being investigated.
On Saturday, Bryant reacted to James’ passing on the scoring list with a message on social media.
“Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames,” Bryant tweeted. Much respect my brother #33644.” (Bryant finished his career with 33,644 points.)
During the game, James paid tribute to Bryant by wearing shoes that read “Mamba 4 Life,” referring to Bryant’s nickname.
After passing Bryant Saturday night, James recalled the time he first met Bryant.
“Just admiring him for so many years and seeing him from afar, and then being able to be in practices with him, and me watching and learning — it’s just too much. The story is just too much. It doesn’t make sense,” James said Saturday. “And just to make a long story short, now I’m here in a Lakers uniform in Philadelphia, where he’s from, where the first time I ever met him he gave me his shoes, it’s just surreal.”
While Bryant and the 35-year-old James never played with each other in the NBA — James signed a four-year, $154 million contract with the Lakers two years after Bryant retired — the two teamed up on the national stage to win two gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Bryant and James also are commonly referred to as being among the two best players in the NBA history.
Bryant is survived by wife Vanessa, as well as the couple’s other three daughters: Natalia, 17; Bianka, 3; and Capri Kobe Bryant, born last June.


newyorkpost--2020-01-26--NBA commissioner Adam Silver hails ‘remarkable’ Kobe Bryant after deadly helicopter crash

NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement following the deaths of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Sunday in a helicopter crash .
“ The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter , Gianna .
“ For 20 seasons , Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning .
He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary : five NBA championships , an NBA MVP award , 18 NBA All-Star selections , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability .
He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players , taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna .
“ We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife , Vanessa , and their family , the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.
” Bryant was traveling with Gianna to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time of the crash .
Tributes came from all corners of the sports world after Bryant ’ s death , which included moments of silence and violations of the 24-second shot clock to honor Bryant , who wore No .
24 the second half of his career .

NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement following the deaths of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Sunday in a helicopter crash.
Bryant was 41.
“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.
“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning. He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals. But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”
Bryant was traveling with Gianna to a basketball practice at the Mamba Academy at the time of the crash.
Tributes came from all corners of the sports world after Bryant’s death, which included moments of silence and violations of the 24-second shot clock to honor Bryant, who wore No. 24 the second half of his career.


newyorkpost--2020-01-26--John Altobelli, Orange Coast College baseball coach, also killed in Kobe Bryant crash

John Altobelli , the baseball coach at California ’ s Orange Coast College , was reportedly among the nine killed @ @ @ @ @ Sunday along with basketball legend Kobe Bryant and Bryant ’ s teen daughter .
Multiple @ @ @ @ @ County Register and The Los Angeles Daily News , confirmed that Altobelli was aboard the @ @ @ @ @ the hills of Calabasas around 10 a.m. local time , citing assistant coach Ron La @ @ @ @ @ his 24th season as baseball coach at the college in Costa Mesa , about 70 @ @ @ @ @ according to The Register .
The college ’ s Twitter account did not immediately confirm @ @ @ @ @ , but did issue a tribute to Bryant .
“ The Orange Coast College community @ @ @ @ @ the entire Bryant family , ” tweeted the school , along with a photo of @ @ @ @ @ star palling around with students .
Bryant , 41 , and one of his four @ @ @ @ @ have been confirmed among the dead .

John Altobelli, the baseball coach at California’s Orange Coast College, was reportedly among the nine killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday along with basketball legend Kobe Bryant and Bryant’s teen daughter.
Multiple outlets, including the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Daily News, confirmed that Altobelli was aboard the Sikorsky S-76 that crashed in the hills of Calabasas around 10 a.m. local time, citing assistant coach Ron La Ruffa.
Altobelli was entering his 24th season as baseball coach at the college in Costa Mesa, about 70 miles southeast of Calabasas, according to the Register.
The college’s Twitter account did not immediately confirm its coach’s death, but did issue a tribute to Bryant.
“The Orange Coast College community sends its sincere condolences to the entire Bryant family,” tweeted the school, along with a photo of the retired Los Angeles Lakers star palling around with students.
Bryant, 41, and one of his four daughters, 13-year-old Gianna, have been confirmed among the dead.


newyorkpost--2020-01-26--Kobe Bryant’s death hit Walt Frazier ‘like a hammer’

Nets superstar Kyrie Irving is sitting out Sunday ’ s game against ...

Knicks legend Walt Frazier entered the Garden on Sunday in a powder-blue suit and in a daze, knowing the night’s Nets-Knicks broadcast wouldnt be an easy one.
Hours after learning Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash, Frazier, a longtime MSG Network analyst, was still trying to digest it.
“The first thing I thought of when I heard of it was Magic [Johnson] with the HIV,” Frazier told The Post while preparing for the broadcast. “This hit me like a hammer the same way. Last night — it’s ironic — we’re all watching Kobe tweet congratulations after LeBron [James] breaks his record in his hometown [passing him for third on the all-time scoring list]. I just have this meandering feeling. I was watching NBA TV and they were showing his highlights. I had to turn it off. Too depressing.
“For me I see my own mortality. You start thinking: You never know? You live life differently and don’t let little things stress you out. Live your life.”
As a Knick, Frazier was in a helicopter on a few occasions being shuttled to personal appearances.
“You’re enthralled and scared to death at the same time,’’ Frazier said. “You’re looking at the propeller like — are you kidding — knowing if you go down there’s nothing there.”
Frazier said he believed several guys would struggle to focus during Sunday night’s game.
“These players know him as the icon more than Michael [Jordan],’’ Frazier said. “I remember a few years ago I was picking up tickets before a Lakers’ game and in the Garden lobby, I thought I was in LA. It was all fans with Kobe jerseys.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-26--Kobe Bryant: More feared dead in helicopter crash that killed NBA star, daughter

Nine people are believed to have died in the California helicopter crash that killed basketball icon Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter , authorities revealed Sunday , updating an initial death toll of five .
“ We have a manifest that indicates that there was nine people on board the aircraft .
The pilot plus eight individuals , ” said Alex Villanueva , the sheriff of Los Angeles County , in an afternoon press briefing .
Villanueva confirmed that an initial review of the hellish crash scene in the hills of Calabasas appeared to confirm nine bodies among the wreckage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were five people aboard the ill-fated Sikorsky S-76 .
There were no survivors in the crash , which occurred around 10 a.m. local time amid heavy fog in the area , according to officials and reports .
The crash sparked a “ stubborn ” quarter-acre brush fire , which dozens of emergency responders first had to deal with before they could reach the mangled wreck , according to Chief Daryl Osby of the Los Angeles County Fire Department .
Villanueva declined to reveal the identities of the deceased pending an examination by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to include Bryant , 41 , and his daughter Gianna .

Nine people are believed to have died in the California helicopter crash that killed basketball icon Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, authorities revealed Sunday, updating an initial death toll of five.
“We have a manifest that indicates that there was nine people on board the aircraft. The pilot plus eight individuals,” said Alex Villanueva, the sheriff of Los Angeles County, in an afternoon press briefing.
Villanueva confirmed that an initial review of the hellish crash scene in the hills of Calabasas appeared to confirm nine bodies among the wreckage.
Officials had initially indicated that there were five people aboard the ill-fated Sikorsky S-76.
There were no survivors in the crash, which occurred around 10 a.m. local time amid heavy fog in the area, according to officials and reports.
The crash sparked a “stubborn” quarter-acre brush fire, which dozens of emergency responders first had to deal with before they could reach the mangled wreck, according to Chief Daryl Osby of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Villanueva declined to reveal the identities of the deceased pending an examination by the coroner.
But the dead are confirmed to include Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna.


newyorkpost--2020-01-26--Kobe Bryant through the years

Kobe Bryant through the years

Kobe Bryant of the West All-Stars poses for a portrait with his twitter emoji in 2016.


newyorkpost--2020-01-26--Southwest Airlines removes sick passenger over coronavirus concerns

Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight in Las Vegas wore masks over their mouths as another traveler was escorted off the plane after showing flu-like symptoms .
The airline confirmed to Fox News that while the move was made out of “ an abundance of caution , ” it was also made “ in light of recent concerns for the coronavirus.
” The ill passenger had reportedly recently traveled to Beijing .
In a statement obtained by Fox News , a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines confirmed , “ Local medical personnel met Flight 2889 once it arrived at the Baltimore/Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday due to reports of an ill customer.
” Medical officers met the plane when it landed in Las Vegas , NBC 4 reports .
According to the news outlet , the passenger was referred to a medical facility for evaluation .
They had reportedly been screened for the virus in Mexico and Las Vegas .
The passenger was released after medical evaluation .
In a statement obtained by Fox News , a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines confirmed , “ Local medical personnel met Flight 2889 once it arrived at the Baltimore/Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday due to reports of an ill customer .
Out of an abundance of caution , and in light of the recent concerns of the coronavirus , our crew followed recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control for responding to concerns to ensure the customer , and those traveling with them , receive the assistance or support they may need.
” Fox News previously reported that amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has displayed posters explaining the symptoms in both English and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awareness of the ongoing virus .
The “ health alert , ” directed at travelers from Wuhan , China , instructs people to consult with a doctor if they ’ re suffering from a fever , cough or difficulty breathing within two weeks of leaving the now-quarantined city .

Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight in Las Vegas wore masks over their mouths as another traveler was escorted off the plane after showing flu-like symptoms.
The airline confirmed to Fox News that while the move was made out of “an abundance of caution,” it was also made “in light of recent concerns for the coronavirus.” The ill passenger had reportedly recently traveled to Beijing.
In a statement obtained by Fox News, a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines confirmed, “Local medical personnel met Flight 2889 once it arrived at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport from Las Vegas on Saturday due to reports of an ill customer.”
Medical officers met the plane when it landed in Las Vegas, NBC 4 reports. According to the news outlet, the passenger was referred to a medical facility for evaluation. They had reportedly been screened for the virus in Mexico and Las Vegas.
The passenger was released after medical evaluation.
In a statement obtained by Fox News, a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines confirmed, “Local medical personnel met Flight 2889 once it arrived at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport from Las Vegas on Saturday due to reports of an ill customer. Out of an abundance of caution, and in light of the recent concerns of the coronavirus, our crew followed recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control for responding to concerns to ensure the customer, and those traveling with them, receive the assistance or support they may need.”
Fox News previously reported that amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has displayed posters explaining the symptoms in both English and Chinese at 14 American airports to raise awareness of the ongoing virus.
The “health alert,” directed at travelers from Wuhan, China, instructs people to consult with a doctor if they’re suffering from a fever, cough or difficulty breathing within two weeks of leaving the now-quarantined city.


newyorkpost--2020-01-26--Lizzo channels Old Hollywood glamour on the Grammys 2020 red carpet

What will happen to Meghan Markle 's royal wardrobe after family exit ?

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Looking good as hell.
Lizzo was the picture of Old Hollywood elegance on the red carpet at Sunday’s 2020 Grammys, wearing a white strapless Versace gown with an embellished bodice and thigh-high slit.
The “Truth Hurts” singer, 31, amped up the glam factor further with a matching faux fur stole and plenty of Lorraine Schwartz diamonds.
“The inspo was ‘iconic status,’” the star’s stylist Marko Monroe told Page Six Style of Lizzo’s look ahead of the awards show.
“I was thinking about the powerful, iconic women who have come before her, and the imagery they’ve relayed when it comes to glamour — of course, with a little Lizzo twist. If you’re a pop culture history lover, you’ll understand the influences.”
In addition to being one of the night’s performers, Lizzo is nominated for eight awards tonight, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist and Album of the Year.
And she seemed to reference her many accolades with her manicure: each of her nails was painted with a sparkly golden number 8, with individual stones suspended from each fingertip.


newyorkpost--2020-01-26--Nets’ Kyrie Irving sitting out Knicks game to mourn Kobe Bryant

Nets superstar Kyrie Irving is sitting out Sunday ’ s game against the Knicks to mourn the death of NBA @ @ @ @ @ left Madison Square Garden after learning the 41-year-old Bryant was killed in a private helicopter @ @ @ @ @ , according to multiple reports .
One of Bryant ’ s four daughters , 13-year-old @ @ @ @ @ .
Another parent and child also died , as the four were traveling to a @ @ @ @ @ There were no survivors in the crash , which occurred amid foggy conditions .
Many @ @ @ @ @ , fans and celebrities paid tribute to Bryant following the shocking news .

Nets superstar Kyrie Irving is sitting out Sunday’s game against the Knicks to mourn the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
Irving left Madison Square Garden after learning the 41-year-old Bryant was killed in a private helicopter crash earlier in the day, according to multiple reports.
One of Bryant’s four daughters, 13-year-old Gianna, also was killed. Another parent and child also died, as the four were traveling to a basketball facility in California.
There were no survivors in the crash, which occurred amid foggy conditions.
Irving reportedly was close with Bryant.
Many members of the sports world, fans and celebrities paid tribute to Bryant following the shocking news.


newyorkpost--2020-01-26--Kanye West, Barack Obama and more mourn Kobe Bryant

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Kanye West , Ellen DeGeneres , and former president Barack Obama were among those who paid tribute Sunday to Kobe Bryant , who was killed in a helicopter crash Sunday .
He was 41 .
Bryant ’ s 13-year-old Gianna and Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli were also among the dead , according to TMZ .
“ Kobe , We love you brother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also sharing a photo with Bryant .
“ We ’ re praying for your family and appreciate the life you ’ ve lived and all the inspiration you gave.
” “ Like everyone , I ’ m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant .
My heart is broken for his wife and family , ” DeGeneres posted .
“ Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act .
To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day , ” Obama penned .

Kanye West, Ellen DeGeneres, and former president Barack Obama were among those who paid tribute Sunday to Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash Sunday. He was 41.
Bryant’s 13-year-old Gianna and Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli were also among the dead, according to TMZ.
“Kobe, We love you brother,” West wrote on Twitter, also sharing a photo with Bryant. “We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave.”
“Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family,” DeGeneres posted.
“Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day,” Obama penned.
A number of athletes, including fellow Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal, also posted messages.


newyorkpost--2020-01-26--Kobe Bryant honored during Raptors-Spurs with 24-second shot clock violations

This is the hellish aftermath of the California helicopter crash ...

A chilling start to the Raptors-Spurs game on Sunday afternoon was a beautiful tribute to dead Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant.
Both the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs agreed that the winner of the tip-off would let the 24-second shot clock run out in honor of Bryant, who died on Sunday in a helicopter crash.
Bryant was 41.
The Raptors won the tip and shooting guard Fred VanVleet held onto the ball while allowing the clock to expire on their first possession. Seconds later, point guard Dejounte Murray also accepted a shot clock violation on behalf of the Spurs.
Bryant’s jersey number was 24 the second half of his career.
The symbolic gesture was met with a standing ovation and impassioned “Kobe” chants from the crowd at AT&T Center.
Bryant’s 13-year old daughter Gianna Maria Bryant was also among the five killed in the tragic crash, according to multiple reports. The chopper crashed amid foggy conditions. They were on their way to basketball practice at Bryant’s “Mamba Academy.”
The cause of the crash was yet to be determined.
Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa and their three children, Natalia, 17; Bianka, 3; and newborn Capri Kobe Bryant, born just last June.


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Airliner in Iran crash-lands on highway, two injured

TEHRAN , Iran — An aging Iranian passenger airliner carrying 144 people crash-landed on a runway and skidded onto a major highway next to an airport Monday , the latest crash in the Islamic Republic as U.S. sanctions bar it from parts or new aircraft .
Authorities said two people suffered injuries in the hard landing of the McDonnell Douglas MD-83 flown by Caspian Airlines in Mahshahr , a city in Iran ’ s oil-rich southwestern Khuzestan province .
Passengers , apparently in shock , calmly exited the aircraft with their carry-on baggage out of a door near the cockpit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wing , video from Iran ’ s Civil Aviation Network News showed .
A flight attendant shouted at passengers to calmly walk away as another crew member joined her on the wing .
“ We crashed .
We crashed but we are unhurt , ” a male passenger said in Farsi in the video .
“ My hand is shaking.
” Provincial airport director Mohammad Reza Rezanian said all of the passengers had been safely taken off the plane , which had been flying a route from the Iranian capital , Tehran , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northeast of Mahshahr .
The plane carried 136 passengers and eight crew members , authorities said .
It seems that tragedy was narrowly avoided , however , as images from the scene showed the plane had ground to a halt not far from a populated area .
The plane also missed traffic on a major highway linking Mahshahr to Imam Khomeini Port .
Iranian state television said the plane involved in Monday ’ s crash-landing came in harder than usual and lost its landing gear as it hit the tarmac .
No landing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plane after the crash , but it was not immediately clear if it failed to deploy or somehow collapsed as the jet hit the runway at about 7:35 a.m. local time .
The accident is under investigation , officials said .
The McDonnell Douglas MD-83 , a single-aisle workhorse introduced in the mid-1980s , largely has been phased out of commercial air travel in the West .
American Airlines retired the last of its MD-80 fleet in September .
The plane involved in Monday ’ s crash-landing in Iran , registered as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old .
It had flown for airlines in France , Canada , the U.S. , Colombia , Burkina Faso and Ukraine before being registered to Caspian Airlines in August 2012 .
The incident comes as Iran is still coping with the aftermath of the accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner over Tehran .
The plane was shot down by the Revolutionary Guard earlier this month amid heightened tensions with the United States , killing all 176 people aboard .
Maintenance information regarding the American-built MD-83 that crashed Monday was not immediately available .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts for its aging fleet of airliners amid sanctions by the U.S .
Under its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers , Iran could purchase new aircraft and had lined up tens of billions of dollars in deals with Airbus and Boeing Co. , which owns McDonnell Douglas .
However , the manufacturers backed away under increasing pressure by President Donald Trump , who ultimately withdrew the U.S. from the nuclear deal in May 2018 and increased tensions with Tehran .
Iran has suffered a series of major aviation disasters in recent decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2009 crash of a Soviet-era Tupolev Tu-154M flown by Caspian Airlines that took off from Tehran heading to Armenia .
Investigators believe an engine failure in the plane ’ s tail caused pilots to lose control and smash into the ground at a high speed , killing all 168 people on board .
The U.S. Treasury in 2014 separately sanctioned Caspian Airlines , accusing it of transporting paramilitary troops and weapons of the Guard from Iran to Syria to support embattled President Bashar Assad in his country ’ s grinding , years-long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , Iran ’ s last fatal crash happened in January 2019 , when a decades-old Iranian Boeing 707 military cargo plane reportedly carrying meat from Kyrgyzstan crashed while trying to land west of Iran ’ s capital , killing 15 people on board and leaving a sole survivor .

TEHRAN, Iran — An aging Iranian passenger airliner carrying 144 people crash-landed on a runway and skidded onto a major highway next to an airport Monday, the latest crash in the Islamic Republic as US sanctions bar it from parts or new aircraft.
Authorities said two people suffered injuries in the hard landing of the McDonnell Douglas MD-83 flown by Caspian Airlines in Mahshahr, a city in Iran’s oil-rich southwestern Khuzestan province.
Passengers, apparently in shock, calmly exited the aircraft with their carry-on baggage out of a door near the cockpit and another over the plane’s wing, video from Iran’s Civil Aviation Network News showed. A flight attendant shouted at passengers to calmly walk away as another crew member joined her on the wing.
“We crashed. We crashed but we are unhurt,” a male passenger said in Farsi in the video. “My hand is shaking.”
Provincial airport director Mohammad Reza Rezanian said all of the passengers had been safely taken off the plane, which had been flying a route from the Iranian capital, Tehran, some 610 kilometers (380 miles) northeast of Mahshahr. The plane carried 136 passengers and eight crew members, authorities said.
It seems that tragedy was narrowly avoided, however, as images from the scene showed the plane had ground to a halt not far from a populated area. The plane also missed traffic on a major highway linking Mahshahr to Imam Khomeini Port.
Iranian state television said the plane involved in Monday’s crash-landing came in harder than usual and lost its landing gear as it hit the tarmac.
No landing gear could be seen in pictures of the plane after the crash, but it was not immediately clear if it failed to deploy or somehow collapsed as the jet hit the runway at about 7:35 a.m. local time. The accident is under investigation, officials said.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-83, a single-aisle workhorse introduced in the mid-1980s, largely has been phased out of commercial air travel in the West. American Airlines retired the last of its MD-80 fleet in September.
The plane involved in Monday’s crash-landing in Iran, registered as EP-CPZ, was more than 25 years old. It had flown for airlines in France, Canada, the US, Colombia, Burkina Faso and Ukraine before being registered to Caspian Airlines in August 2012.
The incident comes as Iran is still coping with the aftermath of the accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner over Tehran. The plane was shot down by the Revolutionary Guard earlier this month amid heightened tensions with the United States, killing all 176 people aboard.
Maintenance information regarding the American-built MD-83 that crashed Monday was not immediately available. However, Iran has struggled to obtain parts for its aging fleet of airliners amid sanctions by the US.
Under its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Iran could purchase new aircraft and had lined up tens of billions of dollars in deals with Airbus and Boeing Co., which owns McDonnell Douglas. However, the manufacturers backed away under increasing pressure by President Donald Trump, who ultimately withdrew the US from the nuclear deal in May 2018 and increased tensions with Tehran.
Iran has suffered a series of major aviation disasters in recent decades as its fleet has aged. That includes the 2009 crash of a Soviet-era Tupolev Tu-154M flown by Caspian Airlines that took off from Tehran heading to Armenia. Investigators believe an engine failure in the plane’s tail caused pilots to lose control and smash into the ground at high speed, killing all 168 people on board.
The US Treasury in 2014 separately sanctioned Caspian Airlines, accusing it of transporting paramilitary troops and weapons of the Guard from Iran to Syria to support embattled President Bashar al-Assad in his country’s grinding, years-long war.
Prior to the shootdown this month, Iran’s last fatal crash happened in January 2019, when a decades-old Iranian Boeing 707 military cargo plane reportedly carrying meat from Kyrgyzstan crashed while trying to land west of Iran’s capital, killing 15 people on board and leaving a sole survivor.


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Magnetic slime videos will melt your brain

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It’s hard not to be “attracted” to this goo. A YouTuber based in Berezhany, Ukraine, uses magnetic slime to create mind-melting visuals.
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newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Listen to Episode 24 of ‘Gang’s All Here’: Super Bowl 2020 Preview feat. Adam Schein

Super Bowl 2020 is finally here as the Chiefs and 49ers will play each other Sunday in Miami .
On the latest episode of our “ Gang ’ s All Here ” podcast with NY Post Jets beat writer Brian Costello , we break down the big game from A to Z. Coz opens the show addressing the Senior Bowl and what prospects the Jets could have their eyes on when the NFL Draft comes around .
Coz and I then get into the game .
Coz lays out how his week in South Beach will go , which doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and The Clevelander .
He reveals that Mark Cannizzaro is the man that will get them into the nice restaurants like Joe ’ s Stone Crab .
Coz and I make our picks for the game , as we both are taking the Chiefs .
Will it be a high-scoring game ?
Can the 49ers run the ball as much as they did against the Packers ?
Coz gives Jets fans some hope that maybe they are not too far away from getting to the Super Bowl .
NY Post sports columnist and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then drops by the pod .
Vac talks about his incredible Derrick Thomas column , being born on the same day as him and his tragic passing .
He also previews the Super Bowl and how he believes the game will play out .
Vac also believes these two teams getting to this point should give the Jets fan base some hope for brighter days ahead .
Coz and Vac seem to be on the same page on that front .
SiriusXM and CBS Sports Network host Adam Schein then joins the show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chiefs will win the game in a shootout , which would hit the over 54.5 .
Schein talks about the job 49ers GM John Lynch has done to get them here .
The host of “ The Adam Schein Podcast ” explains how his week in Miami looks , which includes a Joe ’ s Stone Crab stop thanks to his SiriusXM pal Chris “ Mad Dog ” Russo .
I also ask Schein about his callers , developing a relationship with each one of them and how good his callers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Subscribe to “ Gang ’ s All Here ” on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts .
New episodes come out every Monday with our NY Post writers and special football guests .

Super Bowl 2020 is finally here as the Chiefs and 49ers will play each other Sunday in Miami.
On the latest episode of our “Gang’s All Here” podcast with NY Post Jets beat writer Brian Costello, we break down the big game from A to Z. Coz opens the show addressing the Senior Bowl and what prospects the Jets could have their eyes on when the NFL Draft comes around.
Coz and I then get into the game. Coz lays out how his week in South Beach will go, which doesn’t include trips to the Fontainebleau and The Clevelander. He reveals that Mark Cannizzaro is the man that will get them into the nice restaurants like Joe’s Stone Crab. Coz and I make our picks for the game: We both are taking the Chiefs. Will it be a high-scoring game? Can the 49ers run the ball as much as they did against the Packers? Coz gives Jets fans some hope that maybe they are not too far away from getting to the Super Bowl.
NY Post sports columnist and NY sportswriter of the year Mike Vaccaro then drops by the pod. Vac talks about his incredible Derrick Thomas column, being born on the same day as him and Thomas’ tragic passing. He also previews the Super Bowl and how he believes the game will play out. Vac also believes these two teams getting to this point should give the Jets fan base some hope for brighter days ahead. Coz and Vac seem to be on the same page on that front.
SiriusXM and CBS Sports Network host Adam Schein then joins the show. He explains why Andy Reid and the Chiefs will win the game in a shootout, which would hit the over 54.5. Schein talks about the job 49ers GM John Lynch has done to get them here. The host of “The Adam Schein Podcast” explains how his week in Miami looks, which includes a Joe’s Stone Crab stop thanks to his SiriusXM pal Chris “Mad Dog” Russo. I also ask Schein about his callers, developing a relationship with each of them and how good his callers have been, thanks to some great producing.
Catch up on all episodes of “Gang’s All Here,” a New York Jets podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Jury selection in Michael Avenatti’s Nike extortion case begins Monday

Jury selection is expected to begin Monday for embattled attorney Michael Avenatti , accused of trying to shake down sportswear giant Nike for more than $ 20 million .
The scandal-scarred lawyer is facing charges including conspiracy to commit extortion for his March 2019 conversation with Nike lawyers in which he threatened to take corruption allegations against the company public — unless they paid him millions to conduct his own investigation .
The 48-year-old claims he was simply representing a client when the alleged blackmail took place .
Yet prosecutors say he was actually drowning in debt , and saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to paying off the nearly $ 15 million he owed .
Avenatti is awaiting two other federal trials for embezzling from clients — including porn star Stormy Daniels , who he repped in her lawsuit against President Trump .
Avenatti remained out on bail pending trial until earlier this month , when a judge revoked his bail for violating the terms of his supervised release by allegedly laundering money .
He ’ s now cooling his heels in Manhattan ’ s notorious Metropolitan Correctional Center — formerly home to Jeffrey Epstein and Joaquin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he remains in solitary confinement .
Avenatti faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted .

Jury selection is expected to begin Monday for embattled attorney Michael Avenatti, accused of trying to shake down sportswear giant Nike for more than $20 million.
The scandal-scarred lawyer is facing charges including conspiracy to commit extortion for his March 2019 conversation with Nike lawyers in which he threatened to take corruption allegations against the company public — unless they paid him millions to conduct his own investigation.
The 48-year-old claims he was simply representing a client when the alleged blackmail took place.
Yet prosecutors say he was actually drowning in debt, and saw the conversation with Nike as a shortcut to paying off the nearly $15 million he owed.
Avenatti is awaiting two other federal trials for embezzling from clients — including porn star Stormy Daniels, whom he repped in her lawsuit against President Trump.
Avenatti remained out on bail pending trial until earlier this month, when a judge revoked his bail for violating the terms of his supervised release by allegedly laundering money.
He’s now cooling his heels in Manhattan’s notorious Metropolitan Correctional Center — formerly home to Jeffrey Epstein and Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman — where he remains in solitary confinement.
Avenatti faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted.


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Arizona police say they’ve arrested the infamous ‘Penis Man’ graffiti artist

A graffiti artist suspected of spraying numerous surfaces in Arizona with the words “ Penis Man ” was arrested last @ @ @ @ @ .
Dustin Shomer was busted Thursday for allegedly spreading his tag throughout Tempe and Arizona @ @ @ @ @ poles , abandoned buildings and traffic light poles with the vulgar phrase , according to @ @ @ @ @ 38-year-old suspect was slapped with aggravated criminal damage , criminal damage and criminal trespassing charges @ @ @ @ @ Following the arrest , Shomer created a GoFundMe page to assist in his legal fees @ @ @ @ @ broke and have lost my job , ” he wrote .
“ I need help @ @ @ @ @ myself against Tempe PD .
I ’ ve got bad PTSD and had an AR-15 @ @ @ @ @ ago .
That sh– was real scary.
” By early Monday morning , Shomer had @ @ @ @ @ of his $ 10,000 goal .

A graffiti artist suspected of spraying numerous surfaces in Arizona with the words “Penis Man” was arrested last week, a report said.
Dustin Shomer was busted Thursday for allegedly spreading his tag throughout Tempe and Arizona State University — covering traffic poles, abandoned buildings and traffic light poles with the vulgar phrase, according to the Arizona Republic.
The 38-year-old suspect was slapped with aggravated criminal damage, criminal damage and criminal trespassing charges, the report said.
Following the arrest, Shomer created a GoFundMe page to assist in his legal fees.
“I’m broke and have lost my job,” he wrote.
“I need help with legal fees to defend myself against Tempe PD. I’ve got bad PTSD and had an AR-15 in my face 2 days ago. That sh– was real scary.”
By early Monday, Shomer had raised just over $1,600 of his $10,000 goal.


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Fendi, Berluti sign Madison Avenue leases, easing Vornado slump

Staggered by the imminent Barneys shutdown and recent closings of many smaller boutiques , Midtown ’ s fanciest shopping zone — at least part of it — is getting a sudden burst of urgently needed energy .
Both Fendi and Berluti have signed retail leases at Vornado ’ s 595 Madison Ave. at 57th Street , The Post has learned .
The Art Deco-style Fuller Building ’ s prime corner is exactly where Coach abruptly closed a longtime store there , as The Post reported last week .
The new , luxury emporiums will fill most of the depressingly dark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source said one more lease will soon be completed at the address as well .
They ’ re the latest coup in the fashionable , gilded neighborhood for Vornado , which has struggled with the nation- and city-wide retail shakeout like every other large landlord .
As The Post earlier reported , high-fashion line Balmain and Japanese streetwear chain Bape also recently signed leases two blocks north at 650 Madison Ave. , where they ’ ll soon join recently arrived Celine and Balenciaga .
The four new commitments make up around 60,000 square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deals , ” said a broker who was not involved in any of the transactions .
“ With Barneys on the way out , that part of Madison Avenue needed to show signs of life.
” A source attributed the leasing boomlet in the blocks between East 57th and 60th streets to enormous cuts in asking rents — “ down 35 percent in that area in just two years , ” an insider said .
Even so , the average ground-floor asking rent for the Vornado leases was still $ 1,000 a square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liver .
As is its custom , Vornado , led by media-shy Steven Roth , wouldn ’ t confirm or comment on any of the deals .
Meanwhile , Fendi ’ s move to 595 Madison will require it to leave its current digs at No .
598 across the avenue .
But unlike other recent departures , it won ’ t leave another gaping hole .
LVMH controls the 598 Madison retail space under a long-term ground lease through 2045 .
The luxury conglomerate is expected to expand its existing Dior store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s soon-to-be-vacant digs next door after a major makeover at both addresses .
Both Fendi and Dior were repped by Robin Zendell & Associates , which didn ’ t respond to a request for comment .
Dior is also opening a boutique under a relatively short-term lease at 767 Fifth Ave .
The former GM Building is now owned by a joint venture led by Boston Properties .
The nearly 12,000 square-foot space on the tower ’ s plaza , close to the Apple cube , previously served as temporary quarters for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few blocks south .
Dior will likely also use it as a temporary home during the East 57th Street redesign .
In a similar side-step , Tiffany recently moved into the former Niketown at the Trump Organization ’ s 6 E. 57th St. for a three-year renovation of its fabled Fifth Avenue flagship — a solution made possible because Nike no longer had any use for its former 65,000 square feet .
Cushman & Wakefield ’ s Steven Soutendijk said the Dior and Tiffany moves reflect a “ really good sign for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brands are doubling down — not only committing to new spaces , but to their existing ones and growing in them.
” The new stores come not a moment too soon for the battered sidewalk-level scene along 57th Street between Park and Sixth avenues and on blocks immediately north and south , which were rocked by one retail wipeout after another in the past 18 months .
Despite the welcome imminent arrival of luxury perfume shop Amaffi at 40 E. 57th St. and David Yurman ’ s move to 5 E. 57th , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grim toll .
The long 57th Street block between Fifth and Sixth avenues now has as much vacant store space as occupied space since Z Chemists went dark a few weeks ago .
Demolition and construction make things look worse .
At the same time , Fifth Avenue south of 57th has large , empty spaces that were home to Henri Bendel , The Gap , Ralph Lauren Polo , Tommy Hilfiger , Massimo Dutti , Stuart Weitzman , Lululemon and Topshop .
Most have been empty for more than a year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at any of them .

Staggered by the imminent Barneys shutdown and recent closings of many smaller boutiques, Midtown’s fanciest shopping zone — at least part of it — is getting a sudden burst of urgently needed energy.
Both Fendi and Berluti have signed retail leases at Vornado’s 595 Madison Ave. at 57th Street, The Post has learned. The Art Deco-style Fuller Building’s prime corner is exactly where Coach abruptly closed a longtime store there, as The Post reported last week.
The new, luxury emporiums will fill most of the depressingly dark storefront space at 595 Madison. A source said one more lease will soon be completed at the address as well.
They’re the latest coup in the fashionable, gilded neighborhood for Vornado, which has struggled with the nation- and city-wide retail shakeout like every other large landlord.
As The Post earlier reported, high-fashion line Balmain and Japanese streetwear chain Bape also recently signed leases two blocks north at 650 Madison Ave., where they’ll soon join recently arrived Celine and Balenciaga.
The four new commitments make up around 60,000 square feet — “a monster bunch of deals,” said a broker who was not involved in any of the transactions. “With Barneys on the way out, that part of Madison Avenue needed to show signs of life.”
A source attributed the leasing boomlet in the blocks between East 57th and 60th streets to enormous cuts in asking rents — “down 35 percent in that area in just two years,” an insider said.
Even so, the average ground-floor asking rent for the Vornado leases was still $1,000 a square foot, sources said — hardly chopped liver.
As is its custom, Vornado, led by media-shy Steven Roth, wouldn’t confirm or comment on any of the deals.
Meanwhile, Fendi’s move to 595 Madison will require it to leave its current digs at No. 598 across the avenue. But unlike other recent departures, it won’t leave another gaping hole.
LVMH controls the 598 Madison retail space under a long-term ground lease through 2045. The luxury conglomerate is expected to expand its existing Dior store at 19 E. 57th St. into Fendi’s soon-to-be-vacant digs next door after a major makeover at both addresses.
Both Fendi and Dior were repped by Robin Zendell & Associates, which didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Dior is also opening a boutique under a relatively short-term lease at 767 Fifth Ave. The former GM Building is now owned by a joint venture led by Boston Properties.
The nearly 12,000 square-foot space on the tower’s plaza, close to the Apple cube, previously served as temporary quarters for Cartier while it refurbished its longtime home a few blocks south. Dior will likely also use it as a temporary home during the East 57th Street redesign.
In a similar side-step, Tiffany recently moved into the former Niketown at the Trump Organization’s 6 E. 57th St. for a three-year renovation of its fabled Fifth Avenue flagship — a solution made possible because Nike no longer had any use for its former 65,000 square feet.
Cushman & Wakefield’s Steven Soutendijk said the Dior and Tiffany moves reflect a “really good sign for the Madison-57th Street area because the luxury brands are doubling down — not only committing to new spaces, but to their existing ones and growing in them.”
The new stores come not a moment too soon for the battered sidewalk-level scene along 57th Street between Park and Sixth avenues and on blocks immediately north and south, which were rocked by one retail wipeout after another in the past 18 months.
Despite the welcome imminent arrival of luxury perfume shop Amaffi at 40 E. 57th St. and David Yurman’s move to 5 E. 57th, the brick-and-mortar retail recession has taken a grim toll.
The long 57th Street block between Fifth and Sixth avenues now has as much vacant store space as occupied space since Z Chemists went dark a few weeks ago. Demolition and construction make things look worse.
At the same time, Fifth Avenue south of 57th has large, empty spaces that were home to Henri Bendel, The Gap, Ralph Lauren Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Massimo Dutti, Stuart Weitzman, Lululemon and Topshop.
Most have been empty for more than a year. No leases are known to be pending at any of them.


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Safeway owner Albertsons seeks IPO amid woes over underfunded pensions

Stationery seller Papyrus will shutter all of its retail stores ...

Supermarket giant Albertsons is looking to take itself public even as tensions escalate with unions and a powerful US agency over a soon-to-be insolvent pension plan, The Post has learned.
Albertsons, which owns the Safeway, Shaw’s and Acme chains, is locked in a battle over a group pension plan covering some 50,000 supermarket workers in the Washington, D.C., area that’s projected to be insolvent by February 2021, according to public filings.
The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 112 Safeway stores in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, claims Safeway in its 2012 and 2016 worker agreements included a guarantee to cover one-third of all pension losses in the group plan — beyond its obligations to Safeway employees.
That would amount to roughly $565 million — a painful tab that would eclipse the $500 million in profits Albertsons might make this year on roughly $60 billion in sales.
If Albertsons doesn’t pay the money, things could get heated. The union is already threatening a legal fight, and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (PBGC), the federal agency responsible for picking up the slack for failed pensions, is reviewing the matter, sources said.
The group pension, now underfunded to the tune of $1.7 billion, was established in the 1970s when groceries were a relatively stable business. But since then, several of its former pension partners, including Food Fair and Grand Union, have gone under — leaving Albertsons in the lurch.
The grocery giant — owned by Cerberus Capital Management, the buyout firm controlled by secretive billionaire Steve Feinberg — says that if the pension goes bust it will continue to fund the nest eggs of Safeway’s roughly 10,000 workers in the DC area at a rate of roughly $20 million a year.
That could leave taxpayers and roughly 40,000 beneficiaries at Giant Food and now-defunct chains stranded with empty carts.
“In the event of the pension plan’s insolvency, the company would continue our contributions at our current contribution rate,” an Albertsons spokeswoman told The Post. “That said, this is vastly different from a suggestion that we would be required to pay the unfunded amount of the pension plan in addition to our ongoing contributions. That is neither required by law nor by any agreement we have with the union.”
Settlement talks held between the company, the union and the government pension insurer recently fell flat, sources said. Albertsons broke off talks after refusing to fork over about $200 million in a deal that would have seen an even bigger contribution from its only remaining pension partner, Ahold’s Giant Food, a source close to the talks said.
Asked about those talks, Albertsons said it “made an extremely innovative offer in negotiations to create a supplemental pension plan which would make up any loss which any Albertsons companies’ employee suffers.”
“Safeway’s obligation to guarantee the benefits of pension plan participants is clearly spelled out in black and white,” a union spokesman told The Post. “No matter how much Safeway wishes it weren’t so, this promise exists in writing, the company is bound by it, and we intend to hold them to it,” the spokesman said of the agreement.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Jan. 13 that Albertsons, which owns 2,269 supermarkets nationwide, is in talks with the Securities and Exchange Commission about listing its shares at a roughly $20 billion valuation.
The company has admitted in financial documents that this particular pension’s woes “could have a material impact on the company’s financial position and results of operations.”
Nationwide, Albertsons estimates that its share of underfunded multi-employer pension plans was $4.7 billion as of February 2019, documents show.
The PBGC declined to comment.
Cerberus, which is known for driving Chrysler into bankruptcy, bought Albertsons in 2006, and Albertsons acquired Safeway in 2015.
The company’s pension battle comes as popular New York City-based supermarket Fairway files for bankruptcy for a second time — thanks to a failed expansion plan by its former private equity owner, Sterling Investment Partners.


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Lakers superfan Jack Nicholson reacts to death of friend Kobe Bryant

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Lakers superfan Jack Nicholson said he was heartbroken over the loss of friend Kobe Bryant , who tragically died in a helicopter crash along with his daughter Gianna , 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ My reaction is the same as almost all of LA , ” the 82-year-old actor told CBS Los Angeles .
“ Where we think everything ’ s solid , there ’ s a big hole in the wall .
I was used to seeing and talking to Kobe that… it kills you .
It ’ s just a terrible event.
“ The Oscar winner recalled meeting Bryant at Madison Square Garden in New York .
“ I teased him the first time we met .
I offered him a basketball and asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it for him , ” the actor joked .
“ He looked at me like I was crazy.
” Nicholson was often seen cheering on Bryant from his courtside seats at the Staples Center .
“ I sat right behind his jump shot on the left-hand side .
I can see him going up and I can tell the first instant if it ’ s going in , ” he said .
“ We ’ ll think of him all the time and we ’ ll miss him .
He was just one @ @ @ @ @ @

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Lakers superfan Jack Nicholson said he was heartbroken over the loss of friend Kobe Bryant, who tragically died in a helicopter crash along with his daughter Gianna, 13, on Sunday in Los Angeles.
“My reaction is the same as almost all of LA,” the 82-year-old actor told CBS Los Angeles.
“Where we think everything’s solid, there’s a big hole in the wall. I was used to seeing and talking to Kobe that … it kills you. It’s just a terrible event.“
The Oscar winner recalled meeting Bryant at Madison Square Garden in New York.
“I teased him the first time we met. I offered him a basketball and asked him if he wanted me to autograph it for him,” the actor joked.
“He looked at me like I was crazy.”
Nicholson was often seen cheering on Bryant from his courtside seats at the Staples Center.
“I sat right behind his jump shot on the left-hand side. I can see him going up and I can tell the first instant if it’s going in,” he said.
“We’ll think of him all the time and we’ll miss him. He was just one of those touched people.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Steven Mnuchin’s wife sides with Greta Thunberg after he mocks teen’s climate views

Louise Linton , the wife of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , displayed her support for environmental activist Greta Thunberg in a now-deleted Instagram post just days after her husband mocked the Swedish teen for her views on climate change .
“ I stand with Greta on this issue , ” Linton wrote on her page .
“ ( I don ’ t have a degree in economics either ) We need to drastically reduce our use of fossil fuels .
Keep up the fight @ gretathunberg.
” The Scottish-born actress , who describes herself as “ Not a Republican .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ welfare activist .
Pro-Environment .
Vegan ” removed the posting on Saturday but screenshots of it were widely circulated on Twitter .
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland , last week , Mnuchin questioned 17-year-old Thunberg ’ s credentials after she warned the gathering about the consequences of using fossil fuels .
“ Is she the chief economist or who is she ?
I ’ m confused , ” Mnuchin mocked Thunberg .
“ After she goes and studies economics in college she can come back and explain that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter last Thursday .
“ My gap year ends in August , but it doesn ’ t take a college degree in economics to realise that our remaining 1,5° carbon budget and ongoing fossil fuel subsidies and investments don ’ t add up , ” wrote Thunberg , who was named Time magazine ’ s Person of the Year in December .
“ So either you tell us how to achieve this mitigation or explain to future generations and those already affected by the climate emergency why we should abandon our climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has sparked criticism before for posing with her husband with a sheet of newly printed dollars bills while visiting the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in a photo in which critics likened her to a villain in a James Bond movie .
She also flaunted her designer wardrobe after walking off a plane following a taxpayer-funded flight to view an eclipse .

Louise Linton, the wife of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, displayed her support for environmental activist Greta Thunberg in a now-deleted Instagram post just days after her husband mocked the Swedish teen for her views on climate change.
“I stand with Greta on this issue,” Linton wrote on her page. “(I don’t have a degree in economics either) We need to drastically reduce our use of fossil fuels. Keep up the fight @gretathunberg.”
The Scottish-born actress, who describes herself as “Not a Republican. Not a Democrat. Humanitarian & Animal welfare activist. Pro-Environment. Vegan ” removed the posting on Saturday but screenshots of it were widely circulated on Twitter.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week, Mnuchin questioned 17-year-old Thunberg’s credentials after she warned the gathering about the consequences of using fossil fuels.
“Is she the chief economist or who is she? I’m confused,” Mnuchin mocked Thunberg. “After she goes and studies economics in college she can come back and explain that to us.”
Thunberg responded to Mnuchin on Twitter last Thursday.
“My gap year ends in August, but it doesn’t take a college degree in economics to realise that our remaining 1,5° carbon budget and ongoing fossil fuel subsidies and investments don’t add up,” wrote Thunberg, who was named Time magazine’s Person of the Year in December.
“So either you tell us how to achieve this mitigation or explain to future generations and those already affected by the climate emergency why we should abandon our climate commitments,” Thunberg wrote.
Linton has sparked criticism before for posing with her husband with a sheet of newly printed dollars bills while visiting the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in a photo in which critics likened her to a villain in a James Bond movie.
She also flaunted her designer wardrobe after walking off a plane following a taxpayer-funded flight to view an eclipse.


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Trump denies telling John Bolton Ukraine aide was tied to Biden probe

President Trump denied early Monday that he told then-National Security Adviser John Bolton the holding of military aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats .
Trump said he “ NEVER ” had that conversation with Bolton despite a New York Times report that claims Bolton was told Trump wanted to continue freezing $ 391 million in security assistance until officials in Ukraine helped with the probes .
“ I NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats , including the Bidens , ” Trump wrote on Twitter .
“ In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time of his very public termination.
” The president insisted that if Bolton made the remarks it was “ only to sell a book.
” Trump continued , claiming that a “ transcript ” of the phone call between him and the Ukrainian president showed there was no wrongdoing .
“ [ The ] transcripts of my calls with President Zelensky are all the proof that is needed , in addition to the fact that President Zelensky & the Foreign Minister of Ukraine said there was no pressure and no problems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times article published Sunday night said that a manuscript of Bolton ’ s upcoming book details allegations that the president held the military aide for political purposes .
The charges of withholding aid are at the center of an ongoing impeachment trial in the Senate .

President Trump denied early Monday that he told then-national security adviser John Bolton the holding of military aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats.
Trump said he “NEVER” had that conversation with Bolton despite a New York Times report that claims Bolton was told Trump wanted to continue freezing $391 million in security assistance until officials in Ukraine helped with the probes.
“I NEVER told John Bolton that the aid to Ukraine was tied to investigations into Democrats, including the Bidens,” Trump wrote on Twitter.
“In fact, he never complained about this at the time of his very public termination.”
The president insisted that if Bolton made the remarks, it was “only to sell a book.”
Trump continued, claiming that a “transcript” of the phone call between him and the Ukrainian president showed there was no wrongdoing.
“[The] transcripts of my calls with President Zelensky are all the proof that is needed, in addition to the fact that President Zelensky & the Foreign Minister of Ukraine said there was no pressure and no problems,” he wrote.
A New York Times article published Sunday night said a manuscript of Bolton’s upcoming book details allegations that the president held the military aid for political purposes.
The charges of withholding aid are at the center of an ongoing impeachment trial in the Senate.


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Touching photos show Kobe Bryant with daughter’s team on the day before their death

The tragic news of Kobe Bryant ’ s death rocked the NBA ...

Heartbreaking photos show Kobe Bryant coaching his daughter Gianna’s basketball team Saturday at Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, Calif. — a day before they died together on their way to the same facility.
The 41-year-old retired Los Angeles Lakers star started the day Saturday on the mezzanine level, but made his way courtside to coach the team in their first two games of the Mamba Cup Series.
“He had a clipboard, he was drawing up plays and talking to [the players],” said one person who was there.
“He was a little bit animated at times, but it was in a very positive way.”
The photos obtained by The Post show Bryant in a black sweatshirt and hat emblazoned with an “M” for Mamba, actively engaging with the team.
In one poignant frame, he is interacting with Gianna in the first game of the tournament, looking down at her as she motions up to him with her right arm raised.
In the same game, Gianna was captured at the free-throw line.
Another photo, shot during the team’s second game Saturday, shows Bryant huddled with the five-member squad during a timeout.
Throughout the day, he “had really good energy with his daughter,” a witness said. He was “just teaching a lot and took a few extra timeouts to explain things to the kids.”
Kobe’s group was defeated by a team from Texas in their first game, but won the second game.


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--NBA curiously holds Nets, Knicks game after Kobe Bryant’s death

The tragic news of Kobe Bryant ’ s death rocked the NBA and overshadowed Sunday ’ s Nets-Knicks game .
But should the game have been canceled ?
Players and coaches from both teams were shaken upon hearing that Bryant and daughter Gianna had been killed in a helicopter crash .
But many had opinions on whether the news coming from Southern California should ’ ve canceled league games across the country .
This one — played in an eerie , surreal atmosphere at the Garden — ended with a 110-97 Knick win .
But even one of the leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been called before it started .
“ A lot of emotion from the guys .
Honestly I didn ’ t think we should have played .
But it is what it is , ” said Knicks forward Marcus Morris , who had 21 points .
“ I ’ d rather keep my opinion on [ them playing ] to myself on what I thought about that , ” said an emotional Nets coach Kenny Atkinson , seemingly not wanting to talk his way into trouble .
Spencer Dinwiddie admitted when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected the league would call the game off .
“ I did .
I thought they were going to get canceled , ” Dinwiddie said .
“ But the NBA is a business , and I understand there ’ s probably logistical issues with clearing arenas and things , so they chose not to .
You come to work .
We ’ ve got a job to do .
So just like everybody else.
” Garrett Temple , the Players Association vice president , would ’ ve understood postponements considering Bryant ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve been a part of this league long enough to know the business side and how it rolls .
There were rumblings of maybe canceling them .
But I say yes and no , ” Temple said .
“ The type of person he was and what he meant to this game , meant to this league , it would be very understandable if the games had got canceled.
” Still , players were in a daze .
“ We were in a fog .
It was like everybody was in a daze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to listen to the game plan , but obviously got something else weighing on your mind , ” Temple said .

The tragic news of Kobe Bryant’s death rocked the NBA and overshadowed Sunday’s Nets-Knicks game. But should the game have been canceled?
Players and coaches from both teams were shaken upon hearing that Bryant and daughter Gianna had been killed in a helicopter crash. But many had opinions on whether the news coming from Southern California should’ve canceled league games across the country.
This one — played in an eerie, surreal atmosphere at the Garden — ended with a 110-97 Knick win. But even one of the leaders of that victory said it probably should’ve been called before it started.
“A lot of emotion from the guys. Honestly I didn’t think we should have played. But it is what it is,” said Knicks forward Marcus Morris, who had 21 points.
“I’d rather keep my opinion on [them playing] to myself on what I thought about that,” said an emotional Nets coach Kenny Atkinson, seemingly not wanting to talk his way into trouble.
Spencer Dinwiddie admitted when he heard the shocking news, he fully expected the league would call the game off.
“I did. I thought they were going to get canceled,” Dinwiddie said. “But the NBA is a business, and I understand there’s probably logistical issues with clearing arenas and things, so they chose not to. You come to work. We’ve got a job to do. So just like everybody else.”
Garrett Temple, the Players Association vice president, would’ve understood postponements considering Bryant’s importance and stature.
“I’ve been a part of this league long enough to know the business side and how it rolls. There were rumblings of maybe canceling them. But I say yes and no,” Temple said. “The type of person he was and what he meant to this game, meant to this league, it would be very understandable if the games had got canceled.”
Still, players were in a daze.
“We were in a fog. It was like everybody was in a daze. I know I was. You try to listen to the game plan, but obviously got something else weighing on your mind,” Temple said.


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Rangers have chance to send huge trade-deadline message

The Rangers have really only had two big road trips this season .
They went to Vegas and California at the beginning of December , and then went to Toronto and western Canada to bridge the New Year .
For a team that already has the best travel in the league — as coach David Quinn is quick to point out — they also started the season with a bizarre setup in which only four of the first 13 games were away from the Garden .
Even once they come back from their five-day bye week following this weekend ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have five of their next six games at the Garden .
That should be a big help for the club ’ s persistence on trying to make the playoffs , with the hope inside the locker room that it can convince the front office not to sell-off a couple key assets that would be attractive on the trade market .
Instead , the Rangers want to make the case for development of their young players through competing in meaningful games into the early spring .
“ We have such a good group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competed in his first All-Star festivities , with him arguably being the best player possibly available on the rental market .
“ We ’ ve already gotten so much better , and we hope that continues.
” But after this little homestand , the Blueshirts play eight of the next 10 on the road , starting with a three-game swing that begins Feb. 11 in Winnipeg .
That starts a stretch when 17 of the final 28 games are on the road — and only one is without a plane flight , Feb. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Islanders .
There is another two-game trip to Florida in late March , which starts with a game in Washington , and the penultimate game of the season is in Pittsburgh on April 2 , before the regular-season finale April 4 at home against the Blackhawks .
So the schedule was nice to the Rangers to start , and it ’ s nice as they approach the trade deadline .
But soon they will have to grind , as do all teams .
The club officially loaned Lias Andersson to HV71 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
7-overall pick from 2017 , who had been suspended after asking for a trade and then leaving AHL Hartford around Christmas , had been back in his native country , practicing with another team .
The 21-year-old played with HV71 for parts of three years , including winning a Swedish League championship in 2016-17 .
For more on the Rangers , listen to the latest episode of the “ Up In The Blue Seats ” podcast :

The Rangers have really only had two big road trips this season. They went to Vegas and California at the beginning of December, and then went to Toronto and western Canada to bridge the New Year. For a team that already has the best travel in the league — as coach David Quinn is quick to point out — they also started the season with a bizarre setup in which only four of the first 13 games were away from the Garden.
Even once they come back from their five-day bye week following this weekend’s All-Star Game in St. Louis, they have five of their next six games at the Garden.
That should be a big help for the club’s persistence on trying to make the playoffs, with the hope inside the locker room that it can convince the front office not to sell-off a couple key assets that would be attractive on the trade market. Instead, the Rangers want to make the case for development of their young players through competing in meaningful games into the early spring.
“We have such a good group,” said Chris Kreider after he competed in his first All-Star festivities, with him arguably being the best player possibly available on the rental market. “We’ve already gotten so much better, and we hope that continues.”
But after this little homestand, the Blueshirts play eight of the next 10 on the road, starting with a three-game swing that begins Feb. 11 in Winnipeg. That starts a stretch when 17 of the final 28 games are on the road — and only one is without a plane flight, Feb. 25 at the Nassau Coliseum to take on the Islanders. There is another two-game trip to Florida in late March, which starts with a game in Washington, and the penultimate game of the season is in Pittsburgh on April 2, before the regular-season finale April 4 at home against the Blackhawks.
So the schedule was nice to the Rangers to start, and it’s nice as they approach the trade deadline. But soon they will have to grind, as do all teams.
The club officially loaned Lias Andersson to HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League. The No. 7-overall pick from 2017, who had been suspended after asking for a trade and then leaving AHL Hartford around Christmas, had been back in his native country, practicing with another team. The 21-year-old played with HV71 for parts of three years, including winning a Swedish League championship in 2016-17.
For more on the Rangers, listen to the latest episode of the “Up In The Blue Seats” podcast:


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Kobe Bryant’s helicopter was like ‘a limousine,’ had strong safety record: former pilot

The helicopter that crashed in California Sunday , killing Kobe Bryant , his 13-year-old daughter and seven others , had a strong safety record and was like “ a limousine , ” the NBA legend ’ s former pilot said .
Kurt Deetz — who flew Bryant , 41 , between 2014 and 2016 — told The Los Angeles Times it ’ s more likely the crash was caused by bad weather than engine or mechanical issues .
“ The likelihood of a catastrophic twin engine failure on that aircraft — it just doesn ’ t happen , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours with the Sikorsky S-76B .
Deetz , a former pilot for Island Express Helicopters , said the chopper was in “ fantastic ” condition and compared it to “ a Cadillac , a limousine — it ’ s limo-esque.
” Built in 1991 , the aircraft was owned by Island Express Helicopters , and the company follows a “ very good maintenance program , ” Deetz said .
It took off from John Wayne Airport at 9:06 a.m. , and crashed shortly before 10 a.m. in the hills over Calabasas , igniting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday morning were “ not good at all , ” Deetz said .
The LAPD said it grounded its fleet on Sunday morning due to heavy fog that didn ’ t meet its “ standard for flying.
” When he heard about the crash , Deetz said , “ my heart sank.
” “ In this business , when you hear about a crash like this , it ’ s a very surreal experience.
” Deetz said the craft was favored by the Los Angeles Lakers great , who would choose to fly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When the hoops star retired from the NBA in 2016 , he flew out of downtown LA in it , Deetz said .
Bryant and his daughter Gianna had reportedly been on their way to his Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks , where she was set to play in a basketball game that he was planning on coaching .
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash .

The helicopter that crashed in California Sunday, killing Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others, had a strong safety record and was like “a limousine,” the NBA legend’s former pilot said.
Kurt Deetz — who flew Bryant, 41, between 2014 and 2016 — told The Los Angeles Times it’s more likely the crash was caused by bad weather than engine or mechanical issues.
“The likelihood of a catastrophic twin engine failure on that aircraft — it just doesn’t happen,” said Deetz, who logged more than 1,000 hours with the Sikorsky S-76B.
Deetz, a former pilot for Island Express Helicopters, said the chopper was in “fantastic” condition and compared it to “a Cadillac, a limousine — it’s limo-esque.”
Built in 1991, the aircraft was owned by Island Express Helicopters, and the company follows a “very good maintenance program,” Deetz said.
It took off from John Wayne Airport at 9:06 a.m., and crashed shortly before 10 a.m. in the hills over Calabasas, igniting a brush fire.
Weather conditions on Sunday morning were “not good at all,” Deetz said.
The LAPD said it grounded its fleet on Sunday morning due to heavy fog that didn’t meet its “standard for flying.”
When he heard about the crash, Deetz said, “my heart sank.”
“In this business, when you hear about a crash like this, it’s a very surreal experience.”
Deetz said the craft was favored by the Los Angeles Lakers great, who would choose to fly in it nine times out of 10.
When the hoops star retired from the NBA in 2016, he flew out of downtown LA in it, Deetz said.
Bryant and his daughter Gianna had reportedly been on their way to his Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, where she was set to play in a basketball game that he was planning on coaching.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--Knicks’ Frank Ntilikina didn’t always appreciate Kobe Bryant’s greatness

Knicks fan Parteek Katyal of Bethpage had planned to wear ...

As a European kid, Frank Ntilikina wasn’t enamored with Kobe Bryant at first blush. Too cocky.
It took a few years for the Frenchman to appreciate Bryant as an icon — with his dreams realized when he met him on the Nike campus in Oregon after his rookie year.
“It’s funny because first, it’s not that I didn’t like him, but I wasn’t a big fan because of his attitude, you know?” Ntilikina said after Sunday’s emotional game, played hours after the icon’s death. “But when you grow up and you know more about the game, you realize stuff, like you’ve got nothing but respect for this guy.
“When I was grown enough to understand, I just didn’t stop watching his tapes, his documentary and everything he was also off the court, the type of person he was. Yeah, he was just a killer, a killer. He was one of the best that ever played this game. For everything I said, like I how I was studying him, what he did allowed me to improve, but also as a man. I’m thankful.’’
Ntilikina played with a heavy heart, knowing Bryant helped make the NBA what it is today. And made him want to be here.
“Somebody I saw that made me and millions and millions of kids dream to be in this position one day, it’s really, really, really tough,” Ntilikina said. “First and foremost, I want to give my thoughts and prayers to his family, so everybody that was in that helicopter, rest in peace. I’m just so thankful, for what he did for the game and the person he is, that was invested 100 percent into the game and the things he loved, the game, his family. He gives young kids lessons, a lot of lessons. I’m thankful.”
As a Nike guy, Ntilikina, who scored 11 points in the Knicks’ win, was in Portland in 2018 and got to talk to Bryant for the first time.
“[Was] with a couple of players,’’ Ntilikina said. “At a couple practices, he gave us advice; we had the chance to talk to him. I’m thankful.’’
While everyone appeared heartbroken, Knicks forward Kevin Knox (14 minutes, four points) may have been shaken more than most. His younger brother, who is in high school, is named Kobe after the now-deceased Lakers legend. … The Knicks released a formal statement on Bryant: “The Knicks join with the entire NBA community to mourn today’s sudden and tragic accident that claimed several innocent lives, including NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his young daughter, Gianna. We are heartbroken at this incomprehensible loss of life, and send our thoughts and prayers to Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, the Bryant family and the Lakers during this difficult time.” … The Knicks shot 53.3 percent. … Dennis Smith Jr. did not play for a second consecutive game. … Mitchell Robinson had his best game in two weeks (12 points on 6 of 6 shooting) before fouling out.
For more on the Knicks, listen to the latest episode of the “Big Apple Buckets” podcast:


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--New Yorkers honor NBA legend by renaming a subway stop ‘Kobe Bryant Park’

All the NFL head coaching vacancies have been filled , but ...

Subway riders found a creative way to pay tribute to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant with a makeshift sign at the Bryant Park subway station.
The sign at the 42nd St-Bryant Park Station was plastered with the name “Kobe” over “42nd Street” in order to read: “Kobe Bryant Park.”
The makeshift memorial was just one of many tributes around the country as fans gathered to mourn the star.
Bryant died in a California helicopter crash along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Also killed in the crash were girls’ basketball coach Christina Mauser, college baseball coach John Altobelli, his daughter Alyssa Altobelli and wife Keri Altobelli.


newyorkpost--2020-01-27--NFL teams shunning Chiefs coordinator Eric Bieniemy remains perplexing

All the NFL head coaching vacancies have been filled , but Eric Bieniemy faces one final audition to prove he is worthy of an opportunity to be a head coach this league .
That comes in Super Bowl 2020 when Bieniemy serves as the offensive coordinator for the Chiefs , who face the 49ers for the Lombardi Trophy Sunday in Miami .
Apparently , Bieniemy ’ s résumé wasn ’ t good enough to fill one of the five openings created at the end of the 2019 regular season despite all the success the Chiefs have enjoyed in recent years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NFL is a copycat league , and hiring assistants , particularly coordinators from successful teams , is the normal way of doing business .
Maybe there just weren ’ t enough vacancies .
Two teams took proven head coaches , with former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy going to the Cowboys and Ron Rivera hired as the new head coach in Washington after being fired in Carolina .
When the highly sought after Baylor coach , Matt Rhule , was given a rich deal in Carolina , that left only two open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selecting Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski .
The Giants , meanwhile , interviewed Bieniemy , but ultimately selected Joe Judge , a special teams coach with the Patriots , to be their third head coach since 2017 .
Judge was a surprise choice , given he has only been a coordinator or had any real duty with quarterbacks .
Given the recent failed choices of Ben McAdoo and Pat Shurmur and the Giants needing to develop quarterback Daniel Jones , the choice of Judge will continue to be scrutinized .
Apparently , Judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough for him to leapfrog to the top of the Giants ’ list .
Thus far , Bieniemy ’ s connection to Andy Reid hasn ’ t gotten him past an initial interview .
Maybe that changes after this week .
If it ’ s a big week for the players , it ’ s a big week for Bieniemy , too .
This is the week he can tell his story to the masses , and his players can talk about the impact he has made on their careers and on this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Reid can dispel the notion that Bieniemy doesn ’ t really have much to do with the offense .
What happens this week could determine whether Bieniemy becomes a serious head-coaching candidate next year .
With the lack of an African-American being hired as a head coach this year , there has been renewed talk of the impact of the Rooney Rule , which ensures each franchise interviews minority candidates for head coaching and senior operations positions .
It remains necessary if nothing more than to keep minority candidates in front of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stronger look than he has gotten .
He was an offensive coordinator at his alma mater , the University of Colorado , before coaching the Chiefs ’ running backs and then becoming the offensive coordinator in 2018 .
As the offensive coordinator , he has helped develop one of the most prolific offenses and one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league .
He has also worked alongside one of the most successful coaches in NFL history .
Being a Reid assistant hasn ’ t been a problem in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Bears all have current head coaches who were coordinators under Reid .
The common criticism is that Reid calls the plays , but neither Doug Pederson nor Matt Nagy called plays and they became head coaches for the Eagles and Bears , respectively , after holding the title of offensive coordinator under Reid .
“ It seems like play-calling is always the issue , ” Reid said recently .
“ [ Bieniemy ] called during the preseason , and he helps me with all the setups .
The only reason I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If that ’ s the issue , that shouldn ’ t be an issue.
” Should the Chiefs win the Super Bowl against a strong 49ers defense , Reid will get plenty of credit .
But some of that credit has to fall on Bieniemy the next time he interviews for a head coaching job .
Big week for the players ; big week for the coaches , too .

All the NFL head coaching vacancies have been filled, but Eric Bieniemy faces one final audition to prove he is worthy of an opportunity to be a head coach this league.
That comes in Super Bowl 2020 when Bieniemy serves as the offensive coordinator for the Chiefs, who face the 49ers for the Lombardi Trophy Sunday in Miami.
Apparently, Bieniemy’s résumé wasn’t good enough to fill one of the five openings created at the end of the 2019 regular season despite all the success the Chiefs have enjoyed in recent years. That seems a bit unusual considering the NFL is a copycat league, and hiring assistants, particularly coordinators from successful teams, is the normal way of doing business.
Maybe there just weren’t enough vacancies. Two teams took proven head coaches, with former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy going to the Cowboys and Ron Rivera hired as the new head coach in Washington after being fired in Carolina. When the highly sought after Baylor coach, Matt Rhule, was given a rich deal in Carolina, that left only two open spots. The Browns filled theirs by selecting Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski.
The Giants, meanwhile, interviewed Bieniemy, but ultimately selected Joe Judge, a special teams coach with the Patriots, to be their third head coach since 2017.
Judge was a surprise choice, given he has only been a coordinator and never had any real duty with quarterbacks. Given the recent failed choices of Ben McAdoo and Pat Shurmur and the Giants needing to develop quarterback Daniel Jones, the choice of Judge will continue to be scrutinized.
Apparently, Judge’s connection to Bill Belichick was enough for him to leapfrog to the top of the Giants’ list. Thus far, Bieniemy’s connection to Andy Reid hasn’t gotten him past an initial interview.
Maybe that changes after this week. If it’s a big week for the players, it’s a big week for Bieniemy, too. This is the week he can tell his story to the masses, and his players can talk about the impact he has made on their careers and on this season. It’s a week when Reid can dispel the notion that Bieniemy doesn’t really have much to do with the offense. What happens this week could determine whether Bieniemy becomes a serious head-coaching candidate next year.
With the lack of an African-American being hired as a head coach this year, there has been renewed talk of the impact of the Rooney Rule, which ensures each franchise interviews minority candidates for head coaching and senior operations positions. It remains necessary if for no other reason than to keep minority candidates in front of those doing the hiring.
Bieniemy deserves a stronger look than he has gotten. He was an offensive coordinator at his alma mater, the University of Colorado, before coaching the Chiefs’ running backs and then becoming the offensive coordinator in 2018.
As the offensive coordinator, he has helped develop one of the most prolific offenses and one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. He has also worked alongside one of the most successful coaches in NFL history.
Being a Reid assistant hasn’t been a problem in the past. The Ravens, Bills, Eagles and Bears all have current head coaches who were coordinators under Reid. The common criticism is that Reid calls the plays, but neither Doug Pederson nor Matt Nagy called plays and they became head coaches for the Eagles and Bears, respectively, after holding the title of offensive coordinator under Reid.
“It seems like play-calling is always the issue,” Reid said recently. “[Bieniemy] called during the preseason, and he helps me with all the setups. The only reason I do it is because I enjoy doing it. If that’s the issue, that shouldn’t be an issue.”
Should the Chiefs win the Super Bowl against a strong 49ers defense, Reid will get plenty of credit. But some of that credit has to fall on Bieniemy the next time he interviews for a head coaching job. Big week for the players; big week for the coaches, too.