newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Pharmacy chains sue Ohio doctors over opioid crisis

Four major national drugstore chains are suing doctors in Ohio for fueling the opioid crisis by overprescribing highly addictive pain killers — as the pharmacies themselves face blame for it , according to a report Wednesday .
Pharmacies including Walgreens , CVS , WalMart and Rite Aid — which are also being sued over the epidemic by two counties in the state — claim local doctors are actually the ones responsible for the public health nightmare , The Hill reported .
“ While pharmacists are highly trained and licensed professionals … they do not write prescriptions , ” attorneys for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the outlet .
The drugstore chains claim that Summit and Cuyahoga counties failed to sue local doctors and independently run “ pill mills , ” which they say are truly at fault .
“ In a misguided hunt for deep pockets without regard to actual fault or legal liability , Plaintiff has elected not to sue any of these other parties , ” the drugstores say in the suit , which was filed in federal court Monday .
It notes that the lawsuit against the pharmacies , “ fails to identify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improperly by any pharmacist ” at any of the chains , according to the outlet .
It also claims that many of the “ unscrupulous pain clinics ” — which allegedly provided between 40 and 60 percent of the opioids dispensed in the area — should be held responsible .
But lawyers for some of the plaintiffs said many parties are to blame , including pharmacies .
“ We have demonstrated and will continue to show that the origins of the opioid crisis and the fuel that spread the epidemic can be traced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporations in the drug supply chain .
Without widespread wrongdoing by the opioid industry — including pharmacies — we would not be in the place we are today , ” the attorneys said in a statement , according to The Hill .
“ Pharmacies saw the devastating consequences of this public health crisis firsthand and we will show they did little to nothing to address them.
” In total , the massive federal trial includes more than 2,000 cases brought by counties and cities against opioid manufacturers , distributors and pharmacies .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multidistrict litigation ” lawsuit in Cleveland as a test of how the plaintiff arguments will measure up .
The plaintiffs seek damages for the consequences of the opioid epidemic , which has killed more than 200,000 since 1999 .
The trial for the pharmacies is scheduled to begin on Oct. 13 , and the judge has urged all parties to settle .

Four major national drugstore chains are suing doctors in Ohio for fueling the opioid crisis by overprescribing highly addictive pain killers — as the pharmacies themselves face blame for it, according to a report Wednesday.
Pharmacies including Walgreens, CVS, WalMart and Rite Aid — which are also being sued over the epidemic by two counties in the state — claim local doctors are actually the ones responsible for the public health nightmare, The Hill reported.
“While pharmacists are highly trained and licensed professionals … they do not write prescriptions,” attorneys for the pharmacies wrote in the suit, according to the outlet.
The drugstore chains claim that Summit and Cuyahoga counties failed to sue local doctors and independently run “pill mills,” which they say are truly at fault.
“In a misguided hunt for deep pockets without regard to actual fault or legal liability, Plaintiff has elected not to sue any of these other parties,” the drugstores say in the suit, which was filed in federal court Monday.
It notes that the lawsuit against the pharmacies, “fails to identify even one prescription that was supposedly filled improperly by any pharmacist” at any of the chains, according to the outlet.
It also claims that many of the “unscrupulous pain clinics” — which allegedly provided between 40 and 60 percent of the opioids dispensed in the area — should be held responsible.
But lawyers for some of the plaintiffs said many parties are to blame, including pharmacies.
“We have demonstrated and will continue to show that the origins of the opioid crisis and the fuel that spread the epidemic can be traced back to the behavior and practices of corporations in the drug supply chain. Without widespread wrongdoing by the opioid industry — including pharmacies — we would not be in the place we are today,” the attorneys said in a statement, according to The Hill.
“Pharmacies saw the devastating consequences of this public health crisis firsthand and we will show they did little to nothing to address them.”
In total, the massive federal trial includes more than 2,000 cases brought by counties and cities against opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies. They have all been grouped into a “multidistrict litigation” lawsuit in Cleveland as a test of how the plaintiff arguments will measure up.
The plaintiffs seek damages for the consequences of the opioid epidemic, which has killed more than 200,000 since 1999.
The trial for the pharmacies is scheduled to begin on Oct. 13, and the judge has urged all parties to settle.


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Cops searching for answers after finding fugitive’s skull in mining pit

Researchers have linked a human skull discovered in an “ active mining pit ” in Pennsylvania to a fugitive in @ @ @ @ @ .
The skull of 34-year-old Jason Gold was discovered in the mine in Schuylkill County @ @ @ @ @ Live reported .
Investigators sent the remains to a University of North Texas for DNA @ @ @ @ @ match to Gold , who lived in nearby Lost Creek .
Authorities told the newspaper @ @ @ @ @ warrants and was not reported missing to any state agencies .
Family members of Gold @ @ @ @ @ he died or why his skull turned up in the mine , investigators said .
@ @ @ @ @ interviewed and were unable to provide further information on why Gold would have been where @ @ @ @ @ why only his skull was discovered , ” police told Penn Live .

Researchers have linked a human skull discovered in an “active mining pit” in Pennsylvania to a fugitive in the state, reports said.
The skull of 34-year-old Jason Gold was discovered in the mine in Schuylkill County in late August, Penn Live reported.
Investigators sent the remains to a University of North Texas for DNA testing, which returned a match to Gold, who lived in nearby Lost Creek.
Authorities told the newspaper Gold had several open arrest warrants and was not reported missing to any state agencies.
Family members of Gold were also clueless about how he died or why his skull turned up in the mine, investigators said.
“Several family members were interviewed and were unable to provide further information on why Gold would have been where his body was discovered or why only his skull was discovered,” police told Penn Live.


newyorkpost--2020-01-08--Charlotte Tilbury launches Pillow Talk Instant Eye palette after Golden Globes debut

With their both functional and fashionable designs , Moose Knuckles coats ...

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
Hollywood glam can be your beauty theme for the new year with Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk eye shadow palette — which is the latest addition to the brand’s popular Pillow Talk collection.
Featuring a mix of shades with matte and metallic pearl finishes, the 12-shade Instant Eye palette will be a versatile addition to any makeup collection.
The palette, which launched on January 8, includes four buildable looks that’ll work for a range of occasions.
You can rock a soft daytime look with the pink and rose gold shades of Day Eyes. Or why not dip your brushes into Dream Eyes for a more sultry combination of berry-rose and sunset pink shades.
The $75 palette can be purchased on its own or in a Pillow Talk eye kit that includes the palette and a tube of Full Fat Lashes mascara.
You’ll also receive two free Charlotte Tilbury product samples with your palette order.
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The palette made its debut at the Golden Globes on January 5, with stars like Salma Hayek, Busy Phillips, and Michelle Williams wearing makeup looks created with its stunning shades.
And its Golden Globes reveal was a show-stopping kickoff for the launch of a fresh wave of Pillow Talk products.
The upcoming Pillow Talk releases will include lipsticks, liners, highlighters, blushes, and eyeshadows.
But while you wait for the of the rest of the collection to drop, why not pick up your Pillow Talk palette now and perfect all those red carpet-ready eye looks.


newyorkpost--2020-01-08--Gunman in bungled ‘Fast and Furious’ gun-running operation sentenced to life in prison

The man who fatally shot a border patrol agent during the botched gun-running sting operation known as “ Fast and Furious ” was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday .
Heraclio Osorio-Arellanes , of Mexico , was found guilty in February of killing agent Brian Terry during a 2010 gunfight between border agents and an armed crew looking to rob drug smugglers along the US-Mexico border in Arizona .
Osorio-Arellanes was among seven defendants convicted in the shooting .
He has maintained his innocence .
“ With all due respect , I don ’ t agree with the trial , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Spanish and translated then translated to English .
“ Prosecutors pointed to me as a murderer without any evidence , so the jury would say I was guilty .
Everything is being done illegally.
” U.S. District Judge David Bury argued that Osorio-Arellanes was guilty of murder regardless of whether he fired the fatal bullet because he took part in the shootout .
“ I feel like I have to say to you what the law is in the United States , but you refuse to accept it , ” Bury said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tragic black eye for the federal government , which ran the ill-fated Fast and Furious program where investigators purposely allowed firearms sales to illegal straw buyers in hopes to trace thousands of those weapons to the black market and Mexican drug cartels .
Federal agents lost many of those weapons along the way — including two rifles found at the scene of the shootout that were linked back to the operation .

The man who fatally shot a border patrol agent during the botched gun-running sting operation known as “Fast and Furious” was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday.
Heraclio Osorio-Arellanes, of Mexico, was found guilty in February of killing agent Brian Terry during a 2010 gunfight between border agents and an armed crew looking to rob drug smugglers along the US-Mexico border in Arizona.
Osorio-Arellanes was among seven defendants convicted in the shooting. He has maintained his innocence.
“With all due respect, I don’t agree with the trial,” he said in a statement delivered in Spanish and translated then translated to English.
“Prosecutors pointed to me as a murderer without any evidence, so the jury would say I was guilty. Everything is being done illegally.”
U.S. District Judge David Bury argued that Osorio-Arellanes was guilty of murder regardless of whether he fired the fatal bullet because he took part in the shootout.
“I feel like I have to say to you what the law is in the United States, but you refuse to accept it,” Bury said.
Terry’s death was a tragic black eye for the federal government, which ran the ill-fated Fast and Furious program where investigators purposely allowed firearms sales to illegal straw buyers in hopes to trace thousands of those weapons to the black market and Mexican drug cartels.
Federal agents lost many of those weapons along the way — including two rifles found at the scene of the shootout that were linked back to the operation.
With Wires


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Multiple anti-Semitic playlist titles discovered on Spotify

Dozens of anti-Semitic playlist titles were found on the music streaming service Spotify , according to a new report .
An investigation by The Times of Israel discovered the publicly accessible user-generated hateful posts , including content discriminating Jews , praising Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and denying the Holocaust .
One such anti-Semitic playlist was titled “ Gas the Jews music.
” Another was named “ The Holocaust was exaggerated game of hide and seek.
” Several playlists contained titles that justified Hitler ’ s actions , such as “ Hitler did nothing wrong , ” the report said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israel that not all playlists with anti-Semitic names contained offensive songs .
When the online newspaper first reached out to Spotify , the company said they proactively remove offensive content listed by the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons , a German oversight agency .
“ We take this topic very seriously .
Content ( artists and music ) listed by the BPjM in Germany… is proactively removed from our service , ” the company said in a statement .
“ We ’ re a global company , so we use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for these issues .
Other potentially hateful or objectionable content that is flagged by users or others but not on the BPjM list is handled on a case-by-case basis , ” their statement continued .
After the news site published the story , Spotify vowed to remove the content flagged in the article .
“ The user-generated content in question violates our policy and is in the process of being removed .
Spotify prohibits any user content that is offensive , abusive , defamatory , pornographic , threatening , or obscene , ” @ @ @ @

Dozens of anti-Semitic playlist titles were found on the music streaming service Spotify, according to a new report.
An investigation by The Times of Israel discovered the publicly accessible user-generated hateful posts, including content discriminating Jews, praising Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and denying the Holocaust.
One such anti-Semitic playlist was titled “Gas the Jews music.” Another was named “The Holocaust was exaggerated game of hide and seek.”
Several playlists contained titles that justified Hitler’s actions, such as “Hitler did nothing wrong,” the report said.
It was noted by The Times of Israel that not all playlists with anti-Semitic names contained offensive songs.
When the online newspaper first reached out to Spotify, the company said they proactively remove offensive content listed by the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons, a German oversight agency.
“We take this topic very seriously. Content (artists and music) listed by the BPjM in Germany… is proactively removed from our service,” the company said in a statement.
“We’re a global company, so we use the BPjM index as a global standard for these issues. Other potentially hateful or objectionable content that is flagged by users or others but not on the BPjM list is handled on a case-by-case basis,” their statement continued.
After the news site published the story, Spotify vowed to remove the content flagged in the article.
“The user-generated content in question violates our policy and is in the process of being removed. Spotify prohibits any user content that is offensive, abusive, defamatory, pornographic, threatening, or obscene,” a spokesperson said.


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left Archie in Canada during royal exit

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 ) When Harry and Meghan dropped their “ Megxit ” bombshell on the royal family , their little boy Archie was back in Canada , where the family had spent a long Christmas holiday , The Post has learned .
After making the announcement in the UK Wednesday , Meghan flew right back to Canada to be with the 8 month old — leaving Prince Harry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s wrath , according to sources .
Harry and Meghan had flown from Vancouver back to the UK after their holiday vacation there to drop their bombshell , telling the royal family and the world that they plan to scale back their official duties , earn their own keep and move to “ North America ” at least part of the year .
They had left Archie behind in Vancouver with his nanny .
Markle called Canada home while acting the hit series “ Suits , ” which filmed in Toronto .

When Harry and Meghan dropped their “Megxit” bombshell on the royal family, their little boy Archie was back in Canada, where the family had spent a long Christmas holiday, The Post has learned.
After making the announcement in the UK Wednesday, Meghan flew right back to Canada to be with the 8 month old — leaving Prince Harry behind to deal with the royal family’s wrath, according to sources.
Harry and Meghan had flown from Vancouver back to the UK after their holiday vacation there to drop their bombshell, telling the royal family and the world that they plan to scale back their official duties, earn their own keep and move to “North America” at least part of the year.
They had left Archie behind in Vancouver with his nanny.
Markle called Canada home while acting in the hit series “Suits,” which filmed in Toronto.


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Queens man sentenced to 6 months for ‘one punch’ slaying

The 26-year-old man who fatally punched a former Gaelic football ...

A 26-year-old man was sentenced to six months in jail for fatally punching a former Gaelic football player from Ireland outside a Queens bar, the Queens District Attorney’s Office said Thursday.
Queens resident Steven O’Brien cold-cocked John “Danny” McGee, 21, during a fight outside of The Gaslight in Sunnyside early on the morning of Thanksgiving 2018.
McGee crumpled to the ground from the hit, suffered a cardiac episode and died at the hospital.
O’Brien initially pleaded not guilty to third-degree assault, but he changed his plea to guilty last November.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz explained in a press release that O’Brien’s case was considered a “one punch homicide — where a single blow results in death and the only intent that can be proved is to cause physical injury.”
The highest charge supported by the “facts” in such cases was assault in the third degree, Katz said.
McGee, who was originally from the village of Drumlish in County Longford, had been a popular member of the Father Manning Gaels football club.
“Everyone in the club is shocked and saddened at the tragic passing of Danny McGee in New York,” the club posted on Twitter after his death. “Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. RIP.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Albany lampoons Gov. Cuomo’s bizarre political poster

The stunning omission came despite his publicly admitting earlier this ...

Bernadette Hogan, Carl Campanile, Nolan Hicks

ALBANY — Apparently, marijuana is now legal in New York.
Gov. Cuomo released a trippy, nautically-themed illustration Thursday, that he says depicts the state’s fantastic odyssey during his three-term reign.
The poster-sized image — which immediately became the subject of mockery online — was personally designed by the governor and includes such off-the-wall touches as an octopus labeled “Intolerance” and a rock stairway of accomplishments that for some reason leads to a sheer cliff.
Cuomo’s masterpiece centers around an old-timey drawing of a sailing ship (helpfully labeled “Ship of State” in case you didn’t get it) navigating stormy seas along with numerous labels on every element, from the “The Reefs of Greed” to a squid called “Government Incompetence.”
There’s even a rainbow that he called “The arc of the moral universe” and not one, but two arrows pointing the way — right into a “Perfect Storm”-sized tidal wave.
The governor capped it off by putting the words “New York State The Progressive Capital Leading the Way” as the title — which he modeled after 19th centry political posters.
The governor spent two months sketching the image as he worked on his annual State of the State speech, said his staff, which would not comment on the record.
Cuomo used his campaign account to hire a painter, Brooklyn artist Rusty Zimmerman, to complete the work.
The Governor quickly found out that art critics can be as stinging as political critics.
“The only bit of truth here is that NY may very well be under water in the not too distant future,” said Twitter user @LoveandMir.
“I’m assuming the NYC subway system is under the waves?” tweeted Helen Graves.
User @fritolaysia highlighted a scale in the image labeled “Justice” that for some reason has three arms and quipped “That’s not how scales work?”
Many responded to the image online with a meme that mockingly said “graphic design is my passion.”
Cuomo’s staff handed out the posters to Albany lawmakers on Wednesday and Thursday.
One Albany insider called the poster design “strange” and said Cuomo was trying to dredge up metaphors and symbols like his father, former Gov. Mario Cuomo.
“We’ve gone from the wagon trail to the ‘ship of state’,” the source chuckled, comparing Andrew’s poster to Mario’s famed 1984 keynote speech to the Democratic National Convention.


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--State Speaker Carl Heastie is holding up efforts to fix bail reform

New York ’ s Legislature returns to work today , with one urgent ...

ALBANY — Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie says he has no intention of modifying New York’s controversial criminal justice system overhaul, which has enraged prosecutors, police and some judges by nixing most bail requirements and forcing early production of evidence in cases.
“I think I’m ready to let the law continue the way it is,” the powerful Bronx Democrat told reporters at the state Capitol Thursday. “We want safe communities but it is important to have a criminal justice system that treats everybody equally.”
He added: “I didn’t hear anybody screaming, and yelling or panicking, when Harvey Weinstein was able to put in a million dollars on bail, walk out of jail with all of the horrible things he did to people. So, we have to get out of this idea that bail equates to safety.”
But the pressure on Heastie continued to grow Thursday as even his fellow Democratic members of the Assembly told The Post it was becoming impossible to do nothing.
“I know we don’t want to change it, but I don’t see how we can ignore it, and not make any changes,” one legislator said.
On the other side of the building, state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said her chamber was open to reexamining portions of the reforms, which has been called for by everyone from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to Gov. Andrew Cuomo to NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea.
“I think we’re on day nine and I think I’ve always said that just today I think demonstrated every day that we listen we are interested in making the justice system just and we are paying attention as it continues to see if there are any necessary tweaks,” Stewart-Cousins (D-Westchester) said.
Republicans in the state Senate put forward a hostile amendment that would have repealed the reforms, which predictably failed.
Both Stewart-Cousins and Cuomo signaled in recent days they are open to providing judges with discretionary powers to remand into custody suspects they believe pose a safety risk to the public, which is a provision that New Jersey included in its bail overhaul.
Sources told The Post that Cuomo and the Senate Democrats favored including the measure in the original 2019 overhaul that was passed as part of the state budget, but Heastie objected at the time.
Getting rid of the requirement that suspects post bail to stay out of jail pending trial in New York’s criminal justice system became a top priority for liberal activists in recent years as a series of scandals about jail conditions and massive trial delays rocked New York’s criminal justice system.
In an infamous case, Kalief Browder spent three years on Rikers Island — two of them in solitary — awaiting trial in a joyriding case that Bronx prosecutors ultimately dropped. He later committed suicide.
But the reforms, too, have come under intense political pressure in recent weeks, in part because of the wave of hate crimes hitting Jewish communities in and around New York City.
Three-quarters of the 234 hate crimes investigated by New York City Police in 2019 were classified as aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor. That means judges can no longer set bail or remand suspects even when bias is a motivating factor.
Stewart-Cousins said Thursday that’s one element of the criminal justice reform she is considering tweaking.
“People are looking at whether or not hate crimes right now are being looked at in terms of the image that they do to a community to a group,” she said. “So, we’ll be looking at that.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Beyoncé and Jay-Z gift Reese Witherspoon case of Ace of Spades champagne

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 ) Reese Witherspoon arrived home in Los Angeles to a beautiful bouquet and a case of Jay-Z ’ s Armand de Brignac champagne — commonly referred to as Ace of Spades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his wife , Beyoncé .
“ I just got home from New York , and the most beautiful flowers are here and a case of Ace of Spades champagne , ” said the star , 43 , on her Instagram story .
The included note simply read “ More water — Jay and Bey.
” Witherspoon received the Carters ’ gift a day after the “ Big Little Lies ” star posted a Photoshopped meme of herself hovering over the couple while they sipped their personal brand during Sunday ’ s Golden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the drink with her mother , Betty , who called the bottle of bubbly “ delicious.
” Witherspoon agreed , telling the camera , “ it ’ s really good.
” “ Cheers guys , thank you so much !
” Reese ended the video while toasting with her mom .
Jay spent $ 200 million in 2014 to purchase the high-end libation .

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Reese Witherspoon arrived home in Los Angeles to a beautiful bouquet and a case of Jay-Z’s Armand de Brignac champagne — commonly referred to as Ace of Spades — gifted to her directly from Hov and his wife, Beyoncé.
“I just got home from New York, and the most beautiful flowers are here and a case of Ace of Spades champagne,” said the star, 43, on her Instagram story. The included note simply read “More water — Jay and Bey.”
Witherspoon received the Carters’ gift a day after the “Big Little Lies” star posted a Photoshopped meme of herself hovering over the couple while they sipped their personal brand during Sunday’s Golden Globes.
Reese shared her first sip of the drink with her mother, Betty, who called the bottle of bubbly “delicious.” Witherspoon agreed, telling the camera, “It’s really good.”
“Cheers guys, thank you so much!” Reese ended the video while toasting with her mom.
Jay spent $200 million in 2014 to purchase the high-end libation.


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--HBO in talks for ‘Parasite’ series by Bong Joon Ho, Adam McKay

HBO is in negotiations for a limited series based on one of the hottest movies of the year , Bong Joon Ho ’ s genre-bending “ Parasite.
” Bong and Adam McKay will craft the TV series adaptation , from CJ Entertainment , the studio behind the feature film , McKay ’ s Hyperobject Industries and Dooho Choi ’ s Kate Street Picture Company .
The “ Parasite ” series was hotly pursued by top streamers , including Netflix .
The in-demand Bong chose to set up the project at HBO , which has a strong track record in limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to “ Big Little Lies ” — and team up with “ Succession ” executive producer McKay , who is under a first-look deal at HBO/HBO Max .
Bong and McKay will executive produce with Choi for Kate Street , Mikey Le , Cho Young Ki and Francis Chung for CJ Entertainment and Kevin Messick for Hyperobject Industries .
CJ Entertainment ’ s Jerry Ko is co-executive producer and Fred Lee is a producer .
The project is a co-production of Kate Street Picture Company , CJ Entertainment and Hyperobject Industries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Bong and Han Jin Won , “ Parasite ” stars Song Kang Ho , Lee Sun Kyun , Cho Yeo Jeong , Choi Woo Shik , Park So Dam , Lee Jung Eun and Chang Hyae Jin .
The film , which revolves around the members of a poor family who together scheme to work in a wealthy household by posing as unrelated , highly qualified help , has become a global phenom , grossing $ 130 million worldwide so far ( $ 24 million in the U.S. ) with one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The awards season darling has continued to garner praise since winning the Palme d ’ Or in Cannes last May .
It is coming off its latest win for Best Foreign Language Film at Sunday ’ s Golden Globes , where it also had nominations for Best Director and Best Screenplay .
The movie is shortlisted for the Best International Feature Oscar and has already taken home an armful of prizes from critics bodies , including the top honor from the National Society of Film Critics .
“ Parasite ” is Bong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on from “ Barking Dogs Never Bite ” ( 2000 ) , “ Memories of Murder ” ( 2003 ) , “ The Host ” ( 2006 ) , “ Mother ” ( 2009 ) , ” Snowpiercer ” ( 2013 ) , and “ Okja ” ( 2017 ) .
Known for his cutting , socially incisive wit and twisting of genre conventions , Bong has continually raised questions about social institutions and the inequities of society with his unique blend of humor , emotion and suspense .
Choi is the producing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kate Street Picture Company .
He produced the films “ Okja ” and “ Snowpiercer ” and continues his collaboration with Bong across a number of projects including executive producing the upcoming TNT series based on “ Snowpiercer.
” CJ Entertainment is the film studio of CJ ENM Corporation , Korea ’ s leading entertainment conglomerate .
In addition to “ Parasite , ” CJ ’ s recently completed films include Drake Doremus ’ “ Endings , Beginnings , ” starring Shailene Woodley , Jamie Dornan and Sebastian Stan ( acquired by Samuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Extreme Job , ” one of two current collaborations with Kevin Hart and Universal Pictures on English language remakes of Korean hits , and dramedy , “ Bye , Bye , Bye ” based on the Korean hit “ Sunny .
”

HBO is in negotiations for a limited series based on one of the hottest movies of the year, Bong Joon Ho’s genre-bending “Parasite.”
Bong and Adam McKay will craft the TV series adaptation, from CJ Entertainment, the studio behind the feature film, McKay’s Hyperobject Industries and Dooho Choi’s Kate Street Picture Company.
The “Parasite” series was hotly pursued by top streamers, including Netflix. The in-demand Bong chose to set up the project at HBO, which has a strong track record in limited series — from “Band of Brothers” to “Big Little Lies” — and team up with “Succession” executive producer McKay, who is under a first-look deal at HBO/HBO Max.
Bong and McKay will executive produce with Choi for Kate Street, Mikey Le, Cho Young Ki and Francis Chung for CJ Entertainment and Kevin Messick for Hyperobject Industries. CJ Entertainment’s Jerry Ko is co-executive producer and Fred Lee is a producer. The project is a co-production of Kate Street Picture Company, CJ Entertainment and Hyperobject Industries.
Directed by Bong Joon Ho and written by Bong and Han Jin Won, “Parasite” stars Song Kang Ho, Lee Sun Kyun, Cho Yeo Jeong, Choi Woo Shik, Park So Dam, Lee Jung Eun and Chang Hyae Jin. The film, which revolves around the members of a poor family who together scheme to work in a wealthy household by posing as unrelated, highly qualified help, has become a global phenom, grossing $130 million worldwide so far ($24 million in the U.S.) with one of the most talked-about movie endings in years.
The awards season darling has continued to garner praise since winning the Palme d’Or in Cannes last May. It is coming off its latest win for Best Foreign Language Film at Sunday’s Golden Globes, where it also had nominations for Best Director and Best Screenplay. The movie is shortlisted for the Best International Feature Oscar and has already taken home an armful of prizes from critics bodies, including the top honor from the National Society of Film Critics.
“Parasite” is Bong’s seventh feature film, following on from “Barking Dogs Never Bite” (2000), “Memories of Murder” (2003), “The Host” (2006), “Mother” (2009), ” Snowpiercer” (2013), and “Okja” (2017).
Known for his cutting, socially incisive wit and twisting of genre conventions, Bong has continually raised questions about social institutions and the inequities of society with his unique blend of humor, emotion and suspense.
Choi is the producing partner of writer/director Bong and founder of Kate Street Picture Company. He produced the films “Okja” and “Snowpiercer” and continues his collaboration with Bong across a number of projects including executive producing the upcoming TNT series based on “Snowpiercer.”
CJ Entertainment is the film studio of CJ ENM Corporation, Korea’s leading entertainment conglomerate. In addition to “Parasite,” CJ’s recently completed films include Drake Doremus’ “Endings, Beginnings,” starring Shailene Woodley, Jamie Dornan and Sebastian Stan (acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films). Upcoming films are “Extreme Job,” one of two current collaborations with Kevin Hart and Universal Pictures on English language remakes of Korean hits, and dramedy, “Bye, Bye, Bye” based on the Korean hit “Sunny.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Greenwich hedge fund WorldQuant axes 130 staffers as quants struggle

Greenwich , Conn.-based WorldQuant has reportedly laid off about 130 employees and shuttered five overseas offices at the 700-person , $ 5 billion firm , which had been operating 20 offices around the globe .
Most of the cuts are reportedly being made in branches that are closing , including Bangkok , Mexico City and in Eastern Europe , according to Bloomberg .
It ’ s unclear whether any of the layoffs will hit its Connecticut offices in the posh Old Greenwich neighborhood on Long Island Sound .
WorldQuant was founded by former Millennium trader Igor Tulchinsky in 2007 as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Izzy Englander , who reportedly allocated as much as $ 25 billion a year to the fund as recently as 2017 .
The Belarus-born Tulchinsky is a former video-game programmer whose WorldQuant bio boasts that he finished his masters degree in Computer Science at the University of Texas in “ a record ” nine months .
He and his wife Valentina are regulars on the Hamptons social scene , and active in charities .
Last year , Tulchinsky received a Lifetime Achievement Award from crooner Michael Bolton ’ s charity .
The carnage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greenwich-based quant fund —AQR , run by billionaire trader Cliff Asness — was forced to announce that it was slashing headcount by up to 10 percent .
The back-to-back cuts by two separate quant firms suggests that the strategy — , which uses complex math algorithms to predict short-term market movements — may be losing its edge .
Quantitative trading has come to dominate the financial industry over the last decade .
But predicting short-term trades has become tougher in a marketplace driven by the President ’ s tweets , including those aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources said .
The saturation of quant funds have also made it much more difficult for funds to find an edge .
“ Everyone does the same thing , ” one former quant fund executive told The Post .
“ There is no secret sauce.
” Some old-school traders even say they are relishing the pain of the robot traders who have come to replace them .
“ These guys are engineering themselves into unemployment , ” said one non-quant trader .
“ I can ’ t say that I ’ m not @ @ @ @

It’s another bad day for hedge-fund quants.
Greenwich, Conn.-based WorldQuant has reportedly laid off about 130 employees and shuttered five overseas offices at the 750-person, $7.5 billion firm, which had been operating 29 offices around the globe.
Most of the cuts are reportedly being made in branches that are closing, including Bangkok, Mexico City and in Eastern Europe, according to Bloomberg. It’s unclear whether any of the layoffs will hit its Connecticut offices in the posh Old Greenwich neighborhood on Long Island Sound.
The firm didn’t return a request for comment.
WorldQuant was founded by former Millennium trader Igor Tulchinsky in 2007 as a math-based trading platform for Millennium founder Izzy Englander.
The Belarus-born Tulchinsky is a former video-game programmer whose WorldQuant bio boasts that he finished his master’s degree in computer science at the University of Texas in “a record” nine months.
He and onetime wife Valentina were regulars on the Hamptons social scene and active in charities. (A source said that the Tulchinskys divorced in early 2019.) Last year, Tulchinsky received a Lifetime Achievement Award from crooner Michael Bolton’s charity.
The carnage at WorldQuant comes a day after another Greenwich-based quant fund — AQR, run by billionaire trader Cliff Asness — was forced to announce that it was slashing headcount by up to 10 percent.
The back-to-back cuts by two separate quant firms suggests that the strategy — which uses complex math algorithms to predict short-term market movements — may be losing its edge.
Quantitative trading has come to dominate the financial industry over the last decade. But predicting short-term trades has become tougher in a marketplace driven by the president’s tweets, including those aimed at central bank chief Jerome Powell, sources said.
The saturation of quant funds has also made it much more difficult for funds to find an edge. “Everyone does the same thing,” one former quant fund executive told The Post. “There is no secret sauce.”
Some old-school traders even say they are relishing the pain of the robot traders who have come to replace them.
“These guys are engineering themselves into unemployment,” said one non-quant trader. “I can’t say that I’m not enjoying it.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--House votes to limit Trump’s war powers against Iran

The House on Thursday voted largely along party lines to approve a non-binding War Powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump ’ s ability to take military action against Iran .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the move was necessary after the drone attack that killed Qassem Soleimani , the top Iranian general , and Trump ’ s subsequent threats to escalate the conflict .
“ We have no illusions about Iran , no illusions about Soleimani , who was a terrible person , ” she said .
“ But it ’ s not about how bad they are , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , protecting the people in a way that prevents war and will not have us producing again and again generations of veterans who are suffering.
” The vote was 224 to 194 , with several apparent abstentions , three Republicans voting in favor and eight Democrats voting against it , including Rep. Max Rose of Staten Island , NY , who said Trump was justified in killing the Quds commander .
“ President Trump was justified in killing a terrorist who was responsible for the murder of hundreds of American service members and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kill more , ” Rose said .
“ Unfortunately , today ’ s War Powers Resolution is a non-binding resolution that simply restates existing law and sends the message that war is imminent .
I refuse to play politics with questions of war and peace and therefore will not support this resolution.
” The measure will go to the Senate , where several Republicans were expected to break with Trump in a vote as early as next week , and where a similar resolution has been proposed .

The House on Thursday voted largely along party lines to approve a non-binding war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump’s ability to take military action against Iran.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the move was necessary after the drone attack that killed Qassem Soleimani, the top Iranian general, and Trump’s subsequent threats to escalate the conflict. “We have no illusions about Iran, no illusions about Soleimani, who was a terrible person,” she said.
“But it’s not about how bad they are, it’s about how good we are, protecting the people in a way that prevents war and will not have us producing again and again generations of veterans who are suffering.”
The vote was 224-194, with several apparent abstentions, three Republicans voting in favor and eight Democrats voting against it, including Rep. Max Rose of Staten Island, NY, who said Trump was justified in killing the Quds Force commander.
“President Trump was justified in killing a terrorist who was responsible for the murder of hundreds of American service members and was in the process of planning to kill more,” Rose said.
“Unfortunately, today’s War Powers Resolution is a non-binding resolution that simply restates existing law and sends the message that war is imminent. I refuse to play politics with questions of war and peace and therefore will not support this resolution.”
The measure will next go to the Senate.
White House deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley later responded, “The President has the right and duty to protect this nation and our citizens from terrorism. That’s what he continues to do, and the world is safer for it.
“This House resolution tries to undermine the ability of the U.S. Armed Forces to prevent terrorist activity by Iran and its proxies, and attempts to hinder the President’s authority to protect America and our interests in the region from the continued threats. These Congressional actions are completely misguided. In fact, this ridiculous resolution is just another political move because, under well-established Supreme Court precedent, it’s non-binding and lacks the force of law,” he said in a statement issued ahead of the president’s rally in Toledo, Ohio.
“President Trump’s decision to strike Qassem Soleimani, the world’s leading terrorist, was the right course of action and authorized under his constitutional powers as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive as well as the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Vogue Italia releases photo-free January 2020 issue to lessen ‘environmental impact’ of shoots

Everyone ’ s favorite emojis are getting the IRL treatment .
Cosmetics company ...

Vogue Italia is looking old-fashioned in its first issue of the new year (and decade), altogether eschewing photo shoots in favor of more environmentally “sustainable” illustrations.
The new edition reportedly marks the first time a Vogue magazine has been photo-free since the introduction of photography into its pages, Editor-in-Chief Emanuele Farneti said.
“One hundred and fifty people involved. About twenty flights and a dozen or so train journeys. Forty cars on standby,” Farneti commented of the environmental toll taken to produce the eight fashion editorials featured in the mag’s September 2019 issue, traditionally Vogue’s biggest of the year.
“Sixty international deliveries. Lights switched on for at least ten hours non-stop, partly powered by gasoline-fueled generators. Food waste from the catering services,” he continued. “Plastic to wrap the garments. Electricity to recharge phones, cameras…”
The publication’s intention with its self-described “bold” move is to simply be “more sustainable” and lessen the “significant environmental impact associated with publishing a fashion magazine,” a Jan. 3 press release revealed.
In December, all 26 editors of the Conde Nast magazine signed a new mission statement vowing to increasingly celebrate diversity and community, while better preserving the planet, the Associated Press reports.
In creating the latest issue, the Vogue Italia team aimed to emphasize that art and fashion imagery can be produced without any “travel, shipping or waste” impact on the earth. The illustrated covers required no travel, while the issue itself features articles discussing “reborn” clothes made from scrap fabric and hand-me-downs.
The Vogue Italia brand will also shift its packaging to 100 percent compostable plastic wrap in the year ahead, the magazine confirmed.
According to Farneti, steering clear of pricey photo shoots in the January issue has also saved the publication money, which, in turn, will be donated to a Venice student foundation that was severely damaged by high-tide floods in November.
“Here’s to a new, beautiful and more sustainable decade,” the press release concluded.
Spokespeople for Vogue and Conde Nast Italy were not immediately available to offer further comment.


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Eggplant and peach-emoji bath products have arrived

Everyone ’ s favorite emojis are getting the IRL treatment .
Cosmetics company Lush has brought back their popular eggplant bath bombs .
The fizzling tub accouterments go hand-in-hand with a similarly cheeky peach bath bomb for a Valentine ’ s Day extravaganza .
The products are spitting images of the emojis used to signify sexy time .
Last year , the dirty masses bought 90,000 “ Eggplant ” and 165,000 “ Peachy ” bath bombs , according to the company .
So they ’ ve introduced new naughty products to their raunchy repertoire : fruity-scented eggplant and peach soaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same goes as last year : However tempted you may be by the 5-inch-long bath bombs , do not under any circumstance use them as sex toys .
Yes , doctors really did issue warnings last year , after pretty much everyone ’ s dirty minds went there .
“ We would strongly discourage the use of bath bombs internally , as these could disturb the fragile balance of good bacteria inside the vagina , ” Dr. Vanessa Mackay , a Scottish OB-GYN and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play responsibly and treat your bae , your bestie or even yourself to the peachiest presents possible .

Everyone’s favorite emojis are getting the IRL treatment.
Cosmetics company Lush has brought back their popular eggplant bath bombs. The fizzling tub accouterments go hand-in-hand with a similarly cheeky peach bath bomb for a Valentine’s Day extravaganza. The products are spitting images of the emojis used to signify sexy time.
Last year, the dirty masses bought 90,000 “Eggplant” and 165,000 “Peachy” bath bombs, according to the company. So they’ve introduced new naughty products to their raunchy repertoire: fruity-scented eggplant and peach soaps, priced at $6.95.
But same goes as last year: However tempted you may be by the 5-inch-long bath bombs, do not under any circumstance use them as sex toys. Yes, doctors really did issue warnings last year, after pretty much everyone’s dirty minds went there.
“We would strongly discourage the use of bath bombs internally, as these could disturb the fragile balance of good bacteria inside the vagina,” Dr. Vanessa Mackay, a Scottish OB-GYN and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, told Metro UK.
So, play responsibly and treat your bae, your bestie or even yourself to the peachiest presents possible.


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Video shows kid sent flying after hit by car in Brooklyn

Watch this clip before u get into a car to drive and watch it twice before u think about speeding !
It might save lives !
RE-TWEET !
pic.twitter.com/Dc2l3hL2rH Shocking dash-cam footage emerged Thursday showing a child running into a Brooklyn street and getting slammed by a car — just blocks from where a woman was fatally hit by a cement truck this week .
The boy tried to sprint across 55th Street between 14th Avenue and New Utrecht Avenue in Borough Park — just as a car approached Wednesday around 8 a.m. , according to the video posted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the air on impact , as the vehicle screeched to a halt .
He landed a couple of feet ahead of the car , with the contents of his backpack strewn across the cement , and then shot right back up and walked away , video shows .
Police didn ’ t have a report of the incident .
Ezra Friedlander told The Post he was sent the footage on a WhatsApp group and decided to share it as a warning to motorists .
“ Even if you ’ re driving within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and drive extra slowly , because God forbid a kid runs out , ” said the Borough Park resident .
Though the kid wasn ’ t looking before he crossed the street as he should have , Friedlander , 51 , said , “ In a community with so many children the onus is on us to be careful.
” “ You ’ re on a congested block , with lots of children around , so be careful.
” The public relations consultant added : “ Borough park is over congested [ and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make the light.
” “ That extra few seconds is not worth a life and this video illustrates that.
” The startling incident happened blocks from where 68-year-old Judith Wieder was killed Tuesday when a cement truck crashed into her as she crossed the street .

Watch this clip before u get into a car to drive and watch it twice before u think about speeding! It might save lives! RE-TWEET! pic.twitter.com/Dc2l3hL2rH
Shocking dash-cam footage emerged Thursday showing a child running into a Brooklyn street and getting slammed by a car — just blocks from where a woman was fatally hit by a cement truck this week.
The boy tried to sprint across 55th Street between 14th Avenue and New Utrecht Avenue in Borough Park — just as a car approached Wednesday around 8 a.m., according to the video posted on Twitter.
The child was sent flying into the air on impact, as the vehicle screeched to a halt.
He landed a couple of feet ahead of the car, with the contents of his backpack strewn across the cement, and then shot right back up and walked away, video shows.
Police didn’t have a report of the incident.
Ezra Friedlander told The Post he was sent the footage on a WhatsApp group and decided to share it as a warning to motorists.
“Even if you’re driving within the law, be smart about it and drive extra slowly, because God forbid a kid runs out,” said the Borough Park resident.
Though the kid wasn’t looking before he crossed the street as he should have, Friedlander, 51, said, “In a community with so many children the onus is on us to be careful.”
“You’re on a congested block, with lots of children around, so be careful.”
The public relations consultant added: “Borough park is over congested [and] people get frustrated because they want to make the light.”
“That extra few seconds is not worth a life and this video illustrates that.”
The startling incident happened blocks from where 68-year-old Judith Wieder was killed Tuesday when a cement truck crashed into her as she crossed the street.
Additional reporting by Craig McCarthy


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Edd Byrnes of ‘Grease’ fame dead at 86

Edd Byrnes of ‘Grease’ fame dead at 86

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens @ @ @ @ @ to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Veteran actor Edd Byrnes — @ @ @ @ @ as Vince Fontaine in 1978 musical “ Grease ” — is dead .
Byrnes passed @ @ @ @ @ Monica home Thursday of natural causes , TMZ reports .
He was 86 .
In @ @ @ @ @ ” Byrnes appeared on several television shows , including “ Charlie ’ s Angels , @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Married… With Children , ” “ Murder , She Wrote , ” “ @ @ @ @ @ Love Boat.
” He leaves behind his longtime partner Catherine Gross and son , Logan @ @ @ @ @ in San Diego who remembered his father in a touching Twitter post .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ grief that I share with you the passing of my father Edd Byrnes , ” @ @ @ @ @ was an amazing man and one of my best friends .
”

Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
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Veteran actor Edd Byrnes — best known for his role as Vince Fontaine in 1978 musical “Grease” — is dead.
Byrnes passed away unexpectedly in his Santa Monica home Thursday of natural causes, TMZ reports. He was 86.
In addition to “Grease,” Byrnes appeared on several television shows, including “Charlie’s Angels,” “Fantasy Island,” “Married… With Children,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Maverick” and “The Love Boat.”
He leaves behind his longtime partner Catherine Gross and son, Logan, a news anchor based in San Diego who remembered his father in a touching Twitter post.
“It is with profound sadness and grief that I share with you the passing of my father Edd Byrnes,” Logan wrote. “He was an amazing man and one of my best friends.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Women created bogus Sandy Hook benefit concert, blew money shopping: feds

A foundation started by residents of Newtown , Conn. , called for ...

Two women were arrested for allegedly concocting a bogus Sandy Hook benefit concert they claimed would feature Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars — then blowing investors’ cash on a car and a Saks shopping spree instead, according to federal authorities.
Posing as booking agents for the event, Nancy Jean and Carissa Scott told would-be backers the December 2019 show in San Antonio, Texas would help Sandy Hook Promise — a charity formed by families who lost loved ones in the 2012 mass shooting in Connecticut, a criminal complaint filed Thursday in Brooklyn federal court alleges.
Between September and December 2019, the women allegedly told their wealthy marks it would cost at least $800,000 for Timberlake to play the concert and $600,000 for Mars.
They also promised they could deliver other big-name stars including Lady Gaga, Drake and Usher, according to the court docs.
On Oct. 31, an unnamed investor wired Scott, of Mississippi, $100,000 as a deposit to lock down Timberlake.
But the women never had even had contact with the “SoulMate” singer or his reps — and instead used some of the dough to pay for a Mercedes-Benz, shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue and more than $8,700 in cash withdrawals, the criminal complaint alleges.
A manager for Timberlake told prosecutors he “had never heard of any concert in San Antonio, Texas” and that the star had never signed up for the act, according to the court documents. A manager for Mars said the same thing.
The women were busted after they allegedly tried to pull the scam on an FBI agent posing as Brooklyn-based financier, according to the court papers.
During a conference call on Dec. 3, Scott allegedly told the agent that Timberlake and Mars were “frustrated and worried the concert was a joke, and had demanded[ed] full deposits,” according to the court docs.
“If we want to move forward with whomever we choose to move forward, we need to have that deposit up front,” Jean added, per court docs.
Both women were arrested Wednesday at JFK airport and charged with wire fraud.
“As alleged, the defendants viewed a fundraiser for a charity formed to protect children from gun violence as an opportunity to commit fraud and line their own pockets,” US Attorney Richard Donoghue said in a statement.
“Simple stealing is bad enough, this is worse.”
Sandy Hook Promise is a non-profit that works to protect children from gun violence. It was created by families of those killed when a gunman opened fire on kids at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 14, 2012.
On Thursday, Scott and Jean were both hauled before a judge in Brooklyn and were released on $75,000 bond.
A judge prohibited them from working as booking agents or promoters while they await trial.
They both declined to comment.


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Even in bad movies, Kristen Stewart’s crushing it

Kristen Stewart ’ s latest movie , “ Underwater , ” is not what you would call great art .
Or even a decent movie .
It ’ s a campy horror flick with a premise and visuals that are equally murky ( to be fair , it ’ s hard to see when you ’ re at the bottom of the ocean and there are tiny pieces of your imploded colleagues floating all around you ) .
Still , like many a film before it , Stewart , 29 , gives a performance that makes you want to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ William Eubank ( “ The Signal ” ) has her inexplicably running around in her underwear while playing an engineer whose deep-sea space station is disintegrating .
With her blond buzz cut and gruff heroism , Stewart taps into a Ripley-from- “ Aliens ” vibe even while the movie around her , like its infrastructure , falls apart .
This is the genius of Stewart , who rose from the ashes of the cheesy but popular “ Twilight ” franchise to blossom into a virtuoso actor who refuses to be pigeonholed .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vampire movies , Stewart broadcast her intention to break away from her starlet image , taking the role of Joan Jett in the 2010 rock biopic “ The Runaways , ” and two years later a small part in an adaptation of the Beat classic “ On the Road.
” Neither turned out to be a hit , but Stewart ’ s portrayal of Jett got a lot more acclaim than the movie itself — and , as it turned out , she didn ’ t seem to care much what anyone thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For a while she was relentlessly mocked in the media for not smiling in photos , and then scrutinized for being caught in a clinch with her “ Snow White and the Huntsman ” director Rupert Sanders , who was married .
During her first gig hosting “ Saturday Night Live ” in 2017 , she made fun of the president for tweeting about her then-defunct relationship with “ Twilight ” co-star Robert Pattinson , adding , “ If you didn ’ t like me then , you ’ re really not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m hosting ‘ SNL ’ and I ’ m like , so gay , dude.
” Over the past few years Stewart ’ s built up an interesting and wildly diverse résumé , careening from indies like 2019 ’ s “ JT Leroy , ” in which she played a woman who became infamous for playing a non-existent male literary wunderkind , to last year ’ s “ Charlies Angels , ” a reboot that won as many raves for Stewart ’ s daring , funny action-hero performance as it did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played the love interest of ax murderess Lizzie Borden in 2018 ’ s “ Lizzie , ” and an activist film icon in last year ’ s “ Seberg ” — yet another movie in which her acting chops surpassed the project around her .
To see Stewart at her best , check out a pair of roles in films from French director Olivier Assayas : 2014 ’ s “ Clouds of Sils Maria ” and 2016 ’ s “ Personal Shopper.
” To see her at her goofiest , track down her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from “ SNL ” or the 2015 action-comedy “ American Ultra ” co-starring Jesse Eisenberg .
I submit that the “ Twilight ” movies themselves are enjoyable for Stewart ’ s increasingly twitchy performances as she realizes what a ridiculous franchise she ’ s become the center of .
To witness a good actor in a bad wig and garish makeup trying to convincingly portray the center of a deadly serious vampire-werewolf love triangle can be great entertainment , of a sort .
( Not to mention generating the kind of money that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the road . )
Besides , Stewart seemed to take the “ Twilight ” reputation in stride , saying in 2014 : “ I stand by every mistake I ’ ve ever made , so judge away.
” No judgment here : Even Stewart ’ s mistakes are proving great fun to watch .

Kristen Stewart’s latest movie, “Underwater,” is not what you would call great art. Or even a decent movie. It’s a campy horror flick with a premise and visuals that are equally murky (to be fair, it’s hard to see when you’re at the bottom of the ocean and there are tiny pieces of your imploded colleagues floating all around you).
Still, like many a film before it, Stewart, 29, gives a performance that makes you want to keep watching — and not just because director William Eubank (“The Signal”) has her inexplicably running around in her underwear while playing an engineer whose deep-sea space station is disintegrating. With her blond buzz cut and gruff heroism, Stewart taps into a Ripley-from-“Aliens” vibe even while the movie around her, like its infrastructure, falls apart.
This is the genius of Stewart, who rose from the ashes of the cheesy but popular “Twilight” franchise to blossom into a virtuoso actor who refuses to be pigeonholed.
Even during the run of that series of vampire movies, Stewart broadcast her intention to break away from her starlet image, taking the role of Joan Jett in the 2010 rock biopic “The Runaways,” and two years later a small part in an adaptation of the Beat classic “On the Road.” Neither turned out to be a hit, but Stewart’s portrayal of Jett got a lot more acclaim than the movie itself — and, as it turned out, she didn’t seem to care much what anyone thought about her choices or her life anyway.
For a while she was relentlessly mocked in the media for not smiling in photos, and then scrutinized for being caught in a clinch with her “Snow White and the Huntsman” director Rupert Sanders, who was married. During her first gig hosting “Saturday Night Live” in 2017, she made fun of the president for tweeting about her then-defunct relationship with “Twilight” co-star Robert Pattinson, adding, “If you didn’t like me then, you’re really not going to like me now, because I’m hosting ‘SNL’ and I’m like, so gay, dude.”
Over the past few years Stewart’s built up an interesting and wildly diverse résumé, careening from indies like 2019’s “JT Leroy,” in which she played a woman who became infamous for playing a non-existent male literary wunderkind, to last year’s “Charlies Angels,” a reboot that won as many raves for Stewart’s daring, funny action-hero performance as it did mockery for its overall lameness. She played the love interest of ax murderess Lizzie Borden in 2018’s “Lizzie,” and an activist film icon in last year’s “Seberg” — yet another movie in which her acting chops surpassed the project around her.
To see Stewart at her best, check out a pair of roles in films from French director Olivier Assayas: 2014’s “Clouds of Sils Maria” and 2016’s “Personal Shopper.” To see her at her goofiest, track down her Totino’s Pizza Rolls ad parody from “SNL” or the 2015 action-comedy “American Ultra” co-starring Jesse Eisenberg.
I submit that the “Twilight” movies themselves are enjoyable for Stewart’s increasingly twitchy performances as she realizes what a ridiculous franchise she’s become the center of. To witness a good actor in a bad wig and garish makeup trying to convincingly portray the center of a deadly serious vampire-werewolf love triangle can be great entertainment, of a sort. (Not to mention generating the kind of money that allows one to make interesting choices down the road.) Besides, Stewart seemed to take the “Twilight” reputation in stride, saying in 2014: “I stand by every mistake I’ve ever made, so judge away.”
No judgment here: Even Stewart’s mistakes are proving great fun to watch.


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Doors on pricey new subway cars opened mid-trip: MTA

The MTA has yanked its 300 newest subway cars off ...

The doors on one of the MTA’s newest subway cars burst open about four inches mid-trip last month — prompting the agency to yank the nearly 300 trains from service, officials revealed Thursday.
As a result, ancient cars — some dating back to 1964 — have been hauled back into service.
The transit authority’s decision on Wednesday to remove 298 pricey R179 trains — which run on the A, C, J and Z lines — began with the Dec. 24 incident in which doors on a southbound C Train opened in between stations, city transit boss Andy Byford said at a press conference.
That train lurched to a stop and riders had to be evacuated, Byford said.
Then, on Jan. 3., another R179 train stopped at Jay Street, MetroTech indicated that its doors were open — even though they weren’t.
Canadian manufacturer Bombardier Transportation alerted the MTA on Tuesday night that its evaluation of the two incidents found there was a mechanical problem with the doors, which it believed to be systemic, Byford said.
The MTA decided to pull the cars until the problem is fixed and Bombardier installs a new software on the trains, Byford said.
“We acted here out of an abundance of caution. We do not believe that any passenger was in harms way,” he told reporters.
Subway incident reports show that R179s have had at least four other incidents involving door issues — specifically related to display screens that say whether or not doors are closed — since they were launched in 2017.
“They always had door motor issues,” one train conductor told The Post. “They wouldn’t close right sometimes and you’d have to cut them out.”
“If the doors aren’t closed and locked you can’t proceed,” the conductor added.
As of Thursday, 24 of the cars had been inspected, Byford said. The MTA didn’t have an estimated time frame for when they would be back in service.
Until then, R32 trains, which were built from 1964 to 65 — and had recently been taken out of service — will run on the C Line. R46 trains, hailing from the mid-70s will run on the A line. And R143, R160 and R42 trains will run on the J/Z Line.
“At the end of the day, there’s a reason why we’re replacing older trains with new trains. It’s not ideal having these older trains still in service,” Byford said.
In December, city Comptroller Scott Stringer accused the MTA of shoddy oversight of its $600 million R179 purchase, which has suffered from years of costly delays.
Transit officials are exploring legal options for holding Bombardier accountable, Byford said. The company had already agreed to build an additional 18 trains as collateral for the previous delays.


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--New York strikes deal on stretch limo seat belts after tragic upstate crash

ALBANY — State lawmakers have struck a deal that would require operators of stretch limos to retrofit their vehicles with seat belts by 2023 , The Post has learned .
New stretch limos will be required to have seat belts beginning in 2021 .
The new rules come after a tragic October 2018 upstate limo crash killed 20 people — including all 17 people riding in one limo .
The National Transportation Safety Board released a safety recommendation report in October concluding seat belts would have saved the lives of some passengers — if they had been wearing them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were wearing the belts , as examinations of the retrofitted 2001 Ford Excursion showed belts were not easily accessible in the converted vehicle .
New York law does not currently require limousines to have seat belts in the back seat .
Families who lost loved ones in the horrific Schoharie crash as well as another accident in Cutchogue , Long Island , in July 2015 , support the fixes .
“ None of this progress could have been made without the families of the victims involved in the limo crashes in Schoharie and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sponsors , state Sen. Tim Kennedy ( D-Buffalo ) .
“ These families have truly channeled their grief into action , and have been the driving force behind enacting these stricter regulations.
” The state Senate passed a package of similar bills last June , which failed to clear the Assembly .
Other changes include requiring stretch limos to have built-in GPS tracking systems , adding criminal and financial penalties for illegal U-turns and new drug and alcohol test requirements for drivers .

ALBANY — State lawmakers have struck a deal that would require operators of stretch limos to retrofit their vehicles with seat belts by 2023, The Post has learned.
New stretch limos will be required to have seat belts beginning in 2021.
The new rules come after a tragic October 2018 upstate limo crash killed 20 people — including all 17 people riding in one limo.
The National Transportation Safety Board released a safety recommendation report in October concluding seat belts would have saved the lives of some passengers — if they had been wearing them.
Investigators found not one of the passengers were wearing the belts, as examinations of the retrofitted 2001 Ford Excursion showed belts were not easily accessible in the converted vehicle.
New York law does not currently require limousines to have seat belts in the back seat.
Families who lost loved ones in the horrific Schoharie crash as well as another accident in Cutchogue, Long Island, in July 2015, support the fixes.
“None of this progress could have been made without the families of the victims involved in the limo crashes in Schoharie and Cutchogue,” said one of its sponsors, state Sen. Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo).
“These families have truly channeled their grief into action, and have been the driving force behind enacting these stricter regulations.”
The state Senate passed a package of similar bills last June, which failed to clear the Assembly.
Other changes include requiring stretch limos to have built-in GPS tracking systems, adding criminal and financial penalties for illegal U-turns and new drug and alcohol test requirements for drivers.


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Camp Warren sets aside its fears and other commentary

Eye on 2020 : Camp Warren Sets Aside Its Fears “ Underneath all the enthusiasm ” at Liz Warren ’ s Tuesday rally in Brooklyn “ was a creeping nervousness about her diminished standing in the race , ” reports The Atlantic ’ s Russell Berman .
She had little to say about the Iran crisis , then at its peak .
Yet her supporters offered “ one dominant theory ” for why she “ recently lost her lead ” in the polls in the wake of “ sustained criticism she received from her rivals over her detailed plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” : “ It ’ s because she ’ s a woman.
” Her “ new sidekick , ” ex-candidate Julián Castro , pushed the claim that she is the only candidate “ who can unite the entire Democratic Party.
” But it was tellingly “ light on specifics.
” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell “ bested ” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer when they schemed to withhold the articles of impeachment from the Senate , cheers Scott Jennings at CNN , because McConnell had something they didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” From the start , McConnell insisted the Senate should treat Trump “ the same way it treated ” President Bill Clinton in 1998 .
Schumer complained that McConnell had compromised himself by prejudging the case against President Trump , yet that ’ s “ the height of hypocrisy , ” as Schumer ran for the Senate promising that he would vote to acquit Clinton .
Bottom line : Pelosi and Schumer failed in their bid to dictate Senate rules , and they will “ fail to remove President Trump from office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have gone more poorly ” for the Democrats if they tried .
For most of Sen. Cory Booker ’ s career , he ’ s been “ at the center of establishment politics.
” No longer , notes Insider NJ ’ s Bob Hennelly : Booker may not make the next Democratic debate , just as he couldn ’ t qualify for the last one .
Democratic Party rules are turning “ the most diverse field ” in its history into one skewing “ whiter and wealthier.
” Booker is right to claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , who “ don ’ t have the money that billionaires have , ” unfairly — as have the establishment media .
Hennelly blasts the DNC for basing a debate invitation on the number of donors and amount of cash candidates have .
Add to that the “ lack of voters of colors ” in Iowa and New Hampshire , and “ the whole contraption starts to look more like the Electoral College than a free and open contest.
” The idea that Pete Buttigieg secretly works for the CIA , once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fever swamps , ” is “ appearing in more mainstream channels , ” sighs The Daily Beast ’ s Scott Bixby .
Conspiracy theorists found “ the perceived threats of neoliberal imperialists and the ‘ deep state ’ converging in the unlikely form of a dweebish Midwestern mayor ” when he announced his Democratic presidential run .
“ If you created a CIA asset in a lab , you ’ d wind up with Pete Buttigieg , ” one believer says , citing the “ Harvard-to-Oxford educational pipeline , his service as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stint at McKinsey ” and endorsements from “ more than 200 national-security and intelligence figures.
” It ’ s a sign of liberal distrust of shadowy institutions , but the theory ’ s move to mainstream is familiar : After all , a February 2016 poll found that 1 in 10 Florida voters  “ believe Sen. Ted Cruz was the Zodiac Killer.
” “ American universities are morphing into Orwellian dystopias — tracking students ’ movements , regulating faculty thought and actions ” and “ molding ” kids “ to be comfortable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retired University of Maryland prof Peter Morici at The Washington Times .
Syracuse , the University of North Carolina and others “ are installing Wi-Fi apps and Bluetooth devices to monitor class attendance and visits to libraries , recreation centers ” and other campus sites .
They will use the information they collect “ to create profiles that reward good learning habits ” — and ultimately “ Stepford Students.
” Alas , the use of “ electronic nannies ” deprives kids of learning good skills on their own .
And it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control .
”

Eye on 2020: Camp Warren Sets Aside Its Fears
“Underneath all the enthusiasm” at Liz Warren’s Tuesday rally in Brooklyn “was a creeping nervousness about her diminished standing in the race,” reports The Atlantic’s Russell Berman. She had little to say about the Iran crisis, then at its peak. Yet her supporters offered “one dominant theory” for why she “recently lost her lead” in the polls in the wake of “sustained criticism she received from her rivals over her detailed plan to pay for her Medicare for All proposal”: “It’s because she’s a woman.” Her “new sidekick,” ex-candidate Julián Castro, pushed the claim that she is the only candidate “who can unite the entire Democratic Party.” But it was tellingly “light on specifics.”
Impeach beat: Pelosi and Schumer’s Epic Fail
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell “bested” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer when they schemed to withhold the articles of impeachment from the Senate, cheers Scott Jennings at CNN, because McConnell had something they didn’t: a “reasonable argument.” From the start, McConnell insisted the Senate should treat Trump “the same way it treated” President Bill Clinton in 1998. Schumer complained that McConnell had compromised himself by prejudging the case against President Trump, yet that’s “the height of hypocrisy,” as Schumer ran for the Senate promising that he would vote to acquit Clinton. Bottom line: Pelosi and Schumer failed in their bid to dictate Senate rules, and they will “fail to remove President Trump from office,” too. “This could not have gone more poorly” for the Democrats if they tried.
From the left: Dems’ White, Wealthy Wannabes
For most of Sen. Cory Booker’s career, he’s been “at the center of establishment politics.” No longer, notes Insider NJ’s Bob Hennelly: Booker may not make the next Democratic debate, just as he couldn’t qualify for the last one. Democratic Party rules are turning “the most diverse field” in its history into one skewing “whiter and wealthier.” Booker is right to claim the Democratic National Committee treats candidates like him, who “don’t have the money that billionaires have,” unfairly — as have the establishment media. Hennelly blasts the DNC for basing a debate invitation on the number of donors and amount of cash candidates have. Add to that the “lack of voters of colors” in Iowa and New Hampshire, and “the whole contraption starts to look more like the Electoral College than a free and open contest.”
Conspiracy watch: The Rising ‘Pete Is CIA’ Claim
The idea that Pete Buttigieg secretly works for the CIA, once restricted to the “Internet’s fever swamps,” is “appearing in more mainstream channels,” sighs The Daily Beast’s Scott Bixby. Conspiracy theorists found “the perceived threats of neoliberal imperialists and the ‘deep state’ converging in the unlikely form of a dweebish Midwestern mayor” when he announced his Democratic presidential run. “If you created a CIA asset in a lab, you’d wind up with Pete Buttigieg,” one believer says, citing the “Harvard-to-Oxford educational pipeline, his service as a Navy intelligence officer in Afghanistan after a stint at McKinsey” and endorsements from “more than 200 national-security and intelligence figures.” It’s a sign of liberal distrust of shadowy institutions, but the theory’s move to mainstream is familiar: After all, a February 2016 poll found that 1 in 10 Florida voters “believe Sen. Ted Cruz was the Zodiac Killer.”
Prof: Colleges Are Creating Stepford Students
“American universities are morphing into Orwellian dystopias — tracking students’ movements, regulating faculty thought and actions” and “molding” kids “to be comfortable with authoritarian state control,” warns retired University of Maryland prof Peter Morici at The Washington Times. Syracuse, the University of North Carolina and others “are installing Wi-Fi apps and Bluetooth devices to monitor class attendance and visits to libraries, recreation centers” and other campus sites. They will use the information they collect “to create profiles that reward good learning habits” — and ultimately “Stepford Students.” Alas, the use of “electronic nannies” deprives kids of learning good skills on their own. And it’s only “a short step to thought control.”
— Compiled by The Post Editorial Board


newyorkpost--2020-01-09--Mets invite Tim Tebow, top pitching prospects to spring training

Not many prospects who bat .163 at Triple-A get invited to spring training , but not many of them are @ @ @ @ @ .
The former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback was one of 15 non-roster players invited Thursday by @ @ @ @ @ in Port St. Lucie next month .
The invite clearly is more of a business @ @ @ @ @ League tickets than a baseball one by the Mets .
The 32-year-old Tebow was hitting @ @ @ @ @ runs and a paltry .495 OPS in 77 games for Triple-A Syracuse last season when @ @ @ @ @ injury in August .
The previous season , he had produced a slash line of @ @ @ @ @ Double-A Binghamton –- earning an Eastern League All-Star designation — before suffering a broken bone @ @ @ @ @ pitchers David Peterson , the team ’ s 2017 first-round pick , and Kevin Smith @ @ @ @ @ minor-league pitcher of the year in 2019 , also were among those to receive invites @

Not many prospects who bat .163 at Triple-A get invited to spring training, but not many of them are named Tim Tebow, either.
The former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback was one of 15 non-roster players invited Thursday by the Mets to spring training in Port St. Lucie next month.
The invite clearly is more of a business decision aimed at selling Grapefruit League tickets than a baseball one by the Mets.
The 32-year-old Tebow was hitting just .163 with four home runs and a paltry .495 OPS in 77 games for Triple-A Syracuse last season when he suffered a season-ending finger injury in August.
The previous season, he had produced a slash line of .273/.336/.399 in 84 games at Double-A Binghamton –- earning an Eastern League All-Star designation — before suffering a broken bone in his hand.
Left-handed pitchers David Peterson, the team’s 2017 first-round pick, and Kevin Smith, the organization’s minor-league pitcher of the year in 2019, also were among those to receive invites.


newyorkpost--2020-01-10--US gives Ukraine president ‘important data’ on deadly plane crash in Iran

The US has handed over to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “ important data ” about the deadly plane crash in Iran ahead of a call later Friday with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said Friday .
“ President Volodymyr Zelensky and I met with US representatives , ” Prystaiko said in a post on Twitter without elaborating on the nature of the data and what it signified .
“ We have received important data which will be processed by our experts.
” Zelensky said earlier the possibility that a missile downed the Ukrainian Boeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had not been ruled out but it had not been confirmed yet .
Meanwhile , American , Canadian and French representatives plan to travel to Tehran to attend meetings for the Iran-led probe into the crash , Iranian state media reported Friday .
“ As soon as they will arrive they will attend the meetings to investigate reasons for the crash , ” IRNA reported .
Canada and other countries said the plane was brought down by an Iranian missile , probably by mistake .
Iran is denying that Ukraine International Airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missile .
Ali Abedzadeh , the head of Iran ’ s Civil Aviation Organization , told a news conference he was “ certain that no missiles hit the aircraft.
” “ If they are really sure , they should come and show their findings to the world ” in accordance with international standards , he added .
Hassan Rezaeifar , who heads the Iranian investigation team , said recovering data from the voice and data flight recorders could take more than a month and that the entire probe could stretch into next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help from international experts if it is not able to extract the recordings from the “ black boxes.
” The air disaster unfolded just hours after Iran fired 22 ballistic missiles at military bases hosting US troops in Iraq in retaliation for the US drone strike that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad last week .

The US has handed over to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “important data” about the deadly plane crash in Iran ahead of a call later Friday with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said Friday.
“President Volodymyr Zelensky and I met with US representatives,” Prystaiko said in a post on Twitter without elaborating on the nature of the data and what it signified. “We have received important data which will be processed by our experts.”
Zelensky said earlier the possibility that a missile downed the Ukrainian Boeing 737, killing all 176 people board, had not been ruled out but it had not been confirmed yet.
Meanwhile, American, Canadian and French representatives plan to travel to Tehran to attend meetings for the Iran-led probe into the crash, Iranian state media reported Friday.
“As soon as they will arrive they will attend the meetings to investigate reasons for the crash,” IRNA reported.
Canada and other countries said the plane was brought down by an Iranian missile, probably by mistake.
Iran is denying that Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was hit by a missile.
Ali Abedzadeh, the head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, told a news conference he was “certain that no missiles hit the aircraft.”
“If they are really sure, they should come and show their findings to the world” in accordance with international standards, he added.
Hassan Rezaeifar, who heads the Iranian investigation team, said recovering data from the voice and data flight recorders could take more than a month and that the entire probe could stretch into next year.
He also said Iran may request help from international experts if it is not able to extract the recordings from the “black boxes.”
The air disaster unfolded just hours after Iran fired 22 ballistic missiles at military bases hosting US troops in Iraq in retaliation for the US drone strike that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad last week.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-01-10--Mystery fart hot-boxes packed train: ‘Open the doors!’

No one fessed up to this alleged fart that tormented a crowded train car in Australia .
Watch the hilarious @ @ @ @ @ , traveling from Glenelg to Adelaide , including one woman holding her nose and a @ @ @ @ @ the doors !
We ’ re going to die !
” “ The smell was @ @ @ @ @ to the crime , ” passenger Ebony Jade said .

No one fessed up to this alleged fart that tormented a crowded train car in Australia. Watch the hilarious reactions from the tram riders, traveling from Glenelg to Adelaide, including one woman holding her nose and a man exclaiming, “Open the doors! We’re going to die!” “The smell was mind-boggling. Nobody owned up to the crime,” passenger Ebony Jade said.
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newyorkpost--2020-01-10--Iran denies shooting down Ukranian jet over Tehran

TEHRAN , Iran — Iran on Friday denied Western allegations a Ukrainian jetliner that crashed outside Tehran was brought down by an Iranian missile and called on the U.S. and Canada to share any information they have on the crash , which killed all 176 people on board .
Western leaders said the plane appeared to have been unintentionally hit by a surface-to-air missile near Tehran , just hours after Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles at two U.S. bases in Iraq to avenge the killing of its top general in an American airstrike last week .
“ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can say with certainty , is that no missile hit the plane , ” Ali Abedzadeh , head of Iran ’ s national aviation department , told a press conference .
“ If they are really sure , they should come and show their findings to the world ” in accordance with international standards , he added .
Hassan Rezaeifar , the head of Iranian investigation team on Friday told the same press conference that recovering data from the black box flight recorders could take more than a month and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also said Iran may request help from international experts if it is not able to extract the flight recordings .
The ballistic missile attack on the bases in Iraq caused no casualties , raising hopes that the standoff over the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani would end relatively peacefully , though Iran has sent mixed signals over whether its retaliation is complete .
If the U.S. or Canada were to present incontrovertible evidence that the plane was shot down by Iran , even if unintentionally , it could have a dramatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Iranian public had rallied around the leadership after the killing of Soleimani last Friday , with hundreds of thousands joining the general ’ s funeral processions in several cities , in an unprecedented display of grief and unity .
But sentiments in Iran are still raw over the government ’ s crackdown on large-scale protests late last year sparked by the worsening economic situation .
Several hundred protesters were reported to have been killed in the clampdown .
Those fissures could quickly break open again if public evidence is presented that Iranian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 176 people , mainly Iranians or dual Iranian-Canadian citizens .
The state-run IRNA news agency quoted a Foreign Ministry spokesman as saying Iran “ has invited both Ukraine and the Boeing company to participate in the investigations.
” The spokesman , Abbas Mousavi , said it will also welcome experts from other countries ’ whose citizens died in the crash .
Iran had initially said it would not allow Boeing to take part in the probe , going against prevailing international norms on crash investigations .
It later invited the U.S. accident-investigating agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The National Transportation Safety Board said late Thursday that it would “ evaluate its level of participation , ” but its role could be limited by U.S. sanctions on Iran .
U.S. officials have also expressed concern about sending employees to Iran because of the heightened tensions .
Under rules set by a United Nations aviation organization , the NTSB is entitled to participate because the crash involved a Boeing 737-800 jet that was designed and built in the U.S .
There was no immediate comment from Boeing .
U.S. , Canadian and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly likely ” that Iran shot down the Boeing 737 that crashed near Tehran late Tuesday .
U.S. officials said the jetliner might have been mistakenly identified as a threat .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau , whose country lost at least 63 citizens in the downing , said “ we have intelligence from multiple sources including our allies and our own intelligence.
” “ The evidence indicates that the plane was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile , ” he said .
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. officials did not say what intelligence they had that pointed to an Iranian missile , believed to be fired by Russian Tor system , known to NATO as the SA-15 .
But they acknowledged the existence of satellites and other sensors in the region , as well as the likelihood of communication interceptions and other similar intelligence .
Western countries may hesitate to share information on such a strike because it comes from highly classified sources .
Ukraine ’ s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said “ the missile theory is not ruled out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet.
” In a Facebook post , he reiterated his call “ on all international partners ” — the U.S. , Britain and Canada in particular — to share data and evidence relevant to the crash .
He also announced plans to discuss the investigation with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo later on Friday .
Iranian officials initially said the plane appeared to have crashed because of technical difficulties .
A preliminary Iranian investigative report released Thursday said that the airliner pilots never made a radio call for help and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the airport when the burning plane went down .
The Iranian report suggested that a sudden emergency struck the Boeing 737 , operated by Ukrainian International Airlines , just minutes after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran early Wednesday .
Abedzadeh , the senior aviation official , had earlier said that by law there is “ full coordination ” between the country ’ s air defenses and the civil aviation system .
He said it is “ absolutely impossible ” that the armed forces would shoot down a civilian plane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black box flight recorders , saying they are “ damaged ” but readable , which may shed further light on what caused the crash .
Ukraine said Iranian authorities allowed Ukrainian investigators to examine fragments of the plane late Thursday .
“ It is too early on in the investigation to reveal specific details , ” the statement from the Ukraine president ’ s office said .
It added that DNA is being collected from relatives of Ukrainians who died in the crash in order to identify the bodies .

Tehran has challenged Western leaders to prove that an Iranian missile downed a Ukrainian airliner, describing the claims as “psychological warfare” against the Islamic Republic.
“What is obvious for us, and what we can say with certainty, is that no missile hit the plane,” said Ali Abedzadeh, head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization.
“If they are really sure, they should come and show their findings to the world,” he added, according to Sky News.
Officials in the US, UK, Canada and Australia have said that the most likely explanation for the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 is that it was hit by a Russian-made Tor M-1 surface-to-air missile.
All 176 people aboard were killed when the plane crashed minutes after takeoff from Tehran en route to the Ukrainian capital, Kiev. Among the dead were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and four Britons.
In addition to existing intelligence, a video appears to show the moment the Boeing 737-800 was struck by a missile.
The footage shows a ball of fire coming from left to right — the missile — and the plane is seen more clearly coming from the opposite direction. A few seconds later, an explosion is heard.
Western leaders say the downing appears to have been unintentional, occurring just hours after Iran launched 22 ballistic missiles at two bases housing US troops in Iraq to avenge the killing of top military commander Qassem Soleimani.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a news conference: “We have intelligence from multiple sources, including our allies and our own intelligence.
“The evidence indicates that the plane was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile. This may well have been unintentional,” he said.
Similar statements were made by President Trump, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was slightly more cautious, saying Friday that the possibility of the jet having been shot down by a missile had neither been confirmed nor ruled out.
Meanwhile, the state-run IRNA news agency quoted Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying Tehran “has invited both Ukraine and the Boeing company to participate in the investigations.”
He later said a 10-member Canadian delegation was heading to Iran to help victims’ families.
Iran had initially said it would not allow Boeing to take part in the probe, going against international guidelines on crash investigations. It later invited the American accident-investigating agency to take part in the investigation.
On Thursday, the National Transportation Safety Board said it would “evaluate its level of participation,” but its role could be limited by US sanctions on Iran.
American officials also have expressed concern about sending employees to Iran because of the heightened tensions.
Under rules set by a UN aviation organization, the NTSB is entitled to participate because the crash involved a Boeing jet that was designed and built in the US.
The French air accident investigation agency, known by the French acronym BEA, also is taking part in the investigation. The plane’s engine was designed by CFM International, a joint company between French group Safran and US group GE Aviation.
In other developments, an eyewitness told CNN that all the large pieces of the wreckage have already been cleared from the crash site — something experts say is highly unusual so early in a plane crash investigation of such magnitude.
Iranian police and Revolutionary Guard forces were dispersing people who are “wandering around” the area, the eyewitness said, adding that looters also are on the scene, picking things up from the ground with no police or security officers around.
Normally, forensic workers from the major investigative agencies would be poring over the wreckage to study it in its original state before removing the debris to a secure location.
With Post wires