newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Democratic debate: Post-debate fireworks highlight of otherwise ho-hum night

On a night none of the six Democrats on stage in Iowa did anything to break away from the pack , the most interesting moment came after the debate — when Elizabeth Warren pulled back from Bernie Sanders ’ attempted handshake .
The two longtime friends , their party ’ s progressive standard-bearers in the presidential race , have been at odds since Monday over a 2018 conversation during which she claims Sanders told her that a woman couldn ’ t win the general election .
They disagreed over the issue again during Tuesday night ’ s debate .
Afterward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden warmly , shaking his hand and patting him on the arm .
She then approached Sanders , and he extended his hand — only to see her pull hers back and clench it into a fist .
They then exchanged words — and it was clear neither was smiling .
Earlier , the matter made for a rare notable moment during a debate that left undecided voters in next month ’ s crucial Iowa Democratic caucus knowing they ’ ll have to keep looking “ I didn ’ t say it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Anybody [ who ] knows me knows that it ’ s incomprehensible that I would think that a woman can not be president of the United States.
” Warren offered a different recollection of their December 2018 closed-door meeting .
She insisted that a woman could defeat President Trump in November — and she came prepared with stats to prove it .
“ I disagreed , ” the Massachusetts lawmaker said , affirming that Sanders did , in fact , make the remark .
“ But look , this question about whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been raised , and it ’ s time for us to attack it head on .
“ Look at the men on this stage : Collectively they have lost 10 elections , ” she continued , referring to Sanders , former South Bend , Ind.
, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Biden .
“ The only people on this stage who have won every single election that they ’ ve been in are the women.
” The argument drew one of the night ’ s few vocal reactions from the crowd at Drake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , the other woman onstage Tuesday night who shared Warren ’ s unbeaten record .
“ I hear that .
People have said it [ to me ] , ” said Klobuchar , referring to remarks like the one Sanders purportedly made .
“ I point out that you don ’ t have to be tallest person in the world — James Madison [ who was the nation ’ s fourth president ] was 5-foot-4 .
“ You don ’ t have to be the skinniest person in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be the loudest person , ” Klobuchar continued .
“ You have to be competent.
” The team-up with Warren was one of few standout moments for Klobuchar , who in last month ’ s debate made moves to scramble up the polls , including by tangling with Buttigieg on his lack of experience on the national stage .
Buttigieg had a relatively anonymous debate night , neither drawing as much flak from the field as he did in December , nor swinging for the fences with the Iowa caucus coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somewhat surprising for the former mayor , the lone military veteran on stage , during the debate ’ s first quarter , which was dominated by foreign policy .
The debate was the first held since already-high tensions between the United States and Iran was ratcheted up further by the US drone attack that killed Iranian Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani and the retaliatory missile strike by Iran on two Iraqi airbases quartering American troops .
Warren broke from her onstage competitors by calling for a total withdrawal of US combat troops from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned the corner so many times , we ’ re going in circles in these regions , ” she said of repeatedly dashed assurances that a US military victory was near .
On the prospect of a summit with North Korean despot Kim Jong-un , Biden said that “ absent preconditions , I would not meet with the , quote , supreme leader who said Joe Biden is a ‘ rabid dog ’ who should be beaten with a stick , ” referring to a remark circulated by the Hermit Kingdom ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you like him ?
” cracked Sanders , in a fleeting moment of crowd-pleasing levity .
If Biden , Warren , Sanders , Buttigieg and Klobuchar didn ’ t break away from the pack , they at least played the hits .
The same could not be said for the night ’ s sixth candidate , billionaire hedge-funder Tom Steyer , whose political inexperience continued to leave him doe-eyed and tongue-tied amid the field of heavyweights .

On a night none of the six Democrats on stage in Iowa did anything to break away from the pack, the most interesting moment came after the debate — when Elizabeth Warren pulled back from Bernie Sanders’ attempted handshake.
The two longtime friends, their party’s progressive standard-bearers in the presidential race, have been at odds since Monday over a 2018 conversation during which she claims Sanders told her that a woman couldn’t win the general election.
They disagreed over the issue again during Tuesday night’s debate.
Afterward, Warren greeted former Vice President Joe Biden warmly, shaking his hand and patting him on the arm.
She then approached Sanders, and he extended his hand — only to see her pull hers back and clench it into a fist.
They then exchanged words — and it was clear neither was smiling.
Earlier, the matter made for a rare notable moment during a debate that left undecided voters in next month’s crucial Iowa Democratic caucus knowing they’ll have to keep looking
“I didn’t say it,” insisted Sanders, of Vermont. “Anybody [who] knows me knows that it’s incomprehensible that I would think that a woman cannot be president of the United States.”
Warren offered a different recollection of their December 2018 closed-door meeting. She insisted that a woman could defeat President Trump in November — and she came prepared with stats to prove it.
“I disagreed,” the Massachusetts lawmaker said, affirming that Sanders did, in fact, make the remark.
“But look, this question about whether or not a woman can be president has been raised, and it’s time for us to attack it head on.
“Look at the men on this stage: Collectively they have lost 10 elections,” she continued, referring to Sanders, former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Biden.
“The only people on this stage who have won every single election that they’ve been in are the women.”
The argument drew one of the night’s few vocal reactions from the crowd at Drake University in Des Moines — and kudos from Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the other woman onstage Tuesday night who shared Warren’s unbeaten record.
“I hear that. People have said it [to me],” said Klobuchar, referring to remarks like the one Sanders purportedly made.
“I point out that you don’t have to be tallest person in the world — James Madison [who was the nation’s fourth president] was 5-foot-4.
“You don’t have to be the skinniest person in the room. You don’t have to be the loudest person,” Klobuchar continued. “You have to be competent.”
The team-up with Warren was one of few standout moments for Klobuchar, who in last month’s debate made moves to scramble up the polls, including by tangling with Buttigieg on his lack of experience on the national stage.
Buttigieg had a relatively anonymous debate night, neither drawing as much flak from the field as he did in December, nor swinging for the fences with the Iowa caucus coming up on Feb. 3.
That was somewhat surprising for the former mayor, the lone military veteran on stage, during the debate’s first quarter, which was dominated by foreign policy.
The debate was the first held since already-high tensions between the United States and Iran was ratcheted up further by the US drone attack that killed Iranian Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani and the retaliatory missile strike by Iran on two Iraqi airbases quartering American troops.
Warren broke from her onstage competitors by calling for a total withdrawal of US combat troops from the Middle East. “We’ve turned the corner so many times, we’re going in circles in these regions,” she said of repeatedly dashed assurances that a US military victory was near.
On the prospect of a summit with North Korean despot Kim Jong-un, Biden said that “absent preconditions, I would not meet with the, quote, supreme leader who said Joe Biden is a ‘rabid dog’ who should be beaten with a stick,” referring to a remark circulated by the Hermit Kingdom’s state-run media.
“Other than that, you like him?” cracked Sanders, in a fleeting moment of crowd-pleasing levity.
If Biden, Warren, Sanders, Buttigieg and Klobuchar didn’t break away from the pack, they at least played the hits. The same could not be said for the night’s sixth candidate, billionaire hedge-funder Tom Steyer, whose political inexperience continued to leave him doe-eyed and tongue-tied amid the field of heavyweights.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--NSA discovers huge security flaw in Microsoft’s Windows 10

An unidentified group of hackers referred to as Shadow Brokers ...

The National Security Agency has discovered a major security flaw in Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system that could let hackers intercept seemingly secure communications.
But rather than exploit the flaw for its own intelligence needs, the NSA tipped off Microsoft so that it can fix the system for everyone.
Microsoft released a free software patch to fix the flaw Tuesday and credited the intelligence agency for discovering it. The company said it has not seen any evidence that hackers have used the technique.
Amit Yoran, CEO of security firm Tenable, said it is “exceptionally rare if not unprecedented” for the U.S. government to share its discovery of such a critical vulnerability with a company.
Yoran, who was a founding director of the Department of Homeland Security’s computer emergency readiness team, urged all organizations to prioritize patching their systems quickly.
An advisory sent by the NSA on Tuesday said “the consequences of not patching the vulnerability are severe and widespread.”
Microsoft said an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by spoofing a code-signing certificate so it looked like a file came from a trusted source.
“The user would have no way of knowing the file was malicious, because the digital signature would appear to be from a trusted provider,” the company said.
If successfully exploited, attackers would have been able to conduct “man-in-the-middle attacks” and decrypt confidential information they intercept on user connections, the company said.
“The biggest risk is to secure communications,” said Adam Meyers, vice president of intelligence for security firm CrowdStrike.
Some computers will get the fix automatically, if they have the automatic update option turned on. Others can get it manually by going to Windows Update in the computer’s settings.
Microsoft typically releases security and other updates once a month and waited until Tuesday to disclose the flaw and the NSA’s involvement. Microsoft and the NSA both declined to say when the agency privately notified the company.
The agency shared the vulnerability with Microsoft “quickly and responsibly,” Neal Ziring, technical director of the NSA’s cybersecurity directorate, said in a blog post on Tuesday.
Priscilla Moriuchi, who retired from the NSA in 2017 after running its East Asia and Pacific operations, said this is a good example of the “constructive role” that the NSA can play in improving global information security. Moriuchi, now an analyst at the U.S. cybersecurity firm Recorded Future, said it’s likely a reflection of changes made in 2017 to how the U.S. determines whether to disclose a major vulnerability or exploit it for intelligence purposes.
The revamping of what’s known as the “Vulnerability Equities Process” puts more emphasis on disclosing vulnerabilities whenever possible to protect core internet systems and the U.S. economy and general public.
Those changes happened after a mysterious group calling itself the “Shadow Brokers” released a trove of high-level hacking tools stolen from the NSA, forcing companies including Microsoft to repair their systems. The U.S. believes that North Korea and Russia were able to capitalize on those stolen hacking tools to unleash devastating global cyberattacks.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--College football: An early look at top storylines next season

NEW ORLEANS — The first volley of confetti had already ...

Celebration comes with mourning. As soon as LSU captured its first national championship in 12 years, it lost the greatest quarterback in school history, coming off the greatest season in college football history.
With Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow set to become the top pick in the NFL draft, the highest-scoring offense of all time will return without its leader.
“What Joe did was unique,” receiver Justin Jefferson said. “You can’t just think you can replace that.”
The Tigers will try.
The country’s top wide receiver (Ja’Marr Chase) is expected to be back, potentially with running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and tight end Thaddeus Moss.
Under center? Sophomore Myles Brennan is the in-house candidate. The transfer portal provides options, too.
LSU will have the talent to repeat. But the Tigers are in a familiar position, searching for greatness at quarterback again.
Here are the other top storylines entering next season:
The next breakthrough
It feels as if Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma and Ohio State are in the playoff every year. They’ve combined to claim 17 of the 24 spots in the playoff era, but never qualified in the same season.
Which strong but long-suffering program can follow LSU’s lead as a first-time playoff participant? Perhaps Penn State, with three top-10 finishes in the past four years, hoping to end its heartbreak against Ohio State, á la LSU against Alabama. Maybe Florida, which is 21-5 in two seasons under Dan Mullen. Possibly, Oregon, the clear favorite in the Pac-12 and with enough talent on both sides to make up for Justin Herbert’s departure.
The Heisman
Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State’s Justin Fields are set to battle again. The quarterbacks who were the top two recruits in the country — while growing up 30 miles apart in Georgia — and just battled in a classic semifinal are the heavy favorites to capture the sport’s most prestigious award next season.
But just one of the past 14 preseason favorites has won the Heisman Trophy. Kyler Murray was planning on playing professional baseball. Joe Burrow was an afterthought.
Perhaps another surprise or overshadowed star will emerge, such as USC’s Kedon Slovis, Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard, Texas’ Sam Ehlinger or new Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler.
Changing of the guard?
For the first time in five years, Clemson or Alabama isn’t atop the sport. But the teams that have been at the top during the playoff era are the favorites again entering next season. After reaching four of the past five national championship games, Dabo Swinney brings back Lawrence and several key pieces, while adding his best-ever recruiting class. Alabama missed the playoff for the first time and loses Tua Tagovailoa, but brings back star linebacker Dylan Moses and as much talent as any team. Since Nick Saban arrived in 2007, Alabama has never gone three straight seasons without winning it all.
The fresh faces
Mike Norvell, 38, arrives at Florida State off a 12-1 season at Memphis, hoping to return the program to prominence. Greg Schiano plans to do the same in his second stint at Rutgers. Lane Kiffin is certain to make life more interesting at Ole Miss, as is Mike Leach at Mississippi State. Former assistant Jimmy Lake takes over at Washington after the surprising resignation of Chris Petersen. If Ed Orgeron could become a legend, no new hire can be discounted.
The familiar faces
Why USC decided to bring back Clay Helton remains a mystery after he went 13-12 the past two seasons and signed the school’s least-acclaimed recruiting class in a generation. He is in his own tier on the hot seat.
Scott Frost’s heroic return to Nebraska has resulted in a 9-15 record since his undefeated run at UCF. Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio is three games over. 500 the past four years. Texas A&M is still waiting for a double-digit win season from its $75 million coach (Jimbo Fisher). Tom Herman took a step back in his third season at Texas.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Army soldier dies during ‘free fall’ parachuting exercise in Arizona

An investigation is underway in Arizona after a US Army soldier died during a military parachuting “ free fall ” @ @ @ @ @ to a report .
The death of the soldier , who was not identified , @ @ @ @ @ , Army Special Operations Command spokesperson Lt. Col. Loren Bymer told FOX 10 of Phoenix @ @ @ @ @ immediately provided about the deadly incident because it remains under investigation , Bymer said .
@ @ @ @ @ soldiers were injured during a similar training exercise at Homestead Air Reserve Base near Miami @ @ @ @ @ of the Golden Knights parachute team based at Fort Bragg , North Carolina .

An investigation is underway in Arizona after a US Army soldier died during a military parachuting “free fall” training exercise Tuesday, according to a report.
The death of the soldier, who was not identified, happened near Eloy, Arizona, Army Special Operations Command spokesperson Lt. Col. Loren Bymer told FOX 10 of Phoenix.
No additional information was immediately provided about the deadly incident because it remains under investigation, Bymer said.
Last February, three Army soldiers were injured during a similar training exercise at Homestead Air Reserve Base near Miami. The soldiers were part of the Golden Knights parachute team based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Florida woman allegedly tried to make, detonate nail bomb inside Walmart

Authorities in Florida say a woman was caught attempting to make a nail bomb with materials inside a Walmart on Saturday .
Emily Stallard , 37 , was spotted by a security guard roaming the aisles of Walmart in Tampa Bay Saturday evening , Fox 13 reported .
After watching Stallard open unpaid items , including flammable materials , projectiles and matches , a security guard called the Hillsborough County Sheriff ’ s Office and notified an off-duty Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officer who was inside the store .
An arrest report cited by the station says the woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denatured alcohol and nails .
She then attempted to light the bomb with a shoelace as a wick before the off-duty officer and security guard stopped her .
Deputies arrived on the scene and arrested Stallard .
“ This woman had all the supplies she needed to cause mass destruction at her disposal , ” Sheriff Chad Chronister said .
“ Had it not been for an alert off-duty law enforcement officer and a watchful security staff at Walmart , she may have followed through with her plans to cause an explosion inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been helping Stallard make the device .
“ The defendant encouraged the child to engage in an act that could have caused great bodily harm and induced the child to become delinquent , ” the arrest report says .
Stallard is facing multiple charges , including attempted arson , firebombing , contributing to the delinquency of a minor , child abuse and battery on an officer .
She remained at the Hillsborough County Jail on Tuesday .
It was not immediately clear if she has an attorney who could speak on her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this report .

Authorities in Florida say a woman was caught attempting to make a nail bomb with materials inside a Walmart on Saturday.
Emily Stallard, 37, was spotted by a security guard roaming the aisles of Walmart in Tampa Bay Saturday evening, Fox 13 reported.
After watching Stallard open unpaid items, including flammable materials, projectiles and matches, a security guard called the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and notified an off-duty Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officer who was inside the store.
An arrest report cited by the station says the woman filled a mason jar with fuel, denatured alcohol and nails. She then attempted to light the bomb with a shoelace as a wick before the off-duty officer and security guard stopped her.
Deputies arrived on the scene and arrested Stallard.
“This woman had all the supplies she needed to cause mass destruction at her disposal,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Had it not been for an alert off-duty law enforcement officer and a watchful security staff at Walmart, she may have followed through with her plans to cause an explosion inside the store.”
Investigators said a child had been helping Stallard make the device.
“The defendant encouraged the child to engage in an act that could have caused great bodily harm and induced the child to become delinquent,” the arrest report says.
Stallard is facing multiple charges, including attempted arson, firebombing, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, child abuse and battery on an officer.
She remained at the Hillsborough County Jail on Tuesday. It was not immediately clear if she has an attorney who could speak on her behalf.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Latest Democratic debate the dullest political event in years

New York Post debate analyst Peter Kauffmann is the founder ...

When the Democratic debate started Tuesday night, I was young, carefree, merry. Two hours later, when it ended, I was praying to the Almighty for a swift end to my suffering. I felt like I was 103 years old — or even older, like one of the early patriarchs in the Bible. All the life had been sucked out of my body.
This, the seventh debate in seven months, was the dullest major political event in years.
And there is no excuse for that, since there were only six candidates on stage and, therefore, a real possibility that the Democrats could explore their differences with one another and draw sharp divisions. After all, the first voting will take place in Iowa in only 19 days.
President Trump may have degraded our national discourse with his debate hijinks in 2015 and 2016, but to my surprise, I found myself longing for one of these exhaustingly boring Democrats to call someone else’s wife ugly or say someone else’s father had killed JFK — just to help me stay awake.
Amy Klobuchar almost jolted me to life when she had a near-disastrous moment, forgetting the name of Kansas’ governor the way 2012’s Rick Perry forgot the name of the third Cabinet department he swore he would close down. But she recovered at the end. That was lucky for her but terrible for me, as I slumped again into somnolence.
Maybe the problem is that, as the debate’s opening section on Iran revealed, most of the candidates are close to being functionally pacifistic.
They were tripping over themselves to condemn Trump’s strike on Iran’s military chief before declaring their intention either to pull all our troops from the Middle East or almost all of our troops from the Middle East.
Combat troops aren’t the answer, they said. They were prepared to be commander in chief because they care about health care for veterans or education for veterans, which is lovely but really doesn’t address the question of how they would confront threats to the United States of the sort posed by the Tehran regime.
Maybe their lack of national combativeness has infected their debating skills and made them unable to confront each other during this debate, because you would never really know there was a contest here one of them is going to have to win — which means the others have to lose.
The only candidate the weird politesse on the stage in Iowa Tuesday night really benefited was Joe Biden, who wasn’t especially sharp but whose entire candidacy is based on the proposition that he is the calm, wise grandfather who can restore normalcy to America.
Former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg had nothing to say. Tom Steyer had a lot to say, and trust me, you wanted him to stop saying it. Klobuchar once again seemed smart and collected . . . and the opposite of compelling.
Given how ineffective Elizabeth Warren was last night — you’ll hear she really had a great moment talking about how women win elections and men don’t, but, you know what, it really wasn’t — the only real contrast with Biden was Bernie Sanders.
Which means, quite simply, if you want passion and heat, you can go for Sanders, who once again was simple and clear and energetic and so far off the charts leftward you could almost hear the ghost of Fidel Castro whispering in his ear to cool it a little.
And if you don’t need that, or that turns you off, or that threatens you, Biden is right there to take your vote and make whatever promises you want him to make that he will stop the crazy in Washington.
Can he? Biden has some pretty crazy qualities that he has been muting, with rather more success than any of us anticipated, throughout this race. The only real question is whether he can stand up to Trump. One of the moderators asked him that question last night and he said Trump’s been going after him for a year and he’s still standing.
Oh, please.
Joe ain’t seen nothing yet.
John Podhoretz is editor of Commentary magazine.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Vigilante couple allegedly baited bike thieves, beat them, posted videos to YouTube

A California couple was arrested last week , for allegedly luring in thieves with an unguarded bicycle and then beating them with baseball bats when they tried to steal it .
Corey Cornutt , 25 and Savannah Grillot , 29 , claimed they were robbed the first night they spent in their Visalia home after a burglar broke into their car .
A few nights later , another burglar allegedly broke into their car again .
They both became hyper-vigilant and decided to take a proactive stance in defending their home , using the bike as bait .
After beating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , Cornutt and Grillot would later post the videos to Youtube .
The couple reportedly continued their crusade for months before they were finally detained by authorities for assault .
They inflicted non-life-threatening injuries upon four different people between July and November 2019 , according to a written statement from the Visalia Police Department .
Their neighbors , however , said the number of assailants was much higher .
No one was arrested or charged for attempted theft because Cornutt and Grillot never made an official report to law enforcement .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a deadly weapon and conspiracy .

A California couple was arrested last week, for allegedly luring in thieves with an unguarded bicycle and then beating them with baseball bats when they tried to steal it.
Corey Cornutt, 25 and Savannah Grillot, 29, claimed they were robbed the first night they spent in their Visalia home after a burglar broke into their car. A few nights later, another burglar allegedly broke into their car again.
They both became hyper-vigilant and decided to take a proactive stance in defending their home, using the bike as bait. After beating on the perpetrators who came to steal it, Cornutt and Grillot would later post the videos to Youtube.
The couple reportedly continued their crusade for months before they were finally detained by authorities for assault.
They inflicted non-life-threatening injuries upon four different people between July and November 2019, according to a written statement from the Visalia Police Department. Their neighbors, however, said the number of assailants was much higher.
No one was arrested or charged for attempted theft because Cornutt and Grillot never made an official report to law enforcement.
Both suspects were booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Body pulled from East River near Brooklyn Bridge

A body was pulled from the East River near the Brooklyn Bridge on Tuesday night , police said .
Members @ @ @ @ @ retrieved the body from the water near Dock and Water streets about 10:30 p.m. , @ @ @ @ @ person was declared dead on the scene , cops said .
Police took the body @ @ @ @ @ Pier 6 , authorities said .
The cause of death was not clear on Tuesday @ @

Stefan Jeremiah for New York Post
A man’s body was pulled from the East River near the Brooklyn Bridge on Tuesday night, police said.
Members of the NYPD Harbor Unit retrieved the body from the water near Dock and Water streets about 10:30 p.m., police said.
The unidentified person was declared dead on the scene, cops said.
Police took the body to the Brooklyn Marina near Pier 6, authorities said.
The cause of death was not clear on Tuesday night.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Windowless underground sleeping pods could rent from $1K/month

“ Sleeping pods ” — open-sided bedrooms stacked bunk bed-style with common spaces for lounging and cooking , plus restrictions on romantic activity and alcohol consumption — are the latest solution to San Francisco ’ s housing crisis , according to a proposal from an ambitious developer .
Chris Elsey of Manhattan , Kansas-based Elsey Partners is planning to erect two apartment buildings on the site of current parking lots at 1500 15th St. and 401 S. Van Ness Ave. in the city ’ s trendy Mission District .
Residents could expect to pay between $ 1,000 and $ 1,375 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down in one of the pods , which measure just 50 square feet each .
Don ’ t expect your missives from the crypt to include a steamy love affair because there is absolutely no sex and no drinking allowed in the pods .
“ Obviously , people don ’ t like it when people come home drunk and belligerent .
And no pod sex , ” Elsey told SFGate .
“ I think anyone who has been in college or a dormitory , you ’ ve had experiences where you prefer that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Things aren ’ t so much better for surface dwellers .
The eight floors of aboveground units would be just 200 square feet apiece — qualifying for “ micro apartment ” status — and cost between $ 2,000 and $ 2,375 .
The homes reportedly may not pass muster with San Francisco ’ s building department — or with those who prefer their residential dwellings illuminated by natural light .
San Francisco ’ s Department of Building issued a statement that it has not yet received permit applications for these projects and therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not they ’ re up to code .
Esley insists that he will move forward with the project .
“ What ’ s more important , beds or bikes ?
” he asks , referring to the fact that below-grade space is often used for bicycle storage .
“ I guess it ’ s up to everybody ’ s opinion , but my opinion is there ’ s an incredible housing shortage in San Francisco .
”

The pod people are coming.
“Sleeping pods” — open-sided bedrooms stacked bunk bed-style with common spaces for lounging and cooking, plus restrictions on romantic activity and alcohol consumption — are the latest solution to San Francisco’s housing crisis, according to a proposal from an ambitious developer.
Chris Elsey of Manhattan, Kansas-based Elsey Partners is planning to erect two apartment buildings on the site of current parking lots at 1500 15th St. and 401 S. Van Ness Ave. in the city’s trendy Mission District.
Each would include 88 windowless “sleeping pods” located underground.
Residents could expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,375 a month for the privilege of bunking down in one of the pods, which measure just 50 square feet each.
(That’s about as big as a king-size bed — so get ready to sleep in a twin.)
Don’t expect your missives from the crypt to include a steamy love affair because there is absolutely no sex and no drinking allowed in the pods.
“Obviously, people don’t like it when people come home drunk and belligerent. And no pod sex,” Elsey told SFGate. “I think anyone who has been in college or a dormitory, you’ve had experiences where you prefer that people do those things in private.”
Things aren’t so much better for surface dwellers. The eight floors of aboveground units would be just 200 square feet apiece — qualifying for “micro apartment” status — and cost between $2,000 and $2,375.
The homes reportedly may not pass muster with San Francisco’s building department — or with those who prefer their residential dwellings illuminated by natural light.
San Francisco’s Department of Building issued a statement that it has not yet received permit applications for these projects and therefore can’t comment on whether or not they’re up to code.
Esley insists that he will move forward with the project.
“What’s more important, beds or bikes?” he asks, referring to the fact that below-grade space is often used for bicycle storage. “I guess it’s up to everybody’s opinion, but my opinion is there’s an incredible housing shortage in San Francisco.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--NYT’s call to block bail-law fixes is packed with distortions, deceptions

We don ’ t normally respond to attacks in other publications , but Mara Gay ’ s “ editorial observer ” column in Wednesday ’ s New York Times deserves an exception : It ’ s a deceptive call on the Legislature to resist fixing last year ’ s botched criminal-justice reforms that includes distortions of our months-long campaign for vitally needed changes .
Gay claims that the “ effort to destroy bail reform ” only “ really began to pick up steam ” with last month ’ s “ spike in anti-Semitic hate crimes.
” And “ The New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped things along by telling the story of Tiffany Harris ” — who was released after allegedly attacking three Orthodox women , then was re-arrested the next day on charges of punching another woman .
“ True to character ” : You think she ’ s referring to the fact that this newspaper , unlike hers , reports on street crime ?
With Harris now being held for a psych evaluation , Gay suggests the case “ should prompt calls for increased funding of the state ’ s supervised-release programs.
” Funny , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve demanded : “ Funds are likewise needed to boost pretrial services , ” we wrote back on July 14 .
“ Supervised release programs provide mental-health counseling , ” we noted Oct. 9 , “ not that the Legislature added any funds for those programs ” when it ended bail .
And we have long advocated for more help for the mentally ill. That ’ s why we ’ re fierce critics of ThriveNYC , which is wasting millions of dollars when it could be helping people like Harris .
Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up only some of the outrageous releases under the new law : Reporters across the state have found dozens of horror stories .
But Gay doesn ’ t mention any other suspect except Harvey Weinstein — who , she notes , had the resources to make bail .
It ’ d be unjust to jail Harris but not Harvey , she says .
Yet if Weinstein did something while out on bail — sexually harass another woman , say — his bail would be rescinded and he ’ d be locked up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has threatened to jail him for using his cellphone in court .
But when Tiffany Harris commits the same crime she was just arrested for , there ’ s no cumulative effect .
Judges have no discretion ; she ’ s let go again .
These “ reforms ” were passed without any consultation with judges , prosecutors or police .
What The Post — and the NYPD and a number of Democratic lawmakers — are asking for is the return of a little common sense .

We don’t normally respond to attacks in other publications, but Mara Gay’s “editorial observer” column in Wednesday’s New York Times deserves an exception: It’s a deceptive call on the Legislature to resist fixing last year’s botched criminal-justice reforms that includes distortions of our months-long campaign for vitally needed changes.
Gay claims that the “effort to destroy bail reform” only “really began to pick up steam” with last month’s “spike in anti-Semitic hate crimes.” And “The New York Post, true to character, helped things along by telling the story of Tiffany Harris” — who was released after allegedly attacking three Orthodox women, then was re-arrested the next day on charges of punching another woman.
“True to character”: You think she’s referring to the fact that this newspaper, unlike hers, reports on street crime?
With Harris now being held for a psych evaluation, Gay suggests the case “should prompt calls for increased funding of the state’s supervised-release programs.”
Funny, that’s among the fixes we’ve demanded: “Funds are likewise needed to boost pretrial services,” we wrote back on July 14. “Supervised release programs provide mental-health counseling,” we noted Oct. 9, “not that the Legislature added any funds for those programs” when it ended bail.
And we have long advocated for more help for the mentally ill. That’s why we’re fierce critics of ThriveNYC, which is wasting millions of dollars when it could be helping people like Harris.
Of course, suspects with mental-health issues make up only some of the outrageous releases under the new law: Reporters across the state have found dozens of horror stories.
But Gay doesn’t mention any other suspect except Harvey Weinstein — who, she notes, had the resources to make bail. It’d be unjust to jail Harris but not Harvey, she says.
Yet if Weinstein did something while out on bail — sexually harass another woman, say — his bail would be rescinded and he’d be locked up. Indeed, the judge at his trial has threatened to jail him for using his cellphone in court.
But when Tiffany Harris commits the same crime she was just arrested for, there’s no cumulative effect. Judges have no discretion; she’s let go again.
These “reforms” were passed without any consultation with judges, prosecutors or police. What The Post — and the NYPD and a number of Democratic lawmakers — are asking for is the return of a little common sense.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Race car driver Alexander Roy to list $5M Manhattan bachelor pad

Race car driver Alexander Roy is about to list his third-floor apartment at 62 Cooper Square for around $ 4.99 @ @ @ @ @ s Frances Katzen .
Now an author and podcast host , Roy , 48 , @ @ @ @ @ driving records — like the Transcontinental Cannonball , in which he crossed the United States @ @ @ @ @ minutes in 2006 .
Think of the 3,000-square-foot property as a giant bachelor pad , @ @ @ @ @ easily ” transform into a three-bedroom family home , a source says .
Currently configured @ @ @ @ @ bathrooms , the unit comes with a giant metal and glass Japanese soaking tub surrounded @ @ @ @ @ “ gunmetal blue ” — the same color as Roy ’ s BMW .

Race car driver Alexander Roy is about to list his third-floor apartment at 62 Cooper Square for around $4.99 million with Douglas Elliman’s Frances Katzen.
Now an author and podcast host, Roy, 48, is known for setting endurance driving records — like the Transcontinental Cannonball, in which he crossed the United States in 31 hours and four minutes in 2006.
Think of the 3,000-square-foot property as a giant bachelor pad, but one that could “easily” transform into a three-bedroom family home, a source says.
Currently configured with one bedroom and 1½ bathrooms, the unit comes with a giant metal and glass Japanese soaking tub surrounded by tile the shade of “gunmetal blue” — the same color as Roy’s BMW.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--‘How I Met Your Mother’ creator lists West Side pad for $6M

TV producer Carter Bays and his wife Denise are about to list their Upper West Side home .
Bays is @ @ @ @ @ “ How I Met Your Mother ” as its co-creator , writer and executive producer @ @ @ @ @ at 165 W. 91st St. , a 16-story brick and limestone building known as the @ @ @ @ @ .
The home is slated to hit the market this week for $ 6.19 million @ @ @ @ @ for $ 5.95 million in 2014 , down slightly from its $ 5.97 million asking @ @ @ @ @ .
The two also have homes in Bedford , New York , and Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ 3,352 square feet .
It opens to a large foyer that leads to a living @ @ @ @ @ room and a library with pocket doors .
There ’ s also a large chef @ @ @ @ @ eat-in den/breakfast room .
Other details include oak floors and high ceilings .

TV producer Carter Bays and his wife Denise are about to list their Upper West Side home.
Bays is known for his work on “How I Met Your Mother” as its co-creator, writer and executive producer.
The five-bedroom unit is at 165 W. 91st St., a 16-story brick and limestone building known as the Mirabeau that dates to 1926. The home is slated to hit the market this week for $6.19 million.
The couple bought it for $5.95 million in 2014, down slightly from its $5.97 million asking price, according to StreetEasy.
The two also have homes in Bedford, New York, and Los Angeles.
The 14th-floor condo is 3,352 square feet. It opens to a large foyer that leads to a living room, a formal dining room and a library with pocket doors. There’s also a large chef’s kitchen with an eat-in den/breakfast room. Other details include oak floors and high ceilings.
Building amenities include a landscaped roof deck, a gym, playroom and bike storage.
The listing broker is Douglas Elliman’s Ann Cutbill Lenane.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--New book explores relationship between JFK and D.C. painter Mary Pinchot Meyer

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 ) Gone 57 years , President John Kennedy gets another book .
“ JFK and Mary Meyer : A Love Story.
” Skyhorse Publishing , $ 24.95 , out Tuesday , opens a closed life .
It ’ s written as the diary of Mary Pinchot Meyer , the only woman whom , author Jesse Kornbluth claims , Kennedy may have loved .
Washington artist , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official , old friend of Jack and Jackie , Mary Meyer and JFK became lovers .
He fantasized about divorce .
He itched to marry Mary .
After his assassination , Mary loudly questioned the official story of a lone assassin .
Was that why , as she took her daily noon walk in Georgetown a year after JFK ’ s murder , she was shot ?
Execution-style ?
In the head and heart ?
Mary had a diary .
Her family burned it .
To who killed JFK gets added another question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalist Kornbluth : “ It ’ s the diary she might have written .
An intimate account of her 1961 to 1964 life .
Exact dates she saw the president .
Every White House dinner she also attended .
Triple-check of all private parties where she and Kennedy were together .
Enough ’ s known about that romance .
This work of fiction is built on fact.
” Unwashed dish includes Frank Sinatra ’ s shouted vulgar greeting to the president .
Jackie tearfully rushing out after her televised White House tour .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the first lady with amphetamines before their formal Versailles dinner .
Kennedy ’ s idealistic lover urging him to adopt progressive policies that enraged enemies .
Kornbluth : “ Two lovers .
Both shot to death .
A thriller .
Question : Did insider Mary Meyer pay for it with her life ?
” Now — ready ?
— there ’ s a film about a bloody severed hand .
Ready again ?
The thing ’ s Oscar-nominated .
Forget charming cuddly nominees “ Toy Story 4 ” and “ Missing Link.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lost My Body.
” Creator French filmmaker Jérémy Clapin : “ We should take animation seriously .
Not Disney kid stuff .
More mature animation to compete directly with live-action — bloody and non-bloody .
We need a category for adult animation .
“ Showing risk can pay .
Cannes Film Festival gave this work about a severed hand terrific exposure.
” Yeah , but happens his French homeland ’ s also where they ’ re having vicious Yellow Vest street battles .
Maybe to them this is a musical .
In any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him .
At Italian restaurant Morso , favored by favored East Siders , the spoken dish was almost as good as the cooked dish .
I learned Dem Charlie King ’ s doing a podcast .
Being he ’ s a big shot , the name ’ s “ Big Shot !
” It ’ s Democrats and Republicans , like DNC ’ s Tom Perez versus GOP ’ s Rick Santorum — tackling one another .
Adam Sandler and “ Uncut Gems.
” Aggravated is UES restaurateur Nino Selimaj of Nino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says , “ I ’ m in the movie .
Our place is in it .
I ’ m adding Adam Sandler to my celebrity mural in the dining room.
” To celebrate this film gem , Nino ’ s giving a 20 percent discount to any customer who brings a ticket stub from the movie.
” Hotel guest : “ A well-bred man steps on the cigarette so it won ’ t burn the rug.
” Only in New York , kids , only in New York .

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Gone 57 years, President John Kennedy gets another book.
“JFK and Mary Meyer: A Love Story.” Skyhorse Publishing, $24.95, out Tuesday, opens a closed life. It’s written as the diary of Mary Pinchot Meyer, the only woman whom, author Jesse Kornbluth claims, Kennedy may have loved.
Washington artist, socialite, divorced from a VIP CIA official, old friend of Jack and Jackie, Mary Meyer and JFK became lovers. He fantasized about divorce. He itched to marry Mary.
After his assassination, Mary loudly questioned the official story of a lone assassin. Was that why, as she took her daily noon walk in Georgetown a year after JFK’s murder, she was shot? Execution-style? In the head and heart?
Mary had a diary. Her family burned it.
To who killed JFK gets added another question: Who killed Mary Meyer?
NY-based journalist Kornbluth: “It’s the diary she might have written. An intimate account of her 1961 to 1964 life. Exact dates she saw the president. Every White House dinner she also attended. Triple-check of all private parties where she and Kennedy were together. Enough’s known about that romance. This work of fiction is built on fact.”
Unwashed dish includes Frank Sinatra’s shouted vulgar greeting to the president. Jackie tearfully rushing out after her televised White House tour. “Dr. Feelgood” injecting JFK and the first lady with amphetamines before their formal Versailles dinner. Kennedy’s idealistic lover urging him to adopt progressive policies that enraged enemies.
Kornbluth: “Two lovers. Both shot to death. A thriller. Question: Did insider Mary Meyer pay for it with her life?”
Not a toon for kiddies
Now — ready? — there’s a film about a bloody severed hand. Ready again? The thing’s Oscar-nominated. Forget charming cuddly nominees “Toy Story 4” and “Missing Link.” This one’s “I Lost My Body.” Creator French filmmaker Jérémy Clapin: “We should take animation seriously. Not Disney kid stuff. More mature animation to compete directly with live-action — bloody and non-bloody. We need a category for adult animation.
“Showing risk can pay. Cannes Film Festival gave this work about a severed hand terrific exposure.”
Yeah, but happens his French homeland’s also where they’re having vicious Yellow Vest street battles. Maybe to them this is a musical. In any case, you gotta hand it to him.
Political gridiron
At Italian restaurant Morso, favored by favored East Siders, the spoken dish was almost as good as the cooked dish. I learned Dem Charlie King’s doing a podcast. Being he’s a big shot, the name’s “Big Shot!” It’s Democrats and Republicans, like DNC’s Tom Perez versus GOP’s Rick Santorum — tackling one another.
Oscar’s snub turns into deal
Adam Sandler and “Uncut Gems.” Aggravated is UES restaurateur Nino Selimaj of Nino’s who, between risotto mouthfuls, says, “I’m in the movie. Our place is in it. I’m adding Adam Sandler to my celebrity mural in the dining room.”
To celebrate this film gem, Nino’s giving a 20 percent discount to any customer who brings a ticket stub from the movie.”
Hotel guest: “A well-bred man steps on the cigarette so it won’t burn the rug.”
Only in New York, kids, only in New York.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Pelosi quotes ‘Irishman’ before signing impeachment articles against Trump

Nancy Pelosi signed off on the House ’ s two articles of ...

Leave the articles of impeachment, take the cannoli.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday likened President Trump’s request for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to “do us a favor” to coded mob lingo by invoking the new Martin Scorsese flick “The Irishman.”
“Do me a favor?” said Pelosi (D-Calif.), altering Trump’s quote in closing her speech on the House floor, a short time before she signed two articles of impeachment against the president.
Then, taking even further liberty with the White House-released transcript of the call between Trump and Zelensky, Pelosi said, “Do you paint houses too? What is this? Do me a favor?”
In Scorsese’s three-plus-hour epic Al Pacino’s Jimmy Hoffa tells Robert De Niro’s mob killer-for-hire character, Frank Sheeran, “I heard you paint houses,” a coded reference to performing hits.
In the July 2019 phone call, Trump asked Zelesnky, “But do us a favor” by investigating former US vice president Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, over their dealings in the Eastern European nation.
The ask has been alleged by Democrats to be a quid pro quo, because a $391 million US aid package to Ukraine hung in the balance at the time. Trump has denied there was any such string attached.
The Democrat-controlled House of Representatives voted last month to bring two articles of impeachment against Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to the Ukraine imbroglio.
Shortly after making her reference to the Oscar-nominated film, Pelosi finally signed the articles, then handed them over to leading House Democrats to deliver to the Republican-controlled Senate for an eventual trial.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--‘Veep’ creator’s intergalactic comedy ‘Avenue 5’ is a waste of space

The talented Armando Iannucci , who ’ s created some terrific television over the years , misses the mark with “ Avenue 5 , ” his new outer-space comedy that plays like a forgettable network sitcom — a rare whiff for the creator of HBO ’ s “ Veep ” and co-creator of the UK ’ s “ I ’ m Alan Partridge.
” “ Avenue 5 ” lacks the comedic sophistication of those series ( starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Steve Coogan , respectively ) , and even the presence of “ Veep ” co-star Hugh Laurie — steering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Captain Ryan Clark — can ’ t save this HBO series from its over-reliance on leaden jokes and cardboard-cutout characters .
There ’ s the occasional witty line ( “ Brilliant mind , terrible knees , ” Clark says of a colleague ; “ that pregnant pause is in its 3rd trimester , ” says another ) , but , elaborate special effects notwithstanding , “ Avenue 5 ” never does find its space jam .
Here ’ s the setup : It ’ s sometime in the future , where cruises in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleek intergalactic ocean liners , are a favored way to travel .
Avenue 5 , one of a fleet of luxury space cruisers owned by platinum-blond , scruffy billionaire Herman Judd ( Josh Gad ) , is on its maiden voyage , an eight-week “ space cruise ” around Saturn under the reassuring command of affable Capt .
Clark .
Shortly after launch , however , the journey is thrown into chaos when a “ gravity flip ” throws Avenue 5 off its trajectory — meaning it will now take three years to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a solution to the crisis .
That won ’ t be the ship ’ s chief engineer , killed during the gravity flip ( it ’ s played for laughs ) , or even Capt .
Clark , lauded for his past heroics but who , we eventually learn , is hiding several secrets .
The action flips back and forth between the ship and mission control back on Earth , and much is made of the 26-second communication delay between the two entities ( a clever conceit wrung dry by Iannucci and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The show ’ s supporting cast includes Zach Woods ( “ Silicon Valley ” ) as the ship ’ s put-upon customer relations guy ; Rebecca Front ( “ Poldark ” ) as a pushy , obnoxious passenger with a milquetoast husband ( Andy Buckley ) who won ’ t take no for an answer ; Rav Mulcair as the head of mission control ; and Ethan Phillips ( who ’ s good ) as an ex-astronaut who can ’ t seem to command much respect from anybody aboard the ship .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple ( Jessica St. Clair , Kyle Bornheimer ) and Neil Casey , another “ Silicon Valley ” alum , who plays Avenue 5 engineer Cyrus ( he of the aforementioned “ terrible knees ” ) .
The reliable Laurie , who comes from a comedic background in England ( he and Stephen Fry were “ Fry & Laurie , ” a double act in the ’ 80s and ’ 90s ) does what he can with the material but is mostly left holding the bag .
The same can be said of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s no subtlety here ) , though Gad overplays Judd to the point that you wish he had a lot less screen time .
That being said , I ’ m guessing “ Avenue 5 ” will go down as an unfortunate blip on Iannucci ’ s stellar resume , which includes “ The Death of Stalin , ” a sly 2017 big-screen comedy he co-wrote and directed .
Perhaps this trip into outer space will keep him tethered to more his more comfortable earth-bound comic world .

The talented Armando Iannucci, who’s created some terrific television over the years, misses the mark with “Avenue 5,” his new outer-space comedy that plays like a forgettable network sitcom — a rare whiff for the creator of HBO’s “Veep” and co-creator of the UK’s “I’m Alan Partridge.”
“Avenue 5” lacks the comedic sophistication of those series (starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Steve Coogan, respectively), and even the presence of “Veep” co-star Hugh Laurie — steering the (space)ship here as bearded Captain Ryan Clark — can’t save this HBO series from its over-reliance on leaden jokes and cardboard-cutout characters. There’s the occasional witty line (“Brilliant mind, terrible knees,” Clark says of a colleague; “that pregnant pause is in its 3rd trimester,” says another), but, elaborate special effects notwithstanding, “Avenue 5” never does find its space jam.
Here’s the setup: It’s sometime in the future, where cruises in space, on ships that look like sleek intergalactic ocean liners, are a favored way to travel. Avenue 5, one of a fleet of luxury space cruisers owned by platinum-blond, scruffy billionaire Herman Judd (Josh Gad), is on its maiden voyage, an eight-week “space cruise” around Saturn under the reassuring command of affable Capt. Clark.
Shortly after launch, however, the journey is thrown into chaos when a “gravity flip” throws Avenue 5 off its trajectory — meaning it will now take three years to return to Earth unless someone can devise a solution to the crisis. That won’t be the ship’s chief engineer, killed during the gravity flip (it’s played for laughs), or even Capt. Clark, lauded for his past heroics but who, we eventually learn, is hiding several secrets.
The action flips back and forth between the ship and mission control back on Earth, and much is made of the 26-second communication delay between the two entities (a clever conceit wrung dry by Iannucci and co-writers Simon Blackwell and Tony Roche).
The show’s supporting cast includes Zach Woods (“Silicon Valley”) as the ship’s put-upon customer relations guy; Rebecca Front (“Poldark”) as a pushy, obnoxious passenger with a milquetoast husband (Andy Buckley) who won’t take no for an answer; Rav Mulcair as the head of mission control; and Ethan Phillips (who’s good) as an ex-astronaut who can’t seem to command much respect from anybody aboard the ship. There’s also a bickering married couple (Jessica St. Clair, Kyle Bornheimer) and Neil Casey, another “Silicon Valley” alum, who plays Avenue 5 engineer Cyrus (he of the aforementioned “terrible knees”).
The reliable Laurie, who comes from a comedic background in England (he and Stephen Fry were “Fry & Laurie,” a double act in the ’80s and ’90s) does what he can with the material but is mostly left holding the bag. The same can be said of nearly everyone else in the cast (there’s no subtlety here), though Gad overplays Judd to the point that you wish he had a lot less screen time.
That being said, I’m guessing “Avenue 5” will go down as an unfortunate blip on Iannucci’s stellar resume, which includes “The Death of Stalin,” a sly 2017 big-screen comedy he co-wrote and directed. Perhaps this trip into outer space will keep him tethered to more his more comfortable earth-bound comic world.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Officials at troubled Queens school didn’t punish student for sex assault

Three teachers at a troubled Queens middle school failed to ...

Administrators at a top-tier but troubled Queens middle school didn’t punish a male student who sexually abused a classmate last year, the boy’s outraged parents told The Post this week.
Along with several pals, a then seventh-grade student approached a classmate at Marie Curie Middle School in Bayside last March and forcibly put his finger in his rectum, according to documents obtained by The Post.
“On Monday I gave — the snake which is my finger in his anus,” the student admitted in a written statement to school officials.
The victim then pushed the boy to the ground after the incident and the confrontation resumed later that day, the parents said. Several students attacked the victim and a fight ensued, leaving a welt on his face, according to the boy’s mother.
After more threats — both online and in person — the victim brought a knife to school two days later for protection and was suspended for six days, his mother told The Post.
While she said said the suspension was “warranted” and that her son made a grave error in bringing a weapon to school, the parent said he was frightened for his safety.
“He told me that he was scared for his life,” she told The Post this week. “He deserved the suspension but this was a scared child. It didn’t just happen out of nowhere.”
She said her son first told school officials about the forcible touching penetration after they retrieved his knife and that they later confirmed the incident through an investigation.
Principal Henry Schandel told her that the boy was punished for the initial sexual abuse – but refused to say what action had been taken.
A sympathetic guidance counselor later revealed to her that Schandel simply called the boy’s parents.
“This student was not suspended from school and did not receive any meaningful disciplinary action,” she said. “We are not protecting the kids who need protecting.”
The Post reported in December that administrators failed to notify parents of a female eighth grader who was being relentlessly sexually hounded by a male classmate and at one point pulled his pants down. The misconduct escalated until he forcibly touched her groin in class and was arrested last month.
Just last week, a 13-year-old girl was beaten by a classmate in a violent cafeteria brawl at Marie Curie.
“None of this stuff took place three years ago,” said Marie Curie teacher Tom Grey, who has been at the school for 13 years. “It’s becoming more dangerous by the day. Kids are being bullied in class and nothing is done.”
Grey said teachers are afraid to speak up for fear of administrative retaliation but are privately shocked by the school’s deterioration and absence of discipline. “There are no consequences anymore,” he said.
In a letter sent to schools Chancellor Richard Carranza Wednesday, Queens Congresswoman Grace Meng demanded answers about the slew of parental and teacher complaints at the school in her district.
“You are charged with the responsibility to lead the largest school system in the nation, educating 1.1 million students in over 1,800 schools,” she wrote. “Your fundamental priority must be ensuring a safe and equitable education for each of your students.”
The DOE said it would investigate the latest claims. “We take this seriously and will be meeting with the Principal and Borough Safety Director to ensure incidents are being appropriately reported and addressed,” she told The Post.
The boy’s mother said she pulled her son out of the school and that he is now going to school on Long Island.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Cornelia Guest selling 456-acre NY estate to move to Texas

Looks like The Hamburglar ’ s got some competition .
A half-dozen boys ...

Socialite Cornelia Guest is moving to Texas and listing her sprawling 456-plus-acre estate in Ancramdale, NY, for $4.75 million.
That means she’ll have to find a fitting home for her menagerie of rescue animals in the Lone Star State, she tells Gimme Shelter.
“I have a mini horse and a donkey rescue,” Guest says, adding that her other rescue animals include Guinea hens, a Sulcata tortoise, ducks, chickens, peacocks, cats and dogs. “Everyone will come with me. I wanted to be closer to LA, but I also wanted a place where I could bring my animals. I thought, ‘Texas, here I come.’ It’s exciting.”
Guest bought her Columbia County farm in 2015 for an undisclosed price, as Page Six reported at the time.
Guest is the daughter of the late socialite C.Z. Guest, who was The Post’s gardening columnist, and the late polo legend Winston Guest.
While Guest looks for a Texas ranch to buy, she has rented a “little house” there.
Guest’s New York estate, which is 19 miles southeast of Hudson near the Connecticut and Massachusetts borders, features a 6,000-square-foot main house with six bedrooms and five bathrooms. There’s also a guest house, barns, fields, trails and plenty of stunning views. “It is really beautiful,” says Guest. “Every window I look out of is just gorgeous.”
The property is surrounded by seven farms, three of which are more than 200 acres each. The listing brokers are Drew Hingson and Graham Klemm of Klemm Real Estate.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Grinning boys caught on camera stealing sweets from Brooklyn McDonald’s

Looks like The Hamburglar ’ s got some competition .
A half-dozen boys broke into a Brooklyn McDonald ’ s @ @ @ @ @ sodas , milkshakes , parfaits and chocolate milk on Christmas Day , according to cops @ @ @ @ @ .
The sugary drink thieves entered the eatery at 289 Ninth St. in Park Slope @ @ @ @ @ 5 p.m. , cops said .
One of the apparent teens hits the keys of @ @ @ @ @ avail and moves on , video shows .
The boys then took the beverages and @ @ @ @ @ , according to cops .

Looks like The Hamburglar’s got some competition.
A half-dozen boys broke into a Brooklyn McDonald’s and gleefully made off with sodas, milkshakes, parfaits and chocolate milk on Christmas Day, according to cops and surveillance video released Wednesday.
The sugary drink thieves entered the eatery at 289 Ninth St. in Park Slope through an unlocked door around 5 p.m., cops said.
One of the apparent teens hits the keys of a cash register to no avail and moves on, video shows. The boys then took the beverages and food before fleeing the location, according to cops.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers beg judge to move trial out of NYC

Hadid was ordered to return next week to join other ...

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Harvey Weinstein‘s lawyers plan to file an 11th-hour motion Thursday asking an appeals court to move his trial out of New York, citing a laundry list of concerns including negative publicity from prospective juror Gigi Hadid.
The motion, written by defense attorney Arthur Aidala, is expected to be submitted at 10 a.m. to the Appellate Division First Department.
Weinstein’s defense team wants the higher court to halt the trial and grant the disgraced producer a change of venue one week into jury selection. The appeals court shot down a similar request last August.
Hadid was summoned for jury duty on Jan. 13 and was ordered to return Thursday for further questioning.
“The presence of Ms. Hadid, who informed the trial court that she is able to be a fair juror even though she has met Mr. Weinstein before and is a noted friend of Weinstein accuser Cara Delevingne, only contributes to the carnival-like atmosphere,” wrote Aidala.
“Ms. Hadid attracts her own press and her presence also increases the number of spectators and protesters outside of the courthouse,” the filing states.
In October 2017, Delevingne tweeted that the pervy producer had lured her to his hotel room and tried to kiss her on the lips. The model-actress said she was terrified and bolted from the room.
“The vast majority of prospective jurors have been tainted by extrajudicial information contained in a deluge of pretrial publicity,” the defense argued in the motion.
Out of 600 jurors who’ve been summoned for the case, 142 have indicated they can be fair and impartial and filled out detailed questionnaires.
Aidala said 130 of them had heard about the allegations against Weinstein before stepping foot in the courtroom.
He raised concerns that many of the jurors were not candid in the written questionnaires, including one prospective panelist who failed to mention that she had a novel coming out about women who “negotiate fraught friendships, sexuality, class and predatory older men on the journey from innocence to independence.”
It’s unclear when the appeals court will issue their decision.
Weinstein is charged with two counts of predatory sexual assault, two counts of rape and one count of criminal sex act stemming from the allegations of three women.
Jury selection continues Thursday and openings are slated for Jan. 22.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Ex-NFL player Steve Gleason awarded top Congressional medal for ALS activism

Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason , an ALS patient and activist , was awarded the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal at the US Capitol Wednesday for his work leading efforts to fight the illness .
Gleason accepted the medal , which is the highest civilian honor awarded by Congress , in a ceremony attended by congressional leaders and his former teammate , quarterback Drew Brees .
“ This award from the elected officials who represent the people of the United States of America is a sublime honor for me , ” Gleason , who was diagnosed with the debilitating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a speech generation device .
“ But I feel more importantly … that this honor represents some joy and encouragement , and even drive for the tens of thousands of extraordinary families enduring life with ALS.
” On the field , the former NFL player was perhaps best known for blocking a punt in the opening minutes of the Saints first game back in their renovated stadium following the destruction of Hurricane Sandy .
His activism with ALS , also known as Lou Gehrig ’ s disease , began after he retired and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helps provide services for people living with the disease .
He also lobbied for the passage of the Steve Gleason Act , which expanded Medicare benefits to include speech generation devices for patients suffering from diseases like ALS .
“ Only 163 people have ever received this honor , George Washington , Nelson Mandela , Mother Theresa , and now , Steve Gleason , ” Sen. Chuck Schumer said at the ceremony .
“ But instead of cursing the darkness , Steve chose to light a candle .
He chose to inspire and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like he is.
” “ For the 13 years I ’ ve known Steve , if i were to sum up his attitude , his tenacity , his matra — it would be it ’ s not a matter of if we will l accomplish the goal , it ’ s only when , ” Brees said .
“ There is no person on earth with the strength , courage , passion and tenacity , to overcome all obstacles and make the lasting impact that Steve has made , ” he added .

Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason, an ALS patient and activist, was awarded the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal at the US Capitol Wednesday for his work leading efforts to fight the illness.
Gleason accepted the medal, which is the highest civilian honor awarded by Congress, in a ceremony attended by congressional leaders and his former teammate, quarterback Drew Brees.
“This award from the elected officials who represent the people of the United States of America is a sublime honor for me,” Gleason, who was diagnosed with the debilitating degenerative disease in 2011, said using a speech generation device.
“But I feel more importantly … that this honor represents some joy and encouragement, and even drive for the tens of thousands of extraordinary families enduring life with ALS.”
On the field, the former NFL player was perhaps best known for blocking a punt in the opening minutes of the Saints first game back in their renovated stadium following the destruction of Hurricane Katrina.
His activism with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, began after he retired and founded Team Gleason Foundation, non-profit that helps provide services for people living with the disease.
He also lobbied for the passage of the Steve Gleason Act, which expanded Medicare benefits to include speech generation devices for patients suffering from diseases like ALS.
“Only 163 people have ever received this honor, George Washington, Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, and now, Steve Gleason,” Sen. Chuck Schumer said at the ceremony.
“But instead of cursing the darkness, Steve chose to light a candle. He chose to inspire and help others who are braving ALS just like he is.”
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees praised Gleason’s perseverance.
“For the 13 years I’ve known Steve, if i were to sum up his attitude, his tenacity, his matra — it would be it’s not a matter of if we will l accomplish the goal, it’s only when,” Brees said.
“There is no person on earth with the strength, courage, passion and tenacity, to overcome all obstacles and make the lasting impact that Steve has made,” he added.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Meet the hot milkman driving NYC ladies to drink — milk

It was an act of Mass destruction .
A man sprayed ...

Doree Lewak, Heather Hauswirth, Anthony Beltempo

Frank Acosta is milking it.
The personal trainer turned professional milkman is not shy about his special advantage in this city of moo-vers and shakers. “I capitalize on my looks to get clients,” Acosta, 40, who is single, tells The Post.
And customers can’t wait for the shaggy-haired delivery guy to get their lattes steaming.
“He’s such a hunk,” longtime customer Lia Shire, of the Upper West Side, tells The Post.
“I have not bought milk or eggs from a grocery since I started with him,” adds the married mom, who says she’s referred smitten friends.
Previous 1 of 9 Next Advertisement Frank Acosta is the co-founder of Manhattan Milk delivery service. Annie Wermiel/NY Post Acosta delivers to a client. Annie Wermiel/NY Post Advertisement Acosta prepares his deliveries. Annie Wermiel/NY Post Acosta poses near his delivery truck. Annie Wermiel/NY Post Acosta delivers to a client. Annie Wermiel/NY Post Advertisement Acosta was a personal trainer before turning professional milkman. Annie Wermiel/NY Post Advertisement
Acosta, a FiDi resident, co-founded Manhattan Milk in 2006, along with business partner Matt Marone. The pair bottle and deliver country-fresh cow juice to eager clients across four boroughs and New Jersey. A single gallon costs $8, though some families spill up to $100 per week on the single-herd, grass-fed, low-temperature pasteurized milk from an upstate New York farm. (Delivery is included with a $25 order minimum, with items such as heavy cream, eggs and New York state maple syrup also available.)
Even though Manhattan Milk has a few competitors, Acosta says he’s proof that milk “does a body good.”
“I had to drink it with every meal since growing up,” says Acosta, who was raised in Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan, where he studied pre-law. Now, he downs a glass of whole milk before his daily workouts and chugs chocolate milk chasers after pumping iron at the gym.
That’s not the only way Acosta stays buff. He helps hand-deliver up to 600 cases of milk a day. Prep at the Westchester warehouse often starts at 11 p.m. before he’s on the road to get into Manhattan by 1 a.m. to make corporate deliveries. He shows up at private residences after dawn.
The udder-ly demanding all-nighters can take a toll, especially when his clients expect him to stick around and chat in the morning: “Being the face of the company has its repercussions. They want to talk to you all the time,” he says.
And although Manhattan Milk employs other delivery guys, he knows who his clients want to see him at their doors bright and early.
“Do people want it from me? 110%,” he says. “I don’t take vacations.”
While he does get hit on by eager customers, Acosta says he keeps things professional, even when his Instagram DMs are getting flooded. “I keep my head down and make my deliveries,” he says.
He even thinks crushes have cost him some of his regulars. “There were a few instances when we had cancellations, and I think [jealous husbands] are the reason why. I had that happen with training, too. You have wives who train with you and the minute the husband sees you — no more sessions.”
Acosta, who had a brief but memorable role on the “Real Housewives of Orange County” when he was linked to cast member Kelly Dodd, insists that there’s no real dating stigma to being a modern-day milkman.
“Being a milkman is a badge of honor,” he says.
But he confesses he has a dating dealbreaker of his own — namely women who don’t drink milk. “I wouldn’t trust them,” he says.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Prince William and Kate Middleton get big applause amid Megxit

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 ) Prince William and Kate Middleton received a roaring applause at their first joint public outing since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their Megxit plans , according to a report Wednesday .
Hundreds of fans cheered and waved flags for the royals outside Bradford City Hall in England Wednesday , where the couple attended a community project to help grandparents bond with their grandchildren , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one point the cheering got so loud , the Duke turned to a group of women and said , “ Hello !
You ’ re the noisy corner , ” causing them to squeal with glee .
The Duchess of Cambridge beamed as she embraced a young boy and accepted flowers from other children .
After greeting the excited crowd , the couple headed to a restaurant , where Kate ordered a milkshake .
The pair ’ s rock star-like appearance comes as much of the country grapples with Harry and Meghan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ royal titles and divide their time between L.A. and Canada .
William was seen Tuesday at an event knighting prominent people .

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Prince William and Kate Middleton received a roaring applause at their first joint public outing since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their Megxit plans, according to a report Wednesday.
Hundreds of fans cheered and waved flags for the royals outside Bradford City Hall in England Wednesday, where the couple attended a community project to help grandparents bond with their grandchildren, according to The Daily Mail.
At one point the cheering got so loud, the Duke turned to a group of women and said, “Hello! You’re the noisy corner,” causing them to squeal with glee.
The Duchess of Cambridge beamed as she embraced a young boy and accepted flowers from other children. After greeting the excited crowd, the couple headed to a restaurant, where Kate ordered a milkshake.
The pair’s rock star-like appearance comes as much of the country grapples with Harry and Meghan’s controversial decision to give up their royal titles and divide their time between L.A. and Canada.
William was seen Tuesday at an event knighting prominent people.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Video shows vandal spraying juice at Catholic priest in Brooklyn

It was an act of Mass destruction .
A man sprayed red juice on a Catholic priest and his altar at a Brooklyn church Sunday — in an act religious leaders dubbed a “ desecration.
” Stunning video footage shows the guy stroll up to the holy table during Mass at St. Anthony of Padua in Greenpoint then squirt the liquid at Father Jossy Vattothu , staining his white robe and leaving him gobsmacked .
“ During my years as a priest , nothing like this has ever happened , ” Vattothu said in a release from the Diocese of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the altar and a Bible on top of it , briefly interrupting the church session , Vattothu said .
But the vandal ’ s unholy water missed the sacraments set on the table for communion , which allowed the priest to continue with mass .
“ At first , as he approached the altar , I thought he had something to tell me .
It is a miracle that the bread and wine were not damaged , and I was able to continue the Mass , consecrating the bread and wine into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Vattothu .
The unnamed 33-year-old suspect was caught and held by church-goers until cops arrived and detained him , church officials said .
Police said they took him to Woodhull Hospital for an evaluation after someone at the church called 911 , but he was not charged with a crime .
Vattothu was baffled by the man ’ s motivation .
“ I pray for this person and do not know what was going through his mind .
I am grateful for the parishioners who were so caring and consoled me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes after several vandals across the city struck Catholic churches in recent months , including a case in which a suspect damaged a religious statue at St. Jude at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg on Nov. 3 .
In another incident , a vandal scrawled gang signs on the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Bayside , Queens on Jan. 12 .

It was an act of Mass destruction.
A man sprayed red juice on a Catholic priest and his altar at a Brooklyn church Sunday — in an act religious leaders dubbed a “desecration.”
Stunning video footage shows the guy stroll up to the holy table during Mass at St. Anthony of Padua in Greenpoint then squirt the liquid at Father Jossy Vattothu, staining his white robe and leaving him gobsmacked.
“During my years as a priest, nothing like this has ever happened,” Vattothu said in a release from the Diocese of Brooklyn.
The juice-wielding jerk also soaked the altar and a Bible on top of it, briefly interrupting the church session, Vattothu said.
But the vandal’s unholy water missed the sacraments set on the table for communion, which allowed the priest to continue with mass.
“At first, as he approached the altar, I thought he had something to tell me. It is a miracle that the bread and wine were not damaged, and I was able to continue the Mass, consecrating the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus Christ,” said Vattothu.
The unnamed 33-year-old suspect was caught and held by church-goers until cops arrived and detained him, church officials said.
Police said they took him to Woodhull Hospital for an evaluation after someone at the church called 911, but he was not charged with a crime.
Vattothu was baffled by the man’s motivation.
“I pray for this person and do not know what was going through his mind. I am grateful for the parishioners who were so caring and consoled me,” he said.
The juicing comes after several vandals across the city struck Catholic churches in recent months, including a case in which a suspect damaged a religious statue at St. Jude at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg on Nov. 3.
In another incident, a vandal scrawled gang signs on the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Bayside, Queens on Jan. 12.
Church leaders didn’t immediately return The Post’s calls Wednesday.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Nancy Pelosi signs impeachment articles against Trump

Forget Art Basel ’ s banana : The Whitney just put a whole ...

Nancy Pelosi signed off on the House’s two articles of impeachment on Capitol Hill Wednesday, paving the way for President Trump’s trial in the Senate.
“He did not uphold his oath of office to protect the Constitution of the United States,” Pelosi said about Trump.
“Actions taken by the president undermined national security and … jeopardized the integrity of our elections. So today, we make history, delivering articles of impeachment against the president of the United States.”
The House clerk and sergeant at arms were expected to lead the managers as they deliver the articles to the Senate this evening.
But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office made clear in a statement put out by his office it would not formally accept the articles until Thursday. McConnell’s spokesman, David Popp, said the they won’t be accepted until the Senate has sent the House managers a formal invitation to bring them over.
Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill, replied that the House “never expected exhibition of the articles today. The articles will be transmitted to the Senate today as planned.”
The House impeachment managers were expected to walk across the Capitol and formally deliver the articles to the Senate after they are signed in a televised “engrossment” ceremony at 5 p.m., though the event was delayed.
Previous 1 of 3 Next Advertisement Pens prepared for the impeachment engrossment ceremony Getty Images The articles of impeachment being walked over to the Senate by the impeachment managers AFP via Getty Images Advertisement
An engrossed resolution is the official, final copy of something passed by the House, which voted to forward the measures to the upper chamber earlier in the day.
It has to be signed by the speaker and certified by the House clerk, and includes any minor, last-minute changes.
The House earlier voted to appoint seven Democratic lawmakers to manage the trial before the Senate, including Reps. Adam Schiff of California and Jerrold Nadler of New York, which led the impeachment effort in the House.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Whitney one-ups Art Basel banana with entire modern art fruit stand

“ House of the Dragon , ” HBO ’ s straight-to-series prequel to “ Game Of ...

Forget Art Basel’s banana: The Whitney just put a whole grocery’s worth of produce on display.
Billed as “fruits, vegetables; fruit and vegetable salad,” Darren Bader’s otherwise untitled, edible exhibition debuted Wednesday to museumgoers, some of whom giggled as they first saw it on the eighth-floor gallery.
There, arrayed in neat rows — eight across, five down — were 40 wooden pedestals, each holding a different fruit or vegetable: a stalk of corn on one, a wrinkly avocado on another.
Among some three dozen more, of varying ripeness and perfection, were a bunch of bruised bananas, two neat rows of cherry tomatoes, a frilly fennel bulb and the Johnny Wadd of hot-house cucumbers.
There are no ropes or glass between you and the produce, so you can get as close to it as you like. Just don’t squeeze or touch anything, tempting as it is — especially if you’ve never seen a dragon fruit before.
While the fruit and vegetables on display varies, the Whitney’s Christie Mitchell says, you’ll always find a mix of the ordinary and the exotic.
“Darren’s instructions guide you, but they don’t specify anything particular,” she says. “He’s interested in a balance between fruits and vegetables, and as many varieties as possible.”
One of the museum’s art handlers buys the goods from Fresh Direct and the Manhattan Fruit Exchange at Chelsea Market. Every two days, all the produce is replaced, its predecessors made into salad.
Previous 1 of 6 Next Advertisement Christie Mitchell, the exhibit's curator. Annie Wermiel/NY Post A staff member puts out the fresh fruit and vegetables. Annie Wermiel/NY Post Advertisement Annie Wermiel/NY Post Advertisement
Staff members wash, slice and dice it all up on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sunday afternoons and Friday evenings, their labors projected in real time on a gallery wall. Free samples are distributed to anyone who cares to try them.
“We had a dress rehearsal Tuesday,” says Mitchell, plucking a price tag off a pomegranate. “It was delicious!”
The project is not a response to artist Maurizio Cattelan’s $120,000 banana, which was the sensation of Miami’s Art Basel show last year, as Bader sold the concept to the museum five years ago.
It has never shown it till now. Earlier, smaller incarnations previously popped up at MoMA’s PS 1 and elsewhere.
But what does it mean? The artist isn’t saying, but curator Mitchell ventures that it’s “funny and serious at the same time. It’s about context and appreciating produce for what it is — and it’s beautiful.”
Opening-day reviews were good. “We were intrigued by that banana at Art Basel,” says Sam Buchbauer, a recent law grad who saw the show with a friend. “Now we get to see a whole grocery!”
Added Nicola Boxall, a potter from Connecticut: “It’s beautiful. I’m just sorry we’re not going to be here for the salad.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘House of the Dragon’ gets release date

“ House of the Dragon , ” HBO ’ s straight-to-series prequel to “ Game Of Thrones , ” is on track for a 2022 debut , HBO President of Programming Casey Bloys said in an interview with Deadline during TCA .
“ My guess is sometime in 2022 , ” he said about when the series will debut , stressing that it is too early to be more specific than that .
“ They are starting writing , ” Bloys said of the project from George R.R .
Martin and Ryan Condal .
Written by Condal based on Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Fire & Blood ” book , “ House of the Dragon ” is set 300 years before the events of “ Game of Thrones ” and tells the story of House Targaryen , rich in the dragonlord ancestors of Daenerys .
“ Obviously it ’ s a big , complicated show , ” Bloys said , adding that there are no casting news yet .
“ GoT ” veteran Miguel Sapochnik and Condal have partnered as showrunners and serve as executive producers on “ House of the Dragon ” along with “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gerardis .
“ House of the Dragon ” was one of the four remaining “ GoT ” spinoffs in the works at HBO .
The others are on hold , which could be indefinite — or temporary .
“ For me for right now , I think getting ‘ House of the Dragon ’ on the air will be the number one priority , ” Bloys said .
“ There are no other blinking green lights or anything like that .
Sometime down the road who knows , but there are no immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ House of the Dragon.
’ ” “ House of the Dragon ” was the second “ Game Of Thrones ” prequel to receive a green light , following a project written by Jane Goldman , which went to pilot starring Naomi Watts but was not picked up to series .
Bloys explained to Deadline why .
“ In development , in pilots , sometimes things come together , some time they don ’ t , ” he said .
“ One of the things I think Jane took on beautifully , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot more role creation because she set hers 8,000 years before the ( mothership ) show , so it required a lot more .
That is a big swing .
One of the things about ‘ House of Dragons , ’ there is a text , there is a book so that made it a little bit more of a road map for a series order.
” “ I think Jane did a beautiful job , it was a big challenge but there was nothing that I would point to and say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , just overall it did not quite gel .
That ’ s one of the reasons when we started out to think about ‘ Is there a life after ‘ Game of Thrones ’ in terms of ‘ Game of Thrones ’ ’ , we purposefully developed multiple projects .
We would have been very lucky to do one pilot , have that pilot go and be a success but in development as you know , it takes a lot of tries to get it right , this is no different .
@

“House of the Dragon,” HBO’s straight-to-series prequel to “Game Of Thrones,” is on track for a 2022 debut, HBO President of Programming Casey Bloys said in an interview with Deadline during TCA.
“My guess is sometime in 2022,” he said about when the series will debut, stressing that it is too early to be more specific than that.
“They are starting writing,” Bloys said of the project from George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal.
Written by Condal based on Martin’s based on Martin’s “Fire & Blood” book, “House of the Dragon” is set 300 years before the events of “Game of Thrones” and tells the story of House Targaryen, rich in the dragonlord ancestors of Daenerys.
“Obviously it’s a big, complicated show,” Bloys said, adding that there are no casting news yet. “GoT” veteran Miguel Sapochnik and Condal have partnered as showrunners and serve as executive producers on “House of the Dragon” along with “GoT” co-executive producers Martin and Vince Gerardis.
“House of the Dragon” was one of the four remaining “GoT” spinoffs in the works at HBO. The others are on hold, which could be indefinite — or temporary.
“For me for right now, I think getting ‘House of the Dragon’ on the air will be the number one priority,” Bloys said. “There are no other blinking green lights or anything like that. Sometime down the road who knows, but there are no immediate plans. We are all focusing on ‘House of the Dragon.’ ”
“House of the Dragon” was the second “Game Of Thrones” prequel to receive a green light, following a project written by Jane Goldman, which went to pilot starring Naomi Watts but was not picked up to series. Bloys explained to Deadline why.
“In development, in pilots, sometimes things come together, some time they don’t,” he said. “One of the things I think Jane took on beautifully, which was a challenge, there was a lot more role creation because she set hers 8,000 years before the (mothership) show, so it required a lot more. That is a big swing. One of the things about ‘House of Dragons,’ there is a text, there is a book so that made it a little bit more of a road map for a series order.”
“I think Jane did a beautiful job, it was a big challenge but there was nothing that I would point to and say, oh, that one element did not work, just overall it did not quite gel. That’s one of the reasons when we started out to think about ‘Is there a life after ‘Game of Thrones’ in terms of ‘Game of Thrones’’, we purposefully developed multiple projects. We would have been very lucky to do one pilot, have that pilot go and be a success but in development as you know, it takes a lot of tries to get it right, this is no different.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--White House wants impeachment trial over in 2 weeks without witnesses

The White House wants President Trump ’ s impeachment trial to end in two weeks — with no witnesses called to testify .
The trial should end before Trump ’ s State of the Union address to congress on Feb. 4 , a senior administration official told reporters Wednesday .
“ It is extraordinarily unlikely that we would be going beyond two weeks .
We think that the case is overwhelming for the president and the Senate is not going to have any need to be taking that amount of time , ” the senior official said on a conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House-organized call as House Democrats prepared to transmit two articles of impeachment to the Republican-controlled Senate .
Trump is accused of obstructing Congress and abusing his power by allegedly pushing Ukraine ’ s president to investigate Joe and Hunter Biden .
Trump has denied any wrongdoing .
“ We don ’ t think that there ’ s going to be any need for witnesses in this trial , ” the official said .
“ We don ’ t think the Senate needs to hear from any witnesses… the House is supposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and say ‘ we have a case that we think stands up with what we have ’ .
” Although the White House outlined a quick presentation of arguments followed by a possible vote to dismiss the case , they said plans would change if Democrats gain enough Republican votes to call witnesses such as former National Security Adviser John Bolton , who said he is willing to testify but whose testimony might be blocked anyway by Trump invoking executive privilege .
“ If for some reason there were a move to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnesses for our side are not at all off the table , because the purpose of a trial usually and procedures in a trial is to protect the rights of the accused , ” the official said .
“ If we go on to a longer process of witnesses or something , the president will have a right to have witnesses as well.
” Trump has issued mixed messages on how he would like the Senate to handle the trial and it ’ s unclear if White House wishes will evolve .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d like to hear from the whistleblower , I ’ d like to hear from shifty Schiff , I ’ d like to hear from Hunter Biden and Joe Biden.
” But on Sunday , Trump tweeted that the Senate should dismiss the case to deprive it of credibility .
The senior administration official said it was time to “ get this process behind the country , ” and said it would be “ appropriate ” for senators to dismiss the case after hearing opening presentations from House Democrats and Trump ’ s @ @ @

The White House wants President Trump’s impeachment trial to end in two weeks — with no witnesses called to testify.
The trial should end before Trump’s State of the Union address to congress on Feb. 4, a senior administration official told reporters Wednesday.
“It is extraordinarily unlikely that we would be going beyond two weeks. We think that the case is overwhelming for the president and the Senate is not going to have any need to be taking that amount of time,” the senior official said on a conference call.
The official spoke on the White House-organized call as House Democrats prepared to transmit two articles of impeachment to the Republican-controlled Senate. Trump is accused of obstructing Congress and abusing his power by allegedly pushing Ukraine’s president to investigate Joe and Hunter Biden. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.
“We don’t think that there’s going to be any need for witnesses in this trial,” the official said. “We don’t think the Senate needs to hear from any witnesses… the House is supposed to be able to come into the chamber and say ‘we have a case that we think stands up with what we have’.”
Although the White House outlined a quick presentation of arguments followed by a possible vote to dismiss the case, they said plans would change if Democrats gain enough Republican votes to call witnesses such as former National Security Adviser John Bolton, who said he is willing to testify but whose testimony might be blocked anyway by Trump invoking executive privilege.
“If for some reason there were a move to have witnesses in the Senate, then other witnesses for our side are not at all off the table, because the purpose of a trial usually and procedures in a trial is to protect the rights of the accused,” the official said. “If we go on to a longer process of witnesses or something, the president will have a right to have witnesses as well.”
Trump has issued mixed messages on how he would like the Senate to handle the trial and it’s unclear if White House wishes will evolve.
Trump said on Thursday, “I’d like to hear from the whistleblower, I’d like to hear from shifty Schiff, I’d like to hear from Hunter Biden and Joe Biden.” But on Sunday, Trump tweeted that the Senate should dismiss the case to deprive it of credibility.
The senior administration official said it was time to “get this process behind the country,” and said it would be “appropriate” for senators to dismiss the case after hearing opening presentations from House Democrats and Trump’s defense team.