newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Baby Yoda portrait unveiled at London’s National Portrait Gallery

An Arizona Uber driver was arrested Monday for sexually assaulting ...

Worth a thousand words, this picture is.
A Baby Yoda portrait will have a new home at one of the UK’s most prestigious art galleries as the second season of the series “The Mandalorian” prepares to stream on Disney Plus, reports Variety.
Titled “The Mandalorian and the Child,” the 3- by 2-foot oil painting features Baby Yoda and his Mandalorian protector, who is played in the show by Pedro Pascal.
The artwork was commissioned as a joint project between Disney Plus and the UK National Portrait Gallery.
“This is truly the way to mark the arrival of the second season of ‘The Mandalorian.’ We are honored to unveil this portrait in collaboration with the esteemed National Portrait Gallery,” said Luke Bradley-Jones, the Senior Vice-President at Disney Plus.
“The show and characters created by Jon Favreau have been embraced by fans across the U.K. who can now stand a step closer to inspect them on canvas before streaming the new episodes.”
Baby Yoda and the Mandalorian are the lastest of many Star Wars alums to have their portraits hung in the iconic UK gallery. Others include Sir Alec Guinness, Thandie Newton, Felicity Jones, Ben Morris, Riz Ahmed and Gareth Edwards.
“There is no doubt that ‘Star Wars’ is a cultural phenomenon that has had a huge impact on popular culture and has involved a wide range of talent from across the British film industry,” chief operating officer of the National Portrait Gallery, Ros Lawler said.
The artwork will be unveiled on Oct. 30, a date that coincides with the release of “The Mandalorian” season 2.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Arizona Uber driver arrested for sexually assaulting intoxicated passenger

An Arizona Uber driver was arrested Monday for sexually assaulting an intoxicated passenger , reports said .
Mark Anthony Taylor @ @ @ @ @ woman up from a house party in Scottsdale early Saturday morning , according to court @ @ @ @ @ .
A friend of the victim told cops she spoke with the ride-share driver before @ @ @ @ @ car , advising Taylor that “ she was extremely intoxicated and needed to get home @ @ @ @ @ 12 the friend kept an eye on the Uber app and got “ a weird @ @ @ @ @ appeared to be circling nearby neighborhoods .
The vehicle then stopped at an address that @ @ @ @ @ entered , though the ride was listed as completed anyway .
The friend followed Taylor @ @ @ @ @ him in the backseat of his vehicle with the victim .
Neither had pants on @ @ @ @ @ sex with the woman , acknowledging she was so intoxicated that she was unable to @ @ @ @ @ had no criminal history , the station reported .
He remains in custody .

An Arizona Uber driver was arrested Monday for sexually assaulting an intoxicated passenger, reports said.
Mark Anthony Taylor, 30, picked the woman up from a house party in Scottsdale early Saturday morning, according to court documents obtained by NBC 12.
A friend of the victim told cops she spoke with the ride-share driver before helping the woman into his car, advising Taylor that “she was extremely intoxicated and needed to get home safe.”
Police told NBC 12 the friend kept an eye on the Uber app and got “a weird feeling” when the car appeared to be circling nearby neighborhoods. The vehicle then stopped at an address that was not the destination she entered, though the ride was listed as completed anyway.
The friend followed Taylor to the location and found him in the backseat of his vehicle with the victim. Neither had pants on.
Taylor admitted to having sex with the woman, acknowledging she was so intoxicated that she was unable to hold herself up.
Taylor had no criminal history, the station reported. He remains in custody.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Man arrested for vandalizing Queens cars with Black Lives Matter graffiti

A man was arrested on Wednesday night for allegedly tagging cars with Black Lives Matter graffiti in Jackson Heights , @ @ @ @ @ , 56 , of Queens , allegedly admitted to vandalizing several cars in the neighborhood @ @ @ @ @ the Black Lives Matter movement , police sources said .
Torres was connected to the @ @ @ @ @ a woman on his forearm , which was first spotted by investigators in surveillance video @ @ @ @ @ said .
More than 50 vehicles in the Queens neighborhood have been targeted with graffiti @ @ @ @ @ week alone , dozens of cars in Jackson Heights were tagged with spray paint spelling @ @ @ @ @ “ AOC , ” police said .
Torres was charged in several of the acts @ @ @ @ @ and making graffiti , sources said .

A man was arrested on Wednesday night for allegedly tagging cars with Black Lives Matter graffiti in Jackson Heights, sources said.
Heriberto Torres, 56, of Queens, allegedly admitted to vandalizing several cars in the neighborhood because of his affiliation with the Black Lives Matter movement, police sources said.
Torres was connected to the crimes by a tattoo of a woman on his forearm, which was first spotted by investigators in surveillance video of the vandalism, sources said.
More than 50 vehicles in the Queens neighborhood have been targeted with graffiti, sources said.
This week alone, dozens of cars in Jackson Heights were tagged with spray paint spelling out “BLM” or “AOC,” police said.
Torres was charged in several of the acts of vandalism with criminal mischief and making graffiti, sources said.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Supreme Court allows North Carolina absentee ballot deadline extension

Absentee ballots that arrive before or on Nov. 12 in North Carolina will be counted after the US Supreme Court declined Wednesday to hear a case challenging the state ’ s deadline extension .
Despite pleas from high-profile Republicans for the Supreme Court to hear arguments in the case , Wednesday ’ s 5-3 vote leaves undisturbed a decision by the state ’ s Board of Elections to lengthen the grace period for receiving absentee ballots from three to nine days due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Chief Justice John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh joined the high court ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Samuel Alito , Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas dissented .
Newly sworn-in Justice Amy Coney Barrett did not take part in the vote due to a “ need for a prompt resolution and because she has not had time to fully review the parties ’ filings , ” court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said .
According to North Carolina ’ s State Board of Elections , absentee ballots still must be postmarked by Election Day and will have to be received no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 12 .
“ North Carolina voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Supreme Court .
The Court upheld the State Board of Elections ’ effort to ensure that every eligible vote counts , even during a pandemic , ” North Carolina ’ s Attorney General , Josh Stein said in a tweet .
“ Voters must have their mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day , but now we all have certainty that every eligible vote will be counted .
Let ’ s vote !
” Republican state Senate Leader Phil Berger , however , said the decision will ultimately undermine the public ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unelected bureaucrats on a state panel controlled by one political party overrule election laws passed by legislatures , even after ballots have already been cast ?
If public confidence in elections is important to our system of government , then hopefully the answer to that question is no , ” Berger said in a statement .

Absentee ballots that arrive before or on Nov. 12 in North Carolina will be counted after the US Supreme Court declined Wednesday to hear a case challenging the state’s deadline extension.
Despite pleas from high-profile Republicans for the Supreme Court to hear arguments in the case, Wednesday’s 5-3 vote leaves undisturbed a decision by the state’s Board of Elections to lengthen the grace period for receiving absentee ballots from three to nine days due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Chief Justice John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh joined the high court’s liberal in the majority, while Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas dissented.
Newly sworn-in Justice Amy Coney Barrett did not take part in the vote due to a “need for a prompt resolution and because she has not had time to fully review the parties’ filings,” court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said.
According to North Carolina’s State Board of Elections, absentee ballots still must be postmarked by Election Day and will have to be received no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 12.
“North Carolina voters had a huge win tonight at the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court upheld the State Board of Elections’ effort to ensure that every eligible vote counts, even during a pandemic,” North Carolina’s Attorney General, Josh Stein said in a tweet.
“Voters must have their mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day, but now we all have certainty that every eligible vote will be counted. Let’s vote!”
Republican state Senate Leader Phil Berger, however, said the decision will ultimately undermine the public’s confidence in the government.
“May unelected bureaucrats on a state panel controlled by one political party overrule election laws passed by legislatures, even after ballots have already been cast? If public confidence in elections is important to our system of government, then hopefully the answer to that question is no,” Berger said in a statement.
With Post Wires


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--NBA players union ‘negative’ on league’s Dec. 22 start proposal

The NBA wants to restart games in time for Christmas , ...

In response to the NBA’s proposed 72-game schedule the league is considering for the 2020-21 regular season, which includes a Dec. 22 tipoff, NBPA executive director Michele Roberts says that players are currently mostly against the plan.
With a Friday deadline for owners or players to choose to nix the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, Roberts told The Athletic Wednesday that the proposal is being reviewed extensively. She was adamant that no players’ decision would be reached this week.
“We have requested and are receiving data from the parties involved and will work on a counterproposal as expeditiously as possible,” Roberts said. “I have absolutely no reason to believe that we will have a decision by Friday. I cannot and will not view Friday as a drop-dead date.”
As for the players, a “substantial faction are pushing for the next season to begin on Jan. 18 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day — after free agency gets underway Dec. 1, according to a Yahoo Sports report.
Members of the NBA Board of Governors are mulling the feasibility of a short free agency period following the Nov. 18 draft with training camps starting Dec. 1.
The proposal, in part, is a response to the league’s reported $1.5 billion financial shortfall caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including loss of in-stadium revenue, the costs of staging the NBA restart near Orlando and diminished additional revenue streams.
Roberts cited the personal sacrifices made by players during this pandemic-laced campaign, which composed of 22 teams restarting and finishing a shortened regular season before a normal postseason format, with the Los Angeles Lakers being crowned champions earlier this month.
While Roberts did not portray any opposition to the league’s initial proposal as a sign of serious labor strife — she shared that players and owners are not far apart on issues like the salary cap and tax concerns, she talked firmly about the players’ desire to proceed with caution.
“Our players deserve the right to have some runway so that they can plan for a start that soon,” Roberts said. “The overwhelming response from the players that I have received to this proposal has been negative.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Police say van containing explosives found in Philadelphia

A van containing explosives was found in Philadelphia on Wednesday night , as the city remains on high alert over days of unrest stemming from the police shooting death of Walter Wallace Jr. , according to a report .
The van was found at Logan Circle in the Center City neighborhood , WPVI reported .
Police told the outlet they recovered propane tanks and torches .
A film crew with the outlet captured what appeared to be sticks of dynamite .
Philadelphia the past two nights has grappled with violent protests over the death of Wallace , who , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knife that he refused to drop when he was shot on Monday .
The unrest , which also included looting , prompted the city ’ s mayor to call in the state ’ s national guard , who are expected to arrive later this week .
Police fired 14 shots at Wallace , though police have not said how many times he was hit .
The officers involved in the killing have been taken off the street as the shooting is investigated .
On Wednesday , Philadelphia police commissioner Danielle Outlaw said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audio of 911 calls made in connection to the fatal shooting .

A van containing explosives was found in Philadelphia on Wednesday night, as the city remains on high alert over days of unrest stemming from the police shooting death of Walter Wallace Jr., according to a report.
The van was found at Logan Circle in the Center City neighborhood, WPVI reported. Police told the outlet they recovered propane tanks and torches.
A film crew with the outlet captured what appeared to be sticks of dynamite.
Philadelphia the past two nights has grappled with violent protests over the death of Wallace, who, according to police, was armed with a knife that he refused to drop when he was shot on Monday.
The unrest, which also included looting, prompted the city’s mayor to call in the state’s national guard, who are expected to arrive later this week.
Police fired 14 shots at Wallace, though police have not said how many times he was hit.
The officers involved in the killing have been taken off the street as the shooting is investigated.
On Wednesday, Philadelphia police commissioner Danielle Outlaw said the department will release bodycam footage and the audio of 911 calls made in connection to the fatal shooting.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Jesus Medina scores for second straight game to propel NYCFC

EAST HARTFORD , Conn. — Jesús Medina scored for the second consecutive game and New York City FC beat Toronto @ @ @ @ @ .
Valentín Castellanos ripped a right-footer from well outside the box that was parried away @ @ @ @ @ but Medina put away the rebound from point-blank range in the 51st minute .
Toronto @ @ @ @ @ dropped consecutive games , including a 5-0 loss to Philadelphia , following a nine-game unbeaten @ @ @ @ @ three points behind the Union , whose 44 points are the most in MLS .
@ @ @ @ @ tied atop the standings .
Philadelphia beat the Chicago Fire 2-1 .
Toronto FC had @ @ @ @ @ against NYCFC , was outshot 15-7 and didn ’ t have a shot on target @

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Jesús Medina scored for the second consecutive game and New York City FC beat Toronto FC 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Valentín Castellanos ripped a right-footer from well outside the box that was parried away by goalkeeper Quentin Westburg, but Medina put away the rebound from point-blank range in the 51st minute.
NYCFC (10-8-3) has won back-to-back games following a three-game winless streak.
Toronto FC (12-4-5) has dropped consecutive games, including a 5-0 loss to Philadelphia, following a nine-game unbeaten streak.
Toronto FC sits three points behind the Union, whose 44 points are the most in MLS. The teams began the night tied atop the standings. Philadelphia beat the Chicago Fire 2-1.
Toronto FC had 45.5 percent of the possession against NYCFC, was outshot 15-7 and didn’t have a shot on target.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Philly DA Larry Krasner warns Trump against sending ‘uncertified poll watchers’

The Philadelphia District Attorney on Wednesday warned the Trump administration against sending poll watchers to the city on Election Day .
District Attorney Larry Krasner warned in a statement that he ’ s “ got something ” for President Trump if he breaks the law and sends “ goon squads ” to the city .
“ The Trump Administration ’ s efforts to suppress votes amid a global pandemic fueled by their disregard for human life will not be tolerated in the birthplace of American democracy , ” Krasner said in the statement .
“ Philadelphians from a diversity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of law , in fair and free elections , and in a democratic system of government .
We will not be cowed or ruled by a lawless , power-hungry despot .
Some folks learned that the hard way in the 1700s , ” he added .
The statement comes after a city judge ruled it is illegal for the Trump campaign to send poll watchers to the city during the presidential election .
The campaign had filed suit hoping to send poll watchers to monitor “ satellite election offices , ” where election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications and voters can submit their ballots .
In his statement , Krasner fumed that any attempt by the president to monitor city polls would be met by resistance from his office .
“ Keep your Proud Boys , goon squads , and uncertified ‘ poll watchers ’ out of our city , Mr. President .
Break the law here , and I ’ ve got something for you , ” he wrote .

The Philadelphia District Attorney on Wednesday warned the Trump administration against sending poll watchers to the city on Election Day.
District Attorney Larry Krasner warned in a statement that he’s “got something” for President Trump if he breaks the law and sends “goon squads” to the city.
“The Trump Administration’s efforts to suppress votes amid a global pandemic fueled by their disregard for human life will not be tolerated in the birthplace of American democracy,” Krasner said in the statement.
“Philadelphians from a diversity of political opinions believe strongly in the rule of law, in fair and free elections, and in a democratic system of government. We will not be cowed or ruled by a lawless, power-hungry despot. Some folks learned that the hard way in the 1700s,” he added.
The statement comes after a city judge ruled it is illegal for the Trump campaign to send poll watchers to the city during the presidential election.
The campaign had filed suit hoping to send poll watchers to monitor “satellite election offices,” where election workers register voters, process mail-in ballot applications and voters can submit their ballots.
In his statement, Krasner fumed that any attempt by the president to monitor city polls would be met by resistance from his office.
“Keep your Proud Boys, goon squads, and uncertified ‘poll watchers’ out of our city, Mr. President. Break the law here, and I’ve got something for you,” he wrote.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--PayPal’s touch-free transactions are helping small businesses adapt safety measures

With shutdowns , social distancing , mask requirements and other COVID-related safety guidelines in place , the current pandemic has been tough on many businesses .
Interacting with and serving customers safely has become a widespread concern for a broad range of companies , from large restaurants and retail stores to smaller businesses like food trucks , bodegas and dog walkers .
Fortunately , PayPal has a touch-free payment solution that enables business owners and customers to sell and buy products or services more safely .
PayPal QR Codes offer a touch-free payment option that allows fast and seamless transactions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credit cards .
For small-business owners , the set-up process couldn ’ t be simpler .
Just download or open the PayPal app , click on the QR code generator , and then print and display it wherever you do business .
The entire process only takes a few minutes !
PayPal QR Codes also make the experience quick and easy for customers by allowing them to use their smartphones as the QR code reader .
Just open your camera app or the PayPal app , scan the QR code , and pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a payment confirmation for every transaction processed .
To help businesses adapt to touch-free payments , PayPal is waiving seller transaction fees on QR Code transactions until 2021* and reduced transaction rates after .
PayPal QR codes help keep businesses and customers safer through touch-free transactions .
Small businesses : Sign up and start accepting touch-free payments with PayPal today !
Consumers : Download the PayPal app and start taking advantage of touch-free transactions now !
*Does not apply to PayPal Here QR Code transactions .
Other fees may apply .
Fees are @ @ @ @

With shutdowns, social distancing, mask requirements and other COVID-related safety guidelines in place, the current pandemic has been tough on many businesses. Interacting with and serving customers safely has become a widespread concern for a broad range of companies, from large restaurants and retail stores to smaller businesses like food trucks, bodegas and dog walkers. Fortunately, PayPal has a touch-free payment solution that enables business owners and customers to sell and buy products or services more safely.
PayPal QR Codes offer a touch-free payment option that allows fast and seamless transactions without the need to handle cash or credit cards. For small-business owners, the set-up process couldn’t be simpler. Just download or open the PayPal app, click on the QR code generator, and then print and display it wherever you do business. The entire process only takes a few minutes!
PayPal QR Codes also make the experience quick and easy for customers by allowing them to use their smartphones as the QR code reader. Just open your camera app or the PayPal app, scan the QR code, and pay! The PayPal app will automatically generate a payment confirmation for every transaction processed.
To help businesses adapt to touch-free payments, PayPal is waiving seller transaction fees on QR Code transactions until 2021* and reduced transaction rates after.
PayPal QR codes help keep businesses and customers safer through touch-free transactions.
Small businesses: Sign up and start accepting touch-free payments with PayPal today!
Consumers: Download the PayPal app and start taking advantage of touch-free transactions now!
*Does not apply to PayPal Here QR Code transactions. Other fees may apply. Fees are subject to change.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--How Nas inspired Jalen Rose to embrace his flaws

Jalen Rose had outspoken chef David Chang , the man behind ...

This week, I am all about finding inspiration in imperfection. Specifically, chipped teeth. Both mine and my esteemed guest on “Renaissance Man,” Nas.
Growing up poor, I never saw a dentist, and my teeth practiced social distancing long before COVID-19. To add to that, my two front teeth were both chipped and cracked, after falling on them during a backyard football game. If you look at any photos of me in college or even when I was drafted, you will see that I had some messed up teeth. When I got into the NBA, one of the first things I did was go to the dentist and fix my smile.
When Nas burst onto the scene, I loved his music. I loved the way his lyrics were so pure and almost academic. He was a prodigy. He also famously had a chipped tooth.
He embraced that flaw, and I thought that was so dope. A physical defect like that is something that you either succumb to or overcome. I always felt like he was a kindred spirit.
In the mid-’90s, I got to meet the rapper at the Century Club in Los Angeles, and it was a time when we were both arriving into this world. I don’t remember who took the photo of us, but I ended up with it. This was before camera phones when people couldn’t snap pics so easily, but I wanted to take it because a month or so earlier, I hung out there with Tupac Shakur. He was gunned down not long after. It was a sobering reminder that life is fleeting.
Nas and I became homeys that night, and a friendship has continued into our 40s.
I was honored he dropped by the “Renaissance Man” podcast because he doesn’t really do much media. He’s been able to remain a giant in his industry, and also maintain a level of mystique. He doesn’t give everything about himself away, but he dropped some gems on the pod about his earliest influences, including Kool Moe Dee and the Fat Boys, and growing up in the Queensbridge Houses in Queens with nothing but family love and a vivid imagination.
“We were a fun family. We had it all,” he told me. He embraced his humble beginnings, eating the welfare cheese, even though his family wasn’t on welfare, because it tasted the best and having a black-and-white TV with the out-of-control antenna, where you had to change the channel with pliers.
Before rap entered his life, he used to have a folder full of his business ideas and creative projects he wanted to work on, like comic books and board games. He said his mother wanted him to see life outside of his neighborhood. And his father, touring musician Olu Dara, helped provide him with a window to that world. He told him tales about getting wild with his band and locked up in Europe, emphasizing that he did not, in fact, want to get locked up in Europe. He also dished out some sage advice.
“I was a weed smoker at one point when I got into music. [My dad] said never take it with you because wherever you are going — they can have it there for you already. I took those rules when I started making music. You never forget where you come from,” he said.
Now of course, that “thug dressed like a gentleman” is also an entrepreneur who owns a few restaurants including Sweet Chick, which has a few locations around the city. But he’s still making music. In August, he dropped his 13th album, “King’s Disease,” which he dedicated to the “kings” and “queens” taking care of their responsibilities and business. One of my favorite tracks on the album, “Ultra Black,” is an anthem about having pride in yourself no matter where you come from or what color you are. Poignant words in today’s world.
He’s full of so much wisdom, I had to include him in the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy.
When we initially opened our doors, I put a soundtrack of uplifting songs to play in the halls when kids switched classes, and Nas’ “I Know I Can” was always on rotation. He continues to be inspiration to me.
In fact, the reason I did the half-moon caesar in my hairline is to honor Raekwon and Nas, who both used to rock it back in the day. My barber and I were paying homage to the legends.
Detroit native Jalen Rose is a member of the University of Michigan’s iconoclastic Fab Five, who shook up the college hoops world in the early ’90s. He played 13 seasons in the NBA, before transitioning into a media personality. Rose is currently an analyst for “NBA Countdown” and “Get Up,” and co-host of “Jalen & Jacoby.” He executive produced “The Fab Five” for ESPN’s “30 for 30” series, is the author of the best-selling book, “Got To Give the People What They Want,” a fashion tastemaker, and co-founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, a public charter school in his hometown.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Paula Jai Parker says her acting career hurt her love life

Paula Jai Parker — known for “ Friday ” and “ Hustle & Flow ” — says her biggest roles hurt her love life .
“ The negative side would be in dating situations , ” she said .
“ It was the fact that people expected me to be this ‘ loud ghetto girl , ’ and I am an actress , that ’ s not who I am in real life.
” She added , “ So I attracted men who wanted that kind of girl and then they get with me and I will be talking them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be like , ‘ Wait a minute !
’ ” She told us , “ I would date athletes and they would fly me in , and I get there and there ’ ll be strippers in the bed and they expect me to have ménage-à-trois .
It was like damn what the f - - k ?
I thought we were in love , and they will say … ‘ I heard in LA this is how y ’ all get down !
’ Hell no .
I don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m a good girl .
”

Paula Jai Parker — known for “Friday” and “Hustle & Flow” — says her biggest roles hurt her love life.
“The negative side would be in dating situations,” she said. “It was the fact that people expected me to be this ‘loud ghetto girl,’ and I am an actress, that’s not who I am in real life.”
She added, “So I attracted men who wanted that kind of girl and then they get with me and I will be talking them through the Bible … and they will be like, ‘Wait a minute!’ ”
She told us, “I would date athletes and they would fly me in, and I get there and there’ll be strippers in the bed and they expect me to have ménage-à-trois. It was like damn what the f - - k? I thought we were in love, and they will say … ‘I heard in LA this is how y’all get down!’ Hell no. I don’t know what you heard, but I’m a good girl.”
She’s starring in “Family Time” on Bounce.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Ignas Brazdeikis looks to prove he can be part of Knicks’ rebuild

On the eve of the NBA Finals , RJ Barrett had ...

It was impossible to hang a rating on Knicks swingman Ignas Brazdeikis’ rookie year.
After a sizzling summer league, the 2019 second-round pick got little opportunity to play, spending much of last season in the G-League.
The Michigan product’s big chance seemed as if it would arrive in late March or early April once the G-League season ended, but by then, the NBA had already been shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The March 11 suspension of play, along with the Knicks’ exclusion from the restart bubble, hurt Brazdeikis as much as anyone in the organization.
“I was disappointed [by the shutdown] for sure, but I’m patient and persistent,’’ Brazdeikis told The Post in his first remarks since the shutdown. “I’m not going anywhere.’’
At the pandemic’s outset, back home in Mississauga, Ontario, Brazdeikis trained in the little weight room inside his home and shot hoops with his brother in the driveway. In early May, he finally found a gym that had opened.
“I was definitely looking forward for an opportunity to actually play in the NBA, play for the Knicks and get a good amount of time because I definitely feel I belong,’’ Brazdeikis said. “I feel I’m an NBA player. I can compete and really impact a game. That’s what I want to be — an impact player who can help a team win. I feel I can do that.
“It was definitely disappointing. At the same time, I focused on getting better and making the most out of the situation, which obviously wasn’t the best situation.”
By June, Brazdeikis and his trainer had started working out at the arena in which the Toronto Raptors’ G-League squad plays.
“I still definitely gained from it,’’ Brazdeikis said. “It was the first time I had that much time to work on my game and I got in productive workouts.’’
In September, Brazdeikis got his first taste of new coach Tom Thibodeau’s ways during organized team activities at the Knicks’ facility in Tarrytown. The 6-foot-7 southpaw’s takeaway was enthusiasm for a new culture he sensed being established in three weeks.
During the initial stage of individual workouts, the Lithuanian-born Canadian was paired with Andy Greer, Thibodeau’s longtime assistant.
“It was nice getting used to the level and intensity that Thibs wants us to play at,’’ said Brazdeikis, who was one-and-done at Michigan. “We got used to the coaching staff, the messages, the defensive things we were doing.
“[Thibodeau] is a great coach. He really knows what he’s talking about. And he’s all about winning. That’s something we need. One thing I really noticed about him just in the short time, he keeps everyone accountable. He makes sure we’re going as hard as we can. I feel like we’re starting to build that winning culture with the energy. It was a good introduction.”
The Knicks have talked internally about adding a forward who can shoot from deep with one of their three picks in the Nov. 18 draft. Brazdeikis, who averaged 15.4 points on 51 percent shooting in the 2019 summer league, including a 30-point outing, believes he can be that sniper.
His invisible rookie season (nine games with the Knicks, 21 with the Westchester Knicks) was a by-product of the Knicks’ raft of wing players. But Brazdeikis said he “wouldn’t be the player I am now’’ without G-League reps.
During the pandemic, he has performed a slew of shooting-form drills. Brazdeikis has worked on balance and footwork, gliding into his jump shot to make all attempts “consistent every time I shoot it,’’ he said.
Brazdeikis averaged a team-high 14.8 points for Michigan in 2018-19. But coming out of the draft, scouts touted his defense as the element that would hamper his NBA transition.
“There are people who have said my defense isn’t as strong, which I disagree with,’’ Brazdeikis said. “I’m going to make sure and prove to everyone that no one can call that a weakness.’’
At his Knicks’ exit meeting in June, Brazdeikis felt he received “a lot of support’’ from team brass, who listed things for him to work on.
In the past few weeks, Brazdeikis has cavorted with his more renowned teammate, RJ Barrett, to shoot at a Toronto gym. Barrett also hails from Mississauga and they were teammates on Team Canada’s junior clubs. (Brazdeikis’ goal is to transition to the Lithuanian team in time for the 2021 Olympics, as The Post has reported).
Barrett’s rookie season also ended on a downbeat note as he was left off the NBA’s two all-rookie teams.
“I feel like he definitely deserved to be on either of those teams,’’ Brazdeikis said. “He had a great rookie year. Knowing RJ, he’s only going to use that as motivation to get better. I know he’s not dwelling on it. I was definitely shocked.’’


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Kevin Cash’s Blake Snell early hook an all-time analytics fail

Blake Snell was rolling .
Rays manager Kevin Cash took him ...

But ABSOLUTELY crazy is not the craziest part!
The craziest part is that they never learn. They’ll do it again!
Given similar circumstances — his star starter allowing just two hits, no runs and striking out nine in just 5 ¹/₃ innings of a do-or-die World Series game, Rays’ manager Kevin Cash would pull that starter, Blake Snell, again.
Cash had done similar many times before, including yanking Snell early in Game 2 with Snell again pitching well and a DH to prevent pitchers from batting. Cash has just normally done so on a smaller stage.
In his two Series starts, Snell, a $50 million ace — huge dough for the Rays — threw just 10 innings, allowing a mere four hits. But not good enough for Cash in a season again ruled by managers who think they can script every game before they even start, thus swapping common sense for a spin of the bullpen wheel.
Or was Cash saving Snell for a big game? Fox’s John Smoltz, who analyzed every pitch throughout the Series and threw 55 MLB complete games, let it go as if was none of his or our business.
Joe Buck did comment on Cash’s “short leash” attached to Snell, but, as per his father Jack Buck’s astonished, “I don’t believe what I just saw!” reaction to Kirk Gibson’s limping, Game 1-ending 1988 Series home run, reader Raymond DeRise was disappointed Joe didn’t reprise it upon Snell’s removal.
Again, you can’t spell “analytics” without “anal.” And MLB, as its biggest games surpass reasonable bed times and undermine logical winning baseball applications, is infested by toss-a-winning-hand insanity.
Cash afterwards explained that he didn’t want Snell facing Mookie Betts again. Who would he rather have pitch to Betts than his best? Betts next doubled in the tying run, and would score on a wild pitch. Soon the Rays and Cash entered the Analytical Annals of Fixing What Ain’t Broken.
Nothing new, not these days. The Cubs won the 2016 Series in spite of Joe Maddon’s flirtations with ignominy via senseless pitching changes.
Game 3, won by the Rays, was generously portrayed as one of the most thrilling endings in Series history. It wasn’t. It was interesting — mostly because it was played so poorly.
The tying and winnings runs scored because the center fielder blew it trying to field a single with one hand, then the catcher blew it by trying to catch the ball with one hand, then the pitcher blew any last chance by failure to back up the play at home.
But baseball’s diminished standards are now often confused as special.
Reader Scott Fischer noted all the media that reported the game’s ending as the result of a thrilling “walk-off,” when with so many in simultaneous, frantic movement, “There has ever been a finish that was less of a walk-off.”
Throughout the Series, Fox joined MLB’s other networks in butchering baseball history in exchange for vacant hype.
There are three things Buck needs to learn: 1) Never stick a knife or fork in an engaged toaster. 2) Never bring a radio connected to an electric cord into the bathtub with you. 3) Avoid reading all stats.
If Buck truly believes that Justin Turner’s 12 home runs hit in 72 “postseason” games surpassed Duke Snider’s 11 home runs hit in 36 World Series games as a Dodgers’ “postseason record,” he should lose his license to call baseball games, visit museums and sell fruit.
The season ended as it began: With TV’s and MLB’s pandering presumption that we unconditionally love the show-offs, bat-flippers and home-plate posers who place their all-about-me antics above their teams’ best winning interests.
The Rays’ Randy Arozarena by now should be a very easy young star to root for, when with each passing game his immodest, me-first demonstrations left many of us cold then colder. To be told that we all admire the way he plays was insulting.
And to have Buck hammer home the stat that Arozarena just hit a ball with a 111 exit velocity doesn’t absolve him from winding up on first base instead of second or third — unless you choose to further insult us by ignoring it.
Reader Mark Dantonio: “After the Dodgers successfully bunted in a sacrifice run — and a big one — how come no exit velocity?” Well, that’s a matter of personal analytics.
No gray area for ESPN’s McDonough
For viewer-respecting candor, we still have ESPN’s Sean McDonough. Saturday, Notre Dame at Pitt, he took a swing at Pitt for again wearing gray [Nike] uniforms instead of the school’s instantly identifiable blue and gold, a 111-year tradition.
Sunday morning CBS reported, “2020 Zozo Championship tee times, parings. Coverage schedule for Tiger Woods, playing in Round 4:” At the time, Woods was 16 back of the unnamed leader, some guy called Justin Thomas.
While CBS still can’t send a tech to turn up Tony Romo’s microphone, he’s often worth the effort to listen a bit harder. Sunday, with the Niners blowing out the Pats, Jim Nantz said that “bonus coverage of Jags at Chargers follows.” Romo brightened and said, “Go to the bonus coverage!”
Barack Obama is scheduled to be on LeBron James’ HBO show “The Shop” on Friday. I suspect that with the former president’s presence, James and pals will go easier on the “m—er f—-rs” and other gutter vulgarities that normally “spice” his show while he tells us what’s wrong with the world.
Don’t believe what you see, continued: At the end of three quarters, Saturday, Fox’s Joel Klatt praised Nebraska’s defense for being quick and alert. At the time, Ohio State was up, 38-17, with nearly 400 yards gained.
Few shows have ever been tougher to endure than Fox’s World Series pregame, including re-runs of “Mama’s Family.” Almost impossibly, the postgame, starring ex-MLB star silly-talkers, ignored Justin Turner’s COVID negligence.
How RU able to listen to these awful broadcasts?
There can’t be a more embarrassing listen, especially among alumni, than Rutgers football heard over WOR-710.
Analyst Ray Lucas, the former RU QB, continues to destroy broadcasts with his overt cheerleading and lack of professionalism. He shouts during plays over play-by-play man Chris Carlin before Carlin has a chance to describe what Lucas might be shouting about. He shouts encouragement to RU players who can’t hear him, and moans when RU is forced to punt.
Lucas roots so often, openly and loudly he can’t be taken seriously by an audience that wants to hear the game. Last season he actually challenged any listener to a fight if he had the guts to say to his face that RU’s team lacks motivation.
Rutgers. 1-0, is home, Saturday, vs. Indiana, 1-0. If they’re going to be better, this season — and they already are — why not allow us to listen?


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Facebook accounts with large reach contained misinformation about COVID vaccine: report

A new report says three dozen Facebook pages reaching approximately 14.2 million users contained inaccurate and unsubstantiated allegations about the safety and effects of any future COVID-19 vaccine , and vaccines in general .
NewsGuard , which released the report Thursday , labeled the sites “ misinformation super spreaders ” when it comes to COVID-19 .
Among the false claims that the report found were 125 separate posts from April to September of an article posted on WorldTruth.tv falsely claiming that a COVID-19 vaccine would use “ microchips ” as part of a “ global tracking system.
” There were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linking to an article that falsely claims that a COVID-19 vaccine would “ alter ” human DNA .
The article from InfoWars , owned by right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones , claims COVID-19 vaccines will modify a recipient ’ s DNA “ turning the person into a genetically modified organism.
” It further claims a person ’ s human cell lines “ would become patentable property owned by the biotechnology companies.
” The Web site HealthImpactNews.com , founded by Bill Shilhavy , has also run numerous stories that said a COVID-19 vaccine will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .

A new report says three dozen Facebook pages reaching approximately 14.2 million users contained inaccurate and unsubstantiated allegations about the safety and effects of any future COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccines in general.
NewsGuard, which released the report Thursday, labeled the sites “misinformation super spreaders” when it comes to COVID-19.
Among the false claims that the report found were 125 separate posts from April to September of an article posted on WorldTruth.tv falsely claiming that a COVID-19 vaccine would use “microchips” as part of a “global tracking system.”
There were also 12 separate posts in August 2020 linking to an article that falsely claims that a COVID-19 vaccine would “alter” human DNA.
The article from InfoWars, owned by right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, claims COVID-19 vaccines will modify a recipient’s DNA “turning the person into a genetically modified organism.”
It further claims a person’s human cell lines “would become patentable property owned by the biotechnology companies.”
The Web site HealthImpactNews.com, founded by Brian Shilhavy, has also run numerous stories that said a COVID-19 vaccine will “genetically modify” humans who take it.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Please Let This Be The Last We See of Thomas Ravenel on ‘Southern Charm’

It was clever editing , I ’ ll give them that .
The shot of a man ’ s feet coming down the stairs , the extra moment before the top of his body was revealed .
But wow was that reveal a bummer .
Thomas ?
!
Really ?
!
It bears repeating : why the f**k is Thomas Ravenel showing up on Southern Charm at all ?
Early in the Season 7 premiere episode , we learn that Kathryn Dennis and the two adorable young children she shares with ex Thomas , Kensie and Saint , were currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on renovations on her own home , a townhouse left to her by her grandfather .
“ He ’ s allowed me to use his master bedroom and no , we are not back together , ” she clarifies in the episode .
Thomas is seen being a doting dad while the cameras were on : fetching water for Kensie , chatting about the kids with Kathryn as she spread peanut butter on a piece of bread .
“ She likes it when the two of us are together , ” Thomas tells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids are asked what they ’ re learning about in school , and it would almost be cute if it wasn ’ t so forced and fake .
“ I guess this is the reality of what life would be like if things were normal , ” Kathryn muses , before adding , “ But they never are.
” “ It ’ s nice , you know , to have you here , but are we misleading them , is it always gon na be this way ?
” Thomas asks , clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having too much responsibility .
“ That ’ s why I ’ ve been taking them to my house and saying it ’ s almost ready for us to be back in it , ” Kathryn assures him , but adds , “ But I have to admit that I ’ ve gotten comfortable staying here.
” On a more somber note , Kathryn also explains that her townhouse was the last place she was with her mom , who passed away from breast cancer in 2019 , as she tearfully said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of guilt with me because she felt like she didn ’ t prepare me for the world and stuff like that because of everything with Thomas , ” alluding to their brutal court battles .
Kathryn also calls her mom “ my only advocate during my custody battle.
” The former couple is sure to address the past few tumultuous years in the most delicate way possible , with Thomas saying , “ I know we ’ ve had a rough patch the past couple years but ultimately it takes two to raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re happy .
So I feel like , ok , we ’ re doing a good job.
” And did you know , Kensie wants to go to Hawaii !
Luckily , this seems to be the only Thomas appearance we ’ ll be getting this season , as he told Us Weekly , “ I just let them film a little segment with the kids as a favor to Kathryn , ” and that he wasn ’ t paid .
It ’ s wonderful that he and Kathryn have come to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to co-parent .
That ’ s great .
But I never want to see him again .
If Southern Charm wants to move forward in the ways it ’ s suggesting it does , it can not be with Thomas .
This man does not deserve our attention ( and I can ’ t believe I even have to write this ) .
Sure , he ’ s an original cast member but I don ’ t see the series desperate for updates on Jenna King ’ s life ( remember her ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Love Island , the series simply looks muggy to include him at all .
They essentially “ pied ” him off ( dumped him , and rightfully so ) once sexual assault allegations arose in the summer of 2018 and disinvited him to the Season 5 reunion .
He ’ s since sued the network and regularly trashed them on Twitter , so for the show to welcome him back with open arms this way looks…unnecessarily desperate .
But perhaps most importantly , as the show prepares to cover the Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , this man simply represents the antithesis of all that movement stands for and aims to achieve .
I don ’ t like to assume things about people but I ’ d say it ’ s a safe ass bet he wasn ’ t out there marching in solidarity or cheering for statues of slave owners to come down .
If that is the storyline this show wants to tell , then they must take down the proverbial statue this show has erected to this man .
He represents the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to include him at all .
I don ’ t want to hear anything about him besides the co-parenting with Kathryn is going well .
I need no details on his personal life including girlfriends and babies ( though this is also an upcoming storyline this season ) or even erratic tweets he ’ s posting .
Southern Charm , more than almost any other show on Bravo , must evolve .
The general themes that the show began with are the exact elements many people in this country are now facing head-on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ namely racist pasts and privileged white dudes getting away with shit they should be held accountable for .
There is a way for this show to both reckon with reality and still serve as an escapist program , but in no scenario should Thomas Ravenel be included .

It was clever editing, I’ll give them that. The shot of a man’s feet coming down the stairs, the extra moment before the top of his body was revealed. But wow was that reveal a bummer. Thomas?! Really?! It bears repeating: why the f**k is Thomas Ravenel showing up on Southern Charm at all?
Early in the Season 7 premiere episode, we learn that Kathryn Dennis and the two adorable young children she shares with ex Thomas, Kensie and Saint, were currently living at his house while she waited on renovations on her own home, a townhouse left to her by her grandfather. “He’s allowed me to use his master bedroom and no, we are not back together,” she clarifies in the episode. Thomas is seen being a doting dad while the cameras were on: fetching water for Kensie, chatting about the kids with Kathryn as she spread peanut butter on a piece of bread. “She likes it when the two of us are together,” Thomas tells Kathryn of their daughter Kensie. The kids are asked what they’re learning about in school, and it would almost be cute if it wasn’t so forced and fake.
“I guess this is the reality of what life would be like if things were normal,” Kathryn muses, before adding, “But they never are.”
“It’s nice, you know, to have you here, but are we misleading them, is it always gonna be this way?” Thomas asks, clearly already getting antsy at the thought of having too much responsibility.
“That’s why I’ve been taking them to my house and saying it’s almost ready for us to be back in it,” Kathryn assures him, but adds, “But I have to admit that I’ve gotten comfortable staying here.”
On a more somber note, Kathryn also explains that her townhouse was the last place she was with her mom, who passed away from breast cancer in 2019, as she tearfully said, “I know she felt a lot of guilt with me because she felt like she didn’t prepare me for the world and stuff like that because of everything with Thomas,” alluding to their brutal court battles. Kathryn also calls her mom “my only advocate during my custody battle.”
The former couple is sure to address the past few tumultuous years in the most delicate way possible, with Thomas saying, “I know we’ve had a rough patch the past couple years but ultimately it takes two to raise kids and I can tell they’re happy. So I feel like, ok, we’re doing a good job.” And did you know, Kensie wants to go to Hawaii!
Luckily, this seems to be the only Thomas appearance we’ll be getting this season, as he told Us Weekly, “I just let them film a little segment with the kids as a favor to Kathryn,” and that he wasn’t paid. It’s wonderful that he and Kathryn have come to a custody agreement and have figured out how to co-parent. That’s great. But I never want to see him again.
If Southern Charm wants to move forward in the ways it’s suggesting it does, it cannot be with Thomas. This man does not deserve our attention (and I can’t believe I even have to write this). Sure, he’s an original cast member but I don’t see the series desperate for updates on Jenna King’s life (remember her?). To borrow a word from Love Island, the series simply looks muggy to include him at all. They essentially “pied” him off (dumped him, and rightfully so) once sexual assault allegations arose in the summer of 2018 and disinvited him to the Season 5 reunion. He’s since sued the network and regularly trashed them on Twitter, so for the show to welcome him back with open arms this way looks…unnecessarily desperate.
But perhaps most importantly, as the show prepares to cover the Black Lives Matter movement as it happened in Charleston earlier this year, this man simply represents the antithesis of all that movement stands for and aims to achieve. I don’t like to assume things about people but I’d say it’s a safe ass bet he wasn’t out there marching in solidarity or cheering for statues of slave owners to come down. If that is the storyline this show wants to tell, then they must take down the proverbial statue this show has erected to this man. He represents the past and this show is only dragging anchor to include him at all. I don’t want to hear anything about him besides the co-parenting with Kathryn is going well. I need no details on his personal life including girlfriends and babies (though this is also an upcoming storyline this season) or even erratic tweets he’s posting.
Southern Charm, more than almost any other show on Bravo, must evolve. The general themes that the show began with are the exact elements many people in this country are now facing head-on and determined to change and correct, namely racist pasts and privileged white dudes getting away with shit they should be held accountable for. There is a way for this show to both reckon with reality and still serve as an escapist program, but in no scenario should Thomas Ravenel be included.
Southern Charm airs Thursday at 9pm ET/PT on Bravo.
Where to stream Southern Charm


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Harvey Weinstein still battling sexual assault cases from two women

Harvey Weinstein filed legal papers Wednesday in two ongoing cases against him by women alleging sexual assault — as the court saga continues for the ex-movie mogul in jail for rape .
Weinstein ’ s legal team in one case urged a New York federal judge to order a woman — who filed a suit against him as “ Jane Doe ” — to identify herself and move ahead with the case , or drop it .
Last month , the judge ruled that the woman can not proceed unless she uses her real name .
She alleges that Weinstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and lured her into sex acts in Toronto and LA .
His lawyer , Imran H. Ansari of Aidala Bertuna & Kamins , wrote the judge that since the woman has not re-filed the suit under her name “ this matter hangs in limbo , with salacious accusations publicly levied against [ Weinstein ] , yet no ability to respond and assert his defense.
” Weinstein ’ s lawyers also filed papers in New York Supreme Court , denying that he sexually assaulted Polish former model Kaja Sokola when she was only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet Weinstein for a business lunch in 2002 , after he promised to help her career , but that he instead attacked her at an apartment .
But Weinstein ’ s lawyers wrote that : “ Weinstein categorically , and emphatically , denies the salacious allegations by Sokola , ” and that he , “ vehemently contends that Sokola ’ s allegation of being 16-years-old when she met Weinstein is patently false.
” They also claim that the case is unconstitutional under New York State law .

Harvey Weinstein filed legal papers Wednesday in two ongoing cases against him by women alleging sexual assault — as the court saga continues for the ex-movie mogul in jail for rape.
Weinstein’s legal team in one case urged a New York federal judge to order a woman — who filed a suit against him as “Jane Doe” — to identify herself and move ahead with the case, or drop it. Last month, the judge ruled that the woman cannot proceed unless she uses her real name. She alleges that Weinstein groped her at the Cannes Film Festival, and lured her into sex acts in Toronto and LA.
His lawyer, Imran H. Ansari of Aidala Bertuna & Kamins, wrote the judge that since the woman has not re-filed the suit under her name “this matter hangs in limbo, with salacious accusations publicly levied against [Weinstein], yet no ability to respond and assert his defense.”
Weinstein’s lawyers also filed papers in New York Supreme Court, denying that he sexually assaulted Polish former model Kaja Sokola when she was only 16. She alleges she went to meet Weinstein for a business lunch in 2002, after he promised to help her career, but that he instead attacked her at an apartment. But Weinstein’s lawyers wrote that: “Weinstein categorically, and emphatically, denies the salacious allegations by Sokola,” and that he, “vehemently contends that Sokola’s allegation of being 16-years-old when she met Weinstein is patently false.”
They also claim that the case is unconstitutional under New York State law.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Bill de Blasio’s bid to quash the Mets sale is sleazy and self-indulgent

We are tired of Mayor de Blasio ’ s sanctimonious self-indulgence long ago , but now he ’ s topped himself — secretly working to kill the deal to sell the Mets to Steve Cohen .
Major League Baseball is set to vote on the sale Friday , but the mayor is hoping to prevent it from going through by leveraging the fact that Citi Field sits on land the city partly owns .
As The Post has reported , he ’ s told MLB he ’ ll do all he can to quash the sale .
It ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just still bitter about the 1986 World Series , when the Mets defeated his beloved Red Sox .
But he has even dumber motives : He doesn ’ t like Cohen because he ’ s a right-leaning hedge-fund billionaire .
More , the mayor evidently aims to force a sale to the rival consortium led by Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez , whose political leanings are more to his liking .
Utterly lost in his considerations : the people of New York City — specifically , long-suffering Mets fans who pine for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( and managerial savvy ) to produce a world championship or three .
Yes , the mayor pretends he ’ s upset that Cohen ’ s hedge fund paid big fines for insider trading .
( Does he think A-Rod is a paragon of virtue — or is steroid abuse OK in de Blasio ’ s book ? )
But it was eight traders who actually pleaded to the crime , not Cohen himself .
Also looking to sink the deal is state Sen. Jessica Ramos , a former de Blasio City Hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of A-Rod and J-Lo — but mainly wants the Mets to make big “ community benefits ” payments to ( politically connected ) nonprofits .
This isn ’ t just outrageous ; it reeks .
Rather than focus on the multiple crises facing the city , de Blasio is wasting public resources on a ( legal ) blackmail scheme at his constituents ’ expense .
And New York ’ s stuck with this twit for 14 more months .

We are tired of Mayor de Blasio’s sanctimonious self-indulgence long ago, but now he’s topped himself — secretly working to kill the deal to sell the Mets to Steve Cohen.
Major League Baseball is set to vote on the sale Friday, but the mayor is hoping to prevent it from going through by leveraging the fact that Citi Field sits on land the city partly owns. As The Post has reported, he’s told MLB he’ll do all he can to quash the sale.
It’d be bad enough if de Blasio was just still bitter about the 1986 World Series, when the Mets defeated his beloved Red Sox. But he has even dumber motives: He doesn’t like Cohen because he’s a right-leaning hedge-fund billionaire.
More, the mayor evidently aims to force a sale to the rival consortium led by Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez, whose political leanings are more to his liking.
Utterly lost in his considerations: the people of New York City — specifically, long-suffering Mets fans who pine for an owner who’ll invest the money (and managerial savvy) to produce a world championship or three.
Yes, the mayor pretends he’s upset that Cohen’s hedge fund paid big fines for insider trading. (Does he think A-Rod is a paragon of virtue — or is steroid abuse OK in de Blasio’s book?) But it was eight traders who actually pleaded to the crime, not Cohen himself.
Also looking to sink the deal is state Sen. Jessica Ramos, a former de Blasio City Hall aide. She openly favors the Latino couple of A-Rod and J-Lo — but mainly wants the Mets to make big “community benefits” payments to (politically connected) nonprofits.
This isn’t just outrageous; it reeks. Rather than focus on the multiple crises facing the city, de Blasio is wasting public resources on a (legal) blackmail scheme at his constituents’ expense.
And New York’s stuck with this twit for 14 more months.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Glenn Greenwald exits Intercept, damning the lockstep liberal media

Prominent journalist Glenn Greenwald on Thursday resigned from The Intercept , ...

Pulitzer-winning journalist Glenn Greenwald just quit the publication he co-founded, The Intercept, after its editors refused to let him publish an article on Hunter Biden’s e-mails that defended The Post’s reporting.
He wrote about his decision at Substack, where he’ll be joining other left-leaning iconoclasts such as Andrew Sullivan and Matt Taibbi, living off subscriptions to uncensored content.
His comments are blisteringly incisive — utterly eviscerating the lockstep left-of-center media:
“Rather than offering a venue for airing dissent, marginalized voices and unheard perspectives, [The Intercept] is rapidly becoming just another media outlet with mandated ideological and partisan loyalties, a rigid and narrow range of permitted viewpoints (ranging from establishment liberalism to soft leftism, but always anchored in ultimate support for the Democratic Party), a deep fear of offending hegemonic cultural liberalism and center-left Twitter luminaries, and an overarching need to secure the approval and admiration of the very mainstream media outlets we created The Intercept to oppose, critique and subvert.”
He also addresses how that attitude led the site’s editors to expose the identity of Reality Winner (now doing hard time as a result), who had leaked to them a National Security Agency report on Russian interference in the 2016 election: “It was Intercept editors who pressured the story’s reporters to quickly send those documents for authentication to the government — because they was [sic] to prove to mainstream media outlets and prominent liberals that The Intercept was willing to get on board the Russiagate train.
“They wanted to counter-act the perception, created by my articles expressing skepticism about the central claims of that scandal, that The Intercept had stepped out of line on a story of high importance to U.S. liberalism and even the left. That craving — to secure the approval of the very mainstream media outlets we set out to counteract — was the root cause for the speed and recklessness with which that document from Winner was handled.”
Yet the final straw was “the brute censorship this week of my article — about the Hunter Biden materials and Joe Biden’s conduct regarding Ukraine and China, as well my critique of the media’s rank-closing attempt, in a deeply unholy union with Silicon Valley and the ‘intelligence community,’ to suppress its revelations,” which “eroded the last justification I could cling to for staying.”
More, he notes: “The Intercept published some of the most credulous and false affirmations of maximalist Russiagate madness, and, horrifyingly, took the lead in falsely branding the Hunter Biden archive as ‘Russian disinformation’ by mindlessly and uncritically citing — of all things — a letter by former CIA officials that contained this baseless insinuation.”
Greenwald says he asked the New York staff, rather than censoring his arguments, “to air their disagreements with me by writing their own articles that critique my perspectives and letting readers decide who is right, the way any confident and healthy media outlet would.”
It was a no-go: “Modern media outlets do not air dissent; they quash it.” Appalling.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--French terror attacks are a stark warning to US voters

French officials have identified the terror suspect in Thursday ’ s horrific ...

On Thursday, a knife-wielding assailant crying “Allahu Akbar” murdered three people at the Catholic basilica of Notre Dame de Nice, beheading one woman.
The savagery in France is a reminder of the choice facing American voters at the ballot box next week. Will we stick with a president who intuited that our elites were sleepwalking toward a deadly precipice — and taking the rest of us along for the plunge? Or do we choose to return to power those same pre-Trump elites, with their dreams of a borderless world?
Europe made its choices. In 2015, right around the time then-candidate Donald Trump was shaking up the staid orthodoxies of the Republican Party, the Continent’s de facto leader, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, threw open the gates to more than a million newcomers from the Middle East and Africa.
I was reporting from London at the time, and I joined the migrants on the trail of misery that brought them from the western shore of Turkey, through the Greek isles and the Balkans and into Western and Northern Europe. As an Iranian immigrant myself, I wrote sympathetically about their plight.
But even then, I wondered: Could a secular Europe so out of touch with its own religious and civilizational roots absorb this many newcomers who harbored no doubts about their identity and religious convictions?
More mundanely: How come so many of them were young men, the prime demographic for jihadist radicalization? How could the Europeans be so sure they weren’t admitting terrorists, given that many of the migrants lacked papers?
Were all the newcomers really Syrians and Afghans, victims of Bashar al-Assad, ISIS and the Taliban, as they claimed? How much of this wave of migration was caused by the Middle East’s hellish wars — and how much of it was taking place simply because cheap cellphones and GPS technology had made the human-smuggling business much easier than it once had been?
Too bad the US and European media were already forming many of the habits of dogmatism and censorship that now make them so insufferably incurious. To ask these questions was to invite charges of bigotry, even for an immigrant writer; skeptics were marginalized.
Yet the terror attacks committed by the newcomers mounted, exactly as the skeptics had predicted: a knife attack in Reutlingen, Germany (committed by a Syrian asylum seeker); a truck attack at a Christmas market in Berlin (Tunisian asylum-seeker); a bombing outside a music festival (Syrian refugee); a stabbing at a train station in Marseille (Tunisian illegal immigrant); and on and on.
The prestige press often painfully contorted itself so as not to clearly identify the perpetrators of these attacks as Muslim migrants. And it wasn’t just reporters. The Obama-Biden administration mastered these games of obfuscation.
Remember Team Obama’s inane preference for substituting “violent extremism” in place of clarifying terms like “radical Islam”? Remember President Barack Obama’s bizarre insistence that the 2015 attack on a Jewish supermarket wasn’t motivated by Muslim anti-Semitism?
Worse still, remember Team Obama’s dogged insistence that ISIS was on its last legs, even as the “caliphate” kept expanding into vast swaths of Iraqi and Syrian territory? Remember how frustrating it was that our government wouldn’t call things by their proper names, wouldn’t acknowledge obvious realities about Islamism, immigration and terror?
I do. It was on the night of the Nov. 13, 2015, massacres in Paris, in which jihadists, several of them Syrian and Iraqi nationals, killed 130 innocents and wounded scores more that I became convinced Trump might just become the next president — simply because he described reality as it was, rather than as globalist elites on both sides of the Atlantic might wish.
While then-French President François Hollande vowed to accept 30,000 newcomers under the European migrant-relocation scheme, and Obama continued to sing a similar tune, Trump said, in effect, enough. And as president, he took steps to curb migration from terror-producing states — and decisively crushed ISIS.
This realism produced results for which Trump doesn’t get nearly enough credit. As Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, CEO of the security-analysis firm Valens Global, told me: “There have been fewer and less lethal mass-casualty jihadist attacks in the United States over the past four years, however one defines the term.”
The killer behind the latest attack in Nice, meanwhile, has been identified as a Tunisian migrant who came through the Italian island of Lampedusa.
Sohrab Ahmari is the op-ed editor of The Post.
Twitter: @SohrabAhmari


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Jets can finally start evaluating Joe Douglas’ first draft class

The Jets are about to get a better feel for just how good of a drafter Joe Douglas is .
Though the full evaluation of Douglas ’ first draft class as general manager won ’ t be complete for a few years , four of the Jets ’ top five picks from April are set to handle key roles Sunday against the Chiefs after a handful of injuries clouded their arrival .
In a largely lost season , the Jets getting their rookies on the field and playing consistently will be one of the most important aspects of the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Douglas ] is excited to see these guys play , ” coach Adam Gase said Thursday .
“ We ’ ve been waiting — I think we were one week where it was like [ La ’ Mical ] Perine might have been the only guy that was available , and that ’ s frustrating because we really like this draft class and we feel like these guys can help us a lot .
For us to have injuries or whatever it ’ s been at the beginning of the year , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a step in the right direction.
” Left tackle Mekhi Becton , the No .
11 pick , has been the Jets ’ most promising rookie , and he returned in Sunday ’ s loss to the Bills after missing two games with a shoulder injury .
He was joined by second-round pick Denzel Mims , the wide receiver making his pro debut after hamstring injuries set him back .
Third-round pick Ashtyn Davis , who missed two games with a groin injury , played a season-high 24 defensive snaps at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game with an injury and Perine , a fourth-round pick who had his debut delayed by a sprained ankle , had his most productive game of the year .
Now the challenge is taking on more of a workload and doing it effectively , beginning Sunday against the defending Super Bowl champions .
The Jets still have more rookies yet to play — including third-round pick and pass-rusher Jabari Zuniga , who was activated from injured reserve on Wednesday — but Douglas ’ ability to inject the roster with draft talent will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team ’ s disposal in the coming years .
Though sixth-round pick Braden Mann has seen plenty of action at punter — some might say too much — Mims ’ long-awaited debut included four catches for 42 yards , but it all came in the first half .
“ He looked like a guy playing in his first NFL game with only … six NFL practices , ” Gase said .
“ There ’ s times where he did some really good things and you get really excited , and then there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s like you can tell they changed something up mid-route where he ’ s got to make a little adjustment , and it can slow him down a little bit where you can see he ’ s thinking , ‘ Wait , what am I supposed to do ?
’ So , it ’ s just experience , reps , we ’ ve just got to try to just speed everything up for him as fast as possible.
” Perine handled a bigger share of snaps ( 40 to Frank Gore ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carries for 40 yards and a touchdown plus two catches for 16 yards , though he also disappeared after halftime .
He had just one touch in the second half as the Jets went down quietly with just 4 yards of offense in the second half .
Davis , meanwhile , could be thrown to the wolves on Sunday .
With McDougald yet to practice this week because of a shoulder injury , Davis might be in for a big role against a dangerous offense .
“ I definitely think he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As far as him being a young player going against this offense , it is what it is .
It ’ s all about game experience .
It ’ s about going against guys like this , going against teams like this .
You find out where you measure up .
”

The Jets are about to get a better feel for just how good of a drafter Joe Douglas is.
Though the full evaluation of Douglas’ first draft class as general manager won’t be complete for a few years, four of the Jets’ top five picks from April are set to handle key roles Sunday against the Chiefs after a handful of injuries clouded their arrival.
In a largely lost season, the Jets getting their rookies on the field and playing consistently will be one of the most important aspects of the final nine games.
“I know [Douglas] is excited to see these guys play,” coach Adam Gase said Thursday. “We’ve been waiting — I think we were one week where it was like [La’Mical] Perine might have been the only guy that was available, and that’s frustrating because we really like this draft class and we feel like these guys can help us a lot. For us to have injuries or whatever it’s been at the beginning of the year, to get all these guys out there that’s a step in the right direction.”
Left tackle Mekhi Becton, the No. 11 pick, has been the Jets’ most promising rookie, and he returned in Sunday’s loss to the Bills after missing two games with a shoulder injury. He was joined by second-round pick Denzel Mims, the wide receiver making his pro debut after hamstring injuries set him back.
Third-round pick Ashtyn Davis, who missed two games with a groin injury, played a season-high 24 defensive snaps at safety after Bradley McDougald exited the Bills game with an injury and Perine, a fourth-round pick who had his debut delayed by a sprained ankle, had his most productive game of the year.
Now the challenge is taking on more of a workload and doing it effectively, beginning Sunday against the defending Super Bowl champions.
The Jets still have more rookies yet to play — including third-round pick and pass-rusher Jabari Zuniga, who was activated from injured reserve on Wednesday — but Douglas’ ability to inject the roster with draft talent will be crucial with plenty of extra picks at the team’s disposal in the coming years.
Though sixth-round pick Braden Mann has seen plenty of action at punter — some might say too much — Mims’ long-awaited debut included four catches for 42 yards, but it all came in the first half.
“He looked like a guy playing in his first NFL game with only … six NFL practices,” Gase said. “There’s times where he did some really good things and you get really excited, and then there’s other times where it’s like you can tell they changed something up mid-route where he’s got to make a little adjustment, and it can slow him down a little bit where you can see he’s thinking, ‘Wait, what am I supposed to do?’ So, it’s just experience, reps, we’ve just got to try to just speed everything up for him as fast as possible.”
Perine handled a bigger share of snaps (40 to Frank Gore’s 16) and turned it into 11 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown plus two catches for 16 yards, though he also disappeared after halftime. He had just one touch in the second half as the Jets went down quietly with just 4 yards of offense in the second half.
Davis, meanwhile, could be thrown to the wolves on Sunday. With McDougald yet to practice this week because of a shoulder injury, Davis might be in for a big role against a dangerous offense.
“I definitely think he’s ready,” Gase said. “As far as him being a young player going against this offense, it is what it is. It’s all about game experience. It’s about going against guys like this, going against teams like this. You find out where you measure up.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Clemson star Trevor Lawrence tests positive for coronavirus

Trevor Lawrence , one of college football ’ s leading voices to play this season amid the ongoing pandemic , has tested positive for the coronavirus , the Clemson QB confirmed on Thursday .
“ I have tested positive for COVID-19 , and my symptoms have been relatively mild while I ’ m following the protocol from Clemson and the ACC , ” he shared in a statement on social media .
“ The only thing that hurts is missing an opportunity to be with my teammates this weekend and play the game I love .
I hate that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ll be watching from isolation and pulling for our guys while I wait for the opportunity to rejoin the team .
God bless and Go Tigers !
” Clemson , the nation ’ s top-ranked team , will be without its star quarterback for at least this weekend as he is forced to isolate for 10 days per ACC regulations .
Depending on the date of his positive test , he ’ s in danger of missing the 6-0 Tigers ’ matchup with Notre Dame on Nov. 7 , just nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach Dabo Swinney will likely turn to freshman backup D.J .
Uiagalelei .
“ While we certainly will miss Trevor , this is an opportunity for other guys to step up and we ’ re excited about competing against a very good BC team on Saturday , ” Swinney said in a statement .
Lawrence is expected to be the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft , though recent comments have suggested he may consider returning to Clemson for a fourth season .
In his third season , Lawrence ranks among national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , touchdowns ( 17 ) , completion percentage ( 70.7 ) , and QB rating ( 178.6 ) .

Trevor Lawrence, one of college football’s leading voices to play this season amid the ongoing pandemic, has tested positive for the coronavirus, the Clemson quarterback confirmed Thursday night.
“I have tested positive for COVID-19, and my symptoms have been relatively mild while I’m following the protocol from Clemson and the ACC,” he said in a statement on social media. “The only thing that hurts is missing an opportunity to be with my teammates this weekend and play the game I love. I hate that I can’t be there, but I’ll be watching from isolation and pulling for our guys while I wait for the opportunity to rejoin the team. God bless and Go Tigers!”
Clemson, the nation’s top-ranked team, will be without its star quarterback for at least this weekend when it hosts Boston College as Lawrence is forced to isolate for 10 days per ACC regulations. Lawrence’s test that came back positive was taken Wednesday, according to ESPN. That would count as Day 1 of the 10-day cycle. So if healthy, Lawrence would be eligible for the 6-0 Tigers’ matchup with No. 4 Notre Dame on Nov. 7, just nine days away.
With Lawrence out, coach Dabo Swinney will likely turn to freshman backup D.J. Uiagalelei against Boston College. Uiagelelei has seen limited action in mop-up duty this year, completing 12 of 19 passes for 100 yards.
Clemson was a 31.5-point favorite in the game when Lawrence was going to be under center. The line dropped to 24.5 points after the news of his diagnosis.
“While we certainly will miss Trevor, this is an opportunity for other guys to step up and we’re excited about competing against a very good BC team on Saturday,” Swinney said in a statement.
Lawrence is expected to be the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, though recent comments he made have suggested he may consider returning to Clemson for a fourth season. The 0-7 Jets would hold the No. 1 pick in the draft if the season ended today.
In his third season, Lawrence ranks among national leaders in passing yards (1,833), touchdowns (17), completion percentage (70.7), and QB rating (178.6).
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound quarterback was one of the leading voices this summer pushing to save the college football season when conferences were considering pushing the games to spring because of the pandemic’s health risks. In early August, Lawrence said he was “100 percent” committing to playing.
“Everyone’s thought about it, but since I made the decision to play, I haven’t thought about it,” Lawrence said at the time. “I’m committed. It’s my last year here … and I’m super pumped.”
He took things a step further later in the month as part of the player-driven #WeWanToPlay and #WeAreUnited movements on social media. Lawrence and other players from the Power Five conferences tweeted a list of demands centering around wanting to play, the health protocols the needed to be put in place, student-athletes’ eligibility and the possibility of unionizing.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Stunning video shows looters ransack Philadelphia boutique in minutes

Philadelphia businesses put up signs begging for looters to leave ...

Looters destroyed a Philadelphia business this week in a crazy scene captured by a security camera.
The 53-second video shows dozens of looters cramming into La’vanter Boutique, a small clothing store in North Philly, and ripping it apart around 4 a.m. Tuesday, according to Jameelah Scurry, who co-owns the business with her brother Jamil.
Two women first enter the store, the video shows, and begin tearing shirts and handbags off the racks.
“Bro, grab what you want,” one woman is heard saying.
All of a sudden, dozens more looters flood the store. The scene descends into chaos as looters race to grab what they can.
One man pulls out a green sack and begins stuffing women’s clothes into it as another grabs as much as he can carry in his arms.
“A terrible day for us,” Scurry wrote on the caption of the video. “The day we had everything taken from us in less than a minute.”
In a phone interview with The Post, Scurry, a former crossing guard, recounted how she and her brother, a former police officer, left their jobs to build the store.
Scurry “emptied my savings and checking account,” maxed out her credit cards and even sold her house to open the business, she said.
“I can’t even explain, just a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears,” she added.
Scurry said the business was already reeling from the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic, not to mention a prior robbery that occurred on Aug. 27.
She added that her business made it through the George Floyd riots unscathed, but many others in the neighborhood weren’t so lucky and this round of riots and looting is just another sucker punch.
“The city could do more to protect businesses. None of us are protected. All our investment in the neighborhood is, like, done. Business owners don’t want to come back because a whole lot, from the first time, got destroyed, like businesses got burnt down to the ground, and I was praying the first time, ‘Please don’t let them burn down our building.’”
Scurry urged looters to consider whom they’re hurting when they loot small businesses in the community.
“Tearing down our own communities and our own people is not the way. I believe you can protest without destroying your own community,” she said. “I’m black, so I can resonate with everything that’s going on in America, but tearing down your own community?”
But there is a bright spot. Scurry took to GoFundMe to try to raise some cash to help bring her business back to life.
She was aiming to raise $15,000. As of Thursday evening, she had raised more than $27,600 from hundreds of strangers who posted outpourings of support on the site.
“It’s what I was telling people, like we, as a community, and people can come together, but we don’t have to just come together when there’s trauma or something bad,” she said. “We should always stick together and help each other, not when just something bad is happening. It’s a blessing.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--New Yorkers’ plan to illegally vote by shaving heads foiled

The embattled city Board of Elections mismanaged key facets of ...

Larry Celona, Carl Campanile, Nolan Hicks, Bruce Golding

The NYPD is investigating an allegation that people tried to vote illegally in The Bronx on Thursday — by shaving their heads to change their appearance, The Post has learned.
The incident took place around 2 p.m. when the group of would-be voters entered an early-voting site at St. Frances de Chantal Church in Throggs Neck, law enforcement sources said.
Despite their attempts at disguise, a person at the polling place recognized them as having voted there previously and confronted them, sources said.
The group ran out and got away in two vehicles, but the person followed them, recorded the license plates and called 911, sources said.
Investigators are tracking down the vehicles and seeking surveillance video of the would-be voters from the time of the incident and any other time they visited the church at 190 Hollywood Ave., sources said.
Under state law, anyone who votes more than once in an election — or even attempts to do so — is guilty of a felony.
City Board of Elections Secretary Fred Umane said election officials were briefed about the incident during a board meeting later Thursday.
“They were trying to vote more than once or we wouldn’t be talking about it,” said Umane, Manhattan’s Republican election commissioner.
In a statement, a BOE spokeswoman said, “Poll workers at the site observed some suspicious activity, they reported the matter and it is currently being investigated by the NYPD.”
The parish of St. Frances de Chantal was formerly headed by the late “S&M priest” Peter Miqueli, who resigned in 2015 amid allegations he embezzled $1 million to pay for sessions as a sexual “slave” to bodybuilder Keith Crist.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--On COVID-19, Andrew Cuomo damned himself with his own words

As COVID-19 was spreading at breakneck speed throughout New York , Gov .
Cuomo took bold and brave action to stem the crisis .
On March 3 , Cuomo held an anti-vaping rally in Albany , complete with a hashtag , # NoVapeNY .
Too bad he didn ’ t think of a hashtag to fight off COVID-19 .
Instead , Cuomo spent most of March delivering one simple message to the people of New York : Stop worrying so much .
Cuomo would routinely communicate the epidemiological equivalent of “ chillax , ” spouting various versions of the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panic is a bigger problem than the virus.
” He told New Yorkers starving for reliable information that the “ reality is reassuring , ” that “ the facts don ’ t merit the level of anxiety we are seeing.
” He flippantly declared , “ We have more people in this country dying from the flu ” and “ this is not the Ebola virus.
” It ’ s true that COVID-19 isn ’ t the Ebola virus .
In fact , COVID-19 would go on to kill more people in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of April than Ebola has worldwide in all human history .
But , it wasn ’ t just his downplaying of the virus that caused damage .
It was his wild and inconsistent decision-making .
As Cuomo has embarked on his eight-month campaign of self-aggrandizement , he has continually criticized the slow reaction of President Trump .
But on March 16 , as Trump advocated for a national shutdown , Cuomo resisted .
Instead , he limited the allowable size of gatherings to 50 : five times Trump ’ s national guidelines .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the federal government has “ been behind from Day 1 on this crisis.
” Cuomo continued to claim there would be no shutdown on March 17 and 18 .
Even on March 19 , he bragged of calming a panicked friend , telling this likely mythical individual that a shutdown “ is not going to happen.
” It happened the next day .
All of this pales in comparison to Cuomo ’ s ghoulish health directive of March 25 .
The order forced nursing homes to import known COVID-positive patients , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning residents for the virus .
Peter Ajemian , Cuomo ’ s communications director , would eventually try to justify the policy , telling Fox News the governor was trying to stop “ nursing homes from discriminating against COVID patients.
” Keeping the uninfected away from the infected amid a pandemic isn ’ t discrimination .
It ’ s common sense .
Unless you ’ re Cuomo .
The Society for Post-Acute & Long-Term Care Medicine publicly begged the governor to reconsider .
They said nursing homes had  “ inadequate supplies ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-quality infection control.
” It noted , “ Many homes do not have private rooms.
” They warned that it could create “ dire , and indeed fatal , consequences.
” Cuomo did it anyway .
Thousands would die in these nursing homes , though we still don ’ t know the scale of the tragedy , because Cuomo refuses to tell New Yorkers the truth .
As the AP notes : “ Unlike every other state with major outbreaks , New York only counts residents who died on nursing-home property and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died there.
” The same day Cuomo issued the directive , he would wax poetic in front of a swooning media : “ These are our grandparents .
And we ’ re going to do everything we can to protect every one of them .
And I give the people of the state of New York my word that we ’ re doing it.
” It ’ s hard to overestimate the abject cruelty of this statement , callously uttered on the day he destroyed so many lives .
A sober examination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oversaw the single worst coronavirus response in the world .
New York ’ s death count is higher than the bottom 29 US states combined .
The fatality rate in New York is 67 percent above that of Peru , the highest of any nation on earth .
And yet Cuomo has the gall to continue to promote his memoir “ American Crisis : Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic.
” Besides personal enrichment , he clearly hopes to distract from his catastrophic performance , pass the blame to others and audaciously rewrite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We can ’ t allow it to happen .
“ New York won.
” That ’ s how Cuomo summarized the battle against COVID-19 .
If this is the thrill of victory , I ’ d hate to see the agony of defeat .
Stu Burguiere is the host of “ Stu Does America ” on BlazeTV .
Twitter : @ StuDoesAmerica

As COVID-19 was spreading at breakneck speed throughout New York, Gov. Cuomo took bold and brave action to stem the crisis.
The vaping crisis.
On March 3, Cuomo held an anti-vaping rally in Albany, complete with a hashtag, #NoVapeNY. Too bad he didn’t think of a hashtag to fight off COVID-19. Instead, Cuomo spent most of March delivering one simple message to the people of New York: Stop worrying so much.
Cuomo would routinely communicate the epidemiological equivalent of “chillax,” spouting various versions of the same line: “The fear, the panic is a bigger problem than the virus.” He told New Yorkers starving for reliable information that the “reality is reassuring,” that “the facts don’t merit the level of anxiety we are seeing.” He flippantly declared, “We have more people in this country dying from the flu” and “this is not the Ebola virus.”
It’s true that COVID-19 isn’t the Ebola virus. In fact, COVID-19 would go on to kill more people in New York in just the first two weeks of April than Ebola has worldwide in all human history.
But, it wasn’t just his downplaying of the virus that caused damage. It was his wild and inconsistent decision-making.
As Cuomo has embarked on his eight-month campaign of self-aggrandizement, he has continually criticized the slow reaction of President Trump. But on March 16, as Trump advocated for a national shutdown, Cuomo resisted. Instead, he limited the allowable size of gatherings to 50: five times Trump’s national guidelines. While making this announcement, he said that the federal government has “been behind from Day 1 on this crisis.”
Cuomo continued to claim there would be no shutdown on March 17 and 18. Even on March 19, he bragged of calming a panicked friend, telling this likely mythical individual that a shutdown “is not going to happen.” It happened the next day.
All of this pales in comparison to Cuomo’s ghoulish health directive of March 25. The order forced nursing homes to import known COVID-positive patients, while prohibiting the facilities from testing new or returning residents for the virus. Peter Ajemian, Cuomo’s communications director, would eventually try to justify the policy, telling Fox News the governor was trying to stop “nursing homes from discriminating against COVID patients.”
Keeping the uninfected away from the infected amid a pandemic isn’t discrimination. It’s common sense. Unless you’re Cuomo.
The Society for Post-Acute & Long-Term Care Medicine publicly begged the governor to reconsider. They said nursing homes had “inadequate supplies” along with limited “capability to provide high-quality infection control.” It noted, “Many homes do not have private rooms.” They warned that it could create “dire, and indeed fatal, consequences.” Cuomo did it anyway.
Thousands would die in these nursing homes, though we still don’t know the scale of the tragedy, because Cuomo refuses to tell New Yorkers the truth. As the AP notes: “Unlike every other state with major outbreaks, New York only counts residents who died on nursing-home property and not those who were transported to hospitals and died there.”
The same day Cuomo issued the directive, he would wax poetic in front of a swooning media: “These are our grandparents. And we’re going to do everything we can to protect every one of them. And I give the people of the state of New York my word that we’re doing it.”
It’s hard to overestimate the abject cruelty of this statement, callously uttered on the day he destroyed so many lives.
A sober examination of Cuomo’s record reveals that he oversaw the single worst coronavirus response in the world. New York’s death count is higher than the bottom 29 US states combined. The fatality rate in New York is 67 percent above that of Peru, the highest of any nation on earth.
And yet Cuomo has the gall to continue to promote his memoir “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Besides personal enrichment, he clearly hopes to distract from his catastrophic performance, pass the blame to others and audaciously rewrite history in front of our eyes.
We can’t allow it to happen.
“New York won.” That’s how Cuomo summarized the battle against COVID-19. If this is the thrill of victory, I’d hate to see the agony of defeat.
Stu Burguiere is the host of “Stu Does America” on BlazeTV. Twitter: @StuDoesAmerica


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--Olivia Newton-John signs new publishing deal with Primary Wave

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens @ @ @ @ @ to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Olivia Newton-John has signed a @ @ @ @ @ Wave , headed by CEO Larry Mestel .
The company ’ s artists include Whitney @ @ @ @ @ The move marks a new direction following her breast cancer battle .
“ This partnership @ @ @ @ @ introduce my music to new generations … [ but ] also allow us to create @ @ @ @ @ my longtime fans — whilst also bringing new music , ” she said .

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Olivia Newton-John has signed a music publishing deal with Primary Wave, headed by CEO Larry Mestel.
The company’s artists include Whitney Houston and Bob Marley. The move marks a new direction following her breast cancer battle.
“This partnership … will not only help introduce my music to new generations … [but] also allow us to create wonderful projects and opportunities for my longtime fans — whilst also bringing new music,” she said.


newyorkpost--2020-10-29--McDonald’s slapped with second discrimination suit by black franchisees

Dozens of former McDonald ’ s franchisees say the fast-food giant steered ...

McDonald’s is under fire again over how it treats its black franchisees.
A civil rights class-action lawsuit filed Thursday accused McDonald’s of steering black franchisees into predominately black, inner-city or rural communities where they make less money than their white counterparts and have higher operating costs that include beefed up security.
The complaint, filed in a Chicago federal court on Thursday evening, on the heels of a Sept. 1 suit by 52 black former franchisees who claim they made at least $700,000 less in annual revenues than the McDonald’s national average between 2011 and 2016, according to the complaint.
The suit was filed by two brothers — James and Darrell Byrd — who have operated McDonald’s restaurants in the Nashville area for 31 and 22 years respectively.
James’ company has dwindled from 10 eateries to two underperforming restaurants while his brother had operated as many as four and now has just two as well, the suit says.
In a written response, McDonald’s USA blamed the plaintiffs’ woes on their own “mismanagement,” claiming that the company had “invested significantly” in their businesses.
“For years, McDonald’s has invested in Jim and Darrell Byrd’s franchises, providing significant financial support to address their rent defaults, failure to pay suppliers and delinquent tax bills,” The company said.
“We have made multiple, good faith offers to purchase their remaining restaurants in an effort to address their continuing business difficulties, but the Byrds have instead chosen to pursue claims in litigation,” McDonald’s added.
The class action is seeking as much $5 million per store in damages, lost profits and relief, according to the complaint, to ensure that such discriminatory actions don’t happen again.
“We have two who are willing to put their necks and livelihoods on the line, but we have dozens of owners coming to us,” said the plaintiffs’ lawyer, James Ferraro, during a press briefing.
Some 50 out of 186 current black franchisees have had conversations with the law firm, according to Ferraro.
Since the Sept. 1 complaint, McDonald’s has been on a “massive public relations campaign” according to Ferraro, offering black franchisees “various enticements” including rent relief, in exchange for promising not to sue McDonald’s.
Franchisees will have until next year to decide whether they want to be part of the class-action lawsuit.
“We are under no illusion about what McDonald’s will do,” Ferraro said in a statement. “They will open the checkbook to the remaining black operators and demand they not join the class. They’ll put the screws to them and force some of them to go public saying ‘all is well.’”