newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Fauci’s ‘wear a mask’ plea tops list of 2020’s most notable quotes

Dr. Anthony Fauci ’ s plea to “ wear a mask ” has topped a list of most notable quotes from 2020 .
The recurring request by the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert was one of four coronavirus-related quotes to make the top 10 of the annual list compiled by Yale Law School librarian Fred Shapiro , which started in 2006 .
George Floyd ’ s heartbreaking cry of “ I can ’ t breathe ” during his fatal arrest in May was elected the second most notable quote , having become a rallying cry for protesters across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had two quotes in the top 5 — his suggestion that the coronavirus could be defeated by injecting disinfectant , which he later insisted was sarcasm , as well as his claim in February that “ like a miracle ” the pandemic would just “ disappear.
” President-elect Joe Biden also had two quotes in the top 10 — including calling a woman “ a lying dog-faced pony soldier.
” He also made the list with his May claim to black voters that “ If you have a problem figuring out whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then you ain ’ t black.
” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany had a pair of placements , including her promise at her first press briefing in May that “ I will never lie to you .
You have my word on that.
” Her July claim that “ the science should not stand in the way ” of school openings came in at number 8 .
The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’ s posthumously released statement that her “ most fervent wish is that I will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ installed ” also made the top 10 , as did Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers for saying “ we are all Lakers today ” after the January helicopter-crash death of Kobe Bryant .
Shapiro said he picks quotes that are not necessarily admirable or eloquent but rather because they are famous or particularly revealing of the spirit of the times .
• “ One day — it ’ s like a miracle — it will disappear , ” President Donald Trump , referring to the coronavirus in remarks at an African American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Feb. 27 .
• “ I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute , one minute .
And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning ?
” — Trump , in remarks at a White House Coronavirus Task Force news briefing , April 23 .
• “ I will never lie to you .
You have my word on that.
” — White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany , at her first press briefing , May 1 .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.
” — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , statement dictated to granddaughter Clara Spera , September .
• “ If you have a problem figuring out whether you ’ re for me or Trump , then you ain ’ t Black.
” — Joe Biden , in an interview with “ The Breakfast Club ” radio program , May 22 .
• “ The science should not stand in the way of this.
” — McEnany , referring to school reopenings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• “ You ’ re a lying dog-faced pony soldier.
” — Biden , in a remark to student at campaign event , Hampton , N.H. , Feb. 9 .
• “ We are all Lakers today.
” — Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers , in a remark to reporters after the death of Kobe Bryant , Orlando , Fla. , Jan. 26 .

Dr. Anthony Fauci’s plea to “wear a mask” has topped a list of most notable quotes from 2020.
The recurring request by the nation’s top infectious disease expert was one of four coronavirus-related quotes to make the top 10 of the annual list compiled by Yale Law School librarian Fred Shapiro, which started in 2006.
George Floyd’s heartbreaking cry of “I can’t breathe” during his fatal arrest in May was elected the second most notable quote, having become a rallying cry for protesters across the US.
President Trump, meanwhile, had two quotes in the top 5 — his suggestion that the coronavirus could be defeated by injecting disinfectant, which he later insisted was sarcasm, as well as his claim in February that “like a miracle” the pandemic would just “disappear.”
President-elect Joe Biden also had two quotes in the top 10 — including calling a woman “a lying dog-faced pony soldier.”
He also made the list with his May claim to black voters that “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.”
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany had a pair of placements, including her promise at her first press briefing in May that “I will never lie to you. You have my word on that.”
Her July claim that “the science should not stand in the way” of school openings came in at number 8.
The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s posthumously released statement that her “most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed” also made the top 10, as did Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers for saying “we are all Lakers today” after the January helicopter-crash death of Kobe Bryant.
Shapiro said he picks quotes that are not necessarily admirable or eloquent but rather because they are famous or particularly revealing of the spirit of the times.
THE LIST:
“Wear a mask.” — Dr. Anthony Fauci, CNN interview, May 21. “I can’t breathe.” — George Floyd, plea to police officer, Minneapolis, May 25. “One day — it’s like a miracle — it will disappear,” President Donald Trump, referring to the coronavirus in remarks at an African American History Month reception at the White House, Feb. 27. “I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute, one minute. And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning?” — Trump, in remarks at a White House Coronavirus Task Force news briefing, April 23. “I will never lie to you. You have my word on that.” — White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, at her first press briefing, May 1. “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, statement dictated to granddaughter Clara Spera, September. “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t Black.” — Joe Biden, in an interview with “The Breakfast Club” radio program, May 22. “The science should not stand in the way of this.” — McEnany, referring to school reopenings in a news briefing, July 16. “You’re a lying dog-faced pony soldier.” — Biden, in a remark to student at campaign event, Hampton, N.H., Feb. 9. “We are all Lakers today.” — Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers, in a remark to reporters after the death of Kobe Bryant, Orlando, Fla., Jan. 26.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--UK mom cleared after having sex with boy, 14, reportedly plans to make OnlyFans

A mom-of-three who was cleared of knowingly having sex with a boy who was only 14 now plans to capitalize on her notoriety by peddling images and videos on a raunchy website , according to a report .
“ I ’ m thinking about doing an OnlyFans account .
People already hate me , so not much to lose , ” Teah Vincent announced in an Instagram video , The Sun reported .
OnlyFans is a subscription site where subscribers pay to view content deemed too x-rated for social media .
Vincent , 32 , admitted to initiating sex with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pal into her Glousterceshire home .
The mom insisted she thought he was 16 , the legal age of consent in the UK .
She had told the Gloucester Crown Court that it was only after they were finished in bed that the youngster “ panicked ” and confessed his tender age .
But Vincent was ultimately cleared after the court was told how the boy had lied about his age before — including when setting up a Facebook profile when he was too young to be approved .
She wrote a jubilant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page under the name Teah Leanne as she posed alongside a pal outside court .
Vincent told The Sun that she was “ embarrassed ” by the ordeal , which has “ wrecked ” her life .
“ It ’ s also wrecked any chance I would have had of a career .
I ’ m too embarrassed now to do anything , ” she said .
“ I ’ ve got people on Facebook I ’ ve never met telling me I ’ m a bad mother and that is really upsetting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Vincent added .
“ The fact is I ’ ve been acquitted by a jury and people need to respect that .
It ’ s time for me to try and rebuild my life and just get on with it .
”

A mom of three who was cleared of knowingly having sex with a boy who was only 14 now plans to capitalize on her notoriety by peddling images and videos on a raunchy website, according to a report.
“I’m thinking about doing an OnlyFans account. People already hate me, so not much to lose,” Teah Vincent announced in an Instagram video, the Sun reported.
OnlyFans is a subscription site where subscribers pay to view content deemed too X-rated for social media.
Vincent, 32, admitted to initiating sex with the teen after inviting him and a pal into her Glousterceshire home.
The mom insisted she thought he was 16, the legal age of consent in the UK.
Teah Vincent Facebook
She had told the Gloucester Crown Court that it was only after they were finished in bed that the youngster “panicked” and confessed his tender age.
But Vincent was ultimately cleared after the court was told how the boy had lied about his age before — including when setting up a Facebook profile when he was too young to be approved.
She said in an online rant that she hopes the teen’s family “gets karma,” The Sun reported.
“I’m not an evil person but what this is doing to my family,” she said, along with a crying face emoji, in response to a social media user who told her she was “pretty lucky” to have been spared a jail sentence.
“I do count myself lucky,” she added on Instagram.
Teah Vincent Facebook
Vincent wrote a jubilant “NOT GUILTY” on her Facebook page under the name Teah Leanne as she posed alongside a pal outside court.
She told the Sun that she was “embarrassed” by the ordeal, which has “wrecked” her life.
“It’s also wrecked any chance I would have had of a career. I’m too embarrassed now to do anything,” she said.
“I’ve got people on Facebook I’ve never met telling me I’m a bad mother and that is really upsetting because my kids are my world,” Vincent added.
“The fact is I’ve been acquitted by a jury and people need to respect that. It’s time for me to try and rebuild my life and just get on with it.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Teen boy cries ‘happy tears’ at Christmas puppy surprise

This New York teenager broke down in tears when his parents surprised the family with a puppy for Christmas .
@ @ @ @ @ Ryan Collazo , 15 , can ’ t help but cry after he and his @ @ @ @ @ their new dog .

This New York teenager broke down in tears when his parents surprised the family with a puppy for Christmas. Watch the heartwarming moment when Ryan Collazo, 15, can't help but cry after he and his two brothers "unboxed" their new dog.
Subscribe to our YouTube!


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Barr reportedly considering resigning before Trump leaves office

Attorney General William Barr is considering resigning before President Trump leaves office next month , according to multiple reports citing sources familiar with his thinking .
The two men had a “ contentious , ” lengthy meeting inside the West Wing on Tuesday , a person familiar with the meeting told CNN .
The meeting came after Barr , 70 , said in an interview with the Associated Press Tuesday that the Justice Department had not uncovered evidence of widespread election fraud — comments which angered the president .
“ To date , we have not seen fraud on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcome in the election , ” Barr told The AP weeks after he authorized federal prosecutors to investigate alleged “ voting irregularities ” in the 2020 election .
On Thursday , Trump declined to say whether he had confidence in Barr .
“ Ask me that in a number of weeks from now .
They should be looking at all of this fraud , ” he told reporters in the Oval Office .
But people close to Barr also told The Washington Post on condition of anonymity that the AG had considered stepping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AP .
He first discussed the matter with associates shortly after Election Day , when it became clear that Joe Biden had won , a person familiar with the conversation told the newspaper .
Barr had told friends before the election that if Trump won , he would have liked to stay on as attorney general for some time during the second term , the paper reported .
A source told The New York Times , which also reported about Barr ’ s thinking , that Barr had concluded that he had completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accomplish at the Justice Department .
However , the CNN source said the attorney general “ has not made a final decision.
” Should Barr resign before the end of the Trump administration , Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen , would be expected to lead the department until Biden is sworn in , The Times reported .
A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment to the Washington Post and The New York Times .

Attorney General William Barr is considering resigning before President Trump leaves office next month, according to multiple reports citing sources familiar with his thinking.
The two men had a “contentious,” lengthy meeting inside the West Wing on Tuesday, a person familiar with the meeting told CNN.
The meeting came after Barr, 70, said in an interview with the Associated Press Tuesday that the Justice Department had not uncovered evidence of widespread election fraud — comments which angered the president.
“To date, we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have affected a different outcome in the election,” Barr told The AP weeks after he authorized federal prosecutors to investigate alleged “voting irregularities” in the 2020 election.
On Thursday, Trump declined to say whether he had confidence in Barr.
“Ask me that in a number of weeks from now. They should be looking at all of this fraud,” he told reporters in the Oval Office.
But people close to Barr also told The Washington Post on condition of anonymity that the AG had considered stepping down even before his remarks to the AP.
He first discussed the matter with associates shortly after Election Day, when it became clear that Joe Biden had won, a person familiar with the conversation told the newspaper.
Barr had told friends before the election that if Trump won, he would have liked to stay on as attorney general for some time during the second term, the paper reported.
A source told The New York Times, which also reported about Barr’s thinking, that Barr had concluded that he had completed the work he had set out to accomplish at the Justice Department.
However, the CNN source said the attorney general “has not made a final decision.”
Should Barr resign before the end of the Trump administration, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, would be expected to lead the department until Biden is sworn in, The Times reported.
A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment to the Washington Post and The New York Times.


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Wayne Gallman’s rise with Giants isn’t slowing down

The other half of the Washington Football Team ’ s once-dangerous Pistol ...

To put Wayne Gallman’s career rushing day in proper perspective, look back at his statistics from last season — or the season before.
Gallman ran for 135 yards Sunday — 25 yards more than he had in all of 2019 and 41 yards shy of what he totaled in 2018 — to lift the Giants to a 17-12 upset of the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
After the Giants managed 24 rushing yards and no points in the first half, Gallman’s career-long 60-yard run in the third quarter changed the game.
“The only thing that changed was we knew we had to come out and hit them first,” Gallman said. “We knew we couldn’t play around anymore.”
Alfred Morris finished the go-ahead drive with the first of his two touchdowns and later gave a shout-out to Gallman for doing the bulk of the dirty work. Gallman asked for a sub at the end of the 60-yarder, after Jamal Adams chased him down at the 17-yard line.
“I promise you I’m going to win more of those than I’m going to lose them,” Gallman said. “I’m going to work on that.”
The offensive line hasn’t missed a beat since changing coaches from the fired Marc Colombo to Dave DeGuglielmo during the bye week.
“I’ve said it, but the line did their job,” Gallman said. “They got everybody sealed. I pulled the linebackers in as much as I could and then I just hit [the hole]. Big credit to the offensive line today.”
The Seahawks were frustrated by an inability to stop the power running attack.
“I was really surprised that we weren’t able to slow them down in the third quarter running the football,” coach Pete Carroll said. “They ran some basic stuff, and they got away from us. There were two drives in there where they were able to get enough going where that was the difference in the ballgame.”
For Gallman, the biggest surprise with the Giants now as compared to early in his career is behind the scenes with coach Joe Judge. This is the first four-game winning streak for the Giants since 2016, when Gallman was still at NCAA powerhouse Clemson.
“He brought an all-in culture of team,” Gallman told Fox before the game. “This isn’t exactly what I felt in college at Clemson, but it’s something close.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Leaning on running game helped Giants grind out win

The Giants did not quit on their running game. That made all the difference and showed the growing confidence head coach Joe Judge and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett have in the improving offensive line.
Rushing 11 times for 32 yards in the first half was not going to get it done for the Giants on Sunday in Seattle. Judge said there were “a couple of small adjustments’’ at halftime as far as “some of the things we call and the way we design a run play.’’
Judge then added, “I don’t think it was anything radical.’’
Whatever it was, it was a different product in the second half, as the Giants ran for 158 yards, paving the way for a 17-12 upset victory over the Seahawks.
“The biggest point of emphasis was to stay committed to the game plan we had coming in,’’ Judge said. “And they were going to keep running the ball and that we had to keep wearing them down over time. We had to give our runners opportunities to get in space and finish the runs. Obviously those guys did that and ran well.’’
Alfred Morris AP
Once in the first half and once in the second half, the Giants went big with their running game, using rookie guard Shane Lemieux, as a fullback and putting their actual fullback, Eli Penny, in the backfield as the running back.
The catalyst for the running game was a four-play, 80-yard scoring drive in the third quarter, using one pass (3 yards) and three runs (77 yards) to get the first touchdown of the game. Wayne Gallman picked up 60 of the yards on one play, the longest run of his career.
“I was really surprised that we weren’t able to slow them down in the third quarter running the football,’’ Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. “They ran some basic stuff, and they got away from us. There was two drives in there where they were able to get enough going where that was the difference in the ball game.’’
Judge said Daniel Jones (strained right hamstring) “looked better as the week went on.’’ Jones, though, was really not close to playing. Colt McCoy, backup turned starter, said Jones was a great help to him during the week even though Jones “knew he wasn’t going to play.’’
McCoy said he and Jones have a “great relationship’’ and “the Giants are lucky to have him, 100 percent.’’
The hope is Jones will miss only one game and be able to start against the Cardinals.
“This guy is a competitor, he’s a tough dude,’’ Judge said. “I have no doubt that he would’ve gone out there and fought through whatever pain he had. But that wasn’t the decision I was looking to make.’’
The offensive line rotation was alive and well. Lemieux again started at left guard, with Cam Fleming at right tackle. On the third offensive series, Will Hernandez replaced Lemieux and rookie Matt Peart went in for Fleming.
Leonard Williams dropped Russell Wilson for a 15-yard sack late in the third quarter, giving him seven sacks this season, matching his career high. Williams later combined with Jabaal Sheard for a half sack and added a final solo sack, giving him 2.5 for the game and a career-high 8.5 sacks this season.


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Adorable pygmy possum, feared decimated by bushfires, found on Australian island

Conservationists have made a very tiny , but highly heartening discovery on a South Australian island that was ravaged by @ @ @ @ @ lone , surviving pygmy possum .
The miniature mammals — smaller than an adult ’ @ @ @ @ @ feared to have been wiped out in bushfires that had ravaged Kangaroo Island , The @ @ @ @ @ “ This capture is the first documented record of the species surviving post-fire , ” @ @ @ @ @ paper .
“ The fire did burn through 88 percent of the species ’ predicted @ @ @ @ @ .
Hodgens ’ group , the Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife , released the caputured @ @ @ @ @ bushland .
Ecologists believe he is not the only pygmy possum out there .
But @ @ @ @ @ ’ re still not out of the woods because right now , they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ “ As the bushland regenerates , they ’ re still very exposed to natural and @ @ @ @ @ feral cats , he said .

Conservationists have made a very tiny, but highly heartening discovery on a South Australian island that was ravaged by bushfires last summer — a lone, surviving pygmy possum.
The miniature mammals — smaller than an adult’s thumb — had been feared to have been wiped out in bushfires that had ravaged Kangaroo Island, The Guardian reported on Monday.
“This capture is the first documented record of the species surviving post-fire,” ecologist Pat Hodgens told the paper.
“The fire did burn through 88 percent of the species’ predicted range,” he said.
Hodgens’ group, the Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife, released the caputured creature back into the still-recovering bushland.
Ecologists believe he is not the only pygmy possum out there. But Hodgens warns, “They’re still not out of the woods because right now, they’re at their most vulnerable.
“As the bushland regenerates, they’re still very exposed to natural and introduced predators,” including feral cats, he said.


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--US preparing new sanctions on Chinese officials over Hong Kong crackdown

WASHINGTON – The United States is preparing to impose sanctions on at least a dozen Chinese officials over their alleged role in Beijing ’ s disqualification of elected opposition legislators in Hong Kong , according to three sources , including a U.S. official familiar with the matter .
The move , which could come as soon as Monday , will target officials from the Chinese Communist Party ( CCP ) as President Donald Trump ’ s administration keeps up pressure on Beijing in his final weeks in office .
President-elect Joe Biden takes over on January 20 .
The State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately respond to requests for comment .
Up to 14 people , including officials of China ’ s parliament , or National People ’ s Congress , and members of the CCP , would likely be targeted by measures such as asset freezes and financial sanctions , two sources said .
The U.S. official , speaking on the condition of anonymity , said multiple individuals would be sanctioned .
A person familiar with the matter said the group would likely include officials from Hong Kong as well as the mainland .
The sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those being targeted for sanctions .
Two sources cautioned an announcement could still be delayed until later in the week .
“ China has always firmly opposed and strongly condemned U.S. interference in China ’ s domestic affairs through the Hong Kong issue , ” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news briefing in Beijing on Monday , in response to a question on the Reuters report .
Stock markets in Asia gave up early gains on worries the move may signal a further deterioration in relations between the world ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing that the market has been concerned about is that on his ‘ Out of office ’ Trump would look for some retribution on China .
So this news speaks to that fear , ” said Kyle Rodda , market strategist at IG Markets in Melbourne .
Chinese financial stocks traded in Hong Kong fell 2.3 % in morning trade , their sharpest drop in six months amid worries sanctions could be extended to banks .
In October , the U.S. State Department warned international financial institutions doing business with individuals deemed responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asian financial hub that they could soon face tough sanctions .
Washington has already put sanctions on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam , the territory ’ s current and former police chiefs and other top officials in August for what it said was their role in curtailing freedoms in a crackdown on the territory ’ s pro-democracy movement .
Hong Kong ’ s Beijing-backed government last month expelled four opposition members from its legislature after China ’ s parliament gave city authorities new powers to curb dissent .
The move triggered mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former British colony .
It also raised further alarm in the West .
The Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group – made up of Australia , Britain , Canada , New Zealand and the United States – said last month the move appeared to be part of a campaign to silence critics and called on Beijing to reverse course .
White House national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien said in November the expulsion showed the “ One Country , Two Systems ” formula , under which Hong Kong ’ s autonomy had been promised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China in 1997 , was now “ merely a fig leaf ” and promised further U.S. action .
That month , the State Department and Treasury Department imposed sanctions on four more Chinese officials in Hong Kong ’ s government and security establishment , barring them from traveling to the United States and blocking any U.S.-related assets they might have .
Hong Kong is expected to be one of Biden ’ s thorniest challenges with China , which will be high on his foreign policy agenda with relations between Washington and Beijing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ array of disputes .
Biden has promised to take a tougher line than Trump over human rights in China and other countries , so his response to the crackdown in Hong Kong could be an early test of that resolve .

WASHINGTON – The United States is preparing to impose sanctions on at least a dozen Chinese officials over their alleged role in Beijing’s disqualification of elected opposition legislators in Hong Kong, according to three sources, including a U.S. official familiar with the matter.
The move, which could come as soon as Monday, will target officials from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as President Donald Trump’s administration keeps up pressure on Beijing in his final weeks in office. President-elect Joe Biden takes over on January 20.
The State Department and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Up to 14 people, including officials of China’s parliament, or National People’s Congress, and members of the CCP, would likely be targeted by measures such as asset freezes and financial sanctions, two sources said.
The U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said multiple individuals would be sanctioned. A person familiar with the matter said the group would likely include officials from Hong Kong as well as the mainland. The sources did not provide names or positions of those being targeted for sanctions. Two sources cautioned an announcement could still be delayed until later in the week.
“China has always firmly opposed and strongly condemned U.S. interference in China’s domestic affairs through the Hong Kong issue,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news briefing in Beijing on Monday, in response to a question on the Reuters report.
Stock markets in Asia gave up early gains on worries the move may signal a further deterioration in relations between the world’s two largest economies.
“One thing that the market has been concerned about is that on his ‘Out of office’ Trump would look for some retribution on China. So this news speaks to that fear,” said Kyle Rodda, market strategist at IG Markets in Melbourne.
Chinese financial stocks traded in Hong Kong fell 2.3% in morning trade, their sharpest drop in six months amid worries sanctions could be extended to banks.
In October, the U.S. State Department warned international financial institutions doing business with individuals deemed responsible for China’s crackdown in the Asian financial hub that they could soon face tough sanctions.
Washington has already put sanctions on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the territory’s current and former police chiefs and other top officials in August for what it said was their role in curtailing freedoms in a crackdown on the territory’s pro-democracy movement.
Hong Kong’s Beijing-backed government last month expelled four opposition members from its legislature after China’s parliament gave city authorities new powers to curb dissent. The move triggered mass resignations by pro-democracy opposition lawmakers in the former British colony.
It also raised further alarm in the West. The Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group – made up of Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States – said last month the move appeared to be part of a campaign to silence critics and called on Beijing to reverse course.
White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien said in November the expulsion showed the “One Country, Two Systems” formula, under which Hong Kong’s autonomy had been promised since Britain handed the territory back to China in 1997, was now “merely a fig leaf” and promised further U.S. action.
That month, the State Department and Treasury Department imposed sanctions on four more Chinese officials in Hong Kong’s government and security establishment, barring them from traveling to the United States and blocking any U.S.-related assets they might have.
Hong Kong is expected to be one of Biden’s thorniest challenges with China, which will be high on his foreign policy agenda with relations between Washington and Beijing at the lowest point in decades over an array of disputes.
Biden has promised to take a tougher line than Trump over human rights in China and other countries, so his response to the crackdown in Hong Kong could be an early test of that resolve.


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--UK’s Johnson ready to pull out of Brexit talks if EU does not budge: report

LONDON – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is ready to pull out of Brexit talks unless the European Union agrees @ @ @ @ @ , The Sun newspaper reported on Monday .
“ Today he will tell the EU @ @ @ @ @ as he vows to stand firm against 11th-hour Brexit demands from France , ” The @ @ @ @ @ No 10 ( his office ) said the PM will call time if the EU @ @ @ @ @ ‘ outrageous ’ demands .
”

LONDON – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is ready to pull out of Brexit talks unless the European Union agrees to budge on its demands, The Sun newspaper reported on Monday.
“Today he will tell the EU he is not for turning as he vows to stand firm against 11th-hour Brexit demands from France,” The Sun said. “But No 10 (his office) said the PM will call time if the EU refuses to budge from their ‘outrageous’ demands.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Mastercard, Visa investigate Pornhub business relationship following report

Credit card giants Visa and Mastercard said Sunday that they are investigating their business relationship with Pornhub after a prominent newspaper columnist alleged that the pornographic website shows videos of rape and underage sex .
Nicholas Kristof , opinion columnist at The New York Times , wrote Friday that Pornhub carries rape scenes , revenge pornography and other examples of explicit video taken without consent of the participants .
In a statement to The Associated Press on Sunday , Pornhub said it is “ irresponsible and flagrantly untrue ” to suggest that it allows images of the sexual abuse of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it employs moderators to screen every upload and that it removes illegal material .
The online payment service PayPal last year stopped processing payments to Pornhub , which is owned by the pornography conglomerate MindGeek .
The columnist called out other card issuers for working with the site .
In response to Kristof ’ s story , Visa and Mastercard said they ’ re investigating the matter .
“ We are aware of the allegations , and we are actively engaging with the relevant financial institutions to investigate , in addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent company , MindGeek , ” Visa said Sunday .
Visa added that if Pornhub is violating the law or bank policies , then the website will be prohibited from accepting Visa payments .
Meanwhile , Mastercard promised “ immediate action″ if the allegations are substantiated .
“ We are investigating the allegations raised in the New York Times and are working with MindGeek ’ s bank to understand this situation , ” Mastercard said in a statement .
American Express said company policy prohibits the Amex card from being used on “ @ @ @ @ @ @

Credit card giants Visa and Mastercard said Sunday that they are investigating their business relationship with Pornhub after a prominent newspaper columnist alleged that the pornographic website shows videos of rape and underage sex.
Nicholas Kristof, opinion columnist at The New York Times, wrote Friday that Pornhub carries rape scenes, revenge pornography and other examples of explicit video taken without consent of the participants.
In a statement to The Associated Press on Sunday, Pornhub said it is “irresponsible and flagrantly untrue” to suggest that it allows images of the sexual abuse of children on its site. Pornhub added that it employs moderators to screen every upload and that it removes illegal material.
The online payment service PayPal last year stopped processing payments to Pornhub, which is owned by the pornography conglomerate MindGeek. The columnist called out other card issuers for working with the site.
In response to Kristof’s story, Visa and Mastercard said they’re investigating the matter.
“We are aware of the allegations, and we are actively engaging with the relevant financial institutions to investigate, in addition to engaging directly with the site’s parent company, MindGeek,” Visa said Sunday.
Visa added that if Pornhub is violating the law or bank policies, then the website will be prohibited from accepting Visa payments.
Meanwhile, Mastercard promised “immediate action″ if the allegations are substantiated.
“We are investigating the allegations raised in the New York Times and are working with MindGeek’s bank to understand this situation,” Mastercard said in a statement.
American Express said company policy prohibits the Amex card from being used on “digital adult content websites.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Driver crashes into NYC garden center, points gun at workers while fleeing

Jamal Adams bullied his way into the backfield , ripped the ...

The firs were flying in Harlem Sunday night when a driver slammed his car into the Christmas tree display at a well-known garden center — and then pulled a gun on workers who chased him as he fled on foot, police and witnesses said.
The male driver crashed through a fence of the Urban Garden Center at East 116th Street and Park Avenue at about 6:30 p.m., authorities said, leaving a path of holiday destruction in his wake.
The man crawled out of his smashed-up vehicle and took off, with several workers from the business after him, according to police and witnesses.
The suspect pointed a firearm at his pursuers and got away, according to police.
Nobody was injured during the incident, and the man was still being sought Monday morning, authorities said.
The Urban Garden Center, located under the elevated Metro-North tracks, has been owned by the Gatanas family for nearly 60 years, according to the business’ website.
Additional reporting by Kenneth Garger


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Jamal Adams ‘pissed off’ by loss to Giants as clash with Jets looms

After his 236th game as an NFL head coach , Pete ...

Jamal Adams bullied his way into the backfield, ripped the ball out of the hands of the Giants quarterback and raced in the other direction for a game-changing touchdown.
That was last season, when the Giants were more hapless than Adams’ Jets. Thirteen months later, everything is different.
Adams is likely headed to the playoffs, but that path got a little rockier Sunday when the Giants won their fourth straight to remain in first place in the NFC East, at the expense of Adams’ Seahawks. From across the line of scrimmage, it’s obvious why the Giants are not the same team now as they were then — even with stars Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley sidelined.
“Mentality and confidence,” Adams said after the Giants’ 17-12 victory.
Adams had a game-high 11 tackles and is now the NFL’s leader among defensive backs with 7.5 sacks in eight starts. He was all over the field — playing just as well as he did in the New York rivalry game last season — and yet the result was different because the Giants ran the ball down the throat of the Seahawks for 190 yards, even when the play calls were no surprise.
Jamal Adams sacks Colt McCoy. AP
Quarterback Colt McCoy and running back Alfred Morris weren’t on the Giants for the 34-27 loss to the Jets on Nov. 10, 2019. And nobody expected them to play key parts in the Giants’ upset Sunday. It’s certainly possible neither will have a role if Giants-Seahawks is an NFC wild-card rematch next month.
“This stings,” Adams said. “I’m pissed off. Obviously, coming from where I came from, [losing to] a New York team just hits a little different for me. But it’s not about me. We’re going to bounce back, we’re going to figure it out, we’re going to correct our mistakes, but it definitely stings.”
The Seahawks have the perfect get-right game next week against … you guessed it … the 0-12 Jets. With their first win all but sealed, the Jets secondary allowed a 46-yard touchdown with five seconds remaining Sunday to lose to the Raiders, 31-28.
Asked if he saw the way that game ended and for his first thoughts looking ahead to facing his former team, Adams didn’t toss any more kerosene on the fire he started in the offseason to force a trade because he was unhappy with slow-moving contract extension negotiations.
“I’m not worried about that, man,” Adams said. “I’m worried about fixing these mistakes and getting better. We’ll see them next Sunday.”
Given the Jets’ luck so far, it is no surprise Adams is playing at his highest level of an injury-plagued season just in time for the clash.
“I told people at the beginning of the year that I was going to figure it out,” Adams said. “They counted me out. They called me everything in the book. They said I wasn’t successful. They called me ‘Blitz Boy.’ That doesn’t matter to me. I’m focused on the marathon. I know what I bring to the table. I’m about doing everything possible to help the team win.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Safety ‘discouraged’ at NYC Whole Foods warehouse where six  caught COVID-19: Former labor secretary

Social distancing is “ discouraged ” at a Brooklyn Whole Foods warehouse where six workers have tested positive for COVID-19 since October , according to former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich .
“ I hear at least 6 workers at Amazon ’ s Whole Foods warehouse in Industry City , Brooklyn have tested positive for COVID since October 22nd , ” Reich , now a Berkeley professor , tweeted Sunday night .
“ Safe social distancing is not just ignored but discouraged .
The richest man in America couldn ’ t care less about his workers .
Make a ruckus.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Reich ’ s accusations , which did not detail why or how he believed safety is being “ discouraged.
” Amazon , which owns Whole Foods , announced in early October that nearly 20,000 of its front-line workers at both companies were either infected with the coronavirus or presumed to be COVID-19 positive since the onset of the pandemic , according to CNN .
Last Spring , coronavirus cases among workers at a Staten Island Amazon distribution center led to two labor protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s handling of the illness .
It was reported last April that up to 25 workers had tested positive at the location in Bloomfield — though Amazon has disputed the numbers .
Amazon warehouse workers in Chicago and Detroit also held rallies and work stoppages last Spring over COVID-19 safety concerns .
Following the first rally at the Staten Island facility last March , the management assistant who spearheaded the demonstration , Christopher Smalls , was fired by Amazon .
The tech giant said it fired Smalls because he violated social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee who tested positive for the virus .

Social distancing is “discouraged” at a Brooklyn Whole Foods warehouse where six workers have tested positive for COVID-19 since October, according to former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich.
“I hear at least 6 workers at Amazon’s Whole Foods warehouse in Industry City, Brooklyn have tested positive for COVID since October 22nd,” Reich, now a Berkeley professor, tweeted Sunday night.
“Safe social distancing is not just ignored but discouraged. The richest man in America couldn’t care less about his workers. Make a ruckus.”
A spokesperson for Whole Foods Market denied Reich’s accusations that safety is being discouraged.
“There is no higher priority for us than the health and safety of our Team Members. Suggestions that we discourage safe practices are completely false,” the spokesperson said.
“Our extensive safety measures, including social distancing protocols, are regularly audited to ensure compliance and we are working closely with local health and food safety authorities.”
Any time a Whole Food worker gets infected with the coronavirus, the company confirmed it informs employees and conducts contact tracing and enhanced cleaning.
Amazon, which owns Whole Foods, announced in early October that nearly 20,000 of its front-line workers at both companies were either infected with the coronavirus or presumed to be COVID-19 positive since the onset of the pandemic, according to CNN.
Last Spring, coronavirus cases among workers at a Staten Island Amazon distribution center led to two labor protests at the facility over the tech giant’s handling of the illness.
It was reported last April that up to 25 workers had tested positive at the location in Bloomfield — though Amazon has disputed the numbers.
Amazon warehouse workers in Chicago and Detroit also held rallies and work stoppages last Spring over COVID-19 safety concerns.
Following the first rally at the Staten Island facility last March, the management assistant who spearheaded the demonstration, Christopher Smalls, was fired by Amazon.
The tech giant said it fired Smalls because he violated social distancing guidelines after coming into contact with an employee who tested positive for the virus.


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Washington Football Team hands Steelers first loss in shocker

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers spent three months flirting with perfection , insisting all the time they were far from flawless .
They weren ’ t wrong .
Pittsburgh ’ s bid for an unbeaten season is over .
Washington ’ s bid for an unlikely division title may just be beginning .
Alex Smith threw for 296 yards and a touchdown , Dustin Hopkins kicked a tiebreaking 45-yard field goal with 2:04 remaining , and Washington beat the Steelers 23-17 on Monday night .
Pittsburgh ( 11-1 ) missed a chance to clinch a playoff berth and dropped into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kansas City for the top spot in the AFC with four games remaining .
A day after the New York Giants pulled an upset in Seattle , Washington ( 5-7 ) kept pace by rallying from 14 points down to win in Pittsburgh for the first time since 1991 .
Washington won the Super Bowl that season .
The club ’ s expectations this year are far more modest in Ron Rivera ’ s first season as coach .
Not so in Pittsburgh , which got off to the best start in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the offense occasionally worked in fits and spurts .
In a game pushed back a day due to a COVID-19 outbreak that forced the NFL to re-schedule Baltimore ’ s annual visit to Heinz Field three times , the little mistakes Pittsburgh managed to get away with for 11 games became too much to overcome .
Ben Roethlisberger passed for 305 yards and two touchdowns , but was picked off by Jon Bostic — a former Steeler — with 1:59 remaining .
Hopkins added another 45-yard field goal to help close it out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possession but time ran out .
The Steelers appeared to be in firm control after Roethlisberger found James Washington for a 50-yard touchdown in the second quarter that put them up 14-0 .
Pittsburgh is normally invincible at Heinz Field when up two scores .
Not this time .
Smith , under heavy pressure much of the night , finally got something going late in the first half .
A Hopkins field goal got the team on the board in the final seconds .
A 1-yard touchdown run by Peyton Barber midway through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a lob from Smith to a wide-open Logan Thomas for a 15-yard touchdown tied it .
Pittsburgh drove into field goal range but rather than have fill-in Matthew Wright — promoted from the practice squad due to an injury to Chris Boswell — attempt a 45-yard field goal into the open end at Heinz , the Steelers went for it .
Roethlisberger ’ s heave to rookie running back Anthony McFarland Jr. fell incomplete and Smith calmly drove Washington 45 yards in nine plays to set up the winning score .

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers spent three months shaking off whatever 2020 threw at them. Schedule changes. Injuries to a handful of impact players. The ever-present threat of COVID-19.
Through the chaos, they kept winning. Sometimes pretty. Sometimes ugly. Sometimes a little of both in the same game. Through it all, they insisted they were well aware of their flaws. pointing out time and again the only thing perfect about them was their record.
So much for that.
Pittsburgh’s bid for an unbeaten season is over. Washington’s — yes, Washington’s — quest for an unlikely division title may just be starting.
Alex Smith threw for 296 yards and a touchdown, Dustin Hopkins kicked a tiebreaking 45-yard field goal with 2:04 remaining, and Washington rallied for a 23-17 victory on Monday in one of the biggest surprises of the NFL season.
“We’ve been down for such a long time and we’re trying to rebuild ourselves and build up,” first-year coach Ron Rivera said. “This is something we can build off of.”
Chase Young celebrates the Washington Football team beating the Steelers on Monday night. AP
The Steelers (11-1) missed a chance to clinch a playoff berth and dropped into a tie with defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City for the best record in the AFC with four weeks remaining. They squandered a 14-point lead.
“It stinks,” Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “Been a while since we lost a game. It’s not a good feeling.”
The Steelers were 10-point favorites while facing a team that hadn’t won three straight since 2018 and hadn’t won in Pittsburgh since 1991. Washington won the Super Bowl that season. The club’s expectations this year are far more modest. Yet a day after the New York Giants won at Seattle, Washington (5-7) kept pace while giving the lowly NFC East its second marquee victory in 25ish hours.
“We’re on a roll,” said defensive end Montez Sweat, who knocked down three Roethlisberger passes. “This is the kind of football we’ve been wanting to play since Game 1.”
It’s the kind of football the Steelers had played since Game 1. The best start in the franchise’s 87-year history came to an abrupt halt on a rare Monday late afternoon game. The NFL pushed the contest back a day as part of the fallout from a COVID-19 outbreak in Baltimore that forced the league to postpone the Ravens’ visit to Heinz Field three times.
Ben Roethlisberger stands on the sideline late in the Steelers’ loss to Washington. AP
Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin insisted his club would not use the disruption as an excuse. But the weight of what the Steelers have been dealing with, combined with second-half injuries to inside linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback Joe Haden, made for a tough day.
Roethlisberger passed for 305 yards and two touchdowns, but was picked off by Jon Bostic — a former Steeler — with 1:59 remaining. Hopkins added another 45-yard field goal and Pittsburgh’s last-gasp drive ended with the ball near midfield and Washington’s players sprinting off in celebration while the Steelers trudged to the locker room.
“We’re getting to that point of the season when you’ve got to be sharp in all areas, your whole team, both sides of the ball,” Roethlisberger said. “There can be all kinds of distractions, changes of this, that and the other. At the end of the day, we’ve got to go play good football.”
For the first time in a long time, the Steelers didn’t. At least not enough of it.
Still, even after Smith hit Logan Thomas for a 15-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 17, the Steelers had a chance. They drove into field goal range but rather than have fill-in Matthew Wright — promoted from the practice squad due to an injury to Chris Boswell — attempt a 45-yard field goal into the open end at Heinz, the Steelers went for it. Roethlisberger’s heave to rookie running back Anthony McFarland Jr. fell incomplete and Smith calmly drove Washington 45 yards in nine plays to set up the winning score.
“I didn’t feel good about putting that (kick) on him,” Tomlin said of Wright.
Ben Roethlisberger passed for 305 yards and two touchdowns, but was picked off by Jon Bostic — a former Steeler — with 1:59 remaining. Hopkins added another 45-yard field goal to help close it out.
Pittsburgh reached midfield on its final possession but time ran out.
The Steelers appeared to be in firm control after Roethlisberger found James Washington for a 50-yard touchdown in the second quarter that put them up 14-0. Pittsburgh is normally invincible at Heinz Field when up two scores. Not this time.
Smith, under heavy pressure much of the night, finally got something going late in the first half. A Hopkins field goal got the team on the board in the final seconds. A 1-yard touchdown run by Peyton Barber midway through the third quarter pulled Washington within 14-10, and a lob from Smith to a wide-open Logan Thomas for a 15-yard touchdown tied it.
Pittsburgh drove into field goal range but rather than have fill-in Matthew Wright — promoted from the practice squad due to an injury to Chris Boswell — attempt a 45-yard field goal into the open end at Heinz, the Steelers went for it. Roethlisberger’s heave to rookie running back Anthony McFarland Jr. fell incomplete and Smith calmly drove Washington 45 yards in nine plays to set up the winning score.


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Range Rover back home in one piece after Queens boy’s joyride

This thing ’ s been on quite an adventure .
The white Range Rover taken for an interstate joyride by @ @ @ @ @ in one piece near the family ’ s Queens home on Monday night .
The @ @ @ @ @ of any dents hours after the youngster from Ozone Park took his 7-year-old cousin for @ @ @ @ @ Jersey-Delaware state line .
The pair left the home at about 9 a.m. and were @ @ @ @ @ hours later .
The older boy had waited for his mom to jump in the @ @ @ @ @ SUV .
New Jersey State Police had first located the white Range Rover Monday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ Staten Island into the Garden State , police said .

This thing’s been on quite an adventure.
The white Range Rover taken for an interstate joyride by a 12-year-old boy was back in one piece near the family’s Queens home on Monday night.
The vehicle appeared to be free of any dents hours after the youngster from Ozone Park took his 7-year-old cousin for a drive to the New Jersey-Delaware state line.
The pair left the home at about 9 a.m. and were picked up by police five hours later.
The older boy had waited for his mom to jump in the shower before taking the family SUV.
New Jersey State Police had first located the white Range Rover Monday afternoon after the siblings passed through Staten Island into the Garden State, police said.
Authorities tracked the SUV through EZPass readers.


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--HHS chief says US has option to buy 500M more vaccines from Pfizer

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar on Monday said the US government has the ability to purchase an additional 500 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from drugmaker Pfizer .
The delivery of 100 million doses — enough for 50 million Americans — is expected in the coming months .
“ With Pfizer , we have an option to buy an additional 500 million more , ” Azar said in an interview on “ NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.
” Azar said he expects the country will have “ enough vaccine ” by April or June .
The government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 100 million doses , “ so that we would have 600 million doses of vaccine across a broad portfolio , ” Azar said .
The contract with New York-based Pfizer also includes an option to purchase as many as five times more , though Azar said he couldn ’ t “ reveal discussions around potential procurements.
” “ But we are continuing to work across manufacturers to expand the availability of releasable , of FDA approved vaccine as quickly as possible… , ” he said .
“ We do still have that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” A panel of scientists from the Food and Drug Administration is expected to give Pfizer ’ s vaccine the green light as soon as this week , while another one from Moderna is also likely to be approved for emergency use soon .

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar on Monday said the US government has the ability to purchase an additional 500 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from drugmaker Pfizer.
The delivery of 100 million doses — enough for 50 million Americans — is expected in the coming months.
“With Pfizer, we have an option to buy an additional 500 million more,” Azar said in an interview on “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.”
Azar said he expects the country will have “enough vaccine” by April or June.
The government has contracts with six different vaccine manufacturers each for 100 million doses, “so that we would have 600 million doses of vaccine across a broad portfolio,” Azar said.
The contract with New York-based Pfizer also includes an option to purchase as many as five times more, though Azar said he couldn’t “reveal discussions around potential procurements.”
“But we are continuing to work across manufacturers to expand the availability of releasable, of FDA approved vaccine as quickly as possible…,” he said.
“We do still have that option for an additional 500 million doses.”
A panel of scientists from the Food and Drug Administration is expected to give Pfizer’s vaccine the green light as soon as this week, while another one from Moderna is also likely to be approved for emergency use soon.


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Fate of DH could alter Mets’ offseason plan

Jake Odorizzi bet on himself last offseason and accepted the ...

Not every piece is falling into place for the Mets this winter.
As a team that benefited from the universal DH’s implementation last season, a less than ideal scenario is now unfolding for the Mets with MLB’s recommendation to NL clubs they proceed this offseason under the assumption the DH will disappear for 2021.
As presently constituted, the Mets have an ideal DH situation with Pete Alonso and Dominic Smith, both of whom received a significant number of at-bats from the spot last season. J.D. Davis is another player who fits into the DH mold.
And that is before the Mets potentially upgrade their lineup by using new owner Steve Cohen’s fat wallet to sign perhaps George Springer or DJ LeMahieu. The Mets also could sign J.T. Realmuto or James McCann, offensively productive catchers who might figure into occasional DH duties.
One tantalizing lineup with the designated hitter would include Springer in center field, Brandon Nimmo in left, Smith at first base and Alonso as the DH. But with the DH subtracted, Alonso likely becomes the first baseman, with Smith forced to left field, still an unnatural position for him. Nimmo would become a bench player or perhaps trade bait.
Sandy Alderson AP
“If you sign Springer then you take a couple of pieces together and maybe trade for a starting pitcher or a reliever or fill another need, but I think this is a challenge a lot of teams are going to have,” a talent evaluator from a National League team said. “I would go with the assumption you are not going to have a designated hitter and if you wind up getting it then you are pleasantly surprised, but I would have to go under the assumption we’re not going to have it and construct my roster that way.”
Last season Smith, who emerged as the Mets’ most productive hitter, caught 11 percent fewer balls than the average left fielder, according to the website Baseball Savant. The Mets preferred Smith as the first baseman or DH.
“I’m always a work in progress and always trying to make myself better and more valuable and just become a well-rounded player,” Smith recently told The Post. “Defense is something that I know, numbers-wise, metrically, I was not good at it. I know that I am a way better defender than what they say, so that is just something definitely I want to work on, just my speed more and my routes and my jumps and stuff like that. Work on my arm — get my arm stronger, so I’m definitely working on all that.”
A further potential logjam was avoided with Robinson Cano’s positive test for a banned performance-enhancing drug that will cost him the 2021 season. The Mets are saving $20 million with the suspension, but also gain additional lineup flexibility.
The DH’s removal would almost certainly eliminate the Mets from pursuing Marcell Ozuna, whose days of playing the outfield on a regular basis could be behind him. Ozuna’s right-handed bat otherwise could have been a backup plan if the Mets don’t land Springer.
Of course, there is the possibility MLB and MLBPA will strike a deal that would return the DH to the NL in exchange for some concession from the players.
“If I were [Ozuna] I would hold out as long as I could, because I would rather be talking to 30 teams instead of 15,” the talent evaluator said. “Until they tell me one way or the other, I’m not signing anywhere if I am one of those guys. I don’t want to limit my base.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Black vultures terrorizing Pennsylvania town

Scores of pesky black vultures are ruling the roost in one unlucky Pennsylvania town — harassing residents , wrecking homes and coating entire trees with their droppings .
The birds , with wing spans up to five feet , have terrorized the town of Marietta in the past , but one resident told LNP that this year is the most extreme .
“ This is the worst year , ” John Enterline told the newspaper .
“ There are many more of them.
” In colder weather , the vultures prefer to roost atop dark roofs , leaving a mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town , located on the Susquehanna River outside of Lancaster , have reported the birds have pecked at their roofs , porch furniture and garbage cans .
Trees are also almost being completely covered with their white droppings .
“ I mean pure , pure white , ” one resident told the paper .
Deterrence options are limited as the black vulture is protected under federal law .
But Harris Glass , the Pennsylvania director with the U.S. Department of Agriculture ’ s Wildlife Services department , told the newspaper that the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to harass them back .
Residents seem to be heeding that advice , banging on pots and pans , as well as lighting fireworks , to clear the birds .

Scores of pesky black vultures are ruling the roost in one unlucky Pennsylvania town — harassing residents, wrecking homes and coating entire trees with their droppings.
The birds, with wing spans up to five feet, have terrorized the town of Marietta in the past, but one resident told LNP that this year is the most extreme.
“This is the worst year,” John Enterline told the newspaper. “There are many more of them.”
In colder weather, the vultures prefer to roost atop dark roofs, leaving a mark in their wake.
Residents in the town, located on the Susquehanna River outside of Lancaster, have reported the birds have pecked at their roofs, porch furniture and garbage cans.
Trees are also almost being completely covered with their white droppings.
“I mean pure, pure white,” one resident told the paper.
Deterrence options are limited as the black vulture is protected under federal law.
But Harris Glass, the Pennsylvania director with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services department, told the newspaper that the best way to rid the area of birds is to harass them back.
Residents seem to be heeding that advice, banging on pots and pans, as well as lighting fireworks, to clear the birds.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Cops raid home of scientist who said she was fired for not doctoring COVID-19 data

Florida police on Monday raided the home of a former state data scientist who claimed she was fired from the Department of Health for refusing to doctor coronavirus figures .
Rebekah Jones posted video on Twitter showing officers with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement drawing their guns as they entered her house in Tallahassee .
“ They pointed a gun in my face .
They pointed guns at my kids , ” she wrote .
Jones — who has been a vocal critic of Gov .
DeSantis ’ handling of the pandemic since she was canned in May — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They claimed it was about a security breach .
This was DeSantis .
He sent the gestapo , ” she wrote .
A police spokeswoman confirmed that officers served a search warrant at Jones ’ home , the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported .
The warrant stemmed from an investigation into an alleged hack of the Department of Health ’ s messaging alert system used for emergencies .
On Nov. 10 , someone used the alert system to send a message stating : “ It ’ s time to speak up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You know this is wrong .
You don ’ t have to be a part of this .
Be a hero .
Speak out before it ’ s too late , ” the newspaper reported .
About 1,750 of the messages went out before delivery was stopped , according to the search warrant .
Agents suspect someone at Jones ’ home “ illegally accessed the system , ” the police spokeswoman said .
“ I have never had access to that system , ” she told the Sun Sentinel .
“ I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics and analysis .
”

Florida police on Monday raided the home of a former state data scientist who claimed she was fired from the Department of Health for refusing to doctor coronavirus figures.
Rebekah Jones posted video on Twitter showing officers with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement drawing their guns as they entered her house in Tallahassee.
“They pointed a gun in my face. They pointed guns at my kids,” she wrote.
Jones — who has been a vocal critic of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ handling of the pandemic since she was canned in May — said agents seized her phone and computer.
“They claimed it was about a security breach. This was DeSantis. He sent the gestapo,” she wrote.
Rebekah Jones Florida Department of Health
A police spokeswoman confirmed that officers served a search warrant at Jones’ home, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported.
The warrant stemmed from an investigation into an alleged hack of the Department of Health’s messaging alert system used for emergencies.
On Nov. 10, someone used the alert system to send a message stating: “It’s time to speak up before another 17,000 people are dead. You know this is wrong. You don’t have to be a part of this. Be a hero. Speak out before it’s too late,” the newspaper reported.
About 1,750 of the messages went out before delivery was stopped, according to the search warrant.
Agents suspect someone at Jones’ home “illegally accessed the system,” the police spokeswoman said.
Jones denied hacking the system.
“I have never had access to that system,” she told the Sun Sentinel. “I am not a hacker. I do data statistics and analysis.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Jets can only hope rock bottom moment comes with silver lining

On Monday , Gregg Williams was fired as the Jets ’ defensive ...

If we are being fair, what happened at the Meadowlands on the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 19, 1978 didn’t quite rise to the level of “calamitous” or “catastrophic,” not when you consider what had happened 2,600 miles away that weekend, in a remote corner of Guyana named Jonestown.
In the Monday newspapers, the front page would be dominated by tales of the horror of the 918 followers of cult leader Jim Jones, all of them gulping poisoned Kool-Aid. That was real-world stuff, a tragedy that resounds all these years later.
But the back page of those papers didn’t bear many good tidings, either.
For it was there that the details of the worst day in the history of the New York Giants was detailed. The Giants were already 15 years into what would become an 18-year absence from the NFL playoffs, but they’d cobbled together a 5-6 record, were sitting on the periphery of the NFC postseason.
And they were about to get to .500, about to tie the Eagles for second place in the NFC East, about to win a hard-fought 17-12 victory. The Eagles were out of timeouts. There were 30 seconds left. There were 70,318 fans eagerly racing to their cars for the happy ride home.
All Giants quarterback Joe Pisarcik had to do was take a knee.
But Pisarcik didn’t take a knee.
Gregg Williams in the final minutes of the Jets’ crushing loss Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
High up in the press box, offensive coordinator Bob Gibson had just experienced a horrible case of Coach Overthink. On the previous play, Philly’s Bill Bergey had crashed through the Giants line and tackled Pisarcik as he took a knee, and a million things began racing through Gibson’s mind: he didn’t want his QB to get hurt. He didn’t want the Eagles to draw the Giants into a foolish penalty. The clock kept ticking. So did Gibson’s imagination.
So he called a play: “Brown, right, near wing, 65 slant.”
It was simple enough: Pisarcik would turn, stick the ball in the chest of sure-handed fullback Larry Csonka, Csonka would rumble for a yard or two, game over.
Still, in the huddle, players were beside themselves.
“That can’t be right,” one of them told Pisarcik. “Just fall on the bleepin’ ball!”
Pisarcik thought so, too. But he was two seasons removed from the CFL. He didn’t have the status to overrule his boss. He took the snap, turned, the ball hit Csonka’s thigh, dropped to the turf. Philly’s Herman Edwards scooped it up, dashed 26 yards, and the Eagles had a miracle win. They would finish 9-7 and end their own 18-year playoff drought.
Let that memory serve as one bookend.
And let Sunday’s hard-to-fathom 31-28 Raiders win over the Jets serve as the other, a matched set of Swamp Swoons set 42 years and 18 days apart, one in the old Giants Stadium, one at MetLife, which sits in the old parking lot where so many fans heard about Pisarcik’s fumble as they exited the joint back in ’78.
The similarities are eerie in so many ways. Gibson was fired as offensive coordinator first thing Monday morning, and he never worked in football again, living out his days on Florida’s Sanibel Island where he ran a bait shop and general store and raised cattle. He died in 2015 at age 88 having never publicly spoken of the play once since his dismissal.
Gregg Williams — the Jets’ defensive coordinator who inexplicably called a blitz Sunday, setting up poor rookie Lamar Jackson to allow Las Vegas’ Henry Ruggs III to slip behind him for the game-winning touchdown with five seconds left in the game — is too inherently chatty to believe he’ll take his thoughts to his grave. But that play will surely follow him there.
In the same way Giants players begged to revolt when they heard Gibson’s play call in ’78, so, too, did many of the veterans of the Jets defense Sunday. But no player on either side had the audacity to disobey.
John McVay, the Giants’ head coach, didn’t like to wear a headset so the first he knew of Gibson’s faux pas was when he saw Pisarcik try to give the ball to Csonka. He tried to defend Gibson, insisting it was a safe play. When a newsman retorted, “Safer than falling on it?” McVay sighed and said, “No. Probably not.”
He was fired at season’s end.
Adam Gase, the Jets coach, absolutely knew what Williams was doing but he hired Williams with the understanding that the D was his fiefdom. Gase said Monday, “I wish I overruled the call.” But he didn’t. He, too, will almost certainly be fired when this season is over.
If there is a consolation for the Jets, perhaps it is this: that 19-17 loss to the Eagles was the singular galvanizing force in changing a losing culture that strangled the Giants for a generation. You don’t always know rock bottom when you hit it. The Giants knew, the moment Edwards crossed the goal line.
Perhaps the same thing happened for the Jets when the ball landed safely in Ruggs’ arms, bracketing 42 years of Swamp Swoons. Jets fans can only hope.


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--David Blaine to headline first-ever gala for Chai Lifeline

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 ) David Blaine is famous for @ @ @ @ @ endurance stunts , but on Tuesday , December 8 , the magician will try a @ @ @ @ @ suffering from serious illnesses .
Blaine — who was last seen in September flying over @ @ @ @ @ helium balloons — will headline Chai Lifeline ’ s inaugural Global Gala , a pre-Chanukah @ @ @ @ @ ” star and co-creator Lior Raz will host the gala to benefit NYC-based Chai Lifeline @ @ @ @ @ s health support network which offers year-round programs and services for more than 5,900 children @ @ @ @ @ .
The Global Gala starts at 8 pm and is free and open to the @ @ @ @ @ at www.theglobalgala.com .
The event also honors Rabbi Yehiel and Shulamis Kalish .

Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
David Blaine is famous for his death-defying illusions and wild endurance stunts, but on Tuesday, December 8, the magician will try a virtual performance to benefit children suffering from serious illnesses.
Blaine — who was last seen in September flying over the Arizona desert hanging from helium balloons — will headline Chai Lifeline’s inaugural Global Gala, a pre-Chanukah online event.
“Fauda” star and co-creator Lior Raz will host the gala to benefit NYC-based Chai Lifeline, an international children’s health support network which offers year-round programs and services for more than 5,900 children and families across the globe.
The Global Gala starts at 8 pm and is free and open to the public. Guests can RSVP at www.theglobalgala.com.
The event also honors Rabbi Yehiel and Shulamis Kalish.


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Ghislaine Maxwell losing her hair from ‘onerous’ imprisonment: lawyers

Conditions in jail are so tough for Ghislaine Maxwell the accused pedophile procurer is losing her hair and is wasting away to skin and bone , her lawyers complained in a new court filing .
“ While her weight may currently be fairly consistent , she had lost over 15 pounds , and she is sustaining hair loss , ” wrote attorney Bobbi Sternheim in the letter to US District Judge Alison Nathan , who is overseeing Maxwell ’ s sex-trafficking case .
The filing was in response to a letter the federal Bureau of Prisons sent the judge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has maintained a healthy 134-pound weight while at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn .
Maxwell ’ s lawyers have frequently complained about the “ onerous ” terms of her confinement — including frequent strip searches , being awoken every 15 minutes by a flashlight at night to ensure she ’ s still alive and countless meals consisting of no more than bread and butter .
Sternheim wrote that while her meal plan may be in compliance with BOP policy now , it was not for the first six weeks of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation and been denied access to education and leisure programs , movies , religious services and other opportunities , the letter states .
“ It is obvious that Ms. Maxwell is bearing the brunt of BOP incompetence , ” Sternheim wrote .
She said the MDC has “ imposed extraordinarily onerous conditions of constraint on Ms. Maxwell to avoid the catastrophic consequences of negligence occurring at the MCC that resulted in the death of Jeffrey Epstein.
” Maxwell ’ s alleged co-conspirator Jeffrey Epstein hanged himself at the BOP ’ s Metropolitan Correctional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial on sex trafficking charges .
Sternheim demanded that the warden be called before the court to debrief the judge directly on the conditions .
The back-and-forth over Maxwell ’ s confinement comes as her attorneys have renewed her bid for bail .
After her arrest in July on charges she recruited girls and women to be sexually abused by her and Epstein , Nathan denied her bid for release on $ 5 million bond .
In a Nov. 25 letter to the judge unsealed Monday , Maxwell ’ s lawyer Mark Cohen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under seal to protect her friends and family who plan to co-sign the bond .
“ They are legitimately afraid that if their identities become public , they will be subjected to the same relentless media scrutiny and threats that Ms. Maxwell has experienced , ” Cohen wrote .
The filing included examples of several death threats against Maxwell posted to social media .
The judge has agreed to redact the names of friends and family in court papers — but not to seal the entire filing .

Conditions in jail are so tough for Ghislaine Maxwell the accused pedophile procurer is losing her hair and is wasting away to skin and bone, her lawyers complained in a new court filing.
“While her weight may currently be fairly consistent, she had lost over 15 pounds, and she is sustaining hair loss,” wrote attorney Bobbi Sternheim in the letter to US District Judge Alison Nathan, who is overseeing Maxwell’s sex-trafficking case.
The filing was in response to a letter the federal Bureau of Prisons sent the judge, insisting that Maxwell is well cared for and has maintained a healthy 134-pound weight while at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Maxwell’s lawyers have frequently complained about the “onerous” terms of her confinement — including frequent strip searches, being awoken every 15 minutes by a flashlight at night to ensure she’s still alive and countless meals consisting of no more than bread and butter.
Sternheim wrote that while her meal plan may be in compliance with BOP policy now, it was not for the first six weeks of her incarceration. She has been kept in isolation and been denied access to education and leisure programs, movies, religious services and other opportunities, the letter states.
“It is obvious that Ms. Maxwell is bearing the brunt of BOP incompetence,” Sternheim wrote. She said the MDC has “imposed extraordinarily onerous conditions of constraint on Ms. Maxwell to avoid the catastrophic consequences of negligence occurring at the MCC that resulted in the death of Jeffrey Epstein.”
Maxwell’s alleged co-conspirator Jeffrey Epstein hanged himself at the BOP’s Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan last year while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Sternheim demanded that the warden be called before the court to debrief the judge directly on the conditions.
The back-and-forth over Maxwell’s confinement comes as her attorneys have renewed her bid for bail.
After her arrest in July on charges she recruited girls and women to be sexually abused by her and Epstein, Nathan denied her bid for release on $5 million bond.
In a Nov. 25 letter to the judge unsealed Monday, Maxwell’s lawyer Mark Cohen asked that the bail application be filed under seal to protect her friends and family who plan to co-sign the bond.
“They are legitimately afraid that if their identities become public, they will be subjected to the same relentless media scrutiny and threats that Ms. Maxwell has experienced,” Cohen wrote.
The filing included examples of several death threats against Maxwell posted to social media. The judge has agreed to redact the names of friends and family in court papers — but not to seal the entire filing.


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Salvatore Ferragamo’s son Massimo sells NYC penthouse for $11M

The Metropolitan Opera said Monday that it needs to slash ...

The son of late renowned Italian fashion designer Salvatore Ferragamo, Massimo, sold his Manhattan penthouse for $11 million.
The 5,800-square-foot property, located on the Upper East Side, is a seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom duplex featuring a spiral staircase, a library, a gym and staff quarters. The apartment also has two main suites, a 3,000-square-foot rooftop terrace and a covered dining area. The rooftop space, a rare feature in the Park Avenue area, can be accessed through a sunroom with curved glass walls, a draped fabric ceiling and a couch that spreads along the round room. The property is located in a Georgian-style building built in the 1920s and offers amenities such as white-glove services, including a doorman and elevator operator.
The building is only a few blocks away from Central Park and is also close to the Ferragamo store on Fifth Avenue.
Massimo, the chairman of luxury goods high-end retailer Ferragamo USA, originally listed the property two years ago for $18 million but had to drop the price numerous times over the years to find a buyer. He lived for more than two decades in the Park Avenue apartment before deeming the property surplus to requirements. Cybele Kadagian of Douglas Elliman brokered the $11 million deal. The buyer’s identity has not been revealed.
Although parting ways with this property, Ferragamo is still the owner of the Castiglion del Bosco golf course, resort and winery in Tuscany, Italy. That resort includes 11 stand-alone villas restored by Ferragamo after he purchased the property almost two decades ago in 2003.


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Apartment towers on Flushing waterfront now look set for Council OK

The City Council appears set to approve a plan that will bring more than a dozen towers and an estimated 1,700 apartments to the Flushing waterfront after nearly a month of delays , The Post has learned .
Negotiations over the final details of the Queens project are “ ongoing , ” said the spokeswoman for the chairman of the Council ’ s zoning committee , lawmaker Francisco Moya ( D-Queens ) .
But a deal appears within reach as Moya has tentatively scheduled a vote in his committee over the project for Wednesday — and the full Council is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
Moya ’ s committee was initially expected to vote on the project Monday after a month-long string of delays as politicians and developers haggled over the proposal .
Currently , plans call for the construction of 13 highrises with 1,700 homes and another 900 hotel rooms .
The project has the backing of the City Planning Commission , local community board and the local councilman , Peter Koo ( D-Queens ) .
“ The vote was delayed as the applicants and labor groups are finalizing talks that we are confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Flushing , ” said Scott Sieber , Koo ’ s spokesman .
“ Council Member Koo and everyone at the table wants this project to work , so we ’ re taking some extra time to ensure we can find a path forward that will prioritize Flushing ’ s long-term economic recovery .
”

The City Council appears set to approve a plan that will bring more than a dozen towers and an estimated 1,700 apartments to the Flushing waterfront after nearly a month of delays, The Post has learned.
Negotiations over the final details of the Queens project are “ongoing,” said the spokeswoman for the chairman of the Council’s zoning committee, lawmaker Francisco Moya (D-Queens).
But a deal appears within reach as Moya has tentatively scheduled a vote in his committee over the project for Wednesday — and the full Council is expected to take up and approve it on Thursday.
Moya’s committee was initially expected to vote on the project Monday after a month-long string of delays as politicians and developers haggled over the proposal.
Currently, plans call for the construction of 13 highrises with 1,700 homes and another 900 hotel rooms. The project has the backing of the City Planning Commission, local community board and the local councilman, Peter Koo (D-Queens).
“The vote was delayed as the applicants and labor groups are finalizing talks that we are confident will result in thousands of good-paying jobs for Flushing,” said Scott Sieber, Koo’s spokesman. “Council Member Koo and everyone at the table wants this project to work, so we’re taking some extra time to ensure we can find a path forward that will prioritize Flushing’s long-term economic recovery.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Crime is killing USA’s cities — if we just move away, it will follow us

It doesn ’ t have to be this way .
American cities are on the brink .
Violent crime is spiking up astronomically , and every day brings grim new statistics .
Last week , New York City reported a 95 percent year-on-year increase in shootings for the first 11 months of the year .
Last month , Washington , DC , hit 167 homicides , which means the federal capital had more killings by November than it did for all of last year .
The slay total is the highest in 12 years .
And that was all before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unidentified gunmen opened fire on his father ’ s vehicle .
Chicago , Philadelphia , Seattle , Memphis and Minneapolis — that last the epicenter of the # DefundThePolice movement — are all setting new records .
The blood splashed and bullet casings strewn across our streets spell disaster .
If the great urbanist Jane Jacobs were still around , she ’ d have to title her iconic book “ The Death and Death of Great American Cities.
” But if you mention how bad things have gotten in our cities , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of two responses .
The first , by people who live in these cities but are lucky enough , so far , to be unaffected by the dismal violence , is nonchalance .
They will tell you that everything is fine .
They heard music in the street today , and here ’ s a picture of the burrito they ate there .
These people can be seen arguing that it ’ s “ just ” murder and shootings that are up and that some crimes , like rape , are actually down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening , lest they accidentally agree with President Trump or anyone outside their comfortable liberal bubble .
Everything is totally fine , and they won ’ t hear a word said otherwise .
The other response comes from people living in small towns , suburbs or rural areas .
“ Move , ” they implore .
Leave the city you ’ ve always loved , rip your kids from their lives , abandon your extended family and vote with your feet .
That ’ s a cruel and shortsighted idea .
For one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy for urbanites to just uproot their lives , apartments , schools and jobs and move elsewhere .
Many can ’ t .
It also assumes that crime will stay clustered in one place forever .
Suburbs previously saw spikes in crime , as gangs moved from the cities into suburban hoods .
And some years , when American cities experienced declines in shootings , the same crimes in suburbs spiked .
The other problem with pretending we can simply outrun crime is that the current problems plaguing our cities come from bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easily spread to your comfortable towns so far untouched by our rot .
It isn ’ t just the crime that spreads — it ’ s the bad policies .
It won ’ t just be people who disapprove of the bad ideas who will get out as things get worse .
With COVID-19 , plenty of people have left cities for more space or because their child ’ s school didn ’ t open .
They may still believe in all of the failed philosophies causing the destruction behind them .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas implemented during the good times .
“ No bail ” is a concept politicians come up with when murder rates were at a 20-year low , inapt when children are being shot in the street .
District attorneys deciding not to prosecute “ low-level ” crimes are undoing years of effective crime-fighting .
A NYPD news release from July noted that “ from January through the end of June , more than 2,000 people arrested in a crime with a gun recovered had cases against them that remain open in the courts.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bourgeoisie can support .
In Gotham , the elimination of funding for a new cadet class and a high number of police officers leaving the force are going to culminate in obvious disaster .
And defunding isn ’ t the only terrible idea to emerge from the left in the past year .
The disrespect and the disdain for members of the police force take a toll on the officers .
When we foolishly turn police officers into the enemy , we find ourselves on the side of the criminals .
Our focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on what worked in the past .
We ’ ve tried the lefty crime-fighting wish list , and it led to more dead people on our streets .
Neither ignoring the violence nor abandoning our city because of it will work .
We need grown-ups in the room to stop the failed policy ideas — now .

It doesn’t have to be this way.
American cities are on the brink.
Violent crime is spiking up astronomically, and every day brings grim new statistics.
Last week, New York City reported a 95 percent year-on-year increase in shootings for the first 11 months of the year. Last month, Washington, DC, hit 167 homicides, which means the federal capital had more killings by November than it did for all of last year.
The slay total is the highest in 12 years. And that was all before a 15-month-old was killed last week after unidentified gunmen opened fire on his father’s vehicle. Chicago, Philadelphia, Seattle, Memphis and Minneapolis — that last the epicenter of the #DefundThePolice movement — are all setting new records. The blood splashed and bullet casings strewn across our streets spell disaster.
If the great urbanist Jane Jacobs were still around, she’d have to title her iconic book “The Death and Death of Great American Cities.” But if you mention how bad things have gotten in our cities, you are likely to be met with one of two responses.
The first, by people who live in these cities but are lucky enough, so far, to be unaffected by the dismal violence, is nonchalance. They will tell you that everything is fine. They heard music in the street today, and here’s a picture of the burrito they ate there. These people can be seen arguing that it’s “just” murder and shootings that are up and that some crimes, like rape, are actually down. They want to ignore what is happening, lest they accidentally agree with President Trump or anyone outside their comfortable liberal bubble. Everything is totally fine, and they won’t hear a word said otherwise.
The other response comes from people living in small towns, suburbs or rural areas. “Move,” they implore. Leave the city you’ve always loved, rip your kids from their lives, abandon your extended family and vote with your feet. That’s a cruel and shortsighted idea.
For one thing, it assumes it’s easy for urbanites to just uproot their lives, apartments, schools and jobs and move elsewhere. Many can’t. It also assumes that crime will stay clustered in one place forever.
Suburbs previously saw spikes in crime, as gangs moved from the cities into suburban hoods. And some years, when American cities experienced declines in shootings, the same crimes in suburbs spiked.
The other problem with pretending we can simply outrun crime is that the current problems plaguing our cities come from bad ideas, and those bad ideas can easily spread to your comfortable towns so far untouched by our rot. It isn’t just the crime that spreads — it’s the bad policies.
It won’t just be people who disapprove of the bad ideas who will get out as things get worse. With COVID-19, plenty of people have left cities for more space or because their child’s school didn’t open. They may still believe in all of the failed philosophies causing the destruction behind them.
We have to get rid of the bad ideas implemented during the good times. “No bail” is a concept politicians come up with when murder rates were at a 20-year low, inapt when children are being shot in the street. District attorneys deciding not to prosecute “low-level” crimes are undoing years of effective crime-fighting.
A NYPD news release from July noted that “from January through the end of June, more than 2,000 people arrested in a crime with a gun recovered had cases against them that remain open in the courts.” #DefundThePolice is something only the bourgeoisie can support. In Gotham, the elimination of funding for a new cadet class and a high number of police officers leaving the force are going to culminate in obvious disaster.
And defunding isn’t the only terrible idea to emerge from the left in the past year. The disrespect and the disdain for members of the police force take a toll on the officers. When we foolishly turn police officers into the enemy, we find ourselves on the side of the criminals. Our focus in bringing back our cities has to be on what worked in the past.
We’ve tried the lefty crime-fighting wish list, and it led to more dead people on our streets. Neither ignoring the violence nor abandoning our city because of it will work. We need grown-ups in the room to stop the failed policy ideas — now.
Twitter: @Karol


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Metropolitan Opera wants workers to take 30 percent pay cut

The Metropolitan Opera said Monday that it needs to slash its workers ’ long-term contracts by 30 percent to survive — a proposal rejected by the union representing its employees , a new report said .
Because of the impasse , the Met added , it will lock out the few dozen stagehands still working amid the pandemic at midnight Tuesday , according to the New York Times .
“ I realize it is incredibly painful what we ’ re asking them to do , ” Peter Gelb , the opera house ’ s general manager , told the newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to do is keep the Met alive , and the only way to achieve that is to reduce our costs.
” Most of the Met ’ s nearly 300 stagehands have been furloughed since April .
Under the Met ’ s proposal , a promise of up to $ 1,500 a week for many employees is attached to the long-term contractual pay cut .
Once , and if , the Met ’ s revenue returns to pre-pandemic levels , half of the cuts would be restored , the newspaper reported .
James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One — the union representing the Met ’ s workers — told the Times that none of the stagehands were open to the 30 percent pay cut .
“ To do this during a deadly virus is just ridiculous , ” Claffey said , referring to the lockout .
“ But that ’ s their leverage at this point.
” The Met hopes to reopen next fall , with work for more stagehands planned to begin well in advance .

The Metropolitan Opera said Monday that it needs to slash its workers’ long-term contracts by 30 percent to survive — a proposal rejected by the union representing its employees, a new report said.
Because of the impasse, the Met added, it will lock out the few dozen stagehands still working amid the pandemic at midnight Tuesday, according to the New York Times.
“I realize it is incredibly painful what we’re asking them to do,” Peter Gelb, the opera house’s general manager, told the newspaper.
“But what we’re trying to do is keep the Met alive, and the only way to achieve that is to reduce our costs.”
Most of the Met’s nearly 300 stagehands have been furloughed since April. Under the Met’s proposal, a promise of up to $1,500 a week for many employees is attached to the long-term contractual pay cut.
Once, and if, the Met’s revenue returns to pre-pandemic levels, half of the cuts would be restored, the newspaper reported.
James Claffey Jr., the president of Local One — the union representing the Met’s workers — told the Times that none of the stagehands were open to the 30 percent pay cut.
“To do this during a deadly virus is just ridiculous,” Claffey said, referring to the lockout. “But that’s their leverage at this point.”
The Met hopes to reopen next fall, with work for more stagehands planned to begin well in advance.


newyorkpost--2020-12-07--Biden reportedly taps retired general Lloyd Austin as defense secretary

WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden is expected to name retired Gen. Lloyd Austin as his defense secretary , according to a new report , a choice that seemed a long shot as recently as last week .
Austin , the former commander of US Central Command , emerged as a front-runner in recent days as Biden came under increasing pressure to make more black appointments to high profile cabinet positions , according to a Politico report .
Michele Flournoy was widely considered to be the frontrunner for the job after serving as a defense undersecretary under President Barack Obama and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill Clinton , and would have been the first woman to run the Pentagon .
Biden has vowed to create the most diverse cabinet in US history and on Sunday announced he had selected California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to serve as his secretary of Health and Human Services .
If confirmed by the GOP-controlled Senate , Becerra would be the first Latino to hold the role .
The announcement of Austin as Biden ’ s Pentagon chief could come as early as Tuesday , Politico reported .
Earlier Monday , the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announce his attorney general pick sometime this week .
House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith ( D-Wash. ) endorsed Flournoy on Monday and said he had made those feelings known to Biden ’ s transition team .
“ I ’ ve certainly communicated to the Biden people that I think Michèle Flournoy is hands down the best qualified person for the job , ” Smith told reporters .
But defense sources speaking to Politico said Austin would be more loyal to Biden ’ s agenda and was a safer choice , even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t knock your socks off.
” “ I just don ’ t see him as an independent thinker , ” one former defense official groused to the publication .

WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden is expected to name retired Gen. Lloyd Austin as his defense secretary, according to a new report, a choice that seemed a long shot as recently as last week.
Austin, the former commander of US Central Command, emerged as a front-runner in recent days as Biden came under increasing pressure to make more black appointments to high profile cabinet positions, according to a Politico report.
Michele Flournoy was widely considered to be the frontrunner for the job after serving as a defense undersecretary under President Barack Obama and deputy assistant secretary of defense under President Bill Clinton, and would have been the first woman to run the Pentagon.
Biden has vowed to create the most diverse cabinet in US history and on Sunday announced he had selected California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to serve as his secretary of Health and Human Services.
If confirmed by the GOP-controlled Senate, Becerra would be the first Latino to hold the role.
The announcement of Austin as Biden’s Pentagon chief could come as early as Tuesday, Politico reported.
Earlier Monday, the former veep told reporters that he would also announce his attorney general pick sometime this week.
House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) endorsed Flournoy on Monday and said he had made those feelings known to Biden’s transition team.
“I’ve certainly communicated to the Biden people that I think Michèle Flournoy is hands down the best qualified person for the job,” Smith told reporters.
But defense sources speaking to Politico said Austin would be more loyal to Biden’s agenda and was a safer choice, even though others griped that he “just doesn’t knock your socks off.”
“I just don’t see him as an independent thinker,” one former defense official groused to the publication.