newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Prince Harry makes first public appearance since Megxit

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Prince Harry was seen in public Thursday for the first time since his stunning announcement that he was quitting the royal family .
The Duke of Sussex was spotted staring intently at his phone in the back of a car as he was driven into Buckingham Palace for his first official royal engagement since Megxit .
The 35-year-old prince has managed to keep a low-profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sneaking into a historic royal summit Monday — while wife Meghan Markle has made public appearances at a series of women ’ s group meetings while staying with baby Archie in Canada .
Royal biographer Angela Levin told Sky News that the world would be seeing “ a sad Harry who puts on a good face because of his sense of duty.
” Harry is due to host the draw for the Rugby League World Cup , as proudly confirmed by the Royal Family on its official Twitter account — which notably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in another message .
Harry and Meghan ’ s titles and roles in the family are understood to be part of ongoing debate during the “ period of transition ” the Queen granted the couple who she says “ wish to live a more independent life.
” Harry also appeared in a video Thursday supporting a “ Mental Fitness Charter ” aimed at rugby players — with some potentially telling quotes that could relate to his own drama .
He called rugby a community that “ takes care of its own ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bear it ” and hide their feelings .

Prince Harry was seen in public Thursday for the first time since his stunning Megxit announcement — making what could be his final official engagement as a royal, according to reports.
The Duke of Sussex was first spotted staring intently at his phone in the back of a car as he was driven into Buckingham Palace for his first formal event since last week’s stunning announcement that he was quitting the royal family.
The tired-looking prince, in a blue suit and silver tie, then joked around with young rugby players as he walked out onto the palace grounds before holding the draw for the Rugby League World Cup.
He appeared to hint at his current scandal when he teased the young players about playing on the palace grounds.
“Look after the grass though yeah? Otherwise I’ll get in trouble,” he joked, according to The Sun.
Once inside the draw, however, he seemed distracted and spoke in a faltering voice as he praised sports for “saving lives.”
Harry refused to answer any questions about his bombshell decision to quit the royal family.
“How are the discussions going on your future?” one reporter called out, with the prince remaining tight-lipped and merely smiling at one of his entourage, the Evening Standard said.
The rugby event is the last one Harry is known to have in the immediate future — meaning it could prove to be his last ever as a royal, The Sun said Thursday.
He is expected to stay in the UK for further meetings about his royal exit strategy before flying to Canada to reunite with wife Meghan Markle and their baby son Archie, according to the reports.
The 35-year-old prince has managed to keep a low profile in the week since the news, sneaking into a historic royal summit Monday — while wife Meghan has made public appearances at a series of women’s group meetings while in Canada.
Royal biographer Angela Levin had predicted to Sky News that the world would be seeing “a sad Harry who puts on a good face because of his sense of duty.”
Harry appeared inside the palace for the rugby tournament’s official draw, his voice reserved and faltering as he spoke of his passion for how sports are key in “changing lives [and] saving lives as well.”
The prince looked serious even as presenter Dave Woods said he felt “very privileged” to have the prince at the “historic” occasion, referring to him as “His Royal Highness.”
The royal family also notably referred to Harry as His Royal Highness in a tweet about the event.
Harry and Meghan’s titles and roles in the family are understood to be part of ongoing debate during the “period of transition” the Queen granted the couple who she says “wish to live a more independent life.”
Earlier in the day, Harry appeared in a video supporting a “Mental Fitness Charter” aimed at rugby players — with some potentially telling quotes that could relate to his own drama.
He called rugby a community that “takes care of its own” and advised players not to just “grin and bear it” and hide their feelings.
The global rugby tournament will take place during October and November in 17 cities across the UK.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--12-year-old ‘drag kid’ Desmond is Amazing struts his stuff

“ Mom , how ’ s my lipstick ?
” Meet the kid taking over the drag world .
At @ @ @ @ @ Desmond Napoles — aka Desmond is Amazing — has gone viral and even appeared in @ @ @ @ @ RuPaul ’ s Drag Race ” winner Jinkx Monsoon .
“ It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ not , like , child abuse , ” Desmond told The Post .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ that just blocks all the haters.
” Watch his drag-tastic journey , including grand marshaling @ @ @ @ @ , in this episode of “ Extraordinary People .
”

“Mom, how’s my lipstick?” Meet the kid taking over the drag world. At just 12 years old, Desmond Napoles — aka Desmond is Amazing — has gone viral and even appeared in a music video for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Jinkx Monsoon.
“It’s not bad, it’s not, like, child abuse,” Desmond told The Post. “I have a magic gay shield that just blocks all the haters.” Watch his drag-tastic journey, including grand marshaling the 2019 Brooklyn Pride parade, in this episode of “Extraordinary People.”
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newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Listen to Episode 7 of ‘Up In The Blue Seats’: Rangers-Islanders Rivalry feat. Bryan Trottier

It ’ s Thursday , which means a brand new episode of everyone ’ s favorite New York Rangers podcast , “ Up In The Blue Seats.
” Ron Duguay is joined by Post sports writer Mollie Walker to discuss the pair of Rangers-Islanders games this week .
Mollie talks about what Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said to her after the Islanders were blown out by the Rangers on Monday .
Ron then surprises Mollie ’ s mother , Wendy , with a call .
Wendy was obsessed with Ron when he was on the Rangers and would go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , even asking Ron for a kiss .
This turns into absolute podcast gold .
Post Rangers beat writer and columnist Larry Brooks then drops by for his weekly spot .
The hockey Hall of Famer talks about the Rangers three-goalie situation .
Who will get the majority of playing time ?
Are there any truths to the Henrik Lundqvist trade rumors surrounding the Colorado Avalanche ?
Larry says he thinks Igor Shesterkin is the Rangers ’ No .
1 goalie going forward .
Brooks also talks about whether the Rangers-Islanders rivalry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expect at the Coliseum on Thursday and the Garden next Tuesday .
Larry also discusses Tony DeAangelo ’ s improvement this season .
In “ Ron Remembers , ” he breaks news that he will be returning to play in a hockey game — at 62 years old .
He will play in a professional hockey game with the Federal Prospects Hockey League next month , marking his 5th decade playing hockey professionally , which ties Jaromir Jagr and Gordie Howe .
He then tells a very funny story about Howe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ times in just over a week , there wasn ’ t a much better guest to have on than Bryan Trottier .
The Islanders legend , former Rangers head coach and Hockey Hall of Famer has four Stanley Cup titles with the Islanders , two with the Bruins and one as an assistant coach with the Avalanche .
Trottier talks about the rivalry and looks back at when his Islanders went up against Ron ’ s Rangers in the 1970 ’ s and ’ 80 ’ s .
They compare playing at Madison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nassau Coliseum and Long Island .
The seven-time champion talks about comparisons to Wayne Gretzky , what he ’ s doing now as an ambassador with the Penguins and he tells his favorite Gordie Howe story .
Subscribe to the “ Up In The Blue Seats ” podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you get your podcasts .
Ron Duguay is joined every Thursday by our team of NY Post Rangers writers along with Rangers special guests .

It’s Thursday, which means a brand-new episode of everyone’s favorite New York Rangers podcast, “Up In The Blue Seats.”
Ron Duguay is joined by Post sports writer Mollie Walker to discuss the pair of Rangers-Islanders games this week. Mollie talks about what Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said to her after the Islanders were blown out by the Rangers on Monday. Ron then surprises Mollie’s mother, Wendy, with a call. Wendy was obsessed with Ron when he was on the Rangers and would go to meet and greets whenever he did them, even asking Ron for a kiss. This turns into absolute podcast gold.
Post Rangers beat writer and columnist Larry Brooks then drops by for his weekly spot. The Hockey Hall of Famer talks about the Rangers’ three-goalie situation. Who will get the majority of playing time? Are there any truths to the Henrik Lundqvist trade rumors surrounding the Colorado Avalanche? Larry says he thinks Igor Shesterkin is the Rangers’ No. 1 goalie going forward. Brooks also talks about whether the Rangers-Islanders rivalry is in full force and what to expect at the Coliseum on Thursday and the Garden next Tuesday. Larry also discusses Tony DeAangelo’s improvement this season.
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In “Ron Remembers,” he breaks news that he will be returning to play in a hockey game — at 62 years old. He will play in a professional hockey game with the Federal Prospects Hockey League next month, marking his fifth decade playing hockey professionally, which ties Jaromir Jagr and Gordie Howe. He then tells a very funny story about Howe.
With the Rangers and Islanders playing three times in just over a week, there wasn’t a much better guest to have on than Bryan Trottier. The Islanders legend, former Rangers head coach and Hockey Hall of Famer has four Stanley Cup titles with the Islanders, two with the Penguins and one as an assistant coach with the Avalanche.
Trottier talks about the rivalry and looks back at when his Islanders went up against Ron’s Rangers in the 1970s and ’80s. They compare playing at Madison Square Garden and New York City to Nassau Coliseum and Long Island. The seven-time champion talks about comparisons to Wayne Gretzky, what he’s doing now as an ambassador with the Penguins and he tells his favorite Gordie Howe story.
Catch up on all episodes of “Up In The Blue Seats,” a New York Rangers podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ron Duguay is joined every Wednesday by special Rangers guests.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Behind the scenes of Brad Pitt’s Hollywood comeback

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Maggie 's on vacation !
In this `` We Hear '' episode , Ian is joined by guest host Mara Siegler , Page Six senior reporter .
In this episode , Brad Pitt could be coming to TV .
Kim Kardashian ’ s BFF fears a Paris robbery , and a top fashion editor steps down .
The ‘ Brad-aissance ’ continues with a Brioni @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own outfit for the Oscars .
The “ Once Upon a Time … In Hollywood ” actor , 56 , stars in a new campaign for Italian menswear brand Brioni .
While Pitt has previously posed for ads for Chanel No .
5 perfume , this appears to be his first fashion campaign .
In addition to modeling the tuxedo , Pitt will try his hand at design ; Brioni will release “ a Brad Pitt signature line of exclusive items , including a limited-edition suit and tuxedo featuring a customized label , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already worn the label on the red carpet , most recently to the Golden Globes , where he won the award for Best Supporting Actor .
He also wore bespoke tuxedos at the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival last year .
Kim Kardashian has inspired best friend Foodgod to make sure safety always comes first when traveling abroad .
Page Six exclusively learned that the man formerly known as Jonathan Cheban has hired extra security for himself during the current Paris Fashion Week to avoid a Kim Kardashian-like robbery .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ With the Kardashians ” star was tied up by robbers who stole more than $ 10 million worth of jewelry .
“ It ’ s important for his peace of mind and well-being , ” a source said of Foodgod .
Glenda Bailey is stepping down as editor-in-chief of Harper ’ s Bazaar after nearly 19 years in the role , Page Six has learned .
She ’ ll segue into a role as global consultant to the mag ’ s 29 editions around the world .
The announcement was made by Hearst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hearst Magazines President Troy Young on Wednesday morning .
A new EIC has not been named , but we hear Bailey will be involved with the search .
Catch up on all episodes of “ We Hear ” by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts .
New episodes come out every Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday .

In this episode, Brad Pitt could be coming to TV. Kim Kardashian’s BFF fears a Paris robbery, and a top fashion editor steps down.
Here’s a closer look at today’s stories:
The ‘Brad-aissance’ continues with a Brioni campaign
Brad Pitt might just design his own outfit for the Oscars.
The “Once Upon a Time … In Hollywood” actor, 56, stars in a new campaign for Italian menswear brand Brioni. While Pitt has previously posed for ads for Chanel No. 5 perfume, this appears to be his first fashion campaign.
In addition to modeling the tuxedo, Pitt will try his hand at design; Brioni will release “a Brad Pitt signature line of exclusive items, including a limited-edition suit and tuxedo featuring a customized label,” according to WWD.
Pitt has already worn the label on the red carpet, most recently to the Golden Globes, where he won the award for Best Supporting Actor. He also wore bespoke tuxedos at the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival last year.
Jonathan ‘Foodgod’ Cheban hires security team to prevent Kim Kardashian-like robbery
Kim Kardashian has inspired best friend Foodgod to make sure safety always comes first when traveling abroad.
Page Six exclusively learned that the man formerly known as Jonathan Cheban has hired extra security for himself during the current Paris Fashion Week to avoid a Kim Kardashian-like robbery. In 2016, the “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” star was tied up by robbers who stole more than $10 million worth of jewelry.
“It’s important for his peace of mind and well-being,” a source said of Foodgod.
Glenda Bailey stepping down as Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief
Glenda Bailey is stepping down as editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar after nearly 19 years in the role, Page Six has learned. She’ll segue into a role as global consultant to the mag’s 29 editions around the world.
The announcement was made by Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz and Hearst Magazines President Troy Young on Wednesday morning. A new EIC has not been named, but we hear Bailey will be involved with the search.
Catch up on all episodes of “We Hear” by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes come out every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Queens girl Awkwafina will be making subway announcements on the 7 train

Awkwafina will be announcing your next stop on the 7 train .
The Queens-bred actress — real name , Nora Lum — will be the voice of the 7 train for eight days starting Thursday , providing straphangers station arrival info and other witty takes , the MTA said .
“ This is Mets-Willets Point , home of the Mets !
” she says in one recording shared with The Post .
“ I love the Mets — because I ’ m from Queens — and you ’ re riding the 7 train.
” The announcements will be on 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street-Hudson Yards .
“ Transfer to the Q53 Select Bus Service — tell them Awkwafina sent you !
You won ’ t get a discount or anything , I just miss ’ em , ” she says in another .
Many of the spots feature Awkwafina advising her fellow New Yorkers on everything from nail-clipping and man-spreading to how to survive in Manhattan .
“ You are now entering Manhattan — hope you brought money !
” she says .
Awkwafina ’ s star turn as train conductor — via pre-recorded messages — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Comedy Central show “ Awkwafina is Nora from Queens.
” The semi-autobiographical comedy stars Awkwafina as a fictionalized version of herself alongside BD Wong , Lori Tan Chinn and SNL writer and cast member Bowen Yang .
MTA spokesman Ken Lovett said the partnership with Comedy Central is the first of its kind , and may be replicated in the future .
He declined to say how much money Comedy Central is paying the agency for the promo .

Awkwafina will be announcing your next stop on the 7 train.
The Queens-bred actress — real name, Nora Lum — will be the voice of the 7 train for eight days starting Thursday, providing straphangers station arrival info and other witty takes, the MTA said.
“This is Mets-Willets Point, home of the Mets!” she says in one recording shared with The Post.
“I love the Mets — because I’m from Queens — and you’re riding the 7 train.”
The announcements will be on 7 trains traveling between Flushing-Main Street and 34th Street-Hudson Yards.
“Transfer to the Q53 Select Bus Service — tell them Awkwafina sent you! You won’t get a discount or anything, I just miss ’em,” she says in another.
Many of the spots feature Awkwafina advising her fellow New Yorkers on everything from nail-clipping and man-spreading to how to survive in Manhattan.
“You are now entering Manhattan — hope you brought money!” she says.
Awkwafina’s star turn as train conductor — via pre-recorded messages — is a paid promotion for her new Comedy Central show “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens.”
The semi-autobiographical comedy stars Awkwafina as a fictionalized version of herself alongside BD Wong, Lori Tan Chinn and SNL writer and cast member Bowen Yang.
MTA spokesman Ken Lovett said the partnership with Comedy Central is the first of its kind, and may be replicated in the future.
He declined to say how much money Comedy Central is paying the agency for the promo.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Mike Francesa calls out ex-Yankees for sign-stealing criticisms

If the Mets really want to keep Carlos Beltran as ...

Mike Francesa has a message for Yankees players and fans upset about the MLB sign-stealing scandal that is enveloping the Astros, Red Sox and Mets — pipe down, you’re being hypocritical.
Francesa ripped CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira for their comments on the scandal during his Wednesday show on WFAN radio.
Teixeira, who played with Beltran in The Bronx for three years, said the Mets need to dump Carlos Beltran just as the Red Sox canned Alex Cora and the Astros pink-slipped A.J. Hinch. Sabathia said recently it was “frustrating” to know the Yankees’ two primary rivals cheated and that maybe he could have had another World Series title in 2017 or 2018 if the scandal hadn’t happened.
But Francesa isn’t buying any of that talk from the two former Yankees, who led the Yankees to a World Series title in 2009.
“For the Yankees to act sanctimonious here, I don’t care if it’s (Mark) Teixeira, CC Sabathia,” Francesa said. “Do the Yankees want to give back the home runs that were hit by players that won games in the postseason who were on steroids? Or the games that were pitched by pitchers who were on steroids? Of course not. They want that dismissed.
“You can’t act holier than thou when your own house isn’t in order.”
Francesa also said the Yankees weren’t bothered by the swirl that surrounded Beltran when they hired him last season.
“Why didn’t the Yankees talk to him about what happened in 2017, if it was so important,” the WFAN host said. “They were making claims in ’17. Why didn’t they sit Beltran down now that he was an employee and ask him what was going on?”
Francesa said because Beltran wasn’t a skipper at the time, he shouldn’t lose the Mets job for stealing signs as a player and that it was the manager’s job to stop any questionable action. Beltran was the the only player mentioned in commissioner Rob Manfred’s report.
“Here’s the one thing people are missing,” Francesa said, addressing the critics calling for Beltran to be dismissed. “Whether or not Beltran was the architect of the sign stealing – he was not in a position of authority in Houston, they could have shut it down.”
“No player is going to ever be implicated or punished for using information that is garnered by the team in terms of signs. It’s been going on in baseball for 70 years.”
Francesa said Beltran — who lied to The Post’s Joel Sherman two months ago about his involvement in the scandal — has some fence-mending to do with the media, but shouldn’t lose his job over it.
“Now maybe you want to put this stigma on Beltran and maybe you’re upset that he lied to the media, really?” Francesa said. “Stand all the guys in line for every coach who’s lied to the media a million times, every owner who’s lied to the media a million times, every player who has lied to the media a million times. He’s not going to get fired because he lied to the media.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--A cramp couldn’t stop Markelle Fultz from stunning Lakers

LOS ANGELES — Markelle Fultz faked LeBron James off his hip , weaved through traffic in the waning seconds and scored the final bucket of his phenomenal triple-double performance .
Fultz then dropped to the court with a cramp .
The Orlando Magic rushed to their valuable teammate ’ s aid , with Nikola Vucevic swiftly stretching out Fultz ’ s foot to make sure he could finish .
“ It was the biggest play of the game !
” Vucevic said with a laugh .
Fultz had several bigger ones , and so did a half-dozen contributors to what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win of the season .
Fultz hit two big layups in the final minute while scoring 21 points during his second career triple-double , and Orlando snapped the Los Angeles Lakers ’ nine-game winning streak with a 119-118 victory Wednesday night .
Fultz added 11 rebounds and 10 assists , while Aaron Gordon had 21 points and a late go-ahead basket as the Magic became the first sub-.500 team to beat the Western Conference-leading Lakers this season despite blowing a 21-point lead in the second half .
James had 19 points and matched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he also missed a tying 3-pointer with 3 seconds left .
The Lakers showed off their impressive depth in the absence of Anthony Davis , but they couldn ’ t overcome the Magic ’ s superb contributions from up and down the roster .
“ I think it just shows how deep this team goes , how much we believe in each other and what we ’ re capable of , ” Fultz said .
“ We have guys out , but our mindset was the same going into the game .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win this game , and we relied on each other.
” The Magic played without injured regulars Evan Fournier , Michael Carter-Williams and D.J .
Augustin in their third stop on a six-game road trip , but they ’ ve rarely looked better .
Wes Iwundu scored a career-high 19 points while starting in Fournier ’ s place , and Vucevic scored seven of his 19 points in the fourth quarter of the Magic ’ s eighth win in 12 games .
Fultz said the final minutes were “ what I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Magic were thrilled to see it come true for the up-and-down former No .
1 overall pick .
“ Boy is nice , and he ’ s only going to get better , ” Gordon said .
“ He did a great job just running the show , settling them down , getting good shots .
And then down the stretch , he took over.
” Quinn Cook hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to finish with a season-high 22 points , but the Lakers ( 33-8 ) hit the halfway point of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Christmas .
Troy Daniels added a season-high 17 points , but the Lakers finally failed to overcome the absence of Davis , who missed his fourth straight game with a bruised backside .
“ We ’ ve just got to be better , ” James said .
“ We didn ’ t start the game out the right way , but I ’ m not disappointed in anybody or anything that we did .
Our bench was the reason there was a game at the end , but they came in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also scored 17 points for the Lakers in their final home game before a five-game road trip while the Grammy Awards take over Staples Center .
The Lakers erased an 87-66 deficit early in the fourth quarter with an impressive rally , but the Magic answered and traded big scores down the stretch .
Gordon ’ s basket with 2:03 left reclaimed the lead for Orlando .
Cook and James hit late 3-pointers that trimmed the Magic ’ s lead to one point , but Fultz drove for a clutch layup with 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and James ’ tying attempt didn ’ t go down .
“ We wanted to finish this homestand out the right way , but those guys made plays , ” Cook said .
“ Being the Lakers , we get everybody ’ s best shot .
Markelle made two tough , tough plays at the end.
” Cook and Fultz both graduated from the famed DeMatha Catholic High School in Maryland .
Cook referred to Fultz as his “ little brother .
”

LOS ANGELES — Markelle Fultz faked LeBron James off his hip, weaved through traffic in the waning seconds and scored the final bucket of his phenomenal triple-double performance.
Fultz then dropped to the court with a cramp. The Orlando Magic rushed to their valuable teammate’s aid, with Nikola Vucevic swiftly stretching out Fultz’s foot to make sure he could finish.
“It was the biggest play of the game!” Vucevic said with a laugh.
Fultz had several bigger ones, and so did a half-dozen contributors to what was likely the Magic’s best win of the season.
Fultz hit two big layups in the final minute while scoring 21 points during his second career triple-double, and Orlando snapped the Los Angeles Lakers’ nine-game winning streak with a 119-118 victory Wednesday night.
Fultz added 11 rebounds and 10 assists, while Aaron Gordon had 21 points and a late go-ahead basket as the Magic became the first sub-.500 team to beat the Western Conference-leading Lakers this season despite blowing a 21-point lead in the second half.
James had 19 points and matched his career high with 19 assists, but he also missed a tying 3-pointer with 3 seconds left. The Lakers showed off their impressive depth in the absence of Anthony Davis, but they couldn’t overcome the Magic’s superb contributions from up and down the roster.
“I think it just shows how deep this team goes, how much we believe in each other and what we’re capable of,” Fultz said. “We have guys out, but our mindset was the same going into the game. We all believed we had a chance to win this game, and we relied on each other.”
The Magic played without injured regulars Evan Fournier, Michael Carter-Williams and D.J. Augustin in their third stop on a six-game road trip, but they’ve rarely looked better.
Wes Iwundu scored a career-high 19 points while starting in Fournier’s place, and Vucevic scored seven of his 19 points in the fourth quarter of the Magic’s eighth win in 12 games.
Fultz said the final minutes were “what I’ve dreamed of,” and the Magic were thrilled to see it come true for the up-and-down former No. 1 overall pick.
“Boy is nice, and he’s only going to get better,” Gordon said. “He did a great job just running the show, settling them down, getting good shots. And then down the stretch, he took over.”
Quinn Cook hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to finish with a season-high 22 points, but the Lakers (33-8) hit the halfway point of their regular season with their first loss since Christmas.
Troy Daniels added a season-high 17 points, but the Lakers finally failed to overcome the absence of Davis, who missed his fourth straight game with a bruised backside.
“We’ve just got to be better,” James said. “We didn’t start the game out the right way, but I’m not disappointed in anybody or anything that we did. Our bench was the reason there was a game at the end, but they came in and produced everything we needed.”
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also scored 17 points for the Lakers in their final home game before a five-game road trip while the Grammy Awards take over Staples Center.
The Lakers erased an 87-66 deficit early in the fourth quarter with an impressive rally, but the Magic answered and traded big scores down the stretch. Gordon’s basket with 2:03 left reclaimed the lead for Orlando.
Cook and James hit late 3-pointers that trimmed the Magic’s lead to one point, but Fultz drove for a clutch layup with 15 seconds left to put Orlando up 118-115, and James’ tying attempt didn’t go down.
“We wanted to finish this homestand out the right way, but those guys made plays,” Cook said. “Being the Lakers, we get everybody’s best shot. Markelle made two tough, tough plays at the end.”
Cook and Fultz both graduated from the famed DeMatha Catholic High School in Maryland. Cook referred to Fultz as his “little brother.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--What doubters are missing when it comes to 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo

SANTA CLARA , Calif. — Much of the football world — outside of the San Francisco Bay Area — is waiting for Jimmy G to crack .
Despite the profound success of 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo , who owns a 22-5 career record as a starter and has the 49ers one win away from a Super Bowl berth just a year removed from going 4-12 when he missed most of the season with a torn ACL , people seem to be waiting for the other shoe to drop , for him to be exposed as less than the quarterback he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27 NFL starts .
Maybe the outside world views Garoppolo as a silver spoon guy , having been drafted by the Patriots and learned at the feet of the great Tom Brady and the elite environs of the New England dynasty .
Maybe people are just jealous of his magazine-cover looks , or put off by the fact that nothing seems to bother him or come close to knocking him off the axis of his perfect life .
Whatever it is , a lot of the NFL-watching public is not all-in on believing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrying his team to the Super Bowl .
Yet , Jimmy G ’ s a win away from that very feat after having just completed his first full , injury-free season as a starter , leading the 49ers to 14 wins in 17 games , including a playoff win over the Vikings .
It seems fitting that the highest hurdle for Garoppolo and the 49ers in Sunday ’ s NFC Championship game is Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers .
Rodgers is regularly deified as one of the greatest magicians among quarterbacks in league history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s that good .
So , this is a fertile week for the doubters to doubt Jimmy G. Discredit him at your own risk .
“ It is kind of ridiculous , ’ ’ 49ers right tackle Mike McGlinchey told The Post on Wednesday .
“ What is he — 22-5 as a starter ?
That says it all .
He ’ s a winner .
That ’ s all that matters .
I mean , he ’ s proven that when we need him to , he delivers .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Hall of Famer [ Saints quarterback Drew Brees in Week 14 ] and beat him .
He ’ s gone out there and thrown four touchdown passes — he ’ s done that multiple times this season when we ’ ve needed him to .
“ He doesn ’ t care about anything else other than winning games.
’ ’ In the 49ers ’ highest-profile game of the season — their 27-10 dismantling of the Vikings in last week ’ s NFC divisional round — they rushed 47 times for 186 yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 131 yards .
That somehow has perpetuated the theory Garoppolo is basking behind the wheel of self-driving Tesla without even having to look at the road or touch the steering wheel .
What ’ s conveniently forgotten are games like the 49ers ’ 48-46 win over the Saints , when Garoppolo threw for 349 yards and four TDs .
Or their 28-25 win over Arizona when he threw for 317 yards and four TDs .
Or the 36-26 win over Arizona when he threw for 424 yards and four TDs .
If Rodgers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d have been universally hailed for carrying the Packers on his shoulders .
Garoppolo ?
Not so much .
“ That ’ s just how this world works , ’ ’ 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday .
“ We run the ball last week so a lot of people are going to say that Jimmy didn ’ t do enough .
But there ’ s lots of games this year when we haven ’ t been able to run the ball and we won it by passing .
I know Jimmy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is so locked into whatever the plan is and whatever we ’ re doing.
’ ’ Jimmy G ’ s take on the lack of credit he gets ?
“ As long as we win , ’ ’ he said , “ I ’ m pretty happy.
’ ’ Those in the 49ers locker room swear by Garoppolo .
“ He doesn ’ t do anything for the cameras , he ’ s a down-to-earth , genuine human being … just an incredible leader , ’ ’ left tackle Joe Staley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s so cool , calm and collected and — under pressure — nothing fazes him , ’ ’ McGlinchey said .
“ Off the field , what makes him such a good leader is he ’ s just one of the guys .
He doesn ’ t like all the stuff that comes with being an NFL quarterback .
He ’ s as genuine a human being that you ’ ll ever find — so humble and such a hard worker .
All he cares about is being a good person @ @ @ @ @

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Much of the football world — outside of the San Francisco Bay Area — is waiting for Jimmy G to crack.
Despite the profound success of 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who owns a 22-5 career record as a starter and has the 49ers one win away from a Super Bowl berth just a year removed from going 4-12 when he missed most of the season with a torn ACL, people seem to be waiting for the other shoe to drop, for him to be exposed as less than the quarterback he’s shown himself to be through 27 NFL starts.
Maybe it’s just envy.
Maybe the outside world views Garoppolo as a silver spoon guy, having been drafted by the Patriots and learned at the feet of the great Tom Brady and the elite environs of the New England dynasty.
Maybe people are just jealous of his magazine-cover looks, or put off by the fact that nothing seems to bother him or come close to knocking him off the axis of his perfect life.
Whatever it is, a lot of the NFL-watching public is not all-in on believing Garoppolo is an elite quarterback capable of carrying his team to the Super Bowl.
Yet, Jimmy G’s a win away from that very feat after having just completed his first full, injury-free season as a starter, leading the 49ers to 14 wins in 17 games, including a playoff win over the Vikings.
It seems fitting that the highest hurdle for Garoppolo and the 49ers in Sunday’s NFC Championship game is Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is regularly deified as one of the greatest magicians among quarterbacks in league history, and for good reason, because he’s that good.
So, this is a fertile week for the doubters to doubt Jimmy G.
Discredit him at your own risk.
“It is kind of ridiculous,’’ 49ers right tackle Mike McGlinchey told The Post on Wednesday. “What is he — 22-5 as a starter? That says it all. He’s a winner. That’s all that matters. I mean, he’s proven that when we need him to, he delivers. He went down to New Orleans and dueled a Hall of Famer [Saints quarterback Drew Brees in Week 14] and beat him. He’s gone out there and thrown four touchdown passes — he’s done that multiple times this season when we’ve needed him to.
“He doesn’t care about anything else other than winning games.’’
In the 49ers’ highest-profile game of the season — their 27-10 dismantling of the Vikings in last week’s NFC divisional round — they rushed 47 times for 186 yards while Garoppolo completed just 11 passes for 131 yards.
That somehow has perpetuated the theory Garoppolo is basking behind the wheel of self-driving Tesla without even having to look at the road or touch the steering wheel.
What’s conveniently forgotten are games like the 49ers’ 48-46 win over the Saints, when Garoppolo threw for 349 yards and four TDs. Or their 28-25 win over Arizona when he threw for 317 yards and four TDs. Or the 36-26 win over Arizona when he threw for 424 yards and four TDs.
If Rodgers had engineered those wins, he’d have been universally hailed for carrying the Packers on his shoulders.
Garoppolo? Not so much.
“That’s just how this world works,’’ 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday. “We run the ball last week so a lot of people are going to say that Jimmy didn’t do enough. But there’s lots of games this year when we haven’t been able to run the ball and we won it by passing. I know Jimmy doesn’t care how we win. He is so locked into whatever the plan is and whatever we’re doing.’’
Jimmy G’s take on the lack of credit he gets?
“As long as we win,’’ he said, “I’m pretty happy.’’
Those in the 49ers locker room swear by Garoppolo.
“He doesn’t do anything for the cameras, he’s a down-to-earth, genuine human being … just an incredible leader,’’ left tackle Joe Staley said.
“On the field, he’s so cool, calm and collected and — under pressure — nothing fazes him,’’ McGlinchey said. “Off the field, what makes him such a good leader is he’s just one of the guys. He doesn’t like all the stuff that comes with being an NFL quarterback. He’s as genuine a human being that you’ll ever find — so humble and such a hard worker. All he cares about is being a good person and winning football games.
“And he’s good at both.’’


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Why Conor McGregor has ‘respect’ for Donald Cerrone

LAS VEGAS — Can “ Notorious ” be notorious if he ’ s no ...

LAS VEGAS — Not many UFC opponents have earned Conor McGregor’s respect before a match. But Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone seems to have done that judging from their pre-fight press conference at the Palms on Wednesday.
Unlike past events in which McGregor was notorious for shredding his opponents with his verbal taunts, he had nothing but kind words for Cerrone, who holds the record for most wins and most finishes in UFC history. The two will meet in Saturday’s main event of UFC 246 at T-Mobile Arena (10 pm; ESPN+ PPV).
“He’s earned my respect through his activity,” McGregor, 31, said. “It’s hard not to respect Donald. There will be blood spilled on Saturday, but it won’t be bad blood. We’re focusing on the skills here and that’s going to be exciting for the fans. There’s going to be lots of drama in there and we’re eager to get going.”
Cerrone was equally respectful, but the session didn’t lack enthusiasm or fire. McGregor (21-4) hasn’t fought in 15 months, and Cerrone (36-13-1) has been searching for a mega-bout like this throughout his long career. Both are eager to get in the Octagon and get at it.
“I’m looking forward to four or five rounds of battling with this dude,” Cerrone, 36, said. “Conor is one of the last of a dying breed of fighters. It’s going to be good to get in there with him. I’m going five rounds with this dude and I can’t f—ing wait.”
Some suggested McGregor appeared to be a changed man after enduring nearly two years of various legal issues for bad behavior. He said his legal slate is clean and he’s ready to focus on fighting.
“I am who I am,” McGregor said. “I don’t think I’ve changed too much throughout, granted different opponents and different circumstances. I’m in a position where I’m very excited to be here and I’m very eager to perform for the fans. I’ve got a solid opponent in front of me; a veteran of the game. I’m just committed and focused and happy to be here.”
The tone was different than it was nearly five years ago at UFC 194 when both were on the same card fighting different opponents. McGregor, then a featherweight, talked about moving up in weight. Cerrone suggested McGregor should keep his “little English a–” at featherweight. McGregor called Cerrone “too slow and too stiff.”
That hostility was gone Wednesday. The level of civility was in sharp contrast to the presser before McGregor’s last fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018 where McGregor took shots at Nurmagomedov’s family and religion. Or his often-vulgar world tour in promoting his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather. The only time he came close to trash talking Wednesday was when he said he could “read Cerrone like a children’s book.”
“I know the tricks he has and I know what he’s planning,” McGregor went on. “We’ll be well-prepared.”
Cerrone didn’t bite.
“Hopefully, he’s had Hooked On Phonics,” Cerrone said.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Nets’ DeAndre Jordan forced to exit game with injured finger

PHILADELPHIA — The Nets have steadfastly insisted they aren ’ t conceding ...

PHILADELPHIA — The injury bug is giving the Nets the finger.
Center DeAndre Jordan was forced out of Wednesday’s 117-106 loss to the Sixers with a dislocated right middle finger.
“He’ll get it looked at [Thursday], have an update after that,” coach Kenny Atkinson said.
Caris LeVert missed 24 straight games with ligament damage in his thumb. Last season, Spencer Dinwiddie suffered the same injury.
Taurean Prince also appeared to injure his hand late, though both he and Atkinson insisted it was minor.
“My hands have been [messed] up since college. It’s nothing,” Prince told The Post. “No dislocations, no nothing.”
With Nic Claxton off on G-League assignment in Long Island, the Nets had to hand 6-foot-8 Wilson Chandler his first-ever minutes at center. But if Jordan misses any time, Atkinson wouldn’t hesitate to call on the Nets’ second-round pick.
“I have no qualms about playing Nic Claxton. I think he’ll be an excellent player,” Atkinson said. “If … it’s a big if — if DeAndre misses any time, I have no hesitation playing him.”
In a wide-ranging interview that aired during Wednesday’s game on YES Network, Joe Tsai touched on wearing a number of hats other than Nets owner: fan, custodian and peacemaker.
Tsai accelerated his purchase of the Nets this offseason, and stepped right into a firestorm when China’s communist government took umbrage with a tweet by Houston GM Daryl Morey just as the Nets and Lakers were arriving in China to play a pair of preseason games.
Morey’s simple retweet of a meme backing the Hong Kong protestors so infuriated the Chinese government that all public appearances and media availabilities for the Nets and Lakers were canceled, and the NBA games got pulled off state-run CCTV.
Tsai — who was born in Taiwan, lives in Hong Kong and co-founded Chinese giant Alibaba — has been thrust into the role of peacemaker.
“Well, the NBA is global; it’s a global sport. Basketball is played everywhere in the world, and in China there’s over 300 million people that play basketball, that watch NBA games. Also let’s put this thing in a historical perspective; the NBA has been in China for 40 years,” said Tsai, recalling the Bullets playing in China in 1979.
“So when you look at these 40 years — all the history of the NBA in China, all the goodwill the NBA has built up — you have to take a long-term perspective. Now, we sort of have a short-term setback. Both sides are working our relationship back on track. The key thing is we need be broadcast on TV back in China. There’s talk NBA ratings are kind of down for various reasons. But we don’t want to see ratings go down globally. We need the NBA games to be back on TV in China.”
While former owner Mikhail Prokhorov was a rarity at games and never sat courtside, Tsai frequently makes the trip from China — he also maintains a home in California — and often sits courtside.
“I want to be among the fans because I’m one of them,” said Tsai. “I feel like not very much of an owner. I’m a custodian of a very important New York institution for the fans.”
The Nets signed guard/forward Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot to a 10-day contract. He’s been on a two-way deal.
In 18 games for the Nets, the 24-year-old has averaged 4.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 17.1 minutes per contest.
“I told him he’s doing everything we ask. And I know he was here in Philly and I liked him when he was in Philly. I just think he’s really busting it for us, especially defensively where there were questions, questions whether he could defend in this league,” Atkinson said.
“It’s not a huge sample size, but we’ve been really pleased. Even [Tuesday] night, he did an excellent job defensively. He’s carrying our system out to a T, so that bodes well for his future.”
In a corresponding move, the Nets released guard/forward Justin Anderson, who appeared in three games after signing a 10-day contract Jan. 6.
The Nets signed guard Jeremiah Martin to the two-way spot vacated by Luwawu-Cabarrot.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Conor McGregor vowing to keep aggression in the Octagon

Conor McGregor has made a fortune because the loudest bark ...

LAS VEGAS — Can “Notorious” be notorious if he’s no longer notorious outside the Octagon?
That’s a question to be answered at UFC 246 Saturday night, when Conor McGregor returns from a 15-month layoff to fight Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in the main event at T-Mobile Arena. ESPN+ PPV will live stream the main card.
The UFC’s first dual champion and self-proclaimed biggest star, McGregor says he’s a new man, rededicated to MMA after a tumultuous year during which he spent too much time going in and out of court rooms. From smashing someone’s cell phone to punching a man in an Ireland pub, McGregor made headlines for all the wrong things, including a reported investigation into a sexual assault case in Ireland.
After apologizing for his actions, McGregor seems more humbled and appreciative of what he has as he heads into an important welterweight fight with the well-schooled Cerrone. He has turned from boastful to respectful.
“I’m just very honored and happy to be here back on United States soil and back here in Las Vegas,” McGregor said during a news conference Wednesday at the Palms. “I’ve had so many amazing moments here. My life has changed here in America. I’m very grateful for this country and very honored to be here and perform for the people. To come here and entertain these people is something that gets me up in the morning.”
McGregor needs to start 2020 in a much better fashion than 2019 ended. He made a contrite apology in August for punching a man in an Irish pub after the gentleman declined to taste McGregor’s Proper Twelve whiskey. The video of the incident turned off many of his Irish fans.
“That’s not who I am,” McGregor said once the video aired.
That incident came after he was arrested for smashing the cell phone of an English tourist in Miami who was trying to take his picture, though the charges were later dropped.
Earlier this year, McGregor completed court-ordered community service for throwing a dolly at a bus full of MMA fighters after a press conference at Barclays Center.
McGregor has eluded jail time in all the incidents, but seems to understand he is running out of second chances. He has presented himself as a more humble person as he prepares for Cerrone, blaming himself for not being as committed as he could have been and promising to be the best version of himself come fight night.
He said he endured the most “structured” training camp of his career and even abstained from drinking whiskey.
“I made a promise to my fans to my team and my people that I would abstain and stay focused and give it my all, and I’ve done that,” he said.
He also blames himself for being 2-2 in his last four MMA fights. Some have suggested the nearly $100 million he made for a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather in 2017 fattened his wallet but blurred his focus and inflated his ego. There were questions about his dedication to training leading up to his loss by fourth-round submission to Khabib Nurmagomedov in his last fight in October 2018.
“I’ve turned over a new leaf,” he said.
McGregor has built his brand on outlandish boasts and an explosive personality that has continually landed him in trouble. “Notorious” was a fitting nickname that has proven dangerous to live up to. Now we’re to believe he’s “Not-so-Notorious.” As he put it recently, “I went from apologizing to absolutely nobody to apologizing to absolutely everybody.”
McGregor said his calmer demeanor displayed at Wednesday’s news conference is more about Cerrone than some conversion.
“I’m as real as it gets,” he said. “I react to how the situation is. This situation seems to be a little different There’s nothing false or fake. It’s just me being real.”
McGregor said his intensity as a fighter won’t be affected by his attempt to be a good citizen. Punching people in pubs is out; beating people up in the Octagon isn’t.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Meghan Markle makes another post-Megxit appearance for women’s rights

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Meghan Markle , seemingly unbothered by the royal debacle in the United Kingdom , stepped out once again to support an organization that helps teenage girls .
The Duchess of Sussex joined the Vancouver-based group Justice for Girls to discuss climate change and other progressive causes , the group announced on Wednesday .
“ The Duchess of Sussex , Meghan Markle visited to discuss climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indigenous peoples , ” the group wrote on Twitter .
“ Was great to talk about the importance of a holistic approach to social justice , and the power of young women ’ s leadership.
” Justice for Girls said the Markle ’ s visit took place Tuesday , the same day she had tea at a women ’ s center in a down-trodden neighborhood in Vancouver .
The Downtown Eastside Women ’ s Centre posted a Facebook photo of their staff posing with the duchess after Markle ’ s visit .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
” they wrote .
“ The Duchess of Sussex , Meghan Markle , visited us today to discuss issues affecting women in the community.
” The visits mark the Duchess ’ first public appearances since she and her husband Prince Harry announced in a surprise Instagram post that they intended to “ step back ” form their senior roles in the Royal Family .

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Meghan Markle, seemingly unbothered by the royal debacle in the United Kingdom, stepped out once again to support an organization that helps teenage girls.
The Duchess of Sussex joined the Vancouver-based group Justice for Girls to discuss climate change and other progressive causes, the group announced on Wednesday.
“The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle visited to discuss climate justice for girls and the rights of Indigenous peoples,” the group wrote on Twitter.
“Was great to talk about the importance of a holistic approach to social justice, and the power of young women’s leadership.”
Justice for Girls said the Markle’s visit took place Tuesday, the same day she had tea at a women’s center in a down-trodden neighborhood in Vancouver.
The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre posted a Facebook photo of their staff posing with the duchess after Markle’s visit.
“Look who we had tea with today!” they wrote. “The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, visited us today to discuss issues affecting women in the community.”
The visits mark the Duchess’ first public appearances since she and her husband Prince Harry announced in a surprise Instagram post that they intended to “step back” form their senior roles in the Royal Family.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Kyrie Irving: Nets have ‘glaring’ needs — even with Kevin Durant

PHILADELPHIA — The Nets have steadfastly insisted they aren ’ t conceding this season like some gap year waiting for Kevin Durant .
But Kyrie Irving addressed the elephant in the room , admitting to get where they want to go – hoisting an NBA championship trophy — they will need Durant healthy .
Then Irving acknowledged they may need even more than that .
“ It ’ s transparent .
It ’ s out there .
It ’ s glaring in terms of the pieces that we need in order to be at that next level , ” Irving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nets ’ 117-106 loss to the 76ers on Wednesday night .
“ I ’ m going to continue to reiterate it : We ’ re going to do the best with the guys that we have in our locker room now , and we ’ ll worry about all the other stuff — in terms of moving pieces and everything else — as an organization down the line in the summer .
“ It ’ s just something that we signed up for .
We knew what we were coming into at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were going down left and right , [ Garrett Temple ] is out , [ DeAndre Jordan ] just got hurt , Wilson [ Chandler ] just came back .
We ’ ve got complimentary young guys as well that ’ ve done a great job the last three years ; collectively , I feel like we have great pieces .
But it ’ s pretty glaring we need one more piece or two more pieces that will compliment myself , KD , DJ , GT , Spencer ( Dinwiddie ) , Caris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll see how that evolves.
” That could be a tough ask , with the Nets having just invested well over $ 300 million this summer to bring in Irving , Durant and Jordan .
The latter dislocated his middle finger in Wednesday ’ s loss at Philadelphia .
Granted , the Nets have been decimated .
Irving missed 26 straight games with a shoulder impingement , and the Nets are 13-13 without him , but just 5-9 with him .
Caris LeVert also missed 24 in a row with a thumb injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a PED suspension .
General manager Sean Marks and owner Joe Tsai have spoken about the team ’ s willingness to pay luxury tax ; and with Joe Harris a pending free agent due for a big raise , that ’ s a good thing .
Though Irving seems to think the Nets need not only Durant but possibly another piece to hoist a trophy , his boss ’ boss doesn ’ t agree , Tsai saying there ’ s enough talent on this roster to win a title .
“ Absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we win a championship , ” Tsai said on YES .
“ And the good thing is I believe that we do have the pieces in place .
“ Now , we have some injuries and people are coming back .
But the fundamental pieces are in place to perhaps go all the way , so I ’ m absolutely comfortable that if we pay the luxury tax that ’ s fine.
” Tsai clearly can afford to pay luxury tax .
But the question is where any pieces would come from by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to move LeVert or Jarrett Allen in pursuit of an established star , something they have shown no inclination to do .
They have the Clippers ’ first-round pick , but dealt away their own .
Either way , Irving conceded that for the time being , they can ’ t use Durant ’ s absence as an alibi .
They ’ re going to have to work with what they have got .
“ It ’ s glaring that you ’ re missing a big piece here , ” said Irving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter .
“ We all know that .
But we can ’ t continue to make that excuse .
We ’ ve got to go out there and compete and continue to lock in and see where we end up .
”

PHILADELPHIA — The Nets have steadfastly insisted they aren’t conceding this season like some gap year waiting for Kevin Durant. But Kyrie Irving addressed the elephant in the room, admitting to get where they want to go – hoisting an NBA championship trophy — they will need Durant healthy.
Then Irving acknowledged they may need even more than that.
“It’s transparent. It’s out there. It’s glaring in terms of the pieces that we need in order to be at that next level,” Irving said after scoring just 14 points in the Nets’ 117-106 loss to the 76ers on Wednesday night. “I’m going to continue to reiterate it: We’re going to do the best with the guys that we have in our locker room now, and we’ll worry about all the other stuff — in terms of moving pieces and everything else — as an organization down the line in the summer.
“It’s just something that we signed up for. We knew what we were coming into at the beginning of this season. Guys were going down left and right, [Garrett Temple] is out, [DeAndre Jordan] just got hurt, Wilson [Chandler] just came back. We’ve got complementary young guys as well that’ve done a great job the last three years; collectively, I feel like we have great pieces. But it’s pretty glaring we need one more piece or two more pieces that will complement myself, KD, DJ, GT, Spencer (Dinwiddie), Caris (LeVert), and we’ll see how that evolves.”
That could be a tough ask, with the Nets having just invested well over $300 million this summer to bring in Irving, Durant and Jordan. The latter dislocated his middle finger in Wednesday’s loss at Philadelphia.
Granted, the Nets have been decimated. Irving missed 26 straight games with a shoulder impingement, and the Nets are 13-13 without him, but just 5-9 with him. LeVert missed 24 in a row with a thumb injury. Chandler sat out the first 25 due to a PED suspension.
General manager Sean Marks and owner Joe Tsai have spoken about the team’s willingness to pay luxury tax, and with Joe Harris a pending free agent due for a big raise, that’s a good thing.
Though Irving seems to think the Nets need not only Durant but possibly another piece to hoist a trophy, his boss’ boss doesn’t agree, Tsai saying there’s enough talent on this roster to win a title.
“Absolutely. I think the fans expect that we win a championship,” Tsai said on YES. “And the good thing is I believe that we do have the pieces in place.
“Now, we have some injuries and people are coming back. But the fundamental pieces are in place to perhaps go all the way, so I’m absolutely comfortable that if we pay the luxury tax, that’s fine.”
Tsai clearly can afford to pay luxury tax. But the question is where any pieces would come from by the Feb. 6 trade deadline unless the Nets try to move LeVert or Jarrett Allen in pursuit of an established star, something they have shown no inclination to do. They have the Clippers’ first-round pick, but dealt away their own.
Either way, Irving conceded that for the time being, they can’t use Durant’s absence as an alibi. They’re going to have to work with what they have got.
“It’s glaring that you’re missing a big piece here,” said Irving, who shot 1-for-7 in the fourth quarter. “We all know that. But we can’t continue to make that excuse. We’ve got to go out there and compete and continue to lock in and see where we end up.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Half-naked sex offender tries to sneak in woman’s doggy door, cops say

A convicted sex offender was caught getting naked and trying to sneak into a California couple ’ s home through their doggy door , police said .
Leroy Vance , 48 , was spotted outside a home in suburban Fairfield , Calif. on Jan. 8 by a woman who believed he was a burglar , Fairfield police said on Tuesday As the woman was on the phone with police , Vance took off his pants and attempted to sneak into the home first through a sliding door — then a doggy door .
The woman and her husband , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , told KTXL-TV that they were “ shaken up.
” “ He dropped his drawers and mooned her and was trying to get her outside , ” the husband , 83-year-old Fred Farrell , said .
“ I didn ’ t want him to do anything to my wife.
” Vance , a sex offender who had cut off his ankle monitor , hopped over fences in an attempt to get away when officers arrived .
Cops were able to nab the creep and Vance was booked on charges of parole violation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and resisting arrest .

A convicted sex offender was caught getting naked and trying to sneak into a California couple’s home through their doggy door, police said.
Leroy Vance, 48, was spotted outside a home in suburban Fairfield, Calif. on Jan. 8 by a woman who believed he was a burglar, Fairfield police said on Tuesday
As the woman was on the phone with police, Vance took off his pants and attempted to sneak into the home first through a sliding door — then a doggy door.
The woman and her husband, who have lived at the address for 20 years, told KTXL-TV that they were “shaken up.”
“He dropped his drawers and mooned her and was trying to get her outside,” the husband, 83-year-old Fred Farrell, said.
“I didn’t want him to do anything to my wife.”
Vance, a sex offender who had cut off his ankle monitor, hopped over fences in an attempt to get away when officers arrived.
Cops were able to nab the creep and Vance was booked on charges of parole violation, possession of methamphetamine, criminal trespass, and resisting arrest.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Arizona senior community won’t let orphaned grandson stay with grandparents

An Arizona senior living community is forcing out two residents for taking in their orphaned grandson due to age restrictions .
Fifteen-year-old Collin Clabaugh ’ s mother died at a California hospital in 2018 .
Two weeks later , his father took his own life , according to the boy ’ s grandmother Melodie Passmore .
The boy then moved in with his grandparents in Prescott , about 100 miles north of Phoenix .
In December , the family received a letter from attorneys for the Gardens at Willow Creek homeowners association informing them the community ’ s 19-and-up age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has until June to either move or find another home for their grandson .
“ It ’ s amazing how one rule is more important than one person ’ s life , ” Passmore told ABC 15 .
Clabaugh said his grandparents helped him through his grief and he doesn ’ t want to live anywhere else .
“ It just seems so heartless that even though we ’ ve explained our whole situation , it has to be the rule that dictates everything , ” he said .
The Passmores , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the senior living community four years ago .
They plan to meet with a real estate agent but moving again will be difficult , Passmore said .
“ I cry every day , ” Passmore told AZ Family .
“ I try not to cry in front of him because I want him to be happy.
” In a statement , an attorney for the homeowners association said , “ The board appreciates the difficulty of these circumstances but must balance the interests of all parties involved .
The Passmores , and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age-restricted community expecting the age restrictions to be followed.
” “ Community associations that fail to enforce their residency age restrictions leave themselves open to legal claims from other residents and could even endanger the ability of the association to remain an age-restricted community , ” the statement continued .
While some residents have voiced their support of Clabaugh living there , board members said they have also received complaints .
Lawyers say forcing the teen to leave is legal under the Housing for Older Persons Act .
The Associated Press contributed to @ @ @

An Arizona senior living community is forcing out two residents for taking in their orphaned grandson due to age restrictions.
Fifteen-year-old Collin Clabaugh’s mother died at a California hospital in 2018. Two weeks later, his father took his own life, according to the boy’s grandmother Melodie Passmore. The boy then moved in with his grandparents in Prescott, about 100 miles north of Phoenix.
In December, the family received a letter from attorneys for the Gardens at Willow Creek homeowners association informing them the community’s 19-and-up age restrictions must be followed. The family has until June to either move or find another home for their grandson.
“It’s amazing how one rule is more important than one person’s life,” Passmore told ABC 15.
Clabaugh said his grandparents helped him through his grief and he doesn’t want to live anywhere else.
“It just seems so heartless that even though we’ve explained our whole situation, it has to be the rule that dictates everything,” he said.
The Passmores, who are in their 70s, moved into the senior living community four years ago. They plan to meet with a real estate agent but moving again will be difficult, Passmore said.
“I cry every day,” Passmore told AZ Family. “I try not to cry in front of him because I want him to be happy.”
In a statement, an attorney for the homeowners association said, “The board appreciates the difficulty of these circumstances but must balance the interests of all parties involved. The Passmores, and all other owners who purchased property in an age-restricted community expecting the age restrictions to be followed.”
“Community associations that fail to enforce their residency age restrictions leave themselves open to legal claims from other residents and could even endanger the ability of the association to remain an age-restricted community,” the statement continued.
While some residents have voiced their support of Clabaugh living there, board members said they have also received complaints. Lawyers say forcing the teen to leave is legal under the Housing for Older Persons Act.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--‘I want to see Lord Jesus so bad’: Final words of Texas man who murdered wife

A man convicted of murder for helping his pal kill ...

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — A Texas inmate with a history of violence against women was executed Wednesday evening for fatally shooting his wife, who had feared she would never get out of her marriage alive.
John Gardner, 64, received a lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville for the January 2005 slaying of Tammy Gardner. Prosecutors said the couple was getting divorced when Gardner broke into his wife’s North Texas home and shot her in the head as she was sitting in bed. She died two days later at a hospital.
Asked by the warden if he had a final statement, Gardner, strapped to the death chamber gurney, turned his head and apologized several times to his wife’s son, daughter and mother, who watched through a window a few feet away.
“I would like to say sorry for your grief,” he said. “I hope what I’m doing today will give you peace, joy, closure, whatever it takes to forgive. I am sorry. I know you cannot forgive me, but I hope one day you will.”
After telling several friends watching through an adjacent window that he loved them, he apologized again, adding that he didn’t want to talk a lot and would ask the warden to go forward with his punishment because “I want to see the Lord Jesus so bad.”
Shortly after the lethal dose of the powerful sedative pentobarbital began, Gardner took three deep breaths and then began snoring. Within seconds, all movement stopped. He was pronounced dead at 6:36 p.m. CST, 16 minutes later.
Gardner became the first inmate put to death this year in Texas and the U.S. Seven other executions are scheduled in the next few months in Texas, the nation’s busiest capital punishment state. Last year, 22 inmates were executed in the U.S., with nine inmates being put to death in Texas, the most of any state.
His appellate attorneys had asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene, alleging his trial lawyers were ineffective, particularly for failing to present evidence Gardner suffered from “abandonment rage,” a condition Gardner claims causes men to kill their female companions with excessive force when faced with recent or imminent abandonment.
The Supreme Court denied the petition on Monday. Seth Kretzer, one of Gardner’s attorneys, said he was “deeply saddened” by the Supreme Court’s decision. No other appeals were filed by his attorneys.
“For those of us who are foot soldiers in the long war for conviction integrity, the struggle continues, the hope endures and the spirit never dies,” Kretzer said.
Prosecutors at trial described the marriage between John and Tammy Gardner as short but violent. She was Gardner’s fifth wife. The couple married in 1999.
“He was a classic abuser,” said Curtis Howard, who was one of the prosecutors for the Collin County District Attorney’s Office.
Friends and family of Tammy Gardner, 41, testified she lived in constant fear of John Gardner, who would hit and choke her and threaten her with a gun. Tammy Gardner had wanted to divorce her husband but told her boss at a wholesale horse-equipment company, “I can’t leave, he will kill me.”
In December 2004, Tammy Gardner filed for divorce after borrowing money from her company to do so.
At work, she marked Feb. 7, 2005, on her calendar, the date her divorce would be final. She would go over to the calendar and say, “You’re almost there. You’re almost there,” according to trial testimony.
“She was on pins and needles … hypervigilant, looking out for him,” said Howard, who is now an attorney for the Plano police department.
But sometime between 11 p.m. and midnight on Jan. 23, 2005, just 15 days before the divorce became final, John Gardner, who drove from Mississippi, broke into her home in Anna, Texas, located about 45 miles (72.42 kilometers) north of Dallas, and shot her in the head as she was sick in bed.
Despite being shot and unable to hear, Tammy Gardner called 911 and told a dispatcher her husband had shot her and he had left in a white pickup truck with Mississippi plates.
She was hospitalized but went into a coma and was taken off life support two days later.
In the petition before the Supreme Court, Lydia Brandt, one of Gardner’s attorneys, had argued that if evidence of abandonment rage would have been presented at trial, it would have humanized him “thereby providing a basis for a sentence of less than death.”
Howard said the theory would not have made a difference at trial because abandonment was not related to all of his many acts of violence, which included shooting his second wife, who was pregnant at the time and later died from resulting injuries, abducting his third wife at knifepoint and savagely beating his third wife’s daughter.
Howard said in his career he prosecuted three death penalty cases and two of them were related to intimate partner violence.
“This is one of those tragedies that we see in Texas all too often,” he said.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Suspects slice teen with cane sword in East Harlem attack caught on video

A teen was chased by two assailants in East Harlem and attacked with a cane sword — but was able @ @ @ @ @ bodega , police said Wednesday .
The suspects ran after the 19-year-old on Third Avenue @ @ @ @ @ 1 a.m. Saturday and sliced him with the blade in front of the store , @ @ @ @ @ ran for cover in the bodega and store workers came to his aid , locking @ @ @ @ @ , according to video obtained by ABC 7 .
Cops arrived shortly after and applied @ @ @ @ @ before he was rushed to the hospital .
One of the attackers , 19-year-old Abner @ @ @ @ @ was arrested for the attack .
He was hit with assault , criminal possession of @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
Suazo has two previous arrests in 2019 , cop said , @ @ @ @ @ a weapon and another for assault .
The victim was treated at Mount Sinai Hospital @ @ @ @ @ .

A teen was chased by two assailants in East Harlem and attacked with a cane sword — but was able to safely duck inside a bodega, police said Wednesday.
The suspects ran after the 19-year-old on Third Avenue near 106th Street at about 1 a.m. Saturday and sliced him with the blade in front of the store, cops said.
The teen ran for cover in the bodega and store workers came to his aid, locking the door and calling police, according to video obtained by ABC 7.
Cops arrived shortly after and applied a tourniquet to his arms before he was rushed to the hospital.
One of the attackers, 19-year-old Abner Suazo of the Bronx, was arrested for the attack.
He was hit with assault, criminal possession of a weapon and menacing charges, police said.
Suazo has two previous arrests in 2019, cop said, one for criminal possession of a weapon and another for assault.
The victim was treated at Mount Sinai Hospital and is expected to recover.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes finally gets chance to atone for AFC Championship loss

Patrick Mahomes began plotting the Chiefs ’ return to this year ’ s AFC Championship game minutes after falling in last year ’ s .
The Patriots beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in that amazing game , 37-31 in overtime .
Mahomes and his offense never got to take the field in the overtime period as Tom Brady marched down the field with three third-and-10 conversions to Julian Edelman ( two ) and Rob Gronkowski to set up the game-winning touchdown .
Shortly after Rex Burkhead crossed the goal line to end the Chiefs season , Mahomes stood behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the quarterback said .
“ It hurts everybody .
We knew we had opportunities in this game and throughout this season .
We put in the work .
We know that this can be a building block .
It could be something that carries us in the future .
Right now , it ’ s the end but hopefully it ’ s the beginning of a long time.
” Mahomes looks like a prophet now .
The Chiefs are back in the AFC title game .
It is again at Arrowhead in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opponent this time is very different , though .
Yes , Derrick Henry has run his way through the AFC playoffs for the Titans .
But this is not Brady and Bill Belichick .
This is Ryan Tannehill and Mike Vrabel , newcomers to the postseason in their current roles .
Gronkowski is retired .
Edelman is jumping on cars .
Brady is pondering his future .
Mahomes is right back where he wanted to be thanks to his five-touchdown performance in the amazing 51-31 comeback win over the Texans on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a game .
Down 24-0 early in the second quarter , they seized control and never let up .
The scores came at such a rapid pace it was hard to keep track .
There were three touchdowns on eight plays at one point in the second quarter .
They scored on eight straight possessions — none of the drives longer than 3 minutes 55 seconds .
By the time they ran their 51st play of the game , they also had 51 points .
“ You just have to keep your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tight end Travis Kelce , who scored three touchdowns , said .
“ You can ’ t get too excited , you can ’ t get a sense of relief like , ‘ Oh , we ’ re back in the game.
’ You just have to keep going forward and know that you have a lot of unfinished business as long as that clock is ticking.
” Unfinished business has been a theme for the Chiefs since coming up just short last year against New England .
They were one Dee Ford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the fourth quarter .
Instead , they opened the door and Brady barreled through .
Sometimes it takes a playoff loss to learn how to get the playoff wins .
The 1985 Giants were beaten up by the Bears in the playoffs — a 21-0 loss .
That set up the following season when Bill Parcells , Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms would not be denied .
“ This gives us a little bit of what we have to look forward to in the future , and that ’ s where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aching here , ” Reid said .
“ It ’ s a bright future .
We have good players .
We will get over the hump here , the big hump .
That ’ s this game right here.
” They will take on the hump again Sunday .
The Chiefs have won seven games in a row and have an improved defense from last season or even early this season .
That last loss came on Nov. 10 to the Titans in Nashville , Tenn .
The rematch is now on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his teammates have been waiting a year to get back to this point .
They plan on taking care of unfinished business this time .

Patrick Mahomes began plotting the Chiefs’ return to this year’s AFC Championship game minutes after falling in last year’s.
The Patriots beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in that amazing game, 37-31 in overtime. Mahomes and his offense never got to take the field in the overtime period as Tom Brady marched down the field with three third-and-10 conversions to Julian Edelman (two) and Rob Gronkowski to set up the game-winning touchdown.
Shortly after Rex Burkhead crossed the goal line to end the Chiefs season, Mahomes stood behind a microphone.
“It hurts,” the quarterback said. “It hurts everybody. We knew we had opportunities in this game and throughout this season. We put in the work. We know that this can be a building block. It could be something that carries us in the future. Right now, it’s the end but hopefully it’s the beginning of a long time.”
Mahomes looks like a prophet now. The Chiefs are back in the AFC title game. It is again at Arrowhead in front of their beloved fans. The opponent this time is very different, though. Yes, Derrick Henry has run his way through the AFC playoffs for the Titans. But this is not Brady and Bill Belichick. This is Ryan Tannehill and Mike Vrabel, newcomers to the postseason in their current roles.
Gronkowski is retired. Edelman is jumping on cars. Brady is pondering his future.
Mahomes is right back where he wanted to be thanks to his five-touchdown performance in the amazing 51-31 comeback win over the Texans on Sunday.
The Chiefs showed they are never out of a game. Down 24-0 early in the second quarter, they seized control and never let up. The scores came at such a rapid pace it was hard to keep track. There were three touchdowns on eight plays at one point in the second quarter. They scored on eight straight possessions — none of the drives longer than 3 minutes 55 seconds. By the time they ran their 51st play of the game, they also had 51 points.
“You just have to keep your foot on the gas pedal,” tight end Travis Kelce, who scored three touchdowns, said. “You can’t get too excited, you can’t get a sense of relief like, ‘Oh, we’re back in the game.’ You just have to keep going forward and know that you have a lot of unfinished business as long as that clock is ticking.”
Unfinished business has been a theme for the Chiefs since coming up just short last year against New England. They were one Dee Ford offsides penalty away from sealing that win in the fourth quarter. Instead, they opened the door and Brady barreled through.
Sometimes it takes a playoff loss to learn how to get the playoff wins. The 1985 Giants were beaten up by the Bears in the playoffs — a 21-0 loss. That set up the following season when Bill Parcells, Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms would not be denied.
After last year’s loss, Chiefs coach Andy Reid pointed forward.
“This gives us a little bit of what we have to look forward to in the future, and that’s where we will go when we’re done aching here,” Reid said. “It’s a bright future. We have good players. We will get over the hump here, the big hump. That’s this game right here.”
They will take on the hump again Sunday. The Chiefs have won seven games in a row and have an improved defense from last season or even early this season. That last loss came on Nov. 10 to the Titans in Nashville, Tenn.
The rematch is now on the Chiefs’ home turf. Mahomes and his teammates have been waiting a year to get back to this point. They plan on taking care of unfinished business this time.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--Three arrested in Alabama for keeping kids in cages

Three people in Alabama were arrested on child abuse charges for allegedly locking four children in make-shift cages , authorities @ @ @ @ @ cages in the Smiths Station home in Lee County during a wellness check on Jan. @ @ @ @ @ in a press release .
In the house , they found four children — ages @ @ @ @ @ and 11 — and determined each had been locked in the cages several times .
@ @ @ @ @ wood and featured locks and hasps , the Lee County Sheriff ’ s Office said @ @ @ @ @ a 8-month-old infant , was also found at the house .
All of the children @ @ @ @ @ put into county custody , police said .
Police returned to the house with a @ @ @ @ @ arrested 66-year-old Pamela Bond , 69-year-old James Bond and 30-year-old Kylla Mann .
They were @ @ @ @ @ abuse and reckless endangerment charges .

Three people in Alabama were arrested on child abuse charges for allegedly locking four children in make-shift cages, authorities said.
Police found the cages in the Smiths Station home in Lee County during a wellness check on Jan. 13, local police said in a press release.
In the house, they found four children — ages 3, 4, 10 and 11 — and determined each had been locked in the cages several times.
The cages were made of wood and featured locks and hasps, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.
A fifth child, a 8-month-old infant, was also found at the house. All of the children were taken from home and put into county custody, police said.
Police returned to the house with a warrant two days later and arrested 66-year-old Pamela Bond, 69-year-old James Bond and 30-year-old Kylla Mann.
They were each hit with aggravated child abuse and reckless endangerment charges.


newyorkpost--2020-01-16--GOP leader Kevin McCarthy slams SI Rep. Max Rose over Trump impeachment

House Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy accused first-term Staten Island Democratic Rep. Max Rose Wednesday of portraying President Trump as guilty until proven innocent amid the fight over impeachment .
McCarthy , during a speech on the House floor , singled out Rose for comments he made about Trump and impeachment to New York Magazine last October .
“ We have a Congressman Max Rose , who characterized it this way .
This new freshman of the majority , ” McCarthy said .
“ The president says he ’ s innocent .
So all we ’ re saying is prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rose during an interview at Jody ’ s bar and restaurant , a famous watering hole on the island .
McCarthy said the House Democratic Majority and Rose rule under a “ guilty until innocent mentality ” , adding , “ you ’ re guilty because they say so.
” The Trump impeachment case has been a vexing issue for Rose , a Democrat who represents a moderate-to-conservative leaning swing district .
In 2016 , Trump won 57 percent of the vote against Hillary Clinton in the 11th congressional district that includes Staten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straddle the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge .
Rose initially opposed impeachment as counterproductive .
But he changed his mind after seeing revelations about Trump ’ s handling of funding for Ukraine .
Even in the New York Magazine interview , Rose said he came to the conclusion to pursue impeachment reluctantly and complained Trump and his team had not cooperated with the probe .
McCarthy ’ s shot at Rose shows that Republicans are aiming to win back the Staten Island seat .
Rose defeated GOP Congressman Dan Donovan during the 2018 midterm elections .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ oath to the Constitution , the Minority Leader has shown himself to be nothing more than a sycophant , ” Rose , an Army veteran , said in a statement .
“ I don ’ t think he would know what it means to do what ’ s right even if it smacked him across the head with a 2×4 .
”

House Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy accused first-term Staten Island Democratic Rep. Max Rose Wednesday of portraying President Trump as guilty until proven innocent amid the fight over impeachment.
McCarthy, during a speech on the House floor, singled out Rose for comments he made about Trump and impeachment to New York Magazine last October.
“We have a Congressman Max Rose, who characterized it this way. This new freshman of the majority,” McCarthy said.
“The president says he’s innocent. So all we’re saying is prove it,” McCarthy recounted, quoting Rose during an interview at Jody’s bar and restaurant, a famous watering hole on the island.
McCarthy said the House Democratic Majority and Rose rule under a “guilty until innocent mentality”, adding, “you’re guilty because they say so.”
The Trump impeachment case has been a vexing issue for Rose, a Democrat who represents a moderate-to-conservative leaning swing district.
In 2016, Trump won 57 percent of the vote against Hillary Clinton in the 11th congressional district that includes Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn that straddle the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Rose initially opposed impeachment as counterproductive. But he changed his mind after seeing revelations about Trump’s handling of funding for Ukraine.
Even in the New York Magazine interview, Rose said he came to the conclusion to pursue impeachment reluctantly and complained Trump and his team had not cooperated with the probe.
McCarthy’s shot at Rose shows that Republicans are aiming to win back the Staten Island seat. Rose defeated GOP Congressman Dan Donovan during the 2018 midterm elections.
For his part, Rose dismissed McCarthy’s criticism.
“While I will always uphold my oath to the Constitution, the Minority Leader has shown himself to be nothing more than a sycophant,” Rose, an Army veteran, said in a statement.
“I don’t think he would know what it means to do what’s right even if it smacked him across the head with a 2×4.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-17--Man caught on camera stealing $500 from woman playing slots in Queens

It was all or nothing for a guy who ripped $ 500 bucks from a woman ’ s hands as @ @ @ @ @ Queens casino , according to surveillance video and the police .
The suspect was caught @ @ @ @ @ open space between two rows of slot machines before creeping up behind the 64-year-old woman @ @ @ @ @ her hands at the Resorts World Casino on Rockaway Boulevard in South Ozone Park on @ @ @ @ @ police said .
The man is then seen on camera fleeing , with the woman @ @ @ @ @ escaped , running toward the casino parking lot and is still in the wind , @ @ @

It was all or nothing for a guy who ripped $500 bucks from a woman’s hands as she was gambling at a Queens casino, according to surveillance video and the police.
The suspect was caught on video dawdling around an open space between two rows of slot machines before creeping up behind the 64-year-old woman and snatching the cash from her hands at the Resorts World Casino on Rockaway Boulevard in South Ozone Park on Monday around 10:30 p.m., police said.
The man is then seen on camera fleeing, with the woman in hot pursuit.
He escaped, running toward the casino parking lot and is still in the wind, police said.


newyorkpost--2020-01-17--Ariana Grande accused of stealing ‘7 Rings’ lyrics in new lawsuit

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Ariana Grande has been accused of stealing lyrics featured in her billboard-topping song “ 7 Rings , ” according to a new lawsuit .
Hip hop artist Josh Stone filed his Manhattan federal lawsuit against the 26-year-old singer late Thursday , claiming she lifted the hook from his 2017 song “ You Need It , I got it , ” for her 2019 hit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The chorus of Grande ’ s song goes : “ I want it , I got it .
I want It , I got it , ” while Stone ’ s lyrics read : “ You need it , I got it ” : “ You need it , I got it .
You want it , I got it , ” according to the lawsuit .
The lawsuit alleges that forensic musicologists have deemed the tunes “ identical or substantially similar.
” Stone also claims that producer and songwriter Thomas Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on five albums , was present at a 2017 meeting with Stone where his song was played .
The suit was filed just a day before rapper Eminem caught flak for his surprise Friday album , “ Music To Be Murdered By.
” The tracks include a song in which he appears to minimize the 2017 terror attack in Manchester that killed 23 people during one of Grande ’ s concerts .
A rep for Grande did not immediately return a message .

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Ariana Grande has been accused of stealing lyrics featured in her billboard-topping song “7 Rings,” according to a new lawsuit.
Hip hop artist Josh Stone filed his Manhattan federal lawsuit against the 26-year-old singer late Thursday, claiming she lifted the hook from his 2017 song “You Need It, I got it,” for her 2019 hit.
Stone performs under the name “DOT.”
The chorus of Grande’s song goes: “I want it, I got it. I want It, I got it,” while Stone’s lyrics read: “You need it, I got it”: “You need it, I got it. You want it, I got it,” according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that forensic musicologists have deemed the tunes “identical or substantially similar.”
Stone also claims that producer and songwriter Thomas Lee Brown, who has worked with Grande on five albums, was present at a 2017 meeting with Stone where his song was played.
He’s suing for copyright infringement and unspecified monetary damages.
The suit was filed just a day before rapper Eminem caught flak for his surprise Friday album, “Music To Be Murdered By.” The tracks include a song in which he appears to minimize the 2017 terror attack in Manchester that killed 23 people during one of Grande’s concerts.
A rep for Grande did not immediately return a message.


newyorkpost--2020-01-17--Justin Timberlake leaves flirty comment on Jessica Biel’s pic after scandal

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Is this a case of Instagram vs. reality ?
Married dad Justin Timberlake — who has been making a public effort to change his image after getting caught holding hands with his “ Palmer ” co-star Alisha Wainwright — left a flirty comment on a new photo posted by his wife , Jessica Biel .
Biel posted a hilarious modeling throwback photo Thursday and joked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you try it again but maybe sit like an actual human ?
Me : Got it.
” The “ Mirrors ” crooner , 38 , let his feelings be known by commenting , “ Nailed it , ” with a heart-eyes emoji .
It ’ s not the first time the Grammy winner has tried to make his feelings for his wife , 37 , known on Instagram , as he previously dropped two heart emojis and a heart-eyes emoji beneath another one of her pictures .
The “ Alpha Dog ” actor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November when he was photographed looking cozy with Wainwright .
A source close to the actor downplayed the photos , calling them “ nothing.
” “ He was on an open balcony .
They were among friends .
It was nothing , ” the insider told us .
“ A few weeks ago I displayed a strong lapse in judgement [ sic ] — but let me be clear — nothing happened between me and my costar , ” he posted online .
“ I drank way too much that night and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known better .
”

Is this a case of Instagram vs. reality?
Married dad Justin Timberlake — who has been making a public effort to change his image after getting caught holding hands with his “Palmer” co-star Alisha Wainwright — left a flirty comment on a new photo posted by his wife, Jessica Biel.
Biel posted a hilarious modeling throwback photo Thursday and joked alongside it, “Photographer: Can you try it again but maybe sit like an actual human? Me: Got it.” The “Mirrors” crooner, 38, let his feelings be known by commenting, “Nailed it,” with a heart-eyes emoji.
It’s not the first time the Grammy winner has tried to make his feelings for his wife, 37, known on Instagram, as he previously dropped two heart emojis and a heart-eyes emoji beneath another one of her pictures.
The “Alpha Dog” actor found himself embroiled in a scandal in November when he was photographed looking cozy with Wainwright. A source close to the actor downplayed the photos, calling them “nothing.”
“He was on an open balcony. They were among friends. It was nothing,” the insider told us.
Timberlake later issued an apology.
“A few weeks ago I displayed a strong lapse in judgement [sic] — but let me be clear — nothing happened between me and my costar,” he posted online. “I drank way too much that night and I regret my behavior. I should have known better.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-17--Paighton Houston death: Police hunt for convicted rapist accused of burying body

Authorities are hunting a convicted rapist accused of burying the body of Paighton Houston — the Alabama woman whose remains were discovered in a shallow grave weeks after she left a bar with two strange men , according to a new report .
Fredrick Hampton , 50 , is being sought on a charge of abusing a corpse , WSB-TV 2 reported .
He has not been charged with killing Houston , whose cause and manner of death were undetermined in her preliminary autopsy , Jefferson County Sheriff ’ s Office officials told the outlet .
Toxicology and other reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know is that no physical trauma to the body of the victim would have led to her death , ” Sheriff ’ s Office Deputy Chief David Agee said during a Thursday news conference , according to the report .
“ We have evidence that the victim and the offender were together the night of Dec. 20 , 2019.
” “ We have evidence that the victim died the next day at a house on McClain Street in Brighton , ” Agee added .
“ We have evidence that after the victim died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a criminal manner by Fredrick Hampton.
” Agee also stopped short of identifying Hampton as one of the men who reportedly left the bar with Houston the evening of her disappearance — only acknowledging that they were together Dec. 20 and 21 , according to the report .
Houston appeared to go with the men willingly and “ there is no evidence that there was any force , ” Agee said .
Hampton is the only suspect on authorities ’ radar , according to the police official .
“ This offender is responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corpse in this manner , ” he said .
“ Additional charges are possible depending on what evidence becomes available .
As of right now , this is where we stand , and we want to get him into custody.
” Hampton is also accused of an offense that violated the state ’ s sex offender notification act but Agee did not specify what that violation was , according to the report .
The suspect was in compliance with the notification act prior to Houston ’ s disappearance and subsequent death , Agee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dec. 20 at the Tin Roof , a live-music bar chain in Birmingham .
Her last text message , sent to a friend , said that “ she didn ’ t know who she was with and felt she could be in trouble , ” according to her mother , Charlaine Houston .
About two weeks later , investigators recovered her body in a shallow grave in the backyard of a home in Hueytown , about 13 miles west of Birmingham .
Hampton was previously convicted on first-degree rape and sodomy charges back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He served more than 20 years behind bars before he was released in March of 2012 , according to the report .
He was also charged with kidnapping , but that charge has since been dismissed .
Soon after his release , he was arrested once again for failing to provide authorities with his new address — a requirement for convicted sex offenders , according to the report .
He entered a guilty plea and was handed a two-year suspended sentence .

Authorities are hunting a convicted rapist accused of burying the body of Paighton Houston — the Alabama woman whose remains were discovered in a shallow grave weeks after she left a bar with two strange men, according to a new report.
Fredrick Hampton, 50, is being sought on a charge of abusing a corpse, WSB-TV 2 reported.
He has not been charged with killing Houston, whose cause and manner of death were undetermined in her preliminary autopsy, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office officials told the outlet. Toxicology and other reports are still pending.
“What we know is that no physical trauma to the body of the victim would have led to her death,” Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief David Agee said during a Thursday news conference, according to the report. “We have evidence that the victim and the offender were together the night of Dec. 20, 2019.”
“We have evidence that the victim died the next day at a house on McClain Street in Brighton,” Agee added. “We have evidence that after the victim died, her body was disposed of in a criminal manner by Fredrick Hampton.”
Agee also stopped short of identifying Hampton as one of the men who reportedly left the bar with Houston the evening of her disappearance — only acknowledging that they were together Dec. 20 and 21, according to the report.
Houston appeared to go with the men willingly and “there is no evidence that there was any force,” Agee said.
Hampton is the only suspect on authorities’ radar, according to the police official.
“This offender is responsible for this crime, disposing of this corpse in this manner,” he said. “Additional charges are possible depending on what evidence becomes available. As of right now, this is where we stand, and we want to get him into custody.”
Hampton is also accused of an offense that violated the state’s sex offender notification act but Agee did not specify what that violation was, according to the report.
The suspect was in compliance with the notification act prior to Houston’s disappearance and subsequent death, Agee told reporters.
Houston was last seen Dec. 20 at the Tin Roof, a live-music bar chain in Birmingham.
Her last text message, sent to a friend, said that “she didn’t know who she was with and felt she could be in trouble,” according to her mother, Charlaine Houston.
About two weeks later, investigators recovered her body in a shallow grave in the backyard of a home in Hueytown, about 13 miles west of Birmingham.
Hampton was previously convicted on first-degree rape and sodomy charges back in 1992, according to AL.com. He served more than 20 years behind bars before he was released in March of 2012, according to the report.
He was also charged with kidnapping, but that charge has since been dismissed.
Soon after his release, he was arrested once again for failing to provide authorities with his new address — a requirement for convicted sex offenders, according to the report. He entered a guilty plea and was handed a two-year suspended sentence.


newyorkpost--2020-01-17--Pigeon spotted wearing tiny sombrero — after pigeon in cowboy hat dies

RENO , Nev. — A pigeon wearing a tiny sombrero in Reno , Nevada , was discovered following sightings of @ @ @ @ @ Las Vegas , a city manager said .
Reno City Manager Sabra Newby tweeted about @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s quirky and fun but still inhumane , KOLO-TV reported .
It is @ @ @ @ @ hat-wearing birds in the region , Washoe County Regional Animal Services officials said .
The @ @ @ @ @ in Las Vegas with a miniature cowboy hat glued to its head died earlier this @ @ @ @ @ .
People who see the bird are encouraged to call animal service dispatch officers , @ @ @ @ @ unclear who put the hat on the bird .
“ Reno cares about our animals @ @ @ @ @ “ They need protection and don ’ t need to become a punchline .
”

RENO, Nev. — A pigeon wearing a tiny sombrero in Reno, Nevada, was discovered following sightings of its cowboy hat-wearing cousins in Las Vegas, a city manager said.
Reno City Manager Sabra Newby tweeted about the bird Wednesday, saying it’s quirky and fun but still inhumane, KOLO-TV reported.
It is the first known sighting of hat-wearing birds in the region, Washoe County Regional Animal Services officials said.
The sighting comes after a pigeon in Las Vegas with a miniature cowboy hat glued to its head died earlier this week, animal officials said.
People who see the bird are encouraged to call animal service dispatch officers, officials said.
It is unclear who put the hat on the bird.
“Reno cares about our animals,” Newby said. “They need protection and don’t need to become a punchline.”