newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Oil prices plunge as another virus-fueled trading week begins

NEW YORK — Oil prices are plunging amid concern a dispute among producers could lead a global economy weakened by COVID-19 to be awash in an oversupply of crude .
Brent crude , the international standard , lost $ 11.44 , or 25.3 % , to $ 33.83 per barrel in electronic trading in London .
Benchmark U.S. crude fell $ 10.77 , or 26.1 % , to $ 30.49 .
The dramatic losses follow a 10.1 % drop for U.S. oil on Friday , which was its biggest loss in more than five years .
Prices are falling as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries argue how much to cut production in order to prop up prices .
The turmoil in the oil markets caused share prices to plunge in the Middle East and in Asia .
While lower oil prices can be a boon for economies that rely heavily on imports to fuel their industries , such as South Korea , Japan and China , extreme uncertainty can wreak havoc .
Demand for energy is falling as people cut back on travel .
The worry is that the new coronavirus will slow economies sharply , meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief markets strategist at AxiCorp , called reports that Saudi Arabia could increase its oil production in order to gain market share in a “ shock-and-awe ” strategy .
The oil market has seen arguments like this before .
In 2014 , OPEC held off production cuts in order to hold onto market share in the face of a resurgent U.S. oil industry .
That led to oil to tumble from over $ 100 a barrel to below $ 40 by 2015 .
This most recent plummet for oil adds another punch to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dizzying couple weeks for financial markets worldwide .
The U.S. stock market is down 12.2 % since setting its record last month on worries about how much corporate profits will fall because of COVID-19 .
It ’ s set on Monday to mark the 11th anniversary of hitting bottom after the 2008 financial crisis .
Treasury yields have plummeted to record lows as investors pile into anything that looks safe , almost regardless of how little it pays .
The 10-year Treasury yield pierced below 1 % for the first time on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
The virus usually leaves people with only mild to moderate symptoms , but because it ’ s new , experts can ’ t say for sure how far it will ultimately spread and how much damage it will do , both to health and to the economy .
The number of cases has reached 109,000 globally , and Italy on Sunday tried to quarantine a region holding more than a quarter of its population in hopes of corralling it .
If the number of new infections slows in other parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if the U.S. jobs market remains as solid as it ’ s been and if all the unease in markets ends up creating just a short-term dip in confidence among shoppers , all this may recede quickly .
But those are a lot of potential pain points .
“ There are more if ’ s than at any other time in this 11-year bull market , ” say strategists at BTIG .

NEW YORK — Oil prices are plunging amid concern a dispute among producers could lead a global economy weakened by COVID-19 to be awash in an oversupply of crude.
Brent crude, the international standard, lost $11.44, or 25.3%, to $33.83 per barrel in electronic trading in London. Benchmark U.S. crude fell $10.77, or 26.1%, to $30.49.
The dramatic losses follow a 10.1% drop for U.S. oil on Friday, which was its biggest loss in more than five years. Prices are falling as Saudi Arabia, Russia and other oil-producing countries argue how much to cut production in order to prop up prices.
The turmoil in the oil markets caused share prices to plunge in the Middle East and in Asia. While lower oil prices can be a boon for economies that rely heavily on imports to fuel their industries, such as South Korea, Japan and China, extreme uncertainty can wreak havoc.
Demand for energy is falling as people cut back on travel. The worry is that the new coronavirus will slow economies sharply, meaning even less demand.
Stephen Innes, chief markets strategist at AxiCorp, called reports that Saudi Arabia could increase its oil production in order to gain market share in a “shock-and-awe” strategy.
The oil market has seen arguments like this before. In 2014, OPEC held off production cuts in order to hold onto market share in the face of a resurgent U.S. oil industry. That led to oil to tumble from over $100 a barrel to below $40 by 2015.
This most recent plummet for oil adds another punch to what’s already been a brutal and dizzying couple weeks for financial markets worldwide. The U.S. stock market is down 12.2% since setting its record last month on worries about how much corporate profits will fall because of COVID-19. It’s set on Monday to mark the 11th anniversary of hitting bottom after the 2008 financial crisis.
Treasury yields have plummeted to record lows as investors pile into anything that looks safe, almost regardless of how little it pays. The 10-year Treasury yield pierced below 1% for the first time on Tuesday, only to breach 0.70% Friday.
The virus usually leaves people with only mild to moderate symptoms, but because it’s new, experts can’t say for sure how far it will ultimately spread and how much damage it will do, both to health and to the economy. The number of cases has reached 109,000 globally, and Italy on Sunday tried to quarantine a region holding more than a quarter of its population in hopes of corralling it.
If the number of new infections slows in other parts of the world as it has in China, if the U.S. jobs market remains as solid as it’s been and if all the unease in markets ends up creating just a short-term dip in confidence among shoppers, all this may recede quickly. But those are a lot of potential pain points.
“There are more if’s than at any other time in this 11-year bull market,” say strategists at BTIG.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Young Knicks show James Dolan blueprint to end ‘sell the team’ chants

Derrick Rose had some pointed things to say about Steve ...

This is how you eliminate “Sell the team’’ chants, James Dolan, with victories and solid play from the young guys.
It is not done with cheap tricks like blasting heavy-metal music to drown it out — as you did Friday.
The threat of “Sell the team’’ chants looms now late in every Garden blowout loss.
None came tumbling out of the rafters during Sunday’s 96-84 triumph over the depleted, tanking Pistons. Instead, a standing ovation came in the final seconds. A “We want Trier” was shouted minutes earlier in mock tribute to the forgotten youngster Allonzo Trier.
Three of the Knicks’ young prospects who matter — shot-blocking Mitchell Robinson, Frank Ntilikina and Kevin Knox — played with panache.
Young veteran starting point guard Elfrid Payton quietly extended his gaudy-numbers surge to three games, averaging 18 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.0 assists in that span.
In the second half, Ntilikina made two snazzy moves to the basket for layups. After the first crossover, circus doozy, the Knicks’ giddy longtime public address announcer Mike Walczewski chuckled in the middle of calling out “Frank Ntiiiiiilikina.”
Walczewski said afterward he lost it when he saw Bobby Portis run past him, shimmying in celebrating Ntilikina’s fancy move.
It was that kind of night — “Women’s Empowerment Night” — at the Garden. There were plenty of stars, including Knicks sideline reporter Rebecca Haarlow — wearing a black “Be Bold’’ T-shirt instead of her usual wardrobe — who was named one of the “Stars of the Game” by MSG. She was trailed all game by a young girl, an aspiring journalist.
In honor of the occasion, the Knicks players wore WNBA-issued bright orange sweatshirts with a silhouette of a female player making a layup. It was the same sweatshirt Kobe Bryant sometimes wore when he attended games with his daughter.
It was a cool night all around. The Knicks held Detroit to 84 points — or 42 fewer than the 126 points allowed against Oklahoma City on Friday. The Pistons managed 37 points in the second half.
By contrast, the Knicks couldn’t stop OKC’s playoff train. Knicks interim coach Mike Miller said his defense allowed the Thunder to get almost whatever they wanted.
The only thing the organization could stop Friday were the “Sell the team’’ chants directed at the Knicks’ embattled owner.
A barrage of pumped-up heavy-metal music blared over the sound system just as a chant erupted for the first time Friday with 1:40 left.
The superbly timed heavy-metal defense supplied by the game entertainment staff came even as Portis shot two free throws.
“I noticed the loud music,’’ Portis told The Post on Sunday night before the victory. “It didn’t throw me off, though. When you’re on the road, that’s normal.
“I don’t know why it happened. Lucky I made both of them. But it was unusual.’’
Unusual? According to NBA rules, home teams aren’t allowed to play music when an opponent shoots free throws.
With Detroit out of the way, the Knicks head out for a three-game trip to Washington, Atlanta and Miami as the Big East Tournament takes over the World’s Most Famous Arena. It gives Dolan a reprieve from worrying about his three least-favorite words.
There will be just seven home games left when the Knicks return from Miami. The trip will give the entertainment staff time to come up with more ideas on how to drown out those chants.
Beating the Pistons (20-41) isn’t exactly cause for drinking like it’s St. Patrick’s Day. Detroit is in full tank mode after trading center Andre Drummond to Cleveland for free tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Knicks entertainment staff might want to attend the Hall to pluck more tunes for the final two minutes of blowout losses. As long as they don’t start blasting tunes from JD & The Straight Shot.


newyorkpost--2020-03-08--Harvey Weinstein reportedly ‘miserable’ on Rikers Island after bad fall

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 ) Convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein has two cellmates on Rikers Island , where he took a bad fall this weekend and is “ miserable , ” his spokesman said .
The disgraced movie mogul is housed in the North Infirmary Command with two “ older gentlemen , ” his spokesman Juda Engelmayer said .
“ He ’ s miserable but trying to be optimistic as best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He has had a lot of time to think about his life and be humbled , but he thinks it ’ s going to be a long , uphill battle from here.
” Weinstein , 67 , was ordered held without bail following his Feb. 24 conviction for raping a hairstylist and forcibly performing oral sex on a former “ Project Runway ” production assistant .
“ It ’ s a prison cell , ” Engelmayer said .
“ It has a sink and toilet , all stainless steel and open.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult without the aid of his walker .
On Saturday night , Weinstein took a tumble after trying to walk on his own .
“ He fell on his head and thinks he has a concussion , ” Engelmayer said .
“ His head has been pounding since yesterday.
” Weinstein has a wheelchair but finds it difficult to use , the spokesman said .
Weinstein was transferred to Rikers Island on March 5 after spending nearly two weeks at Bellevue Hospital , where he underwent a heart procedure last Wednesday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 29 years in prison when he ’ s scheduled to be sentenced March 11 .

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Convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein has two cellmates on Rikers Island, where he took a bad fall this weekend and is “miserable,” his spokesman said.
The disgraced movie mogul is housed in the North Infirmary Command with two “older gentlemen,” his spokesman Juda Engelmayer said.
“He’s miserable but trying to be optimistic as best he can,” Engelmayer said. “He has had a lot of time to think about his life and be humbled, but he thinks it’s going to be a long, uphill battle from here.”
Weinstein, 67, was ordered held without bail following his Feb. 24 conviction for raping a hairstylist and forcibly performing oral sex on a former “Project Runway” production assistant.
“It’s a prison cell,” Engelmayer said. “It has a sink and toilet, all stainless steel and open.”
Adjusting to jail life has been especially difficult without the aid of his walker.
On Saturday night, Weinstein took a tumble after trying to walk on his own. “He fell on his head and thinks he has a concussion,” Engelmayer said. “His head has been pounding since yesterday.”
Weinstein has a wheelchair but finds it difficult to use, the spokesman said. Weinstein was transferred to Rikers Island on March 5 after spending nearly two weeks at Bellevue Hospital, where he underwent a heart procedure last Wednesday.
The “Shakespeare in Love” producer faces up to 29 years in prison when he’s sentenced March 11.


newyorkpost--2020-03-08--Masahiro Tanaka’s Yankees spring is impressing everyone but him

TAMPA — Giancarlo Stanton is in the feeling-out process when ...

TAMPA — Masahiro Tanaka will open the season as the Yankees’ No. 2 starter behind Gerrit Cole, but he has posted ace-like numbers in three spring starts.
Working against the Braves on Sunday at Steinbrenner Field, Tanaka didn’t allow a run in 3 ²/₃ innings, gave up one hit, didn’t issue a walk and fanned four in the Yankees’ 1-0 win over the Braves.
In 8 ²/₃ innings this spring, Tanaka has allowed two runs, two hits, fanned seven and lowered his ERA to 2.08.
Which means nothing to the 31-year-old right-hander who will be eligible for free agency following the season.
“No, not at all,’’ Tanaka said when asked if he put any stock in spring training numbers.
For the second time in four years, Tanaka had a bone spur removed from his right elbow following last season, in which he went 11-9 with a 4.55 ERA in 32 games and tied a career-high with 31 starts.
The elbow shows no sign of hindering Tanaka, who said he is pleased that he can take a regular turn.
“Just being healthy enough to rack up the innings, the number of pitches and being able to work on a lot of my pitches,’’ Tanaka said. “Maybe the cutter more so than the others just to see how it plays out.’’
As for the cutter, a pitch he has prioritized this spring, Tanaka said he was pleased with the result.
“I like the ones I threw against righties. Some of them were sharp enough to get swings and misses,’’ Tanaka said.
So did Aaron Boone.
“Masa has been really good all spring. He made some really good pitches with the cutter, even to righties,’’ Boone said of Tanaka, who threw 32 of 52 pitches for strikes. “The cutter was good, command good and he has been in a good place since he got down here and another step up there for the fourth.’’
Adam Ottavino’s signature pitch will always be a filthy slider that eats up right-handed hitters, but Boone said the right-handed reliever has another weapon that will help.
“The changeup has become a pitch for him, seeing a lot against left-handed hitters and he has had really good results with it,’’ Boone said of Ottavino, who worked a clean fifth inning Sunday. “He has had really good results with it and he has taken it into games. That will be a factor this year, especially against lefties to keep them off balance.’’
A year ago Tyler Wade started the exhibition season with a blistering bat that helped him hit .308 (16-for-52) in 20 games but failed to land him a spot on the Yankees’ 25-man roster.
This year the left-handed-hitting Wade, who can play second, short and third as well the corner outfield spots, is off to a slow start, but still is likely to be part of the 26-man roster the Yankees bring to Baltimore on March 26 for Opening Day.
“Struggling a bit timing-wise,’’ Boone said of Wade, who went hitless in three at-bats Sunday and is hitting .080 (2-for-25). “Today he got all lefties. I don’t feel he is too far off, I feel his work has been pretty good but just not barreling a lot right now.’’
Wade and center fielder Brett Gardner collided in shallow center field in the top of the fifth and Gardner went to the turf but wasn’t injured. Wade was backing up toward center field and Gardner was coming in. Wade caught Yonder Alonso’s pop-up and banged into Gardner.
Third baseman Gio Urshela and first baseman Mike Ford combined to rob Adeiny Hechavarria of a base hit in the second inning. Urshela dived to his right to glove the ball and Ford dug his throw out of the dirt. The Yankees were held to six hits and Clint Frazier had two of them. He is hitting .353 (6-for-17).
The Yankees make a short trip to Clearwater to play Joe Girardi’s Phillies. J.A. Happ looks to extend a strong spring in his fourth start. The Phillies will start Aaron Nola.


newyorkpost--2020-03-08--Coronavirus-infected Vietnamese heiress attended fashion weeks in Milan, Paris

A coronavirus-stricken Vietnamese heiress attended fashion week shows in Milan and Paris before she was diagnosed , a report said Sunday .
Nga Nguyen , the 27-year-old daughter of a steel magnate , went to the Gucci show in Milan on Feb. 19 and the Saint Laurent show in Paris Feb. 25 , the South China Morning Post reported .
The jet-setting socialite — who splits her time between Hanoi and London — documented her fashion week escapades on her Instagram account , which has since been deleted , according to the report .
She was diagnosed on March 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nguyen Hong Nhung , local media reported .
Top fashion editors and department store buyers who attended back-to-back shows in Paris and Milan are in self-imposed quarantine after returning home .
In all , about 30 executives from titles including Elle , InStyle and Harper ’ s Bazaar are working from home .
The outbreak in Italy has surged with more than 7,300 infections and 366 deaths as of Sunday .
Some 16 million people in Northern Italy , including the Lombardy region where Milan is located , have been placed under complete @ @

A coronavirus-stricken Vietnamese heiress attended fashion week shows in Milan and Paris before she was diagnosed, a report said Sunday.
Nga Nguyen, the 27-year-old daughter of a steel magnate, went to the Gucci show in Milan on Feb. 19 and the Saint Laurent show in Paris Feb. 25, the South China Morning Post reported.
The jet-setting socialite — who splits her time between Hanoi and London — documented her fashion week escapades on her Instagram account, which has since been deleted, according to the report.
She was diagnosed on March 6, along with her sister, 26-year-old Nguyen Hong Nhung, local media reported.
Top fashion editors and department store buyers who attended back-to-back shows in Paris and Milan are in self-imposed quarantine after returning home.
In all, about 30 executives from titles including Elle, InStyle and Harper’s Bazaar are working from home.
The outbreak in Italy has surged with more than 7,300 infections and 366 deaths as of Sunday.
Some 16 million people in northern Italy, including the Lombardy region where Milan is located, have been placed under complete lockdown.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Why this sex therapist says you should be in an open marriage

Susan Wenzel had just stuffed a pile of dirty laundry into the washer when she discovered it wouldn ’ t start .
Wenzel knew her husband , Denys , couldn ’ t fix it , but she had someone else in mind : Her lover , Richard .
“ I told him what happened and he gladly offered to come over and help , ” Wenzel tells The Post .
You see , Denys “ is not a handyman at all , ” she explains , but Richard , a handsome bar manager and single dad , is “ very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fixed it , we all sat on the patio and drank cold beers and ate chicken salad together , ” Wenzel , 40 , recalls .
“ I loved the feeling of knowing that they both cared about me and I cared about them as well.
” But Wenzel is no scheming adulteress .
She ’ s in a consensual nonmonogamous open marriage with her husband .
The unusual agreement allows them both to have sex — and relationships — with other people .
“ I am happier now than I ever have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canadian sex and relationship therapist and author of “ A Happy Life in an Open Relationship : The Essential Guide to a Healthy and Fulfilling Nonmonogamous Love Life ” ( Chronicle Books ; out Tuesday ) .
Throughout the how-to guide , the sexually liberated mother of two uses her personal experiences ( names of her partners have been changed ) , interactions with clients and therapeutic exercises to help those who are curious about trying out the relationship style .
In fact , Wenzel believes millions of people would improve and strengthen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t so obsessed with being with only one partner .
“ For many of us , one partner can not meet all our needs , ” she writes .
“ And this expectation that one person can .
.
.
is at least partly the reason why the Western world has such a high divorce rate.
” Until eight years ago , Wenzel had never considered an open marriage , or that she may be sexually attracted to women .
But being in an open relationship allowed her to explore her bisexuality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time — four years ago .
“ I knew I was interested in women because I always liked watching lesbian porn , ” she says .
So after chatting on Tinder , Wenzel invited her crush , Catherine , and Catherine ’ s boyfriend over to the house .
“ Catherine and I excused ourselves to the bedroom , where we had a very sensuous , sexual experience , ” Wenzel writes .
“ The guys joined us for a little while , which was a wonderful experience , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be with one another.
” “ I could hear them talking about politics and their work in the living room , while Catherine and I expressed our sexual pleasure in the bedroom.
” She and Catherine are still going strong today .
Being in an open relationship also allowed Wenzel to explore BDSM .
“ Denys tried to do kinky sex , but he doesn ’ t like it , ” says Wenzel , who enjoys spanking , dirty talk , handcuffs , hair pulling and mild , pleasurable pain .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotional connection with her partners , while her husband ’ s are more purely sexual .
Since they opened their marriage , Wenzel has had seven partners and prefers to see them for about eight months each , while Denys has had some 10 companions , seeing some only a few times and others for a few years .
Wenzel wasn ’ t always into extramarital hookups .
The pair had dated for one year and were living together in Winnipeg when Denys , who ’ s a government official , first admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other women .
The revelation left her in “ complete shock.
” “ I felt like I was going to have a panic attack , ” she recalls .
“ I felt dizzy and wondered , ‘ Am I dreaming ?
’ ” Heartbroken and defeated , Wenzel swiftly kicked Denys out .
“ I said , ‘ You have half an hour to get your s - - t out of my house , ’ ” she says .
“ That ’ s when the real work began.
” Wenzel switched into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her jealousy and abandonment issues : Her parents , who are from Kenya and practice polygamy .
“ The idea of polygamy put a bad taste in my mouth , ” she says .
“ I didn ’ t think it was right for men to have multiple partners , and women were not allowed , or looked down upon , for having multiple partners.
” Her parents were also “ business people [ who ] were constantly gone , ” she says .
“ I always felt that they didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a therapy session a few months later , something clicked for Wenzel .
“ I realized because of my fear of abandonment , I tend to control my relationships , ” she says .
“ If I loved him , I had to accept who he was.
” Ready to give an open relationship a try , the duo drafted a set of rules — including a safe-sex “ condom contract ” — which Wenzel recommends doing in every open relationship .
Other rules include a 2 a.m. curfew , a heads-up about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is falling in love , they have to come clean .
Even though parameters were set , Wenzel still had a hard time imagining Denys with other women .
She says that “ at the peak ” of her jealousy , she snooped through his phone , e-mails and Facebook , and texted one of his gal pals to “ get your own boyfriend.
” She also accidentally fell in love with her first admirer , Patrick , whom she had a lot in common with , including race .
“ Patrick spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we shared a deep understanding of racism and microaggressions in Canada , ” she writes .
“ These racial dynamics resulted in a specific type of jealousy that Denys and I had to work through in our marriage .
.
.
We assured each other that although we felt kinship with our open-relationship partner of the same race , our interracial marriage was still strong and our first priority.
” Wenzel only recently came out to her son , 14 , and daughter , 12 , about the dynamic with Denys , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter was very understanding and said , ‘ Oh , that makes sense to me ; sometimes I like different boys at school , ’ ” Wenzel says with a laugh .
“ My son , on the other hand , doesn ’ t like it and said , ‘ Well , I ’ m not going to be in an open relationship.
’ And I said , ‘ That ’ s absolutely OK.
It ’ s not for everyone.
’ ” When it comes to her own marriage , though , Wenzel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do with other people does not matter , ” she writes .
“ In fact , my joy is seeing him happy in other relationships.
” How to know if you ’ re ready for an open relationship The sex is meh Sexless stretches are a common side effect of long-term relationships .
Wenzel suggests trying toys , seeing a sex therapist and redefining what sex means to you before opening up your marriage .
“ Some people still expect to have sex the way they did in their 20s , but you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she says .
“ Some people may need to try focusing less on orgasming and more just on pleasure.
” But if all of that still hasn ’ t done the trick — especially if your partner doesn ’ t seem game to experiment with you — you might want to expand your horizons .
You want more emotional support “ Everyone has varying degrees of emotional support that they need , ” says Wenzel .
“ And while you may want to stay together with your partner , things like work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the way of your spouse ’ s ability to support you the way you want.
” If the situation can ’ t be changed , an open relationship might be a good option .
You ’ ve got a wandering eye “ A history of desiring other people when you ’ re in a committed relationship , whether the relationship is going well or not , is a good indicator , ” she says .
Still , the impulse has to go beyond merely “ saying hi and doing a little flirting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly enjoy and get a lot of gratification out of flirting with people who aren ’ t your partner.
” You find secrets sexy Cheating on your partner is never a good option , says Wenzel , but in an open relationship , “ if you like the thrill of secrecy , you could let your partner know [ what you ’ re doing ] but negotiate to keep some information private .
That way you ’ re still being respectful while living out your fantasy .
”

Susan Wenzel had just stuffed a pile of dirty laundry into the washer when she discovered it wouldn’t start. Wenzel knew her husband, Denys, couldn’t fix it, but she had someone else in mind: Her lover, Richard.
“I told him what happened and he gladly offered to come over and help,” Wenzel tells The Post. You see, Denys “is not a handyman at all,” she explains, but Richard, a handsome bar manager and single dad, is “very handy” indeed.
“After he fixed it, we all sat on the patio and drank cold beers and ate chicken salad together,” Wenzel, 40, recalls. “I loved the feeling of knowing that they both cared about me and I cared about them as well.”
But Wenzel is no scheming adulteress. She’s in a consensual nonmonogamous open marriage with her husband. The unusual agreement allows them both to have sex — and relationships — with other people.
“I am happier now than I ever have been,” says Wenzel, a Canadian sex and relationship therapist and author of “A Happy Life in an Open Relationship: The Essential Guide to a Healthy and Fulfilling Nonmonogamous Love Life” (Chronicle Books; out Tuesday). Throughout the how-to guide, the sexually liberated mother of two uses her personal experiences (names of her partners have been changed), interactions with clients and therapeutic exercises to help those who are curious about trying out the relationship style.
In fact, Wenzel believes millions of people would improve and strengthen their marriages and relationships if they weren’t so obsessed with being with only one partner.
“For many of us, one partner cannot meet all our needs,” she writes. “And this expectation that one person can . . . is at least partly the reason why the Western world has such a high divorce rate.”
Until eight years ago, Wenzel had never considered an open marriage, or that she may be sexually attracted to women.
But being in an open relationship allowed her to explore her bisexuality — and seek out a female partner for the first time — four years ago.
“I knew I was interested in women because I always liked watching lesbian porn,” she says. So after chatting on Tinder, Wenzel invited her crush, Catherine, and Catherine’s boyfriend over to the house.
“Catherine and I excused ourselves to the bedroom, where we had a very sensuous, sexual experience,” Wenzel writes. “The guys joined us for a little while, which was a wonderful experience, but then they decided to give us space to be with one another.”
“I could hear them talking about politics and their work in the living room, while Catherine and I expressed our sexual pleasure in the bedroom.” She and Catherine are still going strong today.
Being in an open relationship also allowed Wenzel to explore BDSM.
“Denys tried to do kinky sex, but he doesn’t like it,” says Wenzel, who enjoys spanking, dirty talk, handcuffs, hair pulling and mild, pleasurable pain.
Another difference? She likes to have an emotional connection with her partners, while her husband’s are more purely sexual.
Since they opened their marriage, Wenzel has had seven partners and prefers to see them for about eight months each, while Denys has had some 10 companions, seeing some only a few times and others for a few years.
Wenzel wasn’t always into extramarital hookups. The pair had dated for one year and were living together in Winnipeg when Denys, who’s a nonprofit executive director, first admitted that he wanted to have sex with other women. The revelation left her in “complete shock.”
“I felt like I was going to have a panic attack,” she recalls. “I felt dizzy and wondered, ‘Am I dreaming?’ ”
Heartbroken and defeated, Wenzel swiftly kicked Denys out. “I said, ‘You have half an hour to get your s - - t out of my house,’ ” she says. “That’s when the real work began.”
Wenzel switched into therapist mode and identified the root cause of her jealousy and abandonment issues: Her parents, who are from Kenya and practice polygamy.
“The idea of polygamy put a bad taste in my mouth,” she says. “I didn’t think it was right for men to have multiple partners, and women were not allowed, or looked down upon, for having multiple partners.”
Her parents were also “business people [who] were constantly gone,” she says. “I always felt that they didn’t show up for me.”
During a therapy session a few months later, something clicked for Wenzel.
“I realized because of my fear of abandonment, I tend to control my relationships,” she says. “If I loved him, I had to accept who he was.”
Ready to give an open relationship a try, the duo drafted a set of rules — including a safe-sex “condom contract” — which Wenzel recommends doing in every open relationship. Other rules include a 2 a.m. curfew, a heads-up about sleepovers and, if one of them is falling in love, they have to come clean.
Even though parameters were set, Wenzel still had a hard time imagining Denys with other women. She says that “at the peak” of her jealousy, she snooped through his phone, e-mails and Facebook, and texted one of his gal pals to “get your own boyfriend.”
She also accidentally fell in love with her first admirer, Patrick, whom she had a lot in common with, including race.
“Patrick spoke Swahili, we both loved African food and we shared a deep understanding of racism and microaggressions in Canada,” she writes. “These racial dynamics resulted in a specific type of jealousy that Denys and I had to work through in our marriage . . . We assured each other that although we felt kinship with our open-relationship partner of the same race, our interracial marriage was still strong and our first priority.”
Wenzel only recently came out to her son, 14, and daughter, 12, about the dynamic with Denys, who is their stepfather.
“My daughter was very understanding and said, ‘Oh, that makes sense to me; sometimes I like different boys at school,’ ” Wenzel says with a laugh. “My son, on the other hand, doesn’t like it and said, ‘Well, I’m not going to be in an open relationship.’ And I said, ‘That’s absolutely OK. It’s not for everyone.’ ”
When it comes to her own marriage, though, Wenzel says it works.
“What we do with other people does not matter,” she writes. “In fact, my joy is seeing him happy in other relationships.”
How to know if you’re ready for an open relationship
The sex is meh
Sexless stretches are a common side effect of long-term relationships. Wenzel suggests trying toys, seeing a sex therapist and redefining what sex means to you before opening up your marriage. “Some people still expect to have sex the way they did in their 20s, but you may have issues like erectile dysfunction,” she says. “Some people may need to try focusing less on orgasming and more just on pleasure.” But if all of that still hasn’t done the trick — especially if your partner doesn’t seem game to experiment with you — you might want to expand your horizons.
You want more emotional support
“Everyone has varying degrees of emotional support that they need,” says Wenzel. “And while you may want to stay together with your partner, things like work, travel and scheduling conflicts can get in the way of your spouse’s ability to support you the way you want.” If the situation can’t be changed, an open relationship might be a good option.
You’ve got a wandering eye
“A history of desiring other people when you’re in a committed relationship, whether the relationship is going well or not, is a good indicator,” she says. Still, the impulse has to go beyond merely “saying hi and doing a little flirting here and there. You have to truly enjoy and get a lot of gratification out of flirting with people who aren’t your partner.”
You find secrets sexy
Cheating on your partner is never a good option, says Wenzel, but in an open relationship, “if you like the thrill of secrecy, you could let your partner know [what you’re doing] but negotiate to keep some information private. That way you’re still being respectful while living out your fantasy.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Trump needs to realize the coronavirus threat isn’t about him

The coronavirus may be able to linger in the air ...

President Trump keeps hitting bad notes when it comes to the coronavirus threat; the nation needs him to adjust.
With many Americans fearing a crisis that could leave hundreds of thousands dead, political leaders have a duty to show they’re taking the risks seriously — not feeding panic, but acknowledging the simple fact that no one knows for sure how this will play out and that things could indeed get dicey.
Don’t underplay everything. Admit that the country could be facing a real test.
Make sure your team is providing the most accurate possible information about the dangers and how the health-care system and government at all levels are preparing and responding.
If things turn out better than feared — as they likely will — then there’s no harm done.
But it doesn’t build confidence for the chief executive to be all business-as-usual. It was a mistake to do that Florida fundraiser on Monday; the public wants its leaders focused on working to reduce risks and planning for how to handle trouble.
And sorry: It’s not the media’s fault the stock market’s tanking. The Dow dipped steeply when SARS hit in 2003 and again for H1N1 in 2009 — only to recover rapidly when the threats proved minor.
And the current crisis already involves some serious, if short-term, economic hits: China’s virtual shutdown for a month disrupted global supply chains, while Italy’s most productive areas have been in their own lockdown — which could trigger fiscal trouble there and even a new euro crisis. Plus, the Saudis and Russians are now upending the oil markets, tossing more chaos into the mix.
Voters won’t blame Trump for any of this: US employers were still adding jobs at an excellent clip in February, and no president can stop a virus from popping up in China and disrupting the global economy.
But the public is likely to resent a president who reacts to a potential crisis by fulminating online as if it’s all about him.
It’s not, sir: It’s about all Americans — and they want you recognizing that.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Key win for NYCHA tenants: after-hours repairs can become routine

In a big win for New York City Housing Authority residents , an arbitrator just ruled in favor of extended hours for NYCHA ’ s unionized maintenance workforce .
Back in January 2019 , Teamsters Local 237 agreed to a new contract that allowed alternate work schedules so tenants could schedule badly needed repairs in the evening and on weekends .
Under the old contract , maintenance staff only worked from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. , Monday to Friday .
But then the union balked , citing safety concerns that it said had gone unaddressed .
Last November , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocking any further “ off hours ” work schedules .
Now the arbitration decision lets the reform move ahead in 38 housing projects — though the delay may prevent NYCHA from offering extended schedules system-wide by year ’ s end , as it had planned .
Let ’ s hope NYCHA continues to win more labor flexibility : It ’ s in workers ’ interests as well as tenants ’ , as continued deterioration could prompt drastic action , even the decertification of the unions .
Of course , the agency ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NYCHA ’ s culture must change from top to bottom , or it will never get on top of its mold and pest-control issues , heat and hot-water woes and rotting roofs — nor get current on ordinary repairs .
Agency chief Greg Russ has to get everyone working together : If he doesn ’ t , everything can still fall apart .

In a big win for New York City Housing Authority residents, an arbitrator just ruled in favor of extended hours for NYCHA’s unionized maintenance workforce.
Back in January 2019, Teamsters Local 237 agreed to a new contract that allowed alternate work schedules so tenants could schedule badly needed repairs in the evening and on weekends. Under the old contract, maintenance staff only worked from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
But then the union balked, citing safety concerns that it said had gone unaddressed. Last November, a judge granted a temporary restraining order blocking any further “off hours” work schedules.
Now the arbitration decision lets the reform move ahead in 38 housing projects — though the delay may prevent NYCHA from offering extended schedules system-wide by year’s end, as it had planned.
Let’s hope NYCHA continues to win more labor flexibility: It’s in workers’ interests as well as tenants’, as continued deterioration could prompt drastic action, even the decertification of the unions.
Of course, the agency’s management has to improve, too: NYCHA’s culture must change from top to bottom, or it will never get on top of its mold and pest-control issues, heat and hot-water woes and rotting roofs — nor get current on ordinary repairs.
Agency chief Greg Russ has to get everyone working together: If he doesn’t, everything can still fall apart.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--A heartening response to video of Brooklyn mob beat-down of teen girl

Last week ’ s brutal mob attack in Brooklyn on a 15-year-old girl should horrify New Yorkers .
The good news ?
It did .
Residents in Crown Heights , where the shocking caught-on-camera beating took place , are reacting just the right way : Parents of five of the teens involved forced their kids to turn themselves in .
Neighbors are decrying the savagery .
Cops are treating the case with the utmost seriousness , pursuing every last perp .
As of Sunday , they ’ d nabbed seven more teens , and are hunting for still others .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was set upon by a dozen-plus teens who beat , kicked and jumped on her and stole her sneakers , phone and debit card .
On seeing footage of the beating , one mom realized , “ That ’ s my kid.
” She says she “ wanted to kill him with my bare hands ” — but settled for having him surrender .
“ I ’ m angry and very disappointed in him .
I did not teach him to act like an animal , ” admits Donna Howell .
Her “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family.
” Community activist Tony Herbert , the girl ’ s uncle , also had wise advice : “ I ’ m not a proponent of our young people being in jail , but they have to atone for the criminality.
” Adds the girl ’ s aunt : “ Young black people are dying every day.
” The community ’ s sentiments are encouraging , especially given how activists and pols have focused almost exclusively on protecting suspects and criminals .
Even better news : The 15-year-old , who suffered head trauma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her grandma says she ’ ll “ be all right ” eventually .
Thank goodness .
Ugly and shocking as the video was , the rest of the story has proved far better .

Last week’s brutal mob attack in Brooklyn on a 15-year-old girl should horrify New Yorkers. The good news? It did.
Residents in Crown Heights, where the shocking caught-on-camera beating took place, are reacting just the right way: Parents of five of the teens involved forced their kids to turn themselves in. Neighbors are decrying the savagery.
Cops are treating the case with the utmost seriousness, pursuing every last perp. As of Sunday, they’d nabbed seven more teens, and are hunting for still others.
The welcome reaction comes after the girl was set upon by a dozen-plus teens who beat, kicked and jumped on her and stole her sneakers, phone and debit card.
On seeing footage of the beating, one mom realized, “That’s my kid.” She says she “wanted to kill him with my bare hands” — but settled for having him surrender.
“I’m angry and very disappointed in him. I did not teach him to act like an animal,” admits Donna Howell. Her “heart breaks for the victim’s family.”
Community activist Tony Herbert, the girl’s uncle, also had wise advice: “I’m not a proponent of our young people being in jail, but they have to atone for the criminality.”
Adds the girl’s aunt: “Young black people are dying every day.”
The community’s sentiments are encouraging, especially given how activists and pols have focused almost exclusively on protecting suspects and criminals.
Even better news: The 15-year-old, who suffered head trauma, is out of the hospital. Her grandma says she’ll “be all right” eventually. Thank goodness.
Ugly and shocking as the video was, the rest of the story has proved far better.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--National Magazine Awards ceremony in Brooklyn postponed due to coronavirus

The National Magazine Awards scheduled for March 12 are being postponed due to the coronavirus .
For the first time in the 55-year history , the annual ceremony known as the Academy Awards of the magazine publishing world has been pulled .
The event , which had been scheduled to take place at Brooklyn Steel , a music venue in Williamsburg , Brooklyn , is expected to be rescheduled for later this spring , but a new date has yet to be decided .
“ ASME fully hoped to host the Ellie awards this week , ” said Sidney Holt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Magazine Editors , which sponsors the awards with the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism .
“ We ’ re trying to come up with a date and thinking it will be sometime in May , ” Holt said , adding that the new date depends on the ever-changing status of coronavirus outbreak , which has infected 142 people in New York and 11 in New Jersey .
Cases across the US have grown in recent weeks to 566 with 22 deaths , up from zero at the end of February .
Nominations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Times Magazine gaining 10 nominations and New York Magazine and National Geographic with nine nominations each — leading the pack of glossy magazines and digital publishers .
The winners are a closely held secret until the night of the ceremony .
“ We won ’ t announce the winners until we hold the event , ” said Holt .
“ We ’ re working on a day now , ” he said .

The National Magazine Awards scheduled for March 12 are being postponed due to the coronavirus.
For the first time in the 55-year history, the annual ceremony known as the Academy Awards of the magazine publishing world has been pulled. The event, which had been scheduled to take place at Brooklyn Steel, a music venue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is expected to be rescheduled for later this spring, but a new date has yet to be decided.
“ASME fully hoped to host the Ellie awards this week,” said Sidney Holt, executive director of the American Society of Magazine Editors, which sponsors the awards with the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.
“We’re trying to come up with a date and thinking it will be sometime in May,” Holt said, adding that the new date depends on the ever-changing status of coronavirus outbreak, which has infected 142 people in New York and 11 in New Jersey.
Cases across the US have grown in recent weeks to 566 with 22 deaths, up from zero at the end of February.
Nominations were announced a month ago with New York Times Magazine gaining 10 nominations and New York Magazine and National Geographic with nine nominations each — leading the pack of glossy magazines and digital publishers.
The winners are a closely held secret until the night of the ceremony.
“We won’t announce the winners until we hold the event,” said Holt. “We’re working on a day now,” he said.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Coronavirus in NY: MTA chief calls subways safe — but also says avoid them

The MTA ’ s chairman on Monday insisted mass transit is safe to ride amid the coronavirus outbreak — then advised New Yorkers to avoid the subway so they don ’ t get sick .
“ I want to assure the public that the subways remain safe , ” Pat Foye said at a press conference at MTA headquarters .
Minutes later , he said : “ If you can get around without riding the subway , do it.
” The comments echoed advice from Gov .
Andrew Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio , who have said commuters should avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ options if available .
“ The message is if there are alternatives to subways that work… do that , ” Foye said , suggesting alternatives like telecommuting , biking , walking or taking transit at less-crowded times of day .
The official advice rang hollow for many commuters Monday who said they had no choice but to take the train .
“ I live all the way in The Bronx .
I can ’ t bike all the way down here to come to work , ” said Melissa Sweeney , 40 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gig near City Hall .
“ The mayor doesn ’ t have to take the train , but everyone has to get to work no matter what , ” said Amani Adalasha , 24 .
“ It ’ s kind of f—d up that he ’ s expecting all of us to stop our lives .
We all need to make money.
” “ You want to be cautious and everything , but honestly — I ’ m poor so I need to work , ” she added .
Others , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all got ta die , man .
I ’ m gon na die , you ’ re gonne die .
You never know when you ’ re going to die , ” said one 63-year-old Brooklyn man who gave his name as Joe .
Speaking to reporters on Monday , Foye also said the MTA had continued to meet its goal of cleaning trains and buses every 72 hours and frequently-used station surfaces every day .
He said the added cleaning costs — plus an expected , but not yet confirmed , drop-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s bottom line .
“ The MTA and its agencies will incur a significant amount of costs to this endeavor , ” Foye said .
“ Our first priority is public health .
That means that if there ’ s less crowding , that in the short term is a good thing because it will reduce the risk to the public .
”

The MTA’s chairman on Monday insisted mass transit is safe to ride amid the coronavirus outbreak — then advised New Yorkers to avoid the subway so they don’t get sick.
“I want to assure the public that the subways remain safe,” Pat Foye said at a press conference at MTA headquarters.
Minutes later, he said: “If you can get around without riding the subway, do it.”
The comments echoed advice from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio, who have said commuters should avoid taking crowded trains and seek other transportation options if available.
“The message is if there are alternatives to subways that work… do that,” Foye said, suggesting alternatives like telecommuting, biking, walking or taking transit at less-crowded times of day.
The official advice rang hollow for many commuters Monday who said they had no choice but to take the train.
“I live all the way in The Bronx. I can’t bike all the way down here to come to work,” said Melissa Sweeney, 40, who was on her way home from a gig near City Hall.
“The mayor doesn’t have to take the train, but everyone has to get to work no matter what,” said Amani Adalasha, 24. “It’s kind of f—d up that he’s expecting all of us to stop our lives. We all need to make money.”
“You want to be cautious and everything, but honestly — I’m poor so I need to work,” she added.
Others, however, were defiantly unconcerned.
“We all gotta die, man. I’m gonna die, you’re gonne die. You never know when you’re going to die,” said one 63-year-old Brooklyn man who gave his name as Joe.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Foye also said the MTA had continued to meet its goal of cleaning trains and buses every 72 hours and frequently-used station surfaces every day.
He said the added cleaning costs — plus an expected, but not yet confirmed, drop-in ridership — could hurt the MTA’s bottom line.
“The MTA and its agencies will incur a significant amount of costs to this endeavor,” Foye said.
“Our first priority is public health. That means that if there’s less crowding, that in the short term is a good thing because it will reduce the risk to the public.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Listen to Episode 1 of ‘Amazin’ But True’: Where’s Cespedes and Who’s the Closer? feat. Edgardo Alfo

Listen to Episode 1 of ‘Amazin’ But True’: Where’s Cespedes and Who’s the Closer? feat. Edgardo Alfonzo

It ’ s 70 degrees in New York City and the Mets are less than three weeks away from their March 26 season opener in Queens .
It ’ s time for the debut of our Mets podcast “ Amazin ’ But True ” with former Mets pitcher and Emmy-Award winning TV analyst Nelson Figueroa and me .
We open the debut show talking about Noah Syndergaard throwing in his underwear .
Would Figgie pitch without most of his clothes on ?
We talk about an important season ahead for Thor on the mound and the need for consistency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stats being meaningless .
Figgie breaks down what the focus of spring games are , especially for pitchers .
We also discuss Dellin Betances ’ health and the bullpen , plus Figgie ’ s time playing for Luis Rojas and what he expects of him as the Mets manager .
Figgie reacts to a clip from Doc Gooden saying Figgie only was throwing 65 mph at fantasy camp .
We also give out our poll question , which is : Who will be the Mets closer when Opening Day arrives ?
Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by on the debut pod .
Puma talks about Yoenis Cespedes and when he may play .
He also talks about Jed Lowrie ’ s health : He believes there is a chance Lowrie doesn ’ t play at all this season .
Puma looks at what Michael Wacha ’ s role might be and whether Steven Matz will be the fifth starter .
He also talks about what he expects of Rojas and how the closer spot may shake out .
Former Mets All-Star infielder Edgardo Alfonzo then joins Figgie and me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the Mets Hall of Fame this May and what it means .
He also talks about managing the Brooklyn Cyclones to a title in 2019 and the organization ’ s decision to not bring him back .
The fan-favorite also talks about his ending with the Mets , missing New York , his favorite memories from the 2000 pennant-winning team , the toughest pitcher to face and what he thinks of the 2020 team .
Can there be a Subway Series in the cards ?
Subscribe to “ Amazin ’ But True @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wherever you get your podcasts .
New episodes drop Mondays afternoons during Spring Training and Monday and Thursday afternoons beginning March 30th .

It’s 70 degrees in New York City and the Mets are less than three weeks away from their March 26 season opener in Queens. It’s time for the debut of our Mets podcast “Amazin’ But True” with former Mets pitcher and Emmy-Award winning TV analyst Nelson Figueroa and me.
We open the debut show talking about Noah Syndergaard throwing in his underwear. Would Figgie pitch without most of his clothes on? We talk about an important season ahead for Thor on the mound and the need for consistency. We also discuss spring training games and the stats being meaningless. Figgie breaks down what the focus of spring games are, especially for pitchers. We also discuss Dellin Betances’ health and the bullpen, plus Figgie’s time playing for Luis Rojas and what he expects of him as the Mets manager. Figgie reacts to a clip from Doc Gooden saying Figgie only was throwing 65 mph at fantasy camp. We also give out our poll question, which is: Who will be the Mets closer when Opening Day arrives?
Subscribe on:
Post Mets beat writer Mike Puma then drops by on the debut pod. Puma talks about Yoenis Cespedes and when he may play. He also talks about Jed Lowrie’s health: He believes there is a chance Lowrie doesn’t play at all this season. Puma looks at what Michael Wacha’s role might be and whether Steven Matz will be the fifth starter. He also talks about what he expects of Rojas and how the closer spot may shake out.
Former Mets All-Star infielder Edgardo Alfonzo then joins Figgie and me. We talk with Fonzie about getting into the Mets Hall of Fame this May and what it means. He also talks about managing the Brooklyn Cyclones to a title in 2019 and the organization’s decision to not bring him back. The fan-favorite also talks about his ending with the Mets, missing New York, his favorite memories from the 2000 pennant-winning team, the toughest pitcher to face and what he thinks of the 2020 team. Can there be a Subway Series in the cards?
Catch up on all episodes of “Amazin’ But True,” a New York Mets podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Seemingly icy relationship between William and Harry captured on video

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Prince Harry and Meghan Markle experienced an awkward end to their royal life as they appeared to be coldly snubbed by Prince William and wife Kate Middleton at an event with Queen Elizabeth .
Royal watchers accused William and Kate of ignoring Harry and Meghan in what was described as a “ painful ” encounter on live TV at a Commonwealth Day service at London ’ s Westminster Abbey on Monday .
Harry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sussex — were reunited with William and Kate — the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — for the first time in public since they announced their “ Megxit ” plans a few months ago .
After Harry and Meghan were led to their seats , William and Kate arrived shortly after to sit in the row in front of them .
Live TV footage shows Harry smiling and greeting his brother , while Meghan , wearing an emerald green dress with cape and matching hat , appeared to smile and say “ hi.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry and Meghan , but a drawn-looking Kate did not appear to acknowledge them at all .
Instead , William appeared to enthusiastically greet his uncle Edward Wessex and wife Sophie — who were seated next to Meghan and Harry — before the Cambridges sat down with their backs to them .
The event was the first time the two couples have been seen together in public since Prince Harry and Meghan announced their plans to step down as senior royals .
And it was Harry and Meghan ’ s final public royal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on @ RoyalCentral on Twitter , one user wrote , “ And William and Kate ignored them .
Shameful … ” Another said , “ I ’ m still chipping the ice off my phone screen !
Ouch !
Definitely a chill between the Cambridges and Sussexes .
Meghan attempted to say hello 3 times to no avail .
Harry does NOT look happy at all.
” Harry and William have had a difficult relationship in recent years .
Harry said in a recent ITV documentary about their issues , “ Inevitably , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brothers , we ’ ll always be brothers .
We are certainly on different paths at the moment .
I ’ ll always be there for him and as I know , he ’ ll always be there for me .
We don ’ t see each other as much as we used to because we ’ re so busy , but I love him dearly .
”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle experienced an awkward end to their royal life as they appeared to be coldly snubbed by Prince William and wife Kate Middleton at an event with Queen Elizabeth.
Royal watchers accused William and Kate of ignoring Harry and Meghan in what was described as a “painful” encounter on live TV at a Commonwealth Day service at London’s Westminster Abbey on Monday.
Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were reunited with William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, for the first time in public since they announced their “Megxit” plans a few months ago.
After Harry and Meghan were led to their seats, William and Kate arrived shortly after to sit in the row in front of them.
Live TV footage shows Harry smiling and greeting his brother, while Meghan, wearing an emerald green dress with cape and matching hat, appeared to smile and say “Hi.”
William made brief eye contact with Harry and Meghan, but a drawn-looking Kate did not appear to acknowledge them at all. Instead, William appeared to enthusiastically greet his uncle Edward Wessex and wife Sophie — who were seated next to Meghan and Harry — before the Cambridges sat down with their backs to them.
The event was the first time the two couples have been seen together in public since Prince Harry and Meghan announced their plans to step down as senior royals. And it was Harry and Meghan’s final public royal duty.
After the video was posted on @RoyalCentral on Twitter, one user wrote, “And William and Kate ignored them. Shameful …” Another said, “I’m still chipping the ice off my phone screen! Ouch! Definitely a chill between the Cambridges and Sussexes. Meghan attempted to say hello 3 times to no avail. Harry does NOT look happy at all.”
Harry and William have had a difficult relationship in recent years. Harry said in a recent ITV documentary about their issues, “Inevitably, stuff happens. But we’re brothers, we’ll always be brothers. We are certainly on different paths at the moment. I’ll always be there for him and as I know, he’ll always be there for me. We don’t see each other as much as we used to because we’re so busy, but I love him dearly.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Human lab rats needed: Would you get infected with coronavirus for $4,500?

Are you sick of being healthy ?
Would you like to experience the coronavirus firsthand ?
Look no further than the Queen Mary BioEnterprises Innovation Centre in London , which is looking for 24 volunteers to inject with the dreaded coronavirus and participate in their flu camp .
They will be paid about $ 4,588 for their troubles .
This isn ’ t the latest twisted Stephen King novel .
Rather , it ’ s an attempt by medical research and development company Hvivo to create a vaccine for the deadly disease which has killed more than 3,800 across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will receive a battery of tests before being selected — will be given two of the virus ’ weaker strains , 0C43 and 229E , which should cause mild respiratory symptoms .
They will then be given new or existing vaccines .
Doctors — who will wear protective clothing and ventilators — will analyze the patients ’ responses to the vaccine , and the results will help researchers focus on the most effective treatments in order to fast-track them .
Aside from the actual downside of being sick , participants must stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a restricted diet and avoid human contact and exercise .
The East London-based company is just one of 20 firms joining the global race to find a vaccine that could be ready by next winter , reports the Times of London .
“ Drugs companies can get a very good idea within a few months of starting a vaccine study whether it ’ s working or not , using such a small sample of people , ” said Andrew Catchpole , Hvivo ’ s chief scientist .
The testing will begin once Hvivo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency .

Are you sick of being healthy? Would you like to experience the coronavirus firsthand?
Look no further than the Queen Mary BioEnterprises Innovation Centre in London, which is looking for 24 volunteers to inject with the dreaded coronavirus and participate in their flu camp.
They will be paid about $4,588 for their troubles.
This isn’t the latest twisted Stephen King novel. Rather, it’s an attempt by medical research and development company Hvivo to create a vaccine for the deadly disease that has killed more than 3,800 across the globe.
The human guinea pigs — who will receive a battery of tests before being selected — will be given two of the virus’ weaker strains, 0C43 and 229E, which should cause mild respiratory symptoms. They will then be given new or existing vaccines.
Doctors — who will wear protective clothing and ventilators — will analyze the patients’ responses to the vaccine, and the results will help researchers focus on the most effective treatments in order to fast-track them.
Aside from the actual downside of being sick, participants must stay in quarantine for two weeks, eat a restricted diet and avoid human contact and exercise.
The East London-based company is just one of 20 firms joining the global race to find a vaccine that could be ready by next winter, reports the Times of London.
“Drugs companies can get a very good idea within a few months of starting a vaccine study whether it’s working or not, using such a small sample of people,” said Andrew Catchpole, Hvivo’s chief scientist.
The testing will begin once Hvivo gets the go-ahead from UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Nxivm leader Keith Raniere says witnesses lied, he should get new trial

Attorneys for Keith Raniere said on Monday that the convicted Nxivm honcho should get a new trial in his racketeering case because two witnesses who testified against him allegedly lied on the stand .
In papers filed in Brooklyn federal court , Raniere ’ s attorneys alleges that the witnesses testified that they had no intention of being involved with a lawsuit against top Nxivm brass alleging that they swindled adherents out of their life savings and forced them into sexual slavery .
But two women who took the stand at Raniere ’ s trial last year , identified in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are part of the 80-plaintiff lawsuit filed in January against Raniere and members of Nxivm ’ s “ inner circle.
” “ If the jury had known about the perjury , demonstrating the witnesses ’ bias to testify against Raniere , their collusion with each other and their willingness to lie under oath , there is a significant chance that this would have undermined the credibility of these witnesses , ” Raniere ’ s attorneys wrote in a motion for a new trial .
The defendants in the lawsuit include Seagrams booze heiresses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Nancy Salzman , bookkeeper Nancy Russell and “ Smallville ” TV actress Allison Mack .
Some plaintiffs in the suit claim that there were recruited into DOS , a sex-slave ring within Nxvim in which women were forced to have sex with Raniere and get his initials branded on their bodies .
Other say that they were made to undergo phony psychological treatments that were nothing more than “ pseudo-scientific hodgepodge of psychotherapeutic methods.
” Raniere is scheduled to be sentenced on April 16 .
He will receive a 15-year mandatory minimum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in prison .
The US Attorney ’ s Office declined to comment on the motion for a new trial .
A lawyer representing plaintiffs in the lawsuit did not immediately respond to a request for comment .

Attorneys for Keith Raniere said on Monday that the convicted Nxivm honcho should get a new trial in his racketeering case because two witnesses who testified against him allegedly lied on the stand.
In papers filed in Brooklyn federal court, Raniere’s attorneys alleges that the witnesses testified that they had no intention of being involved with a lawsuit against top Nxivm brass alleging that they swindled adherents out of their life savings and forced them into sexual slavery.
But two women who took the stand at Raniere’s trial last year, identified in court papers as Daniela and Nicole, are part of the 80-plaintiff lawsuit filed in January against Raniere and members of Nxivm’s “inner circle.”
“If the jury had known about the perjury, demonstrating the witnesses’ bias to testify against Raniere, their collusion with each other and their willingness to lie under oath, there is a significant chance that this would have undermined the credibility of these witnesses,” Raniere’s attorneys wrote in a motion for a new trial.
The defendants in the lawsuit include Seagrams booze heiresses Claire and Sara Bronfman, Lauren Salzman, Nancy Salzman, bookkeeper Nancy Russell and “Smallville” TV actress Allison Mack.
Some plaintiffs in the suit claim that there were recruited into DOS, a sex-slave ring within Nxvim in which women were forced to have sex with Raniere and get his initials branded on their bodies.
Other say that they were made to undergo phony psychological treatments that were nothing more than “pseudo-scientific hodgepodge of psychotherapeutic methods.”
Raniere is scheduled to be sentenced on April 16. He will receive a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence and could get up to life in prison.
The US Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the motion for a new trial. A lawyer representing plaintiffs in the lawsuit did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Neil Glazer, the Philadelphia-based lawyer representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said in a statement to The Post said that the two witnesses who are the heart of Raniere attorney Marc Agnifilo’s motion initially did not intend to join the lawsuit — but changed their minds once they saw the “mountain of evidence” that come out against Raniere during the trial.
“Mr. Agnifilo’s melodramatic cries of foul play are nonsense, faulting intelligent women for waiting until they had complete information before deciding both whether to file a lawsuit and who to sue, Glazer said. “At trial, he asked the witnesses if they intended or were planning to file a lawsuit. They truthfully answered ‘no.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Coronavirus kills monthly cuddle party for non-sexual snuggles

Coronavirus has claimed its latest victim : a non-sexual cuddling party in San Francisco .
The next monthly installment of Cuddle Party , scheduled for March 14 , has been nixed as part of the California city ’ s ban on non-essential events held in city-owned facilities to curb the virus ’ reach , Business Insider reports .
Dr. Yoni Alkan , who organizes San Francisco ’ s branch of Cuddle Party , says Saturday ’ s event is the sole one to be canceled “ for now.
” These three- to four-hour events take place in an undisclosed location @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the northwest of the city — where total strangers gather to meet , practice consent through communication and to touch or be touched .
Its rules include keeping pajamas on the entire time , asking for verbal permission before touching anyone and keeping the cuddle space clean and tidy , according to its website .
Around 30 people typically attend .
The city ’ s ban on non-essential events went into effect on Saturday and will remain that way for two weeks , until March 20 .
By non-essential , the city means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social , cultural or entertainment purposes in which people are not separated by at least four feet .
Last week , San Francisco reported two confirmed cases of coronavirus , reportedly the result of community transmission without travel to affected world regions .
There are reportedly six presumptive cases , all of whom are self-isolated at home and in “ good condition , ” Business Insider adds .

Coronavirus has claimed its latest victim: a non-sexual cuddling party in San Francisco.
The next monthly installment of Cuddle Party, scheduled for March 14, has been nixed as part of the California city’s ban on non-essential events held in city-owned facilities to curb the virus’ reach, Business Insider reports.
Dr. Yoni Alkan, who organizes San Francisco’s branch of Cuddle Party, says Saturday’s event is the sole one to be canceled “for now.”
These three- to four-hour events take place in an undisclosed location in the Richmond District, located in the northwest of the city — where total strangers gather to meet, practice consent through communication and to touch or be touched. Its rules include keeping pajamas on the entire time, asking for verbal permission before touching anyone and keeping the cuddle space clean and tidy, according to its website. Around 30 people typically attend.
The city’s ban on non-essential events went into effect on Saturday and will remain that way for two weeks, until March 20. By non-essential, the city means any gathering of 50 or more for social, cultural or entertainment purposes in which people are not separated by at least four feet.
Last week, San Francisco reported two confirmed cases of coronavirus, reportedly the result of community transmission without travel to affected world regions. There are reportedly six presumptive cases, all of whom are self-isolated at home and in “good condition,” Business Insider adds.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--The Sill planters discounted up to 50% off during spring sale

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newyorkpost--2020-03-09--St. Mary’s vs. BYU: Gaels can pull off the upset

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Listen Live to VSiN 's sports betting shows Great things come in 3s and Las Vegas knows how to party , so what better way to celebrate than having two of the top five 3-point shooting percentage teams in the country do battle in the desert on Monday .
BYU is the only team in the nation that is shooting over 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent , while St. Mary ’ s makes 38.8 percent of its 3-pointers .
While these teams both hit outside shots , they have different tempos as BYU is 143rd in the country in possessions per game while St. Mary ’ s is 306th .
The last time these two teams met , the pace was played closer to the Gaels ’ ideal pace , but the teams went a combined 20-for-42 from 3-point range , which is unusually high even for these teams .
St. Mary ’ s also has experience playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times this season and winning three of those — including a takedown of BYU , 87-84 , on Jan. 9 .
With St. Mary ’ s entering playing solid defense , giving up 72 points or fewer in five of its past six games that have ended in regulation , the Gaels should give the Cougars fits and have a chance to pull the upset .

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Great things come in 3s and Las Vegas knows how to party, so what better way to celebrate than having two of the top five 3-point shooting percentage teams in the country do battle in the desert on Monday.
BYU is the only team in the nation that is shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range, hitting 42.1 percent, while St. Mary’s makes 38.8 percent of its 3-pointers.
While these teams both hit outside shots, they have different tempos as BYU is 143rd in the country in possessions per game while St. Mary’s is 306th. The last time these two teams met, the pace was played closer to the Gaels’ ideal pace, but the teams went a combined 20-for-42 from 3-point range, which is unusually high even for these teams.
St. Mary’s also has experience playing close games, going to overtime four times this season and winning three of those — including a takedown of BYU, 87-84, on Jan. 9.
With St. Mary’s entering playing solid defense, giving up 72 points or fewer in five of its past six games that have ended in regulation, the Gaels should give the Cougars fits and have a chance to pull the upset.
The Play: St. Mary’s, +4.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--No, sexism didn’t kill Elizabeth Warren’s bid and other commentary

After Liz Warren suspended her presidential bid Thursday , Katie Herzog snorts at Reason , her supporters blamed “ sexism ” for “ her failure to win a single primary race , much less the Democratic nomination.
” While Warren fans are “ primed to see sexism everywhere , ” the fact is that she “ didn ’ t lose this race simply because of sexism , but because she made a series of political miscalculations , ” starting with “ the disastrous unveiling of her DNA test.
” Had she “ pitched herself as a capable , qualified , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Bernie Lite , ” she might have won .
Instead , she came off as so “ out of touch ” that nominating her would have “ given us four more years of Trump.
” Quips Herzog : “ That isn ’ t sexism ; it ’ s math.
” In the ongoing debate over whether the key to winning the White House this year is persuading undecided voters or turning out your base , The American Prospect ’ s Robert Creamer sides with the “ turnout ” crowd : No matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the most likely path to Democratic victory.
” After all , “ there are very few actual persuadable voters , ” but many “ mobilizable voters ” — those who voted for President Barack Obama twice and for Democrats in the 2018 midterms .
If Democrats can convince these voters that “ the outcome will matter to them or their lives ” and nominate a candidate who “ inspires people , ” they will reap the ballot-box rewards — something Hillary Clinton “ failed to do ” and this year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November heartache .
Pledging to produce “ net-zero ” emissions by 2050 is “ all the rage in the corporate world , ” Rupert Darwall sighs at The Hill .
That ’ s largely owing to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ’ s 2018 report , which  “ asserted that emissions must reach net zero by around 2050 ” — but business leaders should read the report ’ s fine print .
Yet what the authors really want is “ the opportunity for ‘ intentional societal transformation , ’ ” meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , industrial , construction , transportation and agricultural industries , ” all while putting “ little or no value on the interests of humanity.
” Companies shouldn ’ t let activist investors “ bully ” them into “ adopting net-zero business strategies , ” Darwall warns — because that will only end up “ destroying the capitalist growth machine.
” Even during the “ coronavirus debacle , ” the Chinese Communist Party has been “ willing to mortgage the health of its citizens ” for “ the preservation of the system , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The National Interest .
A physician in Wuhan , Dr. Li Wenliang , “ first shared his concerns ” in December , yet regime officials forced him to sign a confession of guilt for spreading “ false information ” — so the virus continued “ spreading unabated for several more weeks.
” Wuhan authorities “ did the unthinkable : issuing orders to suppress the news and covering up the gravity of the outbreak.
” As Dr. Li , who “ ultimately had to pay for this crisis with his life , ” told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t have been as severe if the Communist Party had only allowed “ more openness and transparency.
” Bernie Sanders desperately needs a win in Tuesday ’ s Michigan primary , but Talking Points Memo ’ s Kate Riga reports that he looks to be in trouble in the Wolverine State .
Joe Biden has been enjoying an “ upswing in the state , which has been apparent since right after Super Tuesday , ” while many “ newly free supporters of candidates who dropped out one after another ” are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes , some Warren supporters might go for Bernie , but others won ’ t , and “ Biden will also be cleaning up with Bloomberg ’ s supporters , ” who polls suggest are about 10 percent of the primary electorate .
“ Sanders has been running ads in the state ” hitting Biden , but analysts think it ’ s “ unlikely ” those will move older , lifelong Democrats unmoved by his socialist appeal .

Libertarian: No, Sexism Didn’t Kill Warren’s Bid
After Liz Warren suspended her presidential bid Thursday, Katie Herzog snorts at Reason, her supporters blamed “sexism” for “her failure to win a single primary race, much less the Democratic nomination.” While Warren fans are “primed to see sexism everywhere,” the fact is that she “didn’t lose this race simply because of sexism, but because she made a series of political miscalculations,” starting with “the disastrous unveiling of her DNA test.” Had she “pitched herself as a capable, qualified, less ancient and more moderate Democrat instead of Bernie Lite,” she might have won. Instead, she came off as so “out of touch” that nominating her would have “given us four more years of Trump.” Quips Herzog: “That isn’t sexism; it’s math.”
2020 watch: Don’t Discount Turnout
In the ongoing debate over whether the key to winning the White House this year is persuading undecided voters or turning out your base, The American Prospect’s Robert Creamer sides with the “turnout” crowd: No matter whom Democrats nominate, “increasing turnout is the most likely path to Democratic victory.” After all, “there are very few actual persuadable voters,” but many “mobilizable voters” — those who voted for President Barack Obama twice and for Democrats in the 2018 midterms. If Democrats can convince these voters that “the outcome will matter to them or their lives” and nominate a candidate who “inspires people,” they will reap the ballot-box rewards — something Hillary Clinton “failed to do” and this year’s nominee must if Democrats wish to avoid November heartache.
Economic beat: Zero Benefits from ‘Net Zero’
Pledging to produce “net-zero” emissions by 2050 is “all the rage in the corporate world,” Rupert Darwall sighs at The Hill. That’s largely owing to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 2018 report, which “asserted that emissions must reach net zero by around 2050” — but business leaders should read the report’s fine print. Yet what the authors really want is “the opportunity for ‘intentional societal transformation,’ ” meaning governments get to restructure “the energy, industrial, construction, transportation and agricultural industries,” all while putting “little or no value on the interests of humanity.” Companies shouldn’t let activist investors “bully” them into “adopting net-zero business strategies,” Darwall warns — because that will only end up “destroying the capitalist growth machine.”
Health desk: The Communist Corona Chaos
Even during the “coronavirus debacle,” the Chinese Communist Party has been “willing to mortgage the health of its citizens” for “the preservation of the system,” Patrick Mendis and Joey Wang note at The National Interest. A physician in Wuhan, Dr. Li Wenliang, “first shared his concerns” in December, yet regime officials forced him to sign a confession of guilt for spreading “false information” — so the virus continued “spreading unabated for several more weeks.” Wuhan authorities “did the unthinkable: issuing orders to suppress the news and covering up the gravity of the outbreak.” As Dr. Li, who “ultimately had to pay for this crisis with his life,” told The New York Times, the crisis wouldn’t have been as severe if the Communist Party had only allowed “more openness and transparency.”
From the left: Bernie’s Michigan Inside Straight
Bernie Sanders desperately needs a win in Tuesday’s Michigan primary, but Talking Points Memo’s Kate Riga reports that he looks to be in trouble in the Wolverine State. Joe Biden has been enjoying an “upswing in the state, which has been apparent since right after Super Tuesday,” while many “newly free supporters of candidates who dropped out one after another” are likely to rally around the ex-veep. Yes, some Warren supporters might go for Bernie, but others won’t, and “Biden will also be cleaning up with Bloomberg’s supporters,” who polls suggest are about 10 percent of the primary electorate. “Sanders has been running ads in the state” hitting Biden, but analysts think it’s “unlikely” those will move older, lifelong Democrats unmoved by his socialist appeal.
— Compiled by Karl Salzmann & Sohrab Ahmari


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Joe Biden holds 19-point lead over Bernie Sanders, national poll shows

In the week between Super Tuesday and the coming Super ...

Former Vice President Joe Biden has a 19 percentage point lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential race, according to a new national poll released Monday.
Biden, coming off a strong performance last week on Super Tuesday, has the support of 54 percent of Democrats and independents leaning Democratic, while Sanders is the choice of 35 percent of the group, the Quinnipiac University poll shows.
The survey also found that Biden is seen as more favorable by voters than Sanders.
Seventy-seven percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters have a favorable opinion of Biden and 13 percent see him as unfavorable – while Sanders has a 71 percent favorability and a 17 percent unfavorable rating.
The new national poll was released as the two Democratic candidates are gearing up for primary elections in six states on Tuesday — Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Washington, Idaho and North Dakota.
Biden swept 10 of the 14 states that went to the polls on Super Tuesday, March 3, including pulling off upsets in Massachusetts and Texas, and emerged with more delegates than Sanders, despite his winning delegate-rich California.
Sanders has said that his campaign is looking to rebound in Michigan, which has 125 delegates up for grabs, but the poll numbers suggest he may have a tough row to hoe.
“It’s down to two and looks very much like the Biden resurgence could be a fatal blow to the Sanders revolution,” said Quinnipiac University Poll Analyst Tim Malloy.
Looking ahead at possible matchup for the general election, Biden leads President Trump 52-41 percent among registered voters and Sanders leads the incumbent by 49 to 42 percent.
Biden also leads Sanders in the favorability ratings among registered voters.
The former veep has a 45 percent favorability rating and a 40 percent unfavorable rating. Sanders is 46 percent unfavorable and 40 percent favorable.
Trump has a 58 percent unfavorable rating and a 39 favorable rating in the poll.
The poll taken amid the coronavirus outbreak that is rapidly spreading around the globe shows that Biden beats Trump 56 to 40 percent on the ability to handle a crisis, while Sanders tops Trump 50 to 44 percent.
But the president gets high marks on his handling of the economy – with 54 percent approving and 42 percent disapproving.
The poll was conducted March 5 to March 8 and surveyed 1,261 registered voters and 559 Democrats and independent voters who lean Democrat.
The survey of registered voters has a plus/minus 2.8 percentage points margin of error while the poll of Democrats and independents has a plus/minus 4.2 percentage points margin of error.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Coronavirus can travel much farther than previously thought, study finds

The city could have “ hundreds of cases ” of the coronavirus ...

The coronavirus may be able to linger in the air for at least half an hour, last for days on some surfaces, and travel almost 15 feet, a new study has found.
The research by Chinese government epidemiologists challenges the advice of health authorities who have suggested staying a “safe distance” of between 3 and 6 feet apart in public spaces to avoid catching COVID-19, according to the South China Morning Post.
“It can be confirmed that in a closed environment with air-conditioning, the transmission distance of the new coronavirus will exceed the commonly recognized safe distance,” the researchers wrote in a paper published in peer-reviewed Chinese journal Practical Preventive Medicine last Friday, per the newspaper.
The researchers from the Hunan province say they found the virus could last for days on a surface, depending on the environment. For example, at 98 degrees, they found it can last two to three days on glass, fabric, metal, plastic or paper.
It can also survive more than five days in human feces or bodily fluids, they said.
The scientists based their findings on a Jan. 22 case of a person with the virus who took a long-distance 48-seater bus ride — and ended up infecting 13 people total, according to the SCMP.
Surveillance footage showed that the patient didn’t interact with others throughout the four-hour ride — but a couple of the people who became infected were sitting as far as six rows away, or about 15 feet, the researchers said.
One person who caught the virus hopped on the bus about 30 minutes after the passenger and the others who became infected had got off — possibly having inhaled tiny particles breathed out by the first group, the researchers said.
The initial carrier then got on another bus, where the virus jumped to two others, also sitting about 15 feet away, they said.
“The possible reason is that in a completely enclosed space, the airflow is mainly driven by the hot air generated by the air conditioning. The rise of the hot air can transport the virus-laden droplets to a greater distance,” said the paper.
The scientists said their research highlighted the importance of wearing face masks — since none of the passengers in both buses who were wearing masks became infected.
“When riding on more closed public transportation such as subways, cars, planes, etc, you should wear a mask all the time, and at the same time, minimize the contact between your hands and public areas, and avoid touching your face before cleaning,” they advised, per the SCMP.
They also suggested improving sanitation on public transportation — including cleaning interiors once or twice a day — and adjusting air conditioning to make sure as much fresh air as possible is coming in.
Still, they weren’t able to answer why passengers sitting immediately next to the carrier — who suffered the highest exposure — were not infected.
“Our knowledge about this virus’s transmission is still limited,” one of the researchers said.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Rhett Ellison’s Giants retirement comes with feeling of gratitude

Rhett Ellison came as advertised when the Giants signed him prior to the 2017 season .
He provided steady blocking , occasional pass-catching production and consistent professionalism at tight end , making himself a favorite of every coach he worked with .
Ellison was beset by concussion issues in 2019 and on Monday announced his retirement .
Ellison , 31 , missed the final six games this past season while in the concussion protocol .
He finished his eight-year NFL career with 118 receptions for 1,189 yards and seven touchdowns .
In three years with the Giants , Ellison had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touchdowns .
Evan Engram , coming off foot surgery and at 26 the oldest tight end of the roster , called Ellison “ definitely the best teammate I ever had.
’ ’ The Giants are light at tight end .
After Engram , there is Kaden Smith , who was impressive as a rookie pickup last season , Garrett Dickerson and C.J .
Conrad .
Ellison said the past few weeks have “ kind of been an emotional rollercoaster ’ ’ as he contemplated his next move .
He said his overwhelming feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first five years of his NFL career with the Vikings .
He suffered a concussion in the Week 10 loss to the Jets and that ended up being his final game .
“ In the back of my head , there ’ s always that , ‘ I get it , this could be my last game , ’ just because of the nature of the sport , ” Ellison said .
“ When I ruptured my patella tendon [ in 2016 ] , that was the first time I realized , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at any moment.
’ Since that injury , it ’ s kind of stuck with me , like , ‘ Don ’ t take these games for granted .
Don ’ t take these opportunities for granted.
’ ’ ’ Ellison ’ s father , Riki , as a linebacker was a three-time Super Bowl winner with the 49ers .

Rhett Ellison came as advertised when the Giants signed him prior to the 2017 season. He provided steady blocking, occasional pass-catching production and consistent professionalism at tight end, making himself a favorite of every coach he worked with. Ellison was beset by concussion issues in 2019 and on Monday announced his retirement.
Ellison, 31, missed the final six games this past season while in the concussion protocol. He finished his eight-year NFL career with 118 receptions for 1,189 yards and seven touchdowns. In three years with the Giants, Ellison had 67 catches for 674 yards and four touchdowns.
Evan Engram, coming off foot surgery and at 26 the oldest tight end of the roster, called Ellison “definitely the best teammate I ever had.’’
The Giants are light at tight end. After Engram, there is Kaden Smith, who was impressive as a rookie pickup last season, Garrett Dickerson and C.J. Conrad.
Ellison said the past few weeks have “kind of been an emotional rollercoaster’’ as he contemplated his next move. He said his overwhelming feeling is “gratitude.’’ Ellison spent the first five years of his NFL career with the Vikings.
He suffered a concussion in the Week 10 loss to the Jets and that ended up being his final game.
“In the back of my head, there’s always that, ‘I get it, this could be my last game,’ just because of the nature of the sport,” Ellison said. “When I ruptured my patella tendon [in 2016], that was the first time I realized, ‘Oh wait, this can end at any moment.’ Since that injury, it’s kind of stuck with me, like, ‘Don’t take these games for granted. Don’t take these opportunities for granted.’ ’’
Ellison’s father, Riki, as a linebacker was a three-time Super Bowl winner with the 49ers.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Weinstein accusers blast AG for supporting bad deal

Weinstein 's accusers could walk away with less than $ 60,000 each ...

A group of Harvey Weinstein accusers sent an open letter to New York Attorney General Letitia James, blasting her for supporting a global civil settlement that would pay out a paltry sum to his victims.
“The settlement is insulting to all of the survivors in that it represents a small fraction of what should be paid by Weinstein, his former directors and officers, and large multi-billion dollar insurance companies,” the letter states.
The $25 million deal would settle the civil claims of upward of 100 actresses and former employees who have accused the convicted rapist of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape.
Weinstein wouldn’t have to admit any wrongdoing or pay a cent of the settlement or his own lawyers’ fees, according to The New York Times. The sum would be paid out by insurance companies backing the Weinstein Company.
The class-action lawyers at the helm of the negotiations in Manhattan federal court “will be paid millions, while victims will receive only a small fraction” of the settlement, the letter alleges.
The seven accusers who signed the letter — Rowena Chiu, Zelda Perkins, Wedil David, Kaja Sokolow, Dominique Huett, Zoe Brock and Ali Canosa — want to proceed with their own civil claims. But they say that this settlement would hurt their ability to press on.
The agreement would give the Weinstein Company’s insurers general releases from future claims so that even if an accuser obtained a judgment, the bankrupt film studio wouldn’t have to pay it, according to the letter.
If the women reject the deal, the money allocated to their claim will be turned over to Harvey and his brother, Bob Weinstein, for their defense, the accusers wrote.
“The Attorney General’s Office will effectively be working to recover funds on behalf of Harvey Weinstein (a convicted felon) to fill a war chest to be used for his ongoing campaign against his victims,” the letter charges. “There is nothing fair or just about this.”
In a dig at James, the accusers say if she signs off on this deal, she’ll be “less protective of survivors than your elected predecessor” referring to disgraced former Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who resigned in 2018 amid allegations of domestic violence. Schneiderman had first brought the civil legal action against Weinstein.
“You have spent your career defending the weak over the powerful and fought on behalf of the innocent,” the accusers wrote. “We implore you to personally intervene to ensure that a fair settlement is reached in which all victims are afforded the level of justice and dignity they deserve.”
Weinstein was convicted Feb. 24 of one count each of criminal sex act for forcibly performing oral sex on a former “Project Runway” production assistant and third-degree rape for an attack on a hairdresser.
“Many survivors of Harvey Weinstein want to hold him accountable and should not be penalized for not wanting to accept a terrible civil settlement,” said attorney Douglas Wigdor who represents five of the seven victims who signed the letter.
The AG’s office said in a statement: “Attorney General James has been steadfast in her pursuit of justice for victims. Since the emergence of allegations in 2017, our office has sought to hold Harvey Weinstein accountable for his conduct against women. We remain keenly focused on providing these brave women with the justice they are owed and to fight for the best settlement that is possible in bankruptcy court.”
Weinstein is scheduled to be sentenced March 11 and faces up to 29 years in prison.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Central Park Conservancy prez Elizabeth Smith has coronavirus, nonprofit says

Italy ’ s prime minister on Monday extended the coronavirus lockdown to ...

The president of the Central Park Conservancy has the coronavirus, the nonprofit told The Post on Monday — hours after it was revealed that her husband, Port Authority chief Rick Cotton, is infected with the potentially deadly bug.
“Central Park Conservancy’s President, Elizabeth W. Smith, is working remotely after testing positive for COVID-19,” the group said in a statement. “She was tested after experiencing mild symptoms over the weekend.
“As a precaution, a dozen members of Smith’s administrative team are also self-quarantined for two weeks. No other staff has tested positive for the virus.”
Earlier Monday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo told reporters that Cotton was among the seven newly confirmed virus cases in the city.


newyorkpost--2020-03-09--Italy’s coronavirus lockdown extended to entire country

Italy ’ s prime minister on Monday extended the coronavirus lockdown to the entire country in an effort to curb @ @ @ @ @ .
All people in Italy will now only be allowed to travel outside the areas @ @ @ @ @ demonstrate a need tied to work , health conditions or emergencies , Italian Premier Giuseppe @ @ @ @ @ will take effect Tuesday and last until April 3 , like those imposed in northern @ @ @ @ @

All of Italy will be placed under lockdown as the country battles against the spread of the deadly coronavirus, officials said Monday.
Italy’s prime minister said he would extend to the entire nation the restrictions that had already been in effect for 16 million people in the northern “red zone” of the outbreak.
“We all have to renounce something for the good of Italy,” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said in a late night news conference announcing the quarantine, set to start on Tuesday.
“We have to do it immediately.”
The announcement came as Italy reported a big jump in the number of people who have tested positive for the virus — up to 9,172 cases and 463 deaths, the most of any country outside of China.
Over the weekend, blanket travel bans were enacted in certain provinces of the country’s coronavirus-plagued north.
Now, all 60 million people in the nation will be subject to the sweeping restrictions — the strictest implemented outside of China.
Travel will only be allowed outside the areas where people live if they can demonstrate a need tied to work, health conditions or emergencies, Conte said.
The measures are expected to last until April 3.
All schools and universities will remain closed during that time.
Across the country, museums and archeological sites have closed, weddings canceled and restaurants have been told to keep patrons at least 3 feet apart.
The quarantine expansion also came at the end of a chaotic two days of prison riots in the country, with six people dying at one facility in the north.
Melees broke out in 22 lockups, on Sunday and Monday, as inmates protested a new measure that banned family and friends from visiting due to the newly enacted lockdown.
About 60 jailbirds in Modena set part of their facility on fire in an attempt to escape, local reports said.
There, some inmates broke into the infirmary and snatched various drugs, including methadone.
Six inmates died there, two of overdoses and one from smoke inhalation. The other three deaths are being investigated, director of the Italian penitentiary system Francesco Basentini said in a TV interview.
In Foggia, inmates climbed onto a roof in an escape attempt — but were thwarted by armed police surrounding the building, CNN reported.
In Bologna, 35 prisoners occupied two sections of a facility and took four guards hostage.
Army troops and officers with the Carabinieri military police responded in force and prevented nearly 500 prisoners from escaping, according to reports.
As the lockdown was announced, Italian doctors celebrated a small victory — the first patient to be diagnosed in the country, a 38-year-old Unilever worker was moved from intensive care and had begun to breathe on his own.
“Unfortunately we’re only at the beginning,” said Dr. Massimo Galli, head of infectious disease at Milan’s Sacco hospital.
Additional reporting by Amanda Woods