newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Murderer who survived botched execution dies of possible COVID-19 complications

A condemned killer who survived a botched execution attempt more than a decade ago in Ohio has died of possible coronavirus complications , officials said .
Romell Broom , 64 , is suspected to have died of COVID-19 on Monday — some 11 years after Ohio tried to execute him by lethal injection and failed , the state prison system said .
Broom was sentenced to die for raping and killing 14-year-old Tryna Middleton after abducting her in Cleveland in 1984 as she walked home from a football game with two friends .
His Sept. 15 , 2009 execution was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours to find a usable vein and couldn ’ t .
Broom had said he was stuck with needles at least 18 times , with pain so intense he cried and screamed .
At the time of the 2009 procedure , the convicted killer was only the second inmate in the country to survive a modern-day execution .
He was returned to death row , where his lawyers tried unsuccessfully to block a second execution attempt .
Broom ’ s most recent death date had been scheduled for June , but Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reprieve until March 2022 .
His attorneys had filed arguments with the U.S. Supreme Court that he should be spared a second attempt .
“ Let his passing in this way , and not in the execution chamber , be the final word on whether a second attempt should ever have been considered , ” attorneys Timothy Sweeney and Adele Shank said in a statement .
Ohio is now under a death penalty moratorium , in practice , since the governor said lethal injection is no longer an option due to the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeWine , a Republican , has said that lawmakers will have to choose a new execution method .
The state says 124 inmates have died from confirmed or probable cases of the coronavirus .
One death row inmate currently has a positive COVID-19 test and 55 other condemned prisoners were infected and then recovered .

A condemned killer who survived a botched execution attempt more than a decade ago in Ohio has died of possible coronavirus complications, officials said.
Romell Broom, 64, is suspected to have died of COVID-19 on Monday — some 11 years after Ohio tried to execute him by lethal injection and failed, the state prison system said.
Broom was sentenced to die for raping and killing 14-year-old Tryna Middleton after abducting her in Cleveland in 1984 as she walked home from a football game with two friends.
His Sept. 15, 2009 execution was called off after technicians tried for two hours to find a usable vein and couldn’t.
Broom had said he was stuck with needles at least 18 times, with pain so intense he cried and screamed.
At the time of the 2009 procedure, the convicted killer was only the second inmate in the country to survive a modern-day execution.
He was returned to death row, where his lawyers tried unsuccessfully to block a second execution attempt.
Broom’s most recent death date had been scheduled for June, but Gov. Mike DeWine in the spring issued a reprieve until March 2022.
His attorneys had filed arguments with the U.S. Supreme Court that he should be spared a second attempt.
“Let his passing in this way, and not in the execution chamber, be the final word on whether a second attempt should ever have been considered,” attorneys Timothy Sweeney and Adele Shank said in a statement.
Ohio is now under a death penalty moratorium, in practice, since the governor said lethal injection is no longer an option due to the state being unable to find the drugs.
DeWine, a Republican, has said that lawmakers will have to choose a new execution method.
The state says 124 inmates have died from confirmed or probable cases of the coronavirus.
One death row inmate currently has a positive COVID-19 test and 55 other condemned prisoners were infected and then recovered.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Padres-Cubs blockbuster trade is official

The Dodgers finished the season as the majors ’ best team ... .

CHICAGO — San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller reunited with an old friend in another blockbuster move Tuesday night.
The aggressive Padres got Yu Darvish in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, adding another ace to their rotation after announcing a deal for Blake Snell earlier in the day. During his time in Texas’ front office, Preller scouted Darvish before the Rangers acquired the Japanese right-hander in 2012.
“His last season and a half has been as productive as anybody in the game. He’s a force,” Preller said Tuesday night. “So I think getting back on the phone with him, catching up for a few minutes, really looking forward to being around him every single day again.”
The Padres got Darvish, catcher Victor Caratini and cash from the Cubs for right-hander Zach Davies and four young minor leaguers. The switch-hitting Caratini caught Darvish in Chicago and batted .241 with 16 RBIs last season.
“We’ve had interest in Victor for a few years now,” Preller said. “I think he’s been a guy that, just on his own, we feel like is a quality catching option for us.”
Yu Darvish AP
Davies went 7-4 with a 2.73 ERA in 12 starts for San Diego this year. The package of prospects headed to Chicago includes Owen Caissie, an 18-year-old outfielder who was selected by the Padres in the second round of this year’s amateur draft.
The 34-year-old Darvish was 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA in 12 starts for Chicago during the pandemic-shortened season, finishing second in the NL Cy Young Award race. He has three years and $59 million left on the $126 million, six-year deal he signed with the Cubs before the 2018 season.
San Diego also completed a big trade with Tampa Bay for Snell. The 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner was sent from the Rays to the Padres for a package of four players: right-handers Luis Patiño and Cole Wilcox, and catchers Francisco Mejía and Blake Hunt — all well-regarded youngsters from a San Diego system that’s been stocking the farm for years.
The Padres made the playoffs this year for the first time since 2006, but their injury-depleted rotation was in shambles when the postseason arrived. They beat St. Louis in the first round before getting swept in three Division Series games by their NL West rivals, the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Mike Clevinger, acquired from Cleveland in August, isn’t expected back from Tommy John surgery until 2022, but the Padres have other quality starters in Dinelson Lamet and Chris Paddack. Left-hander MacKenzie Gore is one of baseball’s top pitching prospects.
“Pretty much every trade conversation usually starts with MacKenzie Gore,” Preller said. “But again, I think we’re looking forward to Mack coming to camp and competing and being part of the organization here for a long time.”
Darvish is in the middle of a career renaissance after struggling upon arrival in Chicago. He was limited to eight starts and 40 innings in 2018 because of injuries. He started to regain his form in 2019, posting a 2.76 ERA with 118 strikeouts in 81 2/3 innings over his final 13 starts.
He picked up this year right where he left off, helping the Cubs to the NL Central title. The right-hander attributed some of his turnaround to going back to a more deliberate style that he employed when he was a star pitcher in Japan. He also has developed a rapport with Caratini that should help his transition to San Diego.
Four years after a historic World Series championship, Chicago is retooling under Jed Hoyer, who was promoted to president of baseball operations after Theo Epstein stepped down in November. Veteran outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr. were let go on Dec. 2, but the Darvish deal is the team’s biggest move since Hoyer took over.
There could be more trades on the horizon. All-Star sluggers Kris Bryant, Javier Báez and Anthony Rizzo are eligible for free agency after next season. But the Cubs still might be able to contend while Hoyer reworks the roster due to the cost-cutting atmosphere around the NL Central.
Minor league infielders Reginald Preciado, 17, and Yeison Santana, 20, and outfielder Ismael Mena, 18, also were acquired by the Cubs in the Darvish trade.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Woman fatally shoots teen while trying to dine and dash in Colorado

A 28-year-old woman was arrested for killing a teen who stepped in to intervene after she opened fire while trying to dine and dash at Colorado restaurant , according to a report .
Jacqueline De Paz was charged with second-degree murder in the Dec. 22 shooting of 18-year-old Rudy Arguello-Rios outside the Mariscos El Rey 2 restaurant in Aurora , The Sentinel reported .
Police said De Paz and several others had berated a waitress and refused to pay for their meals , claiming an open door at the restaurant left their food too cold to eat .
The group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant without paying — and were followed by the waitress and several diners who had witnessed the argument , including Arguello-Rios , cops said .
A brawl broke out in the parking lot between the two groups , according to multiple witnesses .
At one point during the melee , De Paz allegedly pointed a gun at the teen as he bent down to help a person injured in the fray , the report said .
“ Back the f—k up … I got the strap now , ” the unhinged woman yelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun away from De Paz , and she shot him , according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the newspaper .
The waitress described the young hero as “ a peacekeeper who was yelling at the others to stop being rude and to be respectful , ” the court documents state .
Officers arrested De Paz two days later during a traffic stop .
She was being held at the Arapahoe County jail on $ 1 million bond .
A GoFundMe page set up by Arguello-Rios ’ brother to help pay for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a young and loved soul.
” “ He passed away to ( sic ) young and now he ’ s looking after all of us .
”

A 28-year-old woman was arrested for killing a man who stepped in to intervene after she opened fire while trying to dine and dash at a Colorado restaurant, according to a report.
Jacqueline De Paz was charged with second-degree murder in the Dec. 22 shooting of 18-year-old Rudy Arguello-Rios outside the Mariscos El Rey 2 restaurant in Aurora, the Sentinel reported.
Police said De Paz and several others had berated a waitress and refused to pay for their meals, claiming an open door at the restaurant left their food too cold to eat.
The group, which included children, left the restaurant without paying — and were followed by the waitress and several diners who had witnessed the argument, including Arguello-Rios, cops said.
A brawl broke out in the parking lot between the two groups, according to multiple witnesses.
At one point during the melee, De Paz allegedly pointed a gun at Arguello-Rios as he bent down to help a person injured in the fray, the report said.
“Back the f–k up … I got the strap now,” the unhinged woman yelled.
Arguello-Rios tried to wrestle the gun away from De Paz, and she shot him, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the newspaper.
The waitress described the young hero as “a peacekeeper who was yelling at the others to stop being rude and to be respectful,” the court documents state.
Officers arrested De Paz two days later during a traffic stop. She was being held at the Arapahoe County jail on $1 million bond.
She’s due back in court Jan. 28.
A GoFundMe page set up by Arguello-Rios’ brother to help pay for his funeral described him as “a young and loved soul.”
“He passed away to [sic] young and now he’s looking after all of us.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--California ER nurse tests positive for COVID-19 a week after getting vaccine

A California nurse tested positive for COVID-19 more than a week after receiving the vaccine , though medical experts say the timeline isn ’ t unusual .
ER nurse Matthew W. , who works at two different hospitals in San Diego , received the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 18 , and initially reported arm soreness for a day , KGTV reported .
The 45-year-old nurse then felt sick after working his shift in the COVID-19 unit six days later on Christmas Eve .
The nurse was experiencing classic symptoms such as fatigue , chills and body aches .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a drive-up hospital and his results came back positive for the coronavirus , according to the outlet .
Dr. Christian Ramers , an infectious disease specialist with Family Health Centers of San Diego , told KGTV it ’ s possible that Matthew contracted the virus before getting the shot , since it takes about two weeks for the first dose of the vaccine to kick in .
“ We know from the vaccine clinical trials that it ’ s going to take about 10 to 14 days for you to start to develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ That first dose we think gives you somewhere around 50 % , and you need that second dose to get up to 95 percent.
” Ramers added that people shouldn ’ t let their guard down even if they ’ ve gotten vaccinated , and that they should continue to follow protocols such as hand washing and wearing masks during the pandemic .
“ You hear health practitioners being very optimistic about it being the beginning of the end , but it ’ s going to be a slow roll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the vaccine , ” the specialist said .

A California nurse tested positive for COVID-19 more than a week after receiving the vaccine, though medical experts say the timeline isn’t unusual.
ER nurse Matthew W., who works at two different hospitals in San Diego, received the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 18, and initially reported arm soreness for a day, KGTV reported.
The 45-year-old nurse then felt sick after working his shift in the COVID-19 unit six days later on Christmas Eve.
The nurse was experiencing classic symptoms such as fatigue, chills and body aches. Two days later, Matthew got tested at a drive-up hospital and his results came back positive for the coronavirus, according to the outlet.
Dr. Christian Ramers, an infectious disease specialist with Family Health Centers of San Diego, told KGTV it’s possible that Matthew contracted the virus before getting the shot, since it takes about two weeks for the first dose of the vaccine to kick in.
“We know from the vaccine clinical trials that it’s going to take about 10 to 14 days for you to start to develop protection from the vaccine,” Ramers said. “That first dose we think gives you somewhere around 50%, and you need that second dose to get up to 95 percent.”
A syringe and a vial of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine AFP via Getty Images
Ramers added that people shouldn’t let their guard down even if they’ve gotten vaccinated, and that they should continue to follow protocols such as hand washing and wearing masks during the pandemic.
“You hear health practitioners being very optimistic about it being the beginning of the end, but it’s going to be a slow roll, weeks to months as we roll out the vaccine,” the specialist said.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Ex-Met Hansel Robles signs one-year deal with Twins

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins have signed right-handed reliever Hansel Robles , a former Met , to a $ 2 @ @ @ @ @ The Twins announced the signing Tuesday , bringing in a former closer who struggled through @ @ @ @ @ The 30-year-old Robles had 23 saves and a 2.48 ERA for the Los Angeles Angels @ @ @ @ @ t replicate that success last season .
He lost some zip on his fastball and @ @ @ @ @ 18 games in 2020 , and the Angels declined to offer him a contract for @ @ @ @ @ him free agency instead .
Robles , who began his career in New York , @ @ @ @ @ ERA and one save in his 3 1/2 seasons with the Mets .
Robles ’ @ @ @ @ @ up to $ 500,000 in performance bonuses for games finished : $ 75,000 each for @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 for 30 and $ 125,000 apiece for 35 and 40 .

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins have signed right-handed reliever Hansel Robles, a former Met, to a $2 million, one-year deal.
The Twins announced the signing Tuesday, bringing in a former closer who struggled through the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
The 30-year-old Robles had 23 saves and a 2.48 ERA for the Los Angeles Angels in 2019 but couldn’t replicate that success last season. He lost some zip on his fastball and posted a 10.26 ERA in 18 games in 2020, and the Angels declined to offer him a contract for the 2021 season, granting him free agency instead.
Robles, who began his career in New York, was 19-14 with a 4.07 ERA and one save in his 3 1/2 seasons with the Mets.
Robles’ deal with the Twins includes up to $500,000 in performance bonuses for games finished: $75,000 each for 20 and 25, $100,000 for 30 and $125,000 apiece for 35 and 40.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--J.D. Martinez: I’ll join the Yankees when they let me keep my beard

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens @ @ @ @ @ to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) The Red Sox slugger celebrated @ @ @ @ @ at Lionfish in Delray Beach , Florida , on Monday night — and when a @ @ @ @ @ s going to defect to the Yankees , we ’ re told Martinez replied , @ @ @ @ @ keep my beard.
” Of course , Damon famously buzzed his fuzz when he moved @ @ @ @ @ Yankees in 2006 .

J.D. Martinez isn’t about to pull a Johnny Damon.
The Red Sox slugger celebrated his girlfriend’s birthday at Lionfish in Delray Beach, Florida, on Monday night — and when a fan asked when he’s going to defect to the Yankees, we’re told Martinez replied, “When they let me keep my beard.”
Of course, Damon famously buzzed his fuzz when he moved from the Sox to the Yankees in 2006.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Hugh Bonneville to host Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Day stream

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) “ Downton Abbey ” star Hugh Bonneville @ @ @ @ @ weird New Year ’ s Day .
He ’ s hosting a concert given by @ @ @ @ @ empty theater .
Explaining why the orchestra is going ahead with its annual New Year @ @ @ @ @ the odd circumstances , conductor Maestro Riccardo Muti said , “ We can not abolish @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
We need to have hope .
Without music the day would be like @ @ @ @ @ the worst sign , a negative sign , for the entire world.
” Bonneville , @ @ @ @ @ PBS , said , “ out with the stress and in with the Strauss .
@

“Downton Abbey” star Hugh Bonneville is going to have a weird New Year’s Day. He’s hosting a concert given by the Vienna Philharmonic in an empty theater.
Explaining why the orchestra is going ahead with its annual New Year’s Day performance in the odd circumstances, conductor Maestro Riccardo Muti said, “We cannot abolish music, even in a pandemic. We need to have hope. Without music the day would be like a grave, would be the worst sign, a negative sign, for the entire world.”
Bonneville, who will host it for PBS, said, “out with the stress and in with the Strauss.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--There’s no love lost between Ohio State and Clemson

Shaun Wade did his best to focus on the present , ...

At this rate, Ohio State may start calling Clemson “That team down south.”
Some of the vitriol traditionally directed at Michigan, which is known as “That team up north” to the Buckeyes, is now being aimed at the Tigers.
In what is becoming almost an annual matchup, the two powerhouse programs will meet Friday night in New Orleans with a berth in the national championship game at stake, a showdown the Buckeyes have spent a calendar year waiting for.
“We had a whole winter offseason program dedicated to this game,” All-American offensive guard Wyatt Davis said.
The memory of last year’s 29-23 College Football Playoff semifinal loss still stings. Ohio State director of sports performance Mickey Marotti put up the final score in the weight room. In announcing his return for this season, All-American cornerback Shaun Wade posted a video with the caption, “I’m back, Sunshine,” a reference to Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
There was a feeling, at least among fans and some Ohio State players, that the Buckeyes were robbed by two questionable calls that went against them. Up 16-0, Wade was called for a targeting penalty late in the second quarter that resulted in his ejection and flipped momentum. In the third quarter, an Ohio State fumble recovery for a touchdown was reversed.
“It’s pretty self-explanatory — that game hurt us a lot last year,” quarterback Justin Fields said.
It’s more than just that one game, though. Ohio State has never beaten Clemson, losing to them twice in the playoff, as well as the 2014 Orange Bowl and 1978 Gator Bowl. That Gator Bowl was the infamous game that ended Woody Hayes’ coaching career after he punched a Clemson player and ignited a brawl.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has made a habit of tweaking the Buckeyes. In 2017, he landed top Ohio offensive lineman Jackson Carman, telling him then-coach Urban Meyer wouldn’t be there by the time he graduated.
Last week, in the final Amway Coaches poll of the year that is released to the public, Swinney ranked the Buckeyes’ 11th since they had only played six games he said. He recently told ESPN preparing for the game would be a “quick study” and a “little bit easier” due to the limited amount of games Ohio State played. The Ohio State fan site ElevenWarriors.com posted a poll on Twitter asking Buckeyes fans, “Who do you despise more as an Ohio State fan, Jim Harbaugh or Dabo Swinney?” and Swinney overwhelmingly beat the Michigan coach.
“Dabo Swinney might be the most hated man in Ohio at the moment,” said Jason Priestas, founder and publisher of the site. “He’s really the perfect villain. He runs an elite program, he’s undefeated against Ohio State and he has this really weird habit of saying the completely wrong thing at all possible times.”
Ohio State coaches have gotten involved. Coach Ryan Day alluded to Clemson’s alleged signal-stealing that was recently detailed by Sports Illustrated, when asked about matching wits with defensive coordinator Brent Venables, saying he always seems to know what is coming.
“Why that is, I don’t really know,” Day said.
After the Big Ten Championship game victory, he could be seen on video telling his team: “You give us one game against Clemson, against ’Bama or against Notre Dame, we’re gonna [expletive] beat their ass.” Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson mocked Swinney’s comment about Ohio State’s limited schedule by tweeting that he missed some of his 25th wedding anniversary because he was stuck in the office studying No. 2 Clemson’s game film against The Citadel.
There clearly is some level of animosity between the two sides.
Clemson fans view Ohio State more like a little brother it can taunt, according to David Hood, a senior writer for Clemson fan site TigerNet.com. They refer to the Big Ten school as O31O State, plugging in the score of the 2016 Fiesta Bowl blowout where the “H” and “I” go.
Some Clemson players have a similar take on the state of the two teams. When asked about the rivalry, Clemson wide receiver Amari Rodgers dismissed it.
“I feel like they have more beef with us than we have with them,” he said. “That’s on them.”
Several of Rodgers’ teammates, however, acknowledged there is a rivalry, even if it has been one-sided so far. Both are elite programs that will have faced each other in the playoff three of the previous five years. The recent back-and-forth jabs only add to it.
“It just seems to have added a lot of fuel to the buildup of the game,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who will call the game.
It’s not just a rivalry on the field. It’s bled out onto the recruiting trail, where the two are now increasingly battling for elite recruits.
Negative recruiting, a standard practice of pointing out deficiencies of a rival, is of course part of it. Swinney telling recruits that Meyer wouldn’t be there when they graduated is the most noteworthy instance, but it goes both ways. Hood said he was told by recruits that in 2016 Ohio State coaches were warning prospects Clemson was going to be on probation for violating NCAA rules.
There are several current players and incoming recruits who were heavily recruited by both programs. Carman and fellow Clemson offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst are from Ohio. Ohio State flipped four-star cornerback Jordan Hancock from Clemson on National Signing Day.
“Clemson rarely loses committed recruits, so to steal one away, especially in COVID when kids can’t take visits, you know that had to feel good,” Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell said.
Farrell said the two battle the most for Florida players, and he has noticed the two programs going head-to-head more recently. That’s why Friday is so important for Ohio State. Everything matters in recruiting. The slightest edge can determine a commitment. This is about more than just advancing to the national championship game.
“If Ohio State loses, you’re going to have Clemson saying, ‘hey, you want to go there and get beat in the playoff?’ ” Farrell said. “Ohio State needs to win this game to even the field.”
Otherwise, instead of it being called a rivalry it will be considered a mismatch. The edge of “The Game,” the annual meeting with Michigan, has dulled in recent years, with Ohio State thoroughly dominating the Wolverines.
Clemson has somewhat replaced Michigan. A real rivalry has sprouted. Everyone seems to have a different description or opinion about it. When asked for his, Wade didn’t hesitate.
“I characterize it as we’ve never beat Clemson,” he said. “So we gotta beat them.”
Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott won’t go to the Sugar Bowl due to COVID-19 protocols.
The team announced Wednesday that Elliott, who is also the running backs coach, would not travel with the team to New Orleans and would be unavailable vs. Ohio State. ESPN reported he tested positive for the virus.
There was no immediate word on whether one person, such as quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter, or a group of offensive assistants would collaborate on the game plan against the Buckeyes. — AP


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Staten Island man cuts off penis, throws it in toilet

A man cut off his penis on Wednesday and reportedly threw it in a toilet at his Staten Island apartment @ @ @ @ @ .
The 50-year-old man ’ s roommate called police at about 11:45 a.m. and told @ @ @ @ @ cut his own arm , law enforcement sources said .
Officers responding to an apartment @ @ @ @ @ found the man with a wound to his right arm , which he said was @ @ @ @ @ .
The man later told EMTs that he cut off his penis and discarded it @ @ @ @ @ sources said .
First responders confirmed the man ’ s genitals were gone and investigators @ @ @ @ @ blood inside the second-floor bathroom , according to sources .
Medical workers also discovered one @ @ @ @ @ testicles was cut off , sources said .
The man told police he is bipolar @ @ @ @ @ that he has been without his medication for several months , sources said .
It @ @ @ @ @ genitalia was found .

A man cut off his penis on Wednesday and reportedly threw it in a toilet at his Staten Island apartment, police and sources said.
The 50-year-old man’s roommate called police at about 11:45 a.m. and told them that the man had cut his own arm, law enforcement sources said.
Officers responding to an apartment on Main Street in Tottenville found the man with a wound to his right arm, which he said was self-inflicted, according to sources.
The man later told EMTs that he cut off his penis and discarded it in an upstairs toilet, sources said.
First responders confirmed the man’s genitals were gone and investigators found a massive amount of blood inside the second-floor bathroom, according to sources.
Medical workers also discovered one of the man’s testicles was cut off, sources said.
The man told police he is bipolar and schizophrenic. He added that he has been without his medication for several months, sources said.
It is not clear if his genitalia were found.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Black man wrongfully arrested by maskless cop tests positive for COVID

A black man who was wrongfully arrested by a maskless police officer at a Virginia mall has tested positive for the coronavirus , according to his fiancée .
Jamar Mackey tested positive for the virus on Christmas Eve , nearly a week after the incident , Shantel Covil told WAVY .
She said Mackey was quarantining at home with mild symptoms that include a low grade fever , a cough , and a sore throat .
Covil recorded the incident showing a cop arresting Mackey for alleged credit card theft while he was eating lunch with his family at Lynnhaven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You ’ re doing this in public ?
We can ’ t walk outside ?
In front of my family ?
” an angry Mackey can be heard telling the cop .
“ Listen , I ’ m going to explain all of this , ” replies the officer , who can be seen without a face mask .
“ What did he do ?
” Covil says behind the camera .
The officer can be seen escorting Mackey outside where he insisted cops release him .
“ We in here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ f—–g embarrassing .
We are with our family .
I got my baby here , a newborn .
What are you doing ?
” Covil tells the cop .
The Virginia Beach Police Department has since apologized to Mackey for the incident and said a different man was arrested in connection with the credit card fraud .
Covil told WAVY her fiancé took a COVID test on Dec. 22 as a precaution and his results came back positive two days later .
She tested negative and is monitoring their two children , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s unclear where Mackey contracted the virus .
The department also addressed the maskless officer during a press conference on Dec. 21 saying officers are required to wear face coverings .
Mackey ’ s lawyer told ABC ’ s “ Good Morning America ” on Dec.22 he ’ s planning to sue the police department .

A black man who was wrongfully arrested by a maskless police officer at a Virginia mall has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to his fiancée.
Jamar Mackey tested positive for the virus on Christmas Eve, nearly a week after the incident, Shantel Covil told WAVY.
She said Mackey was quarantining at home with mild symptoms that include a low grade fever, a cough, and a sore throat.
Covil recorded the incident showing a cop arresting Mackey for alleged credit card theft while he was eating lunch with his family at Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach on Dec. 19.
“You’re doing this in public? We can’t walk outside? In front of my family?” an angry Mackey can be heard telling the cop.
“Listen, I’m going to explain all of this,” replies the officer, who can be seen without a face mask.
“What did he do?” Covil says behind the camera.
The officer can be seen escorting Mackey outside where he insisted cops release him.
“We in here with our family. This is so f—–g embarrassing. We are with our family. I got my baby here, a newborn. What are you doing?” Covil tells the cop.
The Virginia Beach Police Department has since apologized to Mackey for the incident and said a different man was arrested in connection with the credit card fraud.
Covil told WAVY her fiancé took a COVID test on Dec. 22 as a precaution and his results came back positive two days later. She tested negative and is monitoring their two children, a 13-year-old and an infant. It’s unclear where Mackey contracted the virus.
The department also addressed the maskless officer during a press conference on Dec. 21 saying officers are required to wear face coverings.
Mackey’s lawyer told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Dec.22 he’s planning to sue the police department.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--The sky is the limit for new Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station

The public got its first glimpse inside Penn Station ’ s new ...

The new Moynihan Train Hall, unveiled on Wednesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, is a sight to behold — a monumentally scaled waiting room for Amtrak and LIRR riders who might blink twice. Crowned with an eye-popping, 92-foot-high skylight, it’s a vision from heaven for passengers inured to the underground Penn Station that’s the Western world’s most hated place to catch a train.
The Hall, an airy doughnut hole inside the James A. Farley Post Office building, is the centerpiece of a larger, $1.6 billion planned complex inside the Farley building between Eighth and Ninth avenues and West 31st and 33rd streets. It will eventually include a gaggle of entrances, passageways between the avenues, subway links, waiting areas, lounges, stores and restaurants. The Hall and Penn Station one block east, together called the Pennsylvania Station-Farley Complex, will have 50 percent more concourse space than the Penn portion alone.
It comes after three decades of ever-changing plans since the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan in the 1980s first dreamed of a magnificent replacement for the original Penn Station, which was disgracefully demolished in the 1960s. Cuomo deserves credit for kick-starting it and seeing through construction this year, despite COVID-19.
The Train Hall, which opens Friday, is supposed to reduce rats-nest congestion at the detested Penn Station beneath Madison Square Garden, where 650,000 souls squeeze into a space built in the 1960s for just 250,000. LIRR riders may now board and exit trains at either facility while Amtrak users will use only the new Train Hall.
How well it works has yet to be seen until the first, pandemic-thinned crush of riders descends next week. But the Hall’s mighty roof is sure to be a hit with the public.
The Hall at first sight looks smaller than renderings suggested. It’s also relatively mundane, despite lots of expensive marble and wood — except for the great ceiling.
Three monumental steel trusses, remnants of the post office’s mail-sorting room, divide the roof’s acre of glass into four “parabolic” vaults, each comprising 500 glass and steel panels with a web-like design.
It lets in more light than the skylight roofs at the World Trade Center Oculus and the Fulton Transit Center. It’s ravishing when the sun comes out and imparts a golden glow to the entire Hall.
But the Hall’s unfinished appendages are a confusing maze of escalators, stairs, lounges and corridors. It’s hard to find the quickest way to Eighth Avenue, despite a sea of signs. If the old Penn Station held “the sound of time,” as worshipful writers called it, the Moynihan might hold the sounds of people trying to figure out which way is up.
Project architects SOM and politicians do the Moynihan a disservice by constantly likening it to the impossible-to-replicate original Penn Station. Sorry, guys, it isn’t even close, despite a superficial resemblance. The Moynihan Hall should be enjoyed for what it is — less than a masterpiece, but a fine example of “adaptive re-use” architecture and a huge improvement over the Penn Station we all love to hate.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Majority of Ohio nursing home workers not taking COVID-19 vaccine

About 60 percent of Ohio nursing home workers have so far opted against taking the COVID-19 vaccine as deaths linked @ @ @ @ @ the state .
“ We aren ’ t going to make them but we wish @ @ @ @ @ , ” Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine said of the nursing home staff at a @ @ @ @ @ Columbus Dispatch reported .
“ Everyone makes their own choice about this but we want @ @ @ @ @ opportunity may not come back for a while , ” the governor said .
The @ @ @ @ @ workers electing not to take the vaccine comes as the state experienced its deadliest month @ @ @ @ @ reported 2,426 deaths from COVID-19 in December , the report said .
Overall , since @ @ @ @ @ , over 8,800 people in the state have died from the illness .

About 60 percent of Ohio nursing home workers have so far opted against taking the COVID-19 vaccine as deaths linked to coronavirus have soared in the state.
“We aren’t going to make them but we wish they had a higher compliance,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said of the nursing home staff at a Wednesday press briefing, The Columbus Dispatch reported.
“Everyone makes their own choice about this but we want to make it clear that opportunity may not come back for a while,” the governor said.
The high number of nursing home workers electing not to take the vaccine comes as the state experienced its deadliest month of the pandemic.
Ohio reported 2,426 deaths from COVID-19 in December, the report said. Overall, since the onset of the pandemic, over 8,800 people in the state have died from the illness.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Ruling says New York illegally laid off oldest judges

What a drag it is getting old — especially so ...

The New York court system illegally laid off 46 of its oldest judges — an action taken to slash costs during the COVID-19-pandemic-fueled fiscal crisis, a state jurist ruled Wednesday.
The 46 judges are all over the retirement age of 70.
Judges who hit the age of 70 can apply to stay on the bench after the retirement age through a special certification — if they are mentally competent and there is a need to handle a backlog of cases.
Barring any health-related issues, the older judges’ tenures are routinely extended.
But the Office of Court Administration put 46 of the 49 judges out to pasture by denying re-certification to slash costs by $55 million after the state budget approved by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Legislature reduced its funding by $300 million.
The judges sued the state judiciary, claiming their removal smacked of ageism.
Suffolk County state Supreme Court Justice Paul Baisley, 67, said the OCA board’s decision to summarily oust the most senior judges was unconstitutional and “arbitrary and capricious.”
“If there was ever a time for additional experienced judges to address the conceded massively growing backlog of cases occurring in courthouses across the state, now is the time,” Baisley said in the six-page decision.
The judge said pushing the elderly judges out the door without a fair individual review “smacks of such alien concepts as the divine rights of kings and papal infallibility.”
The lawyer for the oldest judges hailed the ruling as just.
“We are delighted that our client’s need to continue to serve and contribute have been recognized and that Justice Baisley determined that the law was not followed in deciding their fate to continue to serve the citizens of the City and State,” said attorney Y. David Scharf.
In a previous Post interview, Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Kathryn Freed, 73, said OCA’s move to get rid of her smacked of age discrimination.
“Just don’t say, ‘OK, Boomer,’” quipped Freed, a former councilwoman who has been on the bench since 2004.
Freed said the mandatory retirement age is a relic of the 1800s and noted the older judges have been encouraged to continue serving on the bench because they’re needed.
“Having an age-70 age limit is ageism,” the judge said.
Manhattan Appellate Ellen Gesmer, a septuagenarian plaintiff in the case said, “I really love my job. I feel fully able to do my job.
OCA spokesman Lucien Chalfen responded, “We have the decision from Justice Baisley and are pleased that going forward, all the issues will be addressed in the Appellate Division, where we believe our position will be vindicated.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Islanders, Josh Ho-Sang saga takes another turn

The Islanders as of now are not inviting forward Josh Ho-Sang to training camp , marking the latest turn in what has been a rocky relationship between the organization and former first-round pick .
This season was considered to be a last chance for Ho-Sang , the 24-year-old right-winger whose tantalizing talent is often overshadowed by questions about his maturity .
Ho-Sang and the Islanders settled on a one-year , $ 700,000 contract in October .
A reason for the training camp exclusion , which was first reported Wednesday by The Athletic and confirmed by The Post ’ s Mollie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But it does not come as a shock , even if Ho-Sang was the final forward cut last fall , and surely among the 36 most-talented Islanders who will congregate next week for the beginning of training camp .
For all of Ho-Sang ’ s dynamic puck-handling and shooting abilities , he has drawn criticisms for his maturity and defensive shortcomings , which led him to fall to the 28th pick in the 2014 draft .
Ho-Sang opined then that being black in a game filled with predominantly white players played a factor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of him .
“ When I do anything , I ’ m just another black kid with attitude , ” Ho-Sang told the Toronto Sun .
“ I think I get misunderstood because these guys want to figure me out without talking to me and try to come up with every single reason why there ’ s something wrong with me.
” The start to his professional career a year later got off to a rough start when he overslept on the first day of training camp , which resulted in him being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the minor leagues and the big club , producing seven goals and 17 assists in 53 NHL games , at both levels showing glimpses of what made him one of the most offensively gifted players in his draft year .
After not making the roster last fall , Ho-Sang requested a trade and was away from the organization for two months before returning to the American Hockey League in December .
The two sides avoided arbitration in October and reached an extension .
“ Josh is ready to give everything he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hockey League .
This contract provides him with some financial security at the AHL level , but he intends to force his way into an NHL lineup , ” Ho-Sang ’ s agent , Patrick Bedell , said in a statement then .
Training camp for the Islanders ’ American Hockey League affiliate in Bridgeport begins late next month .

The Islanders are not inviting forward Josh Ho-Sang to training camp, marking the latest turn in what has been a rocky relationship between the organization and former first-round pick.
This season was considered to be a last chance for Ho-Sang, the 24-year-old right-winger whose tantalizing talent is often overshadowed by questions about his maturity.
Ho-Sang and the Islanders in October settled on a one-year contract that carries an NHL salary of $700,000 and minor league salary of $225,000.
A reason for the training camp exclusion, which was first reported Wednesday by The Athletic and confirmed by The Post’s Mollie Walker, was not immediately clear.
But it does not come as a shock, even if Ho-Sang was the final forward cut last fall, and likely among the 36 most-talented Islanders who will congregate next week for the beginning of training camp.
For all of Ho-Sang’s dynamic puck-handling and shooting abilities, he has drawn criticisms for his maturity and defensive shortcomings, which led him to fall to the 28th pick in the 2014 draft.
Ho-Sang opined then that being black in a game filled with predominantly white players played a factor in people’s “perception” of him.
“When I do anything, I’m just another black kid with attitude,” Ho-Sang, a Canadian whose father is of Chinese descent, told the Toronto Sun before he was drafted. “I think I get misunderstood because these guys want to figure me out without talking to me and try to come up with every single reason why there’s something wrong with me.”
The start to his professional career a year later got off to a rough start when he overslept on the first day of training camp, which resulted in him being cut.
Since, Ho-Sang has bounced between the minor leagues and the big club, producing seven goals and 17 assists in 53 NHL games, at both levels showing flashes of what made him one of the most offensively gifted players in his draft year.
After not making the roster last fall, Ho-Sang requested a trade and was away from the organization for two months before returning to the American Hockey League in December.
The two sides avoided arbitration in October and reached an extension.
“Josh is ready to give everything he has to earn a spot in the National Hockey League. This contract provides him with some financial security at the AHL level, but he intends to force his way into an NHL lineup,” Ho-Sang’s agent, Patrick Bedell, said in a statement then.
Training camp for the Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate in Bridgeport begins late next month.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Four dead in apparent murder-suicide in Texas home

Four people were killed in a murder-suicide inside a Texas home Wednesday morning , authorities said .
Officers responded to @ @ @ @ @ 3 a.m. after a woman called 911 saying she had been shot , Harris County @ @ @ @ @ a press conference .
A SWAT team also responded at the scene and tried to @ @ @ @ @ hours to no avail , according to the sheriff .
Officers managed to break in @ @ @ @ @ gunshot and discovered the four bodies around 7 a.m .
Authorities believe the suspect was @ @ @ @ @ woman who called 911 .
He allegedly gunned her down as well as another man @ @ @ @ @ woman ’ s children , according to Gonzales .
A motive for the shootings is @ @ @

Four people were killed in a murder-suicide inside a Texas home Wednesday morning, authorities said.
Officers responded to a home in Houston around 3 a.m. after a woman called 911 saying she had been shot, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said during a press conference.
When officers arrived, the suspect, a 49-year-old man, opened fire.
A SWAT team also responded at the scene and tried to negotiate with the suspect for hours to no avail, according to the sheriff.
Officers managed to break in when they heard a final gunshot and discovered the four bodies around 7 a.m.
Authorities believe the suspect was in a relationship with the woman who called 911.
He allegedly gunned her down as well as another man and woman — possibly the woman’s children, according to Gonzales.
A motive for the shootings is being investigated.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks culture changes taking shape

It was Charles Barkley , years ago , who gave the perfect ...

The Knicks will finish out 2020 in Florida.
That’s appropriate considering the sunny vibe new coach Tom Thibodeau has brought to the team.
The Knicks are coming off two straight impressive victories, over the Bucks and Cavaliers, to register a 2-2 record — their best start since 2015-16. And the coaches have unlocked a potential All-Star in Julius Randle.
In the eight-man rotation Thibodeau used in Tuesday’s victory at Cleveland, seven of the players were on last season’s moribund squad. Yes, coaching matters as Thibodeau’s Knicks face the Raptors on New Year’s Eve in Toronto’s pandemic home of Tampa.
“There is a mentality shift,’’ said one NBA executive who has spoken to the Knicks’ brass. “Thibs wants to win every game and he’s selling that to the players and they are buying into it so far.’’
According to sources, the coaching staff deserves a share of the credit for showing Randle how to play smarter and motivating him to return to training camp fitter.
Tom Thibodeau AP
Randle, whose been grabbing rebounds and busting out on the fast break, dished out praise to Thibodeau after his first triple-double as a Knick. He said Thibodeau instilled unselfishness and organization into a club that has wandered in the wilderness for seven dysfunctional years.
“I think Thibs, from the start of training camp, just did a great job of just implementing his system of how we want to play,’’ Randle said. “We don’t have to second-guess where we’re going to be on the floor. We have great spacing and if the defense is collapsing, I can depend on whoever it is to cut or to be in the right spacing and just make the easy play. We’re all just trying to make the easy play, the right play, and play for each other unselfishly.’’
Randle is averaging 24.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists while his 3-point marksmanship has been much improved (69.2 percent).
The Post has reported Thibodeau watched a ton of film of last season’s club and noticed most of the players didn’t have a strong feel for when to shoot and when to pass.
“He’s really been teaching, from Day 1, getting to the basket, making the right reads and kicking out,’’ Kevin Knox said. “You got a layup or dunk, you finish but if the defense collapses, make the right read and share the game. That’s why a lot of guys are getting open shots.’’
Astoundingly, through four games, the Knicks lead the NBA in 3-point shooting (45.9 percent) and 3-point defense. They have held opponents to 24.4 percent, including two excellent deep-shooting teams in the Bucks and Cavs.
Considering the NBA has become a 3-point-oriented league, that is a delicious sign.
“We’re coming off two good wins,’’ Knox said. “Coach Thibs really has us playing hard defensively, offensively, sharing the ball. I think we’re looking good and we want to keep the pace going and playing together.’’
Thibodeau has used the same starting lineup since opening night — all five players who were on the Knicks last season under David Fizdale and Mike Miller. Fizdale was bounced after 4-18 start and the club finished 21-45.
Elfrid Payton has manned point guard, with Reggie Bullock at shooting guard, while RJ Barrett has shifted to small forward with Randle and Mitchell Robinson up front.
“I think they’re familiar with each other,’’ Thibodeau said of the starting lineup. “It’s a good balance of how they complement each other. We have three guys that can go off the dribble pretty effectively. We have shooting with Reggie and defense. And Mitch is really coming on. So I like the balance of that group, especially with our bench.’’
The bench may change up in Tampa with reinforcements on the way. Austin Rivers, who has missed all of preseason and the first four games, could make his Knicks debut. Rookie Immanuel Quickley, who looked nice in preseason, may be back from a hip pointer.
Both are listed as questionable, as is Alec Burks, a standout off the bench. Neither Rivers nor Quickley was made available to the media on Zoom after Wednesday’s practice.
Thibodeau’s integration of Rivers and Quickley will be made easier since Frank Ntilikina, who has played well in the two victories, has a sprained right knee and will miss at least Thursday’s game. Thibodeau said Ntilikina’s injury was not considered serious.
The potential point-guard glut is an issue for another day. For now, the team looks taut — just the way president Leon Rose envisioned it when he hired Thibodeau, the former Knicks assistant from the Jeff Van Gundy glory days.
The Knicks move the ball and chase down shooters on defense.
“Coach demands for every player to go out and play the right way,’’ Bullock said. “I think he let that be known from Day 1 in camp that we’re not going to force shots. We’re going to share the ball, As long as you’re playing hard on offense, on defense, moving the ball, every player on this team is going to get a chance.”
It just might be a Happy New Year for Thibodeau’s Knicks.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Giants face tough task: Keeping up with the Cowboys

Daniel Jones can not run .
That , essentially , is what he said ...

Can they keep up?
Judging from what transpired the past five weeks and, really, for much longer than that, the answer is no.
For the Giants to keep alive their strange-but-true playoff-aspiration reality, the answer might have to be yes.
“Obviously, this is a big game for us being that it’s a rivalry game, a divisional game, and obviously, there’s a lot at stake,’’ head coach Joe Judge said Wednesday.
The Cowboys, amid an up-and-mostly-down season, have displayed a proven ability to score, early, often and in bunches, especially lately. Unless the Giants defense, not exactly flying to the finish, can slow this roll, their highly unproductive offense is going to be engaged in something resembling a shoot-out Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Again, the question: Can they keep up?
“We’re confident as an offense,’’ quarterback Daniel Jones, who revealed his lingering hamstring issue prevents him from running, said Wednesday. “We’ve got to take advantage of our opportunities to score points, particularly when we get the ball in the red zone and move the ball down there. We’re certainly confident in our ability to do that and score points.’’
Daniel Jones UPI
Where does this confidence come from? The Giants in their current three-game losing streak are averaging 8.7 points.
“Well, we have done it, at times,’’ Jones said. “We need to be more consistent with it, we need to finish those opportunities. We got the guys capable to do it. We’ve done it in spurts this year and it’s gonna take our best game Sunday and that’s certainly what we’re preparing for.’’
The Giants, briefly, found a formula for success in a four-game winning streak centered on limiting the opponent to 20 or fewer points and scoring just a shade more than that. As the points given up on defense trended upward, the Giants’ attack faltered and the losing returned.
It is not likely the Giants can rely on their old way of winning in their regular-season finale.
The reason? The Cowboys (6-9) are on a roll — offensively, that is. Scoring 30, 41 and 37 points in their current three-game winning streak means the Giants (5-10) might have to engage in some sort of high-scoring affair to stay close and have a chance to get into the playoffs. The Giants win the NFC East if they beat the Cowboys and the Eagles defeat Washington on Sunday night.
The only time the Giants were involved in a scoring spree this season was the Oct. 11 game at AT&T Stadium, won by the Cowboys 37-34 on Greg Zuerlein’s field goal as time expired. The Giants were not exactly able to hang in, as far as production, as they needed points from their defense — a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Kyler Fackrell — to help build a 17-3 lead that did not last very long.
If the need for points drifts upward and gets into the 30s — the Giants reached that total only once this season and average 17.1 points — it could get sticky.
The good news for the Giants on defense is, after two of the past three weeks trying to corral Kyler Murray and Lamar Jackson, they do not have to deal with a whirling dervish at quarterback this time around. Andy Dalton can move but he is not a runner. There is no need for him to take off, given he has so many better options as ball-carriers.
“We’ve faced all forms and fashions of quarterbacks this year and this is definitely a more traditional quarterback in Andy Dalton,’’ safety Logan Ryan said. “We’re not going to discredit [running back] Ezekiel Elliott, I think the offense goes through him, but they have weapons at receiver, they have a quarterback who gets the ball out quick, a quarterback who’s extremely smart, he’s taking care of the ball.
“We’re not playing Lamar Jackson triple-option football that we played last week with the run game, the scheme, so we might as well burn that tape up, throw it out the window, it’s not going to help us this week.’’
Elliott is now healthy, closing in on another 1,000-yard rushing season (he is at 937 yards). He had 91 yards and two touchdowns against the Giants in the first meeting, and his backup, Tony Pollard, is more than capable. Dalton has, far and away, the best group of receivers in the division, featuring Amari Cooper, rookie DeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. All three targets have five touchdown receptions this season. The Giants leader in this department, Darius Slayton, has three touchdown catches. If too many point are needed, the Giants figure to be in trouble.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--US to raise tariffs on French and German wines

The price of European wines could soon bubble up .
US trade officials on Wednesday said they would be raising @ @ @ @ @ products , including non-sparkling vino , cognacs and other brandies from France and Germany .
@ @ @ @ @ Trade Representative did not provide a value for the additional tariffs , which also affect @ @ @ @ @ also didn ’ t say when they would go into effect .
The duties increase @ @ @ @ @ dispute between the US and EU over subsidies involving European aircraft company Airbus SE and @ @ @ @ @ Last year , the Trump administration imposed tariffs , authorized by the World Trade Organization @ @ @ @ @ billion in imports from the EU and UK , including a 25 percent tax on @ @ @ @ @ , the EU levied tariffs on about $ 4 million in US imports , also @ @ @ @ @ But US officials on Wednesday said the EU had unfairly calculated the tariffs and that @ @ @ @ @ some measure to compensate for this unfairness .
”

The price of European wines could soon bubble up.
US trade officials on Wednesday said they would be raising tariffs on certain European Union products, including non-sparkling vino, cognacs and other brandies from France and Germany.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative did not provide a value for the additional tariffs, which also affect aircraft manufacturing parts. It also didn’t say when they would go into effect.
The duties increase is part of a long-running dispute between the US and EU over subsidies involving European aircraft company Airbus SE and its American-based rival Boeing Co.
Last year, the Trump administration imposed tariffs, authorized by the World Trade Organization, on about $7.5 billion in imports from the EU and UK, including a 25 percent tax on French wine.
In November, the EU levied tariffs on about $4 million in US imports, also allowed by the WTO.
But US officials on Wednesday said the EU had unfairly calculated the tariffs and that it “needs to take some measure to compensate for this unfairness.”
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Cuomo, AOC want eviction protections extended to NY small businesses

A new state law will bar tenant evictions and foreclosures ...

ALBANY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he agrees with progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez when it comes to expanding the state’s eviction protections to include small business owners struggling to pay rent amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
The liberal darling cheered the Empire State’s newest law passed by the state Legislature during a special session and signed by Cuomo earlier this week.
It freezes nearly all ongoing eviction-related and residential foreclosure proceedings impacting tenants, homeowners and small landlords for the next two months, and can be stayed even further until May 1 if an application of hardship is filed.
Formerly, the governor’s executive order was set to expire before Jan. 1.
But AOC took to Twitter Wednesday, arguing Cuomo should expand the measure to also include rent protections to small businesses.
“Proud of the strides that New York has made in passing one of the strongest anti-eviction laws in the country to protect tenants,” she tweeted.
“There’s still more to go. Let’s extend rent protections to vulnerable small biz, & the federal gov must step up to help rents + mortgages nationwide.”
AOC then called on Cuomo specifically, writing, “@NYGovCuomo should expand his executive order barring evictions to include small businesses across the state. Our priority should be to keep people housed and prevent economic collapse of the family and local small businesses that are the backbone of our communities.”
When asked during a remote press conference in Albany, Cuomo conceded he agreed with her.
“On the evictions, Congresswoman Ocasio Cortez, I agree with. We signed an eviction bill the other day, the legislature passed it. It’s a good bill.. it’s a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t go far enough and there are loopholes,” he said.
“It doesn’t protect commercial tenants and New York City has some protections in place but Long Island, Westchester, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany — the whole rest of the state — you have many small businesses that are just getting kicked out. They don’t have the deep pockets, their revenue is down, they’re suffering, you have a lot of restaurants, [a] lot of smaller businesses that can’t pay the rent and the landlord says, ‘you’re out.’”
He continued: “It doesn’t protect small businesses that are dealing with a hardship and that is a very big problem in this state that needs to be addressed. Second loophole is, residential tenants would have to pay late fees and penalties.”
Small business owners have been reeling from the economic shutdowns ordered in March at the pandemic’s start.
Although restrictions were loosened over the summer, limits on capacity and gathering sizes — impacting bars and restaurants, movie theaters and other areas — remained and once cases began rising in the fall, the state re-imposed some strict measures.
New York City’s indoor dining was able to open at 25 percent and was anticipating a boost to 50 percent capacity come November 1, but Cuomo shuttered dining indoors citing fears of gatherings amidst the holiday season and rising positive COVID-19 cases and increasing hospitalization levels.
Cuomo said the fix could be made by executive order, but he would rather legislative leaders state Sen. Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-The Bronx) amend the newly minted law.
“Commercial owners, small businesses have to be protected, and tenants should not be charged late fees and penalties. And I have said that from day one. So, those two loopholes do have to be closed and we need a piece of legislation to do that. If the Legislature doesn’t do it or doesn’t do it quickly then I will do an executive order to do it but I would rather just see them close the loopholes in the bill so there’s no confusion,” he said.
Senate Majority spokesman Mike Murphy told The Post: “Clearly, commercial tenants need help too. The governor’s Executive Order on Commercial Leases extends to January 31, 2021 and should be extended. If not, we will take action.’
“As the Governor knows, our bill dealt with a moratorium for residential tenants, single family homeowners, small landlords and seniors. The governor’s executive order on the residential side was running out this New Year’s Eve and did not offer as extensive protections as our bill,” he added.
Speaker Heastie’s office did not immediately return a request for comment.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Hot dog trucks used to transport COVID-19 vaccine in Bulgaria

The country used hot dog trucks to deliver its first batch of the coronavirus vaccine over the weekend — and critics say the plan doesn ’ t cut the mustard , according to a report .
Health officials dispatched a fleet of police-escorted weenie-mobiles in several cities to transport the Pfizer-BioNTech shots , which must be stored at minus 94 degrees , according the New York Times .
Observers online relished poking fun of the bizarre transportation plan — posting memes , including one featuring a pack of franks stamped with Pfizer ’ s logo .
“ Want some kraut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ user quipped .
Another added , “ I would 100 percent take my vaccine from the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
” But others worried the nation wasn ’ t prepared to receive and store its first round of nearly 10,000 doses .
“ Bulgarian authorities knew , for a while now , exactly when the first vaccines were arriving , ” Desislava Nikolova , a health editor at the Bulgarian newspaper Capital Weekly , told the Times .
“ It perplexes me why the government needed to use a hot dog truck instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicines.
” Kostadin Angelov , the country ’ s health minister , said the hot dog trucks met all of the requirements needed to properly store the vaccine .
But the next round of shots will be distributed using transportation provided by the vaccine manufacturer , he added .

Bulgaria’s vaccine distribution method is the wurst.
The country used hot dog trucks to deliver its first batch of the coronavirus vaccine over the weekend — and critics say the plan doesn’t cut the mustard, according to a report.
Health officials dispatched a fleet of police-escorted weenie-mobiles in several cities to transport the Pfizer-BioNTech shots, which must be stored at minus 94 degrees, according the New York Times.
Observers online relished poking fun of the bizarre transportation plan — posting memes, including one featuring a pack of franks stamped with Pfizer’s logo.
“Want some kraut with your vaccine?” one Twitter user quipped.
Another added, “I would 100 percent take my vaccine from the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.”
But others worried the nation wasn’t prepared to receive and store its first round of nearly 10,000 doses.
“Bulgarian authorities knew, for a while now, exactly when the first vaccines were arriving,” Desislava Nikolova, a health editor at the Bulgarian newspaper Capital Weekly, told the Times.
“It perplexes me why the government needed to use a hot dog truck instead of a vehicle licensed for distribution of thermolabile medicines.”
Kostadin Angelov, the country’s health minister, said the hot dog trucks met all of the requirements needed to properly store the vaccine.
But the next round of shots will be distributed using transportation provided by the vaccine manufacturer, he added.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Olivia Jade says she’ll be back to YouTube in 2021

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 ) At last , a reason to look forward to 2021 .
Olivia Jade Giannulli promised a return to her — well , sure , let ’ s go with “ roots ” on Tuesday when she told a fan via TikTok that she ’ d be returning to YouTube .
Olivia Jade , 21 , was beseeched by a fan on TikTok , “ Please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your videos !
!
!
” to which she responded , “ Ok I will .
I guess I will come back to YouTube , ” in a separate TikTok , adding , “ What !
Ahh !
” Giannulli ’ s stirring invective comes shortly after her mother ’ s release from prison after a two-month sentence for her role in the college admissions scandal .
Her dad , fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli , is currently serving out his five-month sentence ; he was recently placed in COVID-19 protective custody .
Olivia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the platform — ceased her YouTube activity last December , telling fans , “ I ’ m legally not allowed to speak on anything going on right now.
” She gave her first public interview on the admissions scheme — in which her parents conspired to fraudulently gain her admission to college — on Jada Pinkett Smith ’ s “ Red Table Talk ” show on Dec. 8 , calling herself the “ poster child of white privilege.
” “ There is no justifying or excusing what happened because what happened was @ @ @ @ @ @

Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
At last, a reason to look forward to 2021.
Olivia Jade Giannulli promised a return to her — well, sure, let’s go with “roots” on Tuesday when she told a fan via TikTok that she’d be returning to YouTube.
Olivia Jade, 21, was beseeched by a fan on TikTok, “Please post again on YouTube I love watching your videos!!!” to which she responded, “Ok I will. I guess I will come back to YouTube,” in a separate TikTok, adding, “What! Ahh!”
Giannulli’s stirring invective comes shortly after her mother’s release from prison after a two-month sentence for her role in the college admissions scandal. Her dad, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, is currently serving out his five-month sentence; he was recently placed in COVID-19 protective custody.
Olivia Jade — who has 1.86 million subscribers on the platform — ceased her YouTube activity last December, telling fans, “I’m legally not allowed to speak on anything going on right now.”
She gave her first public interview on the admissions scheme — in which her parents conspired to fraudulently gain her admission to college — on Jada Pinkett Smith’s “Red Table Talk” show on Dec. 8, calling herself the “poster child of white privilege.”
“There is no justifying or excusing what happened because what happened was wrong,” she added.


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Prosecutors seek 9-year prison term for Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong

South Korean prosecutors on Wednesday requested a nine-year prison term for Samsung ’ s de facto chief , Lee Jae-yong , during his bribery retrial , where Lee apologized and vowed not to be implicated in similar allegations in an apparent plea for leniency .
The case is a key element in an explosive 2016 scandal that triggered months of public protests and toppled South Korea ’ s president .
A ruling on Lee could send him back to prison on charges that he bribed former President Park Geun-hye and her longtime confidante to get the government ’ s backing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Samsung .
The retrial comes as Lee faces immense pressure to navigate Samsung ’ s transition after his father and Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Kun-Hee died in October .
A team of prosecutors led by independent counsel Park Young-soo demanded the Seoul High Court sentence Lee to prison .
They said Samsung “ more actively sought unjust benefits ” than other businesses with regard to the 2016 scandal .
The prosecutors said Samsung , which is South Korea ’ s biggest company , should “ set the example ” for efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a business group with overwhelming power , and there is even a saying that South Korean companies are divided into Samsung and non-Samsung ones , ” the prosecutors said in closing comments .
“ The rule of law and the egalitarianism principle … are meant to punish those in power and those with the economic power in line with the equal standard.
” Prosecutors also asked the court to sentence three former Samsung executives to seven years in prison and another former executive to five years .
Lee , 52 , vice chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 to five years in prison for offering 8.6 billion won ( $ 7 million ) in bribes to Park and her longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil .
But he was freed in early 2018 after the Seoul High Court reduced his term to 2½ years and suspended his sentence , overturning key convictions and reducing the amount of his bribes .
Last year , the Supreme Court returned the case to the high court , ruling that the amount of Lee ’ s bribes had been undervalued .
It said the money that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Choi ’ s equestrian daughter and fund a winter sports foundation run by Choi ’ s niece should also be considered bribes .
During Wednesday ’ s court session , Lee ’ s lawyers said the basic nature of the 2016 scandal was about ex-President Park ’ s abuse of power that infringed upon the freedom and property rights of businesses .
The lawyers said Lee and the other ex-Samsung executives embroiled in the scandal weren ’ t able to resist the pressure by Park and Choi and that they and Samsung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Park ’ s government .
Lee apologized over the case , saying that “ everything is my fault ” and that “ I deeply repent and am ashamed of myself.
” Lee said he ’ ll never engage in any activity that can cause misunderstanding and pledged to focus on making contribution to South Korean society .
Lee also reiterated his earlier promise not to pass the management rights to his children and to stop suppressing employee attempts to organize unions .
The Seoul High Court is to issue a ruling on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media reports .
In September , prosecutors separately indicted Lee on charges of stock price manipulation , breach of trust and auditing violations related to a 2015 merger between two Samsung affiliates that helped strengthen Lee ’ s control over the group ’ s crown jewel , Samsung Electronics .
Lee ’ s lawyers denied the charges , calling them “ one-sided claims.
” They say the 2015 merger was “ normal business activity .
”

South Korean prosecutors on Wednesday requested a nine-year prison term for Samsung’s de facto chief, Lee Jae-yong, during his bribery retrial, where Lee apologized and vowed not to be implicated in similar allegations in an apparent plea for leniency.
The case is a key element in an explosive 2016 scandal that triggered months of public protests and toppled South Korea’s president. A ruling on Lee could send him back to prison on charges that he bribed former President Park Geun-hye and her longtime confidante to get the government’s backing for his push to solidify his control over Samsung.
The retrial comes as Lee faces immense pressure to navigate Samsung’s transition after his father and Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Kun-Hee died in October.
A team of prosecutors led by independent counsel Park Young-soo demanded the Seoul High Court sentence Lee to prison. They said Samsung “more actively sought unjust benefits” than other businesses with regard to the 2016 scandal. The prosecutors said Samsung, which is South Korea’s biggest company, should “set the example” for efforts to root out corruption.
“Samsung is a business group with overwhelming power, and there is even a saying that South Korean companies are divided into Samsung and non-Samsung ones,” the prosecutors said in closing comments. “The rule of law and the egalitarianism principle … are meant to punish those in power and those with the economic power in line with the equal standard.”
Prosecutors also asked the court to sentence three former Samsung executives to seven years in prison and another former executive to five years.
Lee, 52, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, was sentenced in 2017 to five years in prison for offering 8.6 billion won ($7 million) in bribes to Park and her longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil. But he was freed in early 2018 after the Seoul High Court reduced his term to 2½ years and suspended his sentence, overturning key convictions and reducing the amount of his bribes.
Last year, the Supreme Court returned the case to the high court, ruling that the amount of Lee’s bribes had been undervalued. It said the money that Samsung spent to purchase three racehorses used by Choi’s equestrian daughter and fund a winter sports foundation run by Choi’s niece should also be considered bribes.
During Wednesday’s court session, Lee’s lawyers said the basic nature of the 2016 scandal was about ex-President Park’s abuse of power that infringed upon the freedom and property rights of businesses. The lawyers said Lee and the other ex-Samsung executives embroiled in the scandal weren’t able to resist the pressure by Park and Choi and that they and Samsung didn’t receive any special favors from Park’s government.
Lee apologized over the case, saying that “everything is my fault” and that “I deeply repent and am ashamed of myself.” Lee said he’ll never engage in any activity that can cause misunderstanding and pledged to focus on making contribution to South Korean society.
Lee also reiterated his earlier promise not to pass the management rights to his children and to stop suppressing employee attempts to organize unions.
The Seoul High Court is to issue a ruling on Jan. 18, according to South Korean media reports.
In September, prosecutors separately indicted Lee on charges of stock price manipulation, breach of trust and auditing violations related to a 2015 merger between two Samsung affiliates that helped strengthen Lee’s control over the group’s crown jewel, Samsung Electronics.
Lee’s lawyers denied the charges, calling them “one-sided claims.” They say the 2015 merger was “normal business activity.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Behind-the-scenes tales about  ‘Babe Ruth of PR’ Howard Rubenstein

He did plenty of talking for the rich and famous in New York City over the decades — but Wednesday , the devoted clients and friends of late public-relations powerhouse Howard Rubenstein focused on him .
There were plenty of stories about Rubenstein , who passed away Tuesday at age 88 , as an unrivaled PR legend .
“ Before those Dutch guys negotiated how much for Manhattan , Howard Rubenstein would already have put up a condo on the shoreline .
“ His wife ’ s family owned Brooklyn ’ s Peter Luger Steakhouse .
So we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barry ’ s kosher .
The restaurant isn ’ t .
A big slab of meat came out of a hand-carried brown paper bag — straight from a Jewish butcher.
” “ [ Howard ] introduced me to George Steinbrenner .
I was sitting in a box [ at Yankee Stadium in the 1980s ] , and [ Howard ] said , ‘ Come on over , I ’ ll introduce you to George.
’ “ We walked over to George ’ s suite .
I thought to myself , ‘ What do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ I wasn ’ t even a Yankee fan .
I ’ m a Mets fan .
And almost as if [ Howard ] was reading my mind , he said to me , ‘ Remember , he ’ s just a regular guy .
Just have a conversation saying hi .
You don ’ t have to worry about much else.
’ And [ Howard ] put me at ease .
“ Steinbrenner talked about his plans for the team , and he recognized that I wasn ’ t much interested , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fan ?
’ And I said , ‘ Unfortunately , I ’ m a Mets fan.
’ And he said , ‘ Don ’ t worry , we all pray to the same god.
’ ” At an anniversary event for Howard ’ s firm one year , “ He was standing between and holding [ former New York Gov .
George ] Pataki and [ ex-New York City Mayor Rudy ] Giuliani or two people who had been fighting endlessly .
And here he was kind of the intermediary between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was astonishing .
It was perfect Howard .
He always could deal with people who disagreed with each other because he was so fundamentally rational and low-key.
’ ’ “ I remember going to Atlantic City in one of Donald [ Trump ] ’ s helicopters for a big fight .
… I think it was the Tyson-Spinks fight [ in 1988 ] , which ended quickly .
Everyone was frantic and rushing to get back to the city and begging and lobbying to get on Donald ’ s helicopter back .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who came there on it .
I remember right after take-off I noticed that both Howard and his wife had quietly managed to get on and hitch a ride back .
“ It had a hugh impact on me , made me smile , and made me think WELL , THAT ’ S WHAT MAKES HOWARD HOWARD AND HOW HE QUIETLY GETS THINGS DONE .
NO ONE EVER SEES HIM COMING !
!
” Rick Cerrone , former Yankee senior director of media relations from 1996 to 2006 and now editor-in-chief of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the Babe Ruth of public relations .
“ I remember going to his office , and he had a lot of pictures on the walls of him and very famous people .
And he told me a story of how that started .
“ He told me how he basically concocted this way to meet Harry Truman , ’ ’ likely around the late 1950s .
“ I don ’ t remember if he created an award or what , but … that was like the first picture he had .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry Truman meant so much , but he was so proud of that picture of him with Truman .
”

He did plenty of talking for the rich and famous in New York City over the decades — but Wednesday, the devoted clients and friends of late public-relations powerhouse Howard Rubenstein focused on him.
There were plenty of stories about Rubenstein, who passed away Tuesday at age 88, as an unrivaled PR legend.
Post gossip legend Cindy Adams:
“Before those Dutch guys negotiated how much for Manhattan, Howard Rubenstein would already have put up a condo on the shoreline.
“New York was Rubenstein country.
“His wife’s family owned Brooklyn’s Peter Luger Steakhouse. So we’re having dinner with attorney Barry Slotnick. Barry’s kosher. The restaurant isn’t. A big slab of meat came out of a hand-carried brown paper bag — straight from a Jewish butcher.”
City public-relations guru George Artz:
“[Howard] introduced me to George Steinbrenner. I was sitting in a box [at Yankee Stadium in the 1980s], and [Howard] said, ‘Come on over, I’ll introduce you to George.’
“We walked over to George’s suite. I thought to myself, ‘What do I say? Oh, my god.’ I wasn’t even a Yankee fan. I’m a Mets fan. And almost as if [Howard] was reading my mind, he said to me, ‘Remember, he’s just a regular guy. Just have a conversation saying hi. You don’t have to worry about much else.’ And [Howard] put me at ease.
“Steinbrenner talked about his plans for the team, and he recognized that I wasn’t much interested, and he said, ‘Are you a fan?’ And I said, ‘Unfortunately, I’m a Mets fan.’ And he said, ‘Don’t worry, we all pray to the same god.’ ”
Tim Zagat, founder of the famed restaurant guides:
At an anniversary event for Howard’s firm one year, “He was standing between and holding [former New York Gov. George] Pataki and [ex-New York City Mayor Rudy] Giuliani or two people who had been fighting endlessly. And here he was kind of the intermediary between the two of them in public.
Gov. Mario Cuomo (left), Howard Rubenstein, Mayor Rudy Giuliani at Tavern on the Green in 1994 celebrating the 40th anniversary of Rubenstein’s public relations company. Lois Weiss
“It was astonishing. It was perfect Howard. He always could deal with people who disagreed with each other because he was so fundamentally rational and low-key.’’
Hotelier Ian Schrager:
“I remember going to Atlantic City in one of Donald [Trump]’s helicopters for a big fight. … I think it was the Tyson-Spinks fight [in 1988], which ended quickly. Everyone was frantic and rushing to get back to the city and begging and lobbying to get on Donald’s helicopter back.
“It was beyond a hot ticket.
“No one could get on except those who came there on it. I remember right after take-off I noticed that both Howard and his wife had quietly managed to get on and hitch a ride back.
Howard Rubenstein attends the TIME 100 gala in 2012. AP
“It had a hugh impact on me, made me smile, and made me think WELL, THAT’S WHAT MAKES HOWARD HOWARD AND HOW HE QUIETLY GETS THINGS DONE. NO ONE EVER SEES HIM COMING!!”
Rick Cerrone, former Yankee senior director of media relations from 1996 to 2006 and now editor-in-chief of Baseball Digest:
“[Howard] was the Babe Ruth of public relations.
“I remember going to his office, and he had a lot of pictures on the walls of him and very famous people. And he told me a story of how that started.
“He told me how he basically concocted this way to meet Harry Truman,’’ likely around the late 1950s. “I don’t remember if he created an award or what, but … that was like the first picture he had. I don’t remember the reason why Harry Truman meant so much, but he was so proud of that picture of him with Truman.”
Additional reporting by Steve Cuozzo


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Gender ideology ties Scouts in tough knots

“ Scouts honor ” is out the window .
Lawyers for the Girl ...

The recent legal and recruitment showdown between the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts reveals a double standard threatening both organizations — and it shows how the death of male-only spaces is taking a paradoxical toll on female ones.
The Girl Scouts of the USA are embroiled in a bitter battle with the Boy Scouts of America. After opening their doors to girls, the Boy Scouts have allegedly tried to poach prospective Girl Scouts, leading their rival to lose out on recruits at a time when interest in both organizations is on the wane. With so much choice, girls who would like to be any variety of Scout are now splitting the market.
Given their supposed extraordinary blessings under the patriarchy, men and boys — or at least those without other “intersectional” grievances — have become the only groups that don’t get to have their own spaces.
The logic appears sound: Who knows what the boys get up to in there? There may be lifelong friendships that lead to jobs and inequitable career advancement, foul language, misogynist humor and, not to forget, the usual patriarchal scheming and finger tenting. Left to themselves, boys may act too much like boys.
As the current standoff over Scout enrollment shows, male spaces also seem to insult through their very excellence. While membership in both organizations has shrunk since their heydays, the Boy Scouts have gained more than 120,000 female members since they and the Cub Scouts opened their doors to girls.
The basis for the Boy Scouts going gender-inclusive was that — in addition to camping, knots and badges, most of which the Girl Scouts offer in one form or another — girls would have access to the prestigious Eagle Scouts program. Eagle Scouts aren’t just the capstone of the Boy Scouts experience, but an alleged gateway to significant academic and career prospects.
The Girl Scouts don’t have an equivalent program. More precisely, a program exists but is less prestigious. This, according to the activist types, isn’t the organization’s fault, but just one more unfair advantage that accrues to men from male spaces. When men get together without supervision and do well, women fail.
And of course, integrating the Girl Scouts was out of the question. After the boys decided to integrate, the Girl Scouts released a statement insisting that they would continue to “serve girls, and girls only.” The principle is clear: Female spaces are a right, male spaces are a threat.
Beyond parental and activist pressure, the Boy Scouts’ decision to admit girls seems to have been motivated by recent sex-abuse allegations involving the group. Of course, overall declining membership numbers were a concern, too. The organization was on its way down, and to use a term beloved in Silicon Valley, it decided to pivot.
The new value proposition strays from its initial appeal of being one of the last true spaces for boys. As with any pivot, it will be interesting to see if the target market “bites.” This isn’t a given. Integrating Boy Scout groups with girls inevitably leads to adaptation — preteen and teenage boys and girls aren’t exactly known for their neutral stance toward the opposite sex.
Boys also have different intra- and inter-group dynamics than girls do and benefit from things like rough-and-tumble play and physical competition differently. As toxic as our learned betters may deem these dynamics, they are also a training ground for civic and, dare I say, masculine virtue: camaraderie, strength and stoicism. The idea that sex-segregated spaces are either natural (for girls) or exclusionary (if boys populate them) is deeply unfair to those who need to give them up.
There’s, of course, a delicious irony in the fact that the Boy Scouts’ adhering to woke doctrines on inclusivity might end up destroying . . . the girls’ group.
The Scout Wars underscore the confusions of our gender ideologies. Male spaces, we’re told, are both so toxic and so aspirational they ruin female spaces. They are both fountains of career success and dens of iniquity. They shouldn’t exist — still, their virtues are needed, but only if they are transformed into something they aren’t.
In a culture where maleness is regarded with reflexive suspicion, it’s no wonder that the drive to extinguish their fledgling cabals is so powerful there are barely any left. The twist is, they are taking female spaces down with them.
Alex Kaschuta is a Romania-based writer.
Twitter: @Kaschuta


newyorkpost--2020-12-30--Howard Rubenstein: An honorable flack who did PR with grace and charm

Tributes poured in Wednesday for late legendary New York City ...

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin really could use a Howard J. Rubenstein just about now.
The Brooklyn-born publicist — who died this week, having risen from not-much materially to superstardom in his profession — was a master at extracting flap-jawed foolish people from messes of their own making; the Baldwins’ needs in this regard are manifest.
But Rubenstein also was pretty good at pulling otherwise smart but sometimes impolitic folks from the soup, too, as gracefully as circumstances would permit in a town as bumptious as New York City. His services were always in demand.
So it wasn’t for nothing that George Steinbrenner made sure Rubenstein got one of those door-knocker Yankees World Series rings back in the 1990s. “The Boss” was many things, but he did not lack for gratitude. And Howard — the “Mr. Rubenstein” was often unspoken but always assumed — wore it proudly.
Rubenstein died at home on Fifth Avenue, right across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art — not bad for a Bensonhurst boy who got his start promoting a single neighborhood nursing home. He was 88 and may well have outlived his era.
For he moved among powerful, headstrong people at a time when their interests often conflicted, but when compromise and comity had real utility, and when the idea was to keep the wheels of government and commerce turning as smoothly as possible.
And at this, Rubenstein was peerless. Once summoned, he responded with dignity and grace; you always suspected he was the smartest guy in the room, or close to it. But he didn’t project it and, indeed, that was part of the magic.
He had a famous client who wrote about the art of the deal, but nobody did that better than Rubenstein. He didn’t always operate in plain sight — let’s be real — but he proceeded honorably and, as far as I know, never with a hint of personal impropriety or partisan advantage-seeking.
He dealt in introductions, in conciliation and in the delineation of mutual benefits. He himself was neutral territory, and that was his superpower.
Once there was an afternoon gathering in Rubenstein’s home, called to introduce New York’s commercial-real-estate community to a new state political leader. It soon subtly became clear that the fellow expected to be leaving the meeting with a stack of checks, if not bags of cash.
But only business cards were changing hands, and pretty soon, the politician — miffed and mystified — announced that his principal goal was going to be the construction of high-speed rail to Buffalo. Now the real-estate folks, clearly but without saying so, were wondering why anyone would want to go to Buffalo in the first place. Things were heading south in a hurry.
That’s when Rubenstein came to the rescue: He made another round of introductions, bringing things back into focus and soon necessary relationships had been established, and not a single law had been broken — or even bruised.
Foolish people are offended by the notion that an industry that produces a third of New York City’s home-generated tax revenues — real estate — should have discrete access to the powerful. But men are not angels, and that’s going to happen anyway; the only real question is whether it occurs mostly in daylight or always in the dark.
Howard J. Rubenstein walked the high ground. He helped guide Gotham through decades of fiscal, social and political crises — and he did it honorably, with grace and a smile.
Howard was a real mensch. May he rest in peace.
Twitter: @RLMac2


newyorkpost--2020-12-31--Pelosi to seat Iowa Republican despite Dem contesting election results

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will seat an Iowa Republican in the new Congress despite the Democrat in the race contesting the outcome , she announced .
Speaking at her weekly press conference Wednesday , Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) offered a succinct “ yes ” when asked if she planned to seat Rep.-elect Mariannette Miller-Meeks ( R-Iowa . )
next month as Democrat Rita Hart takes her election challenge to the House itself .
Miller-Meeks and Hart faced off in a race that was decided by a mere six votes .
Hart initially lost by 47 votes , but a recount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Dave Loebsack ( D-Iowa ) was far closer .
Hart has filed an application with the House Committee on Administration to nullify the results and conduct a hand recount with 22 additional ballots that were found to have previously been excluded .
The panel will ultimately file a report with a recommendation on who should fill the seat .
In a statement further clarifying her plans , Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said that the top Democrat would only be seating the GOP candidate “ provisionally.
” “ Every vote counts and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Administration is conducting a thorough and fair review of this election to make sure every vote was counted and counted as cast .
Pending the outcome of the Committee ’ s review and consistent with House practice , we intend to provisionally seat the Republican candidate , ” Hammill said .
For her part , Miller-Meeks has tendered her resignation to the Iowa state Senate and says she believes she will be victorious in locking down her new House seat .
In a statement earlier this month , she accused Hart of trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election results .
“ Hart now wants a process run by one Californian , Nancy Pelosi , and decided in Washington ’ s hyper-partisan , dysfunctional atmosphere and not according to Iowa law , ” the GOP lawmaker argued .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will seat an Iowa Republican in the new Congress despite the Democrat in the race contesting the outcome, she announced.
Speaking at her weekly press conference Wednesday, Pelosi (D-Calif.) offered a succinct “Yes” when asked if she planned to seat GOP Rep.-elect Mariannette Miller-Meeks next month as Democrat Rita Hart takes her election challenge to the House itself.
Miller-Meeks and Hart faced off in a race that was decided by a mere six votes. Hart initially lost by 47 votes, but a recount found that the race to replace retiring Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) was far closer.
Hart has filed an application with the House Committee on Administration to nullify the results and conduct a hand recount with 22 additional ballots that were found to have previously been excluded.
The panel will ultimately file a report with a recommendation on who should fill the seat.
In a statement further clarifying her plans, Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said the top Democrat would only be seating the GOP candidate “provisionally.”
“Every vote counts and that’s why the Committee on House Administration is conducting a thorough and fair review of this election to make sure every vote was counted and counted as cast. Pending the outcome of the Committee’s review and consistent with House practice, we intend to provisionally seat the Republican candidate,” Hammill said.
For her part, Miller-Meeks has tendered her resignation from the Iowa state Senate and says she believes she will be victorious in locking down her new House seat.
In a statement earlier this month, she accused Hart of trying to get Pelosi to intervene to overturn the election results.
“Hart now wants a process run by one Californian, Nancy Pelosi, and decided in Washington’s hyper-partisan, dysfunctional atmosphere and not according to Iowa law,” the GOP lawmaker argued.


newyorkpost--2020-12-31--Chrissy Teigen details why she decided to get sober

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 ) Chrissy Teigen is opening up about her sobriety .
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday , the 35-year-old model revealed how Holly Whitaker ’ s book , “ Quit Like a Woman : The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol , ” contributed to her decision to get sober .
“ One month ago , on my birthday , I got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Teigen began on her Instagram Story .
“ I was done with making an ass of myself in front of people ( I ’ m still embarrassed ) , tired of day drinking and feeling like s–t by 6 , not being able to sleep , ” she continued .
“ I have been sober ever since and even if you can ’ t see yourself doing it or just plain don ’ t want to , it is still an incredible read.
” Earlier this week , Teigen confirmed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
Following the revelation , the cookbook author received a slew of supportive messages from fans .
“ I just got sober as well !
!
Beautiful !
!
!
I love this !
!
” one commented on social media .
“ Keep going beautiful !
One day at a time , ” another replied .
Teigen , the wife of singer John Legend , 42 , has experienced difficulties in recent months , revealing in October she suffered a pregnancy loss .
The couple , who share daughter Luna , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , honored their late son Jack with tattoo tributes .
This isn ’ t the first time Teigen has spoken out about her drinking .
In 2017 , Teigen told Cosmopolitan she had been “ drinking too much .
“ I got used to being in hair and makeup and having a glass of wine .
Then that glass of wine would carry over into me having one before the awards show .
And then a bunch at the awards show .
And then I felt bad for making kind of an ass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respected , ” Teigen said at the time .

Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
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Chrissy Teigen is opening up about her sobriety.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the 35-year-old model revealed how Holly Whitaker’s book, “Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol,” contributed to her decision to get sober.
“One month ago, on my birthday, I got this book from my doctor and friend,” Teigen began on her Instagram Story.
“I was done with making an ass of myself in front of people (I’m still embarrassed), tired of day drinking and feeling like s–t by 6, not being able to sleep,” she continued. “I have been sober ever since and even if you can’t see yourself doing it or just plain don’t want to, it is still an incredible read.”
Earlier this week, Teigen confirmed that she’s been sober for a month. Following the revelation, the cookbook author received a slew of supportive messages from fans.
Instagram
“I just got sober as well!! Beautiful!!! I love this!!” one commented on social media.
“Keep going beautiful! One day at a time,” another replied.
Teigen, the wife of singer John Legend, 42, has experienced difficulties in recent months, revealing in October she suffered a pregnancy loss.
The couple, who share daughter Luna, 4, and son Miles, 2, honored their late son Jack with tattoo tributes.
This isn’t the first time Teigen has spoken out about her drinking. In 2017, Teigen told Cosmopolitan she had been “drinking too much.
“I got used to being in hair and makeup and having a glass of wine. Then that glass of wine would carry over into me having one before the awards show. And then a bunch at the awards show. And then I felt bad for making kind of an ass of myself to people that I really respected,” Teigen said at the time.