newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Why Tahiti is still the ultimate honeymoon destination

I consider myself an adventurous traveler .
So I was almost embarrassed when my husband and I decided to honeymoon in French Polynesia .
Sun , sand , overwater bungalows ?
How cliche !
But after two weeks in the Society Islands , a palm tree-studded archipelago about 15 hours away from New York City if you fly smart ( we didn ’ t ) , I get the hype .
Yes , sometimes it was idyllic to the point of corniness , but isn ’ t that what life as newlyweds is all about ?
Here are the standouts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Please , please don ’ t write about this place , ” said several guests at our first hotel , Vahine Island Resort and Spa .
The laid-back , luxurious motu ( reef islet ) is located about two hours by puddle jumper and boat from Faa ’ a International Airport .
Although Vahine recently doubled its guest capacity with a villa for large groups at the far end of the island , the resort is remarkably intimate , with just three over-water bungalows and six beach villas .
And while Vahine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t posh .
Not once did I put on makeup or a heeled shoe .
For us , it was a conduit to relaxed romance .
Our days on Vahine fell into an easy , lazy rhythm .
In the morning , we moseyed out to the beach for a breakfast of tropical fruit , French pastries and a mousse-like yogurt made with Tahitian vanilla .
Next came activities : The hotel offers complimentary snorkeling , kayaks , stand-up paddleboards and outrigger canoes .
Afternoons were for lounging , and we made good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. , we headed back to the beach for cocktails followed by a reliably excellent dinner ( standout seafood dishes included scallops in vanilla sauce and squid-ink pasta ) .
We were worried about Bora Bora .
It ’ s the most touted of French Polynesia ’ s Society Islands .
Is it worth the hype ?
We fretted less once we set eyes on Bora Bora ’ s lagoon — other-worldly , glowing aqua water that eludes capture by conventional cameras .
And when a swanky , wood-paneled yacht fetched us from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seasons Resort Bora Bora ’ s private motu , we concurred that we would be just fine .
The ultrapolished Four Seasons Bora Bora features 100 recently renovated overwater bungalows ( from $ 1,000 a night ) , the best of which possess views of the impossibly jagged Mount Otemanu .
There are four solid restaurants ( our favorite was the Sunset Bar , which serves sushi and Japanese-inspired cocktails ) and plenty to do ( yoga , tennis , jet-skiing ) .
For couples , the spa treatment is unmissable .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Body Ritual ( $ 390 per person ) , a blissful , romantic blur of body scrubs and tension-melting massage .
When I smushed my head into my massage-table doughnut pillow , I found myself gazing into an aquarium : The floor contained a glass portal to the lagoon below .
We spent most of our days learning how to scuba dive .
Bora Bora is a great spot for first-timers : the water is so clear and calm that the usual pool training session takes place right in the sea .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ majestic Manta rays and a few lemon sharks .
Take the serene privacy of Vahine , weave in the red-carpet treatment of the Four Seasons , and turn the entire experience up about one thousand notches , and you have the Brando .
The ultraluxe eco resort , about a 20-minute plane ride from Faa ’ a airport , is situated on the atoll of Tetiaroa , a smattering of small islets that Marlon Brando snapped up in the 1960s while filming “ Mutiny on the Bounty.
” For years , the island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 , the Brando launched to re-create his glamorous , dreamy lifestyle .
Nestled inside a dense forest of palm trees , the resort contains 35 opulent beachfront villas — all invisible from the hotel ’ s main path .
More trees fence off your beachy backyard from your neighbors ’ .
“ You could literally tan naked here and no one would see you , ” chirped a staffer .
Inside , the bungalows are bananas-luxurious .
Along with a capacious master bedroom , we had a living room , a media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my Manhattan apartment .
When I woke up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom , a path of small lights sprung up on the floor when my feet touched the ground , lighting my way .
If you ’ re going to drop a few paychecks here , spring for the all-inclusive package ( starting at $ 3,650 — eek — per night for two ) with a free run of the restaurants , including a hibachi counter and a French restaurant , as well as a daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s worth carving time out for a tour with one of the hotel ’ s naturalists .
We took a boat out past Tahuna Iti , which the locals call Bird Island , to watch plumes of avians explode from the canopies .
On Motu Onetahi , we stalked out coconut crabs — bright-blue land-lobsters that grow up to a yard wide and can saw tops off coconuts with the deftness of a Santoku knife .
On the final day of our vacation , my husband and I jolted with a start .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ single picture together .
We did quickly commission one from our bartender , but what a thought — to be so present in a moment that you forget to preserve it .
If that ’ s not a sign of a successful honeymoon , I don ’ t know what is .
Scuba diving : TopDive , a Scuba Schools International-affiliated program , has multiple locations and takes beginners through seasoned divers to the South Pacific ’ s top spots .
Snorkeling : On Mo ’ orea , a 30-minute ferry ride from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you through crowds of sea turtles ; treat you to a swim with rays and sharks , and a tour of underwater Tiki sculptures .
Food fun : Fresh-cracked coconuts , mangoes , chow-mein sandwiches , poisson cru : Mo ’ orea Food Adventures ’ tour guide , Heimata , shows off the island ’ s best French Polynesian fare .
ATV ride : Wear clothes you don ’ t mind getting dirty on Albert Tours ‘ ATV rides through Moorea .
Drive through pineapple plantations , rivers slithering with eels and rocky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pineapple juice are your rewards .
Cultural journey : Polynesian Escapes founder Tahiarii will take you through Raiatea ’ s town center and key cultural sites , including an ancient marae ( a kind of open-air temple ) .
Vanilla tour : Poerani Tours will drive you through the winding jungle roads of Taha ’ a to a rum distillery , a pearl farm and a vanilla plantation .
For more information , see Tahiti Tourism ’ s website .
The InterContinental : A convenient and reliable option in Tahiti , Moorea and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near the international airport , and it ’ s a great place to start or end a trip with its fabulous pool and lively Polynesian dance show brunches .
Le Taha ’ a : This polished resort on a private motu has dreamy overwater bungalows and beach villas .
It ’ s family friendly , but still quiet enough for romance .
Mo ’ orea Island Beach Lodge : This laid-back lodge lacks the bells and whistles of larger resorts , but it ’ s cute , clean and home to the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ author was a guest of Tahiti Tourisme .

I consider myself an adventurous traveler. So I was almost embarrassed when my husband and I decided to honeymoon in French Polynesia. Sun, sand, overwater bungalows? How cliche!
But after two weeks in the Society Islands, a palm tree-studded archipelago about 15 hours away from New York City if you fly smart (we didn’t), I get the hype.
Yes, sometimes it was idyllic to the point of corniness, but isn’t that what life as newlyweds is all about?
Here are the standouts from these spectacular South Pacific islands.
Best-kept secret
“Please, please don’t write about this place,” said several guests at our first hotel, Vahine Island Resort and Spa.
The laid-back, luxurious motu (reef islet) is located about two hours by puddle jumper and boat from Faa’a International Airport.
Although Vahine recently doubled its guest capacity with a villa for large groups at the far end of the island, the resort is remarkably intimate, with just three over-water bungalows and six beach villas.
And while Vahine is well-appointed, its vibe isn’t posh. Not once did I put on makeup or a heeled shoe.
For us, it was a conduit to relaxed romance.
Our days on Vahine fell into an easy, lazy rhythm. In the morning, we moseyed out to the beach for a breakfast of tropical fruit, French pastries and a mousse-like yogurt made with Tahitian vanilla.
Next came activities: The hotel offers complimentary snorkeling, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and outrigger canoes.
Afternoons were for lounging, and we made good use of the hammock.
At 6 p.m., we headed back to the beach for cocktails followed by a reliably excellent dinner (standout seafood dishes included scallops in vanilla sauce and squid-ink pasta).
Wild blue
We were worried about Bora Bora. It’s the most touted of French Polynesia’s Society Islands. Is it worth the hype?
We fretted less once we set eyes on Bora Bora’s lagoon — other-worldly, glowing aqua water that eludes capture by conventional cameras.
And when a swanky, wood-paneled yacht fetched us from the airport to speed us to Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora’s private motu, we concurred that we would be just fine.
The ultrapolished Four Seasons Bora Bora features 100 recently renovated overwater bungalows (from $1,000 a night), the best of which possess views of the impossibly jagged Mount Otemanu.
There are four solid restaurants (our favorite was the Sunset Bar, which serves sushi and Japanese-inspired cocktails) and plenty to do (yoga, tennis, jet-skiing).
For couples, the spa treatment is unmissable. We went all out with the Taurumi Mind & Body Ritual ($390 per person), a blissful, romantic blur of body scrubs and tension-melting massage.
When I smushed my head into my massage-table doughnut pillow, I found myself gazing into an aquarium: The floor contained a glass portal to the lagoon below.
We spent most of our days learning how to scuba dive. Bora Bora is a great spot for first-timers: the water is so clear and calm that the usual pool training session takes place right in the sea. Expect schools of brightly hued fish, majestic Manta rays and a few lemon sharks.
Peak luxury
Take the serene privacy of Vahine, weave in the red-carpet treatment of the Four Seasons, and turn the entire experience up about one thousand notches, and you have the Brando. The ultraluxe eco resort, about a 20-minute plane ride from Faa’a airport, is situated on the atoll of Tetiaroa, a smattering of small islets that Marlon Brando snapped up in the 1960s while filming “Mutiny on the Bounty.”
For years, the island was his own private paradise; in 2014, the Brando launched to re-create his glamorous, dreamy lifestyle. Nestled inside a dense forest of palm trees, the resort contains 35 opulent beachfront villas — all invisible from the hotel’s main path. More trees fence off your beachy backyard from your neighbors’. “You could literally tan naked here and no one would see you,” chirped a staffer.
Inside, the bungalows are bananas-luxurious. Along with a capacious master bedroom, we had a living room, a media room and a bathroom roughly the size of my Manhattan apartment. When I woke up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, a path of small lights sprung up on the floor when my feet touched the ground, lighting my way.
If you’re going to drop a few paychecks here, spring for the all-inclusive package (starting at $3,650 — eek — per night for two) with a free run of the restaurants, including a hibachi counter and a French restaurant, as well as a daily trip to the spa.
It’s worth carving time out for a tour with one of the hotel’s naturalists. We took a boat out past Tahuna Iti, which the locals call Bird Island, to watch plumes of avians explode from the canopies.
On Motu Onetahi, we stalked out coconut crabs — bright-blue land-lobsters that grow up to a yard wide and can saw tops off coconuts with the deftness of a Santoku knife. On the final day of our vacation, my husband and I jolted with a start. We’d forgotten to take a single picture together.
We did quickly commission one from our bartender, but what a thought — to be so present in a moment that you forget to preserve it. If that’s not a sign of a successful honeymoon, I don’t know what is.
Things to do
Scuba diving: TopDive, a Scuba Schools International-affiliated program, has multiple locations and takes beginners through seasoned divers to the South Pacific’s top spots.
Snorkeling: On Mo’orea, a 30-minute ferry ride from mainland Tahiti, Captain Taina will tow you through crowds of sea turtles; treat you to a swim with rays and sharks, and a tour of underwater Tiki sculptures.
Food fun: Fresh-cracked coconuts, mangoes, chow-mein sandwiches, poisson cru: Mo’orea Food Adventures’ tour guide, Heimata, shows off the island’s best French Polynesian fare.
ATV ride: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty on Albert Tours‘ ATV rides through Moorea. Drive through pineapple plantations, rivers slithering with eels and rocky mountain roads. Glorious vistas and fresh-pressed pineapple juice are your rewards.
Cultural journey: Polynesian Escapes founder Tahiarii will take you through Raiatea’s town center and key cultural sites, including an ancient marae (a kind of open-air temple).
Vanilla tour: Poerani Tours will drive you through the winding jungle roads of Taha’a to a rum distillery, a pearl farm and a vanilla plantation. For more information, see Tahiti Tourism’s website.
More places to stay
The InterContinental: A convenient and reliable option in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. The Tahiti location is near the international airport, and it’s a great place to start or end a trip with its fabulous pool and lively Polynesian dance show brunches.
Le Taha’a: This polished resort on a private motu has dreamy overwater bungalows and beach villas. It’s family friendly, but still quiet enough for romance.
Mo’orea Island Beach Lodge: This laid-back lodge lacks the bells and whistles of larger resorts, but it’s cute, clean and home to the most stunning sunset of our trip.
The author was a guest of Tahiti Tourisme.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--How superproducer Julie Plec juggles work on several shows

Julie Plec is one of the busiest women in Hollywood .
“ In the last six or seven years , I have had anywhere from two to three shows on at any given time , ” Plec , 47 , tells The Post .
“ It ’ s been a wild ride.
” The writer/director/producer currently has three shows on television : supernatural drama “ Legacies ” ( Thursdays at 9 p.m. on The CW ) , “ Roswell , New Mexico ” ( also on the CW , returning for its second season March 16 ) and the upcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bus ” about female political journalists .
“ I should have a chart , but I don ’ t , ” says Plec about balancing her various projects .
“ I have spent so long juggling in my own mind that it ’ s become a strange perverted art form .
What it really comes down to is [ that ] if I ’ m taking on multiple things , I can ’ t be singularly involved as the day-to-day showrunner on more than one series .
“ There ’ s just not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says , “ so I align myself with really tremendous partners.
” For instance , “ Roswell ” reboot “ Roswell , New Mexico ” is helmed by Carina Adly MacKenzie .
Plec , who executive produces the drama and directed two episodes , calls herself its “ fairy godmother.
” And when “ The Girls on the Bus ” began production , she stepped back from co-showrunning “ Legacies ” ( with Brett Matthews ) on a daily basis .
“ The minute ‘ The Girls on the Bus ’ started heating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention to that , but was available to Brett for story breaking and script notes , ” she says .
“ It really is about being available to make sure the quality of each show is unwavering , but also being able to count on the people I ’ ve put in place — that they can do the work to the best of their abilities , and often they do it better than I do .
“ It works out for all of us.
” Plec , who cut her teeth working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scream ” franchise ) , first rose to prominence with the “ Vampire Diaries ” franchise , comprising the parent show ( 2009-2017 ) , “ The Originals ( 2013-2018 ) and now “ Legacies , ” which follows teens at a supernatural school .
That show is currently in its second season and has been renewed for a third .
Combined , the franchise has over 300 episodes of TV .
“ The joke [ ‘ Vampire Diaries ’ co-creator Kevin Williamson ] and I like to tell is that we truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones to rejuvenate the vampire genre or put the final nail in its coffin , so to speak , ” she says .
“ Because the market was so saturated … it was exciting to see the show find an audience in spite of [ the movie ] ‘ Twilight ’ and [ HBO ’ s ] ‘ True Blood ’ competing for attention during that time .
What ’ s been more exciting is that every three years , I meet a new generation of 12-year-olds who have just started watching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s been thrilling to see the show have timeless legs .
It keeps finding new fans.
” And that “ Vampire Diaries ” universe might not stop at three shows , she says .
“ Brett [ Matthews ] and I have a pitch for at least one more [ series ] that we really love , ” she says .
“ We don ’ t wake up every morning and say , ‘ How can we continue to monetize this franchise ?
’ We just love the world.
” Plec also has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a four-year deal she recently inked with Universal TV ) that , she says , will likely stay in the realm of teen dramas .
“ The older I get , the younger I feel , and the more I enjoy writing the [ teen ] stuff , because I ’ m trapped emotionally probably as a 17-year-old in my soul , ” she says .
“ I like writing about love , and I like writing about loss and grief .
“ I like writing about powerful and intense and epic emotional @ @ @

Julie Plec is one of the busiest women in Hollywood.
“In the last six or seven years, I have had anywhere from two to three shows on at any given time,” Plec, 47, tells The Post. “It’s been a wild ride.”
The writer/director/producer currently has three shows on television: supernatural drama “Legacies” (Thursdays at 9 p.m. on The CW), “Roswell, New Mexico” (also on the CW, returning for its second season March 16) and the upcoming Netflix drama “The Girls on the Bus” about female political journalists.
“I should have a chart, but I don’t,” says Plec about balancing her various projects. “I have spent so long juggling in my own mind that it’s become a strange perverted art form. What it really comes down to is [that] if I’m taking on multiple things, I can’t be singularly involved as the day-to-day showrunner on more than one series.
“There’s just not enough time in the day, she says, “so I align myself with really tremendous partners.”
For instance, “Roswell” reboot “Roswell, New Mexico” is helmed by Carina Adly MacKenzie. Plec, who executive produces the drama and directed two episodes, calls herself its “fairy godmother.” And when “The Girls on the Bus” began production, she stepped back from co-showrunning “Legacies” (with Brett Matthews) on a daily basis.
“The minute ‘The Girls on the Bus’ started heating up, I shifted most of my attention to that, but was available to Brett for story breaking and script notes,” she says. “It really is about being available to make sure the quality of each show is unwavering, but also being able to count on the people I’ve put in place — that they can do the work to the best of their abilities, and often they do it better than I do.
“It works out for all of us.”
Plec, who cut her teeth working with horrormeister Wes Craven (the “Scream” franchise), first rose to prominence with the “Vampire Diaries” franchise, comprising the parent show (2009-2017), “The Originals (2013-2018) and now “Legacies,” which follows teens at a supernatural school. That show is currently in its second season and has been renewed for a third. Combined, the franchise has over 300 episodes of TV.
“The joke [‘Vampire Diaries’ co-creator Kevin Williamson] and I like to tell is that we truly believed that we’d be the ones to rejuvenate the vampire genre or put the final nail in its coffin, so to speak,” she says. “Because the market was so saturated … it was exciting to see the show find an audience in spite of [the movie] ‘Twilight’ and [HBO’s] ‘True Blood’ competing for attention during that time. What’s been more exciting is that every three years, I meet a new generation of 12-year-olds who have just started watching the show on Netflix.
“It’s been thrilling to see the show have timeless legs. It keeps finding new fans.”
And that “Vampire Diaries” universe might not stop at three shows, she says. “Brett [Matthews] and I have a pitch for at least one more [series] that we really love,” she says. “We don’t wake up every morning and say, ‘How can we continue to monetize this franchise?’ We just love the world.”
Plec also has other shows in nascent stages that, she says, will likely stay in the realm of teen dramas, and recently signed a four-year deal with Universal TV.
“The older I get, the younger I feel, and the more I enjoy writing the [teen] stuff, because I’m trapped emotionally probably as a 17-year-old in my soul,” she says. “I like writing about love, and I like writing about loss and grief.
“I like writing about powerful and intense and epic emotional relationships.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--‘Killing Eve’ season 3 drops a Valentine’s Day teaser

BBC America will premiere the third season of its acclaimed drama series “ Killing Eve ” on Sunday , April 26 at 10 PM .
The network also released a Valentine ’ s Day teaser for the upcoming season of the series , based on the Codename Villanelle novellas by Luke Jennings , starring Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer .
“ Killing Eve , ” which has already been renewed for a fourth season , continues to grow in ratings .
Season two had the highest rate of growth of any returning TV drama since the final season of AMC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2013 , doubling its season one audience in Live+SD , according to Nielsen stats .
The third season continues the story of two women with brutal pasts , addicted to each other but now trying desperately to live their lives without their drug of choice .
For Villanelle ( Comer ) , the assassin without a job , Eve ( Oh ) is dead .
For Eve , the ex-MI6 operative hiding in plain sight , Villanelle will never find her .
All seems fine until a shocking and personal death sets them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The journey back to each other will cost both of them friends , family , and allegiances…and perhaps a share of their souls .
Fiona Shaw and Kim Bodnia also star .
Season 3 cast also includes Harriet Walter ( “ Succession , ” “ The End ” ) , Danny Sapani ( “ Harlots ” ) , Gemma Whelan ( “ Game of Thrones ” ) , Camille Cottin ( “ Call My Agent ” ) , Steve Pemberton ( “ Inside No .
9 ” ) , Raj Bajaj ( “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ) , Turlough Convery ( “ Ready Player One ” ) , Pedja Bjelac ( “ Harry Potter ” ) and Evgenia Dodina ( “ One Week and a Day ” ) .
“ Killing Eve ” is produced by Sid Gentle Films Ltd. for BBC America and is distributed by Endeavor Content .
British writer Suzanne Heathcote ( “ Fear the Walking Dead ” ) serves as lead writer and executive producer for season three , continuing the tradition of passing the baton to a new female writing voice .
Executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morris , Phoebe Waller-Bridge , Gina Mingacci , Damon Thomas , Jeff Melvoin , Suzanne Heathcote and Sandra Oh .
Nige Watson also serves as producer on the series .
“ Killing Eve ” is produced by Sid Gentle Films Ltd. for BBC AMERICA and is distributed by Endeavor Content .

BBC America will premiere the third season of its acclaimed drama series “Killing Eve” on Sunday, April 26 at 10 PM. The network also released a Valentine’s Day teaser for the upcoming season of the series, based on the Codename Villanelle novellas by Luke Jennings, starring Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer.
“Killing Eve,” which has already been renewed for a fourth season, continues to grow in ratings. Season two had the highest rate of growth of any returning TV drama since the final season of AMC’s “Breaking Bad” in 2013, doubling its season one audience in Live+SD, according to Nielsen stats.
The third season continues the story of two women with brutal pasts, addicted to each other but now trying desperately to live their lives without their drug of choice. For Villanelle (Comer), the assassin without a job, Eve (Oh) is dead. For Eve, the ex-MI6 operative hiding in plain sight, Villanelle will never find her. All seems fine until a shocking and personal death sets them on a collision course yet again. The journey back to each other will cost both of them friends, family, and allegiances…and perhaps a share of their souls. Fiona Shaw and Kim Bodnia also star.
Season 3 cast also includes Harriet Walter (“Succession,” “The End”), Danny Sapani (“Harlots”), Gemma Whelan (“Game of Thrones”), Camille Cottin (“Call My Agent”), Steve Pemberton (“Inside No. 9”), Raj Bajaj (“A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding”), Turlough Convery (“Ready Player One”), Pedja Bjelac (“Harry Potter”) and Evgenia Dodina (“One Week and a Day”).
“Killing Eve” is produced by Sid Gentle Films Ltd. for BBC America and is distributed by Endeavor Content.
British writer Suzanne Heathcote (“Fear the Walking Dead”) serves as lead writer and executive producer for season three, continuing the tradition of passing the baton to a new female writing voice. Executive producers are Sally Woodward Gentle, Lee Morris, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Gina Mingacci, Damon Thomas, Jeff Melvoin, Suzanne Heathcote and Sandra Oh. Nige Watson also serves as producer on the series. “Killing Eve” is produced by Sid Gentle Films Ltd. for BBC AMERICA and is distributed by Endeavor Content.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Disney now selling princess wedding dresses for women who still haven’t grown up

When you wish upon a star … a crazed mom ...

Marriage-aged adults who haven’t quite outgrown their favorite VHS tapes from childhood need not leave their fantasies in the past.
Allure Bridals has teamed up with Disney to give women the chance to dress like their favorite cartoon on their wedding day. Called the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection, the 16-dress line includes silhouettes inspired by Ariel from “The Little Mermaid,” Jasmine from “Aladdin” and Cinderella.
Prices range from $1,200 all the way up to $10,000 — glass slippers not included.
“So many brides grow up admiring their favorite Disney Princess characters and are inspired by their journeys, gowns and stories of the classic films,” said Kelly Crum, Allure’s CEO in the wedding-ware company’s press release.
Although only a few sketches of the frilly frocks have been released — ”Beauty and the Beast’s” Belle prompted an off-the-shoulder ball gown and the Ariel dress is, you guessed it, a mermaid-style cut — the actual clothes won’t be unveiled until March during New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Only nine of the dresses will be available for purchase across the country, but New Yorkers can rejoice: Kleinfeld Bridal in the Flatiron District (in addition to the Toronto location) will have the entire line stocked, including the nine “Platinum” dresses priced between $3,500 and $10,000.
Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Tiana and Snow White will each have a turn at nuptial attire, with some besotted beauties featuring twice in the collection.
A few of the promised features: hand-embroidered appliques, crystal beading, sparkling tulle, ruffled organza and chiffon. Vines and blossoms, inspired by the Bayou-set “The Princess and the Frog” features on the Tiana gown.
No word yet if animated mice, singing bluebirds and a benevolent fairy godmother will be helping you get dressed day-of.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Model Doutzen Kroes’ gross ‘liver cleanse’ is ‘nonsense,’ doctor says

More proof that influencers are full of crap .
Dutch supermodel Doutzen Kroes ’ YouTube channel may only be four months old , but the former Victoria ’ s Secret stunner is already getting heat for promoting a pseudoscientific “ liver cleanse ” in which she claims she passed “ tiny green stones that looked like vegetables ” during 10 trips to the bathroom .
But the so-called cleanse is utter “ nonsense , ” says Dr. David Bernstein , chief of hepatology at Northwell Health .
“ There ’ s no such thing as a liver cleanse .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It doesn ’ t exist.
” Most likely , those tiny green stones were nothing more than , you guessed it : “ Little balls of stool , ” Bernstein says .
“ Like rabbit poop .
When you eat and drink like a rabbit , you poop — like a rabbit.
” The 35-year-old mother of two based the exercise off “ The Amazing Liver & Gallbladder Flush ” by Andreas Moritz , a self-described “ medical intuitive ” and practitioner of Ayurveda — who died in 2012 .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you must develop inner beauty first , ” Kroes says early in the video .
“ Wise words by Andreas Moritz.
” In her video , Kroes details the seven-day process , which involves eating a vegan diet for five days , drinking lots of apple juice , a short fast , drinking lots of Epsom salt and water , then drinking a grapefruit and oil mix , and then boom : “ It ’ s party time , the stones come out , ” Kroes says .
Kroes complains of headaches during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are “ toxins leaving her body ” but in reality are just “ symptoms of dehydration and hunger , ” says Bernstein .
“ From a medical perspective , there ’ s no rationale or explanation for what they are describing at all , ” Bernstein says .
“ Stones don ’ t cause chronic liver disease.
” And , he adds , “ those large stones wouldn ’ t pass out of the gallbladder , if they did pass , it would be in the stool.
” YouTube commenters are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These things are not only pseudoscience but they ’ re also harmful to the body .
Please , for your own health stop following these fad diets and cleanses that are not supported by evidence and can in fact be BAD for you !
, ” user Wonderwall wrote .
“ The healthy body has kidneys , a liver , skin , even lungs that are detoxifying as we speak , our body is capable of getting rid of unwanted stuff by itself .
Whole detox industry is a scam , ” added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to Kroes for comment on the criticism , and will update this story if she responds .
When it was all over , Kroes says she felt energetic and “ so clean.
” The cleanse also involved two high colonics in a week , another non-medical procedure that the Mayo Clinic says is “ unnecessary ” and Bernstein says should only be done “ with extreme caution , ” if ever .
Bernstein says that some of the things Kroes did during the week , like drinking a lot of fluids and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help the liver , which could explain her increased energy and why she was feeling better .
“ All the things you can do to improve your body and become a better version of yourself , ” Kroes says in the video .
“ That ’ s why I ’ m doing this .
”

More proof that influencers are full of crap.
Dutch supermodel Doutzen Kroes’ YouTube channel may only be four months old, but the former Victoria’s Secret stunner is already getting heat for promoting a pseudoscientific “liver cleanse” in which she claims she passed “tiny green stones that looked like vegetables” during 10 trips to the bathroom.
But the so-called cleanse is utter “nonsense,” says Dr. David Bernstein, chief of hepatology at Northwell Health. “There’s no such thing as a liver cleanse. It’s people trying to sell things. It doesn’t exist.”
Most likely, those tiny green stones were nothing more than, you guessed it: “Little balls of stool,” Bernstein says. “Like rabbit poop. When you eat and drink like a rabbit, you poop — like a rabbit.”
The 35-year-old mother of two based the exercise off “The Amazing Liver & Gallbladder Flush” by Andreas Moritz, a self-described “medical intuitive” and practitioner of Ayurveda — who died in 2012.
“If you want to achieve outer beauty, you must develop inner beauty first,” Kroes says early in the video. “Wise words by Andreas Moritz.”
In her video, Kroes details the seven-day process, which involves eating a vegan diet for five days, drinking lots of apple juice, a short fast, drinking lots of Epsom salt and water, then drinking a grapefruit and oil mix, and then boom: “It’s party time, the stones come out,” Kroes says.
Kroes complains of headaches during the process, which, she believes, are “toxins leaving her body” but in reality are just “symptoms of dehydration and hunger,” says Bernstein.
“From a medical perspective, there’s no rationale or explanation for what they are describing at all,” Bernstein says. “Stones don’t cause chronic liver disease.”
And, he adds, “those large stones wouldn’t pass out of the gallbladder, if they did pass, it would be in the stool.”
YouTube commenters are also calling out Kroes’ cleanse.
“These things are not only pseudoscience but they’re also harmful to the body. Please, for your own health stop following these fad diets and cleanses that are not supported by evidence and can in fact be BAD for you!,” user Wonderwall wrote.
“It’s time for a social-media cleanse,” wrote user Recco.
“The healthy body has kidneys, a liver, skin, even lungs that are detoxifying as we speak, our body is capable of getting rid of unwanted stuff by itself. Whole detox industry is a scam,” added Sapphire N M.
The Post has reached out to Kroes for comment on the criticism, and will update this story if she responds.
When it was all over, Kroes says she felt energetic and “so clean.” The cleanse also involved two high colonics in a week, another non-medical procedure that the Mayo Clinic says is “unnecessary” and Bernstein says should only be done “with extreme caution,” if ever.
Bernstein says that some of the things Kroes did during the week, like drinking a lot of fluids and adhering to a vegan diet, do help the liver, which could explain her increased energy and why she was feeling better.
“All the things you can do to improve your body and become a better version of yourself,” Kroes says in the video. “That’s why I’m doing this.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Southwest Airlines crew surprises new parents with impromptu baby shower

Jeffrey Epstein crony Ghislaine Maxwell is so impossible to find ...

Southwest Airlines crew members and passengers gave a pair of new parents a flight they’ll never forget — by throwing an impromptu baby for their adopted infant daughter.
Dustin and Caren Moore were on their way home from Colorado to California back in November with their 8-day old bundle of joy when one flight attendant, named Jenny, helped them find a place to change the newborn’s diaper, Dustin shared in a Twitter thread this week.
Jenny asked the couple about their daughter — and they shared the adoption story, he wrote.
A short time later, another attendant named Bobby approached and asked the same questions.
“We repeated the story with a few details, and he congratulated us before walking away,” Dustin wrote. “My wife and I exchanged curious looks, but thought nothing more about it.”
But it wasn’t long before the couple learned the reason for their curiosity.
“Then, we heard the intercom,” he wrote. “The attendant Bobby came on and announced a special guest on the flight. Our daughter. She’s just been adopted by her parents Caren and Dustin, and is making her way home. The entire cabin erupted in cheers and applause.”
“He then shared that the crew would pass out pens and napkins to everyone, and anybody who wanted to share a word of advice or encouragement for our family was welcome to do so,” Dustin continued.
“We sat in speechless gratitude, as people kept peeking over their chairs to congratulate us.”
Previous 1 of 5 Next Advertisement Strangers threw new parents Dustin and Caren Moore a surprise baby shower on a Southwest Airlines flight. Dustin Moore Dustin Moore Advertisement Dustin Moore Advertisement
The crew then read some of their favorite notes over the intercom, including, “Rub each other’s feet, and rub the baby’s feet,” and, “Drink lots of wine!” before handing the messages to the new parents.
Then, both Jenny and Bobby handed the couple a set of pilot wings for their daughter.
“We learned they were married, and that someone had done a similar act for them on their honeymoon flight,” Dustin wrote. “When I had spoken with Jenny, she thought it was a perfect opportunity to pay forward the kind act they had been shown on their honeymoon.”
Dustin told USA Today that he decided to share the heartwarming story months later because he looked at his daughter after a rough day at work and wanted to spread some positivity online.
The reaction, he told the paper, was “overwhelmingly supportive.”
“I hope you’ll take time to share what is good,” Dustin wrote. “In a world of turmoil, don’t forget to showcase the Bobby’s and Jenny’s, the kind strangers out there. And if they don’t cross your path, be one. Seek good, or create it.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Judge takes rare step to help serve elusive Ghislaine Maxwell with lawsuit

Jeffrey Epstein crony Ghislaine Maxwell is so impossible to find that a Manhattan judge has taken the rare step of allowing her to be served with a new lawsuit — by email , according to a federal court filing Friday .
Lawyers for Epstein sex-assault-accuser Annie Farmer had griped to federal Judge Debra Freeman that they ’ ve been trying to find the disgraced British socialite to serve her with the complaint , filed in November , but that she ’ s done such a good job of hiding that they haven ’ t been able to get to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has attempted to locate and personally serve Maxwell to no avail .
Her counsel has conducted extensive public records searches and located various addresses for Maxwell , ” Farmer ’ s lawyers wrote in a Jan. 27 motion imploring Freeman to allow them to serve Maxwell using “ alternate ” means .
On Wednesday , Freeman granted the motion , acknowledging that Farmer has “ adequately demonstrated that personal service would be impracticable ” and ordering Maxwell to be served by email and through her lawyer ’ s online account used in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virginia Giuffre .
Farmer ’ s lawyers promptly emailed a copy of the summons and complaint to Maxwell ’ s email , as well as the other attorney .
“ Ms .
Maxwell , Please see the below text order granting our motion to approve alternate service on you in Farmer v. Indyke , ” reads the email , which was filed to the court as evidence .
If Maxwell ’ s camp doesn ’ t respond to the suit by March 6 , a default judgment will be placed against her , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said they know she ’ s out there because she ’ s been “ actively participating ” in the defamation suit involving Giuffre , which was filed against her in the same court , and is “ vigorously fighting ” the release of documents in that case , the records state .
Farmer ’ s lawyers told The Post that they are elated to finally serve the elusive alleged abuser .
“ We just don ’ t think she should be able to dodge the law , ” said one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named .
Farmer ’ s suit alleges she met Maxwell and Epstein through her older sister , Maria , who ’ d been hired by the billionaire to purchase art for him .
Epstein began taking an interest in Annie when she was around 16 and eventually invited her to his remote New Mexico ranch , where Maxwell pressured her to get naked and then “ touched intimate parts ” of Farmer ’ s body and “ groped her ” under the guise of a massage , court documents allege .
Maria was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Epstein and Maxwell , but she is not named as a plaintiff in this suit .
Maxwell is facing at least one other civil suit in federal court in Manhattan , where her buddy Epstein had an Upper East Side townhome .
Her lawyers could not be immediately reached for comment .

Jeffrey Epstein crony Ghislaine Maxwell is so impossible to find that a Manhattan judge has taken the rare step of allowing her to be served with a new lawsuit — by email, according to a federal court filing Friday.
Lawyers for Epstein sex-assault-accuser Annie Farmer had griped to federal Judge Debra Freeman that they’ve been trying to find the disgraced British socialite to serve her with the complaint, filed in November, but that she’s done such a good job of hiding that they haven’t been able to get to her, court documents show.
“Plaintiff has attempted to locate and personally serve Maxwell to no avail. Her counsel has conducted extensive public records searches and located various addresses for Maxwell,” Farmer’s lawyers wrote in a Jan. 27 motion imploring Freeman to allow them to serve Maxwell using “alternate” means.
On Wednesday, Freeman granted the motion, acknowledging that Farmer has “adequately demonstrated that personal service would be impracticable” and ordered Maxwell to be served by email and through her lawyers representing her in a lawsuit involving another key Epstein accuser, Virginia Giuffre.
Farmer’s lawyers promptly emailed a copy of the summons and complaint to Maxwell’s email, as well as to the attorneys representing her in the Giuffre case.
“Ms. Maxwell, Please see the below text order granting our motion to approve alternate service on you in Farmer v. Indyke,” reads the email, which was filed to the court as evidence.
If Maxwell’s camp doesn’t respond to the suit by March 6, a default judgment will be placed against her, Freeman ruled.
Farmer’s lawyers have said they know she’s out there because she’s been “actively participating” in the defamation suit involving Giuffre, which was filed against her in the same court, and is “vigorously fighting” the release of documents in that case, the records state.
Farmer’s lawyers told The Post that they are elated to finally serve the elusive alleged abuser.
“We just don’t think she should be able to dodge the law,” said one of the lawyers, who asked not to be named.
Farmer’s suit alleges she met Maxwell and Epstein through her older sister, Maria, who’d been hired by the billionaire to purchase art for him.
Epstein began taking an interest in Annie when she was around 16 and eventually invited her to his remote New Mexico ranch, where Maxwell pressured her to get naked and then “touched intimate parts” of Farmer’s body and “groped her” under the guise of a massage, court documents allege.
Maria was also allegedly abused later on by both Epstein and Maxwell, but she is not named as a plaintiff in this suit.
Epstein died in federal lock-up in August.
Maxwell is facing at least one other civil suit in federal court in Manhattan, where her buddy Epstein had an Upper East Side townhome.
Her lawyers could not be immediately reached for comment.
Farmer is seeking undisclosed damages.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--HQ Trivia shutting down app, laying off staffers

After a two and a half years , HQ Trivia — the live game-show app that gave away cash prizes to winners — is shutting down .
HQ Trivia ’ s shutdown was first reported by CNN .
The company is laying off its 25 full-time staffers , according to the report .
Reps for the company did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
The app was launched by parent company Intermedia Labs in August 2017 .
At its peak HQ Trivia — which spawned a rash of copycats — had attracted some 2.3 million live viewers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a steadily growing pool of prize money .
Intermedia Labs was co-founded by Rus Yusupov and Colin Kroll , two of the creators of Vine , which Twitter acquired in 2012 and then shut down four years later .
In December 2018 , Kroll was found dead in his New York City apartment of an apparent drug overdose .
The company had been led by Yusupov .
In 2018 , Intermedia raised $ 15 million in funding led by venture-capital firm Founders Fund , with participation from Lightspeed Venture Partners , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
HQ Trivia had inked ad deals with several entertainment companies , including Fox , Warner Bros. , NBC and Universal Pictures , as well as Google , Nike , Target , JPMorgan Chase , and MillerCoors .

After a two and a half years, HQ Trivia — the live game-show app that gave away cash prizes to winners — is shutting down.
HQ Trivia’s shutdown was first reported by CNN. The company is laying off its 25 full-time staffers, according to the report. Reps for the company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The app was launched by parent company Intermedia Labs in August 2017. At its peak HQ Trivia — which spawned a rash of copycats — had attracted some 2.3 million live viewers, each looking to earn a piece of a steadily growing pool of prize money.
Intermedia Labs was co-founded by Rus Yusupov and Colin Kroll, two of the creators of Vine, which Twitter acquired in 2012 and then shut down four years later. In December 2018, Kroll was found dead in his New York City apartment of an apparent drug overdose. The company had been led by Yusupov.
In 2018, Intermedia raised $15 million in funding led by venture-capital firm Founders Fund, with participation from Lightspeed Venture Partners, which previously invested seed money in the startup.
HQ Trivia had inked ad deals with several entertainment companies, including Fox, Warner Bros., NBC and Universal Pictures, as well as Google, Nike, Target, JPMorgan Chase, and MillerCoors.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Sexy Valentine’s Day lingerie finds from your favorite celebrities

Blac Chyna walks Oscars 2020 red carpet for the first time

Regardless of your Valentine’s Day plans, it’s never a bad time to stock up on some new lingerie. And if you’re searching for some inspiration, look no further than the sexy stars below, all of whom know their way around a lacy little bra-and-undies combo. ‘Tis the season to treat yourself!
On Rihanna: Adam Selman for Savage x Fenty Locket Down Bralette ($49), High Leg Bikini ($34) and Garter Belt ($38)
On Selena Gomez: Kiki de Montparnasse Perfect Lounge Slip Dress ($995)
On Kylie Jenner: Deborah Marquit Classic Lace Demi Bra ($235) and Classic Lace G-String ($65)
On Bella Hadid: What Katie Did Padded Bullet Bra ($57.50)
On Kim Kardashian: SKIMS Triangle Bralette ($32) and Dipped Front Thong ($19)
On Emily Ratajkowski: Inamorata Carmine Bralette ($42) and Christie Bottom ($32)
On Rita Ora: Wolford Katherine String Bodysuit ($185)
On Ashley Graham: Addition Elle x Ashley Graham Strapless Phenomenon Bra ($60) and Invisible Thong Panty ($25)
On January Jones: Fleur du Mal Embellished Unstructured Bustier Top ($345)
On Charli XCX: Agent Provocateur Bernie Leavers Bra ($145)


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Bill de Blasio plans to endorse Bernie Sanders for president

Hizzoner — who pulled the plug on his own quixotic presidential bid last September — will endorse the left-leaning Vermont senator for the Democratic presidential nomination in the coming days , City Hall sources confirmed Friday .
He ’ s expected to travel with the self-described “ Democratic socialist ” and party outsider in Nevada both Sunday and Monday , appearing at events ahead of the Feb. 22 caucuses , sources said .
It ’ s a reversal from four years earlier when de Blasio backed Hillary Clinton over Sanders , after famously waffling for months — but not necessarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he believes Sanders would have defeated Republican Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election if Sanders had won the primary .
De Blasio decided to go all-in on Sanders only days after Sanders established himself as the Democrats 2020 frontrunner with a nail-biting victory in New Hampshire primary .
The two have spoken several times since Hizzoner dropped out of the presidential race five months ago , after failing to crack 1 percent in the polls .
Hizzoner has a long history of “ feeling the Bern.
” Sanders swore de Blasio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his second term as mayor and the mayor spent time at Sanders ’ vacation home in Vermont .

Mayor Bill de Blasio is finally backing Bernie Sanders for president.
Hizzoner — who pulled the plug on his own quixotic presidential bid last September — will endorse the left-leaning Vermont senator for the Democratic presidential nomination in the coming days, City Hall sources confirmed Friday.
He’s expected to travel with the self-described “Democratic socialist” and party outsider in Nevada both Sunday and Monday, appearing at events ahead of the Feb. 22 caucuses, sources said.
It’s a reversal from four years earlier when de Blasio backed Hillary Clinton over Sanders, after famously waffling for months — but not necessarily surprising.
The mayor has since repeatedly said he believes Sanders would have defeated Republican Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election if Sanders had won the primary.
De Blasio decided to go all-in on Sanders only days after Sanders established himself as the Democrats 2020 frontrunner with a nail-biting victory in New Hampshire primary.
The two have spoken several times since Hizzoner dropped out of the presidential race five months ago, after failing to crack 1 percent in the polls.
Hizzoner has a long history of “feeling the Bern.”
Sanders swore de Blasio in two years ago at the inauguration for his second term as mayor and the mayor spent time at Sanders’ vacation home in Vermont.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--MTA removes backs from benches at subway station to stop homeless sleepers

A granddaughter of the 92-year-old Queens woman who was raped ...

The MTA has removed the backs off benches at the West 4th Street station in an effort to stop homeless people and wasted commuters from sleeping on them, transit officials said Friday.
The Manhattan station is a hotspot for bench-snoozing — often by people under the influence of drugs or alcohol — so the agency yanked the back supports last month. It has already had an impact, an agency spokesman said.
The effort “has successfully led to a reduction in people sleeping in that problematic station; an improvement in employee safety and comfort; improved cleanliness; and an increase in the amount of customers using the benches as they wait for trains,” rep Shams Tarek said in a statement.
“We will always stand up for the subway riding public as we work to keep stations safe, clean and orderly,” he added, noting that the agency’s homeless task force has convinced over 2,800 people to accept social services since July.
The bench modifications were first reported by Gothamist.
Around 2,000 homeless people live in the subway system, according to a count conducted last January, though advocates suggest the number has grown since then.
Last June, The Post reported a 50 percent spike in delays caused by incidents involving homeless people.
Previous 1 of 3 Next Advertisement The benches no longer have backs on them. Taidgh Barron/NY Post Taidgh Barron/NY Post Advertisement
Some commuters cheered the newly back-less benches Friday.
“The homeless population needs to be dealt with. You have to do something,” Perry Hammond, 66, said while waiting on the station’s downtown A, C and E train platform.
“I hope that’s not the whole solution, but if it keeps them from sleeping on the benches that’s fine with me,” Hammond said. “Regular people want to sit on the bench and rest their legs after a long day.”
Salvatore Palma, 49, said from the uptown D train platform: “I’m sympathetic to them but I’m sympathetic to the rest of us,” “Removing the back of a bench is a small sacrifice for a better subway platform … for everyone else.”
James Kay, a 50-year-old homeless man sitting on the same platform said he typically opts to sleep in a shelter or at a McDonald’s instead of in the transit system — but that he sympathizes with people who prefer the underground.
“The shelters are hard for some people. These some mean folks and some tough guys,” Kay told The Post. “They don’t let you sleep on the train [anymore]. You gotta sleep though. Somewhere.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Vanessa Bryant posts touching Valentine’s Day tribute to Kobe on Instagram

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 ) 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 ) As Vanessa Bryant continues to mourn the loss of her husband Kobe Bryant , the widowed mother is remembering the love of her life on Valentine ’ s Day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star planting a kiss on her cheek on Instagram .
Scoring the clip to Lauryn Hill ’ s “ Tell Him , ” Bryant wishes the deceased superstar a happy V-Day , calling him her “ forever Valentine.
” “ I love you so much .
Missing you so much on your favorite holiday , ” Bryant wrote beside the photo .
“ Te amo per sempre .
Kisses to you and Gigi in heaven .
Happy Valentine ’ s Day , my babies .
With all my love , your boo-boo .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ funeral was held in California for Bryant and 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , who died along with seven others when the Lakers icon ’ s helicopter crashed last month .
The two were laid to rest last Friday in Corona Del Mar , ahead of a Feb. 24 public memorial at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for all nine victims .

As Vanessa Bryant continues to mourn the loss of her husband Kobe Bryant, the widowed mother is remembering the love of her life on Valentine’s Day, posting a throwback photo of the NBA star planting a kiss on her cheek on Instagram.
Scoring the clip to Lauryn Hill’s “Tell Him,” Bryant wishes the deceased superstar a happy V-Day, calling him her “forever Valentine.”
“I love you so much. Missing you so much on your favorite holiday,” Bryant wrote beside the photo. “Te amo per sempre. Kisses to you and Gigi in heaven. Happy Valentine’s Day, my babies. With all my love, your boo-boo. ❤.”
Last week, a private funeral was held in California for Bryant and 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, who died along with seven others when the Lakers icon’s helicopter crashed last month. The two were laid to rest last Friday in Corona Del Mar, ahead of a Feb. 24 public memorial at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for all nine victims.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Slain 92-year-old’s granddaughter slams NYC’s sanctuary city policy during speech with Trump

Anthony Head surprised his on-screen son when he showed up ...

A granddaughter of a 92-year-old Queens woman who was raped and murdered last month allegedly by an illegal immigrant spoke at the White House Friday — and slammed New York’s city’s “sanctuary city” policy.
Daria Ortiz, 19, one of victim Maria Fuertes’ grandchildren, spoke at the invitation of President Trump during an event focusing on border security with members the Border Patrol agents union.
“Unfortunately, my grandmother had to be example of why something like this, [these] horrific crimes should never happen,” an emotional Ortiz said in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
“The tragedy is that this could have been avoided had there been no sanctuary law,” she continued, struggling to maintain her composure. “The system not only failed our family, but they failed our city.”
Trump — who mentioned the tragedy in his State of the Union address — also ripped Gotham’s sanctuary city policy. He asserted Fuertes would still be alive if her alleged assailant, Reeaz Khan — a 21-year-old illegal immigrant from Guyana — had been turned over to the feds after earlier busts.
“I asked for the criminal to be taken in, but he was released under New York sanctuary laws,” the president said.
Previous 1 of 7 Next Advertisement President Donald Trump comforts Daria Ortiz after her speech today. Getty Images EPA Advertisement Getty Images AP Reeaz Khan in Queens court Kevin C Downs for the New York Post Advertisement
Trump also touted construction of his long-promised border wall, saying it was “virtually impossible to climb over the top” because of its design and the fact that it will be painted black and too hot in the sun to climb.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is deploying special tactical officers from US Customs and Border Protection to sanctuary cities, including New York, in order to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement with cracking down on illegal immigrants, officials said Friday.
Acting ICE Director Matthew Albence told The Post in a statement that ICE “is utilizing CBP to supplement enforcement activity in response to the resource challenges stemming from sanctuary city policies.”
“As we have noted for years, in jurisdictions where we are not allowed to assume custody of aliens from jails, our officers are forced to make at-large arrests of criminal aliens who have been released into communities,” said Albence.
“This effort requires a significant amount of additional time and resources,” Albence said in the statement.
Additional reporting by Natalie Musumeci


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--‘Buffy’ icon Anthony Head back as ‘The Stranger’ on Netflix

Anthony Head surprised his on-screen son when he showed up to the table read for the new thriller series “ The Stranger.
” “ I got to play Richard Armitage ’ s father , ” says Head , 65 .
“ Which , bless him — when we met at the read-through he said , ‘ You ’ re too young to play my father !
’ I said , ‘ Well how old are you ?
Actually , you were supposed to have been had when me and his mother were 18.
’ That actually works out .
Literally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Based on a Harlan Coben novel of the same name and filmed in Manchester , England , “ The Stranger ” ( on Netflix ) is a British thriller following a family thrown into chaos when they encounter a mysterious figure who reveals unsavory secrets , including secret babies and affairs .
Richard Armitage ( “ Hannibal ” ) stars as Adam Price , who first gets a visit from the stranger ( Hannah John-Kamen , “ Game of Thrones ” ) .
She doesn ’ t seem to be doing this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for that matter .
Head co-stars as Adam ’ s estranged father , Edgar Price — the instigator on many of the secrets and lies .
“ First of all , it ’ s Harlan Coben .
You know straight away that you ’ re going to get something which is not only a page-turner , but he has such a handle on humanity , ” Head says .
“ All of his ideas are like , ‘ Bloody hell , I wish I ’ d thought of that !
’ So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was like , ‘ Yes , whatever , thank you , I ’ ll do it !
’ ” Head describes Edgar as a narcissist , a role he relished to play since he doesn ’ t want to be typecast .
“ It ’ s something that I ’ ve worked quite hard at over the years , not to be pigeonholed , for someone to say , ‘ Oh that ’ s him , that ’ s what he does , ’ ” he says .
“ It was a really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving force in what ’ s going on in Adam Price ’ s life .
It ’ s also a story about a father and son being estranged .
I like it when a part develops and grows , and you think it ’ s one thing and you go , ‘ Oh , actually this is going down a very interesting route.
’ ” Head , who will also be seen on Jason Sudeikis ’ Apple+ series “ Ted Lasso , ” is also known for shows such as “ Merlin ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s most famous to American TV audiences as Rupert Giles , the Watcher and pseudo-father figure to Buffy Summers ( Sarah Michelle Gellar ) on cult hit “ Buffy the Vampire Slayer ” ( 1997-2003 ) .
“ [ Fans still bring it up ] quite a lot , actually , ” he says .
“ It does span the generations .
I still don ’ t understand how it never came away with any Emmys , or any of those awards .
People [ tell me ] how much it meant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , how it resonated , and bless them .
They quite often say Giles was the father figure that was missing in their lives for various reasons .
I think that ’ s part of it ’ s longevity .
It hit home .
It ’ s quite remarkable .
“ When we did the pilot … [ creator Joss Whedon ] said , ‘ This is going to be a hit , and it ’ s not going to be because the powers that be are behind it — they don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got .
It ’ s going to be something that is made a hit by word of mouth .
People are just going to get it and tell each other.
’ A ‘ Buffy ’ reboot is in development ( with no announced date yet ) and Head says he ’ s game to appear in it , if asked .
“ Yes .
I wouldn ’ t know what as , because Giles has aged a little bit , ” he says .
“ Maybe I ’ m the head of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be honest , of course I would .
It was so formative .
”

Anthony Head surprised his on-screen son when he showed up to the table read for the new thriller series “The Stranger.”
“I got to play Richard Armitage’s father,” says Head, 65. “Which, bless him — when we met at the read-through he said, ‘You’re too young to play my father!’ I said, ‘Well how old are you? Actually, you were supposed to have been had when me and his mother were 18.’ That actually works out. Literally, mathematically, it’s right.”
Based on a Harlan Coben novel of the same name and filmed in Manchester, England, “The Stranger” (on Netflix) is a British thriller following a family thrown into chaos when they encounter a mysterious figure who reveals unsavory secrets, including secret babies and affairs. Richard Armitage (“Hannibal”) stars as Adam Price, who first gets a visit from the stranger (Hannah John-Kamen, “Game of Thrones”). She doesn’t seem to be doing this for blackmail, or any clear purpose, for that matter.
Head co-stars as Adam’s estranged father, Edgar Price — the instigator on many of the secrets and lies.
“First of all, it’s Harlan Coben. You know straight away that you’re going to get something which is not only a page-turner, but he has such a handle on humanity,” Head says. “All of his ideas are like, ‘Bloody hell, I wish I’d thought of that!’ So as soon as it came through I was like, ‘Yes, whatever, thank you, I’ll do it!’”
Head describes Edgar as a narcissist, a role he relished to play since he doesn’t want to be typecast.
“It’s something that I’ve worked quite hard at over the years, not to be pigeonholed, for someone to say, ‘Oh that’s him, that’s what he does,’” he says. “It was a really enjoyable character. Ultimately he is the driving force in what’s going on in Adam Price’s life. It’s also a story about a father and son being estranged. I like it when a part develops and grows, and you think it’s one thing and you go, ‘Oh, actually this is going down a very interesting route.’ ”
Head, who will also be seen on Jason Sudeikis’ Apple+ series “Ted Lasso,” is also known for shows such as “Merlin” and “Vanity Fair.” He’s most famous to American TV audiences as Rupert Giles, the Watcher and pseudo-father figure to Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) on cult hit “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003).
“[Fans still bring it up] quite a lot, actually,” he says. “It does span the generations. I still don’t understand how it never came away with any Emmys, or any of those awards. People [tell me] how much it meant to them at the time they were growing up, how it resonated, and bless them. They quite often say Giles was the father figure that was missing in their lives for various reasons. I think that’s part of it’s longevity. It hit home. It’s quite remarkable.
“When we did the pilot … [creator Joss Whedon] said, ‘This is going to be a hit, and it’s not going to be because the powers that be are behind it — they don’t know what they’ve got. It’s going to be something that is made a hit by word of mouth. People are just going to get it and tell each other.’
“And that’s exactly what happened.”
A ‘Buffy’ reboot is in development (with no announced date yet) and Head says he’s game to appear in it, if asked. “Yes. I wouldn’t know what as, because Giles has aged a little bit,” he says. “Maybe I’m the head of the Watcher’s council now. But to be honest, of course I would. It was so formative.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Tommy Hilfiger taps singer H.E.R. to showcase new collection

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 ) While some American designers have opted to embrace living abroad , others like Tommy Hilfiger rushed to plant the US flag in the British homeland .
The New York fashion mogul has been taking his see-now-buy-now fashion shows on the road the last few years to places like Shanghai , and this season served up the stars & stripes with the help of a race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parade of supermodels at the Tate Modern museum .
The designer closed out London Fashion Week with a loud message of sustainability and diversity .
Hilfiger ’ s choice of city this time around was driven by his collaborator British race car driver Lewis Hamilton , who showed what is his fourth collection for the brand in his hometown .
Hamilton and Hilfiger ’ s TommyXLewis capsule was supplemented by a surprise guest designer : singer-songwriter H.E.R .
Hilfiger brought in the artist to roll out a second capsule for spring 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ & B singer had met in Milan to go over designs .
Her request ?
“ Can we do a jumpsuit ?
” The “ Focus ” singer said in a Q & A livestreamed after the show that she “ wanted things I could wear on stage as well as every day.
” H.E.R.
’ s lyrics and buzzwords such as Loyalty and Unity were emblazoned on the sporty street-style pieces that came down the runway .
Hilfiger also tapped an assortment of British talent to model the three collections in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Naomi Campbell opened the show in a neon and beige track suit and high tops , and a parade of ‘ 80s supermodels followed , from Yasmin Le Bon to Jodie Kidd wearing Hilfiger ’ s silk scarf designs and stars & stripes prints .
At a Q & A the day before the show , Hamilton shared his inspiration behind the fashion foray .
The 35-year-old Formula One driver , who is vegan , had a goal to increase the use of sustainable materials and processes in the TommyXLewis collection .
Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materials , this collection is 75 percent , including organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles .
Another goal they shared was diversity .
Hamilton had been pushing for unisex , inclusive and diverse representation , a sentiment Hilfiger has long shared : “ Embrace style for all.
” All three collections are available at Hilfiger ’ s website .

While some American designers have opted to embrace living abroad, others like Tommy Hilfiger rushed to plant the US flag in the British homeland.
The New York fashion mogul has been taking his see-now-buy-now fashion shows on the road the last few years to places like Shanghai, and this season served up the stars & stripes with the help of a race driver, a Grammy-winning artist and a parade of supermodels at the Tate Modern museum.
The designer closed out London Fashion Week with a loud message of sustainability and diversity.
Hilfiger’s choice of city this time around was driven by his collaborator British race car driver Lewis Hamilton, who showed what is his fourth collection for the brand in his hometown. Hamilton and Hilfiger’s TommyXLewis capsule was supplemented by a surprise guest designer: singer-songwriter H.E.R.
Hilfiger brought in the artist to roll out a second capsule for spring 2020. The race car driver and the R&B singer had met in Milan to go over designs. Her request? “Can we do a jumpsuit?”
The “Focus” singer said in a Q&A livestreamed after the show that she “wanted things I could wear on stage as well as every day.” H.E.R.’s lyrics and buzzwords such as Loyalty and Unity were emblazoned on the sporty street-style pieces that came down the runway.
Hilfiger also tapped an assortment of British talent to model the three collections in a mash up of street style-inspired looks: Naomi Campbell opened the show in a neon and beige track suit and high tops, and a parade of ‘80s supermodels followed, from Yasmin Le Bon to Jodie Kidd wearing Hilfiger’s silk scarf designs and stars & stripes prints.
At a Q&A the day before the show, Hamilton shared his inspiration behind the fashion foray. The 35-year-old Formula One driver, who is vegan, had a goal to increase the use of sustainable materials and processes in the TommyXLewis collection. Where the first collaboration was 25 percent sustainable materials, this collection is 75 percent, including organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles.
Another goal they shared was diversity. Hamilton had been pushing for unisex, inclusive and diverse representation, a sentiment Hilfiger has long shared: “Embrace style for all.”
All three collections are available at Hilfiger’s website.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Montana boy, 12, beaten by grandparents and 14-year-old uncle, prosecutors say

A 12-year-old Montana boy found dead earlier this month allegedly had been beaten by his grandparents and 14-year-old uncle , prosecutors said .
James Sasser Jr. , 47 , and Patricia Batts , 48 , appeared in Gallatin County Justice Court on Thursday in the Feb. 3 death of James Alex Hurley .
The boy had been living with his grandparents , two uncles and an aunt in West Yellowstone – near the border of Wyoming and Idaho – for about two years , court records showed .
After his death , investigators said they found evidence , including videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his 14-year-old uncle regularly abused him , including beating him with a wooden paddle and locking up food .
Batts and the 14-year-old told investigators that Hurley and his uncle had a “ bad fight ” on Jan. 27 .
The uncle said he found Hurley standing over Batts with a knife , according to the court records .
The 14-year-old also acknowledged kicking Hurley in the head multiple times in the 24 to 36 hours before his death , charging documents said .
The uncle is about 6 feet tall and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 feet , 3 inches tall and weighed about 100 pounds , charging documents said .
Batts said Hurley slept on the floor in the living room and was mumbling and moaning throughout the night before she reported finding him dead the next morning .
Nobody sought medical attention for the victim , prosecutor Bjorn Boyer said .
The autopsy found he had bruising all over his body and died from trauma to the head .
The 14-year-old was charged with deliberate homicide in youth court Wednesday and his bail was set at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .
The grandparents were charged under the felony murder law , alleging they committed felony aggravated assault that contributed to the boy ’ s death .
Bail was set at $ 750,000 for Batts and $ 500,000 for Sasser .
Boyer said he sought a higher bail for Batts because he believed her to be more culpable .
Another man , 18-year-old Gage Roush , was arrested last week and charged with felony assault on a minor in connection with Hurley ’ s death , the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge set his bail at $ 50,000 .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .

A 12-year-old Montana boy found dead earlier this month allegedly had been beaten by his grandparents and 14-year-old uncle, prosecutors said.
James Sasser Jr., 47, and Patricia Batts, 48, appeared in Gallatin County Justice Court on Thursday in the Feb. 3 death of James Alex Hurley.
The boy had been living with his grandparents, two uncles and an aunt in West Yellowstone – near the border of Wyoming and Idaho – for about two years, court records showed.
After his death, investigators said they found evidence, including videos, that indicated Hurley’s grandparents and his 14-year-old uncle regularly abused him, including beating him with a wooden paddle and locking up food.
Batts and the 14-year-old told investigators that Hurley and his uncle had a “bad fight” on Jan. 27. The uncle said he found Hurley standing over Batts with a knife, according to the court records.
The 14-year-old also acknowledged kicking Hurley in the head multiple times in the 24 to 36 hours before his death, charging documents said.
The uncle is about 6 feet tall and weighs about 300 pounds while Hurley was 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighed about 100 pounds, charging documents said.
Batts said Hurley slept on the floor in the living room and was mumbling and moaning throughout the night before she reported finding him dead the next morning.
Nobody sought medical attention for the victim, prosecutor Bjorn Boyer said. The autopsy found he had bruising all over his body and died from trauma to the head.
The 14-year-old was charged with deliberate homicide in youth court Wednesday and his bail was set at $500,000, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported.
The grandparents were charged under the felony murder law, alleging they committed felony aggravated assault that contributed to the boy’s death.
Bail was set at $750,000 for Batts and $500,000 for Sasser. Boyer said he sought a higher bail for Batts because he believed her to be more culpable.
Another man, 18-year-old Gage Roush, was arrested last week and charged with felony assault on a minor in connection with Hurley’s death, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported. He appeared in court on Friday where a judge set his bail at $50,000.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--‘Sonic’ speeds to $57M debut; ‘Parasite’ sees big Oscar bump

NEW YORK — The redesigned “ Sonic the Hedgehog ” showed plenty of teeth at the box office , speeding to a $ 57 million debut , according to studio estimates Sunday , while “ Parasite ” saw one of the largest post-Oscars bumps in years following its best picture win .
Paramount Pictures ’ “ Sonic the Hedgehog ” came in well above expectations , especially for a movie that just months ago was a laughing stock .
After its first trailer was greeted with ridicule on social media last year , “ Sonic ” was postponed three months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overhaul — including fixing Sonic ’ s eerily human teeth .
The makeover worked and audiences responded by making “ Sonic the Hedgehog ” the weekend ’ s top film and the highest-grossing opening for a video game adaptation , not accounting for inflation .
For Paramount , it ’ s a welcome success following misfires such as “ Gemini Man ” and “ Terminator : Dark Fate.
” The studio estimates “ Sonic ” will gross $ 68 million over the four-day Presidents Day holiday weekend .
“ If you don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this goes for any business , then you ’ re going to fail , ” said Chris Aronson , distribution chief for Paramount .
“ We retooled Sonic in a way that was obviously very satisfying for the fans and they were very forgiving .
Now that they ’ ve seen the movie , they love the movie .
It all worked out.
” The Sega video game adaptation , directed by Jeff Fowler , drew decent reviews ( 63 % fresh on Rotten Tomatoes ) and an A CinemaScore from moviegoers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carrey as Dr. Robotnik with Ben Schwartz supplying Sonic ’ s voice .
Bong Joon Ho ’ s “ Parasite ” had its biggest weekend in its 19th week of release .
Neon put “ Parasite ” into its widest release yet ( 2,001 theaters ) following its historic win at the Oscars .
( “ Parasite ” was the first non-English-language film to win best picture in the 92-year history of the Academy Awards . )
And despite the film already being available for weeks on digital platforms and on DVD , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest Oscars bump for a best-picture winner since “ Gladiator ” in 2001 .
Last week ’ s opening of “ Birds of Prey ” followed up its limp debut by sliding to second with $ 17.1 million .
Following its disappointing opening , some theaters retitled the movie “ Harley Quinn : Birds of Prey , ” instead of “ Birds of Prey ( and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn ) .
” It was a busy weekend in theaters , with a handful of other new releases — “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” “ Downhill ” — seeking to capitalize on both Valentine ’ s Day on Friday and Presidents Day on Monday .
“ Fantasy Island , ” the Blumhouse horror remake of the ’ 70s TV show , fared the best , collecting $ 12.4 million in ticket sales despite terrible reviews .
Sony Pictures handled the release of the low-budget , PG-13 film , which earned just a 9 % fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes .
Universal Pictures “ The Photograph , ” a romance starring Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Girls Trip , ” “ Ride Along ” ) , opened with $ 12.2 million .
The film , written and directed by Stella Meghie , cost $ 15 million to make .
“ Downhill , ” from Disney ’ s Fox Searchlight Pictures , debuted with $ 4.7 million , a modest start for a film starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Will Ferrell .
A remake of the acclaimed Swedish film “ Force Majeure ” by Ruben Östlund , “ Downhill ” didn ’ t do great with critics but fared even worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D CinemaScore .
Neon followed up its “ Parasite ” Oscar win with the Valentine ’ s Day release of “ Portrait of a Lady on Fire , ” one of 2019′s most acclaimed films .
Following a one-week qualifying run in December , Celine Sciamma ’ s French period romance opened in 22 theaters with a strong per-theater average of about $ 20,000 .

NEW YORK — The redesigned “Sonic the Hedgehog” showed plenty of teeth at the box office, speeding to a $57 million debut, according to studio estimates Sunday, while “Parasite” saw one of the largest post-Oscars bumps in years following its best picture win.
Paramount Pictures’ “Sonic the Hedgehog” came in well above expectations, especially for a movie that just months ago was a laughing stock. After its first trailer was greeted with ridicule on social media last year, “Sonic” was postponed three months to give its title character a design overhaul — including fixing Sonic’s eerily human teeth.
The makeover worked and audiences responded by making “Sonic the Hedgehog” the weekend’s top film and the highest-grossing opening for a video game adaptation, not accounting for inflation. For Paramount, it’s a welcome success following misfires such as “Gemini Man” and “Terminator: Dark Fate.” The studio estimates “Sonic” will gross $68 million over the four-day Presidents Day holiday weekend.
“If you don’t listen to your customer, and this goes for any business, then you’re going to fail,” said Chris Aronson, distribution chief for Paramount. “We retooled Sonic in a way that was obviously very satisfying for the fans and they were very forgiving. Now that they’ve seen the movie, they love the movie. It all worked out.”
The Sega video game adaptation, directed by Jeff Fowler, drew decent reviews (63% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and an A CinemaScore from moviegoers. The $87 million production co-stars Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik with Ben Schwartz supplying Sonic’s voice.
Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” had its biggest weekend in its 19th week of release. Neon put “Parasite” into its widest release yet (2,001 theaters) following its historic win at the Oscars. (“Parasite” was the first non-English-language film to win best picture in the 92-year history of the Academy Awards.) And despite the film already being available for weeks on digital platforms and on DVD, its $5.5 million weekend is the largest Oscars bump for a best-picture winner since “Gladiator” in 2001.
Last week’s opening of “Birds of Prey” followed up its limp debut by sliding to second with $17.1 million. Following its disappointing opening, some theaters retitled the movie “Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey,” instead of “Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).”
It was a busy weekend in theaters, with a handful of other new releases — “The Photograph,” “Fantasy Island,” “Downhill” — seeking to capitalize on both Valentine’s Day on Friday and Presidents Day on Monday.
“Fantasy Island,” the Blumhouse horror remake of the ’70s TV show, fared the best, collecting $12.4 million in ticket sales despite terrible reviews. Sony Pictures handled the release of the low-budget, PG-13 film, which earned just a 9% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Universal Pictures “The Photograph,” a romance starring Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield and produced by Will Packer (“Girls Trip,” “Ride Along”), opened with $12.2 million. The film, written and directed by Stella Meghie, cost $15 million to make.
“Downhill,” from Disney’s Fox Searchlight Pictures, debuted with $4.7 million, a modest start for a film starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Will Ferrell. A remake of the acclaimed Swedish film “Force Majeure” by Ruben Östlund, “Downhill” didn’t do great with critics but fared even worse with audiences. They gave it a D CinemaScore.
Neon followed up its “Parasite” Oscar win with the Valentine’s Day release of “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” one of 2019′s most acclaimed films. Following a one-week qualifying run in December, Celine Sciamma’s French period romance opened in 22 theaters with a strong per-theater average of about $20,000.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Obscure golfer breaks through his PGA Tour nightmare

PACIFIC PALISADES , Calif. — If there ’ s one thing about Tiger ...

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — Martin Trainer did not win the Genesis Invitational Sunday.
Adam Scott did.
But Trainer was a winner this week at Riviera.
You’ve probably never heard of Trainer. Why would you?
He doesn’t run in the same private-jet circles as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, and he’s not Instagramming from exotic vacations with the cool kids like Rickie, Jordan and JT.
But, if you’re a golfer who’s struggled so mightily with your game that you wondered if you’d ever hit the ball straight again, you relate to Trainer. You relate deeply.
Sure, he’s a professional golfer with his PGA Tour card and playing status that runs through next season. He even has a win on his résumé — at the Puerto Rico Open in just his ninth start as a PGA Tour member, a title he’s set to defend this week.
Yet a look at Trainer’s results since that breakthrough victory in Puerto Rico leaves you to wonder how he possibly won a PGA Tour event — let alone an amateur tournament at his local muni.
The fall of Trainer’s game to a pitch-black abyss since his win in Puerto Rico has been astonishing. After his win, Trainer had 16 starts to end the season and missed 12 cuts, withdrew once and had a top finish of a tie for 41st at the Players Championship. His final 11 starts of last season included 10 missed cuts and one withdrawal.
Entering this past week’s Genesis Invitational, Trainer missed the cut in all 10 of his starts this season. So, he went 21 of 22 starts either missing the cut or withdrawing.
He finished tied for 47th at 1-over par Sunday after closing with a 3-over-par 74. But that doesn’t mean Trainer wasn’t victorious. Simply making the cut was like hoisting a trophy for him. He made the cut on the number Friday — at 1-over-par — by sinking a 5-foot bogey putt on 18 to earn the right to play on the weekend for the first time since last April.
“I was joking with my friends that we should have a party, because I hadn’t made a cut in so long,’’ Trainer said. “It’s been a long 10 months of struggling.’’
Low points? He’s had more than a few.
“Rock bottom was in Reno,’’ Trainer said of the 2019 Barracuda Championship. “Thank goodness it was Stableford scoring [a points system instead of strokes], because I would have shot 110. There were four or five holes where I hit like two balls into the woods and I was like, ‘OK, I’ll take my double-bogey maximum.’ ’’
In the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua, where the previous year’s tournament winners convene in January for a gravy-train week with a short field and no cut, Trainer finished dead last at 18-over par, eight shots worse than the second-to-last-place finisher and 32 shots behind winner Justin Thomas.
At the American Express in Palm Springs, he shot 14-over par and missed the cut by 23 shots.
In Phoenix a few weeks ago, he finished 10-over par and missed the cut by 11 shots.
In Houston, he finished 14-over par and missed the cut by 14 shots.
You look at these astonishing numbers and it’s as if one of the amateurs from the pro-am snuck into the field.
“I was hitting 7-irons 40 yards right of the target,’’ Trainer said. “You can’t compete hitting it like that. There would be tournaments where it was very clear very quickly that I had almost no chance to make the cut. I’m just happy to be hitting the ball straight again.’’
But how?
In December, Trainer began working with swing coach Jeff Smith, who also works with Patrick Rodgers and Scott Piercy, and Smith figured out a way to stop Trainer from hitting every iron 20 yards to the right.
“I figured I’d topped out at my peak being extremely inconsistent and occasionally very good,’’ Trainer said.
Trainer reached the sobering reality that the win in Puerto Rico and two wins on the Korn Ferry Tour the year before were mere mirages.
“My mechanics were teetering on the edge of barely playable,’’ he said.
Trainer described his epic slide as “miserable.’’
“You win a tournament and then after a while you find yourself saying, ‘I think I can play golf,’ but it’s like you almost stop believing that you can … even though you did,’’ he said. “It’s the kind of thing where you know it’s there somewhere. You just have to find it.’’
For the sake of Trainer’s sanity, hopefully he found it at Riviera. Success is fleeting on the PGA Tour. Sure, it’s been a rough year him, but right now — right this minute — Trainer is a success again. And just in time as he returns to the place of his greatest triumph.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--James Bond flick ‘No Time to Die’ scraps China plans over coronavirus

Well , it is called “ No Time to Die.
” James Bond appears to have finally met his match : The Chinese premiere and a huge planned publicity tour of the country for the movie franchise ’ s latest installment have been cancelled because of the deadly coronavirus .
Daniel Craig and other key stars in the upcoming 25th Bond blockbuster were due to travel to China for the flick ’ s premiere , which was set for April in Beijing , the Sunday Times of London said .
But COVID-19 , which has infected more than 69,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 70,000 cinemas across China are currently closed because of the health scare , the report said , and a studio insider added that the key stars are unlikely to get clearance to travel there even if the cinemas start opening again by April .
Deadline confirmed the 007 tour of China also was off because of “ uncertainty surrounding the evolution of the epidemic.
” With China being the world ’ s second biggest box-office market after the US , the Sunday Times said the situation could likely scupper expectations for “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest-grossing movie in Bond history .
The flick is Craig ’ s last turn as the suave UK spy .
“ When you talk about film making $ 1 billion worldwide , you don ’ t usually do it without a big chunk of that total coming from China , ” Jeff Bock , a senior analyst at entertainment research firm Exhibitor Relations , told the paper .
Other Hollywood films postponed in China because of the health crisis include “ 1917 , ” “ Doolittle , ” “ Little Women ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paper noted .

Well, it is called “No Time to Die.”
James Bond appears to have finally met his match: The Chinese premiere and a huge planned publicity tour of the country for the movie franchise’s latest installment have been cancelled because of the deadly coronavirus.
Daniel Craig and other key stars in the upcoming 25th Bond blockbuster were due to travel to China for the flick’s premiere, which was set for April in Beijing, the Sunday Times of London said.
But COVID-19, which has infected more than 69,000 people, has obliterated those plans.
More than 70,000 cinemas across China are currently closed because of the health scare, the report said, and a studio insider added that the key stars are unlikely to get clearance to travel there even if the cinemas start opening again by April.
Deadline confirmed the 007 tour of China also was off because of “uncertainty surrounding the evolution of the epidemic.”
With China being the world’s second biggest box-office market after the US, the Sunday Times said the situation could likely scupper expectations for “No Time to Die” to be the highest-grossing movie in Bond history. The flick is Craig’s last turn as the suave UK spy.
“When you talk about film making $1 billion worldwide, you don’t usually do it without a big chunk of that total coming from China,” Jeff Bock, a senior analyst at entertainment research firm Exhibitor Relations, told the paper.
Other Hollywood films postponed in China because of the health crisis include “1917,” “Doolittle,” “Little Women” and “Jojo Rabbit,” the paper noted.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Yoenis Cespedes to train with Mets teammates in huge step

Yoenis Cespedes is trying to show everyone the work he ’ s ...

NORTH PORT, Fla. — The Mets will hold their first full-squad workout on Monday, and it won’t be boar-ing.
Yes, Yoenis Cespedes will train alongside his teammates at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said on Sunday. It will mark the first time Cespedes has been on any sort of field with fellow Mets since his last big-league game, July 20, 2018 at Yankee Stadium.
“He will be participating in batting practice, he’ll be participating in live BP, he’ll continue to be building with the team,” Van Wagenen said at CoolToday Park, where Major League Baseball hosted a Grapefruit League Media Day. “Everyone will be able to see where he is offensively. He’s going to continue to be building his running progression which, as you can imagine, coming back from the injuries that he had, is going to be a buildup, but you’ll see him throw. You’ll see him participating with the team, and we’re all excited about that.”
Cespedes’ 2018 ended prematurely when he underwent multiple surgical procedures to remove calcifications from both heels. Then, last May, Cespedes sustained multiple fractures to his right ankle when he suffered a fall after being startled by a wild boar on his Port St. Lucie ranch. That accident resulted in Cespedes agreeing to a severe pay cut (about $30 million) for both 2019 and 2020, with the chance to earn back about half of that by playing extensively this coming season.
“I don’t know exactly what drills he’ll be doing [Monday], but he’s been doing outfield work,” Van Wagenen said. “He’s been doing some straight-line running, and we’ll continue to see that, but as far as baseball participation [Monday], we’ll all see it for the first time collectively with the group.”
Asked whether it was realistic to think Cespedes could contribute to the Mets as an everyday outfielder, Van Wagenen said, “It’s very difficult for any of us to predict what timelines a player returning from injury can be. The goal is to build upon each day, not have setbacks, and be in a position where we can get guys to the point where they can contribute in whatever capacity that is.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--New Jersey skier suffocates to death on Colorado chairlift

A man from New Jersey suffocated to death at a Colorado ski resort when he fell through a gap in a chairlift and became trapped with his coat wrapped around his neck , officials said .
The freak accident occurred last Thursday at Vail Mountain ’ s Blue Sky Basin area , resulting in the death of 46-year-old Jason Varnish , of Short Hills , according to the Vail Daily .
An autopsy concluded Varnish died of positional asphyxia , according to Eagle County Coroner Kara Bettis , the report said .
An initial investigation determined the chairlift ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gap .
When Varnish slipped through , his coat got caught on the chair , trapping his airway .
“ The coat ended up going around his head and neck area putting his neck in a position that compromised his airway , ” Bettis told the paper .
Blue Sky Basin temporarily closed after the death , but reopened by midday Friday .
“ We take all incidents seriously and are conducting a full investigation , ” Vail Resorts said in a statement .
“ The lift has been thoroughly inspected and is @ @ @ @

A man from New Jersey suffocated to death at a Colorado ski resort when he fell through a gap in a chairlift and became trapped with his coat wrapped around his neck, officials said.
The freak accident occurred last Thursday at Vail Mountain’s Blue Sky Basin area, resulting in the death of 46-year-old Jason Varnish, of Short Hills, according to the Vail Daily.
An autopsy concluded Varnish died of positional asphyxia, according to Eagle County Coroner Kara Bettis, the report said.
An initial investigation determined the chairlift’s folding seat was upright, leaving a gap. When Varnish slipped through, his coat got caught on the chair, trapping his airway.
“The coat ended up going around his head and neck area putting his neck in a position that compromised his airway,” Bettis told the paper.
Blue Sky Basin temporarily closed after the death, but reopened by midday Friday.
“We take all incidents seriously and are conducting a full investigation,” Vail Resorts said in a statement.
“The lift has been thoroughly inspected and is operating normally.”
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Over two dozen anti-ICE demonstrators arrested at Times Square protest

CHICAGO — Incoming president Leon Rose is set up well ...

At least 30 members of an anti-ICE coalition were arrested during a Times Square protest Sunday, according to police and the group.
Those arrested were among nearly 500 demonstrators with the group Close The Camps who rallied on the steps of the New York Public Library at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue around 3 p.m. before making their way to offices for media conglomerate Thomson Reuters in Times Square, according to one of the group’s organizers, Andy Ratto.
The group is demanding the permanent closure of immigrant detention centers that have surfaced across the US — and has specifically called on Thomson Reuters, which has lucrative contracts with the government to allegedly provide immigrant tracking data, to “stop profiteering from concentration camps, immigrant raids, and immigrant detentions”, according to the group’s Twitter.
“Doing business with ICE is collusion with the immigration abuses being committed by our government,” Ratto told the Post. “We will not remain silent as corporations profit from human suffering.”
Reuters has previously said in a statement that it “provides products and services to many parts of the US government in support of the rule law.”
Police arrested 10 men and 20 women, all for disorderly conduct, at the protest.
The M7, M20, and M104 buses were halted for several hours as a result of the rally.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Knicks’ NBA draft priority could lead to LaMelo Ball, college studs

CHICAGO — Incoming president Leon Rose is set up well for the draft on June 20 with three potential picks in the top 35 .
The Knicks , who own the fifth-worst record , have their own lottery pick .
Odds are , that should be in the top five , with the lottery held in Chicago on May 19 .
The Knicks also will have the Clippers ’ first-rounder from the Marcus Morris trade at the NBA deadline — which figures to be around No .
25 .
And they own Charlotte ’ s second-round pick from the Willy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season ended today , that pick would be No .
36 .
According to an NBA source , the Knicks scouting staff has been instructed the top priority is a scoring point guard on which to use their lottery pick .
The second priority , likely for the Clippers ’ pick , is a shooting guard who has 3-point range — something rookie RJ Barrett has not shown .
The mission to find a scoring point guard is good news since there are a bunch projected to go high in the lottery .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ point guards on their 15-man roster who are poor 3-point shooters — Elfrid Payton ( 23.7 percent from 3 ) , Frank Ntilikina ( 30.4 ) and Dennis Smith Jr. ( 29.2 ) .
The 6-foot-5 LaMelo Ball is among the top projected selections , though 3-point shooting is not his strength .
As The Post reported , nobody from the Knicks scouting staff has traveled to Australia to see Ball play live .
The Knicks planned the trip for January but Ball shut it down in December after getting injured .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Rose was expected to be his agent .
The other high lottery pick who plays the point and has generated major buzz is North Carolina ’ s Cole Anthony , Greg Anthony ’ s son , whose freshman season was interrupted by a knee injury .
However , Greg Anthony was quoted as saying his son could return to UNC next season .
But don ’ t sleep on a few other candidates who can play the point — Kentucky combo guard Tyrese Maxey , Iowa State 6-5 point guard Tyrese Haliburton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who plays in Germany .
It ’ s still unknown whether acting president Scott Perry will be in the war room advising Rose on the pick .
Rose is still tying up loose ends with his clients at CAA and the official announcement may be more than a week away .
With Rose ’ s consultation , the Knicks went hard after Golden State scoring point guard D ’ Angelo Russell at the trade deadline 10 days ago but came up empty .
Russell wound up in Minnesota and the Knicks will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

CHICAGO — Incoming president Leon Rose is set up well for the draft on June 20 with three potential picks in the top 35.
The Knicks, who own the fifth-worst record, have their own lottery pick. Odds are, that should be in the top five, with the lottery held in Chicago on May 19.
The Knicks also will have the Clippers’ first-rounder from the Marcus Morris trade at the NBA deadline — which figures to be around No. 25. And they own Charlotte’s second-round pick from the Willy Hernangomez deal in 2018. If the season ended today, that pick would be No. 36.
According to an NBA source, the Knicks scouting staff has been instructed the top priority is a scoring point guard on whom to use their lottery pick.
The second priority, likely for the Clippers’ pick, is a shooting guard who has 3-point range — something rookie RJ Barrett has not shown.
The mission to find a scoring point guard is good news since there are a bunch projected to go high in the lottery. The Knicks currently are burdened with three point guards on their 15-man roster who are poor 3-point shooters — Elfrid Payton (23.7 percent from 3), Frank Ntilikina (30.4) and Dennis Smith Jr. (29.2).
The 6-foot-5 LaMelo Ball is among the top projected selections, though 3-point shooting is not his strength. As The Post reported, nobody from the Knicks scouting staff has traveled to Australia to see Ball play live. The Knicks planned the trip for January but Ball shut it down in December after getting injured.
However, Ball signed with Creative Artists Agency and Rose was expected to be his agent.
The other high lottery pick who plays the point and has generated major buzz is North Carolina’s Cole Anthony, Greg Anthony’s son, whose freshman season was interrupted by a knee injury. However, Greg Anthony was quoted as saying his son could return to UNC next season.
But don’t sleep on a few other candidates who can play the point — Kentucky combo guard Tyrese Maxey, Iowa State 6-5 point guard Tyrese Haliburton and 6-5 combo guard Killian Hayes, who plays in Germany.
It’s still unknown whether acting president Scott Perry will be in the war room advising Rose on the pick. Rose is still tying up loose ends with his clients at CAA and the official announcement may be more than a week away.
With Rose’s consultation, the Knicks went hard after Golden State scoring point guard D’Angelo Russell at the trade deadline 10 days ago but came up empty. Russell wound up in Minnesota and the Knicks will have to continue their search in the offseason.