newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Super Tuesday update: winners and losers across the country

Americans from coast-to-coast — and beyond — packed the polls for Super Tuesday , a crucial slate of primaries effectively transformed into a head-to-head duel between Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden .
A cumulative 1,357 delegates are up for grabs : 1,338 across 14 states , another six delegates in American Samoa and 13 in the Democrats Abroad voting , which runs through March 10 .
Those 1,357 represent about a third of the total delegates in the Democratic primary race , and more than half of the 1,991 a candidate needs to clinch the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , neither candidate was expected to land a knockout blow on Tuesday , with Sanders and Biden trading states , according to the latest polling and factoring in the effect of Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former South Bend , Ind .
mayor Pete Buttigieg dropping out of the race to support Biden .
Meanwhile , Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg looked to reverse their campaigns ’ dimming fortunes — or at least be a thorn in the side of the front-runners by picking off delegates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are shaking out : Sen. Bernie Sanders won the Super Tuesday primary in his home state of Vermont Tuesday .
Unsurprisingly , the longtime resident of Vermont and former mayor of Burlington , had a wide margin in his home state , which has 16 delegates .
In recent polling , Sanders had a wide lead over runner-up Sen. Elizabeth Warren from neighboring Massachusetts , 48 percent to 17 percent .
Mike Bloomberg placed third with 16 percent , former vice president Joe Biden had 11 percent , ex-South Bend , Indiana mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Amy Klobuchar had 2 percent .
Both Buttigieg and Klobuchar dropped out of the race in recent days .
Polls in Vermont close at 7 p.m. Eastern Time , and the results were announced moments after they closed .
In Virginia , with 99 delegates , former vice president Joe Biden won out .
Biden had been expected to carry the state , while Sen. Bernie Sanders was projected to come in a distant second , followed by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg .
Minnesota Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropping her bid Monday , while ex-South Bend , Ind.
, mayor Pete Buttigieg didn ’ t register .
The polls closed at 7 p.m. in Virginia , where the northeastern suburbs are home to many federal workers and officials .

Aaron Feis, Ebony Bowden, Bob Fredericks, Tamar Lapin

Americans from coast to coast — and beyond — packed the polls for Super Tuesday, a crucial slate of primaries effectively transformed into a head-to-head duel between Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden.
A cumulative 1,357 delegates are up for grabs: 1,338 across 14 states, another six delegates in American Samoa and 13 in the Democrats Abroad voting, which runs through March 10.
Those 1,357 represent about a third of the total delegates in the Democratic primary race, and more than half of the 1,991 a candidate needs to clinch the nomination and avoid a brokered convention.
However, neither candidate was expected to land a knockout blow Tuesday, with Sanders and Biden trading states, according to the latest polling and factoring in the effect of Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg dropping out of the race to support Biden.
Meanwhile, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg looked to reverse their campaigns’ dimming fortunes — or at least be a thorn in the side of the front-runners by picking off delegates.
Here’s how the results are shaking out:
Texas breaks for Biden
Biden edged out top rival Sanders for his biggest win of the night — Texas — in a heated, nail-biter showdown, according to NBC projections.
The front-running candidates were neck and neck as results trickled in, though recent polls had showed the Vermont lawmaker with a slight lead over the former vice president.
The Lone Star State had 228 pledged delegates up for grabs on Super Tuesday, the second-largest trove after California.
It was a shocking loss for Sanders, who was counting on the support of Latino voters — a large swath of Democratic voters in Texas — to land him a win. Sanders had believed a win in the state was so important, he campaigned there on the day of the Nevada caucuses.
He was blown out there in 2016, losing to Hillary Clinton by more than 30 points.
Billionaire Bloomberg also appeared to reach the delegate threshold.
Sanders carries California
Sanders struck gold in the Golden State, according to a projection by the Associated Press.
The Democratic socialist carried the cash cow of Super Tuesday, where a whopping 415 pledged delegates were at stake.
This came after Hillary Clinton beat him there with 53 percent of the vote to his 46 percent in 2016.
Sanders had maintained a commanding 12-point lead over top rival Biden and more than doubled fellow progressive Sen. Elizabeth Warren — fueled in part by fierce support from young Latino voters.
Bloomberg barely made a blip, despite his self-funded campaign having a clear cash advantage in the state’s expensive media markets.
Polls in California closed at 11 p.m. EST, and the results were called shortly after.
Biden upsets Warren in Massachusetts
Biden beat Warren in her adopted home state of Massachusetts, which has 91 delegates, AP reported.
The results stunned Warren, who recently polled at 28 percent compared to 26 percent for both Sanders and Biden.
But she placed behind both, according to the results, with 48 percent of the precincts reporting.
Sanders grabs Utah for third Super Tuesday victory
Sanders has snagged a “W” in Utah, home to 29 total delegates, and just his third Super Tuesday win, according to NBC News.
Sanders was expected to carry the state, according to the latest polling, besting Biden by about six percentage points.
Though the victory was expected and did come to pass, it was by a much slimmer margin than Sanders’ commanding 58-point trouncing of Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic primary.
Biden adds Arkansas to Super Tuesday wins
In Arkansas, Biden continued his Super Tuesday dominance and picked up his seventh state, according to AP projections.
The former veep recently polled with a 13 percentage-point lead over Sanders in the state, which has 31 delegates.
Biden recently polled at 36 percent, followed by Sanders at 23 percent and Bloomberg on his heels at 22 percent.
Warren came in fourth with 15 percent while Buttigieg and Klobuchar had 2 percent and 1 percent, respectively.
In 2016, Hillary Clinton won the Democratic primary with 66 percent in her husband Bill Clinton’s home state.
Arkansas polls close at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time and the race was called just before 10 p.m.
Biden secures Minnesota
Biden marched to victory in Minnesota, with the AP calling the Land of 10,000 Lakes for the former veep.
Just days ago, polls projected that Klobuchar would carry her home state, but the moderate suspended her campaign Monday for lack of a strong base elsewhere.
Though she endorsed Biden, Klobuchar’s exit was thought to cleared the path for Sanders to emerge as top dog in Minnesota.
Seventy-five total delegates are in play in the state, where Sanders romped to a 23-point victory over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 primary.
Biden bests Bernie in Tennessee
Biden scored his fifth Super Tuesday win in Tennessee — beating Sanders in a tightly contested race.
In the Southern state with 64 delegates, Biden recently polled at 28 percent while Sanders was right behind him at 27 percent.
The former veep was the clear favorite in Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District, which has a large African American voting bloc, but Sanders and Biden were virtually tied in the other eight districts, according to FiveThirtyEight.
Bloomberg poured millions of dollars into the state and was polling third at 17 percent, while Warren is at 9 percent.
Dropouts Buttigieg and Klobuchar have 8 percent and 6 percent, respectively.
Tennessee went to Hillary Clinton in 2016 — with the former secretary of state beating Sanders with 66 percent of the vote.
Most Tennessee polls close at 8 p.m. Eastern Time but a handful of sites are being kept open until 11 p.m. Eastern Time after deadly tornadoes ravaged the state overnight, killing at least 22 people.
Biden corrals Oklahoma
Biden has notched another Super Tuesday primary victory as the projected winner in Oklahoma.
The former vice president had 36 percent of the vote when the Associated Press called the race with about half of precincts reporting. Sanders was in second place with 24 percent. Oklahoma has 37 pledged delegates.
Oklahoma polls closed at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and the race was called just after 9 p.m.
Sanders claims Colorado
Sanders has come out on top in the land of the Rockies.
The Associated Press called the Centennial State for the Vermont senator. Colorado holds 67 delegates.
Polls had projected a double-digit victory for Sanders in the state, though Warren, Biden and Bloomberg were all expected to clear the 15 percent threshold to earn at least some delegates.
The victory echoed Sanders’ dominance in the state primary in 2016, when he topped opponent Hillary Clinton by more than 18 percentage points.
Biden locks down Alabama win
Biden has clinched victory in the Southern state of Alabama, according to projections, his third win of Super Tuesday.
Recent polls showed Biden had a clear edge in the state, which has 52 delegates, thanks to his support from Alabama’s sizable population of black Democratic voters.
His support — leading with 42 percent of the vote — was nearly double that of Democratic socialist Sanders, who polled 20 percent.
Bloomberg was at 18 percent and Warren at 10 percent.
Dropouts Buttigieg and Klobuchar had 3 percent and 1 percent, respectively.
In 2016, Hillary Clinton beat Sanders on Super Tuesday in a thumping victory with 77.8 percent of the vote.
Alabama polls close at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and the race was called just seconds later by CNN.
Bloomberg nabs American Samoa
Bloomberg fared poorly in several early states in Super Tuesday primaries — but he picked up a win in tiny American Samoa.
With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, the former New York mayor won 49.9 percent of the vote, compared to 29.3 for Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, 10.5 percent for Sanders and 8.8 percent for Biden.
The American Samoa caucuses were an open caucus, and the territory awards 11 delegates, six of whom are pledged delegates allocated on the basis of the results of the caucuses.
Bloomberg earlier lost in Vermont, North Carolina and Virginia, where he had a large field operation and spent big on advertising but might miss the 15 percent threshold to get any delegates, according to preliminary numbers.
Biden victorious in North Carolina
Biden has snagged another big win in North Carolina, multiple networks project.
The Southern state is a big prize with 110 delegates — the third-largest on Super Tuesday.
Biden recently polled at 36.7 percent in South Carolina, with Sanders trailing at 23.3 percent of the vote.
Bloomberg, who campaigned heavily in the state, polled fourth at 14.3 percent, followed by Warren at 10.7 percent.
Klobuchar and Buttigieg garnered just 3.3 percent each. Both dropped out of the race in recent days.
Hillary Clinton carried North Carolina on Super Tuesday in 2016, with 54 percent compared to Sanders’ 40 percent.
North Carolina polls closed at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time and the race was called just seconds later.
Sanders takes Vermont
Sanders won the Super Tuesday primary in his home state of Vermont.
Unsurprisingly, the longtime resident and former mayor of Burlington had a wide margin in his home state, which has 16 delegates.
In recent polling, Sanders had a wide lead over runner-up Warren from neighboring Massachusetts, 48 percent to 17 percent.
Bloomberg placed third with 16 percent, Biden had 11 percent, Buttigieg had 5 percent and Klobuchar had 2 percent. Both Buttigieg and Klobuchar dropped out of the race in recent days.
Polls in Vermont closed at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, and the results were announced moments later.
Biden wins Virginia
In Virginia, with 99 delegates, Biden appears to be romping to a blowout victory.
The former veep had been projected to take the state, according to the latest polling, but was on an early pace to shatter the rosy expectations.
With 55 percent of precincts reporting, Biden notched 54.9 percent, according to CNN.
He more than doubled Sanders’ 23.2 percent, while Warren had 9.7 percent.
The polls closed at 7 p.m. in Virginia, where the northeastern suburbs are home to many federal workers and officials.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--The dangerous diets young women are doing to get skinny for Spring Break

Getting ready for Spring Break is no day at the beach .
Taylor Light , a 22-year-old exercise science major at the University of Toledo , is heading to Fort Lauderdale , Florida , in two weeks .
She says she ’ s pumped for six days of partying on the sand with her friends — and feels like she ’ s earned it , after three grueling months of workouts and dieting .
The 5-foot-5-inch college senior , who weighed 150 in December , has been working out five days a week for two hours at a clip and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she found on Instagram called “ Get Lean , Stay Healthy.
” She also uses her FitBit to ensure she maintains a calorie deficit — meaning , burning more calories than she ’ s taking in — and has “ been drinking more coffee to get my metabolism going.
” Her ultimate goal ?
To shed 15 pounds — and to look good in the new bikinis she ’ s bought for the trip .
For high school and college students , the pressure to look bikini-ready for Spring Break has never been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TikTok , which inundate young users with punishing workout plans , unregulated diet supplements and fitspo — “ motivational ” pictures and quotes about working out .
These digitally driven obsessions can lead to serious real-world consequences : Experts say that bouts of restrictive dieting can have unwanted side effects , and could potentially give way to long-term eating disorders .
“ Teens and young girls don ’ t eat , and then they ’ ll binge drink , ” says Dana Suchow , an NYC-based expert on eating disorders .
“ Yo-yo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of stress on a person ’ s body.
” Praise — and coercion — from classmates can be huge drivers of disordered eating , according to Jordana Turkel , a dietician at Park Avenue Endocrinology & Nutrition on the Upper East Side .
She says that crash diets and supplements are particularly “ dangerous , ” and is especially worried about younger girls getting caught up in them .
“ You have results but they aren ’ t prolonged and they can have real negative effects , ” says Turkel .
Andrea Castillo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is well aware of those dangers .
When she was in high school , she struggled with anorexia and binge eating .
“ For prom , we would all make sure we weren ’ t eating , ” says Castillo , who says she ’ s experimented with apple cider vinegar pills , Slim Fast shakes , detox teas , an 800-calorie-a-day diet and intermittent fasting to lose weight .
“ For example , if my friend wanted a cookie we ’ d say , ‘ No , don ’ t eat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your dress.
’ ” But even those painful memories haven ’ t deterred Castillo from the Spring Break slimdown .
The sophomore , who is taking classes online from her home in Miami , says she is looking to drop weight to “ help me feel confident in a bikini ” before her DC friends come visit her for a long weekend .
While she acknowledges the stress to stay trim is “ toxic , ” she ’ s been downing a homemade concoction of water , cinnamon and lemon juice in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s lost 10 pounds off of her 155-pound frame so far and says the drink allows her to eat less “ without getting obsessive about food.
” Castillo , who found the recipe online and hopes to lose 15 more pounds , posts about its effectiveness on TikTok , a social-media platform .
The video-sharing app has become a popular place for young people to extol weight loss methods — including some dubious ones .
Take Rae Wellness ’ Metabolism Drops , which combine caffeine , raspberry ketones and taurine , an amino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monster and Red Bull .
“ When one thing blows up on TikTok , everybody sees it and wants to try it , ” says Olivia Notarangelo , an 18-year-old freshman at University of Rhode Island .
That ’ s what inspired her to buy the metabolism drops .
“ I ’ ve only been using it for about a week , and my roommates are telling me that my face looks thinner.
” Emma Lohnes , a 5-foot-7 high school senior in Pepperell , Massachusetts , lost 10 pounds in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which she bought at Target and says “ have become almost a meme.
” “ I found them on TikTok .
I saw it everywhere and it was easy to get .
.
.
the first time I took them , I got a boost of energy , ” says Lohnes , 18 , who is trying to lose five more pounds before a trip to Aruba with her family and best friend next month .
“ It helps me not eat as much , and when I take the drops , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” says Lohnes .
“ A couple of people have given me compliments about my weight .
.
.
I gave the drops to one of my friends to try.
” That ’ s concerning , as Rae Wellness pulled its metabolism drops — which had been back-ordered until May — from stores and its website in February .
“ We became aware of a disturbing trend on TikTok where teenage girls were misusing our metabolism drops .
While there is no risk in taking this product as directed , we proactively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Angie Tebbe , Rae ’ s representative , says in a statement .
That hasn ’ t stopped teens and twentysomethings from trying to score whatever ’ s left on the shelves — and documenting their trips on TikTok .
Nor does it reassure experts like Turkel , who worries about the effects of such products on young women .
“ I worry about the caffeine content in over-the-counter weight-loss medications , in terms of cardiac health , ” she says .
The caffeine may “ boost metabolism momentarily , ” but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and you will crash lower if you aren ’ t eating and drinking properly.
” Plus , she ’ s not so convinced they even work .
“ There ’ s minimal evidence that adding ketones to your diet ” can trigger the fat-burning state known as ketosis , she says .
Since Light is studying exercise science , she acknowledges that some of these dieting measures — and the body ideals driving them — aren ’ t exactly healthy .
“ I have a few friends that , for a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but celery or [ a few ] pieces of bread , and that ’ s all they give themselves for the day , ” says Light .
“ I ’ ve heard a lot of people cutting out carbs completely.
” But with Spring Break looming , she doesn ’ t exactly feel well-positioned to lead the revolution on body positivity .
“ A ton of people will be down there from my school , ” says Light .
“ We ’ re probably going to get pictures , and I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking around in a bikini that whole time.
” If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder , you can get help .
Call the National Eating Disorder Association helpline at ( 800 ) 931-2237 or visit nationaleatingdisorders.org .

Getting ready for Spring Break is no day at the beach.
Taylor Light, a 22-year-old exercise science major at the University of Toledo, is heading to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in two weeks. She says she’s pumped for six days of partying on the sand with her friends — and feels like she’s earned it, after three grueling months of workouts and dieting.
“I’ve lost 12 pounds so far,” Light tells The Post.
The 5-foot-5-inch college senior, who weighed 150 in December, has been working out five days a week for two hours at a clip and following a $35 online fitness plan she found on Instagram called “Get Lean, Stay Healthy.” She also uses her FitBit to ensure she maintains a calorie deficit — meaning, burning more calories than she’s taking in — and has “been drinking more coffee to get my metabolism going.” Her ultimate goal? To shed 15 pounds — and to look good in the new bikinis she’s bought for the trip.
For high school and college students, the pressure to look bikini-ready for Spring Break has never been stronger. Blame apps like Instagram and TikTok, which inundate young users with punishing workout plans, unregulated diet supplements and fitspo — “motivational” pictures and quotes about working out.
These digitally driven obsessions can lead to serious real-world consequences: Experts say that bouts of restrictive dieting can have unwanted side effects, and could potentially give way to long-term eating disorders.
“Teens and young girls don’t eat, and then they’ll binge drink,” says Dana Suchow, an NYC-based expert on eating disorders. “Yo-yo dieting and weight cycling put a lot of stress on a person’s body.”
Praise — and coercion — from classmates can be huge drivers of disordered eating, according to Jordana Turkel, a dietician at Park Avenue Endocrinology & Nutrition on the Upper East Side. She says that crash diets and supplements are particularly “dangerous,” and is especially worried about younger girls getting caught up in them. “You have results but they aren’t prolonged and they can have real negative effects,” says Turkel.
Andrea Castillo, a 20-year-old studying at American University, is well aware of those dangers. When she was in high school, she struggled with anorexia and binge eating.
“For prom, we would all make sure we weren’t eating,” says Castillo, who says she’s experimented with apple cider vinegar pills, Slim Fast shakes, detox teas, an 800-calorie-a-day diet and intermittent fasting to lose weight.
“For example, if my friend wanted a cookie we’d say, ‘No, don’t eat that, you need to fit into your dress.’ ”
But even those painful memories haven’t deterred Castillo from the Spring Break slimdown. The sophomore, who is taking classes online from her home in Miami, says she is looking to drop weight to “help me feel confident in a bikini” before her DC friends come visit her for a long weekend.
While she acknowledges the stress to stay trim is “toxic,” she’s been downing a homemade concoction of water, cinnamon and lemon juice in the morning and before bed. She’s lost 10 pounds off of her 155-pound frame so far and says the drink allows her to eat less “without getting obsessive about food.”
Castillo, who found the recipe online and hopes to lose 15 more pounds, posts about its effectiveness on TikTok, a social-media platform. The video-sharing app has become a popular place for young people to extol weight loss methods — including some dubious ones.
Take Rae Wellness’ Metabolism Drops, which combine caffeine, raspberry ketones and taurine, an amino acid found in energy drinks such as Monster and Red Bull.
“When one thing blows up on TikTok, everybody sees it and wants to try it,” says Olivia Notarangelo, an 18-year-old freshman at University of Rhode Island. That’s what inspired her to buy the metabolism drops. “I’ve only been using it for about a week, and my roommates are telling me that my face looks thinner.”
Emma Lohnes, a 5-foot-7 high school senior in Pepperell, Massachusetts, lost 10 pounds in the past two weeks taking Rae’s drops, which she bought at Target and says “have become almost a meme.”
“I found them on TikTok. I saw it everywhere and it was easy to get . . . the first time I took them, I got a boost of energy,” says Lohnes, 18, who is trying to lose five more pounds before a trip to Aruba with her family and best friend next month.
“It helps me not eat as much, and when I take the drops, food goes through me faster than normal,” says Lohnes. “A couple of people have given me compliments about my weight . . . I gave the drops to one of my friends to try.”
That’s concerning, as Rae Wellness pulled its metabolism drops — which had been back-ordered until May — from stores and its website in February.
“We became aware of a disturbing trend on TikTok where teenage girls were misusing our metabolism drops. While there is no risk in taking this product as directed, we proactively paused the sale of these drops,” Angie Tebbe, Rae’s representative, says in a statement.
That hasn’t stopped teens and twentysomethings from trying to score whatever’s left on the shelves — and documenting their trips on TikTok.
Nor does it reassure experts like Turkel, who worries about the effects of such products on young women.
“I worry about the caffeine content in over-the-counter weight-loss medications, in terms of cardiac health,” she says. The caffeine may “boost metabolism momentarily,” but it also “raises your blood sugar, and you will crash lower if you aren’t eating and drinking properly.”
Plus, she’s not so convinced they even work. “There’s minimal evidence that adding ketones to your diet” can trigger the fat-burning state known as ketosis, she says.
Since Light is studying exercise science, she acknowledges that some of these dieting measures — and the body ideals driving them — aren’t exactly healthy.
“I have a few friends that, for a few days, won’t eat anything but celery or [a few] pieces of bread, and that’s all they give themselves for the day,” says Light. “I’ve heard a lot of people cutting out carbs completely.”
But with Spring Break looming, she doesn’t exactly feel well-positioned to lead the revolution on body positivity.
“A ton of people will be down there from my school,” says Light. “We’re probably going to get pictures, and I want to lose the weight before I’m walking around in a bikini that whole time.”
If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, you can get help. Call the National Eating Disorder Association helpline at (800) 931-2237 or visit nationaleatingdisorders.org.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Amazon Prime will stream 21 Yankees games this season

The Yankees and the YES Network are exploring developing YES ...

The Yankees are coming to Amazon Prime Video.
The team, along with the YES Network, announced a deal on Tuesday with the streaming service that will allow Amazon Prime Video subscribers to watch 21 games this season. Those games will also air on WPIX.
The Post first reported the deal was impending in December after November’s unanimous vote by MLB team owners to permit the streaming of local games, a practice known as in-market streaming.
Amazon was part of a group that purchased a stake in the YES Network nearly a year ago, also paving the way for this agreement — which will allow people to watch games live on their phones or laptops without a cable subscription.
As viewership drops due to cord-cutting, teams are looking for new ways to reach fans. Though YES will produce the games that air on Amazon, the streaming service will provide new technology on its simulcasts that will make for a “more immersive experience,’’ according to YES Network CEO Jon Litner.
“It will allow viewers to be interactive rather than passive,’’ Litner said.
The technology will be similar to what Amazon has used with the NFL and English Premier League.
“We also realize viewing habits are changing, especially for young and tech-savvy fans,’’ Litner said.
“We understand that fans are consuming content in a variety of different ways, and we believe our unique partnership with Amazon represents an exciting development in the realm of live sports,” Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement. “We are committed to exploring new ideas and delivering an array of top-quality viewing options, as well as accompanying new innovations, such as Amazon’s X-Ray technology feature, which will make in-game stats, team and player details, and play-by-play information readily accessible in real-time during the games on Prime Video.”
The first game will be shown on Amazon Prime Video on April 17 against the Reds and the 21 games include three versus the Red Sox.
The Post reported in December the ultimate goal is to provide an annual streaming package at a cost, according to sources.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Judge Judy may be retiring, but her money will keep working for her

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 ) Reruns continue , but this 25th season is Judge Judy ’ s last .
I ’ m her friend .
I know she ’ s worked so constantly that once rushing from the gym to a mike , she stuck a wig on backward .
This entire planet recognizes Her smartass Honor .
We were together seeing white tigers in India , and people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s already created another show idea .
Now she earns $ 50 mil a year plus bonuses , plus programs she owns , plus extras , plus a deal with her Queen Bee Productions , plus $ 100 mil for selling over 5,200 hours of her library .
With six homes , she can definitely afford the same half-dozen restaurants she always goes to for dinner .
And Judy never never argued about compensation .
Never even discussed it .
Come money-talking time , her shtick was : She ’ d write a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , seal it , hand it over , and that ’ s what CBS had to pay .
Last night she couldn ’ t even speak .
Laryngitis .
And tomorrow she ’ s set to introduce Bloomberg at a rally .
So might she intend to be his maybe vice president ?
No .
She can ’ t afford to work that cheap .
Air Force One touched down in Charleston , SC , amid a haze of presidential glory .
Enormously awe-inspiring , so huge and glorious that you ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and being the Mother of all aircraft .
You ’ d expect the thing to roll in slowly , mind its manners , set down quietly , handle its wild blue yonder business , calm its jets and just plain shut up and be quiet .
Ain ’ t the DJT way .
Cabin lights blazing , it came in lit like a Christmas tree .
The Donald was in town .
And would stick it to them , to everyone .
People set up chairs in overflowing parking lots .
Small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitor every move .
The motorcade started .
Two police chiefs politely announced : “ Y ’ all jes have to hold for nine minutes.
” Seamless .
Stress-free .
No big-time crowd control .
Like clockwork the chiefs then announced , “ Six mo-ah minutes and y ’ all be on your way.
” The town ’ s only quiet spot was the church , where decorated veteran Tulsi Gabbard was into a mini-rally — maybe 100 people .
Its busy spot was Henrietta ’ s .
Every news pro fell into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask ?
Because it served succotash , pancakes , blue crab fritters , smoked pork hock and speckled grits .
That ’ s why .
Films .
A South Korean grabbed last year ’ s Oscars .
Coming up ?
The Polish .
The name ’ s Małgorzata Szumowska .
She ’ s already won things called the Teddy Award and the Silver Leopard Award at whatever ’ s the Locarno Film Festival .
Go ready this director for a statuette for her latest , “ The Other Lamb , ” about toxic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More .
While Robin Leacock ’ s “ A Passion for Giving ” with Dan Aykroyd and Run-DMC has a March 10 screening in Palm Beach , Fla. , to celebrate its 10th anniversary , PBS picked up director Robin ’ s new movie , “ Stella & Co : A Romantic Musical Comedy Documentary About Aging.
” It ’ s to celebrate Mother ’ s Day .
Fund-raising speaker : “ Tonight we probe disturbing issues .
I introduce a man who can get right to the bottom of the matter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ finger on the vital problem — but enough about my urologist .
Let me introduce Bernie Sanders.
” Only NOT in New York , kids , NOT in New York .

Reruns continue, but this 25th season is Judge Judy’s last. I’m her friend. I know she’s worked so constantly that once rushing from the gym to a mike, she stuck a wig on backward.
This entire planet recognizes Her smartass Honor. We were together seeing white tigers in India, and people in the jungle knew her.
She’s already created another show idea. Now she earns $50 mil a year plus bonuses, plus programs she owns, plus extras, plus a deal with her Queen Bee Productions, plus $100 mil for selling over 5,200 hours of her library. With six homes, she can definitely afford the same half-dozen restaurants she always goes to for dinner.
And Judy never never argued about compensation. Never even discussed it.
Come money-talking time, her shtick was: She’d write a number, put it in an envelope, seal it, hand it over, and that’s what CBS had to pay.
Last night she couldn’t even speak. Laryngitis. And tomorrow she’s set to introduce Bloomberg at a rally. So might she intend to be his maybe vice president? No. She can’t afford to work that cheap.
Prez does SC in style
Air Force One touched down in Charleston, SC, amid a haze of presidential glory. Enormously awe-inspiring, so huge and glorious that you’d think the plane was enough just showing up and being the Mother of all aircraft. You’d expect the thing to roll in slowly, mind its manners, set down quietly, handle its wild blue yonder business, calm its jets and just plain shut up and be quiet.
Ain’t the DJT way. Cabin lights blazing, it came in lit like a Christmas tree. The Donald was in town. And would stick it to them, to everyone.
Himself had arrived. We’re talking a Donnybrook.
People set up chairs in overflowing parking lots. Small TVs with them. To see and monitor every move.
The motorcade started. Two police chiefs politely announced: “Y’all jes have to hold for nine minutes.” Seamless. Stress-free. No big-time crowd control.
Like clockwork the chiefs then announced, “Six mo-ah minutes and y’all be on your way.”
The town’s only quiet spot was the church, where decorated veteran Tulsi Gabbard was into a mini-rally — maybe 100 people.
Its busy spot was Henrietta’s. Every news pro fell into the place. And why, you ask? Because it served succotash, pancakes, blue crab fritters, smoked pork hock and speckled grits. That’s why.
Another foreign film rising
Films. A South Korean grabbed last year’s Oscars. Coming up? The Polish. The name’s Małgorzata Szumowska. She’s already won things called the Teddy Award and the Silver Leopard Award at whatever’s the Locarno Film Festival. Go ready this director for a statuette for her latest, “The Other Lamb,” about toxic masculinity and the abuse of power.
More. While Robin Leacock’s “A Passion for Giving” with Dan Aykroyd and Run-DMC has a March 10 screening in Palm Beach, Fla., to celebrate its 10th anniversary, PBS picked up director Robin’s new movie, “Stella & Co: A Romantic Musical Comedy Documentary About Aging.” It’s to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Ba dum bum
Fund-raising speaker: “Tonight we probe disturbing issues. I introduce a man who can get right to the bottom of the matter.
“A man who can put his finger on the vital problem — but enough about my urologist. Let me introduce Bernie Sanders.”
Only NOT in New York, kids, NOT in New York.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Meet the ‘LEGO Master’ behind new Fox reality hit

You won ’ t see Nathan Sawaya ’ s face on “ LEGO Masters ” — but his LEGO creations are valuable co-stars of Fox ’ s hit new competition series .
Sawaya , the show ’ s consulting producer , is better-known as a world-renowned LEGO artist , a former corporate lawyer who quit his rat-race job in New York to open a studio and create artwork out of the toy ’ s iconic snap-together plastic “ bricks ” ( including a Batmobile , a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge and a life-size Tyrannosaurus rex ) .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave my six-figure [ law ] practice to go play with toys , can this be sustainable and can I actually make a living out of this ?
” Sawaya , 46 , says of his 2004 decision to change careers .
“ That was a time when there wasn ’ t a job known as a ‘ LEGO Artist ’ and no one was taking LEGO into the art world .
“ Eventually I let my legal license expire so I wouldn ’ t have that safety net , ” he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it [ by ] doing this or figure something else out .
But whatever I did , I wasn ’ t going back to being a lawyer.
” Since then , Sawaya ’ s LEGO works have been exhibited around the world .
Now based in LA , his “ Art of the Brick ” LEGO exhibit is currently on display at the city ’ s California Science Center .
“ LEGO Masters , ” hosted by Will Arnett , premiered Feb. 5 and has averaged 6.1 million viewers as the season ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number-two unscripted show behind Fox ’ s “ The Masked Singer “ ) .
It features two-person teams of LEGO connoisseurs competing against each other , and against the clock , to complete a sprawling LEGO design ( a theme park , an outer space world ) built by Sawaya in his studio and transported to the show ’ s set .
The teams are judged ( and eliminated ) by “ Brickmasters ” Jamie Corbett and Jamie Berard , who work at LEGO headquarters in Denmark ; on the April 15 season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with $ 100,000 and a LEGO trophy designed by Sawaya .
“ I ’ m the artist-in-residence , if you will , ” Sawaya says of his behind-the-scenes role .
“ There are a lot of things I ended up building for the show — some of the set dressing , including the signage built out of LEGO that says ‘ LEGO Masters.
’ [ Wednesday night ’ s episode ] has a ‘ mega-city ’ theme , so I built a ton of buildings and city blocks for that .
The contestants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own version of buildings and city blocks.
” Sawaya says about 3 million LEGO bricks were ordered for the series .
While he didn ’ t interact with the contestants — if he was on the set during taping , he stayed in the background — he says that some contestants did reach out to him once production wrapped to pick his brain about LEGO design .
“ The contestants really have a lot of creativity , and you ’ re seeing them … think out of the box and do amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think one thing that gets everyone [ on the show ] — it gets me , too — is time management .
It ’ s so tough with LEGO , using tiny pieces to create these huge forms , and it ’ s something [ the contestants ] have to think about .
We all underestimate how long it ’ s going to take to create something that has a ‘ wow ’ factor .
“ By itself , LEGO building , when you ’ re just snapping one brick on another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little tedious sometimes , ” he says .
“ But it ’ s amazing to watch these folks under pressure making things that are brilliant to look at — and that ’ s why [ the show ] works.
” And , of course , there ’ s the public ’ s familiarity with the LEGO toy , which has spawned four big-screen animated movies and a slew of animated TV specials .
“ The toy itself has become universal , ” he says .
“ It ’ s defied time and geography @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the globe and have been to over 100 different cities and everywhere we go with the [ LEGO ] art people connect to it because they ’ re familiar with the toy .
The bricks that I had as a child in the 1970s still snap together with the bricks of today — what other product can say that ?
“ The spanning of generations is amazing , which is why ‘ LEGO Masters ’ works so well for families , ” he says .
“ Kids love it , parents love and @ @ @ @ @

You won’t see Nathan Sawaya’s face on “LEGO Masters” — but his LEGO creations are valuable co-stars of Fox’s hit new competition series.
Sawaya, the show’s consulting producer, is better-known as a world-renowned LEGO artist, a former corporate lawyer who quit his rat-race job in New York to open a studio and create artwork out of the toy’s iconic snap-together plastic “bricks” (including a Batmobile, a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge and a life-size Tyrannosaurus rex).
“That was really the question: can I leave my six-figure [law] practice to go play with toys, can this be sustainable and can I actually make a living out of this?” Sawaya, 46, says of his 2004 decision to change careers. “That was a time when there wasn’t a job known as a ‘LEGO Artist’ and no one was taking LEGO into the art world.
“Eventually I let my legal license expire so I wouldn’t have that safety net,” he says. “I figured I would make it [by] doing this or figure something else out. But whatever I did, I wasn’t going back to being a lawyer.”
Since then, Sawaya’s LEGO works have been exhibited around the world. Now based in LA, his “Art of the Brick” LEGO exhibit is currently on display at the city’s California Science Center.
“LEGO Masters,” hosted by Will Arnett, premiered Feb. 5 and has averaged 6.1 million viewers as the season’s top-rated new show (and the number-two unscripted show behind Fox’s “The Masked Singer“). It features two-person teams of LEGO connoisseurs competing against each other, and against the clock, to complete a sprawling LEGO design (a theme park, an outer space world) built by Sawaya in his studio and transported to the show’s set. The teams are judged (and eliminated) by “Brickmasters” Jamie Corbett and Jamie Berard, who work at LEGO headquarters in Denmark; on the April 15 season finale, the winners will walk away with $100,000 and a LEGO trophy designed by Sawaya.
“I’m the artist-in-residence, if you will,” Sawaya says of his behind-the-scenes role. “There are a lot of things I ended up building for the show — some of the set dressing, including the signage built out of LEGO that says ‘LEGO Masters.’ [Wednesday night’s episode] has a ‘mega-city’ theme, so I built a ton of buildings and city blocks for that. The contestants will build around the pre-built city with their own version of buildings and city blocks.”
Sawaya says about 3 million LEGO bricks were ordered for the series. While he didn’t interact with the contestants — if he was on the set during taping, he stayed in the background — he says that some contestants did reach out to him once production wrapped to pick his brain about LEGO design.
“The contestants really have a lot of creativity, and you’re seeing them … think out of the box and do amazing work,” he says. “I think one thing that gets everyone [on the show] — it gets me, too — is time management. It’s so tough with LEGO, using tiny pieces to create these huge forms, and it’s something [the contestants] have to think about. We all underestimate how long it’s going to take to create something that has a ‘wow’ factor.
“By itself, LEGO building, when you’re just snapping one brick on another, is kind of boring and a little tedious sometimes,” he says. “But it’s amazing to watch these folks under pressure making things that are brilliant to look at — and that’s why [the show] works.”
And, of course, there’s the public’s familiarity with the LEGO toy, which has spawned four big-screen animated movies and a slew of animated TV specials.
“The toy itself has become universal,” he says. “It’s defied time and geography. I’ve had exhibitions around the globe and have been to over 100 different cities and everywhere we go with the [LEGO] art people connect to it because they’re familiar with the toy. The bricks that I had as a child in the 1970s still snap together with the bricks of today — what other product can say that?
“The spanning of generations is amazing, which is why ‘LEGO Masters’ works so well for families,” he says. “Kids love it, parents love and grandparents love it.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--What to eat at NYC’s futuristic Amazon Go stores

The tech giant ’ s futuristic grocery stores — where Amazon account holders can “ come in , take what you want and just walk out , ” as its walls advertise — are suddenly everywhere .
There are 26 across the US , and eight have sprung up in Manhattan since May , when the first one opened in Brookfield Place .
The New York ones are a gift from heaven for busy working stiffs who have no time to waste and who know from grim experiences that “ fast-food ” in Manhattan usually is anything but .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large office buildings full of Type A ’ s like myself with no patience for lines .
At Amazon Go , there are no waits !
No crowds !
No slow-moving , judgmental cashiers to sneer at the Double Stuf Oreos you chose along with KeVita Master Brew Kombucha !
If you ’ re people-phobic over coronavirus , Amazon Go ’ s for you .
None of the locations I visited last week were very busy — not even at lunchtime in the Chrysler Building at teeming Lexington Avenue and 42nd Street .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as hushed as a library .
It ’ s the one spot free from crowds in Rockefeller Center ’ s tourist-trap concourse .
Here ’ s how it works : Before you go , you download the free Amazon Go app , which lets you sweep through the store ’ s turnstile .
Once you ’ re inside , you stroll the aisles and fill a brown paper bag with whatever your stomach craves .
Ceiling scanners keep track of what you ’ re buying .
( The products vary slightly from store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Then you just .
.
.
go .
Charges billed to your Amazon account pop up as a receipt on the app five minutes later .
It ’ s easy .
It ’ s also still weird for shoppers .
At every location I visited , customers — even tech-savvy millennials !
— seemed stumped by the concept and needed help from friendly , orange-jacket-clad managers ( who were the only employees in sight ) .
But it ’ s worth a little confusion .
It takes only a New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ packaged salads , sandwiches and a zillion soft drinks — the sort of quick eats I consume three days out of five while on the job , either at my desk or on the run .
For all of Amazon ’ s new-agey attitude , the Go outlets aren ’ t all that wellness-oriented or environmentally attuned .
Sure , the sushi ’ s “ sustainable.
” There ’ s organic dried mango , as well as offerings from healthyish chains , such as Proper Foods For Life .
But the shelves also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ll find in a Bronx bodega — multi-flavored M & Ms , Cheetos Puffs , Skittles and Magnolia Bakery cupcakes .
Focus on the lunch offerings : prepared sandwiches , salads and bowls .
The Pesto Zoodles with Shrimp Power Bowl ( $ 9.99 ) is so nicely composed — with julienned zucchini noodles , juicy roasted tomatoes and trattoria-worthy lemon-pesto vinaigrette — that I can overlook its awful “ chili ” shrimp , which possesses a chemical taste that could only hail from polluted New Jersey waterways .
A Korean-style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaded chicken chunks gets a nice zing from gochujang dressing , while the seared lemon-pepper tuna salad from Proper Foods ( $ 13.95 ) is way above grab-and-go average , although the vinaigrette is too vinegary .
They ’ re not Michelin-star level , but good and bad in the same container ’ s par for the fast-casual course .
As fast bites go , these are winners .
Small , stark seating areas at several locations have hideous orange chairs .
Product aisles “ remind me of the old Automats , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Why would I go there when there are so many more welcoming choices nearby ?
” But the flaws are worth fixing .
If Jeff Bezos gets around to making Amazon Go as inviting as it is efficient , it might make conventional fast-casual food stops go away — and I won ’ t miss them .

Go, Amazon Go!
The tech giant’s futuristic grocery stores — where Amazon account holders can “come in, take what you want and just walk out,” as its walls advertise — are suddenly everywhere. There are 26 across the US, and eight have sprung up in Manhattan since May, when the first one opened in Brookfield Place.
The New York ones are a gift from heaven for busy working stiffs who have no time to waste and who know from grim experiences that “fast-food” in Manhattan usually is anything but. All are close to, or inside, large office buildings full of Type A’s like myself with no patience for lines.
At Amazon Go, there are no waits! No crowds! No slow-moving, judgmental cashiers to sneer at the Double Stuf Oreos you chose along with KeVita Master Brew Kombucha!
If you’re people-phobic over coronavirus, Amazon Go’s for you. None of the locations I visited last week were very busy — not even at lunchtime in the Chrysler Building at teeming Lexington Avenue and 42nd Street. Amazon Go at Liberty Plaza downtown was as hushed as a library. It’s the one spot free from crowds in Rockefeller Center’s tourist-trap concourse.
Here’s how it works: Before you go, you download the free Amazon Go app, which lets you sweep through the store’s turnstile. Once you’re inside, you stroll the aisles and fill a brown paper bag with whatever your stomach craves. Ceiling scanners keep track of what you’re buying. (The products vary slightly from store to store; the app tells all). Then you just . . . go. Charges billed to your Amazon account pop up as a receipt on the app five minutes later.
It’s easy. It’s also still weird for shoppers. At every location I visited, customers — even tech-savvy millennials! — seemed stumped by the concept and needed help from friendly, orange-jacket-clad managers (who were the only employees in sight).
But it’s worth a little confusion. It takes only a New York Minute at Amazon Go to buy high-quality packaged salads, sandwiches and a zillion soft drinks — the sort of quick eats I consume three days out of five while on the job, either at my desk or on the run.
For all of Amazon’s new-agey attitude, the Go outlets aren’t all that wellness-oriented or environmentally attuned. Sure, the sushi’s “sustainable.” There’s organic dried mango, as well as offerings from healthyish chains, such as Proper Foods For Life. But the shelves also groan under more sugar- and fat-bombs than you’ll find in a Bronx bodega — multi-flavored M&Ms, Cheetos Puffs, Skittles and Magnolia Bakery cupcakes.
Focus on the lunch offerings: prepared sandwiches, salads and bowls. The Pesto Zoodles with Shrimp Power Bowl ($9.99) is so nicely composed — with julienned zucchini noodles, juicy roasted tomatoes and trattoria-worthy lemon-pesto vinaigrette — that I can overlook its awful “chili” shrimp, which possesses a chemical taste that could only hail from polluted New Jersey waterways. A Korean-style salad ($8.99) with doughy breaded chicken chunks gets a nice zing from gochujang dressing, while the seared lemon-pepper tuna salad from Proper Foods ($13.95) is way above grab-and-go average, although the vinaigrette is too vinegary.
They’re not Michelin-star level, but good and bad in the same container’s par for the fast-casual course. As fast bites go, these are winners.
So: tech, check, food, check. But Amazon Go needs to work on the comfort level. Make that discomfort level. The stores look as sterile as the CAT-scan clinic. The air’s just as chilly — my fingers nearly froze at the Lexington Avenue and 53rd Street outlet before I put anything in the bag.
Small, stark seating areas at several locations have hideous orange chairs. Product aisles “remind me of the old Automats,” my friend Barbara Wagner observed, adding, “Why would I go there when there are so many more welcoming choices nearby?”
But the flaws are worth fixing. If Jeff Bezos gets around to making Amazon Go as inviting as it is efficient, it might make conventional fast-casual food stops go away — and I won’t miss them.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Dominic Smith’s weight reversal never again a Mets narrative

PORT ST. LUCIE — Man of the people that he is , Dom Smith routinely engages with Mets fans during spring training , and that good deed punishes him with unflattering images from — and words about — his past .
“ I kind of see old pictures or sign an old card .
I see how big I was , ” the Mets ’ first baseman and left fielder told The Post on Sunday .
“ It ’ s definitely something that I ’ m still shocked about , and it kind of amazes me.
” Or if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll produced well-intentioned reminders , detailed Smith : “ Every year I come in , they say , ‘ You look like you lost even more weight !
’ ” He hasn ’ t , yet he can laugh off these callbacks because of what he has gained these past couple of years .
Smith reported to spring training in 2018 weighing about 224 pounds , having previously registered as high as 260 , and the scale hasn ’ t wavered much on him since .
With questions about his conditioning out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his future has arrived : As long as he stays healthy , the 24-year-old is a bona fide major leaguer .
“ He ’ s a guy that can give you 400 at-bats and start at two different positions , ” a talent evaluator from another club said , on the condition of anonymity , of Smith .
Said Mets rookie manager Luis Rojas : “ Dom , he ’ s a great athlete .
In the best shape that he can be , he can show it even more and more.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday afternoon , as Noah Syndergaard and the Mets registered a 6-1 loss to the Marlins at Clover Park .
Smith now owns a .188/.188/.188 Grapefruit League slash line , with three hits in 16 at-bats .
No one expresses concern thanks to the tiny sample matched up against the .282/.355/.525 line he put together in 89 big-league games , totaling 197 plate appearances , with last year ’ s Mets .
More encouraging at the moment is Smith ’ s improved play in left field , which would allow the Mets to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rather than just using him for games in which starting first baseman Pete Alonso needs a breather or as a pinch hitter .
A second scout observed , “ He ’ s better than J.D .
[ Davis ] out there , ” and if that reads like damning with faint praise , it sounded more like an endorsement for increased starts .
The Mets dangled Smith , who isn ’ t even eligible for arbitration yet , to clubs this past offseason as a sweetener for taking on Jed Lowrie and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No one bit , and given that Lowrie still plays in the Mets ’ unofficial Simulated Game League alongside Yoenis Cespedes , a brace covering his left leg , that looks like a good call .
Likewise , it appears a good call for the Mets to hold onto Smith .
In early February 2018 , I flew to Arizona to meet up with the newly svelte Smith .
He told me of the weight issues that had defined him until that juncture .
“ It ’ s definitely been a fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s definitely been a ride I ’ m ready to just jump off of and never talk about again.
” “ Never again ” proved to be overly optimistic , thanks to jerks like me asking him questions , and to well-meaning fans .
Yet the early battles now define him differently : as a high draft pick ( 11th overall in 2013 ) who leaped a hurdle , who righted himself .
“ I ’ m very proud of him , ” said Rojas , who managed Smith in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Single-A St. Lucie .
“ It ’ s part of maturing in the game and being responsible , being accountable for yourself .
I think Dom learned that really well.
” “ I feel like , [ this is the ] third year now that I kept [ the weight ] off , and it was time to kind of work on different things to elevate my game .
I did that last year with a couple of things , ” Smith said .
“ Now I ’ m working on some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game to the next level.
” Things , he explained , like mobility , in the hopes of staying off the injured list after last year ’ s stress fracture to his left foot , and plate discipline .
Given the levels he has climbed , the pitfalls he has avoided , to get here ?
Hitting the next one seems quite doable .

PORT ST. LUCIE — Man of the people that he is, Dom Smith routinely engages with Mets fans during spring training, and that good deed punishes him with unflattering images from — and words about — his past.
“I kind of see old pictures or sign an old card. I see how big I was,” the Mets’ first baseman and left fielder told The Post on Sunday. “It’s definitely something that I’m still shocked about, and it kind of amazes me.”
Or if they don’t produce photos, they’ll produced well-intentioned reminders, detailed Smith: “Every year I come in, they say, ‘You look like you lost even more weight!’ ”
He hasn’t, yet he can laugh off these callbacks because of what he has gained these past couple of years. Smith reported to spring training in 2018 weighing about 224 pounds, having previously registered as high as 260, and the scale hasn’t wavered much on him since. With questions about his conditioning out of the conversation, the answer about his future has arrived: As long as he stays healthy, the 24-year-old is a bona fide major leaguer.
“He’s a guy that can give you 400 at-bats and start at two different positions,” a talent evaluator from another club said, on the condition of anonymity, of Smith.
Said Mets rookie manager Luis Rojas: “Dom, he’s a great athlete. In the best shape that he can be, he can show it even more and more.”
Smith grounded out twice in two at-bats Tuesday afternoon, as Noah Syndergaard and the Mets registered a 6-1 loss to the Marlins at Clover Park. Smith now owns a .188/.188/.188 Grapefruit League slash line, with three hits in 16 at-bats. No one expresses concern thanks to the tiny sample matched up against the .282/.355/.525 line he put together in 89 big-league games, totaling 197 plate appearances, with last year’s Mets.
More encouraging at the moment is Smith’s improved play in left field, which would allow the Mets to plug in his lefty bat more often, rather than just using him for games in which starting first baseman Pete Alonso needs a breather or as a pinch hitter. A second scout observed, “He’s better than J.D. [Davis] out there,” and if that reads like damning with faint praise, it sounded more like an endorsement for increased starts.
The Mets dangled Smith, who isn’t even eligible for arbitration yet, to clubs this past offseason as a sweetener for taking on Jed Lowrie and the $10 million still owed him. No one bit, and given that Lowrie still plays in the Mets’ unofficial Simulated Game League alongside Yoenis Cespedes, a brace covering his left leg, that looks like a good call. Likewise, it appears a good call for the Mets to hold onto Smith.
In early February 2018, I flew to Arizona to meet up with the newly svelte Smith. He told me of the weight issues that had defined him until that juncture.
“It’s definitely been a fun ride,” he said, “and it’s definitely been a ride I’m ready to just jump off of and never talk about again.”
“Never again” proved to be overly optimistic, thanks to jerks like me asking him questions, and to well-meaning fans. Yet the early battles now define him differently: as a high draft pick (11th overall in 2013) who leaped a hurdle, who righted himself.
“I’m very proud of him,” said Rojas, who managed Smith in 2014 at Single-A Savannah and in 2015 at Single-A St. Lucie. “It’s part of maturing in the game and being responsible, being accountable for yourself. I think Dom learned that really well.”
“I feel like, [this is the] third year now that I kept [the weight] off, and it was time to kind of work on different things to elevate my game. I did that last year with a couple of things,” Smith said. “Now I’m working on some more things this year to take my game to the next level.”
Things, he explained, like mobility, in the hopes of staying off the injured list after last year’s stress fracture to his left foot, and plate discipline. Given the levels he has climbed, the pitfalls he has avoided, to get here? Hitting the next one seems quite doable.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Tech firms withdraw from South by Southwest amid coronavirus concerns

The coronavirus is rattling big tech , with Facebook , Twitter and Intel all pulling out of this month ’ s South by Southwest festival and Google canceling its annual developers conference .
Employees from Twitter will no longer attend the weeklong Austin , Texas , music film festival , known for its A-list speakers , after the company announced a non-essential travel ban .
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey , who had been set to be a keynote speaker , will also be a no-show .
Facebook also said that it would no longer have a presence at the popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participants last year , “ due to concerns related to coronavirus , ” while Intel said that it was withdrawing “ from on-site activities ” at the event .
The cancellations come as Google on Tuesday moved its annual developer conference , Google I/O , online amid coronavirus fears .
The conference , which last year had more than 7,000 attendees , was set to take place at the company ’ s Mountain View , Calif. , headquarters in mid-May .
“ Over the coming weeks , we will explore other ways to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and continue to build our developer community , ” the company said of the event to show off the latest and greatest Android and YouTube software and features .
Google ’ s decision arrived just a day after Facebook canceled its annual F8 developer conference — where CEO Mark Zuckerberg would have taken the stage to talk about Facebook ’ s newest features and products — and instead replace it with locally hosted events , videos and live-streamed content .
The coronavirus has infected nearly 130 people in the US so far , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon .
The viral disease has infected more than 25 people in the Bay Area , which most big tech companies call home .

The coronavirus is rattling big tech, with Facebook, Twitter and Intel all pulling out of this month’s South by Southwest festival and Google canceling its annual developers conference.
Employees from Twitter will no longer attend the weeklong Austin, Texas, music film festival, known for its A-list speakers, after the company announced a non-essential travel ban. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who had been set to be a keynote speaker, will also be a no-show.
Facebook also said that it would no longer have a presence at the popular event, which drew more than 70,000 participants last year, “due to concerns related to coronavirus,” while Intel said that it was withdrawing “from on-site activities” at the event.
Past SXSW speakers have included Jon Favreau, Nicolas Cage, Janelle Monae, Amy Schumer and Gayle King.
The cancellations come as Google on Tuesday moved its annual developer conference, Google I/O, online amid coronavirus fears. The conference, which last year had more than 7,000 attendees, was set to take place at the company’s Mountain View, Calif., headquarters in mid-May.
“Over the coming weeks, we will explore other ways to evolve Google I/O to best connect with and continue to build our developer community,” the company said of the event to show off the latest and greatest Android and YouTube software and features.
Google’s decision arrived just a day after Facebook canceled its annual F8 developer conference — where CEO Mark Zuckerberg would have taken the stage to talk about Facebook’s newest features and products — and instead replace it with locally hosted events, videos and live-streamed content.
The coronavirus has infected nearly 130 people in the US so far, and killed nine, as of Tuesday afternoon. The viral disease has infected more than 25 people in the Bay Area, which most big tech companies call home.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Want to score a six-figure salary? The key could be project management training

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store , from our partner StackCommerce .
NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
Project managers are the unsung heroes of the workforce .
They bring together every aspect of a project , make sure deadlines are met and that communication is streamlined across the organization .
Without them , important projects likely would never come to fruition .
Sure , they might not get all the credit for the large-scale campaigns and product developments they lead , but they sure get compensated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project manager makes over $ 83,000 annually , with experienced professionals netting hefty six-figure salaries , according to a report from Indeed .
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Among the critical topics , you ’ ll cover include Agile Scrum , a widely-used framework that ’ s handy for managing complex work , Six Sigma , a set of tools to help project managers reduce or completely eliminate mistakes from their workflow , and extreme programming , a software methodology that can improve technology quality and responsiveness .
There ’ s even a Project Manager Certification course that can help you fully prepare for future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to your resume .
Lectures give students real-life projects and business scenarios to roll up their sleeves to and each course is led by expert ITU Online instructors who use these techniques in practice on a daily basis .
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Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store, from our partner StackCommerce. NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
Project managers are the unsung heroes of the workforce. They bring together every aspect of a project, make sure deadlines are met and that communication is streamlined across the organization. Without them, important projects likely would never come to fruition.
Sure, they might not get all the credit for the large-scale campaigns and product developments they lead, but they sure get compensated nicely. In fact, the average project manager makes over $83,000 annually, with experienced professionals netting hefty six-figure salaries, according to a report from Indeed.
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newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Andrew Yang is considering a run for NYC mayor, report says

Andrew Yang ’ s decision to drop his bid for the White ...

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang is weighing a run for mayor of New York City — and getting a boost from Michael Bloomberg’s advisers, according to reports.
“You know, we’re looking at it,” Yang told a Buzzfeed reporter who asked him about his potential candidacy during a chance encounter on Amtrak’s Acela Express Tuesday morning.
A spokeswoman for Yang did not return messages.
Yang was headed to Washington, D.C. where he’ll provide commentary on Super Tuesday results for his latest role as a CNN political analyst.
The 45-year-old Schenectady native, who ended his 2020 run last month, will make an announcement about his future plans on “The View” Thursday, he tweeted.
Bloomberg’s advisers contacted Yang about a potential mayoral campaign after he withdrew from the race, according to The New York Times. Bloomberg also reportedly asked the fellow entrepreneur to be his running mate.
Yang has already said that his main 2020 platform, giving Americans a universal basic income, would be an “obvious” program to implement in the Big Apple.
But city political observers were cool to the idea of a Yang mayoralty.
Political strategist Bradley Tusk, who also served as Bloomberg’s former mayoral campaign manager, said that Yang shouldn’t view the job as a stepping stone to higher office.
“He should do it if city operations is his passion. Otherwise, as Mayor de Blasio has seen, it’s a very rough job,” Tusk said.
Fordham University Political Science Professor Christina Greer was more blunt.
“I am thoroughly not interested in a Yang candidacy,” she said.
“All politics is local, and Yang has not demonstrated an understanding or investment in local issues concerning the five boroughs. We have far too many pressing nuanced issues in our city for a hedge fund manager to swoop in and diagnose our problems,” she said.
“I would suggest using money to invest in the people of our city, not vanity projects running for office. There are already several qualified New Yorkers vying for the job. Carpet baggers need not apply,” she added.
The qualified New Yorkers she referred to include City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and City Comptroller Scott Stringer.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--More pets are getting sick and dying from this common household item

A woman has revealed horrific pictures of facial burns she ...

Essential oils may smell like a dream, but they’re a nightmare for pets.
The trendy elixir, often used as a form of aromatherapy, is landing both cats and dogs in the emergency room as the substance can cause shortness of breath, skin rashes and even liver failure, according to veterinarians.
Sadly, experts say that the rise in the oils’ popularity comes with an uptick in pets getting sick and even dying.
“I’ve seen a lot more cases lately,” says veterinarian Carly Fox, who works at the Upper East Side’s Animal Medical Center. “We’ll see one every few months.”
One anguished cat owner recently brought the issue to light in a viral Reddit thread about her kitten, Marie, who fell ill after breathing in essential oil vapor from a diffuser in her home.
About a month ago, the Canadian owner, who wished to remain anonymous, left her home for three hours only to come back and find her feline “almost dead” and acting “limp and barely breathing,” she wrote in the thread.
“It was so scary,” she added. “It was horrible! I felt so guilty.”
After she rushed Marie to the vet’s office, doctors had to administer an IV and hook her up to a ventilator, a heartbreaking photo shows. Marie’s liver was also seemingly in bad shape.
It remains unclear if Marie pulled through, but her owner knows one thing for certain: “I’m done with them (essential oils) permanently across the board,” she wrote, adding that she believed Marie may have gotten close to or even consumed residue around the diffuser. She had 18 different types of essential oils in her home, she said.
Inhaling the oils “can cause significant lung damage” for pets, with the worst-case scenario being “that they stop breathing and go into respiratory arrest,” Fox says. Other issues can include burns to the respiratory tract, coughing, watery eyes and runny nose.
Ingesting and touching the oils are just as dangerous for pets. Chemical burns and contact dermatitis can result from touching, while vomiting, diarrhea, falling over “like they’re drunk” and even liver failure, which applies mostly to cats, can result from eating it, says Fox.
Phenol, a chemical compound found in most essential oils, is very poisonous to cats, Fox says.
But the issue remains that essentials oils are largely unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration and they could contain a range of dangerous toxins.
What’s more, many pet owners who display potpourri in their homes don’t realize the plants may be coated in essential oils.
“People just leave it out and their curious pets get into it,” says Fox.
Essential oils aren’t the only in-vogue household item that could send your pets reeling. Salt lamps are also a potential fatality waiting to happen.
“If your animal were to lick it, it could be extremely harmful and could cause salt toxicity” says Fox, which can result in “coma, seizure and even death.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Cuomo wins bid to expand emergency powers for coronavirus

ALBANY — Gov .
Cuomo scored a dramatic expansion of his emergency powers that left even top Democrats wary thanks to provisions tucked inside of a hastily drafted $ 40 million spending bill to fight the COVID-19 coronavirus .
The legislation expanded Cuomo ’ s powers to declare an emergency and even suspend laws state or local laws in their entirety , with little oversight from lawmakers .
“ What it does do is give the governor very extensive , and almost unlimited , affirmative legislative power to not only waive existing laws and provisions of existing laws , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , “ but it also empowers him to essentially issue new legislation.
” “ I ’ ve never seen any governor or health commissioner ask for this kind of expansion of power , ” added the Assembly health committee chairman , who was first elected 1970 .
Gottfried ’ s counterpart in the upper chamber , state Sen. Gustavo Rivera ( D-The Bronx ) , also voted no .
“ I can not vote in good conscience to give the governor what are in essence , dictatorial powers when he and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with coronavirus , ” said Assemblyman Phil Steck ( D-Schenectady ) , ahead of his nay vote Monday night .
However , those concerns did not stop the Assembly and state Senate from overwhelmingly passing the legislation , which sets an April 2021 expiration date for Cuomo ’ s new authority .
Previously , Cuomo ’ s emergency powers only allowed him to suspend portions of laws if it would “ hinder or delay ” disaster response .
But the three-term executive downplayed the expansion of his powers when pressed on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legislation into law .
“ You recognize the law is deficient , you recognize just suspension of a law doesn ’ t give you the ability to do anything affirmative , ” Cuomo said rhetorically .
“ Fix it for this situation , but don ’ t fix it for the other situations ?
” “ These are uncharted territories .
Government has to respond , government has to respond quickly , ” Cuomo told reporters early Tuesday in Albany after signing the legislation in law .

ALBANY — Gov. Cuomo scored a dramatic expansion of his emergency powers that left even top Democrats wary thanks to provisions tucked inside of a hastily drafted $40 million spending bill to fight the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The legislation expanded Cuomo’s powers to declare an emergency and even suspend laws state or local laws in their entirety, with little oversight from lawmakers.
“What it does do is give the governor very extensive, and almost unlimited, affirmative legislative power to not only waive existing laws and provisions of existing laws,” said longtime Assemblyman Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan), “but it also empowers him to essentially issue new legislation.”
“I’ve never seen any governor or health commissioner ask for this kind of expansion of power,” added the Assembly health committee chairman, who was first elected 1970.
Gottfried’s counterpart in the upper chamber, state Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-The Bronx), also voted no.
“I cannot vote in good conscience to give the governor what are in essence, dictatorial powers when he and the health commissioner already have sufficient power to deal with coronavirus,” said Assemblyman Phil Steck (D-Schenectady), ahead of his nay vote Monday night.
However, those concerns did not stop the Assembly and state Senate from overwhelmingly passing the legislation, which sets an April 2021 expiration date for Cuomo’s new authority.
Previously, Cuomo’s emergency powers only allowed him to suspend portions of laws if it would “hinder or delay” disaster response.
But the three-term executive downplayed the expansion of his powers when pressed on the issue by reporters Tuesday as he signed the legislation into law.
“You recognize the law is deficient, you recognize just suspension of a law doesn’t give you the ability to do anything affirmative,” Cuomo said rhetorically. “Fix it for this situation, but don’t fix it for the other situations?”
“These are uncharted territories. Government has to respond, government has to respond quickly,” Cuomo told reporters early Tuesday in Albany after signing the legislation in law.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--City Hall enters fight over 200 Amsterdam Ave.

The soon-to-be tallest building on the Upper West Side might ...

City Hall has joined the battle to save 200 Amsterdam Ave. — and work can continue on the controversial tower over the howls of critics and activists.
The city’s Law Department on Tuesday appealed a February court ruling that called on the Department of Buildings to revoke a 2017 permit to construct the 52-story condo tower near West 71st Street. The filing automatically stays the decision until the case is heard by the Appellate Division.
The move followed a similar appeal by developer SJP Properties and Mutsui Fusodan America.
Unless Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Marc Perry’s February decision is overturned, the developers must take down as many as 20 floors from the nearly finished, $650 million tower.
Also at stake are older buildings that used the same zoning “loophole” that enabled 200 Amsterdam to rise to 668 feet in a mostly low-rise neighborhood — including the MetLife Building on Park Avenue.
The Municipal Art Society and other 200 Amsterdam Avenue foes said the site’s large development potential was achieved by illegally cobbling it from “partial tax lots.” The court agreed, saying that zoning law required assemblages to be put together from full tax lots.
But project backers say that DOB and the Bureau of Standards and Appeals correctly approved the plans, because they were based on long-standing DOB policy.
The judge claimed the DOB disallowed partial-lot transfers starting in 2018. But that was a year after it gave the green light to 200 Amsterdam. Moreover, the agency and the developers say the “change” was a proposal only with no legal standing.
On Monday, the DOB finally banned partial tax-lot transfers but exempted projects that already had permits. City Hall spokesperson Jane Meyer on Tuesday emphasized that the change didn’t retroactively apply. A rep for the developers praised the city for “taking a stand against a legally flawed court ruling.”
Municipal Art Society president Elizabeth Goldstein said, “It is not enough to ban this deceptive practice going forward, the developers of 200 Amsterdam Avenue must be held accountable for violating city regulations.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--How one Oregon man exposed major red-light-camera injustice

Oregon ’ s Board of Examiners of Engineering and Land Surveying tried to make electrical engineer Mats Järlström shut up when he pointed out flaws in the state ’ s traffic-light programming .
It failed — and now he ’ s been completely vindicated .
Back in 2013 , after his wife got a red-light-camera ticket , Järlström found that the standard algorithm for yellow-light timing was wrong .
Rather than consider it , the state board hit him with a $ 500 fine for “ practicing engineering without being registered ” ( because he ’ s not a transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking about it .
With help from the nonprofit Institute for Justice , he got the fine and gag order tossed — and now the Institute of Transportation Engineers confirms he was right on the merits : The algorithm doesn ’ t allow for the need to slow down to take a turn at a yellow , so it was ticketing people who made legal turns .
Järlström told Oregon TV news station KOIN that he only had to use “ eighth-grade math skills ” to figure it out .
Yet the bureaucrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out that 2 + 2 = 4 .

Oregon’s Board of Examiners of Engineering and Land Surveying tried to make electrical engineer Mats Järlström shut up when he pointed out flaws in the state’s traffic-light programming. It failed — and now he’s been completely vindicated.
Back in 2013, after his wife got a red-light-camera ticket, Järlström found that the standard algorithm for yellow-light timing was wrong. Rather than consider it, the state board hit him with a $500 fine for “practicing engineering without being registered” (because he’s not a transportation engineer) and ordered him to stop talking about it.
With help from the nonprofit Institute for Justice, he got the fine and gag order tossed — and now the Institute of Transportation Engineers confirms he was right on the merits: The algorithm doesn’t allow for the need to slow down to take a turn at a yellow, so it was ticketing people who made legal turns.
Järlström told Oregon TV news station KOIN that he only had to use “eighth-grade math skills” to figure it out. Yet the bureaucrats tried to squelch him for basically pointing out that 2 + 2 = 4.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Myles Powell’s dream Seton Hall season has one hurdle left

Every year around this time , there is hope .
Hope one ...

The moment — Senior Night two years ago — was bittersweet, and not just because Seton Hall was saying goodbye to four seniors who engineered the program’s resurgence.
The future was unknown. The Pirates, most experts believed at the time, were going to be taking a step back after three straight NCAA Tournament berths.
Nobody could’ve predicted where Kevin Willard’s team would be two years later, or that a sophomore on that team wouldn’t just pick up where Angel Delgado, Desi Rodriguez, Ismael Sanogo and Khadeen Carrington left off.
Myles Powell would raise the program to a new level, leading it to consecutive NCAA Tournament berths and what should be its highest seed in nearly three decades on Selection Sunday.
“It started with them,” the 6-foot-2 sharpshooter from Trenton said. “Them believing in me, as a freshman and sophomore. Without that sophomore year, me winning [the Big East’s] Most Improved [Player], I don’t come into my junior with that confidence to take the program to the next level.
“They helped me become the player I am today. I knew when my number was called and when it was my time, I would be ready.”
Wednesday night, it’s Powell’s turn to say goodbye, along with fellow senior starters Quincy McKnight and Romaro Gill. The trio will play their final home game at Prudential Center, hoping to lead No. 8 Seton Hall to its first outright Big East crown in 27 years. All that’s left is the clincher — to knock off No. 14 Villanova, the Big East powerhouse that has owned the league since it was recreated seven years ago.
“If you add all three variables in, I think it’s going to be a little nuts,” Willard said.
“As a kid, when you talk about college basketball, these are things that you dream about,” added Powell. “This is what I came back to school for.”
Teammates rave about Powell’s leadership and work ethic, the determination that led him to lose 45 pounds from the summer before his freshman year to the start of it. He’s improved each season, becoming much more than a shooter.
Powell has several quintessential superstar traits — he’s clutch, a relentless worker and a respected leader — but there are other characteristics you wouldn’t associate with an All-American. He always defers credit, rarely hides after losses. One day recently, he attended a Seton Hall women’s game, and the camera focused on him in the crowd. Once he noticed, Powell pulled McKnight and sit-out transfer Takal Molson towards him to share the moment.
“He never wants it to be just about him,” McKnight said.
And, yet, so much of these last two years have been about Powell. He basically carried this team to the tournament a year ago, after it was picked to finish eighth in the Big East, averaging 23.1 points per game. This year, he’s dealt with a serious concussion and right knee tendinitis, yet still is averaging 21.5 points while grabbing a career-high 4.4 rebounds.
When Powell was mulling his future in June, weighing whether to return to school for his senior year or go pro, this is what he envisioned. Yet this season has surpassed even his expectations. Seton Hall (22-7, 13-3) is currently in the mix to land a two-seed, according to BracketMatrix.com, which averages out 96 Bracketology projections. It has notched 10 Quadrant 1 wins, second only to Kansas and Baylor, and won at Villanova for the first time in 26 years.
Powell has gotten to experience this dream season with Willard, the coach he considers a father figure; McKnight, his closest friend; and Gill, his roommate for three years. He’s on pace to become the first member of his family to graduate in May, is a surefire All-American and is a strong contender to be Seton Hall’s first Big East Player of the Year since Terry Dehere in 1993.
“I feel like I got everything out of college that you can possible get,” he said. “I went about it the right way. I waited for my time. I feel like I represented the university the best as I can and my family the best as I can.
“If I could do it all over again,” Powell added, “I would.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Turkey is triggering new crisis that could mean the end of European Union

Fed-up residents on a small Greek island are now trying ...

Turkish tyrant Recep Tayyip Erdogan is only trying to blackmail the European Union with his latest let-loose-the-refugees ploy — but he could end up destroying it.
On Friday, Ankara announced it was opening its land and sea borders with Europe, thereby letting potentially millions of refugees and asylum-seekers from Syria and beyond head for the EU via Greece.
Erdogan is eager for Western help as his forces battle the Syrian army near Idlib — the last rebel-held stronghold. Turkey has gone on the offensive after an airstrike (likely Russian) killed 33 Turkish soldiers last Thursday. Turkey is winning that battle — but Russia might intervene to turn the tide.
Either way, the fighting has pushed more Syrian civilians toward Turkey, and Erdogan (whose nation already hosts 3.5 million refugees) opted to pass the problem on to the EU.
But Greece refuses to let them in: It has suspended all asylum applications for a month and vowed to deport all illegal entrants.
Already, thousands of migrants have clashed violently with Greek riot police wielding tear gas, batons, stun grenades and rubber bullets — and Athens says it will start using live ammo next. Other refugees are trying the sea route; a small child died when a dinghy full of migrants capsized Monday.
EU law forbids Greece’s actions, but Athens refuses to be overwhelmed — and the rest of Europe doesn’t want a return of the 2015 refugee crisis, either: It’s still feeling the aftershocks, including the rise of anti-immigration parties, as well as Brexit.
Indeed, a fresh wave of refugees could push Italy over the brink: Coronavirus has already shut down much of its most productive regions, and Rome isn’t that far from fiscal problems that could make the Greek debt crisis of 2007-8 look mild.
All this, when overall EU leadership is at its weakest in decades: Britain is gone, Germany’s Angela Merkel is on her way out with no clear successor and France’s Emmanuel Macron is deeply unpopular at home.
It doesn’t help that the EU never settled its own refugee policies after 2015: It just bribed Erdogan into enforcing its own borders — and now he’s demanding a bigger bribe.
It may be as simple as sending Erdogan the Patriot missiles he wants to fend off Russian planes, or it may require Europe to finally figure out how to settle some refugees without inviting another flood, but the EU can’t get out of this one via its usual answer — kicking the can down the road.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--ICE arrests illegal immigrant accused of raping Brooklyn teen after city cut him loose

The vagrant charged in Saturday ’ s Chinatown homeless massacre was roaming ...

Larry Celona, Andrew Denney, Jorge Fitz-Gibbon

An illegal immigrant accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in Brooklyn was cut loose thanks to New York’s “sanctuary city” policy and the Brooklyn District Attorney — despite a request by immigration officials that he be detained.
Guatemalan national Miguel Federico Ajqui-Ajtzalam, 20, was arraigned Friday on a 20-count criminal complaint for allegedly raping the girl five times in 2018.
But Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez’s office didn’t ask the judge to set bail, and Criminal Court Judge Hilary Gingold agreed to let him go on supervised release.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement had issued a detainer asking the city to nevertheless keep Ajqui-Ajtzalam in custody because he is in the country illegally, but said the Big Apple did not comply due to its “sanctuary city” status.
ICE finally tracked Ajqui-Ajtzalam down Monday and took him into federal custody, but issued a furious rebuke of the city.
“It’s inconceivable that an individual who was arrested on local charges of rape and sexual abuse of a child would be released back into the community,” Thomas Decker, ICE removal operations director in New York, said in a statement Tuesday.
“It’s frightening that our detainer was ignored and he was released on to New York city streets to possibly re-offend.”
ICE typically allows local criminal cases to go ahead before any deportation, though immigration proceedings can happen concurrently, the agency said.
Ajqui-Ajtzalam entered the country illegally in 2016 as “an unaccompanied alien child” and was released pending deportation proceedings but went on the lam, according to ICE.
The Sunset Park man was still on the run when he had allegedly had sex with the underage girl between October and December 2018, according to a complaint filed in Brooklyn Criminal Court.
The girl was 13 at the time and he was reported on Feb. 22 of this year, police sources said.
The Brooklyn DA’s Office defended the decision by saying that Ajqui and the victim were allegedly in a “relationship” at the time of the offenses.
“The case was reported by the girl’s mother, alleging that her daughter had a sexual relationship with an older teenager, which constituted statutory rape,” a spokesman told The Post.
A spokesman for the Office of Court Administration defended the judge’s decision by saying: “The District Attorney’s office requested supervised release and the Judge consented, agreeing that supervised release was the most appropriate and least restrictive form of bail to ensure the defendant’s return to court.
In a statement, the NYPD said it “does not conduct civil immigration enforcement and we will only honor immigration detainers under the following circumstances: ICE presents a warrant issued by a federal judge establishing that there is probable cause to take the person into custody, and the person has been convicted of a ‘violent or serious crime’ within five years of the arrest or is a possible match on the terrorist watch list.”
Ajqui-Ajtzalam faces charges including second-degree rape, sexual misconduct and endangering the welfare of a child.
Additional reporting by Craig McCarthy


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--No-bail law boosting crime, but NY leaders still putting off any action

ALBANY — If Gov .
Cuomo makes changes to New York ’ s ...

How ironic: Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he’ll hold up the budget unless it fixes the bail-reform law. Last year, he vowed not to OK it unless it included the flawed law.
At least the crime surge sparked by the reform (or public outrage over it) got him to see his mistakes. NYPD stats released Monday show a 20 percent jump in serious crimes over the first two months of the year, including robberies (up 35 percent) and car thefts (64 percent).
Yet Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie wants New Yorkers to suffer still more crime before he’ll consider fixes. He pooh-poohed January’s crime uptick, saying it was too early to call it a “trend,” but there’s no sign even two months of data are enough for him.
If Heastie wants more crime, he’ll get it: Monday, a judge freed serial subway scammer Charles Barry, after he was nabbed for allegedly swiping cash — his 142nd career arrest and his seventh get-out-of-jail-free card in two months. Want to bet what a guy with 142 arrests does next?
On Friday, a judge again set Tiffany Harris free. She’d already gotten out twice after arrests for other alleged violent crimes, as a result of the reform.
And that was a day after Mark Nelson, a registered sex offender, was set loose in Orange County after being hauled in for trespassing outside a nursery school.
Thanks to Heastie, the state won’t jam up the revolving door before April 1; even then, any fixes will be done secretly, with no public oversight, as part of a budget deal.
Cuomo says this year, unlike 2019, he’ll hold a “public” meeting with DAs, police and others. Fine. But he admits pols up for re-election are “afraid” and “don’t want to take a position” — which sounds like a recipe for getting it wrong again.
New Yorkers are stuck hoping Cuomo can sway Heastie, trusting the deal will make the right fixes — and praying they’re not victims of avoidable crimes before then.


newyorkpost--2020-03-03--Virginia becomes first Southern state to ban gay conversion therapy for minors

The Mormon church teaches that homosexual relationships are a sin .

Virginia has become the 20th state — and the first in the South — to ban “conversion therapy” for minors.
Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation Tuesday barring the therapy, a widely debunked practice to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through psychological or spiritual intervention.
“This issue is personal for me, as a pediatric neurologist who has cared for thousands of children,” Northam said in a statement. “Conversion therapy is not only based in discriminatory junk-science, it is dangerous and causes lasting harm to our youth. No one should be made to feel wrong for who they are — especially not a child.”
The bill passed in Virginia’s Democrat-controlled state Legislature last month after it had been blocked for years when Republicans had control of at least one chamber.
The ban will take effect on July 1 — though it will not apply to adults who seek the therapy themselves.
Members of the American Psychological Association have been rallying against the practice since 1998, arguing that there is “no credible evidence” such procedures could change sexual orientation or gender identity.
Sam Brinton, the head of advocacy at the nonprofit The Trevor Project, said the therapy can enhance depression and suicidal thoughts LGBTQ youth can experience.
“This bold action will send a message to all LGBTQ young people in the great Commonwealth of Virginia that they are loved and deserve support,” Brinton said in a statement. “Conversion therapy has no place in modern society and … we are happy to sweep conversion therapy into the dustbin of history.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-04--Tot’s duck impression is Donald Duck-worthy

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This little girl’s duck impression had her family “quacking” up. Watch the adorable moment a toddler named Journee perfectly imitates a duck toy at a Walmart in Johnston City, Tennessee.
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