newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Sean Marks: Nets ‘will compete’ despite being shorthanded

A year ago , they were not only the toast of ...

With two Nets testing positive for coronavirus and a third opting out of the restart, GM Sean Marks said he wouldn’t begrudge any other players who choose not to participate and admits in hindsight things might have been different if they had held camp in Orlando instead of Brooklyn.
But make no mistake, the Nets are bound and determined to take part in the NBA restart. Marks insists they’re committed to competing, and nothing has made them waver on that, shorthanded or not.
“No. No. That’s never even been a discussion,” Marks said on a Wednesday Zoom call. “Look, we have a job to do. We have to bring a team to Orlando. We will bring a team to Orlando. We will go down there and we will compete. That’s our jobs here.”
Spencer Dinwiddie and DeAndre Jordan tested positive for coronavirus Sunday after returning to New York. Jordan has ruled out going to Orlando, Wilson Chandler opted out of the restart, while Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Nic Claxton are injured and will remain in New York.
Dinwiddie is still listed on the Nets’ travel party, which had to be submitted by the end of the day Wednesday. But after tweeting he’s been ill for six days and hasn’t been in bed this much since surgery, the 27-year-old guard’s status for the restart is in question.
“That’d be up in the air,” Marks said. “Look, I’d hope these guys decide to go, but I hope they decide what’s best for them and their health and family. So if they decide to go to Orlando, we know we will be taking the best care possible of them.
“I have no reason to believe that at this point more people will opt out. But again, this is a very fluid time.”
Weeks ago, the NBA offered Brooklyn and Toronto the chance to head to Florida early — the Raptors to clear customs and the Nets because Brooklyn had been the epicenter of the coronavirus. The Raptors are already in Fort Myers, but the Nets opted to stay put at HSS Training Center.
With Brooklyn having reached its peak April 8 and STAT News projecting Florida won’t hit its until Sept. 30 — the day the Finals are slated to tip off — it seemed a logical call. But Dinwiddie and Jordan are both believed to have contracted COVID-19 in Brooklyn.
“We debated as a team, as a group and quite frankly as a league about should we not come to Brooklyn or New York or should we come to Orlando early,” Marks said. “We took a poll that included the players as well as doctors, performance team and everybody, and we said, ‘Look it’s probably best if we come to Brooklyn.’
“Hindsight we can all say things would’ve went differently had we gone down to Orlando early or gone somewhere else. But at the end of the day this is a pandemic that I don’t think anyone could quite put their fingers on with how it’s being spread; we have a lot of questions.”
One question is what the Nets will look like when they resume play July 31 against the Magic. When they ended play March 10 with a win at the Lakers, Dinwiddie, Jordan and Chandler were all in the starting lineup.
“Honestly we won’t have our team at full strength, without a doubt,” Marks said.
Dinwiddie will have to quarantine, be asymptomatic and then test negative twice before he can travel to Orlando.
“We don’t know what the starting five will look like,” interim coach Jacque Vaughn said. “I still have to wait and see how guys are looking once we get to Orlando and make that adjustment, and that’s the challenge.
“Whether it’s adjusting the way we play offensively and defensively, that could happen in two weeks leading up to our first game. That’s not your normal preparation, but we might bend a little bit. But we’re not going to break.”


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Disqualified Assemblywoman Seawright seeks indy ballot line in reelection bid

This doorman could become the accidental state assemblyman .
Louis Puliafito , ...

Three-term Upper East Side Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright – knocked off the Democratic ballot line over paperwork snafus during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic — will have an opportunity to reclaim her seat by seeking to run on an independent line under an executive order signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
As things stand now, Republican candidate and residential doorman Louis Puliafito can waltz into office after Seawright was disqualified from running on the Democratic and Working Families Party for failing to file require cover sheets with her party petitions.
The 76th Assembly District takes in the Upper East Side, Yorkville and Roosevelt Island.
The state Court of Appeals upheld the city Board of Elections rulings that tossed Seawright off the ballot.
Cuomo curtailed and then suspended the voter signature collection period in the spring to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
The governor’s order will allow any candidate wishing to run on an independent line for office from president on down to collect voter signatures from July 1 through July 30.
“During the height of the pandemic, the state suspended petition circulation to minimize person-to-person contact and protect New Yorkers, and now we have reinstated this constitutionally protected process with sufficient time for candidates to secure a place on the ballot come November,” said Cuomo spokeswoman Dani Lever.
“This isn’t about a particular race — it applies to all including presidential, senate, assembly, and village — and allowing people to run for office is a basic democratic function,” she added.
In a rarity, Seawright was one of only two incumbents knocked off the ballot for petition screw-ups, the other being Bronx Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo, who was declared ineligible for collecting fraudulent voter signatures.
Seawright said she was sick with a coronavirus-like viral infection during the petition filing period.
Seawright will have to collect 1,050 valid signatures from voters from any party to get the ballot on a third party line. Democrats who signed her Democratic party petitions that were declared ineligible can sign her independent petitions. Other voters who did not sign petitions for her opponent can also sign on.
“We commend the issuance of the executive order that will permit the petition gathering process to proceed. As a lifetime Democrat, I have maintained all along that I intend to be on the ballot in November as the Democrat running on an independent line,” Seawright said.
“We are working closely with the district’s devoted community and civic leaders, and we are energized to defeat the Republican candidate in November.”
Other prominent Democratic lawmakers and district leaders are backing her indy bid.
“I am absolutely helping Rebecca, as are the Democratic leaders and clubs in our territory,” said state Sen. Liz Krueger, whose district overlaps with Seawright’s.
“We all know she is a solid Democratic lawmaker who will continue to serve with the Assembly Democratic Caucus when she beats her Republican opponent. She is forced to go down this path because technical snafus left the Democratic line blank this November.”
The disqualification of Seawright has Republicans giddy that they could steal a seat in a Democratic-heavy district. And her voter signatures will most certainly be inspected and likely challenged by the GOP.
But political insiders said if Seawright can get her name on the ballot, she has a shot at winning.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--City of Richmond removes statue of Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson

A massive statue of Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson was removed from a park in Richmond , Virginia , Wednesday .
The sculpture — depicting Jackson on horseback — was taken down by work crews just hours after Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney ordered all Confederate statues be removed from city land .
Stoney said the decree in the onetime capital of the Confederacy is “ long overdue.
” “ Those statues stood high for over 100 years for a reason , and it was to intimidate and to show black and brown people in this city who was in charge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think the healing can now begin in the city of Richmond.
” Several hundred people were on site to witness the removal of Jackson ’ s statue , cheering when work crews lifted the monument from its concrete base using a giant crane .
“ This is long overdue , ” said Brent Holmes , who is black .
“ One down , many more to go.
” The Jackson statue is the latest Confederate symbol to be removed in the US since racial injustice and police brutality protests erupted five weeks ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Richmond resident , Eli Swann , said he ’ s been protesting since “ Day 1 ” was felt an “ overwhelming sense of gratitude ” to see Jackson ’ s statue taken down .
“ I ’ ve been out here since Day 1 , ” Swann said .
“ We ’ ve been seeing the younger people out here , just coming and constantly marching and asking for change .
And now finally the change is coming about .
”

A massive statue of Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson was removed from a park in Richmond, Virginia, Wednesday.
The sculpture — depicting Jackson on horseback — was taken down by work crews just hours after Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney ordered all Confederate statues be removed from city land.
Stoney said the decree in the onetime capital of the Confederacy is “long overdue.”
“Those statues stood high for over 100 years for a reason, and it was to intimidate and to show black and brown people in this city who was in charge,” the mayor said.
“I think the healing can now begin in the city of Richmond.”
Several hundred people were on site to witness the removal of Jackson’s statue, cheering when work crews lifted the monument from its concrete base using a giant crane.
“This is long overdue,” said Brent Holmes, who is black. “One down, many more to go.”
The Jackson statue is the latest Confederate symbol to be removed in the US since racial injustice and police brutality protests erupted five weeks ago over the police killing of George Floyd.
Richmond resident, Eli Swann, said he’s been protesting since “Day 1” was felt an “overwhelming sense of gratitude” to see Jackson’s statue taken down.
“I’ve been out here since Day 1,” Swann said. “We’ve been seeing the younger people out here, just coming and constantly marching and asking for change. And now finally the change is coming about.”
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Jonathan Wright behind Tekashi 6ix9ine’s post-prison lace-front wig

Celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Wright convinced Tekashi 6ix9ine to wear a lace-front wig as the rapper ’ s new look after his release from prison .
Wright told Page Six he was recently doing the hair of a friend of Tekashi ’ s when “ Tekashi was sitting there and I looked at him I said , ‘ I ’ m putting a wig on you.
’ And he said , ‘ Boy , stop , you ain ’ t putting a wig on me.
’ And that was the day , I believe , when he shot ‘ Gooba ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rapper was recently released from prison on racketeering and other charges , but quickly got back to work by releasing the single “ Gooba , ” with a video in which he sports multicolored braids under a backwards ball cap .
The comeback was even teased on a Times Square billboard .
Wright added , “ The next day , I tried the slime-green-and-purple wig on him .
I told him , ‘ I promise , you will look like a rock star.
’ ” The wild look went viral .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Wright recalled .
But “ it really looked like right on him … He loved the ponytail look .
I love the braids , personally .
People will copy you after a while — so why not be the first rap artist to do that ?
” ( Tekashi had already sparked a rash of rainbow-colored ’ dos among the fashion-forward set . )
“ I ’ m actually on my way to him this evening for his next look , ” Wright said .
“ I might do a half-and-half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gold metallic look .
I ’ d like to try to push the buttons .
”

Celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Wright convinced Tekashi 6ix9ine to wear a lace-front wig as the rapper’s new look after his release from prison.
Wright told Page Six he was recently doing the hair of a friend of Tekashi’s when “Tekashi was sitting there and I looked at him I said, ‘I’m putting a wig on you.’ And he said, ‘Boy, stop, you ain’t putting a wig on me.’ And that was the day, I believe, when he shot ‘Gooba’ with Nicki [Minaj].”
The rapper was recently released from prison on racketeering and other charges, but quickly got back to work by releasing the single “Gooba,” with a video in which he sports multicolored braids under a backwards ball cap. The comeback was even teased on a Times Square billboard.
Wright added, “The next day, I tried the slime-green-and-purple wig on him. I told him, ‘I promise, you will look like a rock star.’ ” The wild look went viral. “Tekashi thought I was messing with him,” Wright recalled.
But “it really looked like right on him … He loved the ponytail look. I love the braids, personally. People will copy you after a while — so why not be the first rap artist to do that?” (Tekashi had already sparked a rash of rainbow-colored ’dos among the fashion-forward set.)
“I’m actually on my way to him this evening for his next look,” Wright said. “I might do a half-and-half: a red rainbow and a full gold metallic look. I’d like to try to push the buttons.”


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Gov. Cuomo’s top nursing home regulator to retire after initial postponement

ALBANY — House Republicans are turning up the heat on ...

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s chief nursing home regulator was all set to retire at the end of 2019 following a 31-year state career, but agreed to put it off until his replacement could be trained. Then the coronavirus crisis hit.
Now, after more than 6,200 mostly elderly people died in the facilities under his oversight, Mark Kissinger has had enough and is leaving — even though, sources told The Post, Cuomo administration officials can’t find anyone “dumb enough” to take his job.
New York’s nursing homes quickly became breeding grounds for the deadly virus after a March 25 Health Department order mandated they take in COVID-19 positive patients. Kissinger was not involved in crafting that fateful directive, a source said.
“They’re looking to fill Mark’s job, but they just haven’t found anyone dumb enough to take it because this administration has a horrible reputation to work for,” one health care-industry source said.
Kissinger, whose annual salary was more than $195,000, left the state payroll on May 16, according to the Comptroller’s Office.
Health Department spokesman Gary Holmes said, “DOH has some of the best and the brightest public health officials in the country working for our state, a fact that has been underscored by the response to this global pandemic and we know we will maintain that same level of talent to keep New Yorkers safe and healthy.”
Kissinger said, “It’s been an honor and privilege serving in this administration … When the pandemic hit, I agreed to stay on longer to help DOH get through the worst of the crisis. Now that New York has bent the curve and the worst is hopefully behind us, I am officially leaving state service.”


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Florida man shown punching Eagles’ Dallas Goedert shares his side of brawl

The Florida man who was caught on surveillance video knocking out NFL player Dallas Goedert at a bar last month said the Philadelphia Eagles tight end and several others had been “ harassing ” him and his friends in the moments leading up to the bloody brawl .
Kyle Hadala , a 29-year-old from Sarasota , was charged with simple assault after he was shown punching Goedert at the Zoo Bar in Aberdeen , S.D.
, during a 40-second clip that went viral .
No other charges were filed and Hadala plans to fight the case .
Hadala told TMZ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely aggressive and disrespectful ” toward him and his friends over their jukebox selections at a previous pub .
He said Goedert and the others followed them to the Zoo Bar , where tensions soared .
“ They picked out my smaller colleague from the group , got in his face , and made very threatening remarks toward his personal well-being , ” Hadala told the website .
“ Then one of his crew told my other colleague , and I quote , ‘ You ’ re just a fat f–king p—y .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of you . '
” Hadala said the 6-foot-5 , 256-pound Goedert then put his hand on his friend — which can be seen in the video .
“ At this point , I was in fear for both of my friends ’ well-being especially due to the fact there were 10 of them and we were not familiar with the area , ” Hadala said .
“ I protected my friend and then was ambushed by 5 to 7 individuals that punched , kicked , threw beer bottles , etc.
, trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received medical treatment at the hospital for my injuries the next day.
” The 25-year-old Goedert lay motionless on the floor following the crushing blow , but did not sustain serious injuries , according to reports .
Hadala sustained a cut above his right eye , according to unverified images he shared with TMZ , and said he needed several stitches .
Aberdeen Police were called to the restaurant at 1 a.m. on a report of “ people busting glasses and have busted heads , ” according to the Mitchell Republic .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while out to dinner with his family at the bar nearby where he grew up in Britton , SD .
Neither Goedert nor the Eagles have publicly commented on the matter .
He is entering the third year of a four-year contract that pays him a guaranteed $ 2.9 million .
Goedert has played two seasons for the Eagles , catching 91 passes for 941 yards and nine touchdowns .

The Florida man who was caught on surveillance video knocking out NFL player Dallas Goedert at a bar last month said the Philadelphia Eagles tight end and several others had been “harassing” him and his friends in the moments leading up to the bloody brawl.
Kyle Hadala, a 29-year-old from Sarasota, was charged with simple assault after he was shown punching Goedert at the Zoo Bar in Aberdeen, SD, during a 40-second clip that went viral.
No other charges were filed and Hadala plans to fight the case.
Hadala told TMZ that Goedert and his friends “were extremely aggressive and disrespectful” toward him and his friends over their jukebox selections at a previous pub. He said Goedert and the others followed them to the Zoo Bar, where tensions soared.
“They picked out my smaller colleague from the group, got in his face, and made very threatening remarks toward his personal well-being,” Hadala told the website. “Then one of his crew told my other colleague, and I quote, ‘You’re just a fat f–king p—y. I’ll beat the s–t out of you.'”
Hadala said the 6-foot-5, 256-pound Goedert then put his hand on his friend — which can be seen in the video.
“At this point, I was in fear for both of my friends’ well-being especially due to the fact there were 10 of them and we were not familiar with the area,” Hadala said.
“I protected my friend and then was ambushed by 5 to 7 individuals that punched, kicked, threw beer bottles, etc., trying to cause me bodily harm which I received medical treatment at the hospital for my injuries the next day.”
The 25-year-old Goedert lay motionless on the floor following the crushing blow, but did not sustain serious injuries, according to reports.
Hadala sustained a cut above his right eye, according to unverified images he shared with TMZ, and said he needed several stitches.
Aberdeen police were called to the restaurant at 1 a.m. on a report of “people busting glasses and have busted heads,” according to the Mitchell Republic.
It was initially reported that Goedert was sucker-punched while out to dinner with his family at the bar near where he grew up in Britton, SD.
Neither Goedert nor the Eagles have publicly commented on the matter. He is entering the third year of a four-year contract that pays him a guaranteed $2.9 million.
Goedert has played two seasons for the Eagles, catching 91 passes for 941 yards and nine touchdowns.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Man attacks two-year-old being pushed in stroller in Manhattan

A two-year-old boy was hospitalized Wednesday after a man apparently attacked him at random in Morningside Heights , police sources @ @ @ @ @ being pushed in a stroller by his nanny near the intersection of 110th Street and @ @ @ @ @ when the assailant ran up and struck the boy in the face before fleeing , @ @ @ @ @ was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital where he needed six stitches for a cut @ @ @ @ @ according to sources .
The man took off on 110th Street .
An investigation is @ @ @ @ @ been made .

A two-year-old boy was hospitalized Wednesday after a man apparently attacked him at random in Morningside Heights, police sources said.
The boy was being pushed in a stroller by his nanny near the intersection of 110th Street and Morningside Drive around 9:35 a.m. when the assailant ran up and struck the boy in the face before fleeing, sources said.
The victim was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital where he needed six stitches for a cut over his right eye, according to sources.
The man took off on 110th Street.
An investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Yankees encouraged to speak out on social issues

He heard it from both of them .
From Chris Snee ...

With Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Hicks recently participating with former Yankee pitcher CC Sabathia in a Black Lives Matter video and being active on social media, Aaron Boone said he is glad to see his players share their opinions.
“I am excited they are expressing themselves. I always want our guys to feel that freedom and feel like if they want to voice something, especially in this civil unrest situation that we are in, I always encourage that and I feel our guys have been awesome in this,’’ Boone said Wednesday on a conference call. “What we are going through in the country, I really hope and believe we are all going to come out of it better for going through these times.
“There are so many people involved and listening and talking and that is something we have already started to do within our organization and it is something we will continue to encourage. I would encourage our guys that hopefully, you know the kind of culture we want to have, the kind of culture that we try and create within our clubhouse is one where guys can be themselves, guys can bring up tough issues to talk about and I feel like when that happens I will encourage guys to speak their minds, speak their heart. I feel like we are a close-knit team and I feel like it will be something that brings us even closer.’’
Previous 1 of 9 Next Advertisement Gleyber Torres (center) and Gio Urshela (left) walking on River Avenue this morning on their way to Yankee Stadium. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post Gleyber Torres sporting longer hair than usual as he arrives this morning at Yankee Stadium. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post Advertisement Brett Gardner driving into Yankee Stadium this morning. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post James Paxton flashes the peace sign as he drives into Yankee Stadium this morning. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post Tommy Kahnle sporting an Eagles facemask as he arrives at Yankee Stadium this morning. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post Advertisement Clint Frazier wears a red face mask as he arrives at Yankee Stadium this morning. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post Advertisement
Asked about using a six-man rotation or piggy-backing starters, Boone didn’t sound like a manager who is leaning toward those options if a big-league season gets underway later this month.
“I wouldn’t say it is likely. It kind of depends. We will see where we are and guys are building up and once the regular season starts they will be ready to go,’’ Boone said. “Whether that is a five-man or a four-man we will be creative as we have to be. I wouldn’t necessarily say we are planning on anything specific at this point.’’
With James Paxton recovered from back surgery, the Yankees’ rotation has Gerrit Cole on top, followed by Paxton or Masahiro Tanaka, J.A. Happ and Jordan Montgomery. Jonathan Loaisiga and Luis Cessa are viewed as possible starters or relievers who can deliver length.
Boone is 47, had open-heart surgery in 2009 to replace a valve and has young children at home, but doesn’t have second thoughts about managing a team in a pandemic.
“Really, no hesitation. I feel like health-wise I am in a really good place. Right now, fortunately, my family is healthy and as things have started to open up a little bit in the Northeast they are able to do more and more all the time. We are trying to be smart and safe with the decisions we make as a family,’’ Boone said. “As far as going back to work and getting back into this, I don’t have a fear of it or any trepidation. I am excited to get back at it and will do all I can for our players and everyone in the organization. Right now my mindset is that I am excited to get back with a group of guys that I have a ton of respect for.’’


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson have reportedly reconciled

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 ) Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson are “ giving love another try.
” A source told People that the Good American founder , 36 , and the NBA baller , 29 , have reconciled , almost a year and a half after Thompson ’ s cheating scandal involving Kylie Jenner ’ s former BFF , Jordyn Woods .
“ Tristan is working hard to prove himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ the couple ’ s 2-year-old daughter ] True , ” the source said .
The pair reportedly decided to work things out during Kardashian ’ s 36th birthday party last weekend , which should come as no surprise to eagle-eyed fans , as Thompson sent a heartfelt message Khloe ’ s way on Instagram to help ring in her big day .
“ I ’ m wise enough now to know , you came into my life to show me just what it means to be an incredible person , ” Thompson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am able to learn from and grow because of you .
I thank God for the beautiful and loving woman you are to everyone , especially our daughter True .
“ You deserve the world Koko !
True and I love you mama .
Happy Birthday @ khloekardashian.
” Sources also claim the pair “ acted like they were back together ” during her birthday bash .
Prior to their relationship-ending , Woods-centric scandal , Thompson was suspected of cheating on Kardashian during her pregnancy .
Still , the co-parents have remained friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forgive her child ’ s father .
“ I don ’ t hold any negative or hateful feelings towards ANYONE !
I mean that , ” Kardashian said December 2019 .
“ Life is short !
We are all humans trying to figure out this thing called life … Yes , I ’ m allowed to feel hurt and pain .
It would be unnatural for me to pretend as if I don ’ t .
Personally , I don ’ t want to be carrying around a hateful heart .
”

Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson are “giving love another try.”
A source told People that the Good American founder, 36, and the NBA baller, 29, have reconciled, almost a year and a half after Thompson’s cheating scandal involving Kylie Jenner’s former BFF, Jordyn Woods.
“Tristan is working hard to prove himself and has been a great dad to [the couple’s 2-year-old daughter] True,” the source said.
The pair reportedly decided to work things out during Kardashian’s 36th birthday party last weekend, which should come as no surprise to eagle-eyed fans, as Thompson sent a heartfelt message Khloe’s way on Instagram to help ring in her big day.
“I’m wise enough now to know, you came into my life to show me just what it means to be an incredible person,” Thompson wrote. “I appreciate how I am able to learn from and grow because of you. I thank God for the beautiful and loving woman you are to everyone, especially our daughter True.
“You deserve the world Koko! True and I love you mama. Happy Birthday @khloekardashian.”
Sources also claim the pair “acted like they were back together” during her birthday bash.
Prior to their relationship-ending, Woods-centric scandal, Thompson was suspected of cheating on Kardashian during her pregnancy. Still, the co-parents have remained friendly, with Kardashian defending her right to forgive her child’s father.
“I don’t hold any negative or hateful feelings towards ANYONE! I mean that,” Kardashian said December 2019. “Life is short! We are all humans trying to figure out this thing called life … Yes, I’m allowed to feel hurt and pain. It would be unnatural for me to pretend as if I don’t. Personally, I don’t want to be carrying around a hateful heart.”


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Rookie Shane Lemieux reminding Giants of champion Rich Seubert

Make him earn it .
By all means , provide Andrew Thomas ...

He heard it from both of them.
From Chris Snee and also from Shaun O’Hara. Rich Seubert heard from his former teammates that Shane Lemieux, the kid the Giants selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft, reminds them of him.
“What, is he short?’’ Seubert said.
Self-deprecation was one of Seubert’s calling cards for a decade with the Giants — along with his penchant for practical jokes, training camp altercations and plenty of punishing blocks. In Giants circles, comparing an interior offensive lineman to Rich Seubert is high praise and also specific praise — as it brings to mind someone unheralded, unburdened with immense physical talent and unwilling to give an inch to anyone, anywhere.
Lemieux never missed a start at Oregon, will compete at both guard spots and also cross-train at center — where, perhaps, in time he can find a home at a new position. If he comes anywhere close to reaching the level Seubert attained by scratching and clawing his way as an undrafted long-shot back in 2001, the Giants will consider this pick a smashing success.
“If he does remind them of me, hopefully he’s a tough-ass player, right?’’ Seubert told The Post. “And he truly loves the game of football and will run through the wall for his coaches and for his teammates. Hopefully he’s better than me, to be honest. He’s a tough, gritty football player and if goes in and works hard from the get-go he can be an excellent football player.’’
These Giants for too long lacked what Seubert gave them for 10 years, persevering through the nastiest of right leg injuries in 2003 to regain his starting job for a Super Bowl champion. An offensive line needs certain marquee qualities, and the Giants hope they have that now with Will Hernandez (second-round pick in 2018) and rookie Andrew Thomas (first-round pick in 2020). A line also needs some blue-collar over-achievement. Seubert provided that. In time, perhaps Lemieux can bring that, as well.
“He reminds me so much of Seubert,’’ said O’Hara, currently an NFL Network analyst. “He’s not the biggest, fastest, strongest, he’s not going to wow you with any combine statistic, Pro Day statistic stuff. But when you put on the film, he’s finishing guys.’’
Seubert was especially effective working in concert with his tackles and center, able to get out and pull. Tiki Barber always said he adored running behind Seubert.
“He’s got that mentality of Seubert,’’ said Snee, who as a Jaguars scout studied Lemieux. “I don’t think Richie got enough credit for how quick he was. Richie had some unique short-area quickness that I’m not sure Lemieux has. But same mental makeup. I don’t know if he’s got as bad hygiene as Richie had.’’
There is another reminder of how the Giants used to operate along their offensive line. They played hard and ragged on each other even harder.
Seubert, the head football coach at Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren, N.J., kiddingly said he opted to have his oldest son, Hunter, line up at center, after watching O’Hara play that spot for the Giants.
“O’Hara had the easiest job always, so I figured put him at center, protect him a little bit,’’ Seubert said.
O’Hara, respectfully, said he expects Lemieux will bring a selfless attitude, similar to the one Seubert and David Diehl, a fifth-round pick in 2003, brought to the team.
“If we tell him to take out the trash, he’s gonna take out the trash,’’ O’Hara said.
Coming out of Division II Western Illinois — Seubert playing for the college team called the Leathernecks is right out of central casting — landing a spot on an NFL roster required a huge upset. Seubert refused to back down and not only stuck around, by 2002 he was a full-time starter.
“I think I made it because I came in with an attitude that I didn’t care that I was a free agent and I didn’t care where I was on the depth chart and I didn’t care who I was going against in practice,’’ Seubert said. “I didn’t get caught up in, ‘Oh my God, there’s Michael Strahan across from me,’ or Kenny Holmes or whoever it was. You just have to go in there and compete your ass off every single play.
“I wasn’t, per se, the fastest guy out there or the most powerful guy out there, but I treated every play in practice as if it was a game. I only wanted to compete.’’
He competed every day he wore a Giants uniform. It is a trait Lemieux, and the entire offensive line, should attempt to emulate.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Finland scraps pre-Nazi swastika logo from Air Force

Finland ’ s Air Force unceremoniously dropped its logo used since 1917 , which prominently displayed a swastika , it was confirmed Wednesday .
The Air Force Command unit has swapped out its old logo , a golden swastika placed in the middle of a set of wings , with a more generalized insignia featuring a golden eagle on a blue badge , an agency spokesperson confirmed to BBC News Wednesday .
“ As unit emblems are worn on uniform , it was considered impractical and unnecessary to continue using the old unit emblem , which had caused misunderstandings from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The change was first spotted on Twitter Tuesday by Finnish professor Teivo Teivainen of the University of Helsinki .
The Air Force had been gradually phasing out swastika emblems for the eagle design over the last few years , he said .
Before being indelibly linked to Nazism and the Holocaust , swastikas were a common design motif worldwide dating back thousands of years , adorning anything from buildings to sports uniforms .
Finland ’ s Air Force , while an ally of Nazi Germany during WWII , had made use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other capacities dating back shortly after its independence in 1917 .
The agency told BBC the swastika remains in some Air Force unit flags and decorations , but is no longer prominently used as the badge of the central Air Force Command .

Finland’s Air Force unceremoniously dropped its logo used since 1917, which prominently displayed a swastika, it was confirmed Wednesday.
The Air Force Command unit has swapped out its old logo, a golden swastika placed in the middle of a set of wings, with a more generalized insignia featuring a golden eagle on a blue badge, an agency spokesperson confirmed to BBC News Wednesday.
“As unit emblems are worn on uniform, it was considered impractical and unnecessary to continue using the old unit emblem, which had caused misunderstandings from time to time,” the spokesperson said.
The change was first spotted on Twitter Tuesday by Finnish professor Teivo Teivainen of the University of Helsinki. The Air Force had been gradually phasing out swastika emblems for the eagle design over the last few years, he said.
Before being indelibly linked to Nazism and the Holocaust, swastikas were a common design motif worldwide dating back thousands of years, adorning anything from buildings to sports uniforms.
Finland’s Air Force, while an ally of Nazi Germany during WWII, had made use of swastikas on uniforms, planes and in other capacities dating back shortly after its independence in 1917.
The agency told BBC the swastika remains in some Air Force unit flags and decorations, but is no longer prominently used as the badge of the central Air Force Command.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Catholic priest suspended for comparing Black Lives Matter activists to ‘maggots’

CARMEL , Ind .
— A bishop suspended a suburban Indianapolis Catholic priest from public ministry on Wednesday for comparing the Black Lives Matter movement and its organizers to “ maggots and parasites ” in a recent church bulletin .
Bishop Timothy Doherty , of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana , took the action against the Rev .
Theodore Rothrock , of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carmel , for comments that the pastor wrote Sunday in the weekly bulletin .
“ The only lives that matter are their own and the only power they seek is their own , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wolves in wolves clothing , masked thieves and bandits , seeking only to devour the life of the poor and profit from the fear of others .
They are maggots and parasites at best , feeding off the isolation of addiction and broken families , and offering to replace any current frustration and anxiety with more misery and greater resentment.
” The diocese expressed “ pastoral concern for the affected communities ” in a statement posted on its website .
“ The suspension offers the Bishop an opportunity for pastoral discernment for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good of Father Rothrock .
Various possibilities for his public continuation in priestly ministry are being considered , but he will no longer be assigned as Pastor of Our Lady of Mt .
Carmel .
Deacon Bill Reid will serve as Administrator of St. Elizabeth Seton , ” the statement said .
Rothrock had been due to take over as pastor of Our Lady of Mt .
Carmel next month .
Rothrock issued an apology Tuesday night in a message sent to parishioners and later posted on the church ’ s website , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not my intention to offend anyone , and I am sorry that my words have caused any hurt to anyone , ” Rothrock wrote .
The church must condemn bigotry , which is “ a part of the fabric of our society , ” he wrote .
“ We must also be fully aware that there are those who would distort the Gospel for their own misguided purposes , ” Rothrock wrote .
“ People are afraid , as I pointed out , rather poorly I would admit , that there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promote more fear and division.
” Doherty said Tuesday that Rothrock should issue a clarification of the bulletin comments .
The newly formed Carmel Against Racial Injustice group sought Rothrock ’ s removal from leadership .
The group has said it planned to demonstrate Sunday on the sidewalk surrounding the church .
It wasn ’ t clear Wednesday whether Rothrock ’ s suspension changed that .
The group didn ’ t immediately reply to a message left Wednesday seeking comment about the suspension .

CARMEL, Ind. — A bishop suspended a suburban Indianapolis Catholic priest from public ministry on Wednesday for comparing the Black Lives Matter movement and its organizers to “maggots and parasites” in a recent church bulletin.
Bishop Timothy Doherty, of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, took the action against the Rev. Theodore Rothrock, of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carmel, for comments that the pastor wrote Sunday in the weekly bulletin.
“The only lives that matter are their own and the only power they seek is their own,” Rothrock wrote. “They are wolves in wolves clothing, masked thieves and bandits, seeking only to devour the life of the poor and profit from the fear of others. They are maggots and parasites at best, feeding off the isolation of addiction and broken families, and offering to replace any current frustration and anxiety with more misery and greater resentment.”
The diocese expressed “pastoral concern for the affected communities” in a statement posted on its website.
“The suspension offers the Bishop an opportunity for pastoral discernment for the good of the diocese and for the good of Father Rothrock. Various possibilities for his public continuation in priestly ministry are being considered, but he will no longer be assigned as Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Deacon Bill Reid will serve as Administrator of St. Elizabeth Seton,” the statement said.
Rothrock had been due to take over as pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel next month.
Rothrock issued an apology Tuesday night in a message sent to parishioners and later posted on the church’s website, The Indianapolis Star reported.
“It was not my intention to offend anyone, and I am sorry that my words have caused any hurt to anyone,” Rothrock wrote.
The church must condemn bigotry, which is “a part of the fabric of our society,” he wrote.
“We must also be fully aware that there are those who would distort the Gospel for their own misguided purposes,” Rothrock wrote. “People are afraid, as I pointed out, rather poorly I would admit, that there are those who feed on that fear to promote more fear and division.”
Doherty said Tuesday that Rothrock should issue a clarification of the bulletin comments.
The newly formed Carmel Against Racial Injustice group sought Rothrock’s removal from leadership. The group has said it planned to demonstrate Sunday on the sidewalk surrounding the church. It wasn’t clear Wednesday whether Rothrock’s suspension changed that. The group didn’t immediately reply to a message left Wednesday seeking comment about the suspension.


newyorkpost--2020-07-01--Cardinals to replace Yankees in Field of Dreams game

The St. Louis Cardinals have replaced the New York Yankees as the opponent for the Chicago White Sox in the Field of Dreams game on Aug. 13 at Dyersville , Iowa .
The schedule change caused by the new coronavirus pandemic meant the White Sox no longer play the Yankees this season .
The new opponent , first reported by The Des Moines Register , was confirmed to The Associated Press by a person familiar with the arrangements who spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the matchup has not been announced .
Major League Baseball hopes to announce its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will play 60 games , 40 against division rivals and 20 against teams in the corresponding regional division in the other league .
“ We hope to have the option to play , ” MLB said in a statement .
“ Construction is continuing and we are following all CDC and state protocols regarding recommended safety practices , including social distancing , washing hands , and temperature checks before arriving to the site.
” It remains unclear whether fans would be allowed at the game , which is to be televised nationally by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events and plan to remain as flexible as these circumstances demand , ” MLB said .
A temporary 8,000-seat stadium is nearing completion at the site , about 200 miles west of Chicago , adjacent to where the movie was filmed on a diamond in a cornfield .
This would be the first major league game played in Iowa .
The movie , released in 1989 , starred Kevin Costner , Amy Madigan , James Earl Jones , Burt Lancaster and Ray Liotta .

The St. Louis Cardinals have replaced the New York Yankees as the opponent for the Chicago White Sox in the Field of Dreams game on Aug. 13 at Dyersville, Iowa.
The schedule change caused by the new coronavirus pandemic meant the White Sox no longer play the Yankees this season. The new opponent, first reported by The Des Moines Register, was confirmed to The Associated Press by a person familiar with the arrangements who spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the matchup has not been announced.
Major League Baseball hopes to announce its new schedule next week. Each team will play 60 games, 40 against division rivals and 20 against teams in the corresponding regional division in the other league.
“We hope to have the option to play,” MLB said in a statement. “Construction is continuing and we are following all CDC and state protocols regarding recommended safety practices, including social distancing, washing hands, and temperature checks before arriving to the site.”
It remains unclear whether fans would be allowed at the game, which is to be televised nationally by Fox.
“We are monitoring ongoing events and plan to remain as flexible as these circumstances demand,” MLB said.
A temporary 8,000-seat stadium is nearing completion at the site, about 200 miles west of Chicago, adjacent to where the movie was filmed on a diamond in a cornfield. This would be the first major league game played in Iowa.
The movie, released in 1989, starred Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Burt Lancaster and Ray Liotta.


newyorkpost--2020-07-02--Lesley Manville replaces Helena Bonham-Carter as Princess Margaret in ‘The Crown’

Lesley Manville , Oscar nominated for “ Phantom Thread , ” will take over from Helena Bonham-Carter in the role of Princess Margaret in the final season of Netflix series “ The Crown , ” winner of several Emmys .
“ I could not be happier to be playing Princess Margaret , ” Manville said in a quote on “ The Crown ” Twitter feed .
“ The baton is being passed on from two formidable actresses and I really don ’ t want to let the side down .
Furthermore to play siblings with my dear friend Imelda Staunton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joy.
” Staunton was announced in the role of Queen Elizabeth II in January , replacing Olivia Coleman .
Vanessa Kirby played Princess Margaret , the Queen ’ s younger sister , in the first two seasons , before Bonham-Carter took over in the third .
Manville scored Oscar and BAFTA supporting actress nominations for her role in Paul Thomas Anderson ’ s “ Phantom Thread.
” She is the narrator in hit HBO series “ Love Life.
” “ The Crown , ” whose creator Peter Morgan was Oscar nominated for “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” is produced by Left Bank Pictures for Netflix .
The fourth season is due later this year and the fifth and concluding season is due to film in 2021 .
In 2017 , “ The Crown ” won Emmys for supporting actor John Lithgow , production design and costumes .
In 2018 , it won Emmys for lead actress Claire Foy , director Stephen Daldry , casting directors Nina Gold and Robert Sterne , cinematographer Adriano Goldman , and costumes .
Manville is in the reboot of BBC series “ Alan Bennett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also be seen in feature film “ Let Him Go , ” alongside Kevin Costner and Diane Lane , and in black comedy “ Everything I Ever Wanted to Tell My Daughter About Men , ” directed by 21 women , including Maryam d ’ Abo , Saffron Burrows and Jodhi May , based on a stage play by Lorien Haynes .

Lesley Manville, Oscar nominated for “Phantom Thread,” will take over from Helena Bonham-Carter in the role of Princess Margaret in the final season of Netflix series “The Crown,” winner of several Emmys.
“I could not be happier to be playing Princess Margaret,” Manville said in a quote on “The Crown” Twitter feed. “The baton is being passed on from two formidable actresses and I really don’t want to let the side down. Furthermore to play siblings with my dear friend Imelda Staunton will be nothing short of a complete joy.”
Staunton was announced in the role of Queen Elizabeth II in January, replacing Olivia Coleman. Vanessa Kirby played Princess Margaret, the Queen’s younger sister, in the first two seasons, before Bonham-Carter took over in the third.
Manville scored Oscar and BAFTA supporting actress nominations for her role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Phantom Thread.” She is the narrator in hit HBO series “Love Life.”
“The Crown,” whose creator Peter Morgan was Oscar nominated for “Frost/Nixon” and “The Queen,” is produced by Left Bank Pictures for Netflix. The fourth season is due later this year and the fifth and concluding season is due to film in 2021.
In 2017, “The Crown” won Emmys for supporting actor John Lithgow, production design and costumes. In 2018, it won Emmys for lead actress Claire Foy, director Stephen Daldry, casting directors Nina Gold and Robert Sterne, cinematographer Adriano Goldman, and costumes.
Manville is in the reboot of BBC series “Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads,” and will also be seen in feature film “Let Him Go,” alongside Kevin Costner and Diane Lane, and in black comedy “Everything I Ever Wanted to Tell My Daughter About Men,” directed by 21 women, including Maryam d’Abo, Saffron Burrows and Jodhi May, based on a stage play by Lorien Haynes.


newyorkpost--2020-07-02--300 Texas teens exposed to coronavirus during ‘pong fest’

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About 300 teens were exposed to the coronavirus during a recent “ pong fest ” in Texas , during which several of them were awaiting test results and some have since found to be infected , according to reports .
The high school students attended the party near Lakeway in Travis County on June 20 while a number of them had not yet received their COVID-19 tests , the Forth Worth Star-Telegram reported .
Several later found out that they tested positive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandy Cox predicted the mass gathering will lead to more cases in a state hit with record-breaking hospitalizations .
“ Unfortunately , our caseload is probably going to increase , and it ’ s because there was a very large party this past Saturday , ” Cox said in a Facebook video .
Everyone who attended the event has been instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days .
Additionally , anyone who has come into contact with those who went to the party must isolate themselves for two weeks .
Cox told CNN that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to a high number of cases in the area .
The city has had 105 cases , 50 of which are currently active , she added .
Shelly Parks , a spokeswoman with Austin Homeland Security & Emergency Management , told CNN that officials learned about the exposure because health workers are “ asking that participation in gatherings be mentioned for contact tracing purposes when people are getting tested .
”

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
About 300 teens were exposed to the coronavirus during a recent “pong fest” in Texas, during which several of them were awaiting test results, with some having since been found to be infected, according to reports.
The high school students attended the party near Lakeway in Travis County on June 20 while a number of them had not yet received their COVID-19 test results, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.
Several later found out they tested positive, according to the paper.
Lakeway Mayor Sandy Cox predicted the mass gathering will lead to more cases in a state hit with record-breaking hospitalizations.
“Unfortunately, our caseload is probably going to increase, and it’s because there was a very large party this past Saturday,” Cox said in a Facebook video.
Everyone who attended the event has been instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days. Additionally, anyone who has come into contact with those who went to the party must isolate themselves for two weeks.
Cox told CNN it was still unclear whether the party led to a high number of cases in the area. The city has had 105 cases, 50 of which are currently active, she added.
Shelly Parks, a spokeswoman with Austin Homeland Security & Emergency Management, told CNN that officials learned about the exposure because health workers are “asking that participation in gatherings be mentioned for contact tracing purposes when people are getting tested.”


newyorkpost--2020-07-02--Dad of Seattle CHOP shooting victim still has no answers in teen’s death

The father of a 19-year-old man who was shot and killed inside Seattle ’ s Capitol Hill Occupied Protest last month says he still has no answers in his son ’ s death .
Horace Lorenzo Anderson Sr. ’ s son by the same name was fatally shot early June 20 near Cal Anderson Park .
“ They need to come talk to me and somebody needs to come tell me something , because I still don ’ t know nothing , ” Anderson said during an emotional interview on Fox News ’ “ Hannity.
” “ Somebody needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my door and tell me something .
I don ’ t know nothing .
All I know is my son got killed up there.
” Anderson ’ s interview came hours after Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan ordered police to take back the streets and clear CHOP , which had been occupying six blocks in the Capitol Hill neighborhood since June .
On Monday , Anderson said it was time for CHOP to go .
His son was one of two black teens killed amid violence that spiraled out of control in the so-called @ @ @

The father of a 19-year-old man who was shot and killed inside Seattle’s Capitol Hill Occupied Protest zone last month says he still has no answers in his son’s death.
Horace Lorenzo Anderson Sr.’s son of the same name was fatally shot early June 20 near Cal Anderson Park.
“They need to come talk to me and somebody needs to come tell me something, because I still don’t know nothing,” Anderson said during an emotional interview on Fox News’ “Hannity.”
“Somebody needs to come to my house and knock on my door and tell me something. I don’t know nothing. All I know is my son got killed up there.”
Anderson’s interview came hours after Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan ordered police to take back the streets and clear the CHOP, which had been occupying six blocks in the Capitol Hill neighborhood since June.
On Monday, Anderson said it was time for the CHOP to go.
His son was one of two black teens killed amid violence that spiraled out of control in the so-called autonomous area.


newyorkpost--2020-07-02--CNN reporter Bruna Macedo mugged at knifepoint live on air

Video shows the moment a CNN reporter was mugged at knifepoint during a live broadcast in Brazil .
Bruna Macedo @ @ @ @ @ levels from heavy rain at Sao Paulo ’ s Bandeiras Bridge when the suspect is @ @ @ @ @ the bridge , News.com.au reported .
About two minutes later , while Macedo is speaking @ @ @ @ @ the man appears next to her .
She at first greets the suspect as Colombo @ @ @ @ @ water levels .
But he then pulls a knife on the reporter — causing her @ @ @ @ @ camera cuts to the scene of a wet street .
Macedo handed over two phones @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t injured .
“ She had a terrible scare but she is fine @ @ @ @ @ newspaper Fohla de Sao Pauolo , according to the outlet .

Video shows the moment a CNN reporter was mugged at knifepoint during a live broadcast in Brazil.
Bruna Macedo was reporting on rising water levels from heavy rain at Sao Paulo’s Bandeiras Bridge when the suspect is seen in the background crossing the bridge, News.com.au reported.
About two minutes later, while Macedo is speaking with anchor Rafael Colombo, the man appears next to her.
She at first greets the suspect as Colombo continues to talk about the water levels. But he then pulls a knife on the reporter — causing her to step back as the camera cuts to the scene of a wet street.
Macedo handed over two phones during the attack. She wasn’t injured.
“She had a terrible scare but she is fine,” Colombo told Brazilian newspaper Fohla de Sao Pauolo, according to the outlet.


newyorkpost--2020-07-02--The 15 Best Movies Of 2020… So Far

The 15 Best Movies Of 2020… So Far

It ’ s possible that the first half of 2020 has been the weirdest and most jarring time to be a movie fan since the introduction of talkies .
Not for the technical innovation , necessarily , but the fact that like most industries , Hollywood was thrown for a massive loop by the coronavirus shutdown .
No production , no movie theaters , and panic about what the future may bring .
The bright ( ish ) spot for cinema aficionados ?
Many movies in theaters jumped immediately to streaming ; and movies planned for a theatrical release ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To that end , while Decider normally will restrict our best of the year lists to streaming movies , only , we decided to widen things out to any movie released ( so far ) in 2020 – because with the streaming window shortened , and only drive-in theaters open , pretty much everything was a home release .
Technically .
The 15 movies on our list include a deconstructed superhero movie ( Birds of Prey ) , a Spike Lee joint ( Da 5 Bloods ) , a romantic comedy ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To figure out what was the best of the best , though , the Decider staff sent in their own top ten lists .
Those were weighted , culled together , and ranked to form the list you see below .
Will movies return to normal before the end of the year , whatever the new normal may mean ?
I guess we ’ ll have to see in December with our Best of the Year list .
As for now , though , enjoy streaming pretty much everything at home .

It’s possible that the first half of 2020 has been the weirdest and most jarring time to be a movie fan since the introduction of talkies. Not for the technical innovation, necessarily, but the fact that like most industries, Hollywood was thrown for a massive loop by the coronavirus shutdown. No production, no movie theaters, and panic about what the future may bring.
The bright(ish) spot for cinema aficionados? Many movies in theaters jumped immediately to streaming; and movies planned for a theatrical release ended up online sooner, rather than later. To that end, while Decider normally will restrict our best of the year lists to streaming movies, only, we decided to widen things out to any movie released (so far) in 2020 – because with the streaming window shortened, and only drive-in theaters open, pretty much everything was a home release. Technically.
The 15 movies on our list include a deconstructed superhero movie (Birds of Prey), a Spike Lee joint (Da 5 Bloods), a romantic comedy (The Lovebirds) and so much more. To figure out what was the best of the best, though, the Decider staff sent in their own top ten lists. Those were weighted, culled together, and ranked to form the list you see below.
Will movies return to normal before the end of the year, whatever the new normal may mean? I guess we’ll have to see in December with our Best of the Year list. As for now, though, enjoy streaming pretty much everything at home.
15 'Big Time Adolescence' Pete Davidson’s semi-autobiographical comedy The King of Staten Island may be getting all the buzz this year, but you should definitely make time for Big Time Adolescence, as well. The indie comedy stars Davidson as Zeke, an unmotivated slacker who becomes a mentor to his ex-girlfriend’s younger brother Mo (Griffin Gluck). Big Time Adolescence is a fairly traditional coming-of-age film, but it’s an easy watch with great jokes and tons of heart. Essentially, it’s a perfect streaming movie. — Claire Spellberg Where to watch Big Time Adolescence
14 'Standing Up, Falling Down' Standing Up, Falling Down is a beautiful film that exceeds expectations. Starring the charismatic duo of Billy Crystal and Ben Schwartz, the movie imbues the predictable “emotionally stunted adult moves back home to figure out what it all means” genre with stealthy humor and genuine heart. This indie charmer offers a fresh take on the buddy comedy, producing a warm feel-good film that will make you smile. — Josh Sorokach Where to watch Standing Up, Falling Down
13 'The Trip To Greece' The more things change, the more they stay the same, amiright? The fourth installment of The Trip series found our faves Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan traipsing around Greece, trading impressions and poking at each other’s egos, all in front of the most picturesque backgrounds you could ever imagine. It was the same funny formula in action, and just the journey we needed to take from the (dis)comfort of our homes during lockdown. This movie, which they insist is the final one, earned its sentimental ending and likely had you texting your own friend to tell them how much they mean to you, whether they’ve won a BAFTA or not. — Lea Palmieri Where to watch The Trip to Greece
12 'The Way Back' Helmed by the incredibly underrated Gavin O’ Conner, The Way Back is a drama about addiction and trauma disguised as a sports movie. But don’t let this seemingly tired theme scare you off from a deeply rewarding watch. In his best (and most personal) performance to date, Ben Affleck plays Jack Cunningham, former star athlete and recently divorced alcoholic, who is content to drink himself to death. When asked to coach the basketball team at his old Catholic high school, Jack begrudgingly accepts. As he begins to work with a rag-tag group of athletes, he is forced to confront the tragedy that he has allowed to consume him. There is no easy redemption given in The Way Back; instead, the audience shares one man’s misery as he attempts to accept his painful past and to find something resembling a life. — Karen Kemmerle Where to watch The Way Back
11 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs The Reverend' Netflix’s interactive movie, released after the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt series ended, could have gone wrong in so many ways. Instead, it turned into the best thing the team behind the show has ever done. Hilariously playing with the choose-your-own-adventure format, Kimmy vs. The Reverend was laugh out loud funny, ridiculously rewatchable, and stunningly poignant by the end. It’s a fantastic story in its own right, but also a fitting end to the show. Dammit. — Alex Zalben Stream Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. The Reverend on Netflix
10 'The Vast Of Night' When was the last time a movie really razzed your berries? The Vast Of Night, the spectacular debut film of writer/director Andrew Patterson, is all but guaranteed to knock your bobby sox off. The story revolves around two teens in 1950s era New Mexico — one a radio disk jockey (Jake Horowitz), the other a telephone switchboard operator (Sierra McCormick)—who notice a strange frequency seems to be taking over the airwaves on an otherwise normal Friday night. This dazzling movie establishes its unique mood by allowing the camera to spend long, uninterrupted stretches of time (sometimes as long as 10 minutes between cuts) with its characters as they spout off rapid, era-specific, jargon-heavy splashes of dialogue. Put away your phone, pull up the covers on your coach, and allow this movie’s mysterious and wholly unique vibe — part X-Files, part Twilight Zone, part Twin Peaks: The Return — to envelop you. — Mark Graham Where to watch The Vast of Night
9 'Miss Americana' Miss Americana was our first introduction to Political Taylor, a fierce woman we’re gonna get to know a whole lot better as 2020 continues. The revealing Netflix documentary was the most personal look yet at the way Taylor Swift operates professionally and politically, which gained her a whole lot of respect and new fans as well. The film was an admirably intimate peek into the life of one of the world’s biggest stars, proving that there’s so much more to this dynamic woman than we even realized — but we know we can’t wait to see more. — Lea Palmieri Stream Miss Americana on Netflix
8 'Bad Education' Hugh Jackman and Alison Janey are electric in Bad Education. The film tells the story of the Roslyn Public Schools scandal of the early 2000s, when Superintendent Frank Tassone (Jackman) and his second-in-command Pamela Gluckin (Janney) embezzled millions of dollars from the school district. From the excellent Long Island accents to the impeccable early aughts attire, Bad Education drops viewers into the deceptive, dark world of Tassone and his co-conspirator. And the best part? A bright student journalist on a mission is the one who bravely brings it all crashing down. — Greta Bjornson Stream Bad Education on HBO
7 'Onward' To be clear, nothing good has come from COVID-19. But if there’s something that’s made it easier, the rapid release of motion pictures on VOD and—even better—streaming illuminated little spots of joy in an otherwise grim AF spring (and now summer). Onward’s Disney+ debut after a cut-short theatrical run was one such spot of joy, as subscribers of all ages got to stream Pixar’s latest triumph on repeat. And of all the films to experience while trapped indoors, this tale of brotherly love took us on the exact right epic quest we needed in 2020. Elves, fairies, a manticore—Onward brought a lot of magic into our quarantines. — Brett White Where to watch Onward
6 'Shirley' Elisabeth Moss is one of our best working actors, and Shirley is Elisabeth Moss’s best role to date. She is fuller, wiser, and more sure of herself than she’s ever been in this not-quite biopic of horror author Shirley Jackson. Directed by Josephine Decker with her signature unsettling style, and written by I Love Dick co-creator Sarah Gubbins, this haunting film finds Jackson and her husband—played by a darkly charismatic Michael Stuhlbarg—manipulating a young couple as Jackson works on her second novel. But the question of who is manipulating who grows murky, and allegiances shift between husbands and wives. Shirley has much to say on the insanity of womanhood, and, though it blends fact and fiction, it leaves you with a fascinating and sad portrait of one of our greatest writers. — Anna Menta Where to watch Shirley
5 'A Secret Love' I’m not a big movie crier, but A Secret Love absolutely destroyed me. Filmed over the course of four years, A Secret Love tells the story of two women who were secretly together for seven decades. Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel first began dating in 1947, when lesbian relationships were illegal, and lived together for almost 70 years before coming out to their family in 2013. In just 90 minutes, the Netflix documentary manages to deliver a slice of LGBTQ history (and sports history!) while also exploring Pat and Terry’s epic love story, their transition to assisted living, and their eventual wedding. If you can make it through just one box of tissues, consider that a feat. — Claire Spellberg Stream A Secret Love on Netflix
4 'Emma' Autumn de Wilde’s playful take on Jane Austen’s classic romantic comedy seduces the audience as easily as would a Regency rake. Led by a brilliant ensemble and punctuated by exquisite aesthetics, the film makes you feel like you’re swooning into love. Anya Taylor-Joy is a brilliant Emma Woodhouse: as pretty as a fairy tale princess and as sharp as an executioner’s blade. Her only weakness is not understanding herself. Emma is as much a film about learning who you are (and better yet who you want to work to be) as it is a vibrant retelling of a classic romance. Oh, and did we mention how great Johnny Flynn is as Mr. Knightley? Colin Firth’s Darcy is shook. — Meghan O’Keefe Where to stream Emma
3 'The Lovebirds' Look, if you put Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani in the same movie, you’re going to get back one of the best comedies of the year. That’s just science! It doesn’t hurt, of course, that director Michael Showalter and writers Aaron Abrams and Brendan Gall actually make you care about Rae and Nanjiani’s characters—a couple on the verge of breaking up who find themselves at the center of a murder mystery—in this one-crazy-night comedy. But mostly, The Lovebirds is a vehicle for two comedians at the top of their games, with a little romance on the side. That’s what the people want. — Anna Menta Stream The Lovebirds on Netflix
2 'Da 5 Bloods' Spike Lee has long been regarded as one of cinema’s most important voices and in Da 5 Bloods, he reimagines the war movie as a battle not against two nations, but man and trauma. Delroy Lindo stars as Paul, a member of a tight-knit unit of Vietnam vets who call themselves “Da Bloods.” When the four remaining Bloods return to Vietnam to retrieve their fallen comrade’s body as well as a cache of gold hidden in the jungle, Paul has to revisit the source of all his nightmares. During their caper into the heart of proverbial darkness, Paul loses his grip on his sanity, culminating in him abandoning his injured adult son and launching into one of the all-great cinematic monologues. Lindo’s barnburner of a performance aside, Da 5 Bloods is Spike Lee at the height of his powers. — Meghan O’Keefe Stream Da 5 Bloods on Netflix


newyorkpost--2020-07-02--The 15 Best TV Shows Of 2020… So Far

The 15 Best TV Shows Of 2020… So Far

While the rest of the world shut down , TV was booming in the first half of 2020 .
With nearly everyone trapped at home ( or at least they should have been ) , there was nothing to do but binge , binge , binge .
And thankfully , there were plenty of great , new shows to check out from January to July .
Those include a remake of a classic comedy ( High Fidelity ) , a prequel that may have surpassed the original ( Better Call Saul ) , two shows offering new looks at historical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and The Plot Against America ) and many more .
To figure out what was the best of the best , the staff of Decider sent in their own top ten lists .
Those were ranked , weighted , and culled together to form the list you see below , with the 15 best shows that aired at least one episode from January 1 , 2020 , through June 30 , 2020 .
And if you ’ re looking for more to watch , check out our lists of the best TV shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , May and June .

While the rest of the world shut down, TV was booming in the first half of 2020. With nearly everyone trapped at home (or at least they should have been), there was nothing to do but binge, binge, binge. And thankfully, there were plenty of great, new shows to check out from January to July.
Those include a remake of a classic comedy (High Fidelity), a prequel that may have surpassed the original (Better Call Saul), two shows offering new looks at historical periods in American history (Mrs. America and The Plot Against America) and many more.
To figure out what was the best of the best, the staff of Decider sent in their own top ten lists. Those were ranked, weighted, and culled together to form the list you see below, with the 15 best shows that aired at least one episode from January 1, 2020, through June 30, 2020. And if you’re looking for more to watch, check out our lists of the best TV shows from January, February, March, April, May and June.
15 'The Great' Hulu The Great is, for lack of a better word, great. The Hulu comedy provides a historical-ish account of Catherine the Great’s (Elle Fanning) marriage to Emperor Peter III (Nicholas Hoult) and her rise to power in 18th century Russia. Catherine, a German princess, arrives in Russia ready to fall in love with Peter, but his vain, immature nature pushes her to realize that a greater love awaits: that of the empire itself. The Great could easily present this well-known story straight-up, but instead, it infuses it with humor, wry commentary, and, at times, sheer ridiculousness. Add in crack performances from Fanning and Hoult and a costume budget that would make Queen Elizabeth II green with envy, and you’ve got a period dramedy for the ages. — Claire Spellberg Stream The Great on Hulu
14 'Schitt's Creek' POP When the sixth and final season of Schitt’s Creek premiered in January, I remember thinking it was the perfect show to offset all the negativity and uncertainty in the world. That was JANUARY. What a difference a few months makes, right? Things are bad, but the final season of Schitt’s Creek offers moments of solace by allowing us to visit a feel-good world where kindness and empathy reign supreme. — Josh Sorokach Where to watch Schitt's Creek
13 'Feel Good' Netflix Vastly underrated, Mae Martin’s superb comedic drama told the story of a Canadian stand-up comic living and working in the UK while dealing with her new relationship, and old addictions. Stealthily brilliant scenes like Mae confronting her mother (Lisa Kudrow) while riding through a haunted house perfectly encapsulate what was so unique and special about Feel Good: comedic set-pieces that, like Martin’s stand-up, get to deeper emotional truths. — Alex Zalben Stream Feel Good on Netflix
12 'Outer Banks' Netflix The Goonies meets The O.C. is basically a pitch right across home plate no matter the circumstances, but Netflix’s Outer Banks hit the spot when it debuted right towards the top of quarantine timez. Add in a ridiculously charming young cast, a treasure hunt plot that was thrilling and emotional, and cinematography that was so much better than it had any right to be, and you have a recipe for another hit from the premiere streamer. When’s Season 2? — Alex Zalben Stream Outer Banks on Netflix
11 'Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet' Apple TV+ Rob McElhenney and Megan Ganz’s new comedy is the reason why you need Apple TV+. Mythic Quest applies the insanity of a typical workplace comedy to a video game development studio. And it’s hilarious. Few stages are better suited for comedy than mixing the egomaniacs of the tech world with the reactionary intensity of die hard video game fans. Yet what elevates Mythic Quest isn’t its humor but its intelligence and heart. Between every battle between the mods and online Nazis or screaming matches over shovels there’s an insightful look into the balance between capitalism and art. Mythic Quest won’t just make you laugh. It’ll make you question your career choices. — Kayla Cobb Stream Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet on Apple TV+
10 'Dead To Me' Netflix Who knew that grief and trauma could be so much… fun? Even with its heavy AF premise (how many dead spouses can one show have?), Netflix’s Dead to Me came back for a sophomore season that was faster and funnier, supercharged by the chemistry between Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini. And we can’t forget James Marsden, playing the total opposite of his Season 1 character and becoming the sweet-hearted dream date that we needed in 2020. But true to its subject matter, Dead to Me also gave its leads some of the meatiest scenes of their careers—and y’all, they went in. Never cross Christina Applegate at a city council meeting! — Brett White Stream Dead to Me on Netflix
9 'The Plot Against America' HBO HBO’s The Plot Against America invited us into the home of a family that seemed familiar just as they found themselves trapped in a version of history that never happened, but felt like it could have. Based on Philip Roth’s novel of the same name, The Plot Against America follows the Levin family as Charles Lindbergh runs as a far-right Presidential candidate opposite FDR in 1941. Lindbergh taps into anti-Semitic sentiment and takes America on a dark path that puts American Jews in the crossfire. The Plot Against America doesn’t stick with you because it seems shocking, but because you can see its horrors happening with the gentlest of pushes. — Meghan O’Keefe Stream The Plot Against America on HBO
8 'Mrs. America' FX on Hulu Few rewrites of history are as hauntingly relevant as creator Davhi Waller’s examination of the Equal Rights Amendment. On its surface, Mrs. America tells the story of the ratification of the ERA and how one woman, Cate Blanchett as a truly chilling Phyllis Schlafly, managed to uproot this surefire piece of legislation. But more than that, this series is an examination into the systems of internal and systematic hate that have quietly shaped this country. Starring Uzo Aduba, Rose Byrne, Elizabeth Banks, Margo Martindale, Sarah Paulson, and Tracey Ullman, the most jarring part of Mrs. America isn’t that Phyllis Schlafly was successful. It’s that America is still fighting the same battles it did decades ago. — Kayla Cobb Stream Mrs. America on Hulu
7 'Normal People' Hulu Normal People is the kind of show you feel in every fiber of your being. Based on Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel of the same name, the Hulu drama tracks two Irish teens, Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal), as they attempt to make their relationship work across a span of four years. During that time, Marianne and Connell’s emotional hangups consistently push them apart, but their electric chemistry prevents them from breaking up for long. Normal People presents a winding, emotional story of love found and lost (a feat impressive on its own), but award-worthy performances from its two leads elevates the show into Best of the Year range. — Claire Spellberg Stream Normal People on Hulu
6 'Cheer' Netflix Before Tiger King took the world by the throat in its jaws, Cheer was the big breakthrough documentary series of the year. Following the Navarro College cheerleading team as they battled to make it to “mat,” the series stripped bare the pain, struggle, and work that goes into the sport of cheerleading. The series was an addictive soap opera about the trials of winning a championship as well as a harrowing look at a sport that is often written off as fluff. Cheer might be a strangely distant memory for those of us living in summer 2020, but it is still one of the most profoundly good docuseries Netflix has ever made. — Meghan O’Keefe Stream Cheer on Netflix
5 'Better Call Saul' AMC Against all odds, the fifth season of Better Call Saul was the show’s best yet. Expert writing, breathtaking cinematography, and Emmy-worthy performances from, let me check my notes… everybody (but especially Rhea Seehorn) combined to produce a truly exceptional season of television. If there’s been a better one-two punch than “Bagman” and “Bad Choice Road” this year, friend, I ain’t seen it. Instead of referring to Better Call Saul as a “Breaking Bad prequel,” it might be time to start calling Breaking Bad a “Better Call Saul sequel.” — Josh Sorokach Where to watch Better Call Saul
4 'Never Have I Ever' Netflix Never have I ever fallen for a show so hard and so fast as I did with Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher’s new teen rom-com series for Netflix. The endlessly charming Maitreyi Ramakrishnan stars a hot-headed high school sophomore named Devi, who is attempting to process the death of her father, her identity as an Indian-American teenager, and the fact that her best friend Eleanor got a boyfriend before she did. Season 1 hits all the delicious tropes you love—high school bad boy, enemies to friends to lovers, love triangles—and it does it with competence and nuance. Also, give the voiceover narration by former tennis pro John McEnroe a chance. It pays off. — Anna Menta Stream Never Have I Ever on Netflix
3 'What We Do In The Shadows' FX The vampires of Staten Island continue with their clueless shenanigans in Season 2 of What We Do in the Shadows, but with more supernatural beings — witches, a literal troll from the internet, and some sewer-dwelling vampires — in the mix, it only gets funnier. And when Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) finally stands up to his boss, there’s really nobody left to save Nandor (Kayvan Novk), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) and Lazslo (Matt Berry) from themselves. Not even Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch). — Greta Bjornson Where to watch What We Do In The Shadows
2 'Dave' FX Dave has been a monster hit for FX, largely thanks to the justified worth of mouth praise the half-hour hip hop comedy series has earned. I’ve recommended it to tons of friends. Sure, some I’ve had to provide with the disclaimer that there are a ton of dick jokes, but ultimately, there’s another body part we saw a whole lot more of, and that’s the heart (you know, not literally, but you get it). There were a lot of unexpected moments throughout the first season, and it’s what made the comedy so rich. But the sweet, self-aware moments are what truly make this show shine. And Benny Blanco too, he was pretty great. — Lea Palmieri Where to watch Dave


newyorkpost--2020-07-02--Three shot, one stabbed in bloody NYC night as shootings surge

Two men were fatally shot in the head as they sat in a car in the Bronx early Thursday — among four people killed during yet another violent night across New York City , cops said .
The victims , whose names were not immediately released , were discovered with gunshot wounds to the back of their heads inside a parked car on Sedgwick Avenue near Depot Place in Highbridge just after 1 a.m. , police said .
The relationship between the two victims — a 30-year-old man sitting in the driver ’ s seat , and another man , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting in the front passenger seat — was not immediately clear .
Police sources say that the 30-year-old man was found in possession of a 9mm handgun , but it ’ s believed someone shot the pair from outside the car .
Ballistics were recovered outside the vehicle , according to the sources .
Police initially responded to the scene for a “ crowd condition , ” and say a party may have been going on at the time .
About 20 minutes earlier in Canarsie , Brooklyn , Terrence Bazile , 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East 96th Street near Linden Boulevard , cops said .
He was taken to Brookdale Hospital by private means , where he was pronounced dead .
In East New York around 10:20 p.m. Wednesday , a 39-year-old man was stabbed multiple times inside a building on Bradford Street near Belmont Avenue .
He was taken to Brookdale Hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
No arrests had been made in any of the cases by Thursday morning .
Cops say that there were two shootings citywide Wednesday , with three people injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tally of Thursday morning incidents .
The city has seen a recent spike in shootings .
Last week ’ s total shooting tally more than doubled compared to the same period last year .

Four men were murdered in the span of less than three hours late Wednesday into early Thursday, continuing the recent run of violence on city streets.
The bloodshed began around 10:20 p.m. Wednesday, when a 39-year-old man was fatally knifed inside an apartment building at the corner of Bradford Street and Belmont Avenue in East New York, Brooklyn, according to cops.
Authorities had not released the victim’s name as of Thursday, pending notification of his family, nor had they identified a motive.
A little more than two hours later and two miles away, Terrence Bazile, 22, was shot in the hip on East 96th Street near Linden Boulevard in Canarsie, police said.
Bazile was rushed to Brookdale Hospital in a private car, but couldn’t be saved.
“By the time I saw my son’s body, they said he has to go in the morgue,” a distraught woman identified as Bazile’s mother could be heard wailing into a phone outside the family home Thursday morning.
A man identified as the victim’s father also publicly mourned the young man’s loss.
“I will never forget this for the rest of my life,” he was heard saying. “It’s gonna be hard. It’s gonna be really hard. I’m going to hold this stuff in me for a long time.”
At around 1 a.m., just 20 minutes after Bazile’s slaying, two men were shot inside a car beneath a ramp to the Major Deegan Expressway in The Bronx, according to police.
The men were found slumped over in the vehicle’s two front seats, each with a gunshot wound to the back of the head, police sources said.
One of the men, identified by sources as Richard Dominguez, 30, had a 9mm handgun on him.
The other victim could only be identified as a man in his 30s.
Investigators believe they were shot from outside the car, according to sources, though they couldn’t immediately identify a motive.
Police initially responded to the desolate scene near Sedgwick Avenue and Depot Place for a “crowd condition,” and said that a party may have been going on nearby, though its connection to the slayings — if any — wasn’t immediately clear.
No arrests had been made in any of the cases as of late Thursday.
The four slayings to open July followed a June that logged levels of gun violence not seen in the month in nearly a quarter-century.
The NYPD responded to 205 shootings in June, more than doubling the 89 tallied in June 2019 and reaching a height not recorded in the month since June 1996, according to police sources.
Additional reporting by Lorena Mongelli and Tina Moore


newyorkpost--2020-07-02--New Zealand health minister David Clark quits over coronavirus missteps

New Zealand ’ s health minister has been officially demoted for breaking ...

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New Zealand’s embattled health minister — who was twice discovered violating coronavirus lockdown rules — has resigned after previously calling himself an “idiot” for showing poor judgment, according to reports.
David Clark had already been demoted after going mountain biking and taking his family on a beach outing some 15 miles from his Dunedin home, the UK’s Guardian reported.
He has apologized for both incidents, telling Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern that he was an “idiot” for the lapse in judgment.
In response, Ardern demoted Clark in the cabinet rankings but held back from axing him, saying his expertise was needed during the public health crisis.
But in the weeks after Clark was demoted, public dislike for him has mounted despite overall praise for the country’s coronavirus response under the leadership of Dr. Ashley Bloomfield, the director-general of health, the news outlet reported.
Last week, Clark refused to take responsibility for multiple failures, including people being released from quarantine without being tested for the virus.
“I take full responsibility for decisions made and taken during my time as minister of health,” he said, according to the BBC.
Ardern accepted Clark’s resignation, saying it was “essential our health leadership has the confidence of the New Zealand public.”
“David has come to the conclusion his presence in the role is creating an unhelpful distraction from the government’s ongoing response to COVID-19 and wider health reforms,” she said.
Education Minister Chris Hipkins will assume the reins of the Health Department until the country’s election in September.


newyorkpost--2020-07-02--Teen shot dead in Seattle’s CHOP was being chased after stealing Jeep

This is what Seattle ’ s Capitol Hill Organized Protest zone looks ...

The teenagers shot in Seattle’s Capitol Hill Organized Protest area earlier this week were being chased after stealing a Jeep at knifepoint — and one sobbed, “I don’t want to die” after the bullets started flying, according to a report.
Antonio Mays Jr., 16, said that he and a 14-year-old boy were being chased and shot at early Monday after they “beat someone up and took” their vehicle at knifepoint, his so-called “street sister,” Ciara Walker, told DailyMail.com.
Walker told the pair to head to the police precinct in the CHOP zone, telling them, “You will be safe there — nothing will happen to you.”
“Next thing I heard the crashing and pop pop pop, and one of them screamed, ‘Ah s–t I’m hit, I don’t wanna die,'” Walker told the Mail. “Then the phone went dead.”
Mays was killed and his younger passenger left in critical condition.
Walker insisted the pair were “not gang members” even though they “hung out with Blood gang members.”
They told her one of the cars that chased them — allegedly firing shots — had “security” written on the side of it.
“They drove into the CHOP zone not to ambush the sleeping protesters but for their own safety,” Walker told the outlet.
“And it ended up costing at least one of them their life.”
The deadly shooting — along with an earlier one that killed a 19-year-old — were central to the zone finally getting shut down this week.


newyorkpost--2020-07-02--McDonald’s halts US reopening plans amid coronavirus surge

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McDonald ’ s has halted plans to reopen its dining rooms amid a surge in coronavirus infections .
The fast-food giant will not resume dine-in service at any more US restaurants for three weeks as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb , the company said in a Wednesday letter .
“ This surge shows nobody is exempt from this virus — even places that previously had very few cases , ” McDonald ’ s US President Joe Erlinger and Mark Salebra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alliance , wrote in the letter , according to CNBC .
“ Moving forward , we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust as needed to protect the safety of our employees and customers.
” Roughly 2,200 of McDonald ’ s 14,000 US locations have already reopened their dining rooms , and dine-in service can continue in places that allow it , according to The Wall Street Journal , which first reported on the plans .
The move came as several states ordered restaurants and bars to close or scale back service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections .
The US on Wednesday recorded more than 50,000 COVID-19 cases for the first time since the pandemic began , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
McDonald ’ s global comparable sales plunged nearly 30 percent year-over-year in April and May as the vast majority of its restaurants were limited to carry-out , drive-through and delivery service , the company said in a June 16 regulatory filing .
The Chicago-based chain announced plans last month to hire roughly 260,000 restaurant employees this summer as the US began to emerge from its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the pause on reopening dining rooms will affect those plans .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
McDonald’s has halted plans to reopen its dining rooms amid a surge in coronavirus infections.
The fast-food giant will not resume dine-in service at any more US restaurants for three weeks as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb, the company said in a Wednesday letter.
“This surge shows nobody is exempt from this virus — even places that previously had very few cases,” McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger and Mark Salebra, chair of the National Franchisee Leadership Alliance, wrote in the letter viewed by The Post.
“Moving forward, we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust as needed to protect the safety of our employees and customers.”
Roughly 2,200 of McDonald’s 14,000 US locations have already reopened their dining rooms. Dine-in service can continue in places that allow it, the letter says, though the company advised restaurant owners and operators to review any new guidance from government officials. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the change.
The move came as several states ordered restaurants and bars to close or scale back service as they grappled with the jump in infections. The US on Wednesday recorded more than 50,000 COVID-19 cases for the first time since the pandemic began, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
McDonald’s global comparable sales plunged nearly 30 percent year-over-year in April and May as the vast majority of its restaurants were limited to carry-out, drive-through and delivery service, the company said in a June 16 regulatory filing.
The Chicago-based chain announced plans last month to hire roughly 260,000 restaurant employees this summer as the US began to emerge from its economic lockdown. It’s uncertain how the pause on reopening dining rooms will affect those plans.
With Post Wires


newyorkpost--2020-07-02--St. Louis lawyer Mark McCloskey claims couple’s guns kept ‘mobsters’ away

The St. Louis man who went viral , along with his ...

The St. Louis legal eagle who, along with his wife, confronted Back Lives Matter protesters in their swanky neighborhood insisted that the only thing that kept the “mobsters” at bay was the fact that the couple brandished guns, according to a report.
“I believe in my heart of hearts that the only thing that kept those mobsters, that crowd, away from us is that we were standing there with guns,” Mark McCloskey, 63, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Wednesday.
“If I was in the same situation, I’d do it all again,” the lawyer said in an interview at their mansion. “The bottom line was, I was there to protect my family and my house and myself.”
McCloskey and his wife, Patricia, told the outlet that they had prepared for violent activists — leaving fire extinguishers in every first-floor room and a rifle in the living room — after neighborhood homeowner trustees warned them that the protest group was expected to show up.
“We weren’t concerned about it until it got up to the point where the Kingshighway gate was and realized there was no security, no police, nothing to keep them from coming in,” Mark told the paper. “And then they did come in and it was a flood of people.”
He said he saw the demonstrators break a locked pedestrian gate and enter the private Portland Place – though protesters have said they walked through an unlocked gate peacefully, without damaging it, en route to Mayor Lyda Krewson’s home to demand her resignation.
Mark insisted the safety mechanisms on his AR-15 and his wife’s handgun were on when they confronted the group. He declined to say if either weapon was loaded.
He said one protester called him by name and that another man kept getting closer while “trying to look intimidating.”
“I’m not a mind reader but he gave every impression of being there for assault purposes and to be physically threatening,” Mark said. “It got to the point where I was concerned that I might actually have to shoot.”
Patricia said she called 911 but that cops never showed up. Her husband said he didn’t blame police because they are “underfunded, understaffed, overwhelmed.”
The couple said that while they have heard from supporters, they also have been inundated with threats.
“‘We’re gonna burn your house, this is gonna be my bedroom, my living room and bathroom after you’re dead,’” Mark cited as an example.
Meanwhile, several neighborhood residents signed a letter Wednesday in support of the demonstrators and condemning threats of violence against them, “especially through the brandishing of firearms,” the paper reported.
During the interview, the couple sat in a room with a leopard skin rug and a red fox head mounted on the wall, but Mark insisted he is not a hunter.
“I don’t kill animals but whenever trophy mounts come up for sale, somebody having killed those poor bastards and put them up for auction … I buy them and preserve them,” he told the paper.
The McCloskeys also made light of a meme that has been circulating after their encounter went viral.
“The Hamburglar …,“ Mark joked.
“The Hamburglar was one of the funniest,” interjected his wife, who sparked the meme after wearing a black and white striped shirt that was reminiscent of an outfit worn by the character in a McDonald’s commercial.


newyorkpost--2020-07-02--Step inside Brooklyn Chop House’s chic reopening efforts

Brooklyn Chop House is ready to reopen .
The Chinese-infused steakhouse in DoBro will have plexiglass partitions between tables , @ @ @ @ @ — once indoor dining resumes in New York City .
“ We have to cautious @ @ @ @ @ ” Stratos Merfolk , director of operations , said .
“ We ’ re redesigning @ @ @ @ @ inside the hospitality industry.
” Take a video tour of their measures , and find @ @ @ @ @ survived — and gave back — during coronavirus .

YES, WE’RE OPEN
Brooklyn Chop House is ready to reopen. The Chinese-infused steakhouse in FiDi will have plexiglass partitions between tables, digital menus and plastic-wrapped flatware — once indoor dining resumes in New York City.
“We have to cautious, smart and patient,” Stratis Morfogen, director of operations, said. “We’re redesigning the whole idea of safety inside the hospitality industry.” Take a video tour of their measures, and find out how Brooklyn Chop House survived — and gave back — during coronavirus.
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