newyorkpost--2020-12-08--NFL Power Rankings for Week 14

NFL Power Rankings for Week 14

This was 23 months ago in Mobile , Ala .
It was ...

Not even a crazy last-second loss by the league’s only winless team, nor a shocking defeat by the league’s lone unbeaten squad could drastically alter The Post’s weekly NFL Power Rankings this time around.
However, impressive road wins by the Giants and the Washington Football Team — at Seattle and Pittsburgh, respectively — did move the NFC East co-leaders into the Top 20 for the first time this season.
The Steelers maintained their No. 2 ranking as one of two single-loss teams in the league
1. Kansas City Chiefs, 11-1 (Last week: 1)
Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champions clinched a playoff berth despite scoring only one touchdown — not counting the would-be score Tyreek Hill didn’t realize he’d caught — Sunday night against Denver. Travis Kelce is the first tight end in NFL history with five straight 1,000-yard seasons. Next: Sunday at Miami
2. Pittsburgh Steelers, 11-1 (2)
Mike Tomlin has warned all season that his team wasn’t perfect, and he was proven prophetic in Monday’s 23-17 home loss to Alex Smith and Washington. The 1972 Dolphins can rejoice for another year that no team will match their undefeated championship run this season. Next: Sunday night at Buffalo
3. New Orleans Saints, 10-2 (3)
Taysom Hill still trails Drew Brees by 563 career passing touchdowns, but the fill-in starter notched the first two aerial TDs of his career in helping the Saints to a third straight win without their starting quarterback and a secured playoff spot. Alvin Kamara has 673 rushing yards and 655 through the air with 13 combined touchdowns through 12 games. Next: Sunday at Philadelphia
4. Buffalo Bills, 9-3 (4)
Josh Allen was fantastic in Monday night’s rout of San Francisco, with 375 passing yards and four touchdowns without an interception as Buffalo remained one game ahead of Miami and three ahead of New England in quest of its first division title since 1995. Next: Sunday night vs. Pittsburgh
5. Green Bay Packers, 9-3 (5)
Aaron Rodgers hit a couple of significant milestones Sunday, becoming the fastest quarterback in NFL history to 400 passing touchdowns (193 games) and the first ever to record five seasons of at least 35 passing TDs. Davante Adams also has tied Don Hutson’s franchise record with scoring grabs in seven consecutive games. Next: Sunday at Detroit
6. Cleveland Browns, 9-3 (8)
The Browns have advanced from an 0-16 nightmare in 2017 to clinching a winning record three years later, improving to 9-3 for the first time since 1994. Baker Mayfield (no interceptions in five games) and the Browns are closing in on their first playoff appearance since 2002. Next: Monday vs. Baltimore
7. Seattle Seahawks, 8-4 (6)
The Giants’ rising D baffled and battered Russell Wilson’s loaded offense, holding a unit that had averaged 31 points per game through an 8-3 start to 12 points on Sunday. The Seahawks have fallen back into a first-place tie with the Rams in the NFC West with a Week 16 matchup looming two days after Christmas. Next: Sunday vs. Jets
8. Tennessee Titans, 8-4 (7)
The Titans couldn’t make it all the way back after spotting the Browns a 38-7 halftime lead Sunday. They have slipped back into a first-place knot with Indianapolis in the AFC South, although Tennessee remains ahead via a better divisional record. Next: Sunday at Jacksonville
9. Indianapolis Colts, 8-4 (9)
The once top-ranked Indy defense has yielded 847 total yards over its past two games but came up with the key stop needed to seal Sunday’s win over Houston, recovering Deshaun Watson’s fumble at its 2-yard line with a chance to take the lead with under two minutes remaining. Next: Sunday at Las Vegas
10. Los Angels Rams, 8-4 (10)
Jared Goff rebounded from a sloppy performance the previous week against San Francisco with perhaps his best game of the season (351 yards, no INTs) in Sunday’s divisional victory over Arizona. Next: Thursday vs. New England
Ben Roethlisberger is hit by Chase Young on Monday night. AP
11. Miami Dolphins, 8-4 (11)
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7-5 (12)
13. Las Vegas Raiders, 7-5 (15)
14. Baltimore Ravens, 6-5 (13)
15. Arizona Cardinals, 6-6 (14)
16. Minnesota Vikings, 6-6 (16)
17. New England Patriots, 6-6 (17)
18. Giants, 5-7 (21)
First-year head coach Joe Judge and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham continue to surprise with four straight wins following a 1-7 start — including Sunday’s stunner at Seattle with backup Colt McCoy at quarterback — to grab the top spot in the NFC East due to two wins over the WFT. Next: Sunday vs. Arizona
19. Washington Football Team, 5-7 (25)
20. San Francisco 49ers, 5-7 (25)
21. Detroit Lions, 5-7 (24)
22. Chicago Bears, 5-7 (24)
23. Atlanta Falcons, 4-8 (20)
24. Houston Texans, 4-8 (22)
25. Denver Broncos, 4-8 (23)
26. Carolina Panthers, 4-8 (26)
27. Philadelphia Eagles, 3-8-1 (27)
28. Dallas Cowboys, 3-8 (28)
29. Los Angeles Chargers, 3-9, (29)
30. Cincinnati Bengals, 2-9-1 (30)
31. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1-11 (31)
32. Jets, 0-12 (32)
Gregg Williams deserved to get fired, and Adam Gase is sure to follow, after Sunday’s game-ending debacle kept the imperfect season — and the possibility of the No. 1 overall draft pick — alive. Next: Sunday at Seattle


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Invasive lizards are threatening wildlife in Georgia, officials say

Georgia wildlife officials are trying to eradicate an invasive lizard that consumes the unhatched eggs of a number of local @ @ @ @ @ and white tegus , which can grow up to four feet long , has been @ @ @ @ @ counties in the southeast part of the state , according to the Georgia Department of @ @ @ @ @ South America , the tegus will eat the eggs of reptiles , including American alligators @ @ @ @ @ , the agency said .
Tegus can also prey on small live animals like young @ @ @ @ @ , which do not have many area predators , can be kept as pets in @ @ @ @ @ is illegal to release them into the wild , according to the Georgia Department of @ @ @ @ @ , tegus are usually not aggressive towards humans , the agency said .

Georgia wildlife officials are trying to eradicate an invasive lizard that consumes the unhatched eggs of a number of local animals.
The Argentine black and white tegus, which can grow up to four feet long, has been spotted in Toombs and Tattnall counties in the southeast part of the state, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Native to South America, the tegus will eat the eggs of reptiles, including American alligators, and various ground-nesting birds, the agency said.
Tegus can also prey on small live animals like young gopher tortoises.
The lizards, which do not have many area predators, can be kept as pets in the state. But it is illegal to release them into the wild, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Unless threatened, tegus are usually not aggressive towards humans, the agency said.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--UK rolls out first doses of COVID-19 vaccine

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Doses of the first COVID-19 vaccine in the UK were administered on Tuesday after British regulators gave an emergency authorization to the drug produced by Pfizer and BioNTech .
The first in line was 90-year-old Margaret Keenan , who received her vaccine at University Hospital Coventry at 6:31 a.m .
The grandmother told the Associated Press that she feels “ so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against COVID-19.
” “ It ’ s the best early birthday present I could wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Year after being on my own for most of the year , ” she told the outlet .
The UK ’ s initial rollout of the vaccine has been dubbed “ V-Day.
” “ I think there ’ s every chance that we will look back on … ( Tuesday ) as marking a decisive turning point in the battle against coronavirus , ” said Simon Stevens , the CEO of England ’ s National Health Service .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 who are either hospitalized or already have outpatient appointments scheduled , along with nursing home workers .
Others will have to wait likely into next year as the UK gets more doses of the vaccine .
The vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech is still being reviewed in the US and other European countries .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
Doses of the first COVID-19 vaccine in the UK were administered on Tuesday after British regulators gave an emergency authorization to the drug produced by Pfizer and BioNTech.
The first in line was 90-year-old Margaret Keenan, who received her vaccine at University Hospital Coventry at 6:31 a.m.
The grandmother told the Associated Press that she feels “so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against COVID-19.”
“It’s the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Year after being on my own for most of the year,” she told the outlet.
The UK’s initial rollout of the vaccine has been dubbed “V-Day.”
Previous 1 of 5 Next Advertisement NHS staff, over-80s, and care home residents will be among the first to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which recently received emergency approval from the country’s health authorities. REUTERS More than 50 hospitals across England were designated as Covid-19 vaccine hubs, the first stage of what will be a lengthy vaccination campaign. Getty Images Advertisement Margaret Keenan, 90, speaks to the media after becoming the first patient in Britain to receive the Pfizer/BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine. REUTERS Advertisement
“I think there’s every chance that we will look back on … (Tuesday) as marking a decisive turning point in the battle against coronavirus,” said Simon Stevens, the CEO of England’s National Health Service.
The first 800,000 doses are allocated to people over 80 who are either hospitalized or already have outpatient appointments scheduled, along with nursing home workers.
Others will have to wait likely into next year as the UK gets more doses of the vaccine.
The vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech is still being reviewed in the US and other European countries.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--9-pound goldfish found in South Carolina lake

There ’ s something fishy about this catch .
The fish was discovered at Oak Grove Lake by a county-hired @ @ @ @ @ determine the health of fish populations , WYFF reported .
“ Anyone missing their goldfish @ @ @ @ @ wrote on Twitter , along with a photo of the monster goldfish .
The goldfish @ @ @ @ @ specialist was electrofishing , a method that stuns the fish and causes them to float @ @ @ @ @ Houck , of Greenville County Parks , Recreation & Tourism , told WYFF .
Electrofishing @ @ @ @ @ dwelling creatures .
The goldfish was released back into the lake as it does not @ @ @ @ @ ecosystem , the report said .

There’s something fishy about this catch.
A 9-pound goldfish was found in a South Carolina lake, county park officials announced Monday.
The fish was discovered at Oak Grove Lake by a county-hired lake specialist conducting studies to determine the health of fish populations, WYFF reported.
“Anyone missing their goldfish?” Greenville County Recreation wrote on Twitter, along with a photo of the monster goldfish.
The goldfish was recovered while the lake specialist was electrofishing, a method that stuns the fish and causes them to float to the surface, Ty Houck, of Greenville County Parks, Recreation & Tourism, told WYFF.
Electrofishing does not harm the water dwelling creatures.
The goldfish was released back into the lake as it does not pose a threat to the ecosystem, the report said.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Yankees are playing risky rotation game right now: Sherman

For a second straight offseason , the Yankees have taken things ...

Lance Lynn fit what the Yankees needed ideally. It is not just that he has been among the majors’ best pitchers since he left New York two years ago. He has arguably been the most durable.
And the Yankees could sure use more certain rotation innings heading toward 2021.
But sources told The Post that the Yankees were not engaged with the Rangers on Lynn. Instead, Texas traded the righty on Monday night to the White Sox to form a rotation front three with Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel that projects to have the kind of veteran surety atop the rotation lacking with the Yankees.
Because, behind Gerrit Cole, the Yankees have rotation promise and no idea how many innings can be expected from Deivi Garcia, Domingo German, Mike King, Jordan Montgomery, Luis Severino and Clarke Schmidt, who combined in the shortened 2020 season to make 28 appearances, including 21 starts, and throw 111 ¹/₃ innings.
The two most prominent starters on the early trade market were Lynn and Sonny Gray, who have excelled since leaving the Yankees following the 2018 season, both operating on team-friendly contracts. While I see Gray as a pitcher who failed as a Yankee because he was uncomfortable with and overwhelmed by New York, I do not think the same of Lynn. He was a Yankee just briefly in 2018 without a defined role. He has grown into something far better since his departure.
In the last two seasons, only Jacob deGrom at 10.2 had a greater pitching Wins Above Replacement (Baseball-Reference) than Lynn at 9.8 (Cole at 8.8 was third).
Lynn has an ERA in that time frame 40 percent better than MLB average (accounting for league and ballpark) and an OPS-against 25 percent better. But it is the reliable innings that should have captivated the Yankees. In the past two years, Lynn leads the majors in starts (46) and innings (292 ¹/₃). In 2019-20, Lynn led the majors in starts of at least five innings (45, Cole was second at 43), was second in going at least six innings (36, Cole was first at 37), was second in working at least seven innings (21, deGrom was first at 22) and Lynn threw at least 100 pitches 44 times (Trevor Bauer was next at 37).
Gerrit Cole and Lance Lynn Corey Sipkin, AP
Bauer is available for cash. But the Yankees have given no indication of spending big on anybody except DJ LeMahieu (maybe not even him) or disregarding and disrespecting Cole by reuniting him with Bauer, with whom he has an uneasy relationship dating to their UCLA days.
The Yankees have been associated with Corey Kluber. But the righty has made eight starts the past two injury-filled years and he turns 35 in April. Kluber is a gamble teams with rotation solidity make because the downside does not impair them. The Yanks lack that solidity. They have Cole and pray for an NFL once-a-week schedule.
MLB and the Players Association are expected to begin meatier negotiations this week about the structure for a 2021 season, as The Post’s Ken Davidoff reported Sunday. But schedule length probably will remain uncertain until there is greater knowledge of the speed and success of a COVID-19 vaccine.
No team would benefit more from a season shortened to, say, 135 games than the Yankees. Perhaps a May start would get them closer to having Severino back from February 2020 Tommy John surgery to lessen the innings burden on the others.
Right now, though, the only schedule is for 162 games and the union is going to want to play and get paid for that amount. At that length, every team would be challenged to cover the necessary 1,450-ish innings. Lynn, at 84, threw the most regular-season innings in 2020. So even veterans will have to rebuild. There was no minor league season for steady climbs in youngsters’ workloads. Teams will need quantity of arms as much as ever if there is a 162-game 2021 season.
The Yanks have been careful in raising pitcher workloads. So what will they ask of Severino, who has made five starts (postseason included) since 2018? Or German, who has not pitched since Sept. 18, 2019, due to being suspended for a domestic abuse violation? Montgomery has thrown 75 ¹/₃ regular-season innings the last three years. Garcia and King have exceeded 100 innings in the minors, Schmidt has never even done that.
The Yanks internally believe Severino, German, Schmidt and Garcia have No. 2-4 starter talent. King is viewed as a solid back-end complement, with Nick Nelson and Miguel Yajure providing 2021 starting depth. But that is a lot of uncertainty and combustibility for a team that will again be championship or bust. And what if even a month-long injury befell Cole? You can begin to see a formula in which the Yanks could not bullpen and hit their way out of an underperforming 2021.
Lynn is no Cole. But he is as close to sure innings for a job as treacherous as throwing a baseball hard. He has one year left on a three-year contract and counts just $10 million toward the luxury-tax payroll. Expect that Masahiro Tanaka would cost more in 2021 on a multi-year pact.
Yet, the Yankees made no strong efforts toward a reunion. Instead, a team already with more certainty atop the rotation in the White Sox added Lynn. At this moment, the Yanks could use Tanaka. Heck, they could use J.A. Happ. Are they really going to risk 2021 on Gerrit Cole and the Uncertainties?


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--22-year-old man fatally shot on NYC street

A 22-year-old man was fatally gunned down on a Queens street Monday night , police said .
The victim was @ @ @ @ @ to the head on Liberty Avenue near 90th Street in Ozone Park at about 9:50 @ @ @ @ @ EMS took the man to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center , but he could not be @ @ @ @ @ .
Investigators later found an unoccupied gray vehicle that they believe is tied to the @ @ @ @ @ sources .
The car had several bullet holes in it , sources said .
No @ @ @ @ @ early Tuesday , according to police .

A 22-year-old man was fatally gunned down on a Queens street Monday night, police said.
The victim was found with a gunshot wound to the head on Liberty Avenue near 90th Street in Ozone Park at about 9:50 p.m., authorities said.
EMS took the man to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, but he could not be saved, according to police.
Investigators later found an unoccupied gray vehicle that they believe is tied to the fatal shooting, according to sources.
The car had several bullet holes in it, sources said.
No arrests were made as of early Tuesday, according to police.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Early schedule gives Knicks cause for COVID-19 concern

Defensive specialist Michael Kidd-Gilchrist figured what better place to revive ...

With COVID-19 raging and travel considered a great risk during the holidays, the Knicks received a lump of coal from the league when the schedule was released last week.
With the first half of the 72-game schedule out, 12 of the Knicks’ first 19 regular-season games are on the road, including a late-January western swing to Golden State, Sacramento, Portland and Utah.
NBA protocols are being put in place for road travel — including not arbitrarily leaving the hotel — and the Knicks better read up.
“Every year when the schedule comes out, I think every coach feels like he got the worst schedule in the league,’’ Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said via Zoom on Monday. “If you have a lot of road games early, that means you’re going to have a lot of home games later. Whatever we have to face, we’re excited about that opportunity, and the challenge for us is to be ready. We’re playing high-caliber teams. That’ll be a good measuring stick for us.”
The Knicks open on Dec. 23 in Indiana and play five of their first seven games on the road. The Post reported Sunday MSG Network broadcasters Mike Breen and Walt Frazier are unlikely to travel to road games at the outset, doing the games instead from a New York studio. The NBA is discouraging broadcast teams from trekking to road contests.
Thibodeau said the organization is “very concerned because it’s serious’’ about members of the traveling party getting COVID-19. “I think it’s important for us to follow the protocols,’’ he added. “Obviously, what’s going on in the country is very concerning.’’
After two days of group practices, so far, so good for Kevin Knox, their 2018 lottery pick coming off a lousy second season. Thibodeau said the small forward was “pressing’’ to prove himself last season.
“He’s had two really good days of practice so far,’’ Thibodeau said. “I hope he can sustain that over a long period of time. But he’s a young guy that has to get better. Looking at the shots that he had taken last year, the ones that he took which I would quantify as good shots, he made those. So I think he started pressing and took some tough shots. When Kevin Knox takes good shots he’s going to make them.”
Combo guard Austin Rivers, signed as a free agent last month, has a pulled groin and has been limited in practice. It would seem doubtful he’s ready for the first preseason game in Detroit on Friday. The Knicks normally make room for a couple of training-camp bodies targeted for G-League action.
The Knicks normally make room for a couple of late-in-training camp bodies
targeted for G-League action A source confirms they may add former Kings and Trail Blazers big man Skal Labissiere, who played at team president Leon Rose’s favorite school, Kentucky. According to a source, the Westchester Knicks may join a group of teams to play a shortened season in an Atlanta bubble.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Steve Nash noncommittal on how Nets will rest players for back-to-backs

The Rockets have no idea where AWOL James Harden is ... .

Considering the Nets were already conservative about resting players even in the best of times, expect them to treat Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and others with kid gloves coming back from major injuries amid a pandemic.
And with the NBA’s new resting policy this season — fining teams at least $100,000 for resting healthy players for any high-profile, nationally televised game, according to Yahoo — it’ll be interesting to see how they handle this condensed 72-game season with a fair number of back-to-backs.
“As far as the back-to-backs, it’s so early that it’s hard for me to say,” coach Steve Nash said. “But we definitely want to do the right thing and play our players on national TV games when they’re available to play.
“It’s hard for me to judge or make a comment on it until we get to those moments in time and to see where people are physically, mentally, emotionally, and how the group is and make those evaluations. And hopefully they all fit into the recipe that makes the league happy. And for us, obviously, when our guys play we’re happy.”
The Nets are fairly healthy, with only a couple of absences from practice. While Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (hip pointer) is day-to-day, Nic Claxton has the only significant injury and is expected to miss the rest of camp with tendinopathy in his knee.
“Everyone’s in pretty good health other than Nic, who is probably weeks. So hopefully fingers crossed he’ll be back, because he’s put in a lot of work,” Nash said. “He’s a development player; but how long that prevents or includes him from being in the rotation is really up to his health and his development. [He’s] a great modern 5. In theory a mobile big who can handle the ball, make plays, he’s developing his shooting.
“Nowadays people are going with a more mobile 5 … that you don’t have to hide on offense, a guy that can either shoot it, or can make plays for his teammates. And Nic’s mobile enough to handle and pass. So he has a future, and we’re really excited about his development if he can get healthy. That’s been his struggle here — but he’s worked hard to get his shoulder ready for camp. I was encouraged by and really impressed with the effort he put in. It’s just a bad break for him, his tendinopathy, and hopefully it’s something that resolves quickly.”
Nash has been installed as the co-favorite for NBA Coach of the Year by BetMGM.
Bruce Brown is a solid defender, but Nash said the newcomer’s progress will rely on him developing his shooting and playmaking. For his part, the ex-Piston has been impressed with the depth of talent in practice.
“We’re going to be really good,” said Brown. “The sky is the limit for us. … This is definitely the best team I’ve probably ever been on.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Josh Allen’s brilliance moves Bills closer to AFC East title

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers spent three months shaking off ...

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The passes zipped through the air one by one, almost always finding their intended target right on the hands and in stride.
By the time Josh Allen was done, the quarterback had finished one of the best games of his young NFL career, and the Buffalo Bills once again looked like one of the league’s elite teams.
Allen threw for 375 yards and tied a career high with four touchdown passes as the Bills stayed in sole possession of first place in the AFC East with a thoroughly impressive 34-24 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.
“That’s our quarterback. He’s a baller,” Bills safety Jordan Poyer said. “I don’t know what answer you want me to say. It’s no surprise to us what he does every week. I’m happy he’s on our team.”
Buffalo (9-3) moved a step closer to winning its division for the first time since 1995 thanks to a nearly flawless performance from Allen. The 24-year-old completed 32 of 40 passes with no interceptions.
He threw touchdown passes to Cole Beasley, Dawson Knox, Isaiah McKenzie and Gabriel Davis as the Bills built a 17-7 halftime lead and controlled the majority of the second half.
“We were clicking,” Allen said. “It just seemed like our guys were getting open and the ball was coming out of my hand really well.”
The Bills are one game ahead of the Miami Dolphins with four games left for both teams.
Josh Allen AP
San Francisco (5-7) lost in its first game at its adopted home in Arizona. The 49ers will be based in Glendale for at least the next three weeks after Santa Clara County issued strict new coronavirus protocols that forced the team to find a temporary new home.
It was Allen’s fourth game of the season with at least 300 yards passing and three touchdowns, which set a franchise record. Jim Kelly did it three times in 1991 and Drew Bledsoe three times in 2002.
“As long as it correlates to team success, it means we’re doing the right thing, making the right decisions and we’re winning football games,” Allen said. “That’s all that matters to me.”
The Bills had a much more pleasant trip to the desert than three weeks ago, when they lost a 32-30 heartbreaker to the Arizona Cardinals. That was the game when DeAndre Hopkins made a stunning catch over three Buffalo defenders with 2 seconds left for the game-winning score.
San Francisco has had several recent injuries at its slot cornerback position and struggled to cover Beasley, who had a career-high 130 yards receiving on nine catches.
“We knew exactly what they were running. We just came up short,” 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw said. “It was kind of a weird feeling.”
State Farm Stadium — which is home to the division-rival Arizona Cardinals — was dressed up to make the 49ers feel slightly more at home. There were San Francisco banners hanging on the walls along the sidelines and the videoboard showed Niners highlights and flashed messages like “Faithful to the Bay.”
The teams traded goal-line stands in the first quarter.
The Bills opened the game with a 74-yard drive that was stopped at the Niners 1 after Allen’s fourth-down pass fell incomplete. San Francisco responded with a 97-yard drive that ended at the Buffalo 2 when Jeff Wilson Jr. was stuffed for no gain on fourth down.
It was just the second game since 2000 that featured two turnovers on downs to start a game.
But San Francisco got the ball back one play later on a fumble by Allen and the 49ers took advantage. Nick Mullens hit Brandon Aiyuk in the middle of the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown.
It was all Buffalo for the rest of the first half and much of the game. Allen hit Beasley for a 5-yard touchdown and later found tight end Knox for a 4-yard score as the Bills pushed ahead 17-7 by halftime.
Mullens finished 26-of-39 passing for 316 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. The 49ers weren’t bad on offense, but couldn’t keep pace with Allen and the Bills.
“We needed to play our best and I think we were very close to doing it,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “We just had a few things that didn’t keep us out on the field. When you do that versus an offense and quarterback like that and you don’t get it back for a while, the game gets away from you.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Frank Bush, Jets’ Gregg Williams replacement, has strong Adam Gase ties

The reins on the Jets defense have been handed over to Frank Bush .
After Gregg Williams was fired Monday , the Jets named Bush the interim defensive coordinator for the final four games of the season .
The 57-year-old had served as assistant head coach defense/inside linebackers coach since 2019 , coming with head coach Adam Gase from Miami after serving the same role for two years with the Dolphins .
Bush was previously the defensive coordinator for the Texans for two seasons in 2009-2010 .
“ With Frank Bush and the rest of the coaches , I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that they ’ re going to approach this work how they have been approaching it , ” defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi said Monday .
“ Try to be as detailed as possible , try to work on the things that we need to work on , try to build on our strengths and try to make our weaknesses stronger .
I don ’ t see any lapses in the aggression in how we ’ re going to approach each week.
” Bush , a one-time fifth-round pick out of North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oilers from 1985-1986 , but his playing career ended when he was diagnosed with a narrow spinal canal .
He later became a scout and then began his coaching career in 1993 .

The reins on the Jets defense have been handed over to Frank Bush.
After Gregg Williams was fired Monday, the Jets named Bush the interim defensive coordinator for the final four games of the season. The 57-year-old had served as assistant head coach defense/inside linebackers coach since 2019, coming with head coach Adam Gase from Miami after serving the same role for two years with the Dolphins.
Bush was previously the defensive coordinator for the Texans for two seasons in 2009-2010.
“With Frank Bush and the rest of the coaches, I know and we’re all confident in the fact that they’re going to approach this work how they have been approaching it,” defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi said Monday. “Try to be as detailed as possible, try to work on the things that we need to work on, try to build on our strengths and try to make our weaknesses stronger. I don’t see any lapses in the aggression in how we’re going to approach each week.”
Bush, a one-time fifth-round pick out of North Carolina State, played linebacker for the Houston Oilers from 1985-1986, but his playing career ended when he was diagnosed with a narrow spinal canal. He later became a scout and then began his coaching career in 1993.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Personal trainer charged with decapitating his kids

A California personal trainer accused of decapitating his two children has now been charged in their grisly murders , authorities @ @ @ @ @ Taylor Sr. with two counts of murder on Tuesday for the gruesome beheadings of his @ @ @ @ @ in their Lancaster home last week , CBS Los Angeles reported .
Officers responded to @ @ @ @ @ of a possible gas leak on Friday and found the kids ’ headless bodies , @ @ @ @ @ and two other boys — ages 8 and 9 — were in the home during @ @ @ @ @ police .
Taylor was also charged with child abuse for allegedly harming those other kids @ @ @ @ @ , 34 , was working as a personal trainer in Santa Monica and had been @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic .
The gas leak was reported by worried clients who told the @ @ @ @ @ ’ t heard from him in days .
Taylor is being held on $ 4.2 @ @ @ @ @ to 57 years to life in prison .

A California personal trainer accused of decapitating his two children has now been charged in their grisly murders, authorities said.
Police charged Maurice Taylor Sr. with two counts of murder on Tuesday for the gruesome beheadings of his 12-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter in their Lancaster home last week, CBS Los Angeles reported.
Officers responded to their home on a report of a possible gas leak on Friday and found the kids’ headless bodies, police said.
A woman and two other boys — ages 8 and 9 — were in the home during the incident and questioned by police. Taylor was also charged with child abuse for allegedly harming those other kids, CBS reported.
Taylor, 34, was working as a personal trainer in Santa Monica and had been recently conducting sessions virtually because of the pandemic.
The gas leak was reported by worried clients who told the Los Angeles Times they hadn’t heard from him in days.
Taylor is being held on $4.2 million bail and faces up to 57 years to life in prison.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Tyler Perry puts $100K toward Carl Lentz’s LA rent

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) He lentzed him some change .
Tyler Perry dropped nearly $ 100,00 so disgraced Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz and his family could live in a luxury Los Angeles mansion , the UK ’ s Sun is reporting .
Perry , 51 , covered six months of rent upfront on the 5,000-square-foot , five-bedroom Manhattan Beach home — valued at $ 4 million — where Lentz , 36 , and his family moved after unloading their New Jersey home days before he was sacked from the megachurch for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to splashing out on the $ 16,000 per month rental , Perry has been a shoulder to cry on for Lentz , who ’ s been “ leaning ” on Perry since his dramatic fall from grace .
Another source told the paper that said the pair have been “ consistently ” talking with each other .
“ Tyler has been friends with Carl and his wife Laura for years and is sticking by them and their kids during this difficult time , ” a source said .
Indeed , Perry posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reading Lentz ’ s “ Own the Moment ” in 2018 and the pair now share a PR firm in Hollywood power players Sunshine Sachs , who also rep Ryan Seacrest and Meghan Markle .
Hillsong founder Brian Houston publicly cited “ moral failures ” when Lentz got the boot .
Recently leaked audio suggested that Lentz was unfaithful several times — including with Brooklyn designer Ranin Karim , whom he split from in October — and former Hillsong members echoed that accusation on social media , alleging that Lentz ’ s behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lentz — who could still collect a severance package from the church — and Laura , who was also reportedly fired from Hillsong , are in “ intense therapy ” following the scandal .
The two have been spotted out with their kids while in LA , and apparently , nothing will keep Lentz from doffing his shirt , as he ’ s already also been snapped sans chemise on the beach , talking on the phone and meditating .
Hillsong has hired an independent law firm to investigate its inner workings after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s million-dollar brand .

He lentzed him some change.
Tyler Perry dropped nearly $100,000 so disgraced Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz and his family could live in a luxury Los Angeles mansion, the UK’s Sun is reporting.
Perry, 51, covered six months of rent upfront on the 5,000-square-foot, five-bedroom Manhattan Beach home — valued at $4 million — where Lentz, 36, and his family moved after unloading their New Jersey home days before he was sacked from the megachurch for infidelity.
The Sun reports that in addition to splurging on the $16,000-per-month rental, Perry has been a shoulder to cry on for Lentz, who’s been “leaning” on Perry since his dramatic fall from grace. Another source told the paper the pair have been “consistently” talking with each other.
“Tyler has been friends with Carl and his wife, Laura, for years and is sticking by them and their kids during this difficult time,” a source said. Indeed, Perry posted a picture of himself on a plane reading Lentz’s “Own the Moment” in 2018, and the pair now share a PR firm in Hollywood power players Sunshine Sachs, who also rep Ryan Seacrest and Meghan Markle.
Hillsong founder Brian Houston publicly cited “moral failures” when Lentz got the boot. Recently leaked audio suggested that Lentz was unfaithful several times — including with Brooklyn designer Ranin Karim, whom he split from in October — and former Hillsong members echoed that accusation on social media, alleging that Lentz’s behavior was known to Hillsong for years.
Lentz — who could still collect a severance package from the church — and Laura, who was also reportedly fired from Hillsong, are in “intense therapy” following the scandal. The two have been spotted out with their kids while in LA, and apparently, nothing will keep Lentz from doffing his shirt, as he’s already also been snapped sans chemise on the beach, talking on the phone and meditating.
Hillsong has hired an independent law firm to investigate its inner workings after Lentz’s tarnishing of the megachurch’s million-dollar brand.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--St. John’s narrowly avoids gigantic Rider letdown

The best thing about this performance is it ’ s over .
It can be forgotten .
It didn ’ t result in an ugly loss .
St. John ’ s can turn the page .
It can shift its attention to Friday ’ s Big East opener at Seton Hall because this was not 40 minutes of basketball Mike Anderson will look back at fondly .
Against heavy-underdog Rider playing just its second game , the Johnnies toyed with the worst loss of the Anderson era , before rallying for an 82-79 victory at Carnesecca Arena in Queens .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a career-high 26 points and keying a game-closing run 18-9 with 12 points .
Marcellus Earlington had his best game of the early season , notching 16 points and eight rebounds , and Julian Champagnie produced his second double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds .
Cole gave the Red Storm the lead for good with five straight points with 2:20 left and iced it with a 3-pointer that pushed the lead to four with 29.2 seconds to go .
It somewhat overshadowed a shaky effort in which St. John ’ s let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent from the field .
The Johnnies forced only 13 turnovers and were frequently beaten off the dribble .
Early on , it looked like a blowout .
St. John ’ s ran out to a 9-2 lead , then led 11-5 .
From there , though , the Johnnies fell asleep .
They missed eight 3-pointers in a row .
Anderson went deep into his bench for a stretch of 3:49 in which Rider outscored St. John ’ s by six .
The deficit was two at halftime and it quickly was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second half .
Greg Williams Jr. and Isaih Moore each pick up their third foul .
Eventually , the Broncs went cold and St. John ’ s started attacking , hitting eight consecutive shots and went ahead by one on a Champagnie dunk that capped a 13-4 run with 10:15 left .
But the Red Storm couldn ’ t sustain momentum and Rider answered with a 7-0 spurt .
When St. John ’ s got back within one , the Broncs again responded , going back up six before the Johnnies ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The best aspect about this St. John’s performance is it’s over. It can be forgotten. It didn’t result in an ugly loss.
The Red Storm can turn the page and shift their attention to Friday’s Big East opener at Seton Hall, because Tuesday night’s game was not 40 minutes of basketball Mike Anderson or his players will look back at fondly.
Taking on a 18.5-point underdog in Rider, the Johnnies toyed with what would have been the worst loss of the Anderson era, before rallying past the MAAC program for an 82-79 victory at Carnesecca Arena in Queens.
“I told them I’m proud of them, because it could’ve easily gone the other way,” Anderson said. “We didn’t play well, but guess what? We found the resolve to finish the game. That’s going to pay off for us.”
For long stretches, it seemed as if St. John’s (5-1) would be upset by the low-major opponent. The Red Storm’s pressure defense was lacking, their perimeter defense was porous and they missed layups and free throws. There was little intensity or focus.
Rider (0-2), picked to finish last in the MAAC with an almost completely new roster and coming off a 35-point loss to Syracuse in its season opener, looked at home. The Broncos sank 11 3-point shots and shot 49.1 percent from the field. They led by 11 early in the second half and by six with 4:07 remaining. Rodney Henderson Jr. and Dwight Murray Jr. were hitting shots from all corners of the archaic building.
“They took advantage of how we played,” Anderson said.
As in the Johnnies’ season opener against St. Peter’s, however, Vince Cole wouldn’t let his team lose. After a quiet last three games, the junior college transfer exploded for a career-high 26 points, 12 of them in a game-closing 18-9 run. His five consecutive points gave St. John’s the lead for good with 2:20 left and his 3-pointer, which pushed the lead to four with 29.2 seconds to go, iced it.
“I know my teammates believe in me and my coaches believe in me,” Cole said. “I know today we needed [my] scoring and that’s what I bring.”
Cole had help from Marcellus Earlington and Julian Champagnie. Champagnie notched his second double-double in four games, producing 18 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, and Earlington enjoyed his best game of the season, keying the second-half comeback with 16 points and five rebounds.
Earlington, a big factor in the strong finish to last season, had been quiet so far this year. He averaged just 6.4 points in the season’s first five games while shooting 35.1 percent from the field. But with starters Greg Williams Jr. and Isaih Moore in foul trouble, he emerged.
“He went back to being that player he was at the end of last year,” Anderson said. “He was real efficient. We got to have him [playing like that], especially as we get ready for conference play.”
St. John’s will now enter the league season at 5-1, with one win over a power conference foe (Boston College). The Red Storm have proven that at their best, they can be exciting and effective. Champagnie, Cole and Williams have all taken turns as explosive scorers. Consistency, though, remains a question mark without any dress rehearsals remaining.
“We know,” Cole said, “we’re going to have to provide a lot more energy and a lot more effort.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Deron Williams: Nets tenure doomed by inconsistency

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving aren ’ t the first stars to join the Nets ’ organization , and it ’ s not even guaranteed that star acquisitions will lead Brooklyn to a championship or long playoff runs .
The former point guard was considered a franchise linchpin when he was acquired by the Nets during the 2010-11 season , when he was 27 years old .
That trade came following 5 ¹/₂ successful seasons with the Utah Jazz before things turned sour between Williams and veteran coach Jerry Sloan , who resigned during the season .
Williams — who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Brooklyn — said he loved the friendships with teammates and his time with the team , but added there wasn ’ t a lot of consistency in the organization during his tenure , a time when Mikhail Prokhorov had just become the owner of the team .
“ It was tough from a basketball standpoint , ” Williams said on the “ Knuckleheads ” podcast via the Players ’ Tribune .
“ For me , looking back , I played for four coaches in [ 4 ¹/₂ ] years .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a point guard who is coming from this system [ with the Jazz ] , that ’ s run perfectly , that ’ s coached perfectly , and then , now I ’ m learning a new offense with new players every single year .
And there was just no consistency .
Hard to get into a rhythm.
” Williams — who retired from the NBA after the 2017 season — helped lead the Nets to three playoff appearances , but more was expected from the All-Star .
Ankle problems , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his time in Brooklyn .
“ I started getting injured , ” Williams said .
“ I started losing confidence .
And so it started eating at me .
“ I started losing my love for the game when I was there because it was just like , everything was going wrong.
” Williams signed a two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks after accepting a buyout from the Nets following the 2014-15 season .
He played one season with the Cleveland Cavaliers , the final one of his 12-year career .
The three-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the U.S. in 2008 and 2012 , had career averages of 16.3 points , 18.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 845 career games .

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving aren’t the first stars to join the Nets’ organization, and it’s not even guaranteed that star acquisitions will lead Brooklyn to a championship or long playoff runs.
Just ask Deron Williams.
The former point guard was considered a franchise linchpin when he was acquired by the Nets during the 2010-11 season, when he was 27 years old. That trade came following 5 ¹/₂ successful seasons with the Utah Jazz before things turned sour between Williams and veteran coach Jerry Sloan, who resigned during the season.
Williams — who was with the Nets when they moved to Brooklyn — said he loved the friendships with teammates and his time with the team, but added there wasn’t a lot of consistency in the organization during his tenure, a time when Mikhail Prokhorov had just become the owner of the team.
“It was tough from a basketball standpoint,” Williams said on the “Knuckleheads” podcast via the Players’ Tribune. “For me, looking back, I played for four coaches in [4 ¹/₂] years. As a point guard, you’re talking about a point guard who is coming from this system [with the Jazz], that’s run perfectly, that’s coached perfectly, and then, now I’m learning a new offense with new players every single year. And there was just no consistency. Hard to get into a rhythm.”
Deron Williams N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg
Williams — who retired from the NBA after the 2017 season — helped lead the Nets to three playoff appearances, but more was expected from the All-Star. Ankle problems, however, started to derail his career and his time in Brooklyn.
“I started getting injured,” Williams said. “I started losing confidence. And so it started eating at me.
“I started losing my love for the game when I was there because it was just like, everything was going wrong.”
Williams signed a two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks after accepting a buyout from the Nets following the 2014-15 season. He played one season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the final one of his 12-year career.
The three-time All-Star, who also won gold medals with the U.S. in 2008 and 2012, had career averages of 16.3 points, 18.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 845 career games.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Gio Urshela paying it forward after COVID scare of his own

After battling through a bone spur in his elbow during ...

The plan called for Gio Urshela to fly from his native Colombia to New York on Oct. 29 and have a bone chip surgically removed from his right elbow three days later. Until 2020 got in the way once again.
“Then I got COVID in Colombia,” the Yankees third baseman revealed to The Post on Tuesday at a group lunch in Manhattan’s Core Club. “That’s why I had to stay there, for quarantine. I stayed there in Colombia because I got COVID.”
He’s better now; you probably know that he underwent that procedure Friday at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and he’s spending a few weeks here undergoing treatment and partaking in some early physical therapy — and, having experienced this horrendous disease firsthand, working to prevent others in his home country from getting it.
The 29-year-old described his novel coronavirus experience as rough but relatively brief: “I had a lot of symptoms. Fever, chills, headaches. My body felt tired. I lost my sense of smell and taste.”
His girlfriend, Danna Delgado, a Colombian journalist, also contracted the illness, he said, although his parents, Alvaro and Uldy Urshela, with whom he lives in his home country, thankfully didn’t. He believes he caught the novel coronavirus from a friend in Colombia.
Gio Urshela poses for a photo at the Core Club in Manhattan today Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Asked if he was scared, Urshela said, “Not really, because that was only for three days and then I was good. Then I had to wait to test negative.”
He had returned home believing he wouldn’t need surgery for the ailment that put him on the injured list Sept. 4-14; he had first aggravated the elbow in mid-August at home against the Rays, he said, and then worsened it Sept. 3 at the Mets.
“I was feeling good when the season ended,” Urshela explained, crediting a cortisone shot. However, after being in Colombia a couple of weeks, “I started feeling the bone chip, like I had something there.”
And he realized he didn’t want to enter 2021 with his health in question. COVID hit him shortly after that.
The delay for the surgery could impact Urshela’s readiness for the 2021 season, given that the Yankees announced a three-month recovery period for him. Then again, odds stand as low that spring training will start on time as the COVID vaccine deliberately makes its way through the country and the world. Yet even if the season does begin as scheduled, with the Yankees supposed to open at home against the Blue Jays on April 1, Urshela thinks he can ramp up in time for that.
“Let’s see how it’s going,” he said, with confidence in his voice.
Gio Urshela poses for a photo with his girlfriend Danna Delgado, his dad Alvero and mom Uldy today at the Core Club. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
His surgically repaired elbow featured no sling at lunch — just a wrap under his long sleeves, he explained — and Urshela tenderly rotated the wing to further exemplify that the damage wasn’t too bad. He mostly rested his elbow on a pillow as he expressed good cheer alongside his parents, Delgado, Yankees community consultant Ray Negron, New York philanthropist Alfred Zaccagnino and a few others.
After Urshela worked through the worst of COVID, he contacted Negron, whom he has joined in many community endeavors, including the distributing of hand sanitizer in The Bronx this past year. Negron connected Urshela with Zaccagnino, the CEO of H2One Hand Sanitizer, who is in the process of shipping 36,000 bottles each of his product to Colombia and Venezuela, where Urshela’s Yankees teammate Gleyber Torres is similarly aiding his countrymen and women.
“I wanted to help the poor people in Colombia that might not be able to buy [sanitizer], so that’s a little helpful for them,” Urshela said.
Urshela poses for a photo with philanthropist Alfred Zaccagnino Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
For his community-service efforts domestically and internationally, Urshela will receive a Thurman Munson Award at the annual Munson Dinner, which will be held virtually on Feb. 2 of next year. Negron, a Yankees batboy in the 1970s, shared with Urshela the tales of the fallen Yankees captain.
“[Negron] told me about what [Munson] did for the community,” Urshela said. “It’s a good example to follow.”
He sounded grateful that he’s healthy enough, the throwing elbow notwithstanding, to follow such an example. To move on from COVID and 2020 while enabling others to do the same.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Raccoon rescued from ledge of NYC building

At least he had the courtesy to wear a mask .
A giant raccoon caused a stir in downtown Manhattan Monday when it scaled a building and was rescued by a group of witnesses holding up a tarp .
The critter was spotted shortly before 10 a.m. on a roughly 20-foot high ledge of a building on Hudson Street near Franklin Street in Tribeca , police and a witness said .
It ’ s unclear if the raccoon was stuck , but a group of people took matters into their own hands to get the animal down .
Video posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up between two building columns using a plastic bin to wrestle the creature off the ledge .
The raccoon falls directly onto the elevated green tarp , but nonetheless , appears to still slam onto the sidewalk , according to the video , which was shot by Instagram user nick.name6 .
Bystanders can be heard yelling during the animal ’ s descent .
Upon landing , the raccoon briefly seeks shelter under a coffee cart before scurrying into the street .
It ’ s unclear where the animal ended up or what condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @

At least he had the courtesy to wear a mask.
A giant raccoon caused a stir in downtown Manhattan Monday when it scaled a building and was rescued by a group of witnesses holding up a tarp.
The critter was spotted shortly before 10 a.m. on a roughly 20-foot high ledge of a building on Hudson Street near Franklin Street in Tribeca, police and a witness said.
It’s unclear if the raccoon was stuck, but a group of people took matters into their own hands to get the animal down.
Video posted to Twitter shows a man wedged high up between two building columns using a plastic bin to wrestle the creature off the ledge.
The raccoon falls directly onto the elevated green tarp, but nonetheless, appears to still slam onto the sidewalk, according to the video, which was shot by Instagram user nick.name6.
Bystanders can be heard yelling during the animal’s descent.
Upon landing, the raccoon briefly seeks shelter under a coffee cart before scurrying into the street.
It’s unclear where the animal ended up or what condition it was in after its plunge.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Dez Bryant quits after COVID-19 diagnosis before Ravens-Cowboys

Dez Bryant ’ s NFL return is already over .
The outspoken wide receiver was pulled from the Baltimore Ravens ’ lineup 20 minutes ahead of kickoff against the Dallas Cowboys — his former team — after it was revealed he tested positive for coronavirus .
“ Tell me why they pull me from warming up so I can go get tested , ” the 32-year-old Bryant tweeted on Monday night , “ my sh-t come back positive… I tested positive for Covid WTF.
” According to NFL Network , Bryant received a pair of inconclusive tests on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of kickoff .
The Ravens-Cowboys matchup had been moved to Tuesday to accommodate Baltimore ’ s on-going COVID-19 problems .
The virus has plagued Baltimore this season , moving their Thanksgiving game against the Steelers twice and the Dallas tilt to be pushed back .
It also forced Bryant , who went from NFL star to unemployed afterthought after being cut by Dallas in 2017 , to make a tough decision .
“ Yea I ’ m going to go ahead and call it a quit for the rest of the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disclosing his diagnosis .
“ I can ’ t deal with this.
” He also seemed to wonder if the league should have been playing the game after his diagnosis was revealed .
“ Since I tested positive for Covid before the game do the game stop or go on ?
” he tweeted at the NFL .
Whether Bryant returns in 2021 remains to be seen .
The volatile wideout went from being one of the NFL ’ s biggest stars to unemployed afterthought after his Dallas divorce .
He signed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though he tore his Achilles tendon in his first practice with the team .
He won a spot on the Baltimore practice squad has played in three games for the Ravens this season , posting four receptions for 28 yards , all coming in a Week 11 loss to the Titans .
The Ravens have been beaten down by COVID-19 this season , with the team seeing four unique strains of the virus among over 20 affected players — including star QB Lamar Jackson — and disciplining a coach for not following protocols @

Dez Bryant’s comeback tour is back on.
Not long after saying he “quit” the 2020 season following a positive COVID-19 test minutes before Tuesday’s kickoff against the Dallas Cowboys, the mercurial Baltimore Ravens wideout changed course.
“Yea I’m coming back… I’m being smart,” he tweeted.
Bryant, who was scratched from the game roster, went on a Twitter spree in lieu of playing.
“Tell me why they pull me from warming up so I can go get tested,” the 32-year-old Bryant tweeted Monday night, “my sh-t come back positive… I tested positive for Covid WTF.”
According to NFL Network, Bryant received a pair of inconclusive tests Tuesday, with a point-of-care test coming back positive ahead of kickoff.
The Ravens-Cowboys matchup had been moved to Tuesday to accommodate Baltimore’s ongoing COVID-19 problems. The virus has plagued Baltimore this season, moving their Thanksgiving game against the Steelers twice and the Dallas tilt to be pushed back.
Dez Bryant Getty Images
It also forced Bryant, who went from NFL star to unemployed afterthought after being cut by Dallas in 2017, to begin tweeting his way through a tough decision.
“Yea I’m going to go ahead and call it a quit for the rest of the season,” Bryant added 16 minutes after disclosing his diagnosis. “I can’t deal with this.”
He also seemed to wonder if the league should have been playing the game after his diagnosis was revealed.
“Since I tested positive for Covid before the game do the game stop or go on?” he tweeted at the NFL. The game did indeed go on without Bryant, who walked back his quitting proclamation after he chose to “drink some wine and cope.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie arrested after raid at NJ home

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 ) A Bronx-born rapper was arrested after cops found an arsenal of guns and some marijuana during a raid at his New Jersey home , prosecutors said Tuesday .
A Boogie wit da Hoodie — whose real name is Artist Dubose — was hit with weapons and marijuana possession charges , according to the Bergen County Prosecutor ’ s Office .
Law enforcement authorities executed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s home in Demarest on Monday .
Officials didn ’ t say what their investigation was in connection to .
The search turned up four handguns , hollow point bullets and various high-capacity magazines , as well as weed and drug paraphernalia , prosecutors said .
A personal security guard at the home , 33-year-old Quashaun Hagler , was also charged with illegal weapons possession , NorthJersey.com reported .
And A Boogie ’ s manager , Samblou Camara , was slapped with drug charges after cops searched his home in Bergenfield and found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came a day after a shooting broke out across the street from a Teaneck nightclub where the rapper was celebrating his 25th birthday .
However , authorities said A Boogie ’ s arrest was not related to the shooting , which left an 18-year-old man critically injured .
“ He is not a suspect , nor did we believe him to be a suspect , ” Chief Detective Robert Anzilotti said of the rapper .

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A Bronx-born rapper was arrested after cops found an arsenal of guns and some marijuana during a raid at his New Jersey home, prosecutors said Tuesday.
A Boogie wit da Hoodie — whose real name is Artist Dubose — was hit with weapons and marijuana possession charges, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant at the 25-year-old artist’s home in Demarest on Monday.
Officials didn’t say what their investigation was in connection to.
The search turned up four handguns, hollow-point bullets and various high-capacity magazines, as well as weed and drug paraphernalia, prosecutors said.
A personal security guard at the home, 33-year-old Quashaun Hagler, was also charged with illegal weapons possession, NorthJersey.com reported.
And A Boogie’s manager, Samblou Camara, was slapped with drug charges after cops searched his home in Bergenfield and found marijuana, prosecutors said.
The arrests came a day after a shooting broke out across the street from a Teaneck nightclub where the rapper was celebrating his 25th birthday.
However, authorities said A Boogie’s arrest was not related to the shooting, which left an 18-year-old man critically injured.
“He is not a suspect, nor did we believe him to be a suspect,” Chief Detective Robert Anzilotti said of the rapper.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Video shows raging Los Angeles fire ripping through building

Dozens of firefighters are battling to put out a massive fire that broke out at a commercial building in California @ @ @ @ @ through the empty one story building just off the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ .
The roof later collapsed , according to the outlet .
Video of the fire @ @ @ @ @ smoke in the air as firefighters pour water on the flames while taking cover on @ @ @ @ @ .
The fire department blocked the eastbound lanes of the 10 Freeway to control the @ @

Dozens of firefighters are battling to put out a massive fire that broke out at a commercial building in California Tuesday.
The blazed ripped through the empty one story building just off the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles, CBS Los Angeles reported.
The roof later collapsed, according to the outlet.
Video of the fire shows heavy plumes of black smoke in the air as firefighters pour water on the flames while taking cover on the roof of another building.
The fire department blocked the eastbound lanes of the 10 Freeway to control the flames.
No injuries were reported.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Bob Dylan catalog sale to Universal a sour note for Sony, insiders say

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) The Dylan deal left “ Blood on the Tracks.
” When Bob Dylan sold off his hit catalog this week to Universal Music Publishing , it was a big miss for Sony , home of Dylan ’ s longtime label , Columbia , insiders told Page Six .
Sources exclusively told us that Sony was left in the dark over the blockbuster catalog sale — even though it releases Dylan ’ s music , and still controls his catalog internationally via its Sony/ATV publishing arm .
Dylan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the biggest of its kind , with reports estimating its value at up to $ 300 million .
A source told Page Six , “ Sony had international publishing on Dylan for 20 years and they didn ’ t even know [ the catalog ] was up for sale.
” The industry vet added : “ And even with having his masters at Sony , he never even offered it to them.
” Sony/ATV has said that its international publishing deal with Dylan still will run for “ several years.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Dylan taking his catalog to Universal may be particularly painful for Sony , since Taylor Swift exited Sony/ATV earlier this year to sign a publishing deal with Universal after she ’ d been with Sony/ATV since she was 14 .
Unlike the Dylan sale , Swift ’ s move away from Sony/ATV had been expected , since she ’ d already signed a global contract with Universal in 2018 .
Some insiders added that Dylan ’ s new Universal deal was a reflection that Sony/ATV brass didn ’ t make enough of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the folk-rock icon .
But others insisted that wasn ’ t the case , and that Dylan has close ties to Sony across many divisions .
Columbia just released Dylan ’ s most recent album , “ Rough and Rowdy Ways , ” in June .
Dylan ’ s catalog was previously controlled by the Bob Dylan Music Company , and the sale to Universal included over 600 copyrights spanning 60 years , and songs such as “ Blowin ’ in the Wind , ” “ The Times They Are A-Changin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” “ Knockin ’ on Heaven ’ s Door , ” and “ Tangled Up in Blue.
” Universal will now make money whenever a Dylan tune is streamed , played on radio , or used in an ad , film or TV show .
Reps for Dylan and Sony did not comment .

The Dylan deal left “Blood on the Tracks.”
When Bob Dylan sold off his hit catalog this week to Universal Music Publishing, it was a big miss for Sony, home of Dylan’s longtime label, Columbia, insiders told Page Six.
Sources exclusively told us that Sony was left in the dark over the blockbuster catalog sale — even though it releases Dylan’s music, and still controls his catalog internationally via its Sony/ATV publishing arm.
Dylan’s deal with Universal is thought to be the biggest of its kind, with reports estimating its value at up to $300 million.
A source told Page Six, “Sony had international publishing on Dylan for 20 years and they didn’t even know [the catalog] was up for sale.” The industry vet added: “And even with having his masters at Sony, he never even offered it to them.”
Sony/ATV has said that its international publishing deal with Dylan still will run for “several years.”
But music insiders also told Page Six that Dylan taking his catalog to Universal may be particularly painful for Sony, since Taylor Swift exited Sony/ATV earlier this year to sign a publishing deal with Universal after she’d been with Sony/ATV since she was 14. Unlike the Dylan sale, Swift’s move away from Sony/ATV had been expected, since she’d already signed a global contract with Universal in 2018.
Some insiders added that Dylan’s new Universal deal was a reflection that Sony/ATV brass didn’t make enough of an effort to cement a strong relationship with the folk-rock icon. But others insisted that wasn’t the case, and that Dylan has close ties to Sony across many divisions. Columbia just released Dylan’s most recent album, “Rough and Rowdy Ways,” in June.
Dylan’s catalog was previously controlled by the Bob Dylan Music Company, and the sale to Universal included over 600 copyrights spanning 60 years, and songs such as “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “The Times They Are A-Changin,'” “Like A Rolling Stone,” “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” and “Tangled Up in Blue.” Universal will now make money whenever a Dylan tune is streamed, played on radio, or used in an ad, film or TV show.
Reps for Dylan and Sony did not comment.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Giants add revelation Niko Lalos, depth QB Joe Webb

This one had to happen .
The Giants on Tuesday signed defensive end Niko Lalos to the active roster .
After Lalos , an undrafted rookie out of Dartmouth , embarked on his NFL career with an interception and a fumble recovery in his first two games , this was the expected course of action .
Lalos had already been elevated from the practice squad to the roster for the past two games and teams are allowed only two such moves per player .
Lalos had to be signed to the roster in order to get him on the field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cardinals .
The Giants also added an intriguing player to their practice squad , signing Joe Webb .
He is listed as a quarterback , but that only begins to tell his story as a player .
Webb , 34 , has 102 regular-season games on his résumé with the Vikings , Panthers , Bills and Texans .
As a quarterback , Webb has completed 90 of 159 passes for 888 yards , three touchdowns and six interceptions .
He has rushed for 326 yards and caught 10 passes for 74 yards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NFL .
He last played in the league in 2018 .
Earlier this season , the Giants signed Alfred Morris , a 31-year-old running back , to the practice squad and he is now in the rotation behind starter Wayne Gallman .
There is a place for veterans on the practice squad in a season where COVID-19 has caused roster upheaval .
In other moves , the Giants waived linebacker Trent Harris and terminated the practice-squad contract of tight end Nakia Griffin-Stewart .

This one had to happen.
The Giants on Tuesday signed defensive end Niko Lalos to the active roster. After Lalos, an undrafted rookie out of Dartmouth, embarked on his NFL career with an interception and a fumble recovery in his first two games, this was the expected course of action.
Lalos had already been elevated from the practice squad to the roster for the past two games and teams are allowed only two such moves per player. Lalos had to be signed to the roster in order to get him on the field for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals.
The Giants also added an intriguing player to their practice squad, signing Joe Webb. He is listed as a quarterback, but that only begins to tell his story as a player.
Webb, 34, has 102 regular-season games on his résumé with the Vikings, Panthers, Bills and Texans. As a quarterback, Webb has completed 90 of 159 passes for 888 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions. He has rushed for 326 yards and caught 10 passes for 74 yards. Webb also has 18 kickoff returns in the NFL. He last played in the league in 2018.
Niko Lalos Getty Images
Earlier this season, the Giants signed Alfred Morris, a 31-year-old running back, to the practice squad and he is now in the rotation behind starter Wayne Gallman. There is a place for veterans on the practice squad in a season where COVID-19 has caused roster upheaval.
In other moves, the Giants waived linebacker Trent Harris and terminated the practice-squad contract of tight end Nakia Griffin-Stewart.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Giants’ Patrick Graham starts to get some head-coach buzz

When Xavier McKinney thinks back to when he fractured his ...

There is plenty going on with the Giants, embroiled in a tight race to maintain first place in the suddenly ferocious (hyperbole alert) NFC East.
Here are a few items to ponder:
— Patrick Graham has done a phenomenal job this season. A defense not exactly teeming with star power is ninth in the NFL in scoring defense and No. 4 in run defense. All this with only one player (Leonard Williams, 2016) with a single Pro Bowl invite. So, of course, just like that, Graham’s name is suddenly bandied about as a potential head coach candidate. Why? Just because his defensive schemes are wonderful? The league is littered with hot-shot coordinators with fancy schemes that enticed owners to hire them, only to find they were truly gifted in only one thing: operating an offense or defense.
Joe Judge was a nondescript special teams coordinator, and he did not get the Giants job based on that. He got it by wowing ownership and the front office with his smarts and leadership traits. Mike Tomlin was a defensive coordinator for only one year when the Steelers shocked the NFL by making him their head coach at the age of 34. They saw him as a leader of men and that vision proved to be 20/20.
This is no knock on the 41-year-old Graham. He clearly has high-level intelligence — Yale grad — and a self-effacing, humble and charming personality has emerged. His players are in lockstep with him — safety Logan Ryan on WFAN on Tuesday called Graham “the black Picasso.’’
Patrick Graham N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg
Take a look at Todd Bowles. When the Buccaneers were rolling, of course Bowles’ name surfaced as a guy who should get another chance. Why? He is extremely well-liked and we all know he can orchestrate a top-notch defense. What did he do with the Jets to prove he is suited to run the entire show? Take a look at Pat Shurmur. He ran superb offenses and that got him head coaching jobs with the Browns and Giants. He is best-suited as a coordinator.
Maybe Graham gets a shot as a head coach and is a natural. If so, it will be because of his ability to organize, direct and lead and not because he can call a defense.
— So, Andrew Thomas is actually good?
We thought we heard something about terrible early season struggles that confirmed the Giants blew this one, that Thomas as the No. 4-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft was on the train to Bustville.
Yes, Thomas was supposed to be the most “NFL-ready’’ in this rookie offensive line group and no, he was not as advertised in the opening weeks. Thomas has turned the corner, though, and the Giants are thrilled. Thomas has not allowed a pressure in the past two games, and Pro Football Focus graded him as the best rookie offensive lineman in Week 13. It could very well be that Thomas, Jedrick Wills, Tristan Wirfs and Mekhi Becton — the four stud first-round tackles — turn out to be a tremendous rookie class.
— Maybe Ole Miss beating Mississippi State 31-24 in this year’s Egg Bowl is the impetus for a winning Giants late-season surge. Well, that might be a stretch, but seeing Judge (Mississippi State) wearing an Ole Miss bucket hat and hoodie during a Zoom media session and seeing tight end Evan Enram busting in to exclaim “Hotty Toddy!’’ (a traditional Ole Miss greeting) was amusing — and revealing.
First, that Judge would make a bet with one of his players, lose the bet and pay off the bet in such an open manner, feigning disdain. Second, that Engram felt comfortable enough to make a playful public dig at his ultra-serious head coach. Judge showed his players a side of himself when he rolled around in the mud, getting water sprayed at him, diving on a loose ball in training camp. Wearing the colors of his bitter college rival showed that side once again. For those who got all hot and bothered this past summer and labeled Judge a Belichick wannabe after he had his players run Lesson Laps and do some live hitting — don’t you feel silly now?
— Losing begot winning. It is strange, but true, with the Giants.
This current four-game winning streak was born out of the 0-5 start and the 1-7 midseason record. It is tough for a rookie head coach to start out with so much failure. Players watched and waited, seeing how Judge reacted. Would he blame them? Criticize individuals in the media? Show signs of panic or make changes for the sake of change? So much can be gleaned out of losing.
“This has been a fun season, and I think the beginning of the season is when the team and the guys and the coaches prove to each other what type of team we really have,’’ Williams said. “It’s easier to be happy and see the good things when you’re winning, but I feel like we all see the good things in each other and what we have, even when we were losing. That just helped continue to build our confidence in each other and build on what we have working here. Eventually, it turns into a snowball and it keeps building up. I feel like we have a real culture here now and I love the way this team is going.’’
— Two weeks ago in Cincinnati, at long last, prize rookie Xavier McKinney embarked on his NFL career, sprinkled in for five snaps on defense and nine on special teams. The easing-in was no surprise, as he is coming off foot surgery. In Seattle, the workload did not increase — six snaps on defense, five on special teams — and that was a bit of a bummer.
It makes sense to bring McKinney along slowly. The Giants have a good thing going in their secondary, and their starting safeties, Jabrill Peppers and Logan Ryan, are playing lights out. McKinney figures to steal time from Julian Love, who played 44 of the 72 defensive snaps against the Seahawks (and dropped what would have been a game-sealing interception).
“You know, you’ve got that fine line, quite frankly, because those guys that we’re playing are playing well, you don’t want to upset that, but then you definitely want to get him on the field,’’ defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson said. “So, Pat [Graham] has been thinking in his master way of coming up with some packages to include him, to have all of those guys on the field together. We’ll just look to continue to ramp him up and get him a little more exposure each game, hopefully.’’


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Test flight of SpaceX’s Starship aborted at last second

CAPE CANAVERAL , Fla. — The first high-altitude test flight of SpaceX ’ s futuristic Starship was aborted at the last second in Texas on Tuesday .
SpaceX came close to launching a prototype of the rocketship that company chief Elon Musk is designing to carry people to Mars .
The goal was to shoot Starship to an altitude of eight miles ( 12.5 kilometers ) — the highest yet — and then bring it back to a vertical landing .
But an automatic engine abort occurred with just 1.3 seconds remaining in the countdown .
SpaceX announced on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , and there was no word on when it might try again .
SpaceX already has conducted five Starship test flights , but these earlier , simpler models have gone no higher than 490 feet ( 150 meters . )
The stainless steel version on the launch pad Tuesday was the first to feature a nose cone , body flaps and three Raptor engines .
SpaceX has taken over Boca Chica in the far southeastern corner of Texas , near the Mexican border , to build and test its Starships .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upper stage atop Super Heavy boosters — to deliver massive satellites into orbit around Earth , and send people and cargo to the moon and Mars .

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The first high-altitude test flight of SpaceX’s futuristic Starship was aborted at the last second in Texas on Tuesday.
SpaceX came close to launching a prototype of the rocketship that company chief Elon Musk is designing to carry people to Mars. The goal was to shoot Starship to an altitude of eight miles (12.5 kilometers) — the highest yet — and then bring it back to a vertical landing.
But an automatic engine abort occurred with just 1.3 seconds remaining in the countdown. SpaceX announced on its web broadcast it was done for the day, and there was no word on when it might try again.
SpaceX already has conducted five Starship test flights, but these earlier, simpler models have gone no higher than 490 feet (150 meters.) The stainless steel version on the launch pad Tuesday was the first to feature a nose cone, body flaps and three Raptor engines.
SpaceX has taken over Boca Chica in the far southeastern corner of Texas, near the Mexican border, to build and test its Starships. The company intends to use Starships — the upper stage atop Super Heavy boosters — to deliver massive satellites into orbit around Earth, and send people and cargo to the moon and Mars.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Jewels from Marylou Whitney, Cecile Zilkha hit the block at Sotheby’s

Everything gone is back .
New crime drama about the Guccis ( and Maurizio Gucci ’ s 1995 murder ) has Jeremy Irons , Adam Driver , Al Pacino , Jared Leto .
Ridley Scott directing .
Lady Gaga plays Maurizio ’ s ex-wife , who was convicted of ordering the hit — after he had an affair … More everything old : A Carol Burnett movie based on her memoir “ Carrie and Me ” is coming .
Tina Fey ’ s producing … More .
Johnny Cash ’ s wife before June Carter was Vivian Liberto .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Married 13 years .
Mother of his four daughters , whom she raised while Cash was on the road making cash .
Misidentified as being black and threatened by the KKK .
All in the new documentary “ My Darling Vivian.
” Rosanne Cash : “ She was always shown as a shrew .
After their divorce , the public saw her as nothing .
So my mother faded into a kind of negative obscurity.
” Gone in 2005 , she now gets her story told .
Streaming on demand .
In 1947 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Life ” had Jimmy Stewart , Lionel Barrymore , Donna Reed , and direction by Frank Capra .
On Sunday , it has Ed Asner , Pete Davidson , Ellie Kemper , Mia Farrow and original cast member Karolyn Grimes , who played Zuzu , that little girl who said , “ Every time a bell rings , an angel gets his wings.
” The reading is a benefit for the Asner Family Center .
Philip Gefter ’ s book “ What Becomes a Legend Most ” reprises fashion ’ s most iconic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avedon ’ s most prized photo was of the then-most-famous cover girl .
Title : “ Dovima With Elephants.
” 1955 .
Harper ’ s Bazaar .
Somehow a chemical stain appeared on its negative .
To eliminate that flaw for a 1978 Met museum exhibition , Avedon ’ s studio manager and master printer , Gideon Lewin , created a new negative .
Each and every one of its subsequent images are from Lewin ’ s handiwork .
Per Avedon , all originals were then destroyed .
Only two existed .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dovima was born in Jackson Heights .
Gideon lives on Sutton Place .
Where the elephants came from I don ’ t know .
That photo ’ s value I know .
Sotheby ’ s put it up for $ 1 million in 2018 .
But people are still buying things Sean Connery ’ s gun in the first James Bond film , “ Dr .
No , ” exceeded estimates .
Was auctioned for $ 256,000 .
Buyer anonymous .
Also Tom Cruise ’ s “ Top Gun ” helmet — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pulp Fiction ” sword — $ 35,200 .
Forget off with the old/on with the new .
Now it ’ s on with the old/off with the new .
Tomorrow Sotheby ’ s auctions the late Marylou Whitney ’ s jewels .
Ten pieces .
Marylou had Whitney money , Saratoga stables , horses , galas , young husband .
If someone somehow someplace were richer , no piggy bank was fatter .
Even before the words “ flawless diamond ” drop from your mouth , Sotheby ’ s has 29 pieces from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Philanthropist , rich lady , she gave to the Met Opera , her own art gallery , plus enough left over to acquire treasures .
In those days of galas and parties and gowns , it all hung on her .
Now it ’ s in a glass case up for auction .
Please try to pay attention Carol Alt , Tyra Banks , Heidi Klum ’ s stylist says the new supermodel — wearing Nicole Miller on the 25A magazine cover — is Charlize Cotton … And early Christmas card was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Napolitano , with whom I shared the camera a lifetime ago .
Thanks , Pete … Shelly Fireman , who owns Trattoria Dell ’ Arte , Brooklyn Diner , Fiorello ’ s , Bond 45 , Redeye Grill , just opened Brooklyn Deli at 200 W. 57th .
He guarantees “ an army of pastrami ” … Personal psychic Frank Andrews predicted John Lennon ’ s death to Yoko Ono .
He even lived with them .
And he ’ s in the short film “ Ivy ’ s Paranormal.
” Unsure what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forget one with anybody waiting for the Heimlich maneuver .
Only in shut-down New York , kids , only in shut-down New York .

Everything gone is back.
New crime drama about the Guccis (and Maurizio Gucci’s 1995 murder) has Jeremy Irons, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jared Leto. Ridley Scott directing. Lady Gaga plays Maurizio’s ex-wife, who was convicted of ordering the hit — after he had an affair …
More everything old: A Carol Burnett movie based on her memoir “Carrie and Me” is coming. Tina Fey’s producing …
More. Johnny Cash’s wife before June Carter was Vivian Liberto. They met in a Texas roller rink. Married 13 years. Mother of his four daughters, whom she raised while Cash was on the road making cash. Misidentified as being black and threatened by the KKK. All in the new documentary “My Darling Vivian.”
Rosanne Cash: “She was always shown as a shrew. After their divorce, the public saw her as nothing. So my mother faded into a kind of negative obscurity.” Gone in 2005, she now gets her story told. Streaming on demand.
In 1947, “It’s a Wonderful Life” had Jimmy Stewart, Lionel Barrymore, Donna Reed, and direction by Frank Capra. On Sunday, it has Ed Asner, Pete Davidson, Ellie Kemper, Mia Farrow and original cast member Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu, that little girl who said, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” The reading is a benefit for the Asner Family Center.
Behind a fotog’s scene …
Philip Gefter’s book “What Becomes a Legend Most” reprises fashion’s most iconic photographer — the late Richard Avedon. Avedon’s most prized photo was of the then-most-famous cover girl. Title: “Dovima With Elephants.” 1955. Harper’s Bazaar. Somehow a chemical stain appeared on its negative. To eliminate that flaw for a 1978 Met museum exhibition, Avedon’s studio manager and master printer, Gideon Lewin, created a new negative. Each and every one of its subsequent images are from Lewin’s handiwork. Per Avedon, all originals were then destroyed. Only two existed. One, unsigned, is in the Smithsonian. Dovima was born in Jackson Heights. Gideon lives on Sutton Place. Where the elephants came from I don’t know. That photo’s value I know. Sotheby’s put it up for $1 million in 2018.
But people are still buying things
Sean Connery’s gun in the first James Bond film, “Dr. No,” exceeded estimates. Was auctioned for $256,000. Buyer anonymous. Also Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun” helmet — $108,000 and Bruce Willis’ “Pulp Fiction” sword — $35,200.
Forget off with the old/on with the new. Now it’s on with the old/off with the new. Tomorrow Sotheby’s auctions the late Marylou Whitney’s jewels. Ten pieces. Marylou had Whitney money, Saratoga stables, horses, galas, young husband. If someone somehow someplace were richer, no piggy bank was fatter.
Even before the words “flawless diamond” drop from your mouth, Sotheby’s has 29 pieces from the vault of the late Cecile Zilkha. Philanthropist, rich lady, she gave to the Met Opera, her own art gallery, plus enough left over to acquire treasures. In those days of galas and parties and gowns, it all hung on her. Now it’s in a glass case up for auction.
Please try to pay attention
Carol Alt, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum’s stylist says the new supermodel — wearing Nicole Miller on the 25A magazine cover — is Charlize Cotton … And early Christmas card was from WNBC-TV’s vegetable guy Peter Napolitano, with whom I shared the camera a lifetime ago. Thanks, Pete … Shelly Fireman, who owns Trattoria Dell’Arte, Brooklyn Diner, Fiorello’s, Bond 45, Redeye Grill, just opened Brooklyn Deli at 200 W. 57th. He guarantees “an army of pastrami” … Personal psychic Frank Andrews predicted John Lennon’s death to Yoko Ono. He even lived with them. And he’s in the short film “Ivy’s Paranormal.”
Unsure what restaurant you can still go to? Forget one with anybody waiting for the Heimlich maneuver.
Only in shut-down New York, kids, only in shut-down New York.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Dunkin Donuts employee in Georgia stabbed over doughnut order

A Dunkin Donuts employee in Georgia was stabbed after an argument with customer over a doughnut , police said .
The incident began when the customer entered a Dunkin Donuts in Union City Saturday night and confronted the 17-year-old female employee about an order , the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported .
The wild confrontation was caught on video .
The customer , an unidentified man , can be seen brandishing a knife at the employee who says , “ Don ’ t touch me , ” while pushes him away .
Another woman says , “ Stop !
” as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video shows .
Before the stabbing , the man pulled up to the drive-thru , drove off and then came back to the restaurant minutes later to hunt for the employee , according to an arrest report obtained by the outlet .
WAGA-TV reported the attacked happened over a type of doughnut .
Cops found the teen lying on the floor with a cut on her left arm .
She declined medical treatment , the arrest report states .
The authorities are still searching for the man who faces an aggravated assault charge @

A Dunkin Donuts employee in Georgia was stabbed after an argument with customer over a doughnut, police said.
The incident began when the customer entered a Dunkin Donuts in Union City Saturday night and confronted the 17-year-old female employee about an order, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
The wild confrontation was caught on video. The customer, an unidentified man, can be seen brandishing a knife at the employee who says, “Don’t touch me,” while pushes him away.
Another woman says, “Stop!” as the employee and the man exchange punches, video shows.
Before the stabbing, the man pulled up to the drive-thru, drove off and then came back to the restaurant minutes later to hunt for the employee, according to an arrest report obtained by the outlet.
WAGA-TV reported the attacked happened over a type of doughnut.
WAGA
Cops found the teen lying on the floor with a cut on her left arm. She declined medical treatment, the arrest report states.
The authorities are still searching for the man who faces an aggravated assault charge.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Man charged with shoving NYPD traffic agent in Manhattan

A man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly shoving a 63-year-old female NYPD traffic agent to the ground in Manhattan last @ @ @ @ @ Efrain Burgos , 18 , was charged with assault for the alleged attack on the @ @ @ @ @ West 49th Street and 10th Avenue in Hell ’ s Kitchen .
The officer was @ @ @ @ @ with neck and back pain , authorities had said .
It was not clear what @ @ @ @ @ at the time , or what provoked the assault .

A man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly shoving a 63-year-old female NYPD traffic agent to the ground in Manhattan last week, police said.
Efrain Burgos, 18, was charged with assault for the alleged attack on the officer last Wednesday morning at West 49th Street and 10th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen.
The officer was taken to an area hospital with neck and back pain, authorities had said.
It was not clear what the traffic agent was doing at the time, or what provoked the assault.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Less than 20% of NYC hospital beds empty amid second COVID-19 surge

Gov .
Andrew Cuomo warned Monday that indoor dining in New ...

The number of available hospital beds are dwindling as a second surge of the coronavirus grips the New York City region, new state data reveals.
The percentage of beds available in both New York City and Long Island is under 20 percent, according to the data released Tuesday.
In the city, 81 percent of hospitals are filled and 19 percent are available.
In Nassau and Suffolk counties, 82 percent of beds are occupied and 18 percent vacant.
Meanwhile, three-quarters of the critical intensive care beds are filled in the city and Long Island while just 25 percent are available, according to the figures released for the first time this week by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The statewide COVID-19 infection rate is 5.7 percent.
Unlike in the spring when the New York City region was the epicenter of the COVID-19, other parts of the state are also now grappling with the killer big — including the Finger Lakes, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and the Mid-Hudson Valley.
The coronavirus infection rate in the city is 4.13 percent, lower than virtually all other regions of the state. But on Long Island, the infection rate is 5.68 percent.
The state Health Department reported that the number of hospitalized patients increased by 233 on Monday to 4,835.
There were 906 patients in ICU beds, a jump of 34 on Monday.
The number of patients intubated or on breathing machines increased by 16 to 493.
Seventy four people died on Monday, a number that has crept up in recent weeks.
“As we continue to see the number of COVID cases rise in New York and across the nation, it’s critical that we not only remain tough and practice safe behaviors to limit viral spread, but that we also do everything in our power to ensure hospitals are prepared to handle a growing number of patients,” Cuomo said in a statement Tuesday.
Cuomo noted that he has ordered hospitals to increase their bed capacity by 25 percent to avoid being overwhelmed by an influx of sick patients.
The governor has not ruled out directing hospitals to plan to boost capacity by 50 percent, as he did in the spring when COVID-19 ravaged the city.
“The good news is New York still maintains one of the nation’s lowest infection rates, but everyone must do their part to slow the spread of the virus and stop the uptick in hospitalizations. If we work together and stay New York Tough, we can manage this pandemic until the vaccine is here.”
Cuomo warned on Monday that if New York City’s hospitalization bed occupancy rate doesn’t level off, he’ll shut down indoor dining at restaurants and perhaps other businesses deemed non-essential.
The governor has already ordered targeted shutdowns of businesses and indoor dining in COVID-19 hotspots.
“Let’s look at the big picture: we are looking at hospitalization capacity and if we don’t get the rate under control, and you are going to overwhelm your hospitals, we are going to have to go back to a shut down,” Cuomo said on Monday.
“‘Oh we don’t want to do that again.’ Then change your behavior. But if we don’t change our behavior, that is the absolute reality of the situation,” he said.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--Pair trampled by horse during wild brawl in Times Square

A mounted police horse trampled over two men grappling on the ground in Times Square during a wild brawl last week , video shows .
Footage posted on social media showed the pair wrestling on the ground , with one of them repeatedly pummeling the other as bystanders tried to step in .
The mounted unit could be seen hopping over the men , as another person made off with a bike lying near them .
And those weren ’ t the only crosses flying at the Crossroads of the World on Saturday night .
Another clip showed a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulled down to his chin , throwing a young person against a wall by the neck of his hoodie — as a third person tried to step in .
At least two NYPD officers broke the tussle up , the footage showed .
Police said they received reports of two melees in Times Square at around 9 p.m. that night .
The first involved a 20-year-old man who was left with a bloody mouth after he said he got punched by another man , according to cops .
He was treated at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other fight , a 22-year-old man said he fell and got kicked in the head while getting into it with a group of men .
He was taken to St. Luke ’ s Hospital for treatment , police said .
It ’ s unclear what prompted either of the tussles .
There were no arrests as of Tuesday evening and the investigation was ongoing , the NYPD said .

They weren’t horsing around!
A mounted police horse trampled over two men grappling on the ground in Times Square during a wild brawl last week, video shows.
Footage posted on social media showed the pair wrestling on the ground, with one of them repeatedly pummeling the other as bystanders tried to step in.
The mounted unit could be seen hopping over the men, as another person made off with a bike lying near them.
And those weren’t the only crosses flying at the Crossroads of the World on Saturday night.
Another clip showed a man with a bloodied face, his mask pulled down to his chin, throwing a young person against a wall by the neck of his hoodie — as a third person tried to step in.
At least two NYPD officers broke the tussle up, the footage showed.
Police said they received reports of two melees in Times Square at around 9 p.m. that night.
The first involved a 20-year-old man who was left with a bloody mouth after he said he got punched by another man, according to cops. He was treated at the scene by emergency responders.
Mounted police officers respond to a fight in Times Square. Instagram
In the other fight, a 22-year-old man said he fell and got kicked in the head while getting into it with a group of men.
He was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment, police said.
It’s unclear what prompted either of the tussles. There were no arrests as of Tuesday evening and the investigation was ongoing, the NYPD said.


newyorkpost--2020-12-08--UConn facing uncertain timeline amid COVID-19 waiting game

Just discussing what November may be like , you could hear ...

The unpredictability of a sports season during a pandemic has hit home for the Connecticut men’s basketball team.
Last Friday night, UConn was preparing for a game against North Carolina State in a bubble at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. By Saturday afternoon, the Huskies were close to adding at least one game early in the week after their game with the Wolfpack was canceled due to a positive COVID-19 test. And by Sunday, they were entering into a pause for the second time after having a player test positive for the coronavirus.
“To keep a team engaged and prepared to play games and then have a season, it doesn’t feel like much of a season right now,” coach Dan Hurley said on Tuesday over Zoom. “You get frustrated, you see how challenging it’s going to be, but we knew that this was going to be a season filled with stops and starts and uncertainty.”
This obviously wasn’t how UConn expected its return to the Big East to go. Instead of hosting St. John’s on Friday night in the Huskies’ first game in the remade conference, several members of the program are in quarantine due to contact tracing. Sunday’s game against Georgetown likely will be called off as well. That, according to Hurley, is the first day his program will be allowed to be together if all goes right with testing.
“That’s a difficult timeline,” UConn’s third-year coach said.
Connecticut is one of several Big East programs that have been impacted by the virus. Butler is currently in a pause. DePaul is too, and had to cancel its first two league games, against Seton Hall on Friday and Villanova on Monday. The Blue Demons have yet to play a game this season.
The Huskies took their first pause on Nov. 5 and resumed basketball activities 14 days later. They registered a significant victory over USC last Thursday and were looking to build momentum entering league play. But the Huskies now find themselves idle for a significant period.
Hurley isn’t certain how many practices his team will need before returning to action. The Huskies are still scheduled to visit Providence on Dec. 17, but everything is up in the air right now.
Hurley doesn’t know exactly when his team will be back together. Certain coaches, due to contact tracing, can’t be in the office. Certain players are confined to their homes. It’s all a guessing game.
“Not even having the ability to practice or be together as a group is something that you’re concerned for their mental, emotional well-being more than anything right now,” Hurley said. “The players are frustrated, the coaches are absolutely exasperated by the whole thing.”