newyorkpost--2020-12-15--North Korean defector vows to defy South Korea’s propaganda leaflet ban

North Korea has decided to take a leaflet out of ...

A North Korean defector and activist said he would not give up his 15-year campaign to send messages to his homeland after South Korea banned the launching of propaganda leaflets into his country.
The South Korean parliament voted Monday to amend the Development of Inter-Korean Relations Act to prohibit the delivery of printed materials, goods, money and other items of value across the heavily fortified frontier, Reuters reported.
The contentious legislation — which also criminalizes the launching of propaganda leaflets by balloon — passed with the support of 187 lawmakers, mostly governing party members who support President Moon Jae-in’s policy of engagement with Pyongyang.
It also restricts loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts, which the South Korean military once employed as part of psychological warfare against the North until it withdrew the equipment following a 2018 summit between the two countries.
Violators of the ban, which will take effect in three months, face up to three years behind bars or paying 30 million won (about $27,400) in fines.
Defector Park Sang-hak, who has already been stripped of a license for his leaflet-launching group, said he would not give up his efforts.
“I’ll keep sending leaflets to tell the truth because North Koreans have the right to know,” he told Reuters. “I’m not afraid of being jailed.”
Park and about 20 other rights groups in South Korea vowed to challenge the law’s constitutionality, while Human Rights Watch called the ban a “misguided strategy” by South Korea.
“It criminalizes sending remittances to families in North Korea and denies their rights to outside information,” said Shin Hee-seok of the Transitional Justice Working Group, Reuters reported. “Such appeasement efforts only risk inviting further North Korean provocations and demands.”
The change was approved despite efforts by opposition lawmakers to block the super-majority of Moon’s ruling party.
Defectors and other campaigners in South Korea have for decades sent the leaflets — as well as food, medicine, money, radios and USB sticks containing South Korean news and dramas — over the tightly guarded border, according to Reuters.
The Hermit Kingdom has long denounced the practice and recently stepped up its condemnation of it, to the alarm of a South Korean government hoping to improve relations on the divided peninsula.
The bill was introduced in June after Kim Yo Jong — the sister of North Korean despot Kim Jong Un — said South Korea should ban the leaflets or face the “worst phase” of relations.
“They’re trying to put Kim Yo Jong’s order into law at her single word,” former North Korean diplomat and opposition lawmaker Tae Yong-ho said in a 10-hour filibuster speech, adding that the bill would only help Kim’s government continue “enslaving” its population.
US Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), co-chair of a bipartisan human rights commission, issued a statement slamming the amendment as “ill-conceived [and] frightening” for facilitating the imprisonment of people for simply sharing information.
When asked about his statement, South Korean’s Unification Ministry, which handles ties with North Korea, said the bill was a “minimal effort to protect the lives and safety of residents in border regions,” Reuters reported.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Twitter fined $547K for EU privacy breach, first for a US tech firm

Four of the Royal Navy 's vessels are being deployed to ...

Irish regulators fined Twitter about $547,000 over its handling of a privacy breach on Tuesday, the first penalty issued against an American tech giant under the European Union’s new data-protection law.
The 450,000-euro fine marked a milestone in the enforcement of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, a 2018 law meant to give Europeans more control over their online data.
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission said Twitter took too long to notify regulators about a bug in its Android app that made some users’ private tweets publicly visible. The problem affected at least 88,726 European users between September 2017 and January 2019, officials said.
The Irish regulator announced the penalty nearly two years after it started probing the breach in January 2019. The commission is responsible for enforcing the data protection law against Twitter and other Silicon Valley titans whose European headquarters are located in Ireland, such as Google and Apple.
The Twitter case was the first to go through a dispute resolution process established under the EU data law, in which the lead regulator makes a decision and then consults other national regulators.
Ireland’s decision went before the European Data Protection Board after some other regulators objected to the initial ruling. The board upheld most of the decision but directed Ireland to increase the fine. Irish regulators called the final penalty “effective, proportionate and dissuasive.”
Twitter said the fine stemmed from its failure to notify regulators about the bug within 72 hours after it learned of the problem. The San Francisco-based company blamed the delay on staffing issues between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays in 2018.
“We have made changes so that all incidents following this have been reported to the [Data Protection Commission] in a timely fashion,” Damien Kieran, Twitter’s chief privacy officer and global data protection officer, said in a statement. “We take responsibility for this mistake and remain fully committed to protecting the privacy and data of our customers, including through our work to quickly and transparently inform the public of issues that occur.”
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--‘Song Exploder’ Season 2 Argues “Mr. Brightside” is NOT The Killers’ Best Song

Netflix ’ s Song Exploder has quickly become one of the most infectiously fun watches for music fans everywhere .
The first season delved into the stories behind music ’ s biggest and most beloved hits , like R.E.M.
’ s “ Losing My Religion ” or Lin-Manuel Miranda ’ s quiet masterpiece solo from Hamilton , “ Wait for It.
” Now host Hrishikesh Hirway is back Song Exploder Season 2 , taking us behind the scenes of some of the most outstanding music from Dua Lipa ’ s Grammy-nominated Future Nostalgia , Nine Inch Nail ’ s whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The Killers .
The only issue ?
Song Exploder Season 2 doesn ’ t go deep into The Killers ’ most ubiquitously beloved hit , “ Mr .
Brightside.
” Nope .
They stump instead for the genius and craftsmanship behind “ When You Were Young.
” Netflix ’ s Song Exploder is a docuseries based on the popular podcast of the same name .
In each episode Hrishikesh Hirway sits down with some of music ’ s greatest stars to learn how they approached writing , producing , and performing some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 features Dua Lipa , Nine Inch Nails , Natalia Lafourcade , and The Killers .
While The Killers are a tremendously successful band with dozens of hits , there ’ s one song they are particularly known for : 2003 ’ s “ Mr .
Brightside.
” But Song Exploder blows past “ Mr .
Brightside ” and the insane success of its accompanying album , Hot Fuss , to profile The Killers as a band in search of a follow-up .
That song would be “ When You Were Young.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ When You Were Young ” is one of The Killers ’ most loved songs .
As of writing this , it is actually the second most popular Killers song on Spotify after “ Mr .
Brightside.
” However while , “ When You Were Young ” has well over 300 million streams , “ Mr .
Brightside ” has over 1 billion .
The earlier hit has become a ubiquitous rallying cry for millennials at karaoke and one of most indefatigable hits of the early ’ 00s .
But as Hirway illustrates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and most of all , resonance of “ When You Were Young.
” As Song Exploder explains , The Killers ’ first album skyrocketed them to fame before they even realized what had happened .
The band themselves describe the hits on 2004 ’ s Hot Fuss with a mix of disdain and embarrassment , noting they weren ’ t writing from a place of authenticity .
For their follow-up , Sam ’ s Town , the band sought out the help of legendary rock producers Alan Moulder and Flood to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ band .
So where does “ When We Were Young ” fit into all this ?
Although it seemingly simply came together through a mix of sound check practices and classic thunder strikes of inspiration — lead singer Brandon Flowers says the first lyrics that came to him were “ He doesn ’ t look a thing like Jesus/But he talks just like a gentleman/Like you imagined/When you were young ” — the song is deceptively complex .
Recorded with a combination of old school synths and an ex-girlfriend ’ s cello solo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coalesces into an emotional manifesto for The Killers .
It is a song rife with the sounds of the deserts where they grew up and full of the promise of redemption .
It is the first song that established who The Killers were as artists , and it came well after “ Mr .
Brightside.
” While “ Mr .
Brightside ” might be The Killers ’ most perniciously catchy hit , “ When You Are Young ” is the song that defines them as a band .
Moreover , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were more than just a flash in the pan .
They were true artists , capable of evolving their sound and bearing their souls in the process .
Song Exploder lets all four members of the band explain what they contributed to the sound of “ When You Were Young.
” More importantly , the Netflix doc lets us see how much the song means to all the members of The Killers .

Netflix’s Song Exploder has quickly become one of the most infectiously fun watches for music fans everywhere. The first season delved into the stories behind music’s biggest and most beloved hits, like R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” or Lin-Manuel Miranda’s quiet masterpiece solo from Hamilton, “Wait for It.”
Now host Hrishikesh Hirway is back Song Exploder Season 2, taking us behind the scenes of some of the most outstanding music from Dua Lipa’s Grammy-nominated Future Nostalgia, Nine Inch Nail’s whole catalogue, and uber-popular Las Vegas-based band, The Killers. The only issue? Song Exploder Season 2 doesn’t go deep into The Killers’ most ubiquitously beloved hit, “Mr. Brightside.” Nope. They stump instead for the genius and craftsmanship behind “When You Were Young.”
Netflix’s Song Exploder is a docuseries based on the popular podcast of the same name. In each episode Hrishikesh Hirway sits down with some of music’s greatest stars to learn how they approached writing, producing, and performing some of their most beloved hits. Season 2 features Dua Lipa, Nine Inch Nails, Natalia Lafourcade, and The Killers. While The Killers are a tremendously successful band with dozens of hits, there’s one song they are particularly known for: 2003’s “Mr. Brightside.” But Song Exploder blows past “Mr. Brightside” and the insane success of its accompanying album, Hot Fuss, to profile The Killers as a band in search of a follow-up. That song would be “When You Were Young.”
For what it’s worth, “When You Were Young” is one of The Killers’ most loved songs. As of writing this, it is actually the second most popular Killers song on Spotify after “Mr. Brightside.” However while, “When You Were Young” has well over 300 million streams, “Mr. Brightside” has over 1 billion. The earlier hit has become a ubiquitous rallying cry for millennials at karaoke and one of most indefatigable hits of the early ’00s. But as Hirway illustrates, it lacks the pathos, maturity, and most of all, resonance of “When You Were Young.”
As Song Exploder explains, The Killers’ first album skyrocketed them to fame before they even realized what had happened. The band themselves describe the hits on 2004’s Hot Fuss with a mix of disdain and embarrassment, noting they weren’t writing from a place of authenticity. For their follow-up, Sam’s Town, the band sought out the help of legendary rock producers Alan Moulder and Flood to help establish them as a legit arena-packing rock band. So where does “When We Were Young” fit into all this?
Although it seemingly simply came together through a mix of sound check practices and classic thunder strikes of inspiration — lead singer Brandon Flowers says the first lyrics that came to him were “He doesn’t look a thing like Jesus/But he talks just like a gentleman/Like you imagined/When you were young” — the song is deceptively complex. Recorded with a combination of old school synths and an ex-girlfriend’s cello solo, “When You Were Young” coalesces into an emotional manifesto for The Killers. It is a song rife with the sounds of the deserts where they grew up and full of the promise of redemption. It is the first song that established who The Killers were as artists, and it came well after “Mr. Brightside.”
While “Mr. Brightside” might be The Killers’ most perniciously catchy hit, “When You Are Young” is the song that defines them as a band. Moreover, it’s the one that helped prove that they were more than just a flash in the pan. They were true artists, capable of evolving their sound and bearing their souls in the process. Song Exploder lets all four members of the band explain what they contributed to the sound of “When You Were Young.” More importantly, the Netflix doc lets us see how much the song means to all the members of The Killers.
Watch Song Exploder on Netflix


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Thief douses Staten Island deli employee with pepper spray, steals register

Police are hunting for a thief who doused a Staten Island deli employee with pepper spray before taking off with @ @ @ @ @ cops said .
The suspect walked into Forest Suprette and Bagels on Forest Avenue near @ @ @ @ @ around 4:10 a.m. Dec. 8 , cops said .
Video released by police late Monday @ @ @ @ @ a face mask and gloves , standing at the counter .
When the cashier appeared @ @ @ @ @ his reach , the thief discharged the pepper spray , the clip shows .
Then @ @ @ @ @ register and took off , the video shows .
It ’ s unclear how much @ @ @ @ @ employee was taken to Richmond University Medical Center , where he was treated for pain @ @ @ @ @ , and later released .

Police are hunting for a thief who doused a Staten Island deli employee with pepper spray before taking off with an entire cash register, cops said.
The suspect walked into Forest Suprette and Bagels on Forest Avenue near Hart Boulevard in West Brighton around 4:10 a.m. Dec. 8, cops said.
Video released by police late Monday shows the suspect, wearing a face mask and gloves, standing at the counter. When the cashier appeared to move something out of his reach, the thief discharged the pepper spray, the clip shows.
Then he picked up the entire register and took off, the video shows. It’s unclear how much cash was inside.
The employee was taken to Richmond University Medical Center, where he was treated for pain and redness to his eyes, and later released.
The suspect remained at large Tuesday.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--UK finds new mutation of COVID-19 behind rapid spread across London

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A new mutation of COVID-19 has turned up in more than 1,000 infected patients in the UK — and is being blamed on a more rapid spread of the contagion .
The nation ’ s health secretary , Matt Hancock , revealed the new variant and said it was behind “ very sharp , exponential rises ” in cases across London and surrounding counties of Kent and Essex .
“ We ’ ve currently identified over 1,000 cases with this variant , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggests it is growing faster than existing variants .
Hancock — who ordered stricter lockdowns for the affected areas — said the UK had alerted the World Health Organization , and the UN health agency confirmed it was investigating .
British scientists from the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium said they were examining the new strain to see if “ any of these mutations are contributing to increased transmission.
” As of Dec. 13 , it had been detected in 1,108 cases , Public Health England said .
The new variant — which UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” — includes a genetic mutation in the “ spike ” protein .
“ Changes in this part of the spike protein may result in the virus becoming more infectious and spreading more easily between people , ” Public Health England noted .
Dr. Jeremy Farrar , the director of health charity Wellcome , told the BBC that it could be serious — while Alan McNally , an expert at the University of Birmingham , warned that people should not “ be hysterical.
” “ It doesn ’ t mean it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is something to keep an eye on , ” he told the broadcaster .
Noting “ huge efforts ” to study the strain , he said , “ It is important to keep a calm and rational perspective.
” The WHO ’ s chief of emergencies , Dr. Michael Ryan , said that “ mutations like this are quite common , ” stressing that so far there is yet nothing to confirm that it is more deadly or spreads more easily .
Health Secretary Hancock also insisted that “ it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impinge the vaccine and the impact of the vaccine.
” Last week , the UK became the first country in the world to begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
A new mutation of COVID-19 has turned up in more than 1,000 infected patients in the UK — and is being blamed for a more rapid spread of the contagion.
The nation’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, revealed the new variant and said it was behind “very sharp, exponential rises” in cases across London and the surrounding counties of Kent and Essex.
“We’ve currently identified over 1,000 cases with this variant,” he said, noting that initial analysis suggests it is growing faster than previous variants.
Hancock — who ordered stricter lockdowns for the affected areas — said the UK had alerted the World Health Organization, and the UN health agency confirmed it was investigating.
British scientists from the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium said they were examining the new strain to see if “any of these mutations are contributing to increased transmission.”
As of Dec. 13, it had been detected in 1,108 cases, Public Health England said.
The new variant — which UK scientists have named “VUI – 202012/01” — includes a genetic mutation in the “spike” protein.
“Changes in this part of the spike protein may result in the virus becoming more infectious and spreading more easily between people,” Public Health England noted.
Dr. Jeremy Farrar, director of the health charity Wellcome, told the BBC that it could be serious, while Alan McNally, an expert at the University of Birmingham, warned that people should not “be hysterical.”
“It doesn’t mean it’s more transmissible or more infectious or dangerous. It is something to keep an eye on,” he told the broadcaster.
Noting “huge efforts” to study the strain, he said, “It is important to keep a calm and rational perspective.”
The WHO’s chief of emergencies, Dr. Michael Ryan, said that “mutations like this are quite common,” stressing that so far, there is nothing to confirm that it is more deadly or spreads more easily.
Hancock also insisted that “it is highly unlikely that this new variant will impinge the vaccine and the impact of the vaccine.”
Last week, the UK became the first country in the world to begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Joe Biden says he has a ‘bit of a cold’ after coughing during speech

President-elect Joe Biden blamed his raspy voice and bouts of coughing during his post-Electoral Vote speech on a “ bit of a cold ” — after it sparked concern among viewers .
The former vice president addressed the nation after electors in the 50 states and the District of Columbia confirmed that he had won 306 electoral votes to President Trump ’ s 232 — but his voice sounded hoarse at times and he repeatedly paused to cough or clear his throat .
“ Biden keeps coughing and clearing his throat .
Is he ok ?
, ” one viewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of many .
Others were concerned the president-elect might need another COVID-19 test .
In a call afterwards with supporters , Biden admitted that he was ailing a little , although it was nothing to be worried about .
“ Thank you , I have a little bit of a cold , I ’ m sorry , but look , you know , you did it , you did it , not a joke , ” Biden said during the live stream , according to Fox News .
“ This campaign for president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran as a 29-year-old for the Senate .
I believed that ordinary folks and extraordinary folks would get together and make this work .
You didn ’ t let us down .
You didn ’ t let the country down .
I really mean it , think about it , ” he continued .
Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have been routinely tested for coronavirus and the results have been negative .
The president-elect was last tested on Friday .

President-elect Joe Biden blamed his raspy voice and bouts of coughing during his post-electoral vote speech on a “bit of a cold” — after it sparked concern among viewers.
The former vice president addressed the nation after electors in the 50 states and the District of Columbia confirmed that he had won 306 electoral votes to President Trump’s 232 — but his voice sounded hoarse at times and he repeatedly paused to cough or clear his throat.
“Biden keeps coughing and clearing his throat. Is he ok?,” one viewer asked on Twitter, echoing the concern of many.
Others were worried the president-elect might need another COVID-19 test.
In a call afterward with supporters, Biden admitted he was ailing a little, although it was nothing to be worried about.
“Thank you, I have a little bit of a cold, I’m sorry, but look, you know, you did it, you did it, not a joke,” Biden said during the livestream, according to Fox News.
Joe Biden Getty Images
“This campaign for president was more like the first time I ran as a 29-year-old for the Senate. I believed that ordinary folks and extraordinary folks would get together and make this work. You didn’t let us down. You didn’t let the country down. I really mean it, think about it,” he continued.
Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have been routinely tested for coronavirus and the results have been negative.
The president-elect was last tested on Friday.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Taylor Swift debunks ‘Woodvale’ album rumors

On Monday , Taylor Swift addressed recent rumors swirling over an alleged third album , “ Woodvale , ” during an appearance on “ Jimmy Kimmel Live.
” “ Okay , well , this takes a bit of explanation , ” the 31-year-old singer began .
“ I tend to be sort of annoyingly secret-agenty about dropping clues and hints and Easter eggs and it ’ s very annoying but it ’ s fun for fans and it ’ s fun for me because they like to pick up on things .
And they ’ ll notice lots of things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and then sometimes , I take it too far , and I make a mistake , ” Swift continued .
Over the summer , Swifties spotted the word “ Woodvale ” written in the trees on a black-and-white album cover of “ Folklore.
” According to the “ Champagne Problems ” crooner , it was a misstep .
“ When I was making ‘ Folklore , ’ the album that came out back in July , I was too afraid to even unveil the title of the album to even my closest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t tell anybody the album title until right before it came out , ” Swift explained .
“ And so I came up with a fake codename that had the same amount of letters as ‘ Folklore , ’ Chose a random name , chose ‘ Woodvale.
’ Wanted to see how it would look on the album covers , mocked them up , and then decided , I don ’ t actually want to have a title on the album covers and we forgot to take the fake codename off of one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When Kimmel pressed , “ Is that really true , ” Swift replied , “ Yes.
” Swift added that her ninth studio album , “ Evermore , ” also had a codename of “ November , ” but they took it off all of the mockups .
“ We learned our lesson , ” the singer said .
Kimmel then theorized another potential album , but Swift shot him down .
“ Jimmy , I ’ m so tired , ” she said .
“ I ’ ve tired myself out .
@

Sorry, Swifties, a surprise album isn’t dropping soon.
On Monday, Taylor Swift addressed recent rumors swirling over an alleged third album, “Woodvale,” during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
“Okay, well, this takes a bit of explanation,” the 31-year-old singer began.
“I tend to be sort of annoyingly secret-agenty about dropping clues and hints and Easter eggs and it’s very annoying but it’s fun for fans and it’s fun for me because they like to pick up on things. And they’ll notice lots of things in music videos or photos or whatever, and then sometimes, I take it too far, and I make a mistake,” Swift continued.
Over the summer, Swifties spotted the word “Woodvale” written in the trees on a black-and-white album cover of “Folklore.” According to the “Champagne Problems” crooner, it was a misstep.
“When I was making ‘Folklore,’ the album that came out back in July, I was too afraid to even unveil the title of the album to even my closest teammates and management. I didn’t tell anybody the album title until right before it came out,” Swift explained.
“And so I came up with a fake codename that had the same amount of letters as ‘Folklore,’ Chose a random name, chose ‘Woodvale.’ Wanted to see how it would look on the album covers, mocked them up, and then decided, I don’t actually want to have a title on the album covers and we forgot to take the fake codename off of one of them,” she continued.
When Kimmel pressed, “Is that really true,” Swift replied, “Yes.”
Swift added that her ninth studio album, “Evermore,” also had a codename of “November,” but they took it off all of the mockups.
“We learned our lesson,” the singer said.
Kimmel then theorized another potential album, but Swift shot him down.
“Jimmy, I’m so tired,” she said. “I’ve tired myself out.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Late field goals led to some wild NFL gambling swings

It was another wild Sunday of NFL betting , and a mixed day for sportsbooks and public bettors .
Favorites ending up going 8-7 against the spread , but many Unders came through as well ( 11-4 on the day ) .
The biggest win of the early games for sportsbooks was the Miami Dolphins ( +7 ) covering against the Kansas City Chiefs .
The Chiefs won 33-27 , but a Miami field goal with 16 seconds left got Dolphins backers the cover .
The game was the most-bet early game at PointsBet sportsbooks ( 80 percent of bets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kansas City ) and had the most money and bets of the early games at William Hill US books .
The Chiefs have won but not covered their last five games , becoming the first team since the 2007 New England Patriots to accomplish that feat .
Sportsbooks also did well on the Chicago Bears ( +1 ) dominating the Houston Texans , 36-7 .
Despite the Texans having multiple offensive skill-position players out , the public flocked to back Houston , with 77 percent of bets and 88 percent of handle on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second-most bet game at PointsBet , and the best result of the day for the book .
The public also was upset to see a late Detroit Lions ( +8.5 ) field goal give Detroit the cover in a 31-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers .
A whopping 89 percent of spread handle at BetRivers books was on Green Bay -7.5 and 86 percent of bets and 83 percent of handle at William Hill sportsbooks were on the Packers to cover .
The Lions were the biggest afternoon need for PointsBet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wager of $ 225,000 on Green Bay -6.5 at -180 odds , after buying two points .
The biggest upset of the day — the Philadelphia Eagles beating the New Orleans Saints 24-21 as 7-point home underdogs — was a huge result for books .
At William Hill US sportsbooks , a massive 85 percent of the bets and 91 percent of the money were on New Orleans to cover .
At BetMGM , the action included a huge $ 192,000 bet on Saints -7 , which failed to cash .
In terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of the money at William Hill was also on Under 42.5 points , which failed to come through .
At BetRivers sportsbooks , only 8 percent of moneyline bets were on the Eagles .
“ In the early games , we were really hurt on the teasers since a lot of people had teased the Chiefs and the Buccaneers together , ” Thomas Gable , sportsbook director at The Borgata in Atlantic City , said .
“ Luckily for us the Eagles beat the Saints outright and eliminated a lot more teaser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for bettors was the Tennessee Titans ( -7.5 ) beating the Jacksonville Jaguars , 31-10 .
At multiple sportsbooks , more than 80 percent of bets and money were on the Titans to cover .
Bettors also did well on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( -7 ) beating the Minnesota Vikings , 26-14 .
It was the worst result of the early games at The Borgata and the third-most bet game at PointsBet sportsbooks on the day , with 68 percent of the bets and 70 percent of the money on Tampa Bay @ @ @

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It was another wild Sunday of NFL betting, and a mixed day for sportsbooks and public bettors. Favorites ending up going 8-7 against the spread, but many Unders came through as well (11-4 on the day).
The biggest win of the early games for sportsbooks was the Miami Dolphins (+7) covering against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs won 33-27, but a Miami field goal with 16 seconds left got Dolphins backers the cover. The game was the most-bet early game at PointsBet sportsbooks (80 percent of bets, 91 percent of spread money on Kansas City) and had the most money and bets of the early games at William Hill US books. The Chiefs have won but not covered their last five games, becoming the first team since the 2007 New England Patriots to accomplish that feat.
Sportsbooks also did well on the Chicago Bears (+1) dominating the Houston Texans, 36-7. Despite the Texans having multiple offensive skill-position players out, the public flocked to back Houston, with 77 percent of bets and 88 percent of handle on the Texans at PointsBet. It was the second-most bet game at PointsBet, and the best result of the day for the book.
The public also was upset to see a late Detroit Lions (+8.5) field goal give Detroit the cover in a 31-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers. A whopping 89 percent of spread handle at BetRivers books was on Green Bay -7.5 and 86 percent of bets and 83 percent of handle at William Hill sportsbooks were on the Packers to cover. The Lions were the biggest afternoon need for PointsBet. One fortunate BetMGM bettor cashed his wager of $225,000 on Green Bay -6.5 at -180 odds, after buying two points.
The biggest upset of the day — the Philadelphia Eagles beating the New Orleans Saints 24-21 as 7-point home underdogs — was a huge result for books. At William Hill US sportsbooks, a massive 85 percent of the bets and 91 percent of the money were on New Orleans to cover. At BetMGM, the action included a huge $192,000 bet on Saints -7, which failed to cash. In terms of the total, more than 90 percent of the money at William Hill was also on Under 42.5 points, which failed to come through. At BetRivers sportsbooks, only 8 percent of moneyline bets were on the Eagles.
“In the early games, we were really hurt on the teasers since a lot of people had teased the Chiefs and the Buccaneers together,” Thomas Gable, sportsbook director at The Borgata in Atlantic City, said. “Luckily for us the Eagles beat the Saints outright and eliminated a lot more teaser liability.”
One of the best games for bettors was the Tennessee Titans (-7.5) beating the Jacksonville Jaguars, 31-10. At multiple sportsbooks, more than 80 percent of bets and money were on the Titans to cover.
Bettors also did well on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-7) beating the Minnesota Vikings, 26-14. It was the worst result of the early games at The Borgata and the third-most bet game at PointsBet sportsbooks on the day, with 68 percent of the bets and 70 percent of the money on Tampa Bay to cover.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Japan’s ‘Twitter Killer’ gets death sentence for dismembering 9 people

Roger Federer ’ s speech at the Switzerland Sport Awards is sending ...

A Japanese sicko dubbed the “Twitter Killer” was sentenced to death Tuesday by a Tokyo district court for killing and hacking up nine people before being discovered to be living with their body parts.
Takahiro Shiraishi, 30, was found guilty of murdering, dismembering and storing the bodies in his apartment in Zama city in Kanagawa, on the outskirts of Tokyo, Reuters reported.
The prosecution had argued that Shiraishi contacted his victims via Twitter after they expressed suicidal thoughts, according to the Jiji news agency.
Using a handle that loosely translates as “hangman,” Shiraishi invited them to his apartment, promising to help them die, according to the local outlet, which cited the indictment.
Shiraishi’s defense team argued that he killed the victims with their approval, Kyodo News reported.
Judge Naokuni Yano ruled that the victims did not consent to being killed, and that Shiraishi was mentally fit to be held responsible in their deaths.
Shiraishi strangled and mutilated eight women and one man ages 15 to 26 from August to October 2017, according to the Japanese outlet, which added that he also was alleged to have sexually assaulted all his female victims.
Previous 1 of 3 Next Advertisement The apartment complex near Tokyo where nine dismembered bodies were discovered on Oct. 31 at the home of suspect Takahiro Shiraishi. Kyodo Police officers arrive at Takahiro Shiraishi’s apartment in Zama, Japan. AP Advertisement
The serial killings were uncovered in October 2017 by authorities investigating the disappearance of a young woman, who turned out to be one of the victims.
Officers visited Shiraishi’s apartment and discovered the victims’ body parts in cooling boxes and other storage containers, which were covered with cat litter.
He pleaded guilty to the heinous crimes recently.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Roger Federer’s tennis future in doubt after shocking speech

Roger Federer ’ s speech at the Switzerland Sport Awards is sending shockwaves across the tennis world after an alarming admission his body may deny him a return in 2021 .
Federer is pressing on with a focus on returning to tennis for a final run at Wimbledon and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics — but admits he may have already played his last match .
It throws into doubt his plans to play the 2021 Australian Open as he continues to recover from an ongoing knee injury .
During his acceptance speech after being named Switzerland ’ s greatest athlete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the award would be an “ incredible ” way to end his career if it turns out that way .
“ I hope that in 2021 I will return to the courts .
We will see , ” he said .
“ But if my career had to end here , well it would be incredible to end it with this award.
” The 39-year-old underwent knee surgery in February that kept him out of the clay court season and he eventually announced in June further complications had ruled him out for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he admits he is far from 100 percent fit , despite doing everything in his power to return to his best .
“ I didn ’ t have any setbacks since the second operation .
I ’ ve made constant progress over the last six months , ” he said .
“ I wish I was more ready but at the same time I ’ m happy where I stand .
We had a plan and decided to take as much time as we need… I ’ m still not at 100 percent.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , admitting he may not be ready for the event , scheduled to begin on Feb. 8 .
“ It ’ s a race against time for the Australian Open , we will see , ” he said .
“ I ’ m curious to see whether it will start on February 8 .
Of course it would help if I had a bit more time .
“ I would have hoped that I would be 100 percent in October .
But I am still not today .
It will be tight for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tennis commentators fearing the end is coming sooner rather than later .
Federer has played in 22 consecutive Australian Opens .
If he does make it to Australia in 2021 it will be without his family as a result of the strict biosecurity protocols and mandatory quarantine all players , staff and officials will undergo when arriving from overseas .
Federer said in July he suffered a “ setback ” during the rehabilitation from his initial arthroscopic surgery , and would subsequently not return to the court until 2021 .
“ A few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during my initial rehabilitation , I had to have an additional quick arthroscopic procedure on my right knee , ” Federer posted to Twitter at the time .
“ Now , much like I did leading up to the 2017 season , I plan to take the necessary time to be 100 percent ready to play at my highest level .
“ I will be missing my fans and the tour dearly , but I will look forward to seeing everyone back on tour at the start of the 2021 season .
”

Roger Federer’s speech at the Switzerland Sport Awards is sending shockwaves across the tennis world after an alarming admission that his body may deny him a return in 2021.
Federer is pressing on with a focus on returning to tennis for a final run at Wimbledon and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics — but admits he may have already played his last match.
It throws into doubt his plans to play the 2021 Australian Open as he continues to recover from an ongoing knee injury.
During his acceptance speech after being named Switzerland’s greatest athlete of the past 70 years, Federer said the award would be an “incredible” way to end his career if it turns out that way.
“I hope that in 2021 I will return to the courts. We will see,” he said. “But if my career had to end here, well, it would be incredible to end it with this award.”
The 39-year-old underwent knee surgery in February that kept him out of the clay court season, and he announced in June that further complications had ruled him out for the rest of 2020.
Even now he admits he is far from 100 percent fit, despite doing everything in his power to return to his best.
“I didn’t have any setbacks since the second operation. I’ve made constant progress over the last six months,” he said.
“I wish I was more ready, but at the same time, I’m happy where I stand. We had a plan and decided to take as much time as we need … I’m still not at 100 percent.”
Federer singled out the Australian Open, admitting he may not be ready for the event, scheduled to begin Feb. 8.
“It’s a race against time for the Australian Open, we will see,” he said. “I’m curious to see whether it will start on Feb. 8. Of course it would help if I had a bit more time.
“I would have hoped that I would be 100 percent in October. But I am still not today. It will be tight for the Australian Open.”
His speech left tennis commentators fearing the end is coming sooner rather than later.
Federer has played in 22 consecutive Australian Opens. If he does make it to Australia in 2021, it will be without his family as a result of the strict biosecurity protocols and mandatory quarantine that all players, staff and officials will undergo when arriving from overseas.
Federer said in July he suffered a “setback” during the rehabilitation from his initial arthroscopic surgery, and would subsequently not return to the court until 2021.
“A few weeks ago, having experienced a setback during my initial rehabilitation, I had to have an additional quick arthroscopic procedure on my right knee,” Federer posted to Twitter at the time.
“Now, much like I did leading up to the 2017 season, I plan to take the necessary time to be 100 percent ready to play at my highest level.
“I will be missing my fans and the tour dearly, but I will look forward to seeing everyone back on tour at the start of the 2021 season.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--FDA finds Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine to be safe, 94% effective

The Food and Drug Administration found Moderna ’ s coronavirus vaccine to be safe and highly effective , bolstering the shot ’ s chances of being cleared for emergency use this week .
In a 54-page report released Tuesday , FDA staff affirmed the Massachusetts biotech firm ’ s finding that the vaccine is about 94 percent effective and poses no safety concerns that would prevent the agency from granting it an emergency use authorization .
The analysis came ahead of a Thursday meeting where the FDA ’ s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee is expected to recommend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moderna ’ s vaccine the second to be rolled out across the country .
The first shots from Pfizer and BioNTech were jabbed into Americans ’ arms on Monday .
As with Pfizer ’ s vaccine , the FDA said Moderna ’ s shot was similarly effective across racial , ethnic and gender groups and that it worked well in people with medical issues that put them at a high risk of severe COVID-19 infections .
The efficacy rate in people older than 65 was slightly lower at 86.4 percent , the analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30,000-person clinical trial did report some common side effects such as headache , fatigue , muscle aches and pain at the injection site , the FDA said .
Pfizer ’ s shot has caused similar side effects .
In its own 84-page report on the vaccine study , Moderna said the data show “ that the known and potential benefits of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the known and potential risks.
” The FDA will likely move quickly to grant the emergency approval for Moderna ’ s vaccine just as it did for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearance a day after the vaccine panel recommended it , according to the Wall Street Journal .
The FDA ’ s vaccine panel will also likely pore over the data for signs of severe allergic reactions , like those that some people in the UK suffered after receiving Pfizer ’ s shot .
Both vaccines use so-called messenger RNA , genetic material that provokes an immune response to the virus by directing the body to create a tiny amount of coronavirus spike proteins .
Moderna says it will have about 20 million vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the year , enough to inoculate roughly 10 million people with two doses apiece .
Pfizer , meanwhile , expects to have about 50 million doses on hand globally this year , with about half allocated to the US .
The feds expect that 20 million Americans will be able to get their first shots by the end of the month , followed by another 30 million in January .
Moderna shares were up about 1.5 percent in premarket trading Tuesday at $ 157.40 as of 8:22 a.m .

The Food and Drug Administration found Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine to be safe and highly effective, bolstering the shot’s chances of being cleared for emergency use this week.
In a 54-page report released Tuesday, FDA staff affirmed the Massachusetts biotech firm’s finding that the vaccine is about 94 percent effective and poses no safety concerns that would prevent the agency from granting it an emergency use authorization.
The analysis came ahead of a Thursday meeting where the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee is expected to recommend that emergency approval, which would make Moderna’s vaccine the second to be rolled out across the country. The first shots from Pfizer and BioNTech were jabbed into Americans’ arms on Monday.
In its own 84-page report, Moderna said the data show “that the known and potential benefits of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the known and potential risks.”
As with Pfizer’s vaccine, the FDA said Moderna’s shot was similarly effective across racial, ethnic and gender groups and that it worked well in people with medical issues that put them at a high risk of severe COVID-19 infections.
The clinical trial of Moderna’s vaccine also produced strong evidence that it prevents serious cases of the virus, given that all 30 participants who came down with severe infections had received a placebo rather than the vaccine.
But the shot’s efficacy did vary somewhat depending on the recipient’s age, the FDA said — it was 95.6 percent effective in adults aged 18 to 64 and 86.4 percent effective in those 65 and older.
Participants in Moderna’s 30,000-person trial also reported some common side effects such as headache, fatigue, muscle aches and pain at the injection site, the FDA said. Pfizer’s shot has caused similar side effects.
The FDA said there were no “anaphylactic or severe hypersensitivity reactions” in the study that were closely related to Moderna’s vaccine. Some people in the UK suffered severe allergic reactions after receiving Pfizer’s shot.
The FDA will reportedly move quickly to grant the emergency approval for Moderna’s vaccine just as it did for Pfizer’s, which received the clearance a day after the vaccine panel recommended it. Both shots use so-called messenger RNA, genetic material that provokes an immune response to the virus by directing the body to create a tiny amount of coronavirus spike proteins.
A nurse prepares a syringe during a study of a COVID-19 vaccine.[/caption]
Moderna says it will have about 20 million vaccine doses available in the US by the end of the year, enough to inoculate roughly 10 million people with two doses apiece. Pfizer, meanwhile, expects to have about 50 million doses on hand globally this year, with about half allocated to the US.
The feds expect that 20 million Americans will be able to get their first shots by the end of the month, followed by another 30 million in January.
Moderna shares were down about 0.8 percent at $153.91 as of 9:35 a.m. Tuesday.
With Post Wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Mink in Utah is first wild animal to test positive for COVID-19

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A mink in Utah has tested positive for the contagion — the first-ever known case in a wild animal , according to officials .
While the small mammals are known to get infected — with Denmark infamously announcing plans to slaughter 17 million of them — they have until now only been found in farms .
“ To our knowledge , this is the 1st free-ranging , native wild animal confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 , ” the US Department of Agriculture said Monday as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animals from different wildlife species were sampled and all tested negative , the USDA added .
The agency said it notified the World Organisation for Animal Health but maintained there is no evidence the virus has been widespread in wild populations around infected mink farms .
Last month , an Oregon mink farm was put in quarantine after an outbreak was found — infecting staff along with the animals .
COVID-19 has been found on mink farms in Michigan and Wisconsin , along with numerous other nations , including the Netherlands , Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also been found in zoo tigers and household cats and dogs .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 is running wild in America.
A mink in Utah has tested positive for the contagion — the first-ever known case in a wild animal, according to officials.
While the small mammals are known to get infected — with Denmark infamously announcing plans to slaughter 17 million of them — they have until now only been found in farms.
“To our knowledge, this is the 1st free-ranging, native wild animal confirmed with SARS-CoV-2,” the US Department of Agriculture said Monday as it announced the alarming discovery.
Several animals from different wildlife species were sampled and all tested negative, the USDA added.
The agency said it notified the World Organisation for Animal Health but maintained there is no evidence the virus has been widespread in wild populations around infected mink farms.
Last month, an Oregon mink farm was put in quarantine after an outbreak was found — infecting staff along with the animals.
COVID-19 has been found on mink farms in Michigan and Wisconsin, along with numerous other nations, including the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden and Spain.
The virus has also been found in zoo tigers and household cats and dogs.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Vladimir Putin congratulates Biden on 2020 election victory

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President-elect Joe Biden on winning the US presidential election — after weeks of holding out until the vote was officially confirmed .
“ For my part , I am ready for interaction and contact with you , ” Putin ’ s message for the former vice president said , according to a statement released by the Kremlin on Tuesday .
The message came a day after the Electoral College affirmed Biden ’ s victory in the 2020 presidential election on Nov. 3 .
The Russian president previously said he would not recognize Biden as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a legitimate , legal way.
” In his message , Putin also wished the former vice president “ every success.
” “ Putin wished the president-elect every success and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States , which have a special responsibility for global security and stability , could , despite their differences , really help to solve the many problems and challenges facing the world , ” the Kremlin said .
Electors from the 50 states and the District of Columbia gathered on Monday to tally their ballots , giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 232 .
A candidate must amass 270 electoral votes to win the presidency .

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President-elect Joe Biden on winning the US presidential election — after weeks of holding out until the vote was officially confirmed.
“For my part, I am ready for interaction and contact with you,” Putin’s message for the former vice president said, according to a statement released by the Kremlin on Tuesday.
The message came a day after the Electoral College affirmed Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election on Nov. 3.
The Russian president previously said he would not recognize Biden as the president-elect until the results were “confirmed in a legitimate, legal way.”
In his message, Putin also wished the former vice president “every success.”
“Putin wished the president-elect every success and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States, which have a special responsibility for global security and stability, could, despite their differences, really help to solve the many problems and challenges facing the world,” the Kremlin said.
Electors from the 50 states and the District of Columbia gathered on Monday to tally their ballots, giving Biden 306 electoral votes to President Trump’s 232.
A candidate must amass 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--White House security official reportedly loses leg in fight against COVID-19

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A top White House security employee who contracted the coronavirus has lost his right foot and lower leg in his three-month battle against the deadly bug , according to a report .
Crede Bailey , who is in charge of the White House security office , was the most severely ill among dozens of coronavirus cases known to be connected to the White House , Bloomberg News reported .
He contracted the virus before the Sept. 26 Rose Garden event where President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court nominee , sources have told the outlet .
Bailey ’ s family has asked the White House not to publicize his condition , and President Trump has never publicly acknowledged his diagnosis , Bloomberg reported .
“ Crede beat COVID-19 but it came at a significant cost : his big toe on his left foot as well as his right foot and lower leg had to be amputated , ” Dawn McCrobie , who organized a GoFundMe campaign for Bailey , wrote last week .
The White House declined to say whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has raised more than $ 30,000 for Bailey ’ s rehab , according to the report .
Bailey , who is recovering at a rehab center , will be fitted for a prosthetic leg in the coming months , McCrobie wrote .
“ His family has staggering medical bills from a hospital stay of 2+ months and still counting in the ICU and a long road ahead in rehab before he can go home , ” McCrobie wrote Nov. 13 .
“ When he does make it home there will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new , and permanent , disability , ” she added .
Two people familiar with Bailey ’ s situation confirmed that McCrobie is a friend .
They asked not to be named because Bailey ’ s family has tried to keep his condition private .
Experts are still learning about the extent to which the COVID-19 can damage the body , but loss of blood flow is one possible result .
The bug is known to attack the vascular system and can cause blood clots , Bloomberg noted .
McCrobie did not respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to comment to Bloomberg News , which said its efforts to reach Bailey and members of his family have been unsuccessful .
Bailey is in charge of credentialing visitors to the White House , and he also works closely on the grounds with the Secret Service .
On Dec. 7 , McCrobie wrote that Bailey “ is blown away by your generosity.
” “ His house will need to be renovated to accommodate his disability ; ramps to get in/out of the house , the bathroom shower will have to be modified , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ etc .
etc.
, ” she wrote .
He ’ ll also require a vehicle that can accommodate a wheelchair and that can be modified so the gas pedal can be operated with Bailey ’ s left leg , she added .
“ I could go on and on but you get the picture — there are a lot of adjustments ahead !
”

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
A top White House security employee who contracted the coronavirus has lost his right foot and lower leg in his three-month battle against the deadly bug, according to a report.
Crede Bailey, who is in charge of the White House security office, was the most severely ill among dozens of coronavirus cases known to be connected to the White House, Bloomberg News reported.
He contracted the virus before the Sept. 26 Rose Garden event where President Trump announced Amy Coney Barrett as his Supreme Court nominee, sources have told the outlet.
Bailey’s family has asked the White House not to publicize his condition, and President Trump has never publicly acknowledged his diagnosis, Bloomberg reported.
“Crede beat COVID-19 but it came at a significant cost: his big toe on his left foot as well as his right foot and lower leg had to be amputated,” Dawn McCrobie, who organized a GoFundMe campaign for Bailey, wrote last week.
The White House declined to say whether the president has contributed to the effort, which has raised more than $30,000 for Bailey’s rehab, according to the report.
Bailey, who is recovering at a rehab center, will be fitted for a prosthetic leg in the coming months, McCrobie wrote.
“His family has staggering medical bills from a hospital stay of 2+ months and still counting in the ICU and a long road ahead in rehab before he can go home,” McCrobie wrote Nov. 13.
“When he does make it home there will be major changes necessary to deal with his new, and permanent, disability,” she added.
Two people familiar with Bailey’s situation confirmed that McCrobie is a friend. They asked not to be named because Bailey’s family has tried to keep his condition private.
Experts are still learning about the extent to which the COVID-19 can damage the body, but loss of blood flow is one possible result. The bug is known to attack the vascular system and can cause blood clots, Bloomberg noted.
McCrobie did not respond to messages and the White House declined to comment to Bloomberg News, which said its efforts to reach Bailey and members of his family have been unsuccessful.
Bailey is in charge of credentialing visitors to the White House, and he also works closely on the grounds with the Secret Service.
On Dec. 7, McCrobie wrote that Bailey “is blown away by your generosity.”
“His house will need to be renovated to accommodate his disability; ramps to get in/out of the house, the bathroom shower will have to be modified, handrails will have to be installed, etc. etc.,” she wrote.
He’ll also require a vehicle that can accommodate a wheelchair and that can be modified so the gas pedal can be operated with Bailey’s left leg, she added.
“I could go on and on but you get the picture — there are a lot of adjustments ahead!”


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Sea foam buries beachgoers in otherworldly sight

“ That is so good .
Where is he ?
” A beach bum seemed to disappear under a blanket @ @ @ @ @ by high winds on Froggy Beach in Gold Coast , Australia .

"That is so good. Where is he?" A beach bum seemed to disappear under a blanket of thick sea foam caused by high winds on Froggy Beach in Gold Coast, Australia.
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newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Baggage handler reportedly convicted of murdering British Airways hostess

A baggage handler has been found guilty of murdering his lover , a British Airways hostess 24 years his senior , in a “ fit of rage ” as he tried to steal her money to fund his drug habit , according to a report .
Jayesh Gobar , 36 , was convicted by a jury at Hove Crown Court of the murder of Nelly Myers , 58 , a customer service worker at London ’ s Gatwick Airport , at her home in Rotherfield , East Sussex , on Dec. 17 2019 , The Argus reported .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that is life imprisonment , but I need the assistance of counsel before I can decide what the appropriate minimum term is , ” said Judge Christine Laing , who adjourned the case for sentencing Wednesday .
Prosecutor Richard Hearnden told the trial that Myers had a “ passionate ” relationship with Gobar and was “ devoted ” to him , adding that the defendant appeared to be “ only interested in her money.
” Gobar had been jailed in 2018 for robbery after he attacked Myers at her home before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 67 — from a bank , Hearnden said , according to the news outlet .
Despite being ordered to stay away from Myers , Gobar contacted her by phone while he was in prison — and after his release last year , they continued their relationship after she sent him a friend request on Facebook .
“ Mrs .
Myers fell in love with Mr. Gobar , there is no other way of putting this , she was totally obsessed with him and was devoted to him , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and turbulent but often passionate acquaintance , ” the prosecutor continued .
“ Sexual intimacy happened but was infrequent ; while she craved company and attention , he on the other hand seemed to be only interested in her money , ” Hearnden said .
“ She was always giving him cash and he was using that cash for drugs.
” Myers ’ body was found , partially dressed , at her home on Dec. 18 , 2019 , after her son James alerted police .
She had suffered multiple injuries and died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Gobar ’ s footprint was found on paperwork in the home .
Myers ’ blood was found on his shoes when he was arrested .
“ Mr .
Gobar was not a professional killer .
He killed her in a fit of rage in order to steal from her thereby to feed a drug habit , ” he said .
Myers , who was born in Peru , worked for the country ’ s national airline before she met and married British Airways pilot Kevin Myers – but the marriage ended in @ @ @ @

A baggage handler has been found guilty of murdering his lover, a British Airways hostess 24 years his senior, in a “fit of rage” as he tried to steal her money to fund his drug habit, according to a report.
Jayesh Gobar, 36, was convicted by a jury at Hove Crown Court of the murder of Nelly Myers, 58, a customer service worker at London’s Gatwick Airport, at her home in Rotherfield, East Sussex, on Dec. 17 2019, The Argus reported.
“There is only one sentence I can pass, and that is life imprisonment, but I need the assistance of counsel before I can decide what the appropriate minimum term is,” said Judge Christine Laing, who adjourned the case for sentencing Wednesday.
Prosecutor Richard Hearnden told the trial that Myers had a “passionate” relationship with Gobar and was “devoted” to him, adding that the defendant appeared to be “only interested in her money.”
Gobar had been jailed in 2018 for robbery after he attacked Myers at her home before forcing her to take £50 – about $67 — from a bank, Hearnden said, according to the news outlet.
Despite being ordered to stay away from Myers, Gobar contacted her by phone while he was in prison — and after his release last year, they continued their relationship after she sent him a friend request on Facebook.
“Mrs. Myers fell in love with Mr. Gobar, there is no other way of putting this, she was totally obsessed with him and was devoted to him,” he said.
“What they had was an irregular and turbulent but often passionate acquaintance,” the prosecutor continued.
“Sexual intimacy happened but was infrequent; while she craved company and attention, he on the other hand seemed to be only interested in her money,” Hearnden said. “She was always giving him cash and he was using that cash for drugs.”
Myers’ body was found, partially dressed, at her home on Dec. 18, 2019, after her son James alerted police. She had suffered multiple injuries and died of severe head trauma.
The prosecutor said Gobar’s footprint was found on paperwork in the home. Myers’ blood was found on his shoes when he was arrested.
“Mr. Gobar was not a professional killer. He killed her in a fit of rage in order to steal from her thereby to feed a drug habit,” he said.
Myers, who was born in Peru, worked for the country’s national airline before she met and married British Airways pilot Kevin Myers – but the marriage ended in divorce in 2014.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--NFL Power Rankings for Week 15

NFL Power Rankings for Week 15

So , let us get this straight ?
It was determined that ...

Losses by the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints altered the No. 1 playoff seeding positions in both conferences, and they dramatically shook up spots 2-through-5 in The Post’s weekly NFL Power Rankings.
Things certainly can change again over the final three weeks of the 2020 season, but the first-round byes in the AFC and NFC playoffs currently belong to Kansas City and Green Bay.
1. Kansas City Chiefs, 12-1 (Last week: 1)
The defending Super Bowl champs returned to the site of their championship and overcame an early 10-point deficit and an uncharacteristic four turnovers Sunday to down the Dolphins and clinch their fifth straight AFC West title. Patrick Mahomes leads the NFL in passing yards, Travis Kelce leads in receiving yards and Tyreek Hill leads in touchdowns. Next: Sunday at New Orleans
Aaron Rodgers Getty Images
2. Green Bay Packers, 10-3 (5)
Aaron Rodgers (NFL-high 39 TD passes) and the Packers sealed their second straight NFC North crown and moved into the top spot in the NFC with Sunday’s divisional win in Detroit. With a win over New Orleans in September, the Packers control the tiebreaker between the teams with a chance to clinch the NFC’s lone first-round playoff bye. Next: Saturday vs. Carolina
3. Buffalo Bills, 10-3 (4)
In case you still didn’t think the Bills were for real, their defense made Ben Roethlisberger look ordinary Sunday night as they moved closer to clinching their first AFC East title since 1995. Josh Allen eclipsed Jim Kelly’s franchise record for combined TDs in a season with 35 (28 passing, six rushing and one receiving). Next: Saturday at Denver
4. Pittsburgh Steelers, 11-2 (2)
Even while rattling off 11 straight wins, we never moved the Steelers above the Chiefs into the coveted penthouse, and their flaws have fully emerged in two losses over six days. Mike Tomlin’s team still clinched its first playoff berth in three years Sunday with Miami’s loss to KC, but the Steelers have totaled just 68 rushing yards the last two games. Next: Monday at Cincinnati
5. New Orleans Saints, 10-3 (3)
The Saints had been 8-0 in games without Drew Brees over the past two seasons until losing to rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts and the previously skidding Eagles. They’ve already clinched a playoff berth, but they’ll need some help now to regain the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a daunting challenge this week. Next: Sunday vs. Kansas City
6. Seattle Seahawks, 9-4 (7)
Nothing gets a team over a rough loss like a game against the league’s worst squad, and Russell Wilson and the Seahawks bounced back from being shut down by the Giants in Week 14 with a cakewalk Sunday against the Jets. Next: Sunday at Washington
7. Los Angeles Rams, 9-4 (10)
The NFL’s top-ranked defense both in total yards and passing yards allowed all but eliminated New England from playoff contention with a complete shutdown Thursday night. Rookie running back Cam Akers also erupted for a career-best 171 rushing yards against the Pats. Next: Sunday vs. Jets
Baker Mayfield Getty Images
8. Cleveland Browns, 9-4 (6)
Cleveland had won four in a row before letting Lamar Jackson and Justin Tucker beat them late in a wild Monday night game, but now the Giants will have to hand Baker Mayfield and the Browns a second straight loss to stay alive in the NFC East. Next: Sunday night at Giants
9. Tennessee Titans, 9-4 (8)
Like the Seahawks, the Titans also took advantage of a get-well game Sunday against Jacksonville, with workhorse back Derrick Henry rushing for a season-best 215 yards and two scores for an NFL-high 1,532 with three games to play. Next: Sunday vs. Detroit
10. Indianapolis Colts, 9-4 (9)
The Colts racked up 212 rushing yards and 456 overall against the Raiders to keep pace with the Titans in the AFC South. Philip Rivers and the Indy offense scored on seven of their first eight possessions in their fourth win in five games. Next: Sunday vs. Houston
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8-5 (12)
12. Baltimore Ravens, 8-5 (14)
13. Miami Dolphins, 8-5 (11)
14. Arizona Cardinals, 7-6 (15)
15. Las Vegas Raiders, 7-6 (13)
16. Washington Football Team, 6-7 (19)
17. Minnesota Vikings, 6-7 (16)
18. New England Patriots, 6-7 (17)
19. Chicago Bears, 6-7 (22)
20. Giants, 5-8 (18)
Daniel Jones looked immobile and indecisive throughout Sunday’s step-back loss to Arizona with his balky hamstring, but the offensive line and special teams also came up small in the Giants’ biggest game of the last few years. Next: Sunday night vs. Cleveland
Marcus Maye AP
21. San Francisco 49ers, 5-8 (20)
22. Detroit Lions, 5-8 (21)
23. Denver Broncos, 5-8 (25)
24. Philadelphia Eagles, 4-8-1 (27)
25. Atlanta Falcons, 4-9 (23)
26. Dallas Cowboys, 4-9 (28)
27. Houston Texans, 4-9 (24)
28. Carolina Panthers, 4-9 (26)
29. Los Angeles Chargers, 4-9 (29)
30. Cincinnati Bengals, 2-10-1 (30)
31. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1-12 (31)
32. Jets, 0-13 (32)
Which is worse, losing in the last-second manner the Jets did last week against Las Vegas or via a no-show performance across the board for Adam Gase’s team Sunday in Seattle? It won’t get easier this week against the best defensive team in the league. Next: Sunday at LA Rams


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Popeyes security guard injured after suspect fires into restaurant

A security guard at a Popeyes in Baltimore was injured after a customer he was arguing with shot into the @ @ @ @ @ a report said .
The victim , 35 , was injured by flying debris from @ @ @ @ @ by a bullet at the fast-food restaurant ’ s location on Pulaski Highway at about @ @ @ @ @ reported , citing authorities .
The guard had been arguing with the suspect , who @ @ @ @ @ ’ s face , before leaving and shooting at the building , the report said @ @ @ @ @ no arrests were immediately made .

A security guard at a Popeyes in Baltimore was injured after a customer he was arguing with shot into the restaurant on Sunday night, a report said.
The victim, 35, was injured by flying debris from a window that was struck by a bullet at the fast-food restaurant’s location on Pulaski Highway at about 9:15 p.m., CBS Baltimore reported, citing authorities.
The guard had been arguing with the suspect, who also spat in the victim’s face, before leaving and shooting at the building, the report said.
The suspect fled and no arrests were immediately made.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Major cable networks quiet on sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo

Several major cable networks failed to report on sexual harassment allegations against Gov .
Andrew Cuomo in the wake of the Sunday accusations , according to a media watchdog group .
CBS , NBC and ABC were all silent on Sunday night — the same day Cuomo ’ s former aide Lindsey Boylan tweeted out the claims against her ex-boss , according to the Media Research Center .
The group said the same networks ’ Monday morning news shows also failed to report on the allegations , which Cuomo has denied .
Fox News , meanwhile , ran a report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
Boylan served as Cuomo ’ s deputy secretary for economic development and a special advisor from March 2015 through October 2018 , when she resigned amid scrutiny over her own workplace conduct .
She is now running for Manhattan borough president .
On Sunday , she wrote on Twitter : “ Yes , @ NYGovCuomo sexually harassed me for years .
Many saw it , and watched , ” Boylan wrote in part .
“ I could never anticipate what to expect : would I be grilled on my work ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about my looks .
Or would it be both in the same conversation ?
This was the way for years.
” But Boylan added in a subsequent tweet that she had no interest in providing more specific details on the allegations , and did not respond to multiple requests for comment .

Several major cable networks failed to report on sexual harassment allegations against Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the wake of the Sunday accusations, according to a media watchdog group.
CBS, NBC and ABC were all silent on Sunday night — the same day Cuomo’s former aide Lindsey Boylan tweeted out the claims against her ex-boss, according to the Media Research Center.
The group said the same networks’ Monday morning news shows also failed to report on the allegations, which Cuomo has denied.
Fox News, meanwhile, ran a report on the news at about 6:10 p.m. Sunday.
Boylan served as Cuomo’s deputy secretary for economic development and a special adviser from March 2015 through October 2018, when she resigned amid scrutiny of her own workplace conduct.
She is now running for Manhattan borough president.
“Yes, @NYGovCuomo sexually harassed me for years. Many saw it, and watched,” Boylan wrote Sunday on Twitter in part. “I could never anticipate what to expect: would I be grilled on my work (which was very good) or harassed about my looks. Or would it be both in the same conversation? This was the way for years.”
But Boylan added in a subsequent tweet that she had no interest in providing more specific details on the allegations, and did not respond to multiple requests for comment.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--City approves controversial $890 million school bus deal

The city ’ s Panel for Education Policy has waved through a controversial $ 890 million contract for school bus services to be run by a city-owned nonprofit that bailed out a politically-connected operator earlier this year .
City Hall formed NYC School Bus Umbrella Services , Inc. to take over Reliant Transportation and the 900 routes it oversees for kids with special needs .
The arrangement benefits Reliant co-owner Alex Lodde , who gave $ 100,000 to Mayor Bill de Blasio ’ s 2014 effort to push for a Democratic majority in the state Senate .
The five-year contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the panel voted in favor and five abstaining — an unusually high number for the PEP .
Critics of the deal have highlighted the city ’ s potential exposure to Reliant ’ s pension obligations totaling about $ 142 million .
The Post reported Sunday that drivers will refuse to work for the nonprofit unless it guarantees payment of those liabilities in full .
“ Either the nonprofit is on the hook , or we ’ ll go after Reliant — and we won ’ t wait five years , ” Michael Cordiello @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which represents Reliant ’ s 2,000 bus drivers and attendants , told The Post Sunday .
The Department of Education has argued that the takeover will improve services for disabled kids who comprise 10 percent of all student bus riders .
The city will continue to contract with private companies to serve the remaining 90 percent of kids that rely on school buses .
Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza defended the arrangement Monday , contending that it gave the DOE more control over busing services .
“ If I have to negotiate with third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it difficult not for us but for our children and our families to be able to be transported , ” he said .
Several members of city parent advisory councils questioned the deal ’ s price tag and questionable provenance at the meeting — especially amid severe coronavirus budget cuts to school programs .
Lucas Liu , of Community Education Council 3 , noted that de Blasio and Carranza will no longer hold their current positions when the final bill lands on the city ’ s table .
In addition , the nonprofit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any liabilities stemming from a withdrawal from the pension plan , sources said .
A Department of Education contracts officer said Monday he doubted the city would end up on the hook for those costs .
But when pressed , Nicolas Storelli-Castro said there were protections in the contract that would allow the city to pay those sums over extended periods if need be .

The city’s Panel for Education Policy has waved through a controversial $890 million contract for school bus services to be run by a city-owned nonprofit that bailed out a politically-connected operator earlier this year.
City Hall formed NYC School Bus Umbrella Services, Inc. to take over Reliant Transportation and the 900 routes it oversees for kids with special needs.
The arrangement benefits Reliant co-owner Alex Lodde, who gave $100,000 to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s 2014 effort to push for a Democratic majority in the state Senate.
The five-year contract passed Monday night with eight members of the panel voted in favor and five abstaining — an unusually high number for the PEP.
Critics of the deal have highlighted the city’s potential exposure to Reliant’s pension obligations totaling about $142 million.
The Post reported Sunday that drivers will refuse to work for the nonprofit unless it guarantees payment of those liabilities in full.
“Either the nonprofit is on the hook, or we’ll go after Reliant — and we won’t wait five years,” Michael Cordiello, president of ATU Local 1181, which represents Reliant’s 2,000 bus drivers and attendants, told The Post Sunday.
The Department of Education has argued that the takeover will improve services for 10 percent of all student bus riders.
The city will continue to contract with private companies to serve the remaining 90 percent of kids that rely on school buses.
Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza defended the arrangement Monday, contending that it gave the DOE more control over busing services.
“If I have to negotiate with third party vendors around our transportation it makes it difficult not for us but for our children and our families to be able to be transported,” he said.
Several members of city parent advisory councils questioned the deal’s price tag and questionable provenance at the meeting — especially amid severe coronavirus budget cuts to school programs.
Lucas Liu, of Community Education Council 3, noted that de Blasio and Carranza will no longer hold their current positions when the final bill lands on the city’s table.
In addition, the nonprofit will protect Reliant’s ownership from any liabilities stemming from a withdrawal from the pension plan, sources said.
A Department of Education contracts officer said Monday he doubted the city would end up on the hook for those costs.
But when pressed, Nicolas Storelli-Castro said there were protections in the contract that would allow the city to pay those sums over extended periods if need be.
Additional reporting by Susan Edelman


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Jewish man run over during possible anti-Semitic attack in Kentucky

A Jewish man in Kentucky was run over during a Hanukkah celebration in an apparent anti-Semitic attack on Saturday , authorities said .
The 36-year-old victim was standing on a curb outside Chabad House near the University of Kentucky around 7:30 p.m. when the driver in a dark-colored SUV pulled up and began shouting possible anti-Semitic words at him , Lexington police told CNN .
The Chabad of Bluegrass said in a Facebook post that the driver grabbed the man ’ s arm and accelerated the vehicle , dragging the victim for a block before running over his leg and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries .
He was released Sunday .
Police have neither identified the victim nor the driver .
The Chabad of Bluegrass described the victim as a hero who insisted on lighting the menorah , “ and not allow darkness to quench our light.
” “ Someone yelled , ‘ Call 911 , ’ and he said , ‘ First let ’ s light the menorah , I ’ m not going to allow that to stop us from celebrating our faith and spreading the light , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” Chabad of the Bluegrass ’ s Rabbi Litvin told WKYT .
Gov .
Andy Beshear condemned the attack saying it was an “ outrage.
” “ This hate has absolutely no place in the commonwealth as we build a better Kentucky that is fair and equitable for all of our people , ” Beshear tweeted Sunday .

A Jewish man in Kentucky was run over during a Hanukkah celebration in an apparent anti-Semitic attack on Saturday, authorities said.
The 36-year-old victim was standing on a curb outside Chabad House near the University of Kentucky around 7:30 p.m. when the driver in a dark-colored SUV pulled up and began shouting possible anti-Semitic words at him, Lexington police told CNN.
The Chabad of Bluegrass said in a Facebook post that the driver grabbed the man’s arm and accelerated the vehicle, dragging the victim for a block before running over his leg and speeding off.
The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He was released Sunday.
Police have neither identified the victim nor the driver.
The Chabad of Bluegrass described the victim as a hero who insisted on lighting the menorah, “and not allow darkness to quench our light.”
“Someone yelled, ‘Call 911,’ and he said, ‘First let’s light the menorah, I’m not going to allow that to stop us from celebrating our faith and spreading the light, which is the very message of Chanukah,’” Chabad of the Bluegrass’s Rabbi Litvin told WKYT.
Gov. Andy Beshear condemned the attack saying it was an “outrage.”
“This hate has absolutely no place in the commonwealth as we build a better Kentucky that is fair and equitable for all of our people,” Beshear tweeted Sunday.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Ben & Jerry’s Ben Cohen fighting to free Julian Assange

Ben & Jerry ’ s co-founder Ben Cohen is fighting to free WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and is working with nonprofit , Assange Defense .
“ Assange is a very principled person who risked his personal well-being to let everyone know what our country is doing in our name and with our money , ” Cohen tells Page Six .
“ I think that we have a right to know that .
He published something that the government didn ’ t want people to know .
And now the government wants to kill the messenger and they are literally doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicted on 17 charges of espionage , is currently being held at London ’ s Belmarsh prison , which is experiencing a Covid outbreak .
He is awaiting a judge ’ s decision on whether he will be extradited to the US .
Cohen , who says he visited Assange when he was in the Ecuadorian Embassy , tells us , “ It ’ s kind of a question of human rights and a question of freedom of speech and freedom of the press … I think the government is a bunch of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They are freaked out about this newfangled internet thing .
They are treating him differently because he ’ s an internet publisher instead of a more traditional newspaper publisher.
” While Ben & Jerry ’ s just released a flavor honoring Colin Kaepernick , don ’ t hold your breath for a similar one for Assange ; Cohen tells us he is no longer active in that kind of decision making .
Cohen is just one of several high profile voices backing Assange , including Pamela Anderson and Oliver Stone .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assange .

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen is fighting to free WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and is working with nonprofit, Assange Defense.
“Assange is a very principled person who risked his personal well-being to let everyone know what our country is doing in our name and with our money,” Cohen tells Page Six. “I think that we have a right to know that. He published something that the government didn’t want people to know. And now the government wants to kill the messenger and they are literally doing that.”
Assange, who has been indicted on 17 charges of espionage, is currently being held at London’s Belmarsh prison, which is experiencing a Covid outbreak. He is awaiting a judge’s decision on whether he will be extradited to the US.
Cohen, who says he visited Assange when he was in the Ecuadorian Embassy, tells us, “It’s kind of a question of human rights and a question of freedom of speech and freedom of the press … I think the government is a bunch of old people, kind of like me. They are freaked out about this newfangled internet thing. They are treating him differently because he’s an internet publisher instead of a more traditional newspaper publisher.”
While Ben & Jerry’s just released a flavor honoring Colin Kaepernick, don’t hold your breath for a similar one for Assange; Cohen tells us he is no longer active in that kind of decision making.
Cohen is just one of several high profile voices backing Assange, including Pamela Anderson and Oliver Stone. There has been talk that Trump may pardon Assange.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Ex-Gawker editor withdraws defamation lawsuit against Daily Beast

Tim Cook reportedly put the kibosh on an Apple TV ...

An editor who got tapped to lead an ill-fated effort to revive Gawker last year has withdrawn a defamation suit against an ex-employee — but claims she’s being intimidated by lawyers.
Carson Griffith — who in January 2019 got accused in a lengthy Daily Beast exposé of making racist and homophobic remarks just days after she began work at Gawker — withdrew her complaint late last week against former underling Maya Kosoff, who Griffith alleges was one of the sources behind a story that has destroyed her career.
In addition to Kosoff, Griffith earlier this year sued the Daily Beast itself, as well as one of its editors and reporters, over its Jan. 23, 2019, story, which claimed Griffith made offensive remarks in the office “about everything from poor people to black writers to her acquaintance’s penis size.”
Griffith is still pursuing her lawsuit against the Daily Beast, claiming in court documents that the story’s author, Maxwell Tani — who admits in the piece that one of his sources was a “former colleague and personal friend” — was only reporting “partial sections of Slack conversations and e-mail exchanges” that were taken out of context.
Nevertheless, Griffith told Media Ink she is pulling out of the legal battle with Kosoff because Kosoff’s pro bono legal team is threatening to saddle Griffith with bills should she lose her case. The lawyers, from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP), cited the “anti-SLAPP” (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) laws recently signed into law by Gov. Cuomo, Griffith said.
The anti-SLAPP law Cuomo signed last month was designed to curb frivolous lawsuits filed by wealthy individuals who can spend big bucks and drag out litigation against people exercising their right to free speech. The law allows the court to order the plaintiff to pay the attorney’s fees for the defendant if the case is dismissed and other requirements are met.
But Griffith claims she hardly has deep pockets and that Kosoff and the Daily Beast are using intimidation tactics and mangling the intent of the law. Griffith has not landed a journalism job since exiting the Bustle Digital Group as the relaunch of Gawker blew up.
“These actions by the Reporters Committee are disappointing and concerning,” Griffith told Media Ink. “This was never about monetarily winning. I just wanted an apology, and to show that the vile accusations that Maya Kosoff and the Daily Beast lodged against me aren’t true.”
Kosoff, now working for a PR and marketing firm, did not return an e-mail seeking comment. Her RCFP lawyers, Jennifer Nelson and Katie Townsend, also did not return calls, nor did a third attorney on the case, Christine Walz at Holland & Knight.
Griffith was hired by Bustle to revive Gawker after the original site got sunk in 2016 by a defamation suit brought by Hulk Hogan, which resulted in a $140 million jury verdict that bankrupted it. But Griffith soon clashed her two hires, Kosoff and Anna Breslaw, who quit and tell the Daily Beast in a joint statement, “We can’t continue to work under someone who is antithetical to our sensibility and journalistic ethics.” Breslaw couldn’t be reached for comment.
Griffith filed an amended complaint against the Daily Beast, its editor-in-chief and Tani in September claiming that the story wasn’t fact-checked and that she was never contacted prior to publication.
The Daily Beast, which has asked the court to dismiss the amended case against it, Tani and editor Noah Shachtman, did not comment on the latest developments. Shortly after the suit by Griffith was originally filed, Shachtman told The Post, “This is a well-sourced story, with multiple sources backed up by documentary evidence. Unfortunately, Ms. Griffith’s suit isn’t nearly as solid. We stand by our reporting.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Daniel Jones debacle has offensive line coach feeling ‘terrible’

The last thing Dave DeGuglielmo wanted to talk about was the eight sacks allowed by the Giants in their 26-7 loss to the Cardinals.
They happened, though.
“Good teams can pass block when everybody knows you have to throw the ball,’’ DeGuglielmo said Tuesday. “Good offensive lines can do that. We were not a good offensive line the other day. Yeah, I feel terrible about it. I feel terrible for the guy who is taking the hits, that’s who I feel terrible about it for.’’
Quarterback Daniel Jones took the hits and the offensive linemen took the brunt of the criticism from their coach. DeGuglielmo took over during the bye in Week 11 after Marc Colombo was fired, then the Giants beat the Bengals and Seahawks, with the line leading the way. The unit took a step back as a four-game winning streak came to an end Sunday and the colorful assistant did not mince words about the regression.
He was not happy with the way the line handled the tackle-end stunts by the Cardinals defensive line, breakdowns that caused several sacks.
“Well, I think if you watch the film it really hasn’t been handled well all year,’’ DeGuglielmo said.
Daniel Jones Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
The running game averaged a healthy 4.6 yards per attempt but ran it only 17 times, with a long gain of 16 yards.
“I don’t think our double-teams were very good,’’ DeGuglielmo said. “We’ve made that a point of emphasis and we just didn’t rise to the occasion.’’
Is it fair to day the way Jones struggled, laboring on a strained right hamstring, unable to run, that it was akin to playing with one hand tied behind his back?
“That’s probably fair, to an extent,’’ quarterbacks coach Jerry Schuplinski said. “That’s one of the better things he does, that’s what makes him who he is. I can think of a couple of plays off the top of my head where he kind of broke out and got out and you could tell he wanted to run but he had to be a little bit smart with it. He threw one away and did what he had to do. Yeah, certainly limited.’’
It is no secret outside linebackers coach Bret Bielema is interested in returning to college. He was the head coach at Wisconsin and Arkansas and his name surfaces often when an opening arises. He has been linked to the job at Illinois, where Lovie Smith was recently fired. Bielema is well-versed in the Big Ten — he played at Iowa — and is from the state of Illinois.
“It’s always a blessing to hear your name mentioned for different opportunities but I really do just concentrate on my task at hand, here in the office grinding out for Sunday’s game,’’ Bielema said. “I worry about the job I have and hopefully people take notice of the job I do.’’
Freddie Kitchens made it through one year in Cleveland as the head coach. He went 6-10 in 2019 and then was dismissed, resurfacing as the Giants’ tight end coach. The Browns are 9-4 entering Sunday’s game with the Giants.
“Well, first of all, I couldn’t be happier for the fans of Cleveland,’’ Kitchens said. “They’ve waited a long time to have something like that to go to the games and cheer for. But there are no two teams that are ever the same. We say that every year. This team is playing very well. They’re very talented, they’ve always been very talented. They’re well-coached. They’re playing hard. They’re doing all of the things necessary to have a successful season.’’


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--Scott Boras is fan of Steve Cohen’s ‘big apples’

The catching situation is set , but the Mets still could ...

Scott Boras is done taking shots at the Mets — for now.
The agent praised new owner Steve Cohen, new general manager Jared Porter, as well as their new catcher, James McCann, during a Zoom call Tuesday.
“It’s nice to have an ownership with big apples,’’ Boras said of Cohen, who has promised to use his resources to improve the franchise after buying it from the Wilpons, Boras’ frequent targets.
As for McCann, Boras said, “They didn’t let anybody eat their lunch. They went out and got a Big Mac.”
And Boras also had kind words for Porter, who was named general manager this week.
“They didn’t go out and get the Hamburglar, but they got themselves a porterhouse,” Boras said.
With the signing of McCann for four years and $40 million and right-hander Trevor May for two years and $15.5 million, Boras said “the Mets are now shopping in the organic produce aisle.”
It’s a far cry from some of Boras’ comments about the Mets in the past, when he famously criticized their lack of spending, especially in the wake of the Bernie Madoff scandal. Over the years, Boras called out the Mets for shopping for free agents “in the freezer section” and the “fruit and nuts aisle.”
Team president Sandy Alderson, as he starts his second tenure in Queens, said the Mets have been in the “gourmet aisle” this offseason. George Springer and Trevor Bauer are still there.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--New Jersey firehouse shut down after COVID-19 exposures at party

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic .
A New Jersey fire department shut down one of its stations after several firefighters were exposed to COVID-19 during an unauthorized holiday gathering .
Operations at Verona Fire Department ’ s Station No .
2 in Essex County have been “ temporarily suspended ” said township manager Matthew Cavallo in a statement released on Sunday evening .
“ The holiday gathering was not authorized by the Township and actions have been taken to ensure similar incidents will not happen in the future , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an abundance of caution , the use of Fire Station No .
2 has been temporarily suspended .
All members who may have been exposed directly or indirectly are required to quarantine pursuant to the guidelines promulgated by the CDC and NJ Department of Health.
” It ’ s not clear when the event happened or how many firefighters were potentially exposed .
“ Our utmost concern is always the safety of our residents and the members of this department , ” Cavallo stated .
“ With these deliberate steps , residents and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cavallo ’ s statement did not indicate if any department members would be disciplined for the event .
Cavallo was not available to comment as of Tuesday evening .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
A New Jersey fire department shut down one of its stations after several firefighters were exposed to COVID-19 during an unauthorized holiday gathering.
Operations at Verona Fire Department’s Station No. 2 in Essex County have been “temporarily suspended” said township manager Matthew Cavallo in a statement released on Sunday evening.
“The holiday gathering was not authorized by the Township and actions have been taken to ensure similar incidents will not happen in the future,” wrote Cavallo.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the use of Fire Station No. 2 has been temporarily suspended. All members who may have been exposed directly or indirectly are required to quarantine pursuant to the guidelines promulgated by the CDC and NJ Department of Health.”
It’s not clear when the event happened or how many firefighters were potentially exposed.
“Our utmost concern is always the safety of our residents and the members of this department,” Cavallo stated. “With these deliberate steps, residents and businesses will remain safe and protected.”
Cavallo’s statement did not indicate if any department members would be disciplined for the event.
Cavallo was not available to comment as of Tuesday evening.


newyorkpost--2020-12-15--St. John the Divine shooter left note saying he planned to take hostages

The man gunned down by police after he opened fire outside of an Upper Manhattan church left a note saying he planned to take hostages — but did not intend to harm them , sources said .
Luis Vasquez , 52 , a native of the Dominican Republic , also expressed outrage over his perceived relations between the US and Latin America , according to the note that was left in his pocket .
“ U.S .
regime which has committed robbery and more against the people of Latin America , ” read part of the message .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first reported by NBC New York , Vasquez said he wanted Latin America to receive more financial help .
Vasquez lived in the Bronx with his mother , and inside the apartment , investigators found what were described by a law enforcement source as “ unhinged ” rants and manifestos .
Vasquez was shot dead by police Sunday afternoon at the entrance of Cathedral of St. John the Divine .
He showed up after a Christmas carol performance on the church ’ s steps , fired several shots with two handguns and yelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to responding officers .
He was in the US on a travel visa that expired the day he was killed , sources said .
He had a criminal record dating to 1990 , when he was charged with attempted murder for firing at police and an unidentified woman , records show .
State correction officials said he was released to immigration custody in 1994 after pleading the case down to a weapons possession charge .
He was rearrested in 2007 and again released to immigration authorities .
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for details on Vasquez ’ s case .

The man who opened fire outside The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine left a note saying he planned to take hostages but did not intend to harm them, sources said.
Luis Vasquez, 52, a native of the Dominican Republic, also expressed outrage over how he felt the United States treated Latin America, according to the note, which police found in his pocket.
“U.S. regime which has committed robbery and more against the people of Latin America,” read part of the message.
In the note, the existence of which was first reported by NBC New York, Vasquez said he wanted Latin America to receive more financial help.
Vasquez lived in The Bronx with his mother, and inside the apartment investigators found what were described by a law-enforcement source as “unhinged” rants and manifestos.
He was in the US on a travel visa that expired Sunday, the day he sprayed gunfire from the top of the church steps before he was shot dead by police.
Vasquez showed up after a Christmas carol performance outside the church, fired several shots with two handguns and yelled, “Kill me!” and “Shoot me” to responding officers.
In a video of the incident recorded by a witness, two on-duty NYPD officers are seen taking cover behind a garbage can while yelling at Vasquez to drop his weapons.
When Vasquez refuses, the officers open fire, striking him in the head.
Police said Vasquez had a full container of gasoline, knives, rope and a Bible in the backpack he wore doing his rampage.
Records show he had a criminal record dating back to 1990, when he was charged with attempted murder for firing at police and an unidentified woman.
State correction officials said he was released to immigration custody in 1994 after pleading the case down to a weapons-possession charge.
He was rearrested in 2007 and again released to immigration authorities.
Vasquez was also hit with a drug-sale charge in 1989, as well as a marijuana charge in The Bronx in 2012 and a turnstile-jumping offense in 2007.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately respond to a request for details on Vasquez’s case.
On Tuesday, the Rev. Clifton Daniel, dean of the world-famous Morningside Heights cathedral, said he forgives Vasquez and sympathizes with his family.