newyorkpost--2020-03-17--‘Top Chef’ star Gail Simmons’ tips for cooking at home with kids

It ’ s time to pack your knives and … stay home with your kids .
When she ’ s not judging the world ’ s best culinary talent on “ Top Chef ” ( premiering its 17th season Thursday on Bravo ) , Gail Simmons heads up her Brooklyn kitchen — where her two kids are often making a mess .
And that ’ s truer than ever during the coronavirus lockdown .
“ We tried to cook together as a family at least a couple of times a week before , but now , obviously , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simmons , 43 , tells The Post of daughter Dahlia , 6 , and son Kole , 22 months .
It ’ s something to do during boring stretches at home , and it ’ s also sneaky education , she says .
“ Seeing the preparation and the process of how food comes together through cooking is great family bonding time , and it teaches kids skills like math , science , chemistry , biology and reading.
” Here are her tips for cooking with children .
Plop them nearby and get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you preparing meals in the kitchen , they ’ ll want to emulate it , ” Simmons says .
“ In fact , ‘ cooking , ’ ‘ mixing ’ and ‘ baking ’ were some of my son ’ s first words.
” “ The beauty of a kitchen is that kids don ’ t need toys in there , ” Simmons says .
“ My kids will be on the kitchen floor playing with safe tools like wooden spoons , whisks , small spatulas and plastic containers while I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her toddler loves pushing the button on the salad spinner , while her daughter enjoys making “ ants on a log ” ( celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins ) .
Granted , her daughter usually ends up covered in peanut butter — but when her kids help in some way , even if it ’ s small like washing carrots , it keeps them engaged and interested in the meal to come .
A salad is a canvas for creative kids .
Simmons ’ daughter Dahlia loves to make colorful ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” shredded carrots make perfect “ hair ” and an avocado dollop works for a “ nose.
” Simmons says she and her daughter bake together often .
Dahlia loves throwing anything she can into batter , to mixed effect : Simmons supports the berries in pancakes , but plucks the eggshells out .
She suggests sticking to recipes that can take a little improvisation .
“ I like making bundt cakes and banana bread because you can mess them up , ” Simmons says .
“ Even if the kids get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much of something , it still comes out fine.
” Yes , cooking with kids gets messy , Simmons says .
Don ’ t try to fix it — just embrace it .
“ Throw an apron or smock on them , ” she says .
“ Making a mess and making mistakes is how you learn to cook .
”

It’s time to pack your knives and … stay home with your kids.
When she’s not judging the world’s best culinary talent on “Top Chef” (premiering its 17th season Thursday on Bravo), Gail Simmons heads up her Brooklyn kitchen — where her two kids are often making a mess. And that’s truer than ever during the coronavirus lockdown.
“We tried to cook together as a family at least a couple of times a week before, but now, obviously, we’re cooking together even more,” Simmons, 43, tells The Post of daughter Dahlia, 6, and son Kole, 22 months. It’s something to do during boring stretches at home, and it’s also sneaky education, she says. “Seeing the preparation and the process of how food comes together through cooking is great family bonding time, and it teaches kids skills like math, science, chemistry, biology and reading.”
Here are her tips for cooking with children.
Start by letting them watch
Plop them nearby and get to work. “When kids see you preparing meals in the kitchen, they’ll want to emulate it,” Simmons says. “In fact, ‘cooking,’ ‘mixing’ and ‘baking’ were some of my son’s first words.”
Treat cooking tools like toys
“The beauty of a kitchen is that kids don’t need toys in there,” Simmons says. “My kids will be on the kitchen floor playing with safe tools like wooden spoons, whisks, small spatulas and plastic containers while I’m cooking on the counter.”
Put them to work!
Simmons says her toddler loves pushing the button on the salad spinner, while her daughter enjoys making “ants on a log” (celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins). Granted, her daughter usually ends up covered in peanut butter — but when her kids help in some way, even if it’s small like washing carrots, it keeps them engaged and interested in the meal to come.
Play with your food
A salad is a canvas for creative kids. Simmons’ daughter Dahlia loves to make colorful ones — with leaves as the “face,” shredded carrots make perfect “hair” and an avocado dollop works for a “nose.”
Try un-screw-uppable standbys
Simmons says she and her daughter bake together often. Dahlia loves throwing anything she can into batter, to mixed effect: Simmons supports the berries in pancakes, but plucks the eggshells out. She suggests sticking to recipes that can take a little improvisation. “I like making bundt cakes and banana bread because you can mess them up,” Simmons says. “Even if the kids get in the way or add in too much of something, it still comes out fine.”
Don’t sweat the mess
Yes, cooking with kids gets messy, Simmons says. Don’t try to fix it — just embrace it. “Throw an apron or smock on them,” she says. “Making a mess and making mistakes is how you learn to cook.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-17--Vanessa Hudgens apologizes for insensitive coronavirus comments

Vanessa Hudgens has officially apologized for making insensitive comments regarding the deadly coronavirus .
The actress , 31 , posted her apology on Twitter after being called to the carpet for saying that it ’ s inevitable that many people will die during the current pandemic .
Fans were especially upset because the comment appeared to stem from Hudgens ’ disappointment that Coachella has been postponed .
“ I ’ m sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone who has seen the clip from my Instagram live yesterday , ” Hudgens wrote Tuesday .
“ I realize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all appropriate for the situation in our country and the world we are in right now .
This has been a huge wake-up call about the significance my words have , now more than ever .
I ’ m sending safe wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy during this crazy time.
” The “ Bad Boys for Life ” actress also posted a video to Instagram an hour prior saying she believes her original comments were “ taken out of context.
” “ Hey guys , so yesterday I did an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of my comments are being taken out of context .
It ’ s a crazy time , it ’ s a crazy , crazy time and I am at home and in lockdown , ” she explained .
“ And that ’ s what I hope you guys are doing too — in full quarantine — and staying safe and sane .
Yeah , I don ’ t take this situation lightly by any means .
I am home.
” Likely responding to President Trump ’ s comments that the crisis could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hudgens said in her original Instagram post , “ Um yeah , til July sounds like a bunch of bulls–t .
I ’ m sorry .
But like , it ’ s a virus .
I get it like , I respect it , but at the same time like even if everybody gets it , like yeah , people are going to die , which is terrible , but like inevitable ?
” she continued .
“ I don ’ t know , maybe I shouldn ’ t be doing this right @ @ @

Vanessa Hudgens has officially apologized for making insensitive comments regarding the deadly coronavirus.
The actress, 31, posted her apology on Twitter after being called to the carpet for saying that it’s inevitable that many people will die during the current pandemic. Fans were especially upset because the comment appeared to stem from Hudgens’ disappointment that Coachella has been postponed.
“I’m sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone who has seen the clip from my Instagram live yesterday,” Hudgens wrote Tuesday. “I realize my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation in our country and the world we are in right now. This has been a huge wake-up call about the significance my words have, now more than ever. I’m sending safe wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy during this crazy time.”
The “Bad Boys for Life” actress also posted a video to Instagram an hour prior saying she believes her original comments were “taken out of context.”
“Hey guys, so yesterday I did an Instagram Live and I realized today that some of my comments are being taken out of context. It’s a crazy time, it’s a crazy, crazy time and I am at home and in lockdown,” she explained. “And that’s what I hope you guys are doing too — in full quarantine — and staying safe and sane. Yeah, I don’t take this situation lightly by any means. I am home.”
Likely responding to President Trump’s comments that the crisis could possibly last through July and August, Hudgens said in her original Instagram post, “Um yeah, til July sounds like a bunch of bulls–t. I’m sorry. But like, it’s a virus. I get it like, I respect it, but at the same time like even if everybody gets it, like yeah, people are going to die, which is terrible, but like inevitable?” she continued.
“I don’t know, maybe I shouldn’t be doing this right now.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-17--Trump, Cuomo now buddy-buddy in coronavirus response after ‘great talk’

Gov .
Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday tried to assure reporters that ...

President Trump praised Andrew Cuomo for doing a “really great job” on the coronavirus Tuesday — just a day after slamming the governor on Twitter.
The president told reporters at the White House he had a “great talk” with Cuomo Tuesday morning and that they are working together on COVID-19, including to set up new hospitals requested by Cuomo.
“We’re both doing a really great job and we’re coordinating things,” Trump said. He added that a “hotspot” of virus transmission in New York is “not the fault of anybody.”
New York now has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US. As of Tuesday morning, there were nearly 1,400. Washington state is second with fewer than 1,000 cases.
The tone was a dramatic contrast from Monday’s social media sniping, with Trump writing “Cuomo of New York has to ‘do more’,” and the governor hitting back: “Happy to do your job, too. Just give me control of the Army Corps of Engineers and I’ll take it from there.”
Trump said he and Cuomo are working to determine when it would be necessary for the feds to step in to boost hospital capacity.
“By speaking with Gov. Cuomo and other governors, we’re going to know the points,” Trump said. “New York has got a big problem. The State of Washington has a big problem. California has some big problems. Everyone’s doing a good job, but we’re going to know what it will be.”
On hotspots, Trump said: “We’re going to be in there. We’re already making preparation for it.”
Cuomo also publicly offered an olive branch, saying at a press conference Tuesday, “I put my hand out in partnership” and “I think the president was 100 percent sincere in saying that he wanted to work together.”
“I want to say thank you,” Cuomo said. “They will have nothing but cooperation and partnership from the state of New York.”
Trump said at the White House that the pandemic has a silver lining in improving party relations. “Getting along with Democrats, getting along with Republicans … there’s been a lot of spirit, there’s been a lot of things happening that I haven’t seen happen in the first now three and a half years, that’s one of the good things,” Trump said.
But on Tuesday morning, Trump attacked a different Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, writing on Twitter she was “failing.”
“I only do that when I have to respond,” Trump explained at the press conference.
“I watched her on television, she said something that was false, and therefore I did do that, and I will continue to do that. If they’re not going to play fair — because, you know, they have the media on their side, I don’t. I just have me — and if they’re not going to play fair I’m going to do that. If they are going to play fair there’s going to be nobody, there’s going to be nobody better than Donald Trump in terms of bipartisanship.”
He added: “I want it to be bipartisan and nobody’s going to be better than me, but when they attack me or the people, these incredible people behind me, I’m not going to let them get away with it. I can’t do that.”
Later in the briefing, Trump broke further from his appreciation of bipartisanship to blast presidential candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders for faulting his response. And Trump threw in a kick for former President Barack Obama.
“If you look at swine flu, the whole thing in I guess it was 2009. And what they did and the mistakes they made, they were terrible they were horrific mistakes. 17,000 people died, and I’ll be honest, they shouldn’t be criticizing because we’ve done a fantastic job,” Trump said. “The only thing we haven’t done well is to get good press. We’ve done a fantastic job and it hasn’t been appreciated.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-17--Tom Brady ‘expected’ to sign with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Wicked ( Good ) Quarterback of the ( AFC ) East is gone ... .

Tom Brady’s departure was not completely unexpected. His likely destination certainly is.
Brady is leaving the New England Patriots — and reportedly headed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Like his idol Joe Montana and rival Peyton Manning before him, Brady will finish his career in an unfamiliar uniform after he announced via social media on Tuesday morning that he is moving on via free agency after 20 seasons, six Super Bowl wins in nine appearances, and three NFL MVPs to go with four Super Bowl MVPs.
“I don’t know what the future holds,” Brady wrote, “but it is time for me to open a new stage for my life and career.”
By the end of the day, the Buccaneers emerged as the winner of the Brady sweepstakes.
Just how many teams were involved is a mystery because at least eight (including the Raiders, 49ers and Dolphins) were considered interested over the course of the last few weeks. Both the Buccaneers and Chargers — two franchises with one Super Bowl appearance apiece in the final running — topped $30 million per year with their offers, according to NFL Network.
Brady’s desire to remain on the East Coast and close to his family — with homes in Connecticut and New York City — is said to have been a deciding factor. It is the main reason the Giants commonly were floated — and then quickly refuted — as a landing spot for Brady during the NFL Scouting Combine.
NFL free agents officially can change teams beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday. It is not clear when Brady will sign. NFL facilities are on lockdown — no visits, physicals or introductory press conferences — because of the coronavirus pandemic.
With the Buccaneers, Brady will team with record-breaking receiver Mike Evans, rising star receiver Chris Godwin and a strong tight end tandem of O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate. They are in the market for top free-agent running back Melvin Gordon.
“I had hoped this day would never come, but rather that Tom would end his remarkable career in a Patriots uniform after yet another Super Bowl championship,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement to allow that dream to become a reality.”
Even with the genius of Bill Belichick stalking the sidelines, it is easy to see this as the end of a dynasty. The Patriots won 16 of the last 17 AFC East titles — only missing out during the season Brady missed all but one game due to injury — and Brady started a record 13 conference championship games.
The Jets, surging Bills and free-spending Dolphins suddenly have a second life.
Belichick is 13-6 with Matt Cassel, Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett as fill-in starters. But none of those three are around now to join journeyman Cody Kessler and 2019 fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham on the depth chart.
The Patriots have been preparing for Brady to retire for years and for his possible departure since he fought last offseason for a raise and no franchise tag in 2020, so Belichick no doubt has a Plan B. Possible trade candidates include Nick Foles and Andy Dalton, and the Patriots hold the No. 23 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Brady released two statements: One thanking all his teammates, coaches, executives, Kraft and staff for “the daily commitment to winning and creating a culture built on great values,” and a second just for the fans.
“The support has been overwhelming,” Brady wrote. “I wish every player could experience it.”
In the three months since the season ended, negotiations on a new contract never got serious. The Patriots reportedly were waiting on Brady to make the first move and indicate his desire to be back, and Brady reportedly wanted to be shown greater respect.
Other than an unproductive phone call earlier this month, there was silence among Brady, Belichick and Kraft — three models of organizational symmetry for 20 years. Belichick denied a rift in their “great” relationship.
“Sometimes in life, it takes some time to pass before truly appreciating something or someone, but that has not been the case with Tom,” Belichick said. “He is a special person and the greatest quarterback of all-time.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-17--Today’s coronavirus update: Feds to splash cash, Nets test positive

Business is ruff for Big Apple dog walkers , as they ...

As the coronavirus begins to take its toll on the economy, the federal government on Tuesday said it was working to put cash directly in the hands of Americans.
“We are looking at sending checks to Americans immediately,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters. “Americans need cash now and the president wants to get cash now. And I mean now, in the next two weeks.”
The cash infusion would be part of an $850 billion stimulus package that Mnuchin is discussing with Senate Republicans — $50 billion of that which go to the embattled airline industry.
Get the latest developments on the coronavirus straight to your inbox by signing up for our special edition newsletter.
Here’s what else we learned today:
Sigh of relief:
Here’s one less thing to worry about for now: The IRS is giving Americans a three-month reprieve on paying their taxes this year — or until July 15 instead of April 15.
Nets catch it:
Four members of the Brooklyn Nets have tested positive for the coronavirus — including superstar Kevin Durant.
Stocks surge:
US stocks rebounded — one day after they took their worst hit since the crash of 1987 — as the Federal Reserve and the White House unveiled fresh moves to ease the economic mayhem that’s being wreaked by the epidemic.
Stars struck:
Fighting Irish:
One small group of New Yorkers tried to keep the 250-year St. Patrick’s Day Parade tradition alive, despite it being indefinitely postponed over the coronavirus.
But pubs across the Big Apple were empty.
Meanwhile…


newyorkpost--2020-03-17--How Big Apple dog walkers are handling coronavirus

Rest easy sports bettors — you can still wager on ...

Business is ruff for Big Apple dog walkers, as they grapple with people working from home, an increased likelihood of coronavirus exposure and a looming uncertainty about what the next day will bring.
“The industry is taking a huge huge hit right now. We are at about 50-70% less of our usual schedules,” said Laura Melillo, 35, who runs the Brooklyn-based Chas Co Custom Pet Care.
“I have a lot of friends in the industry so I talk to some who’ve lost 90% of their clients in two days.”
Melillo said business is down mostly because people are working from home and have the opportunity to walk their dogs.
“We’re fortunate to have some very kind clients and very loyal clients who are keeping us even though they are working from home … we’re hoping to be able to hang on until things return to some degree of normalcy,” Melillo said.
Dog walker Luke Tracy, 38, told The Post he’s washing his hands “as much as” he can to stay safe. “I’m just asking people to come to the door and hand me their leash when they’re there — right now everybody is,” Tracy said with five dogs beside him.
Melillo said she’s using disinfectant spray for the leashes, hand sanitizer, frequent hand washing and gloves to keep her, and her clients, safe.
“Just the whole nine yards,” Melillo explained.
“I’m also kind of barely entering people’s apartments, I just step in, leash up and step out. I haven’t touched an elevator button or door handle in weeks without protection.”
She’s also trying to limit how much she lets others — and herself — pet her furry charges, which she admits is a bit of a “bummer.”
“That might be one of the more paranoid measures we’re taking but just in case something is on the person’s hand and gets transferred to the dog’s fur, we just wanna make sure that doesn’t happen,” said Melillo.
Previous 1 of 3 Next Advertisement Sonke Reitz (right) and Wilson Wong with their dog Cooper. Gabriella Bass A dog walker in Prospect Park pretends to put a protective mask on her dog. Gabriella Bass Advertisement
While the World Health Organization has said domestic cats and dogs are not believed to be affected by COVID-19 , they could still pass along the virus through their fur.
Vivian Villegas, 44, who runs HouseBroken with her husband, said she already has emergency plans in place with at least two of her clients who work in the health industry and have a high risk of exposure.
“We have a client who has an Airbnb in her building and we will have one of our walkers stay in the Airbnb while she is at the hospital,” Villegas said of the client, who has two English bulldogs.
“Once things get really bad she’ll have the dogs in the main house with the pet sitter and she can stay in the Airbnb … We know exactly what is going to happen when things peak and we’ll make sure the dogs are taken care of.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-17--Can’t bet on sports? Try the weather instead

March Madness 2020 was cancelled , and there won ’ t be a ...

Rest easy sports bettors — you can still wager on the weather.
As major sporting events like the NCAA tournament have shuttered due to coronavirus, online sportsbooks are coming to the rescue with new quirky lines to bet on, including everything from the day’s highest wind gust to who’ll be evicted next on Big Brother 2020.
“We’re trying to cope with the loss of sports,” Pat Morrow, the head odds maker for sportsbook company Bovada, told The Post Tuesday.
“You’re probably talking about an individual loss of freedom, people are going to start feeling a little cooped up more sooner than later and if we can just have those little breaks, whether it’s betting on something silly … we’re all just trying to find different outlets to forget what’s happening.”
On Monday, Bovada opened up wagers on the weather and players can now bet on what the maximum temperatures will be in cities like Houston, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. Gamblers can also bet on the expected rainfall and on popular TV shows like American Idol and Westworld.
He said the sportsbook is operating at a 5-10% capacity of what it usually does — meaning sports betting is down as much as 95%.
“We’re allowing ourselves an opportunity … to not take ourselves too seriously, to try and inject some levity in there, we’re trying to put some stuff out there that’ll be a little fun,” Morrow explained.
Check out the best sports betting sites and apps
“Just for our own sanity and mental health, it’s great we have that opportunity to do that and hopefully for a lot of players we can provide an outlet.”
Some of those “silly” bets include what the final song on the season finale of American Idol will be, if it’ll be written by a male or a female and who’s taken over Charlotte Hale’s body on Westworld.
“I have a feeling they’re not the sharpest lines so there’s probably some opportunities there for players,” Morrow chuckled.
He said there’s about 40 different options on the site’s entertainment section, 12 different wagering lines available for the presidential election and even some less-traditional sport wagers for Ukrainian table tennis and Turkish volleyball matches.
Disinfection works are carried out by officials at Sinan Erdem Dome in Turkey, where basketball is still being played. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Those are the kinds of things that will be attractive to players because they’ll have the kind of wagering they’re used to with quick payout returns,” Morrow said, pointing to the games’ point by point similarities to traditional popular bets like the Super Bowl coin toss.
Players yearning for basketball and soccer can still bet on those games — but only for matches in less traditional locales.
“Turkey and South America still has a very large sports schedule,” Morrow said.
“So soccer and basketball that’s taking place in Argentina and Brazil that wouldn’t have as much betting interest prior to where we are on March 17, now we’re seeing bettors just because it’s basketball just because it’s soccer getting engaged in ways they wouldn’t otherwise.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-17--Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin talk Cannes hit ‘The Climb’

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin .
Their latest movie ’ s “ The Climb.
” They conceived , financed , wrote , produced , star in it and are doing its p.r .
They talked fast on the phone and , not knowing their voices , no idea who said what .
So Michael and/or Kyle : “ We ’ re best friends 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercials .
We got this idea .
A hilarious comedy about a toxic friendship .
“ One scene — it ’ s in one whole take — we ’ re riding bikes on a hill in the South of France .
I tell him I slept with his fiancé .
[ Cindy : Who was talking who knows , so who was sleeping with whom I also don ’ t know . ]
He then gets pissed off .
He chases me but can ’ t catch me because he ’ s overweight.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why not one real big name in this ?
“ Tab Hunter ’ s dead , so we couldn ’ t use him .
Look , this is a dry comedy .
We know we ’ re a little light on stars .
All we have in our lives for real is friendship .
We only have one another .
So we tried to be good and not f–k it up .
“ Another scene Kyle stripteases in the basement .
[ This was obviously Michael speaking . ]
I ’ m not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s him in biker briefs .
“ For this scene we took the train to Poughkeepsie and did the rest in Hudson Valley and told people we were in Château Rhinebeck .
“ To keep it simple for interviews , Michael ’ s character is also named Mike because we didn ’ t know how the f–k else to do this .
We did the whole picture in 32 days .
Really it took six months , but we ’ re not good at math.
” Neither guy mentioned that Talia Balsam and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This movie screened at Toronto , Cannes and Sundance , was a big hit , and was due to open Friday at the Angelika and the Landmark , but we ’ ll have to wait for it to be safe to go to the movies again .
Mafia may take over TP market Somebody sent me the most incredibly hilarious quickie video .
Man in car drives to a quiet , isolated suburban street corner .
A hooded gangsterish type , alone , skulking about furtively , awaits him on the curb of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gangsterish guy ( we think it ’ s one of our friends who made this gag thing ) then asks , “ You got the money ?
” Wordlessly , the driver hands over a stack of greenbacks .
Gangster : “ Who sent you ?
” Answer : “ John.
” Gangster : “ What ’ s the password ?
” Driver gives it .
Tough guy peers about right and left then reaches into his bulky jacket , pulls out a roll of toilet paper and hands it to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This deserves an Oscar .
A pigpen full — a styful — of squealing animals honking , pawing , pooping on the abilities of one man — the elected president of the United States of America .
And we are also complaining about the governments of Russia , Saudi Arabia , Iraq , Iran , China , Syria , Qatar , Venezuela , Cuba , Turkey — anywhere ?
I don ’ t mean to be disrespectful — but , I mean , this planet ’ s into hate , wars , killings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maybe be some sort of corrective from on high ?
Trying to teach us to cool it ?
Amid our turmoil , it ’ s Carlebach Shul ’ s annual Purim comedy show .
Russia-born comedian Ben Rosenfeld : “ My baby daughter sleeps 12 straight hours every night .
She wears a diaper and doesn ’ t move for 12 hours .
She ’ s the ideal Netflix customer.
” Instagram from Oon Arvelo Salon hair colorist Frank Friscioni : “ Schlepping from Syracuse for highlights .
The appointment is vital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to be blond in my coffin.
” For sure , only in New York , kids , only in New York .

Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin. Their latest movie’s “The Climb.” They conceived, financed, wrote, produced, star in it and are doing its p.r. They talked fast on the phone and, not knowing their voices, no idea who said what.
So Michael and/or Kyle: “We’re best friends 10 years who saved our money from making commercials. We got this idea. A hilarious comedy about a toxic friendship.
“One scene — it’s in one whole take — we’re riding bikes on a hill in the South of France. I tell him I slept with his fiancé. [Cindy: Who was talking who knows, so who was sleeping with whom I also don’t know.] He then gets pissed off. He chases me but can’t catch me because he’s overweight.”
Was maybe Brad Pitt busy? Why not one real big name in this?
“Tab Hunter’s dead, so we couldn’t use him. Look, this is a dry comedy. We know we’re a little light on stars. All we have in our lives for real is friendship. We only have one another. So we tried to be good and not f–k it up.
“Also, important people wouldn’t always return our calls.
“Another scene Kyle stripteases in the basement. [This was obviously Michael speaking.] I’m not attractive in my underwear so it’s him in biker briefs.
“For this scene we took the train to Poughkeepsie and did the rest in Hudson Valley and told people we were in Château Rhinebeck.
“To keep it simple for interviews, Michael’s character is also named Mike because we didn’t know how the f–k else to do this. We did the whole picture in 32 days. Really it took six months, but we’re not good at math.”
Neither guy mentioned that Talia Balsam and Gayle Rankin are also in it. This movie screened at Toronto, Cannes and Sundance, was a big hit, and was due to open Friday at the Angelika and the Landmark, but we’ll have to wait for it to be safe to go to the movies again.
Mafia may take over TP market
Somebody sent me the most incredibly hilarious quickie video. Man in car drives to a quiet, isolated suburban street corner. A hooded gangsterish type, alone, skulking about furtively, awaits him on the curb of this prearranged desolate spot. Car stops. Gangsterish guy (we think it’s one of our friends who made this gag thing) then asks, “You got the money?”
Wordlessly, the driver hands over a stack of greenbacks. Gangster: “Who sent you?”
Answer: “John.” Gangster: “What’s the password?” Driver gives it.
Tough guy peers about right and left then reaches into his bulky jacket, pulls out a roll of toilet paper and hands it to the driver.
Forget those South Koreans. This deserves an Oscar.
Simmer down
A pigpen full — a styful — of squealing animals honking, pawing, pooping on the abilities of one man — the elected president of the United States of America.
And we are also complaining about the governments of Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, China, Syria, Qatar, Venezuela, Cuba, Turkey — anywhere?
Listen, forgive me.
I don’t mean to be disrespectful — but, I mean, this planet’s into hate, wars, killings, anti-Semitism, racism.
Might this maybe be some sort of corrective from on high? Trying to teach us to cool it?
Binge baby
Amid our turmoil, it’s Carlebach Shul’s annual Purim comedy show. Russia-born comedian Ben Rosenfeld: “My baby daughter sleeps 12 straight hours every night. She wears a diaper and doesn’t move for 12 hours. She’s the ideal Netflix customer.”
Instagram from Oon Arvelo Salon hair colorist Frank Friscioni: “Schlepping from Syracuse for highlights. The appointment is vital. If this crazy virus kills me, I want to be blond in my coffin.”
For sure, only in New York, kids, only in New York.


newyorkpost--2020-03-17--Adam Schefter tipped off Tom Brady split with incredulous scoop

The Tom Brady sweepstakes are on — with perhaps a ...

The idea that Tom Brady may leave the Patriots wasn’t new.
“Has he put his home up for sale?” NFL insider Adam Schefter said on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” in October. “Yes. Has his trainer put his home for sale? Yes. Has he set up his contract to void after the season to become a free agent? Yes. If he’s selling his home and his trainer is selling his home and he’s voiding his contract, what does that tell you?”
It tells me, Brady may have announced his move Tuesday on Instagram, but Schefter had it first.
Even on his own set in October, Schefter’s informed speculation was met mostly with incredulity. Schefter even mentioned the possibility of Brady’s departure as far back as August, but the Countdown spot put the news in the forefront.
The issues in New England among Brady, Bill Belichick and owner Bob Kraft were put forth in an in-depth ESPN story by Seth Wickersham in January 2018. Ian O’Connor, in his book on Belichick published in the fall of 2018, also had insight into it.
TV insiders, such as Schefter, often feed the news cycle with transaction stories in which they are tipped off so they will be seconds ahead of their competition. There is some value in it, as it gives fans a place to turn to receive their emotional rush on news. But the breaking stories feel largely like handouts from agents and executives. Since they are going to be announced anyway, the reporter turns into a human agate page.
The real insider value is in going deep, telling viewers things the powers-that-be don’t want out there, while doing it accurately and early.
Those on air who said they were surprised by Brady’s announcement on Instagram that he is leaving weren’t paying attention.
Schefter was and, for those keeping score, being ahead on this story is worth more than a thousand transaction tidbits.
Brees TV: Before Drew Brees re-signed with the Saints, he received interest from all the television networks, according to sources. NBC Sports wanted to create a spot for Brees on its pregame show next to Mike Tirico, Rodney Harrison and Tony Dungy.
One little issue, Brees is reportedly re-signing for two years and $50 million, while NBC would likely have offered him in the neighborhood of $2 million-$3 million per season. When Brees does retire, he will have options.
Air Jordan? There is a social media movement to have ESPN move its anticipated Michael Jordan-featured 10-part documentary, “The Last Dance,” up from June because of coronavirus.
With no games and everyone basically in their homes, it might appear like a no-brainer to fill a programming hole.
ESPN is looking into it, but the fact that it ran promos that said, “Coming soon” as opposed to “Coming in June” was a function of two pre-planned presentations and not really an indicator of what is next.
ESPN may move it up, but that is far from a slam dunk. First, the documentary is not completed. Second, there are five partners, including Netflix, which may have its own ideas about how it wants to distribute the documentary with the rights it owns. Third, ESPN and its partners hadn’t fully scheduled how it was going to be aired in June.
So, yeah, it could be a popular move to audible on the Jordan doc, but it is far from a slam dunk.
Clicker Books: Papa Clicker really liked “Tanking to the Top” by Yaron Weitzman about the 76ers’ rebuilding, in which they famously trusted the “Process.” Though the Sixers haven’t lifted any championship trophies, this wild ride is worth your time. Papa Clicker gives it 4.5/5 clickers.


newyorkpost--2020-03-17--MTA seeking $4B bailout from feds amid subway mass exodus

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The MTA is asking for $ 4 billion in federal funds to weather the coronavirus outbreak , which has severely reduced its ridership .
Writing to New York ’ s congressional reps , MTA Chairman Pat Foye said the agency needs the cash injection to keep public transit open while many New Yorkers stay home to slow the spread of the disease .
“ The stark reality is that as more people stay home following the advice of medical experts , the M.T.A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Foye said in the letter , dated Tuesday .
Subway ridership was down 60 percent on Monday compared to the same time last year , Foye said — while the commuter rails saw even steeper drops of 90 percent for Metro-North and 67 percent for the Long Island Rail Road .
Fares and tolls make up a huge chunk of the agency ’ s operating budget , and Foye said the MTA could be $ 3.7 billion in the red if the ridership slump continues for six months .
The agency also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its coronavirus response , which includes a more frequent cleaning regiment , Foye said .
On Friday , the Feds authorized transit agencies to use federal money previously allocated to long-term maintenance .
But Foye said doing so would be a “ huge blow ” to the MTA , which has promised to spend over $ 50 billion on much-needed modernization efforts over the next five years .
He said another $ 6 billion in state and local tax revenue could also be in question .
“ The nation will need a strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current crisis , ” Foye wrote .
“ The mass transit system operated by the MTA is essential to that objective , and restoring it is a matter of national interest .
”

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
The MTA is asking for $4 billion in federal funds to weather the coronavirus outbreak, which has severely reduced its ridership.
Writing to New York’s congressional reps, MTA Chairman Pat Foye said the agency needs the cash injection to keep public transit open while many New Yorkers stay home to slow the spread of the disease.
“The stark reality is that as more people stay home following the advice of medical experts, the M.T.A. is now facing financial calamity,” Foye said in the letter, dated Tuesday.
Subway ridership was down 60 percent on Monday compared to the same time last year, Foye said — while the commuter rails saw even steeper drops of 90 percent for Metro-North and 67 percent for the Long Island Rail Road.
Fares and tolls make up a huge chunk of the agency’s operating budget, and Foye said the MTA could be $3.7 billion in the red if the ridership slump continues for six months.
The agency also wants an additional $300 million for its coronavirus response, which includes a more frequent cleaning regiment, Foye said.
On Friday, the Feds authorized transit agencies to use federal money previously allocated to long-term maintenance.
But Foye said doing so would be a “huge blow” to the MTA, which has promised to spend over $50 billion on much-needed modernization efforts over the next five years.
He said another $6 billion in state and local tax revenue could also be in question.
“The nation will need a strong New York to fully rebound from the current crisis,” Foye wrote. “The mass transit system operated by the MTA is essential to that objective, and restoring it is a matter of national interest.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-18--Darren Criss on his marriage and new role in ‘American Buffalo’

Sure , Aaron Paul may have three Emmys ( for playing meth-cooking ...

When Darren Criss settles into our Alexa interview at a chic cafe in West LA, he’s friendly and direct.
“I am an outspoken person in real life, but in the media, I find I’m very reserved,” he observes. “I’m asked questions about myself that I haven’t really had to think about. That is a really strange occupational hazard. It would be like if you asked your dental hygienist, ‘Do you think your career choice stems from your interest in cleanliness as a kid?'”
Reading between the lines: The actor-producer-songwriter du jour resists the sound bite.
Criss, 33, may be the consummate showman, but in person — apart from a hint of chipped black nail polish and a pair of gold-rimmed aviators that nod to his love of costume — he seems more cerebral theater nerd (a flag he flies proudly) than flamboyant hunk.
Before long, Criss is expounding on big themes in a delightfully thespy manner. Conversations branch off, reverse direction, then run off on entirely new paths.
“I like keeping myself in balance by taking constant left and right turns,” he explains of his career. “The party trick? You think I’m doing all this stuff spontaneously, but it’s not without a significant attention to detail and planning. I don’t freak out if it doesn’t go as planned, but whatever it is, I will optimize it. Drop me off anywhere, and I will make [it] as awesome as possible.”
For a significant and impassioned fan base, Criss is the guy who sang, danced and heartthrobbed his way through a starring role on “Glee.” He’d go on to become an unsettlingly cheerful killer in 2018’s “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,” a nuanced performance that won him an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
In 2020, things are getting even more extra.
The day of our interview, he was flying to NYC to begin rehearsals for David Mamet’s “American Buffalo,” now set to begin previews April 14 at Circle in the Square Theatre (a delay after Broadway shuttered over the coronavirus pandemic). He will play Bobby — one of a trio of hustlers trying to make it rich — alongside Laurence Fishburne and Sam Rockwell.
“I try to do a show in New York every two to three years,” says Criss (who’s previously starred in “How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”). “It will be great to be in New York doing one of the great American plays with a great American playwright.”
He’s also experimenting with new formats, namely executive-producing, writing songs for and starring in the new satiric series “Royalties,” which will debut on the short-form video streaming platform Quibi this spring.
In May, he’ll channel the golden age of cinema in “Hollywood,” the hotly anticipated Ryan Murphy-helmed Netflix series, which Criss also executive-produced. (Not to mention his work for Elsie Fest, a musical-theater festival he co-founded five years ago.)
If your head is spinning, that’s all part of the plan.
“I love giving strangers an excuse to connect,” he says. “I just enjoy quirky things and quirky people. And that comes from the idea of challenging people’s expectations. At the end of the day, that’s my biggest driving force — that you can do something weird and have it be cool.”
Born in San Francisco, Criss knew early on that he wanted to follow an original path. He taught himself piano, studied violin and, at the age of 10, made his professional theater debut.
“Had my parents wanted me to be an actor, I wouldn’t have done it,” he reflects. “But I realized I had a knack for it. I’m literally a parrot: I like mimicry, music, accents.”
His hobby, he insists, is practicing his Japanese. A dream vacation, he says, would be a sojourn at Middlebury College’s language immersion program. “It’s where they send the CIA to learn Farsi. I would love it!”
While a student at the University of Michigan, Criss gained fame with his contribution to the YouTube cult hit “A Very Potter Musical”, which led to the co-founding of the musical-comedy sensation StarKid.
“At the time, studio execs didn’t understand the power of social media. In my early 20s, I was this Internet force with my friends, but going to play piano at [a bar] twice a week. I was living a double life, with Billboard-charting albums, and yet, how could you explain this to a casting director? They were like, ‘You make Internet videos?’ It was absurd to them. Nobody [at the time] knew how to monetize that.”
During his mainstream breakout as the chiseled Blaine Anderson — who famously covered “Teenage Dream” on “Glee” — Criss earned what he describes as a “master’s in putting music and the camera together,” an experience that has served him well in both “Hollywood” and his genre-defying Quibi show, where he’ll play a songwriter aside big-name musician guest stars.
While Criss has played several high-profile gay characters in his career, he says he’ll no longer accept such parts, telling Bustle in late 2018: “I want to make sure I won’t be another straight boy taking a gay man’s role.”
In February 2019 he married his girlfriend — writer-producer-musician Mia Swier — in New Orleans. The experience can only be described as an immersive extravaganza.
Their first “dance” was a rendition of “The Ballroom Blitz” by British rock brand Sweet, with Criss on guitar and Mia on bass. They were later serenaded by friends Lea Michele and John Stamos.
There were umpteen costume changes (during the evening’s silent disco, a Vera Wang gown and Armani suit were traded for matching sequin T-shirts). Although Vogue covered the festivities, Criss says much remains under wraps.
“I want to show people all the things that really go on [in my life], but I’m also quiet about it,” he reflects. “The wedding is a good example. I remember thinking,’I wish everybody in the world could see this, it’s the coolest thing I’ve ever pulled off.’ When I put myself into something, I give it everything I’ve got. That was a big representation of who I am and who my wife is and what we do.
It’s non-conventional, out-of-the-box thinking and that also led Criss and his wife to open the Hollywood piano bar Tramp Stamp Granny’s, in 2018. Mia (whose family founded The Mercury Lounge and Bowery Ballroom in NYC) takes the lead on the project, although Criss says he still occasionally tickles the ivories there, a throwback to his leaner years working piano bars.
If you ask nicely, he may even sing.
Crew Credits: Fashion Editor: Serena French; Stylist: Anahita Moussavian; Fashion Assistants: Nicole Zane and Haley Wells; Grooming: Jessica Ortiz at Forward Artists using Shiseido; Tailoring: Amber Doyle
Photographed at Dear Irving, 55 Irving Place


newyorkpost--2020-03-18--Diver nearly becomes hungry humpback’s next meal

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Look out! Watch the heart-pounding moment deep-sea diver Peter Schneider comes inches away from becoming fish food. He encountered the whale in the waters off Skjervoy, Norway, and the creature with its gaping mouth was surely not afraid to swim right up to the cameraman.
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newyorkpost--2020-03-18--Aaron Paul on his essentials: sneakers, mezcal and Gucci

Sure , Aaron Paul may have three Emmys ( for playing meth-cooking heartthrob Jesse Pinkman on “ Breaking Bad ” ) , several more noms ( including one for executive-producing cult-favorite animated series “ BoJack Horseman ” ) and a juicy new role as the dark-and-stormy Caleb on HBO ’ s “ Westworld.
” But the 40-year-old hasn ’ t become another jaded star .
The son of a Baptist minister , Paul left Boise , Idaho , for LA at the tender age of 17 — and still enthusiastically embraces the delights of Hollywood .
He loves classic cars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his case , Dos Hombres mezcal , which he owns with “ Breaking Bad ” co-star Bryan Cranston ) — and the occasional Mickey Mouse sweater .
Along with his wife , Lauren , and 2-year-old daughter , Story , here are a few of the good things in his world .
“ This has been my favorite car since I was a kid , and I finally picked one up on my first date with my wife , Lauren .
I may or may not be buried in this thing.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burn , especially when it ’ s cold out .
It has a smoky smell that is beautiful .
I never travel without candles.
” “ It ’ s sad how much waste is out there .
We really need to try and be mindful of what we are doing on a daily basis to this beautiful planet .
This is such an easy way to help out , and it keeps things hot or cold .
I never leave home without it.
” “ I am a big watch guy and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never take it off.
” “ I just love this thing .
It makes me happy every time I put it on.
” “ Music is key in life .
I need it everywhere I go .
This gives off the greatest sound and the battery lasts forever .
Plus it ’ s waterproof , so you can throw this bad boy in the shower with you.
” “ The best mezcal on the market — hands down .
Drink it either neat or on the rocks with orange slices and cayenne pepper.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a nice pair of Jordans.
” “ These are the best sweaters around .
They ’ re a bit pricey but will be with you forever , so they are a good investment .
I may be buried in this as well.
” “ I have used their scents for years now .
They are all unisex and smell incredible .
I am currently using ‘ Noir.
’ ” “ It ’ s important to me to have good tunes or a great podcast in my ears when traveling .
To me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sound .
”

Sure, Aaron Paul may have three Emmys (for playing meth-cooking heartthrob Jesse Pinkman on “Breaking Bad”), several more noms (including one for executive-producing cult-favorite animated series “BoJack Horseman”) and a juicy new role as the dark-and-stormy Caleb on HBO’s “Westworld.” But the 40-year-old hasn’t become another jaded star. The son of a Baptist minister, Paul left Boise, Idaho, for LA at the tender age of 17 — and still enthusiastically embraces the delights of Hollywood. He loves classic cars, stellar watches, signature drinks (in his case, Dos Hombres mezcal, which he owns with “Breaking Bad” co-star Bryan Cranston) — and the occasional Mickey Mouse sweater. Along with his wife, Lauren, and 2-year-old daughter, Story, here are a few of the good things in his world.
“This has been my favorite car since I was a kid, and I finally picked one up on my first date with my wife, Lauren. I may or may not be buried in this thing.”
“This is the best candle to burn, especially when it’s cold out. It has a smoky smell that is beautiful. I never travel without candles.”
“It’s sad how much waste is out there. We really need to try and be mindful of what we are doing on a daily basis to this beautiful planet. This is such an easy way to help out, and it keeps things hot or cold. I never leave home without it.”
“I am a big watch guy and this happens to be my favorite. I never take it off.”
“I just love this thing. It makes me happy every time I put it on.”
“Music is key in life. I need it everywhere I go. This gives off the greatest sound and the battery lasts forever. Plus it’s waterproof, so you can throw this bad boy in the shower with you.”
“The best mezcal on the market — hands down. Drink it either neat or on the rocks with orange slices and cayenne pepper.”
“You can never go wrong with a nice pair of Jordans.”
“These are the best sweaters around. They’re a bit pricey but will be with you forever, so they are a good investment. I may be buried in this as well.”
“I have used their scents for years now. They are all unisex and smell incredible. I am currently using ‘Noir.’”
“It’s important to me to have good tunes or a great podcast in my ears when traveling. To me, these headphones give out the best sound.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-18--Jennifer Lawrence gets an unwelcome visitor

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) The “ Hunger Games ” actress and her husband caught an alleged intruder in their home .
The House Party podcast joins to talk about celeb homes we ’ d rather be in .
And celebs are keeping us sane during self-isolation with lots of live-streams .
Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney restrain alleged intruder at their LA home Jennifer Lawrence and husband Cooke Maroney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles-area home on Sunday night until the cops arrived , an insider tells Page Six .
The 23-year-old woman allegedly walked through the front door hoping to meet the Oscar-winning actress , TMZ reported .
We ’ re told the couple restrained her before both police and security arrived .
The woman was arrested for misdemeanor trespass , according to TMZ .
Lawrence , 29 , and Maroney , 34 , wed in October .
Page Six exclusively reported that the “ Hunger Games ” star began dating the New York-based art gallerist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles Police Department did not get back to us .
Jared Leto just learned about coronavirus pandemic after leaving silent retreat Jared Leto just learned about the coronavirus pandemic after emerging from a silent retreat with no access to the outside world .
“ Wow .
12 days ago I began a silent meditation in the desert .
We were totally isolated .
No phone , no communication etc .
We had no idea what was happening outside the facility , ” he wrote on Instagram on Tuesday .
“ Walked out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One that ’ s been changed forever .
Mind blowing – to say the least.
” The 48-year-old actor says that he is just now trying to get up to speed on all he has missed .
“ I ’ m getting messages from friends and family all around the globe and catching up on what ’ s going on , ” he said .
The Oscar winner also urged fans to keep their spirits up .
“ Hope you and yours are ok , ” he said .
“ Sending positive energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe.
” Amy Adams creates Instagram , plans to help kids affected by coronavirus Amy Adams has finally joined Instagram — and with a good cause .
The “ Arrival ” actress used her first post on Monday to promote Save WIth Stories , a cause she launched with Jennifer Garner dedicated to helping children while they are out of school and home amid the coronavirus outbreak .
“ My friend @ jennifer.garner and I are launching @ SAVEWITHSTORIES – a spot to watch your favorite celebrities read your favorite children ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post .
“ We are galvanizing as a community to support a new fund for a combined effort between SAVE THE CHILDREN and Share Our Strength ’ s NO KID HUNGRY ( and a big thank you to our founding publisher , Scholastic♥ ) .
”  She then went on to read a story written by her 9-year-old daughter , Aviana Olea Le Gallo , and illustrated by her husband Darren Le Gallo .
Catch up on all episodes of “ We Hear ” by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcasts .
New episodes come out every Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday .

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The “Hunger Games” actress and her husband caught an alleged intruder in their home. The House Party podcast joins to talk about celeb homes we’d rather be in. And celebs are keeping us sane during self-isolation with lots of live-streams.
Here’s a closer look at today’s stories:
Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney restrain alleged intruder at their LA home
Jennifer Lawrence and husband Cooke Maroney restrained an alleged intruder at their Los Angeles-area home on Sunday night until the cops arrived, an insider tells Page Six.
The 23-year-old woman allegedly walked through the front door hoping to meet the Oscar-winning actress, TMZ reported. We’re told the couple restrained her before both police and security arrived.
The woman was arrested for misdemeanor trespass, according to TMZ.
Lawrence, 29, and Maroney, 34, wed in October. Page Six exclusively reported that the “Hunger Games” star began dating the New York-based art gallerist in 2018.
A representative from the Los Angeles Police Department did not get back to us.
Jared Leto just learned about coronavirus pandemic after leaving silent retreat
Jared Leto just learned about the coronavirus pandemic after emerging from a silent retreat with no access to the outside world.
“Wow. 12 days ago I began a silent meditation in the desert. We were totally isolated. No phone, no communication etc. We had no idea what was happening outside the facility,” he wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. “Walked out yesterday into a very different world. One that’s been changed forever. Mind blowing – to say the least.”
The 48-year-old actor says that he is just now trying to get up to speed on all he has missed.
“I’m getting messages from friends and family all around the globe and catching up on what’s going on,” he said.
The Oscar winner also urged fans to keep their spirits up.
“Hope you and yours are ok,” he said. “Sending positive energy to all. Stay inside. Stay safe.”
Amy Adams creates Instagram, plans to help kids affected by coronavirus
Amy Adams has finally joined Instagram — and with a good cause.
The “Arrival” actress used her first post on Monday to promote Save WIth Stories, a cause she launched with Jennifer Garner dedicated to helping children while they are out of school and home amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“My friend @jennifer.garner and I are launching @SAVEWITHSTORIES – a spot to watch your favorite celebrities read your favorite children’s books,” she wrote in the post. “We are galvanizing as a community to support a new fund for a combined effort between SAVE THE CHILDREN and Share Our Strength’s NO KID HUNGRY (and a big thank you to our founding publisher, Scholastic♥).”
She then went on to read a story written by her 9-year-old daughter, Aviana Olea Le Gallo, and illustrated by her husband Darren Le Gallo.
Catch up on all episodes of “We Hear” by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes come out every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.


newyorkpost--2020-03-18--Jackie O’s pool palace in the Bahamas asking $5.5M

A look back at the highs and lows of Tom ...

In the 1970s, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and her sister Caroline Lee Radziwill spent winter weekends in the Bahamas, at the home of ketchup mogul Jack Heinz. Society photographer Slim Aarons, famed for his slick summer shots, photographed Radziwill’s children at play there, too. Now the three-story home, known as Minor Cay, is on the market for $5.5 million (with Christie’s International Real Estate). The five-bedroom, five-full-bathroom house is surrounded on three sides by a wraparound pool; it was sold to American sculptor John Safer in the 1980s and renovated in 2017, with interiors by island-chic designer Amanda Lindroth. Overlooking the Lyford Cay Golf Course and Club, the property boasts a coral-stone fireplace, a canopy-covered verandah, a stone-covered foyer, a spiral staircase and an outdoor living area. A bridge over the pool leads to the estate’s Jackie O-approved gardens. Camelot, by the beach.
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newyorkpost--2020-03-18--Oprah slams ‘FAKE’ report that she was arrested for sex trafficking

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens @ @ @ @ @ to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Oprah Winfrey denied online rumors @ @ @ @ @ Florida estate had been raided by law enforcement and she had been arrested for sex @ @ @ @ @ send out a tweet in order to dispel the bogus reports that propelled her name @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
“ Just got a phone call that my name is trending .
And @ @ @ @ @ FAKE thing .
It ’ s NOT TRUE , ” Winfrey wrote .
“ Haven @ @ @ @ @ or arrested .
Just sanitizing and self-distancing with the rest of the world .
Stay @ @ @ @ @ concluded .
Numerous false reports and social media posts said Winfrey ’ s Boca Raton @ @ @ @ @ talk show host was arrested .
The rumors appeared to originate in an online message @ @ @ @ @ with too much time on their hands .

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Oprah Winfrey denied online rumors early Wednesday that her posh Florida estate had been raided by law enforcement and she had been arrested for sex trafficking.
Winfrey decided to send out a tweet in order to dispel the bogus reports that propelled her name to trend on Twitter late Tuesday.
“Just got a phone call that my name is trending. And being trolled for some awful FAKE thing. It’s NOT TRUE,” Winfrey wrote.
“Haven’t been raided, or arrested. Just sanitizing and self-distancing with the rest of the world. Stay safe everybody,” she concluded.
Numerous false reports and social media posts said Winfrey’s Boca Raton home was raided and the talk show host was arrested.
The rumors appeared to originate in an online message forum for teenagers and adults with too much time on their hands.


newyorkpost--2020-03-18--Tom Brady’s 20-year Patriots career: The highs and lows

Tom Brady wants this chance to show the world that ...

A look back at the highs and lows of Tom Brady’s legendary 20-year career with the Patriots. Brady, who was a free agent, reached a deal with the Buccaneers on Tuesday:
April 16, 2000: Drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round (199th overall) out of the University of Michigan.
Sept. 23, 2001: Patriots starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe gets injured on a hit along the sideline from Jets linebacker Mo Lewis that causes internal bleeding. Brady enters the game, which the Jets win 10-3.
Sept. 30, 2001: In his first start the following week, the Patriots win 44-13 against the Colts despite Brady throwing for just 168 yards and no touchdowns.
Jan. 19, 2002: Dubbed the infamous “Tuck Game,” Brady appears to fumble the ball on a fourth-quarter drive of his first playoff game against the Raiders, but the call is overturned. Adam Vinatieri field goals force overtime and win the game.
Feb. 3, 2002: Brady engineers a two-minute drive, leading to a game-winning Vinatieri field goal and one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history, 20-17 over the Rams, to give Brady his first ring. It’s the first of four Super Bowl MVPs he would win.
Feb. 1, 2004: History repeats as Brady leads another two-minute drill en route to a Vinatieri game-winner, a 32-29 victory over the Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII.
Feb. 6, 2005: There’s no last-minute drive needed in a 24-21 victory over the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX, as Brady’s Patriots win a third Lombardi Trophy.
Jan. 15, 2006: Brady suffers his first postseason loss as a pro, a 27-13 loss to Denver in the divisional round. After the season, it’s revealed Brady requires surgery for a sports hernia.
Jan. 7, 2007: Facing the division-rival Jets in the playoffs, Brady throws for two TDs as the Patriots roll, 37-16, in Foxborough.
Jan. 21, 2007: After two previous victories against Peyton Manning in the playoffs, Brady falls short in Indianapolis, as the Colts win the AFC title game, 38-34, to advance to the Super Bowl.
Dec. 29, 2007: Brady completes his first of three MVP regular seasons by beating the Giants 38-35 to finish off a 16-0 campaign, the first in NFL history. His 50 TD passes that season were an NFL record.
Feb. 3, 2008: Trying to complete a 19-0 season, Brady falls short against the Giants in Super Bowl XLII, as his high-powered offense musters just 14 points in a 17-14 upset.
Sept. 7, 2008: Brady tears his ACL in the season-opener against the Chiefs. He misses the rest of the season and the Patriots miss the playoffs, too.
Jan. 10, 2010: The Patriots suffer their first home playoff loss with Brady at quarterback, routed 33-14 by the Ravens.
Jan. 16, 2011: Rex Ryan’s Jets stun Brady at Foxborough in the divisional round, handing the MVP a 28-21 loss.
Feb. 5, 2012: Brady reaches the Super Bowl for a fifth time only to be denied once against by Eli Manning and the Giants, falling 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI. Afterward, Brady’s supermodel wife Gisele blasts his teammates, saying, “My husband cannot f–king throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time.”
Jan. 19, 2014: Patriots fall to Broncos, 26-16, in the AFC title game, making it nine consecutive seasons without Brady having won a Super Bowl.
Jan. 18, 2015: Brady routs Indianapolis, 45-3, in the AFC title game, but during the game the Colts notify the NFL they suspect the balls the Patriots are using are underinflated, making them easier to catch. This triggers the scandal that would come to be known as “Deflategate.”
Feb. 1, 2015: Brady wins his fourth Super Bowl, his first in a decade, with a 28-24 victory over the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX.
May 11, 2015: The NFL suspends Brady four games for his involvement in Deflategate after the Wells Report states Brady likely was aware of the actions of the Patriots’ equipment staff in deflating the footballs.
Sept. 3, 2015: Brady’s suspension is overturned by the U.S. District Court.
Jan. 24, 2016: In their 17th and final meeting, Peyton Manning’s Broncos top Brady’s Patriots, 20-18, in the AFC title game.
April 25: 2016: The U.S. Appeals Court vacates the decision to overturn Brady’s suspension. In July, Brady drops his case and agrees to serve the suspension.
Oct. 9, 2016: In his first game following his four-game ban, Brady throws for 406 yards and 3 TDs in a 33-13 rout of the Browns.
Feb. 5, 2017: Brady rallies the Patriots from a 28-3 deficit to stun the Falcons, 34-28, in overtime to claim Super Bowl LI. He becomes the first quarterback in NFL history to win five Super Bowls.
Feb. 4, 2018: Despite throwing for 505 yards and 3 TDs, Brady and the Pats fall to the Eagles, 41-33, in Super Bowl LII.
Feb. 3, 2019: With a 13-3 victory over the Rams, Brady breaks a tie with Charles Haley to become the only player in NFL history with six Super Bowl wins.
Jan. 4, 2020: Brady throws a pick-six in his final game as a Patriot, a 20-13 defeat against the Titans in the wild-card round.
March 17, 2020: A free agent, Brady announces he plans to sign elsewhere, ending his Patriots career.


newyorkpost--2020-03-18--Voters brave coronavirus, make Joe Biden presumptive nominee

Chaos struck the primary polling places in Illinois during Tuesday ’ s ...

Joe Biden swept three high-stakes Democratic primaries against Bernie Sanders Tuesday night to become the party’s presumptive presidential nominee, with voters braving coronavirus fears to hit the polls.
The former vice president’s first win of the night was also his biggest, as he cruised to a rout over Vermont Sen. Sanders in Florida — packed with 219 party delegates — by nearly 40 percentage points, 61.9 percent to 22.8 percent with 99 percent of precincts reporting.
“Today, it looks like once again . . . our campaign has had a very good night,” Biden said in a subdued statement livestreamed from his Wilmington, Del., home.
“We moved closer to securing the Democratic Party’s nomination for president.”
Biden followed up his Sunshine State win with a commanding triumph in Illinois, where, with 96 percent of precincts reporting, he was up 59.5 percent to 35.8 percent.
And as Arizona returns came in early Wednesday (EDT), Biden had a healthy lead there of 42.7 percent to 30 percent, with 38 percent reporting.
Fueled by dominant wins in South Carolina on Feb. 29, on Super Tuesday (March 3), last week in Michigan and in a string of Southern states, Biden has now surged past 1,100 total projected delegates — leaving Sanders with no realistic path to victory.
The Tuesday blowouts helped Biden widen what was already a triple-digit lead in the delegate count, awarded proportionally to candidates’ vote totals.
Sanders did not speak publicly following the Tuesday drubbing, but those familiar with the self-described democratic socialist’s thinking expressed doubts that he would wave the white flag anytime soon.
“What I know about Senator Sanders’ thought process and focus is, it’s all about representing the movement and leading what he initially called the political revolution,” Kurt Ehrenberg, Sanders’ former longtime strategist in New Hampshire, told Politico.
“And not letting down the people who have been with him all along. I think that’s the most important consideration for him.”
But Sanders likely would have suffered a fourth humiliating loss on Tuesday in Ohio had Gov. Mike DeWine not postponed the primary hours before polls opened over fears of the coronavirus.
Even in the three states where the primaries proceeded, the ever-expanding pandemic loomed large.
One day after President Trump urged Americans to avoid gatherings of 10 people or more to stem the infection’s spread, low turnout was the norm — both among voters and poll workers.
In Florida’s Palm Beach County, some 800 volunteer poll workers backed out, with only 100 new ones coming in.
Arizona election officials consolidated polling places, lined up backup poll workers and emphasized disinfecting equipment, while in Illinois, there was a push to relocate about 50 Chicago-area polling places after host sites canceled at the last minute.
“Biden and Sanders are debating the merits of marginally different policies in this little pseudo-reality, while America is consumed by an unprecedented crisis,” said Jesse Lehrich, a Democratic operative based in the Windy City who called the state’s election “understandably, a bit of a mess.”
“That’s not a criticism of the candidates,” said Lehrich. “Everything else in politics feels small in the shadow of coronavirus.”
Meanwhile Tuesday, Trump officially clinched the GOP nomination after notching wins in the Florida and Illinois primaries.
Running against only token opposition, Trump reaped all but one of the available delegates this primary season, with former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld winning that one in the Iowa caucuses.
Additional reporting by Emily Jacobs, with Wires


newyorkpost--2020-03-18--Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue closes amid coronavirus scare

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RIO DE JANEIRO — Rio de Janeiro ’ s Christ the Redeemer statue , which appears to balance improbably atop Corcovado mountain , has withstood the worst of what the elements could muster for nearly nine decades .
Now it , too , is succumbing to the outbreak of the new coronavirus .
The 125-foot-tall statue , which last year saw almost 2 million visitors , closed at day-end Tuesday and won ’ t reopen for at least a week .
To contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Chico Mendes Institute on Tuesday ordered the closure of all national parks it oversees , including the one that ’ s home to the Christ .
At the foot of the statue throughout the overcast afternoon , the last selfie-snapping tourists were still allowed to gather on the lookout that offers a panoramic view out over the so-called Marvelous City .
Rio seems less marvelous by the day with the creep of the new virus .
Firemen began blaring recordings that urge beachgoers to stay home on Monday , one day before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decreed a state of emergency .
They did the same Tuesday , though it was hardly a beach day .
Among other things , Witzel ’ s decree recommended that restaurants and bars limit themselves to 30 % capacity for 15 days , that boats and buses halve their passenger loads , that shopping malls close and people avoid beaches and public pools .
The decree also suspended classes and all other activities and events that entail gatherings .
“ We are afraid , we feel unsafe , ” Maurilivia Gomes , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said inside the near-empty train riding up the mountain to the Christ .
“ We ’ re taking the necessary measures .
And we ’ re also going to enjoy what we can and circulate in open spaces , because we can ’ t travel this far then stay confined in a room for four days.
” The company that administers transport and installations at Rio ’ s Sugarloaf Mountain , another postcard destination that sees 1.5 million visitors annually , already closed shop on Tuesday .
Even before the governor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halved the number of passengers on its cable cars , to 32 , and begun wiping them down with alcohol after each journey , according to Sandro Fernandes , the company ’ s CEO .
Brazil has recorded almost 300 confirmed cases of Covid-19 , with more than half in Sao Paulo and the second-largest number in Rio , according to the health ministry .
The nation reported its first death from the virus the same day : a 62-year-old man in Sao Paulo .
As local leaders imposed and recommended precautions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measures could damage the economy and once again expressed skepticism of the virus ’ severity .
“ What is incorrect is the hysteria , as though it were the end of the world .
A nation like Brazil , for example , will only be free when a certain number of people are infected and create antibodies , ” he told a local radio station , Radio Tupi .
For most people , Covid-19 entails only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .
The vast majority of people recover .
Tour guides – along with many others – said they were concerned about the impact closing down Rio ’ s main tourist sites will have on their livelihoods .
“ We have to count on the hope that we can find a family that wants to walk around and do something at least , so we can earn something this month , ” Alexandre Faria Carbonelli said in the plaza beneath Sugarloaf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys who work autonomously , don ’ t have savings , have a family , it ’ s kind of desperate.
” At the Christ , Rio ’ s Catholic archdiocese is planning a light show for Wednesday night , projecting the flags of nations afflicted by Covid-19 upon the isolated statue .
Toward sundown on Tuesday , the final visitors trickled out before the statue closed down .
One couple was visiting from Chile .
Another had come from Moscow , and leaned up against one another in an embrace .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cloud-covered horizon and the grey drained from the sky .
The Christ was illuminated but , from below , was a barely-visible smudge of light shrouded in clouds .

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RIO DE JANEIRO — Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, which appears to balance improbably atop Corcovado mountain, has withstood the worst of what the elements could muster for nearly nine decades. Now it, too, is succumbing to the outbreak of the new coronavirus.
The 125-foot-tall statue, which last year saw almost 2 million visitors, closed at day-end Tuesday and won’t reopen for at least a week. To contain the virus’ spread, Brazil’s Chico Mendes Institute on Tuesday ordered the closure of all national parks it oversees, including the one that’s home to the Christ.
At the foot of the statue throughout the overcast afternoon, the last selfie-snapping tourists were still allowed to gather on the lookout that offers a panoramic view out over the so-called Marvelous City.
Rio seems less marvelous by the day with the creep of the new virus. Firemen began blaring recordings that urge beachgoers to stay home on Monday, one day before Rio’s Gov. Wilson Witzel decreed a state of emergency. They did the same Tuesday, though it was hardly a beach day.
Among other things, Witzel’s decree recommended that restaurants and bars limit themselves to 30% capacity for 15 days, that boats and buses halve their passenger loads, that shopping malls close and people avoid beaches and public pools. The decree also suspended classes and all other activities and events that entail gatherings.
“We are afraid, we feel unsafe,” Maurilivia Gomes, a 35-year-old baker visiting from Goias state, said inside the near-empty train riding up the mountain to the Christ. “We’re taking the necessary measures. And we’re also going to enjoy what we can and circulate in open spaces, because we can’t travel this far then stay confined in a room for four days.”
The company that administers transport and installations at Rio’s Sugarloaf Mountain, another postcard destination that sees 1.5 million visitors annually, already closed shop on Tuesday. Even before the governor’s decree, Bondinho Pão de Açúcar had halved the number of passengers on its cable cars, to 32, and begun wiping them down with alcohol after each journey, according to Sandro Fernandes, the company’s CEO.
Brazil has recorded almost 300 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with more than half in Sao Paulo and the second-largest number in Rio, according to the health ministry. The nation reported its first death from the virus the same day: a 62-year-old man in Sao Paulo.
As local leaders imposed and recommended precautions, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro said the measures could damage the economy and once again expressed skepticism of the virus’ severity.
“What is incorrect is the hysteria, as though it were the end of the world. A nation like Brazil, for example, will only be free when a certain number of people are infected and create antibodies,” he told a local radio station, Radio Tupi.
For most people, Covid-19 entails only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. The vast majority of people recover.
Tour guides – along with many others – said they were concerned about the impact closing down Rio’s main tourist sites will have on their livelihoods.
“We have to count on the hope that we can find a family that wants to walk around and do something at least, so we can earn something this month,” Alexandre Faria Carbonelli said in the plaza beneath Sugarloaf’s cable car. “For guys who work autonomously, don’t have savings, have a family, it’s kind of desperate.”
At the Christ, Rio’s Catholic archdiocese is planning a light show for Wednesday night, projecting the flags of nations afflicted by Covid-19 upon the isolated statue.
Toward sundown on Tuesday, the final visitors trickled out before the statue closed down. One couple was visiting from Chile. Another had come from Moscow, and leaned up against one another in an embrace.
At some point the sun slid beneath the cloud-covered horizon and the grey drained from the sky. The Christ was illuminated but, from below, was a barely-visible smudge of light shrouded in clouds.


newyorkpost--2020-03-18--CDC urges funeral directors to livestream large funerals amid coronavirus outbreak

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Funeral directors were @ @ @ @ @ on Monday to livestream future services to comply with restrictions against large gatherings as a @ @ @ @ @ .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance on Monday to the @ @ @ @ @ The CDC offered the option in order to abide by its Sunday recommendation to cancel @ @ @ @ @ people or more across the country to help stop the spread of the virus , @ @ @ @ @ federal agency acknowledged that the large gatherings could “ contribute to the spread ” of @ @ @ @ @ s recommendation by the CDC was issued before President Trump went a step further , @ @ @ @ @ of 10 people or more until the summer .
For those who attend funerals amid @ @ @ @ @ said there ’ s “ no known risk ” of being in the same room @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .

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Funeral directors were urged by federal health officials on Monday to livestream future services to comply with restrictions against large gatherings as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance on Monday to the National Funeral Directors Association.
The CDC offered the option in order to abide by its Sunday recommendation to cancel or postpone gatherings of 50 people or more across the country to help stop the spread of the virus, according to NFDA.
The federal agency acknowledged that the large gatherings could “contribute to the spread” of the illness.
Monday’s recommendation by the CDC was issued before President Trump went a step further, telling Americans to avoid gatherings of 10 people or more until the summer.
For those who attend funerals amid the crisis, the CDC said there’s “no known risk” of being in the same room as somebody who died from the coronavirus.


newyorkpost--2020-03-18--NFL may delay approval of free agent deals

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The NFL is considering delaying the approval of free agent deals being made the last two days because of a lack of signed contracts .
A person familiar with the discussions on Tuesday night tells The Associated Press that due to free agents not being able to travel and actually sign agreements , which is league policy , the deals might not be confirmed by teams Wednesday when the NFL ’ s business season begins .
The person spoke on condition of anonymity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The league has banned travel for players and team personnel as a safeguard against the new coronavirus , and has advised clubs that physical exams can only be taken locally by free agents who reach deals .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
Dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal , have been reached Monday and Tuesday in what ’ s known as the approved tampering period .
Players ’ representatives have been allowed to negotiate with teams , though nothing official can be done until 4 p.m. EDT on Wednesday .
Now , that could be delayed .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
The NFL is considering delaying the approval of free agent deals being made the last two days because of a lack of signed contracts.
A person familiar with the discussions on Tuesday night tells The Associated Press that due to free agents not being able to travel and actually sign agreements, which is league policy, the deals might not be confirmed by teams Wednesday when the NFL’s business season begins. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because such discussions are not made public.
The league has banned travel for players and team personnel as a safeguard against the new coronavirus, and has advised clubs that physical exams can only be taken locally by free agents who reach deals.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.
Dozens of agreements, including the Tom Brady deal, have been reached Monday and Tuesday in what’s known as the approved tampering period. Players’ representatives have been allowed to negotiate with teams, though nothing official can be done until 4 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.
Now, that could be delayed.


newyorkpost--2020-03-18--Astros ace Justin Verlander has surgery on right groin

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HOUSTON — Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander had surgery on his right groin Tuesday and is expected to be out about six weeks .
General manager James Click made the announcement .
The timing gives Verlander time to heal before opening day , which had been pushed back to mid-May at the earliest because of the new coronavirus .
Verlander dealt with the problem early in spring training .
His first start was delayed until March 3 because of discomfort in his right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 2/3 innings with a 3.86 ERA .
Verlander left his second start on March 8 with a mild strain of a back muscle and said at the time that it would be unlikely that he would be able to start the scheduled March 26 opener against the Los Angeles Angels .
Click said the Astros first thought Verlander could recover from the groin injury with physical therapy .
“ After a recent setback in his rehab , the medical staff recommended that a surgical procedure was necessary , ” Click said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Young Award last season , has made each of his scheduled starts for the Astros since he was acquired from Detroit in August 2017 .
Verlander was 21-6 with a 2.58 ERA last season and led the majors in wins and innings ( 223 ) .
The 37-year-old is entering his 16th season in the major leagues .
Verlander , who won his first Cy Young Award in 2011 when he was also was voted AL MVP , is 225-129 with a 3.33 ERA and 3,006 strikeouts .

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HOUSTON — Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander had surgery on his right groin Tuesday and is expected to be out about six weeks.
General manager James Click made the announcement. The timing gives Verlander time to heal before opening day, which had been pushed back to mid-May at the earliest because of the new coronavirus.
Verlander dealt with the problem early in spring training. His first start was delayed until March 3 because of discomfort in his right groin. He made two starts pitching 4 2/3 innings with a 3.86 ERA.
Verlander left his second start on March 8 with a mild strain of a back muscle and said at the time that it would be unlikely that he would be able to start the scheduled March 26 opener against the Los Angeles Angels.
Click said the Astros first thought Verlander could recover from the groin injury with physical therapy.
“After a recent setback in his rehab, the medical staff recommended that a surgical procedure was necessary,” Click said.
Verlander, who won the AL Cy Young Award last season, has made each of his scheduled starts for the Astros since he was acquired from Detroit in August 2017. Verlander was 21-6 with a 2.58 ERA last season and led the majors in wins and innings (223).
The 37-year-old is entering his 16th season in the major leagues. Verlander, who won his first Cy Young Award in 2011 when he was also was voted AL MVP, is 225-129 with a 3.33 ERA and 3,006 strikeouts.


newyorkpost--2020-03-18--Tom Hanks says he has the ‘blahs’ but no fever in isolation

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) NEW YORK — Tom Hanks says he feels the “ blahs ” but has no fever as he and wife Rita Wilson remain in isolation in an Australian residence after being discharged from a hospital following their coronavirus diagnosis .
A representative for the Oscar winner confirmed Tuesday that the pair were no longer hospitalized , and Hanks himself provided an update saying he was doing chores and getting beaten by his wife in cards as they remain self-quarantined .
“ Hey folks .
Good news : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolation , the symptoms are much the same .
No fever but the blahs .
Folding the laundry and doing the dishes leads to a nap on the couch .
Bad news : my wife has won 6 straight hands of Gin Rummy and now leads by 201 points , ” he posted on social media Tuesday evening .
Instead of a photo of himself or his wife , the post showed an old typewriter that he traveled with “ that I used to love .
We are all in this together .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , promoting the idea of social distancing to prevent further spread of the disease .
The couple arrived in Australia in late January on the Gold Coast , where an Elvis Presley biopic directed by Baz Luhrmann was to be shot .
Hanks plays Presley ’ s manager , Colonel Tom Parker .
The film , slated for release in October 2021 , has suspended production , Warner Bros. said .
Wilson , a singer-songwriter , has performed in Brisbane and Sydney during the couple ’ s stay in Australia .
Australian television @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the virus on Sunday .
He had met Wilson at the Sydney Opera House on March 7 and again at Nine Network ’ s Sydney studio two days later .
Two Nine Network hosts who interviewed Wilson on live television on March 9 , David Campbell and Belinda Russell , returned to work on Tuesday after testing negative .
They had been in home isolation since Wilson ’ s diagnosis .
Authorities said last week that several contacts Hanks and Wilson had in Australia were being traced , but no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made public .
The virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough , for most people but can be severe in some cases , especially older adults and people with existing health problems .
People with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may need six weeks to recover .
Sydney Nova 96.9 radio hosts Ryan Fitzgerald and Michael Wipfli are in home isolation and were tested on Monday after news of Wilkins ’ infection .
Wilkins broadcast from their studio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editor Angela Bishop hours before Wilson ’ s diagnosis was made public .
Bishop has also been tested and is isolated at home .
Wilkins ’ son Christian Wilkins was also tested because he spent the night of March 10 in his father ’ s Sydney home .
The 25-year-old son is competing in the Australian version of the reality TV show “ Dancing With the Stars , ” which is being broadcast without a studio audience because of the COVID-19 risk .

NEW YORK — Tom Hanks says he feels the “blahs” but has no fever as he and wife Rita Wilson remain in isolation in an Australian residence after being discharged from a hospital following their coronavirus diagnosis.
A representative for the Oscar winner confirmed Tuesday that the pair were no longer hospitalized, and Hanks himself provided an update saying he was doing chores and getting beaten by his wife in cards as they remain self-quarantined.
“Hey folks. Good news: One week after testing positive, in self-isolation, the symptoms are much the same. No fever but the blahs. Folding the laundry and doing the dishes leads to a nap on the couch. Bad news: my wife has won 6 straight hands of Gin Rummy and now leads by 201 points,” he posted on social media Tuesday evening.
Instead of a photo of himself or his wife, the post showed an old typewriter that he traveled with “that I used to love. We are all in this together. Flatten the curve,” he wrote, promoting the idea of social distancing to prevent further spread of the disease.
The couple arrived in Australia in late January on the Gold Coast, where an Elvis Presley biopic directed by Baz Luhrmann was to be shot. Hanks plays Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The film, slated for release in October 2021, has suspended production, Warner Bros. said.
Wilson, a singer-songwriter, has performed in Brisbane and Sydney during the couple’s stay in Australia.
Australian television journalist Richard Wilkins has revealed that he tested positive for the virus on Sunday. He had met Wilson at the Sydney Opera House on March 7 and again at Nine Network’s Sydney studio two days later.
Two Nine Network hosts who interviewed Wilson on live television on March 9, David Campbell and Belinda Russell, returned to work on Tuesday after testing negative. They had been in home isolation since Wilson’s diagnosis.
Authorities said last week that several contacts Hanks and Wilson had in Australia were being traced, but no other results of those efforts have been made public.
The virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, for most people but can be severe in some cases, especially older adults and people with existing health problems. People with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may need six weeks to recover.
Sydney Nova 96.9 radio hosts Ryan Fitzgerald and Michael Wipfli are in home isolation and were tested on Monday after news of Wilkins’ infection.
Wilkins broadcast from their studio on Thursday with Ten Network television entertainment editor Angela Bishop hours before Wilson’s diagnosis was made public. Bishop has also been tested and is isolated at home.
Wilkins’ son Christian Wilkins was also tested because he spent the night of March 10 in his father’s Sydney home. The 25-year-old son is competing in the Australian version of the reality TV show “Dancing With the Stars,” which is being broadcast without a studio audience because of the COVID-19 risk.


newyorkpost--2020-03-18--Chicago area prosecutor Kim Foxx overcomes Jussie Smollett case, wins primary

CHICAGO — Kim Foxx , the Chicago area ’ s top prosecutor , won the Democratic nomination Tuesday against three challengers who zeroed in on her handling of the Jussie Smollett criminal case .
The primary race for Cook County state ’ s attorney was one of the most expensive of its kind , particularly with Navy veteran Bill Conway making his first run for public office with millions of dollars in family wealth .
He had been running television ads for months questioning her office ’ s controversial decision to drop charges against the “ Empire ” actor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive on the campaign trail , touting her record on progressive criminal justice reforms .
“ There was an effort to make this election about one big case involving a celebrity , ” Foxx said in her victory speech .
“ The voters have overwhelmingly put that fallacy to rest.
” Smollett is accused of staging a racist , anti-gay attack in Chicago .
Foxx recused herself from the Smollett case , but questions loom about whether she acted improperly for speaking to a Smollett relative and aide to former first lady Michelle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A special prosecutor reinstated the charges last month , which Foxx blasted as political .
On the campaign trail , Foxx tried to redirect the attention to her record praised by criminal justice experts , including the work of a conviction integrity unit and reforms to the cash bail system .
But she grew increasingly frustrating , referring to the attention on the case as “ B.S.
” Still , she led in endorsements and establishment backing .
Several super PACS also worked against her opponents , including Conway , a former assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million campaign came mostly from his billionaire father , William Conway , co-founder of the Washington D.C.-based Carlyle Group .
“ This campaign , for me it ’ s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience , ” the younger Conway said in a concession speech on Facebook Live .
He said he didn ’ t know what was next but he looked forward to continuing his service to the country .
The other Democrats running were former Chicago Alderman Bob Fioretti and former federal prosecutor Donna More .
The win all but guarantees Foxx a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County is heavily Democratic .
She faces Republican Patrick O ’ Brien , a former assistant state ’ s attorney .
Voter Victoria Hamel , 49 , of suburban Chicago , cast an early ballot for Foxx , applauding her work to dismiss low-level marijuana convictions as part of the state ’ s new law legalizing recreational marijuana .
“ This is really important for her to get elected so we can keep the forward progress , ” she said .
“ I don ’ t see why we would want to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start back over .
”

CHICAGO — Kim Foxx, the Chicago area’s top prosecutor, won the Democratic nomination Tuesday against three challengers who zeroed in on her handling of the Jussie Smollett criminal case.
The primary race for Cook County state’s attorney was one of the most expensive of its kind, particularly with Navy veteran Bill Conway making his first run for public office with millions of dollars in family wealth. He had been running television ads for months questioning her office’s controversial decision to drop charges against the “Empire” actor.
The constant attention put Foxx on the defensive on the campaign trail, touting her record on progressive criminal justice reforms.
“There was an effort to make this election about one big case involving a celebrity,” Foxx said in her victory speech. “The voters have overwhelmingly put that fallacy to rest.”
Smollett is accused of staging a racist, anti-gay attack in Chicago. Foxx recused herself from the Smollett case, but questions loom about whether she acted improperly for speaking to a Smollett relative and aide to former first lady Michelle Obama before the charges were dismissed. A special prosecutor reinstated the charges last month, which Foxx blasted as political.
On the campaign trail, Foxx tried to redirect the attention to her record praised by criminal justice experts, including the work of a conviction integrity unit and reforms to the cash bail system. But she grew increasingly frustrating, referring to the attention on the case as “B.S.”
Still, she led in endorsements and establishment backing. Several super PACS also worked against her opponents, including Conway, a former assistant state’s attorney whose $11.5 million campaign came mostly from his billionaire father, William Conway, co-founder of the Washington D.C.-based Carlyle Group.
“This campaign, for me it’s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” the younger Conway said in a concession speech on Facebook Live. He said he didn’t know what was next but he looked forward to continuing his service to the country.
The other Democrats running were former Chicago Alderman Bob Fioretti and former federal prosecutor Donna More.
The win all but guarantees Foxx a second term in November, as Cook County is heavily Democratic. She faces Republican Patrick O’Brien, a former assistant state’s attorney.
Voter Victoria Hamel, 49, of suburban Chicago, cast an early ballot for Foxx, applauding her work to dismiss low-level marijuana convictions as part of the state’s new law legalizing recreational marijuana.
“This is really important for her to get elected so we can keep the forward progress,” she said. “I don’t see why we would want to stop the car, go in reverse and start back over.”