newyorkpost--2020-10-31--‘I shot two white kids,’ a shaken Kyle Rittenhouse told cops after Kenosha protest killings: report

“ I shot two white kids , ” 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse told his hometown cops just two hours after he admittedly opened fire with an AR-15 at a protest in Kenosha , Wisc.
, leaving two dead and one wounded , according to a new report .
Details of the shaken teen ’ s alleged confession inside an Antioch , Illinois police station — made between bouts of crying and vomiting — were revealed in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel .
Rittenhouse was “ visibly upset ” immediately after the Aug. 25 shooting , according to a copy of the arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the teen was extradited back to Kenosha to face homicide charges .
The teen , who has insisted through his legal team that he acted in self-defense , showed up with his mother at the station around 10 miles from Kenosha shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 26 .
He told an officer he had “ ended a man ’ s life , ” according to the documents cited by the newspaper .
Amazingly , Rittenhouse told his hometown cops that he ’ d tried to turn himself in earlier that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — but was told to go home , the report said .
He also told cops he ’ d been hired to protect a business in Kenosha and had to defend himself .
The owner of the business , Car Source , previously told the Journal Sentinel that he didn ’ t hire any armed guards .
Police called firefighters for a medical check on Rittenhouse , who had small scratches on his arms , the report said .
As he was being tended to , the teen allegedly told cops he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skateboard , before firing .
While waiting for detectives to arrive , Rittenhouse went through a range of emotions — from crying fits to periods of calm — and also threw up , an Antioch cop noted .
Hours later , he began to have trouble breathing so cops called firefighters again .
The teen was later booked as a fugitive from justice on a warrant from Kenosha for first-degree intentional homicide and was taken to a juvenile detention center , the report said .
The documents also revealed that Rittenhouse told cops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was purchased by his 18-year-old friend .
Police found the assault-style rifle in the trunk of that man ’ s car .
The friend told cops he ’ d been with Rittenhouse in Kenosha , and didn ’ t see the shooting , as he ’ d been on the roof of a business , armed with a gun , at the time .
At some point after the shooting , Rittenhouse called his pal , who said he picked up the teen and put both of their rifles in his trunk , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a police interview , the friend — whose name was being withheld by the paper because he is not charged with a crime — said Rittenhouse gave him money to buy the rifle at an Ace Hardware in Ladysmith , Wisc .
The friend said he expected to be in more trouble than Rittenhouse , who he said was defending himself .
He also recalled telling Rittenhouse : “ In all reality , you are not supposed to have that gun .
That gun was in my name.
” In addition the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which carries a life prison sentence , Rittenhouse is charged with attempted intentional homicide in the wounding of a third protester and with a misdemeanor charge of underage firearm possession .
The shooting unfolded amid the chaos after the August police shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake in Kenosha .

“I shot two white kids,” 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse told his hometown cops just two hours after he admittedly opened fire with an AR-15 at a protest in Kenosha, Wisc., leaving two dead and one wounded, according to a new report.
Details of the shaken teen’s alleged confession inside an Antioch, Illinois police station — made between bouts of crying and vomiting — were revealed in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Rittenhouse was “visibly upset” immediately after the Aug. 25 shooting, according to a copy of the arrest report obtained by the Sentinel late Friday, as the teen was extradited back to Kenosha to face homicide charges.
The teen, who has insisted through his legal team that he acted in self-defense, showed up with his mother at the station around 10 miles from Kenosha shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 26.
He told an officer he had “ended a man’s life,” according to the documents cited by the newspaper.
Amazingly, Rittenhouse told his hometown cops that he’d tried to turn himself in earlier that night, to an officer in Kenosha — but was told to go home, the report said.
He also told cops he’d been hired to protect a business in Kenosha and had to defend himself. The owner of the business, Car Source, previously told the Journal Sentinel that he didn’t hire any armed guards.
Police called firefighters for a medical check on Rittenhouse, who had small scratches on his arms, the report said.
As he was being tended to, the teen allegedly told cops he’d been hit, including with a skateboard, before firing.
While waiting for detectives to arrive, Rittenhouse went through a range of emotions — from crying fits to periods of calm — and also threw up, an Antioch cop noted.
Hours later, he began to have trouble breathing so cops called firefighters again.
The teen was later booked as a fugitive from justice on a warrant from Kenosha for first-degree intentional homicide and was taken to a juvenile detention center, the report said.
The documents also revealed that Rittenhouse told cops the AR-15 he used in the shooting was purchased by his 18-year-old friend.
Police found the assault-style rifle in the trunk of that man’s car.
The friend told cops he’d been with Rittenhouse in Kenosha, and didn’t see the shooting, as he’d been on the roof of a business, armed with a gun, at the time.
At some point after the shooting, Rittenhouse called his pal, who said he picked up the teen and put both of their rifles in his trunk, where cops later found them.
In a police interview, the friend — whose name was being withheld by the paper because he is not charged with a crime — said Rittenhouse gave him money to buy the rifle at an Ace Hardware in Ladysmith, Wisc.
The friend said he expected to be in more trouble than Rittenhouse, who he said was defending himself.
He also recalled telling Rittenhouse: “In all reality, you are not supposed to have that gun. That gun was in my name.”
In addition the most serious charge of first-degree intentional homicide, which carries a life prison sentence, Rittenhouse is charged with attempted intentional homicide in the wounding of a third protester and with a misdemeanor charge of underage firearm possession.
The shooting unfolded amid the chaos after the August police shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake in Kenosha.


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--NFL Hall of Fame cornerback Herb Adderley dies at 81

Herb Adderley , the Hall of Fame cornerback who joined the NFL as a running back and became part of a record six championship teams with the Packers and Cowboys , has died .
He was 81 .
His death was confirmed by the team Friday , with no details given .
Nasir Adderley , a safety for the Los Angeles Chargers , tweeted that his cousin was a “ unique soul who has had such an incredible influence on my life.
” Herb Adderley played in four of the first six Super Bowls and won five NFL championships with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 12-year career .
But he was always a Packer at heart .
“ I ’ m the only man with a Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl ring who doesn ’ t wear it .
I ’ m a Green Bay Packer , ” Adderley said in the book “ Distant Replay , ” a memoir by former Packers teammate Jerry Kramer .
Along with former teammates Fuzzy Thurston and Forrest Gregg , Adderley is one of four players in pro football history to play on six championship teams .
Tom Brady is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980 .
Bart Starr , the Hall of Fame quarterback and a former Packers teammate , once called Adderley the “ greatest cornerback to ever play the game.
” Born on June 8 , 1939 , in Philadelphia , Adderley was a three-sport star in high school .
He excelled at running back at Michigan State and was the 12th pick overall of the 1961 draft .
He came to training camp expecting to compete for a starting job against future Hall of Fame running backs Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season , Packers coach Vince Lombardi switched Adderley to defense to replace injured starter Hank Gremminger .
Adderley ’ s speed and instincts made him a quick learner in his new position , which helped propel him into a stalwart of Green Bay ’ s secondary .
Adderley intercepted 48 passes , returning them for 1,046 yards and seven touchdowns .
“ Herb Adderley simply wouldn ’ t let me get to the outside , ” Hall of Fame receiver Tommy McDonald once said .
“ He ’ d just beat me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routes all the time .
… Other guys tried the same tactic , but he was the only one tough enough and fast enough to get it done.
” The 6-foot-1 , 205-pound Adderley had a career-best seven interceptions in 1962 .
He also led the league in interceptions in 1965 and 1969 .
Adderley also returned kickoffs in all but the final year of his playing days with the Packers , averaging 25.7 yards per return .
Packers President Mark Murphy called Adderley “ one of the greatest defensive backs to ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the great success of the Lombardi teams.
” In the early days of football on television , Adderley made his appearances count and is most remembered for his postseason contributions .
He was a member of all five of Lombardi ’ s NFL title teams and played in the first two Super Bowls .
In the second Super Bowl in 1968 , he returned an interception 60 yards for the clinching touchdown over the Raiders .
“ I was too stubborn to switch him to defense until I had to , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think of what Adderley means to our defense , it scares me to think of how I almost mishandled him.
” Adderley played in two more Super Bowls with Dallas in 1971 and 1972 , winning his sixth title with the Cowboys in his final season .
Adderley was an All-Pro seven times from 1962-67 and again in 1969 .
“ Herb Adderley was yet another dominant figure for us on the Packers , ” former Packers teammate Bill Curry tweeted .
“ He was quiet , but when he did speak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one was better !
” After his retirement , Adderley was a crusader for the rights of former players .
In 2007 , Adderley and two other retired players filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL Players Association , alleging nonpayment of licensing fees .
He had received only $ 126.85 per month in pension from the NFL .
He became the lead plaintiff in the case on behalf of more than 2,000 retired players who claimed the NFLPA breached licensing and marketing terms by using their images in video games , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The case was settled for $ 26.25 million in 2009 .

Herb Adderley, the Hall of Fame cornerback who joined the NFL as a running back and became part of a record six championship teams with the Packers and Cowboys, has died. He was 81.
His death was confirmed by the team Friday, with no details given. Nasir Adderley, a safety for the Los Angeles Chargers, tweeted that his cousin was a “unique soul who has had such an incredible influence on my life.”
Herb Adderley played in four of the first six Super Bowls and won five NFL championships with Green Bay and one with Dallas during his 12-year career.
But he was always a Packer at heart.
“I’m the only man with a Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl ring who doesn’t wear it. I’m a Green Bay Packer,” Adderley said in the book “Distant Replay,” a memoir by former Packers teammate Jerry Kramer.
Along with former teammates Fuzzy Thurston and Forrest Gregg, Adderley is one of four players in pro football history to play on six championship teams. Tom Brady is the other. Adderley was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
Bart Starr, the Hall of Fame quarterback and a former Packers teammate, once called Adderley the “greatest cornerback to ever play the game.”
Born on June 8, 1939, in Philadelphia, Adderley was a three-sport star in high school. He excelled at running back at Michigan State and was the 12th pick overall of the 1961 draft. He came to training camp expecting to compete for a starting job against future Hall of Fame running backs Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung.
Midway through the season, Packers coach Vince Lombardi switched Adderley to defense to replace injured starter Hank Gremminger.
The move paid immediate dividends.
Adderley’s speed and instincts made him a quick learner in his new position, which helped propel him into a stalwart of Green Bay’s secondary. Adderley intercepted 48 passes, returning them for 1,046 yards and seven touchdowns.
“Herb Adderley simply wouldn’t let me get to the outside,” Hall of Fame receiver Tommy McDonald once said. “He’d just beat me up, force me to turn underneath routes all the time. … Other guys tried the same tactic, but he was the only one tough enough and fast enough to get it done.”
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Adderley had a career-best seven interceptions in 1962. He also led the league in interceptions in 1965 and 1969. Adderley also returned kickoffs in all but the final year of his playing days with the Packers, averaging 25.7 yards per return.
Packers President Mark Murphy called Adderley “one of the greatest defensive backs to ever play the game” and “instrumental in the great success of the Lombardi teams.”
In the early days of football on television, Adderley made his appearances count and is most remembered for his postseason contributions.
He was a member of all five of Lombardi’s NFL title teams and played in the first two Super Bowls. In the second Super Bowl in 1968, he returned an interception 60 yards for the clinching touchdown over the Raiders.
“I was too stubborn to switch him to defense until I had to,” Lombardi said. “Now when I think of what Adderley means to our defense, it scares me to think of how I almost mishandled him.”
Adderley played in two more Super Bowls with Dallas in 1971 and 1972, winning his sixth title with the Cowboys in his final season. Adderley was an All-Pro seven times from 1962-67 and again in 1969.
“Herb Adderley was yet another dominant figure for us on the Packers,” former Packers teammate Bill Curry tweeted. “He was quiet, but when he did speak, everybody listened. When he performed, no one was better!”
After his retirement, Adderley was a crusader for the rights of former players. In 2007, Adderley and two other retired players filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL Players Association, alleging nonpayment of licensing fees. He had received only $126.85 per month in pension from the NFL.
He became the lead plaintiff in the case on behalf of more than 2,000 retired players who claimed the NFLPA breached licensing and marketing terms by using their images in video games, sports trading cards and other items. The case was settled for $26.25 million in 2009.


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--Jon Lester option declined by Cubs, lefty becomes free agent

CHICAGO — Jon Lester ’ s $ 25 million mutual option for 2021 was declined Friday by the Chicago Cubs , completing a $ 155 million , six-year contract and allowing the 36-year-old left-hander to become a free agent .
Lester is owed a $ 10 million buyout : $ 2 million on each Dec. 31 from 2022 through 2026 .
Lester was 3-3 with a 5.16 ERA in 12 starts this year with 42 strikeouts and 17 walks .
He earned a prorated $ 5,555,556 from his scheduled $ 15 million salary .
He was 77-44 with a 3.64 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Cubs and was 3-3 with a 2.44 ERA and .201 opponents ’ batting average in the postseason .
Chicago also claimed infielder Max Schrock off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals and assigned left-hander Rex Brothers outright to Triple-A Iowa .
The 26-year-old Schrock hit .275 for Triple-A Memphis in 2019 with 20 doubles , two homers , 31 RBs and 12 steals , then batted .176 ( 3 for 17 ) this year for the Cardinals with a home run in 11 games .
Brothers was 0-0 with an 8.10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cubs .

CHICAGO — Jon Lester’s $25 million mutual option for 2021 was declined Friday by the Chicago Cubs, completing a $155 million, six-year contract and allowing the 36-year-old left-hander to become a free agent.
Lester is owed a $10 million buyout: $2 million on each Dec. 31 from 2022 through 2026.
Lester was 3-3 with a 5.16 ERA in 12 starts this year with 42 strikeouts and 17 walks. He earned a prorated $5,555,556 from his scheduled $15 million salary.
He was 77-44 with a 3.64 ERA in 171 starts over six seasons with the Cubs and was 3-3 with a 2.44 ERA and .201 opponents’ batting average in the postseason.
Chicago also claimed infielder Max Schrock off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals and assigned left-hander Rex Brothers outright to Triple-A Iowa.
The 26-year-old Schrock hit .275 for Triple-A Memphis in 2019 with 20 doubles, two homers, 31 RBs and 12 steals, then batted .176 (3 for 17) this year for the Cardinals with a home run in 11 games.
Brothers was 0-0 with an 8.10 ERA in three relief appearances for the Cubs.


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--Steve Cohen’s Mets could make run at top players in free agency

The new owner of the Mets has the initials S.C. , ...

As other teams look to shed payroll amid a pandemic, Steve Cohen figures to bring a fat wallet to free agency.
The new Mets owner — who will close his $2.4 billion deal to acquire the team from Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz within the next 10 days — seemed anxious to get started Friday, after receiving league approval to take control of the club.
“With free agency starting Sunday night, we will be working towards a quick close,” Cohen said in a statement.
The Mets will have the luxury of going top-of-the market to fill needs at catcher and within the starting rotation. The two most obvious pursuits would be J.T. Realmuto and Trevor Bauer, the top position player and starting pitcher, respectively, available through free agency. George Springer is another top free-agent available and would fill a need for a potent right-handed bat and center fielder.
Also expect the Mets to beef up their analytics staff and technology, two areas of weakness. The Mets presently have six staffers in analytics. It isn’t uncommon for MLB teams to employ 20-plus analysts.
The front office, under new team president Sandy Alderson, likely will be reshaped. Cohen announced last month his plan to hire Alderson, providing the new owner with a respected baseball counsel as he assumes the reins.
Bobby Heck, a special assistant with the Rays, has emerged as a possibility to assume a prominent role in baseball operations, according to industry sources. The 54-year-old Heck was previously the scouting director with the Astros, overseeing drafts that formed the nucleus of a World Series champion and perennial playoff team. Heck has also been linked to the general manager openings with the Phillies and Angels.
Heck’s name surfaced in 2018 when the Mets were searching for Alderson’s replacement in the GM seat. A source said it was Cohen, then a Mets minority owner, who suggested Heck to team COO Jeff Wilpon. The job instead went to Brodie Van Wagenen, who is now left dangling amid the transfer of ownership to Cohen.
Billy Owens, an assistant GM with Oakland, is potentially on Alderson’s radar. Alderson served as a consultant to Athletics executive Billy Beane the last two seasons, where he forged a working relationship with the 49-year-old Owens.
Former Mets special assistant J.P. Ricciardi, who has twice worked under Alderson, can’t be discounted. The 61-year-old Ricciardi has spent the past two seasons as a special assistant with the Giants and is among the candidates for the Angels’ GM opening. Ricciardi was the Blue Jays’ GM for eight seasons before coming to the Mets.
Alderson is expected to hire a president of baseball operations who would report to him, along with a general manager. Van Wagenen has two years remaining on his contract, but the odds are stacked against his return. A source said Alderson has communicated with Van Wagenen on a limited basis in recent weeks, but it’s unlikely the GM’s future was finalized during those discussions.
A source said there is a possibility director of player development Jared Banner will depart the organization. Banner arrived from the Red Sox with assistant general manager Allard Baird, who was hired by Van Wagenen.
Though special assistant Omar Minaya has a personal relationship with Cohen, a source said it’s not a slam dunk for him to return to the Mets, as Alderson likely will get the final say.


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--Woman gets more than two years in jail for threat letter to Sen. Susan Collins

A Maine woman who sent a threatening letter to Sen. Susan Collins after her vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison .
Suzanne Muscara , 38 , was convicted last November of mailing what she said was a joke letter containing white powder and the word “ anthrax ” to the Maine lawmaker ’ s home .
The missive was intercepted by the U.S .
Postal Inspection Service at a mail sorting facility in Hampden on Oct. 17 , 2018 , less than two weeks after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The envelope contained a note with a stick figure drawing of the Maine Republican — with X ’ s for eyes and the tongue sticking out — along with the words “ AnthRAX !
!
!
HA HA HA !
!
!
” FBI tests showed that the white powder was harmless .
It was intercepted two days after Collins ’ husband , Tom Daffron , had opened a letter claiming to contain ricin .
Muscara was identified by a fingerprint and arrested in April 2019 .
Prosecutors said the Burlington woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her votes in the Senate .
Muscara told investigators she didn ’ t think her letter would be taken seriously .
She has been jailed for two years already , time that counts toward her sentence .
On Thursday , U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker imposed the 30-month sentence on Muscara , who had faced up to 10 years in prison .
U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank stressed that anthrax — a deadly substance — was no laughing matter .
“ American politics is premised on free speech and vigorous debate , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not protected speech .
They are a crime.
” In a statement , Collins said she and her husband were “ grateful for the vigilance ” of the postal inspectors , and “ the extraordinary professionalism and effective investigative work of state and federal law enforcement officers .
”

A Maine woman who sent a threatening letter to Sen. Susan Collins after her vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
Suzanne Muscara, 38, was convicted last November of mailing what she said was a joke letter containing white powder and the word “anthrax” to the Maine lawmaker’s home.
The missive was intercepted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at a mail sorting facility in Hampden on Oct. 17, 2018, less than two weeks after Kavanaugh was confirmed to the Supreme Court.
The envelope contained a note with a stick figure drawing of the Maine Republican — with X’s for eyes and the tongue sticking out — along with the words “AnthRAX!!! HA HA HA!!!”
FBI tests showed that the white powder was harmless.
It was intercepted two days after Collins’ husband, Tom Daffron, had opened a letter claiming to contain ricin.
Muscara was identified by a fingerprint and arrested in April 2019.
Prosecutors said the Burlington woman was upset with Collins over one of her votes in the Senate.
Muscara told investigators she didn’t think her letter would be taken seriously. She has been jailed for two years already, time that counts toward her sentence.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker imposed the 30-month sentence on Muscara, who had faced up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank stressed that anthrax — a deadly substance — was no laughing matter.
“American politics is premised on free speech and vigorous debate,” Frank said. “True threats are not protected speech. They are a crime.”
In a statement, Collins said she and her husband were “grateful for the vigilance” of the postal inspectors, and “the extraordinary professionalism and effective investigative work of state and federal law enforcement officers.”
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--Sacramento conjoined twins by head separated successfully

Sacramento twin girls who were born conjoined at the head were successfully separated in an extensive , day-long surgical procedure Friday .
Nine-month-old Abigail and Micaela Bachinskiy underwent a 24-hour surgery at UC Davis Medical Center and were successfully separated in the early hours of Friday morning reports KCRA3 .
The joining of the little girls ’ skulls and brains , a congenital condition known as craniopagus twinning , is a ” very , very rare anomaly , ” UC Davis Children ’ s Hospital Pediatric Neurosurgeon , said .
“ There are very few children born in any one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and of those , there ’ s only a much smaller subset that the anatomy is fortuitous enough to be able to attempt a separation — and hopefully come out with two healthy babies.
” Abigail and Micaela ’ s mother found out that the twins were joined 11 weeks into her pregnancy .
“ It was very tough .
I just was shocked .
I couldn ’ t process , ” Liliya Miroshnik said .
“ We ’ ve spent a lot of time — five months — studying this from all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ ve made 3D models .
We ’ ve looked at some form of altered reality , virtual reality , augmented reality to help us understand the anatomy better.
” Doctors at UC Davis underwent repeated trial runs to make sure that they were prepared for the complicated procedure .
Surgery began on October 23 and wrapped up with the successful separation on October 24 around 3:28 a.m. “ After 10 months of preparation , we were witnessing what we had all envisioned for the girls and we were overcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Benitez , a nurse who watched the surgery team , said to ABC10 .
“ I will never see 3:28 on a clock again and not think of the moment that Abi and Mica became two separate babies.
” Dr. Michael Edwards described the separation as a “ landmark surgery for the UC Davis Children ’ s Hospital .
”

Sacramento twin girls who were born conjoined at the head were successfully separated in an extensive, day-long surgical procedure Friday.
Nine-month-old Abigail and Micaela Bachinskiy underwent a 24-hour surgery at UC Davis Medical Center and were successfully separated in the early hours of Friday morning reports KCRA3.
The joining of the little girls’ skulls and brains, a congenital condition known as craniopagus twinning, is a ” very, very rare anomaly,” UC Davis Children’s Hospital Pediatric Neurosurgeon, said.
“There are very few children born in any one year worldwide that have this anomaly, and of those, there’s only a much smaller subset that the anatomy is fortuitous enough to be able to attempt a separation — and hopefully come out with two healthy babies.”
Abigail and Micaela’s mother found out that the twins were joined 11 weeks into her pregnancy.
“It was very tough. I just was shocked. I couldn’t process,” Liliya Miroshnik said.
“We’ve spent a lot of time — five months — studying this from all different ways,” explained Dr. Edwards.
“We’ve made 3D models. We’ve looked at some form of altered reality, virtual reality, augmented reality to help us understand the anatomy better.”
Doctors at UC Davis underwent repeated trial runs to make sure that they were prepared for the complicated procedure.
Surgery began on October 23 and wrapped up with the successful separation on October 24 around 3:28 a.m.
“After 10 months of preparation, we were witnessing what we had all envisioned for the girls and we were overcome with emotion and joy,” Aida Benitez, a nurse who watched the surgery team, said to ABC10.
“I will never see 3:28 on a clock again and not think of the moment that Abi and Mica became two separate babies.”
Dr. Michael Edwards described the separation as a “landmark surgery for the UC Davis Children’s Hospital.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--Massive Florida mail pile-up believed to include ballots

A Post Office in Florida ’ s largest county is inundated with a mail backlog , which could reportedly contain ballots .
The Minority Leader of the Florida House of Representatives , Kionne Mcghee , posted undated footage to his Twitter account on Friday that allegedly showed USPS Inspection Service officials arriving at a Florida Post Office location in Miami-Dade County to look into a massive mail pile-up , which is said to include mail-in ballots .
One local resident told McGhee he or she hadn ’ t received mail in five days , while a source told McGhee that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell , D-Fla. , who represents the area said in a statement on Friday said she has contacted relevant authorities .
“ I am aware of the concerning situation involving backed-up mail , including election mail , at the Post Office in Princeton , ” Mucarsel-Powell said .
“ Earlier today , I inspected this facility and took immediate action to contact the US Postal Service and the USPS Office of the Inspector General .
I have requested an immediate briefing from the Postmaster General .
I am working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact participation in this election.
” A spokesperson for the Miami-Dade County Elections Departments also told our local Fox affiliate USPS has assured them that “ all ballots will be delivered timely.
” The Miami Herald reported that the issue is being looked into , alongside potential remedies to ensure the office is caught up on delivery before Election Day .
According to information from the state , the last day for a Supervisor of Elections is be able to mail out a ballot is 8 days before the election .
The ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ET on Nov. 3 in order to be counted .
A voter who has requested a ballot may change his or her mind and vote in person .
President Trump defeated Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton by a margin of 1.2 % in the 2016 election , though there is speculation that this year ’ s race could be tighter .
Early indications show that Democrats are turning out in lower rates than expected in Miami-Dade – the largest county in the state .

A Post Office in Florida’s largest county is inundated with a mail backlog, which could reportedly contain ballots.
The Minority Leader of the Florida House of Representatives, Kionne Mcghee, posted undated footage to his Twitter account on Friday that allegedly showed USPS Inspection Service officials arriving at a Florida Post Office location in Miami-Dade County to look into a massive mail pile-up, which is said to include mail-in ballots.
One local resident told McGhee he or she hadn’t received mail in five days, while a source told McGhee that sorting was expected to go on past Tuesday.
Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, D-Fla., who represents the area said in a statement on Friday said she has contacted relevant authorities.
“I am aware of the concerning situation involving backed-up mail, including election mail, at the Post Office in Princeton,” Mucarsel-Powell said. “Earlier today, I inspected this facility and took immediate action to contact the US Postal Service and the USPS Office of the Inspector General. I have requested an immediate briefing from the Postmaster General. I am working to ensure that mail delays do not impact participation in this election.”
A spokesperson for the Miami-Dade County Elections Departments also told our local Fox affiliate USPS has assured them that “all ballots will be delivered timely.”
The Miami Herald reported that the issue is being looked into, alongside potential remedies to ensure the office is caught up on delivery before Election Day.
According to information from the state, the last day for a Supervisor of Elections is be able to mail out a ballot is 8 days before the election.
The ballot must be returned by 7 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 in order to be counted.
A voter who has requested a ballot may change his or her mind and vote in person.
President Trump defeated Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton by a margin of 1.2% in the 2016 election, though there is speculation that this year’s race could be tighter.
Early indications show that Democrats are turning out in lower rates than expected in Miami-Dade – the largest county in the state.


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--December return is best solution to NBA’s start-date squabble

In response to the NBA ’ s proposed 72-game schedule the league ...

Martin Luther King Jr. Day would be an appropriate tip-off for the NBA season, considering these social-justice times. The Post reported that possibility back in September, when commissioner Adam Silver was imagining fans in team’s home arenas.
Upon further COVID-19 pandemic review, however, starting up the new season at Christmastime would be a wiser, better gift for NBA fans.
Fans of the “Delete Eight’’ clubs, including the Knicks, that didn’t get to play in the NBA bubble where this past season was completed, haven’t seen their teams play since March 11. They deserve some holiday cheer.
But that’s not really what this debate, between the NBA Board of Governors and Players Association, is about. Both sides have solid arguments but are still far apart. Friday night, the NBA and union announced they had pushed back Friday’s deadline to restructure the collective bargaining agreement, which includes next season’s schedule, to Nov. 6.
Silver, because of the coronavirus spike this month, realizes sacrificing right now with a fast start-up of Dec. 22 — and a Dec. 1 training camp — is the way to go for the good of the league’s suddenly shaky future.
Because of the worsening pandemic, Silver and his owners realize fans won’t be piling into indoor arenas whether the opener is in December, January or February.
The new goal of the league, sources said, is to put together a 72-game slate with reduced cross-country travel. In that scenario, the subsequent 2021-22 season can go off on its normal October-to-June trajectory — perhaps with New Yorkers packed together underneath the Garden’s famous ceiling again.
The television ratings for the fan-less games were dismal in the late summer. October’s NBA Finals with LeBron James and the league’s marquee franchise, the Lakers, drew the lowest viewership in Finals history. Silver was stunned, and nobody can confirm the reason for the ratings dip, but he now realizes even the surging NBA is not impervious to the pandemic.
The players, as articulated by union president Michele Roberts, want a longer break, especially James’ Lakers. Living in the Disney World bubble was mentally taxing, even if all participants were spared any of the grueling plane travel and were housed in gorgeous resorts.
Lakers swingman Danny Green, of Long Island, said James may sit out the first month of the season if Dec. 22 is opening night. Let him — as long as King James suits up opening night for the ring ceremony and on Christmas, the bonanza day of its television partners.
“Certainly, it creates some challenges,’’ Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told The Post. “But challenging times require adaptation. I have no doubt we will be fine.’’
Roberts went overboard in a statement this week to The Athletic, saying the players already had made enough of a sacrifice to restart the season in late July.
Roberts was referring to fewer than half the league’s 30 teams when she stated: “These men lived in isolation for months. Each day could have been met with the news that this awful virus had invaded their space, and they were exposed to likely infection. They stayed the course, followed the protocol and, as a result, were able to deliver fabulous competition and completed the season able to crown a champion.”
The players protected a larger share of their contracts by doing so. It also should be noted, if the season starts Dec. 22, for 22 teams it will have been nearly four months since their last contest.
“Our players deserve the right to have some runway so that they can plan for a start that soon,’’ Roberts added. “The overwhelming response from the players that I have received to this proposal has been negative.”
Roberts has been a terrifically effective union president and negotiated favorable deals that boosted mid-level exceptions to $10 million per year for players deemed a little better than average.
It’s now her job to convince the union’s constituents to see the NBA’s side of the accounting ledger. Indications are the union may still approve a Dec. 22 start by next week, but work has to be done to get players to see the bigger picture. In their statement Friday, the union said, “Each of us has a stake in doing what’s fair, what’s best for our business. We are confident we will get there.”
The NBA hoped it would be taken care of Friday, but Roberts had warned: “I cannot and will not view Friday as a drop dead date.”
Yes, it’s going to be hectic if the union steps up. The draft is Nov. 18, and free agency probably will start Nov. 20. That’s a 10-day window for many departing free agents to scramble with their families to find a new home by Dec. 1. In truth, training camps will be a mess, with some players agreeing to deals in the midst of workouts.
It does the Knicks no favors. They have plenty of cap space and just seven players of their 15-man roster under contract for next season. The NBA likely will give teams three preseason games, fewer than normal, but better than the NFL’s zero this season.
This is the time for players, who had off from March to July, to get back quickly to playing the game they say they profess to love, in almost every interview.
As many of their die-hard fans struggle to pay rent during the first pandemic of modern times, starting Dec. 22 is not really a big deal.
The King from hardscrabble Akron, Ohio, should know that better than most.


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--8-year-old girl, 54-year-old woman killed by out-of-control SUV in NYC

The Post ’ s Mike Puma takes a look back at the ...

Two pedestrians — including an 8-year-old girl — were struck and killed by an out-of-control SUV in Queens on Friday, the NYPD said.
The black Range Rover was going southbound on 164th Street in Jamaica at around 5:30 p.m. when the driver lost control and the car jumped the curb, hitting the young girl and a 65-year-old woman, cops said.
The victims were rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Police said the driver, a 47-year-old woman, remained on the scene.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said that a second child was also injured in the tragic crash. He offered condolences to the victims’ families
“It’s heartbreaking and gut-wrenching,” de Blasio wrote on Twitter, adding that he and wife Chirlane McCray “are sending our prayers to their families.”
The investigation was ongoing on Friday night.


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--Remembering the highs and lows of the Wilpon era

The Post’s Mike Puma takes a look back at the Wilpon era, which concluded Friday with the sale of the Mets to Steve Cohen:
Highs
2000: The Mets, co-owned by Fred Wilpon and Nelson Doubleday, win the National League pennant and play the Yankees in the first Subway World Series since 1956, losing in five games. It’s the Mets’ first World Series appearance since beating the Red Sox 14 years earlier, when Wilpon was still a minority partner.
2001: Following the 9/11 attacks, the Mets are forefront in the community as part of New York City’s healing.
2006: The Wilpons launch SNY, a team-owned network, to carry their games. Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling are hired for the network and remain in place among MLB’s premier broadcast teams.
2006: The Mets, with Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, David Wright and Jose Reyes among the stars, win their first NL East title since 1988 before advancing to the NLCS and losing to the Cardinals in Game 7.
2009: Citi Field opens, replacing Shea Stadium. Fred Wilpon’s vision of an Ebbets Field-type venue for his team is realized, but many fans aren’t enamored of a ballpark that seems like more of a shrine to the Dodgers than to the Mets.
2015: After Yoenis Cespedes’ arrival at the trade deadline, the Mets storm to their first NL East title in nine years, reaching the World Series for the first time since 2000. The championship dream ends with a loss to the Royals in five games.
Lows
2000: The Mets buy out the $5.9 million remaining on Bobby Bonilla’s contract, agreeing to a restructuring with deferrals. Bonilla in 2011 begins receiving $1.19 million every July 1 in what has become known as Bobby Bonilla Day. Those payments won’t expire until 2035. Bonilla’s payments include eight percent annual interest — a yield the Wilpons felt comfortable they could top through investing with Bernie Madoff.
2007-08: After their loss to the Cardinals in the 2006 NLCS, the Mets miss the playoffs in consecutive years in similar fashion, by losing to the Marlins on the final day of the regular season.
2008: Madoff is arrested for running a Ponzi scheme, and Fred Wilpon’s wealth decreases by roughly $500 million overnight. Wilpon, who earlier profited from his investments with Madoff, later receives a favorable ruling in a clawback lawsuit that helps him keep the team.
2011: Fred Wilpon criticizes Beltran, Wright and Reyes in a New Yorker piece written by Jeffrey Toobin (presumably with both hands on the keyboard). The Mets owner apologizes to all three players.
2015: The Mets settle a lawsuit with Leigh Castergine, a former senior vice president for ticket sales who said she was frequently humiliated by Jeff Wilpon for her out-of-wedlock pregnancy. The suit alleged Wilpon stated in a meeting with the team’s all-male executives that he was “morally opposed” to Castergine “having this baby without being married.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--Steve Nash adding Mike D’Antoni to staff is sign of his Nets vision

New Nets coach Steve Nash revolutionized NBA offense as a point guard with the Suns , earning every accolade except a championship while playing under Mike D ’ Antoni .
Now , Nash is looking to finally win that title , with his former mentor now his assistant .
Hiring D ’ Antoni to be a team ’ s head coach would normally be considered a success , but adding one of just nine men to win multiple NBA Coach of the Year awards as an assistant coach is a coup .
It also implies Nash is doubling down on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and D ’ Antoni created in Phoenix from 2004-08 .
Six Seconds Or Less , anyone ?
“ He ’ ll do what he needs to do , and he ’ ll figure it out .
He ’ ll work hard .
He works as hard as anyone I ’ ve ever seen in basketball to get ready every day , ” D ’ Antoni said the day of Nash ’ s hiring .
“ Even when he broke his leg in L.A. [ in 2012 while playing with the Lakers ] , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll do the same as a coach .
And he knows basketball , so it ’ s a pretty good formula for success .
“ Yeah , I ’ m excited for him .
I ’ m excited that he ’ ll open the game up , and he ’ ll run , I ’ m sure .
He ’ s going to work hard , and he ’ ll surround himself with smart people.
” D ’ Antoni is one of those smart people .
While some questioned the hiring of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an assistant coach , the rookie coach wisely picked a familiar face to lean on and a brilliant basketball brain to pick .
The 69-year-old D ’ Antoni ’ s ushered in the era of pace and space , with heavy emphasis on 3-point shooting .
Nash was a huge part of all that during a Hall of Fame playing career .
When the two were together in Phoenix , Nash won a pair of MVPs .
They teamed again for a more muted sequel with the Lakers from 2012-14 .
D @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Suns , creating a frenetic , open style of play that was ahead of its time , but has become the model for the modern NBA .
After Phoenix , D ’ Antoni also coached the Knicks , but was unceremoniously dumped in an acrimonious exit .
He coached most recently in Houston , where he adjusted his style to the more ball-dominant , iso-oriented James Harden .
His impressive 217-102 mark in four seasons with the Rockets was the best record in the Western Conference over that span ( .682 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBA behind the Raptors .
“ People talk about the Phoenix teams I played on and this sort of revolutionary tone of how it impacted the game .
But truth be told , Mike D ’ Antoni ’ s brilliance in much of that was he allowed it to evolve instead of getting in the way , ” Nash said recently of D ’ Antoni ’ s collaborative style .
Nash has cagily avoided specifics , but he acknowledged in Tuesday ’ s virtual town hall with season-ticket holders that he has every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offense akin to the one he , D ’ Antoni and Amar ’ e Stoudemire — also just hired as a Nets assistant — made famous in Phoenix .
“ I want us to play fast .
I want us to space the floor , ” Nash said .
“ I want us to create opportunities to get downhill with our ball handlers and make plays for one another , attack closeouts .
A lot of high-level philosophical thoughts , and of course we ’ ll design and have offensive sets and things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another overlooked piece of assistance D ’ Antoni can bring is his handling of stars .
He has worked with the Nets ’ Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on Team USA , and has prior experience handling big names .
D ’ Antoni guided Nash and Harden to a combined three MVP trophies .
He also coached Stoudemire , Kobe Bryant , Russell Westbrook , Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard .
In short , he can help not only with tactics , but also with temperaments — something Nash will need to win @ @ @ @

New Nets coach Steve Nash revolutionized NBA offense as a point guard with the Suns, earning every accolade except a championship while playing under Mike D’Antoni. Now, Nash is looking to finally win that title, with his former mentor now his assistant.
Hiring D’Antoni to be a team’s head coach would normally be considered a success, but adding one of just nine men to win multiple NBA Coach of the Year awards as an assistant coach is a coup. It also implies Nash is doubling down on the Seven Seconds Or Less style he and D’Antoni created in Phoenix from 2004-08.
Six Seconds Or Less, anyone?
“He’ll do what he needs to do, and he’ll figure it out. He’ll work hard. He works as hard as anyone I’ve ever seen in basketball to get ready every day,” D’Antoni said the day of Nash’s hiring. “Even when he broke his leg in L.A. [in 2012 while playing with the Lakers], no one outworked him, and he’ll do the same as a coach. And he knows basketball, so it’s a pretty good formula for success.
“Yeah, I’m excited for him. I’m excited that he’ll open the game up, and he’ll run, I’m sure. He’s going to work hard, and he’ll surround himself with smart people.”
D’Antoni is one of those smart people.
While some questioned the hiring of Nash because he never had served even as an assistant coach, the rookie coach wisely picked a familiar face to lean on and a brilliant basketball brain to pick.
The 69-year-old D’Antoni’s ushered in the era of pace and space, with heavy emphasis on 3-point shooting. Nash was a huge part of all that during a Hall of Fame playing career.
When the two were together in Phoenix, Nash won a pair of MVPs. They teamed again for a more muted sequel with the Lakers from 2012-14.
D’Antoni had a stellar 253-136 run with the Suns, creating a frenetic, open style of play that was ahead of its time, but has become the model for the modern NBA.
After Phoenix, D’Antoni also coached the Knicks, but was unceremoniously dumped in an acrimonious exit. He coached most recently in Houston, where he adjusted his style to the more ball-dominant, iso-oriented James Harden. His impressive 217-102 mark in four seasons with the Rockets was the best record in the Western Conference over that span (.682), and second overall in the NBA behind the Raptors.
“People talk about the Phoenix teams I played on and this sort of revolutionary tone of how it impacted the game. But truth be told, Mike D’Antoni’s brilliance in much of that was he allowed it to evolve instead of getting in the way,” Nash said recently of D’Antoni’s collaborative style.
Nash has cagily avoided specifics, but he acknowledged in Tuesday’s virtual town hall with season-ticket holders that he has every intention of running a wide-open, up-tempo offense akin to the one he, D’Antoni and Amar’e Stoudemire — also just hired as a Nets assistant — made famous in Phoenix.
“I want us to play fast. I want us to space the floor,” Nash said. “I want us to create opportunities to get downhill with our ball handlers and make plays for one another, attack closeouts. A lot of high-level philosophical thoughts, and of course we’ll design and have offensive sets and things that we think fit our group.”
Another overlooked piece of assistance D’Antoni can bring is his handling of stars. He has worked with the Nets’ Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on Team USA, and has prior experience handling big names.
D’Antoni guided Nash and Harden to a combined three MVP trophies. He also coached Stoudemire, Kobe Bryant, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard. In short, he can help not only with tactics, but also with temperaments — something Nash will need to win that elusive title.


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--1 to 2 million tons of US plastic trash go astray, study finds

More than a million tons a year of America ’ s plastic trash isn ’ t ending up where it should .
The equivalent of as many as 1,300 plastic grocery bags per person is landing in places such as oceans and roadways , according to a new study of U.S. plastic trash .
In 2016 — the last year enough data was available and before several countries cracked down on imports of American waste — the United States generated 46.3 million tons of plastic waste , by far the most in the world .
Between 2.7 % and 5.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burned , placed in landfills or otherwise disposed of properly , according to a study in Friday ’ s journal Science Advances .
Between 1.2 million and 2.5 million tons of plastic generated in the U.S. were dropped on land , rivers , lakes and oceans as litter , were illegally dumped or shipped abroad then not properly disposed of , the study found .
If you took nearly 2.5 million tons of mismanaged plastic waste — bottles , wrappers , grocery bags and the like — and dumped it on the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as high as the Empire State Building , ” said co-author Jenna Jambeck , an environmental engineering professor at the University of Georgia .
Previous studies hadn ’ t put the United States among the 10 worst offending nations for plastic waste in oceans .
That ’ s because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency only tracks what goes into official parts of the waste stream such as landfills and recycling centers , and its data doesn ’ t capture the dirtier aspects of plastic trash disposal , study authors said .
So some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeper into what happens to U.S. trash and found so much is improperly handled that America ranks as high as the third-worst ocean plastic polluter .
The study estimated that 560,000 to 1.6 million tons of U.S. plastic waste likely went into oceans .
“ We are facing a global crisis of far too much plastic waste , ” said study lead author Kara Lavender Law , an oceanography professor at the Sea Education Association in Cape Cod , Massachusetts .
The new research “ was motivated by the fact that we know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than estimated , ” she said .
The study ’ s estimates range so widely , Law said , because so much of what the researchers explored were waste disposal activities that don ’ t get meticulously measured .
“ This more detailed estimate provides a more realistic view of our mismanaged waste and leakage , ” said University of Toronto ecology professor Chelsea Rochman , who wasn ’ t part of the study .
“ We consume a lot of plastic per capita which then becomes plastic waste .
We recycle very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but hard to quantify part of the problem involves the 51 % of U.S. plastic waste shipped abroad for recycling to countries that routinely mismanage waste , Law said .
“ We ’ re putting this in the blue bin and then it ’ s getting trucked to Boston , ” Law said .
“ And then it ’ s getting put on a ship that ’ s sailing most of the way around the world for somebody to unpack it and pick through it and cut labels off it in hopes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned into ( plastic ) pellets and into a children ’ s toy or whatever.
” The situation has been changing , she said .
China and other countries have become more restrictive about taking U.S. trash imports , and more plastic is ending up in landfills here .
“ U.S .
exports of plastic waste have declined dramatically — nearly 70 % — since their peak in 2016 , ” Joshua Baca , vice president for plastics at the industry group American Chemistry Council , said in an email .
Beginning next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept U.S. waste exports because of a new international agreement , he said .
Baca said the industry is spending billions of dollars trying to fix the problem , with modernized recycling technology and new business models to reduce waste while urging mandatory recycled content standards for new products and packaging .
The EPA last week launched a new strategy for combatting marine litter and next month will have a recycling summit , said agency spokesman James Hewitt .
“ The best thing you can do environmentally is to produce no waste at @ @ @ @ @ @

More than a million tons a year of America’s plastic trash isn’t ending up where it should. The equivalent of as many as 1,300 plastic grocery bags per person is landing in places such as oceans and roadways, according to a new study of U.S. plastic trash.
In 2016 — the last year enough data was available and before several countries cracked down on imports of American waste — the United States generated 46.3 million tons of plastic waste, by far the most in the world. Between 2.7% and 5.3% of that was mismanaged — not burned, placed in landfills or otherwise disposed of properly, according to a study in Friday’s journal Science Advances.
Between 1.2 million and 2.5 million tons of plastic generated in the U.S. were dropped on land, rivers, lakes and oceans as litter, were illegally dumped or shipped abroad then not properly disposed of, the study found.
If you took nearly 2.5 million tons of mismanaged plastic waste — bottles, wrappers, grocery bags and the like — and dumped it on the White House lawn, “it would pile as high as the Empire State Building,” said co-author Jenna Jambeck, an environmental engineering professor at the University of Georgia.
Previous studies hadn’t put the United States among the 10 worst offending nations for plastic waste in oceans. That’s because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency only tracks what goes into official parts of the waste stream such as landfills and recycling centers, and its data doesn’t capture the dirtier aspects of plastic trash disposal, study authors said.
So some researchers from previous studies decided to look deeper into what happens to U.S. trash and found so much is improperly handled that America ranks as high as the third-worst ocean plastic polluter. The study estimated that 560,000 to 1.6 million tons of U.S. plastic waste likely went into oceans.
“We are facing a global crisis of far too much plastic waste,” said study lead author Kara Lavender Law, an oceanography professor at the Sea Education Association in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The new research “was motivated by the fact that we know the United States was leaking more plastic than estimated,” she said.
The study’s estimates range so widely, Law said, because so much of what the researchers explored were waste disposal activities that don’t get meticulously measured.
“This more detailed estimate provides a more realistic view of our mismanaged waste and leakage,” said University of Toronto ecology professor Chelsea Rochman, who wasn’t part of the study. “We consume a lot of plastic per capita which then becomes plastic waste. We recycle very little of this material.”
A large but hard to quantify part of the problem involves the 51% of U.S. plastic waste shipped abroad for recycling to countries that routinely mismanage waste, Law said.
“We’re putting this in the blue bin and then it’s getting trucked to Boston,” Law said. “And then it’s getting put on a ship that’s sailing most of the way around the world for somebody to unpack it and pick through it and cut labels off it in hopes that some portion of that material will be turned into (plastic) pellets and into a children’s toy or whatever.”
The situation has been changing, she said. China and other countries have become more restrictive about taking U.S. trash imports, and more plastic is ending up in landfills here.
“U.S. exports of plastic waste have declined dramatically — nearly 70% — since their peak in 2016,” Joshua Baca, vice president for plastics at the industry group American Chemistry Council, said in an email. Beginning next year, many countries won’t accept U.S. waste exports because of a new international agreement, he said.
Baca said the industry is spending billions of dollars trying to fix the problem, with modernized recycling technology and new business models to reduce waste while urging mandatory recycled content standards for new products and packaging.
The EPA last week launched a new strategy for combatting marine litter and next month will have a recycling summit, said agency spokesman James Hewitt.
“The best thing you can do environmentally is to produce no waste at all,” Jambeck said.


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--North Carolina voter rally ends with pepper spray, 8 arrests

Nine swing states hold the key to the presidency .
Here 's ...

GRAHAM, N.C. — A get-out-the-vote rally that ended with North Carolina police pepper spraying and arresting attendants was the result of participants blocking the roadway without authorization, authorities said Saturday.
Graham police said they issued several warnings to the crowd at Alamance County’s courthouse to move from the roadway before releasing pepper spraying and later arresting eight people.
A press release from the department said the march organized by Reverend Greg Drumwright didn’t have permission to block traffic. Drumwright initially asked police and the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office if authorities could block the roadway for the rally members, but that request was never completed because Drumwright “missed the deadline,” Graham police said.
Police said attendees paused in the roadway for about nine minutes, creating traffic back ups “in all directions around court square.”
Later, police asked the crowd to disperse, giving them a five-minute warning to leave the roadway.
After the time passed, police said they released the spray toward the ground not “directly” toward any participant.
The “I Am Change” march to the polls was organized by activist Drumwright, and began as a march from a local church to the courthouse.
Drumwright said the group was permitted to stand in the courthouse square and was escorted through the streets by the police. He also said that the group had “no intention” of having the rally in the street.
“We are fed up with this kind of treatment in Alamance County and in Graham City,” Drumwright said in a Facebook live video following the altercation. “Both of those law entities … colluded to suppress peaceful organizers, who were here not only to vote today, but to call an end to system oppression and racial disparages.”
Lindsay Ayling, a graduate student and anti-racism activist who participated in the rally, told The Associated Press police used tear gas indiscriminately and without reason on the crowd, including on children.
“The police were looking for excuses to use pepper spray and arrest members of the crowd,” she said.
Saturday is the last day to vote early in North Carolina, a key battleground President Donald Trump needs to win to boost his prospects of defeating Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein called the events “troubling.” He said election officials told him that polling places stayed open and people continued to vote.
“All eligible voters in North Carolina have a constitutional right to cast their vote safely and securely, without threats or intimidation,” said Stein, a Democrat.
A Confederate monument outside the Alamance County courthouse has been a local target for demonstrations since the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police in May. Floyd, a Black man, died after a white officer pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck for several minutes.
Drumwright said he’ll be holding a press conference Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at the Tucker Street Apartments in Burlington, where he is from.


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--Stream It Or Skip It: ‘It: Chapter Two’ on HBO, in Which Pennywise the Clown Returns to Not Be as Sc

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘It: Chapter Two’ on HBO, in Which Pennywise the Clown Returns to Not Be as Scary as We’d Like

The most amusing thing about It : Chapter Two — now streaming on HBO — is the title , because at nearly three hours , it feels like chapters 2-184 .
It follows up 2017 ’ s hit It , continuing the attempt to adapt Stephen King ’ s 1,138-page novel into something digestible , and wrapping up the story of smalltown kids terrorized by a creepy clown who may or may not be a manifestation of their collective subconscious fears or something ?
Let ’ s see if the sequel scares up some dread , or if it just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
IT : CHAPTER TWO : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT ?
The Gist : Back in 1989 , the Losers Club kids from the first movie swore to return to their hometown of Derry , Maine if the shapeshifty bulb-headed eyes-askew clown-monster Pennywise ( Bill Skarsgard ) ever comes back .
Spoiler alert : it does , 27 years later .
Mike ( Isaiah Mustafa ) is the only one still in Derry , and he ’ s spent the last 2.7 decades obsessing over It , poring over books and artifacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls the other six Losers , imploring them to drop everything and come back .
Only Mike fully remembers what happened because he stayed close to ground zero .
Everyone else is compelled , I think , by some deep dark icky thing inside them to follow through on their blurry memories of something horrible .
Because Stephen King writes what he knows , Bill ( James McEvoy ) grew up to be a famous author whose books are adapted to movies .
Wisecracking Richie ( Bill Hader ) is now a stand-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was the chubby kid , lost weight .
Eddie ( James Ransone ) is a slightly weaselly insurance risk assessor .
Beverly ( Jessica Chastain ) went from an abusive father to an abusive husband .
Stanley ( Andy Bean ) takes Mike ’ s call and immediately commits suicide ( yes , yikes ) .
They reunite over drinks at the Chinese restaurant , and the fortunes in their fortune cookies bear a chilling message from their arch nemesis Pennywise , making them collectively lose their shit .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bodies , Pennywise ’ s signature red balloon starts luring people into his needletoothed maw and the Losers ’ old bully Henry ( Teach Grant ) , still bearing his signature mullet , escapes from the local mental hospital with the help of a zombie driving a Trans Am .
Having done all the research about the origins of Pennywise , or It , or whatever — yada blah Native Americans something something etc .
— Mike says each adult Loser has to sacrifice an artifact from their past in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up so each gets an opportunity for a flashback to their youth , and to be in a disturbing CGI freakshow scene with Pennywise .
Eventually they ’ ll reconvene to venture into the subconscious — a Very Symbolic cave beneath a sewer beneath a basement beneath an old crumbling house — and take down that god damn clown .
What Movies Will It Remind You Of ?
: That scene with the clown doll in Poltergeist , Shakes the Clown and of course Killer Klowns from Outer Space .
Performance Worth Watching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suitably eerie as Pennywise , whose lilting , crackity voice is sure to have coulrophobes pulling the covers over their heads .
Memorable Dialogue : “ This is just weird — all these people I don ’ t even remember forgetting.
” — Bill ’ s muddled attempt to clarify things Sex and Skin : Just one shot of some male hindquarters .
Our Take : So you watched the first It , which was solidly entertaining in that Stranger Things hey-check-out-this- ’ 80s-pop-culture-reference kind of way .
In for a penny , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re probably thinking , although watching Chapter Two maybe isn ’ t so ( penny ) wise .
It ’ s bloated and silly , a collection of scattered subplots , half-developed characters and turbid mythological whatnot .
Pennywise looks weird and neat , and is a true scene stealer , until he inevitably transforms into a dopey , vaguely convincing digital creature that ’ s maybe scary if you ’ re 11 .
The point of the It films , I believe , is to dredge up the psychological detritus of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s like to be a scared kid , whether we were afraid of whatever we imagined was drooling under the bed , or the school bully , or of being kidnapped by a creep , or of our own parents .
The first movie set the stage , functioning on its own reasonably well .
But Chapter Two is a mess of horror-comedy tones that neuter its emotional impact .
The performances are broad , almost hysterical , bordering on camp ; the bully/zombie subplot flotsam goes nowhere and lacks context ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shouting and squelching noises .
It ’ s also longer than three Brachiosaurus tails .
Our Call : SKIP IT .
It : Chapter Two isn ’ t freaky enough , or funny enough , and even after spending five hours with this story , it doesn ’ t make us care about the characters enough .
If you want a three-hour Stephen King horror epic that ’ s better worth your time , watch the director ’ s cut of Doctor Sleep instead .
John Serba is a freelance writer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan .
Read more of his work at johnserbaatlarge.com or follow him on Twitter : @ johnserba .
Stream It : Chapter Two on HBO Max Stream It : Chapter Two on HBO Now

The most amusing thing about It: Chapter Two — now streaming on HBO — is the title, because at nearly three hours, it feels like chapters 2-184. It follows up 2017’s hit It, continuing the attempt to adapt Stephen King’s 1,138-page novel into something digestible, and wrapping up the story of smalltown kids terrorized by a creepy clown who may or may not be a manifestation of their collective subconscious fears or something? Let’s see if the sequel scares up some dread, or if it just mercilessly kills three hours of our lives.
IT: CHAPTER TWO: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
The Gist: Back in 1989, the Losers Club kids from the first movie swore to return to their hometown of Derry, Maine if the shapeshifty bulb-headed eyes-askew clown-monster Pennywise (Bill Skarsgard) ever comes back. Spoiler alert: it does, 27 years later. Mike (Isaiah Mustafa) is the only one still in Derry, and he’s spent the last 2.7 decades obsessing over It, poring over books and artifacts in a dimly lit attic. He calls the other six Losers, imploring them to drop everything and come back. Only Mike fully remembers what happened because he stayed close to ground zero. Everyone else is compelled, I think, by some deep dark icky thing inside them to follow through on their blurry memories of something horrible.
Because Stephen King writes what he knows, Bill (James McEvoy) grew up to be a famous author whose books are adapted to movies. Wisecracking Richie (Bill Hader) is now a stand-up comic. Ben (Jay Ryan), who was the chubby kid, lost weight. Eddie (James Ransone) is a slightly weaselly insurance risk assessor. Beverly (Jessica Chastain) went from an abusive father to an abusive husband. Stanley (Andy Bean) takes Mike’s call and immediately commits suicide (yes, yikes). They reunite over drinks at the Chinese restaurant, and the fortunes in their fortune cookies bear a chilling message from their arch nemesis Pennywise, making them collectively lose their shit.
Meanwhile, the sewer in Derry belches up blood and bodies, Pennywise’s signature red balloon starts luring people into his needletoothed maw and the Losers’ old bully Henry (Teach Grant), still bearing his signature mullet, escapes from the local mental hospital with the help of a zombie driving a Trans Am. Having done all the research about the origins of Pennywise, or It, or whatever — yada blah Native Americans something something etc. — Mike says each adult Loser has to sacrifice an artifact from their past in order to bring back buried memories. They split up so each gets an opportunity for a flashback to their youth, and to be in a disturbing CGI freakshow scene with Pennywise. Eventually they’ll reconvene to venture into the subconscious — a Very Symbolic cave beneath a sewer beneath a basement beneath an old crumbling house — and take down that god damn clown.
What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: That scene with the clown doll in Poltergeist, Shakes the Clown and of course Killer Klowns from Outer Space.
Performance Worth Watching: Slathered with prosthetics, Skarsgard is suitably eerie as Pennywise, whose lilting, crackity voice is sure to have coulrophobes pulling the covers over their heads.
Memorable Dialogue: “This is just weird — all these people I don’t even remember forgetting.” — Bill’s muddled attempt to clarify things
Sex and Skin: Just one shot of some male hindquarters.
Our Take: So you watched the first It, which was solidly entertaining in that Stranger Things hey-check-out-this-’80s-pop-culture-reference kind of way. In for a penny, in for a pound, you’re probably thinking, although watching Chapter Two maybe isn’t so (penny) wise. It’s bloated and silly, a collection of scattered subplots, half-developed characters and turbid mythological whatnot. Pennywise looks weird and neat, and is a true scene stealer, until he inevitably transforms into a dopey, vaguely convincing digital creature that’s maybe scary if you’re 11.
The point of the It films, I believe, is to dredge up the psychological detritus of our childhoods and make us remember what it’s like to be a scared kid, whether we were afraid of whatever we imagined was drooling under the bed, or the school bully, or of being kidnapped by a creep, or of our own parents. The first movie set the stage, functioning on its own reasonably well. But Chapter Two is a mess of horror-comedy tones that neuter its emotional impact. The performances are broad, almost hysterical, bordering on camp; the bully/zombie subplot flotsam goes nowhere and lacks context; the finale is a hyper-conglomeration of CGI, shouting and squelching noises. It’s also longer than three Brachiosaurus tails.
Our Call: SKIP IT. It: Chapter Two isn’t freaky enough, or funny enough, and even after spending five hours with this story, it doesn’t make us care about the characters enough. If you want a three-hour Stephen King horror epic that’s better worth your time, watch the director’s cut of Doctor Sleep instead.
John Serba is a freelance writer and film critic based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Read more of his work at johnserbaatlarge.com or follow him on Twitter: @johnserba.
Stream It: Chapter Two on HBO Max
Stream It: Chapter Two on HBO Now


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--Knicks’ 1990s glory days captured in two compelling books

Knicks fans will get to reminisce like it ’ s 1999 .
During this gloomy Knicks century of basketball , two books are emerging about the 1990s Knicks to brighten the day .
The first , written by lawyer-turned-author Paul Knepper , is on sale now : “ The Knicks of the Nineties : Ewing , Oakley , Starks and the Brawlers That Almost Won It All.
” The second , “ Blood On The Hardwood : The Flagrant History of the 1990s Knicks ” penned by former Wall Street Journal Knicks beat writer Chris Herring , will be published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and died with the successes and failures of the 1990s Knicks powerhouses , started his research three years ago .
He conducted interviews with 100 sources — with former Knicks and Garden president Dave Checketts turning out the most helpful .
Charles Oakley , John Starks , new Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau ( an assistant from 1996-2004 ) , Jeff Van Gundy , Herb Williams , Charlie Ward and Chris Childs , among others , participated in the project .
As the book notes , the 10 full seasons with Pat Riley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( with 59 games at the start of the 1995-96 season led by Don Nelson ) netted a .628 winning percentage .
The Knicks made the playoffs every season , advanced to the Eastern Conference finals four times and made it twice to the NBA Finals .
Since Van Gundy ’ s resignation in 2001 , the Knicks have employed 13 head coaches , made the playoffs four times and captured just one playoff series .
Lastly , the Knicks have registered the most losses in the NBA this century .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Lakers fans are nostalgic right now about other eras , ’ ’ Knepper told The Post .
“ But this is a great fan base and New Yorkers love their Knicks .
It ’ s been pretty brutal to watch the last two decades and people are nostalgic for those ’ 90s teams.
” For now , the Knicks haven ’ t played a game in nearly eight months because of the pandemic .
And that might be a good thing .
“ It just came to me three years ago — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I should , ’ ’ Knepper added .
“ I ’ m one of those people who long for those days in the ’ 90s .
It struck me : Someone should write a book about those days and I thought , ‘ Why not me ?
’ ” Knepper uncovered a host of fresh nuggets , most interestingly about Riley ’ s fateful decision to stick with Starks during Game 7 of the 1994 Finals versus the Rockets .
The popular shooting guard clunked his way to an epically disastrous 2-of-18 shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to “ Knicks in the Nineties , ” Riley spent the afternoon of Game 7 hanging out in his hotel room at Houston ’ s Ritz Carlton with close friend Dick Butera .
As Riley and Butera waited for the hotel elevator to head to the arena , Riley said to Butera , “ Well , buddy , I know three guys that are gon na show up tonight ?
” Riley replied , “ You , me and John.
” John was John Starks .
Knepper said that boast may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head during Starks ’ shooting collapse , prompting the coach to refuse to put Rolando Blackman or Hubert Davis into the game .
“ Starks reminded Riley of himself , ’ ’ Knepper said .
“ I think there was an emotional attachment .
He couldn ’ t help but believe in him .
And he thought ultimately Starks would come through and start making shots.
’ ’ After the Game 7 devastation , a desolate Riley bellied up to the bar in the hotel with Van Gundy ( then his assistant ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a vodka and coke.
’ ’ The bartender politely asked Riley if he was sure because he ’ d never made that drink .
“ He was in a trance , ’ ’ Butera said .
Riley , Butera and Van Gundy sat by the bar in silence for more than an hour — a silence broken only to “ express their disbelief ” at Starks ’ shooting performance .
Publicly , Riley has flip-flopped as to whether he regrets the decision .
But according to the book , he confided in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest mistake I have ever made ’ ’ and “ cost us all a ring.
’ ’ Also revealed was how close Checketts came to trading Patrick Ewing in 1991 during stalled contract-extension talks .
Checketts flew to San Antonio to offer Spurs owner Red McCombs $ 10 million and Ewing for David Robinson .
McCombs turned down the offer .
An assistant under Van Gundy from 1996-2001 , Thibodeau was interviewed by Knepper in July 2019 , before he took the Knicks head coaching job .
He ’ s quoted saying those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but never outcompeted.
’ ’ “ The thing I enjoyed probably most about just being part of that staff is you felt like you were going to the best clinic in the world every day , ’ ’ Thibodeau said in Knepper ’ s book .
“ Jeff had worked for Pat Riley , Don Nelson , [ Rick ] Pitino , John McLeod , and his dad was a great coach .
You had Brendan Malone .
He had been under Chuck Daly and Hubie Brown .
You had Don Chaney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old Celtic teams with Red Auerbach and Bill Fitch .
Jeff Nix had been under Riley , Don Nelson and worked for Digger Phelps in college .
You know I had worked for [ Bill ] Musselman and [ Jerry ] Tarkanian .
“ Every day , you would talk about basketball , and you ’ d share with each other , how would Pat Riley handle this , or what would Chuck Daly do ?
It was a great , great , great atmosphere.
” The type of atmosphere that has gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far too long .

Knicks fans will get to reminisce like it’s 1999.
During this gloomy Knicks century of basketball, two books are emerging about the 1990s Knicks to brighten the day.
The first, written by lawyer-turned-author Paul Knepper, is on sale now: “The Knicks of the Nineties: Ewing, Oakley, Starks and the Brawlers That Almost Won It All.”
The second, “Blood On The Hardwood: The Flagrant History of the 1990s Knicks” penned by former Wall Street Journal Knicks beat writer Chris Herring, will be published in 2021.
Knepper, who lived and died with the successes and failures of the 1990s Knicks powerhouses, started his research three years ago. He conducted interviews with 100 sources — with former Knicks and Garden president Dave Checketts turning out the most helpful.
Charles Oakley, John Starks, new Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau (an assistant from 1996-2004), Jeff Van Gundy, Herb Williams, Charlie Ward and Chris Childs, among others, participated in the project.
As the book notes, the 10 full seasons with Pat Riley and then Van Gundy as head coach (with 59 games at the start of the 1995-96 season led by Don Nelson) netted a .628 winning percentage. The Knicks made the playoffs every season, advanced to the Eastern Conference finals four times and made it twice to the NBA Finals.
Since Van Gundy’s resignation in 2001, the Knicks have employed 13 head coaches, made the playoffs four times and captured just one playoff series. Lastly, the Knicks have registered the most losses in the NBA this century.
“I don’t think Golden State Warriors or Lakers fans are nostalgic right now about other eras,’’ Knepper told The Post. “But this is a great fan base and New Yorkers love their Knicks. It’s been pretty brutal to watch the last two decades and people are nostalgic for those ’90s teams.”
For now, the Knicks haven’t played a game in nearly eight months because of the pandemic. And that might be a good thing.
“It just came to me three years ago — I think about the Knicks more than I should,’’ Knepper added. “I’m one of those people who long for those days in the ’90s. It struck me: Someone should write a book about those days and I thought, ‘Why not me?’ ”
Knepper uncovered a host of fresh nuggets, most interestingly about Riley’s fateful decision to stick with Starks during Game 7 of the 1994 Finals versus the Rockets. The popular shooting guard clunked his way to an epically disastrous 2-of-18 shooting night — 1-for-10 in the second half.
According to “Knicks in the Nineties,” Riley spent the afternoon of Game 7 hanging out in his hotel room at Houston’s Ritz Carlton with close friend Dick Butera. As Riley and Butera waited for the hotel elevator to head to the arena, Riley said to Butera, “Well, buddy, I know three guys that are gonna show up tonight?”
Butera asked, “Who?”
Riley replied, “You, me and John.” John was John Starks.
Knepper said that boast may have been ringing in Riley’s head during Starks’ shooting collapse, prompting the coach to refuse to put Rolando Blackman or Hubert Davis into the game.
“Starks reminded Riley of himself,’’ Knepper said. “I think there was an emotional attachment. He couldn’t help but believe in him. And he thought ultimately Starks would come through and start making shots.’’
After the Game 7 devastation, a desolate Riley bellied up to the bar in the hotel with Van Gundy (then his assistant) and Butera by his side and ordered “a vodka and coke.’’
The bartender politely asked Riley if he was sure because he’d never made that drink.
“He was in a trance,’’ Butera said.
Riley, Butera and Van Gundy sat by the bar in silence for more than an hour — a silence broken only to “express their disbelief” at Starks’ shooting performance.
Publicly, Riley has flip-flopped as to whether he regrets the decision. But according to the book, he confided in Checketts in 2006 it was “the biggest mistake I have ever made’’ and “cost us all a ring.’’
Also revealed was how close Checketts came to trading Patrick Ewing in 1991 during stalled contract-extension talks. Checketts flew to San Antonio to offer Spurs owner Red McCombs $10 million and Ewing for David Robinson. McCombs turned down the offer.
An assistant under Van Gundy from 1996-2001, Thibodeau was interviewed by Knepper in July 2019, before he took the Knicks head coaching job. He’s quoted saying those late 1990s teams were “maybe beaten, but never outcompeted.’’
“The thing I enjoyed probably most about just being part of that staff is you felt like you were going to the best clinic in the world every day,’’ Thibodeau said in Knepper’s book. “Jeff had worked for Pat Riley, Don Nelson, [Rick] Pitino, John McLeod, and his dad was a great coach. You had Brendan Malone. He had been under Chuck Daly and Hubie Brown. You had Don Chaney, who’d been around the old Celtic teams with Red Auerbach and Bill Fitch. Jeff Nix had been under Riley, Don Nelson and worked for Digger Phelps in college. You know I had worked for [Bill] Musselman and [Jerry] Tarkanian.
“Every day, you would talk about basketball, and you’d share with each other, how would Pat Riley handle this, or what would Chuck Daly do? It was a great, great, great atmosphere.”
The type of atmosphere that has gone missing from the Knicks’ universe for far too long.


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--78-year-old man clubbed with grill brush in shocking NYC attack

A third grand juror in the Breonna Taylor case plans ...

The NYPD is still trying to solve a bizarre and random clubbing attack — involving the kind of long brush used to clean barbecues — that sent a 78-year-old man to the sidewalk in Manhattan on Monday.
The victim was walking in front of 393 West 49th St., not far from his Hell’s Kitchen residence, at about 2 a.m. when a male stranger approached him from behind and struck him in the head with a “wooden grill brush,” police said.
The suspect “said nothing” and kept walking east on West 49th Street, the victim told ABC New York.
The victim crumbled to the ground and was left bruised and in pain. EMS took him to Mount Sinai hospital in stable condition, police said.
The NYPD released a video of the wanted man and a photo from the scene of the crime prior to the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).


newyorkpost--2020-10-31--Steelers bringing gritty style of past into battle vs. rival Ravens

The Steelers belong to Pittsburgh every bit as much as the old mills and smokestacks , which polluted the air and left buildings and clothes covered in soot , once did .
From the days of stogie-chomping Art “ The Chief ” Rooney and the Steel Curtain dynasty , to Terrible Towels waving at Three Rivers Stadium and Heinz Field , to the late Myron Cope on radio , to today , the Steelers have remained devoted to representing and reflecting the black-and-gold collar fans who live and die with this football team .
And now we have a 6-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brawl at Baltimore ( 5-1 ) , lifted by the return of Big Ben Roethlisberger from a thumb injury that cost him most of last season .
It has been 12 years since Big Ben won his second Super Bowl , 12 years since the Steelers won their sixth Super Bowl championship , and they are driven to win their seventh and break a franchise tie at the top with the Patriots .
Bill Cowher , who won Super Bowl XL , won ’ t soon forget the Steelers of Chuck Noll — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swann and Mike Webster and John Stallworth and Mean Joe Greene and L.C .
Greenwood and Jack Lambert and Jack Ham and Mel Blount — because he grew up 10 miles from Three Rivers Stadium in Crafton , Pa. , delivering the Pittsburgh Press in the afternoon from ages 8-12 .
They called Pittsburgh the “ City of Champions ” after the Steelers and Pirates ruled the 1979 season .
“ No .
1 , there ’ s a tradition of winning that goes beyond when I was there , starting with Chuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ’ 70s , ” Cowher told Serby Says , “ and with that expectation of winning , also there comes a responsibility that goes with that , which is carrying yourself a certain way .
I think it starts at the very top , it started with Dan Rooney , it started with The Chief before him , and still continues now with Art Rooney [ II , Art Rooney Sr. ’ s grandson ] .
“ They understand that there ’ s a core value that you have and certain players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you build off of , that you continually build through .
Your type of player that you want to be able to carry on your legacy , and then they teach it to the young players .
There ’ s a certain professionalism that goes with it , there ’ s a certain selflessness that goes with it , there ’ s a certain set of expectations that goes with being a Pittsburgh Steeler.
” Defensive end Brett Keisel , who played from 2002-14 for Cowher and Mike Tomlin , was asked for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My definition would just be tough , gritty , hard-working , bring your lunch pail , your hardhat , to work kind of mentality , ” Keisel said by phone .
“ That ’ s the steel industry .
The city was founded by men and families of that nature.
” Once a Steeler , always a Steeler .
Sometimes , only a Steeler .
“ You get a taste of reality when you go to Latrobe [ for training camp ] and you see Steeler Nation and you see the fight that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team every year , ” Keisel said .
“ You also see the family side of the locker room , the camaraderie , the brotherhood about being a Pittsburgh Steeler , so you immediately want to have that for your whole football life .
It ’ s a special town to play football for .
It ’ s awesome to feel the buzz right now , because we felt it quite a few times while we were playing there .
But the football team means a ton to the city , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we ’ re doing good.
” The team ’ s going good , with Roethlisberger looking nothing like a 38-year-old quarterback .
“ He looks better than I ’ ve ever seen , ” Keisel said .
Big Ben is getting the ball out of his hand with unprecedented speed .
“ It ’ s one of those situations you come back with a renewed refreshness for the game , ” Cowher said .
“ Sometimes you don ’ t realize what you have till it ’ s taken away .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this group of receivers .
He ’ s always seen the field very well , but I ’ m impressed each week with the accuracy , particularly on some of the deep balls he ’ s that thrown.
” “ Chase is one of those guys that ’ s a big target , can high point a ball , ” Cowher said .
“ A very selfless player .
He can run with it as well .
He really is a great complement to Diontae Johnson and JuJu Smith-Schuster , and James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Conner kills the body so the head dies .
“ Looks like a man running with a sense of purpose , ” Cowher said .
“ It ’ s really nice to know that in the course of a fourth quarter you can finish games , and that to me is what the Steelers have always been able to do .
In the National Football League , games are not won in the first , second and third quarters.
” There will never be another Steel Curtain in Pittsburgh , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ACL ) hurts , but Cowher draws a parallel between T.J. Watt ( 5.5 sacks ) and Bud Dupree ( 5 sacks ) and the yesteryear tandems of Greg Lloyd-Kevin Greene , Jason Gilden-Joey Porter and James Harrison-LaMarr Woodley .
“ Bud Dupree is a great complement to T.J. , ” Cowher said .
“ When you play that defense in Pittsburgh , it ’ s about the bookends that you have on that defensive front .
These two bookends right now , they complement each other and they know how to set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Polamalu and feels that safety Minkah Fitzpatrick , acquired by trade 14 months ago , could have a similar impact .
“ I think getting him last year changed everything , ” Cowher said .
“ They got Stephen Tuitt back this year .
He missed almost all of last year , and I think under the radar he ’ s having a Pro Bowl season , along with Cam Heyward .
They ’ re really good at every level.
” Since Noll began his Hall of Fame career in 1969 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tomlin ’ s championship came in Super Bowl XLIII .
“ Mike has a great feel for his players , and I think Mike has also been able to get a good feel for a coaching staff that he ’ s put together , ” Cowher said .
“ [ General manager ] Kevin Colbert ’ s been there since the year 2000 in the middle of my tenure .
Mike has put his own little niche on this football team .
It ’ s about carrying yourself in a professional manner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , your team , doing things a certain way , no one person ’ s bigger than the team .
It ’ s more of a team than it is a group of individuals.
” Hide the women and children for Steelers-Ravens .
“ I think it ’ s the best rivalry in football , ” Cowher said .
“ They both try to intimidate by the way in which they play the game .
They have respect for each other , but there ’ s without a mutual dislike for one another.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell Keisel .
“ It ’ s a bloodbath , ” he said .
“ The trench warfare is brutal .
It is brutal , because both these teams believe in running the football , they both believe in having strong , physical , offense and defensive lines , and the games are won and lost right there .
So watch the trenches , watch the type of hand-to-hand battle and combat that is going on in the trenches in between the whistles , it ’ ll scare ya !
”

The Steelers belong to Pittsburgh every bit as much as the old mills and smokestacks, which polluted the air and left buildings and clothes covered in soot, once did.
From the days of stogie-chomping Art “The Chief” Rooney and the Steel Curtain dynasty, to Terrible Towels waving at Three Rivers Stadium and Heinz Field, to the late Myron Cope on radio, to today, the Steelers have remained devoted to representing and reflecting the black-and-gold collar fans who live and die with this football team.
And now we have a 6-0 Steelers team steeling for another bare knuckles brawl at Baltimore (5-1), lifted by the return of Big Ben Roethlisberger from an elbow injury that cost him most of last season. It has been 12 years since Big Ben won his second Super Bowl, 12 years since the Steelers won their sixth Super Bowl championship, and they are driven to win their seventh and break a franchise tie at the top with the Patriots.
CBS analyst Bill Cowher, who won Super Bowl XL, won’t soon forget the Steelers of Chuck Noll — Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris and Lynn Swann and Mike Webster and John Stallworth and Mean Joe Greene and L.C. Greenwood and Jack Lambert and Jack Ham and Mel Blount — because he grew up 10 miles from Three Rivers Stadium in Crafton, Pa., delivering the Pittsburgh Press in the afternoon from ages 8-12. They called Pittsburgh the “City of Champions” after the Steelers and Pirates ruled the 1979 season.
“No. 1, there’s a tradition of winning that goes beyond when I was there, starting with Chuck Noll with what he did back in the ’70s,” Cowher told Serby Says, “and with that expectation of winning, also there comes a responsibility that goes with that, which is carrying yourself a certain way. I think it starts at the very top, it started with Dan Rooney, it started with The Chief before him, and still continues now with Art Rooney [II, Art Rooney Sr.’s grandson].
“They understand that there’s a core value that you have and certain players that you want to have around that you build off of, that you continually build through. Your type of player that you want to be able to carry on your legacy, and then they teach it to the young players. There’s a certain professionalism that goes with it, there’s a certain selflessness that goes with it, there’s a certain set of expectations that goes with being a Pittsburgh Steeler.”
Defensive end Brett Keisel, who played from 2002-14 for Cowher and Mike Tomlin, was asked for his definition of a Steeler.
“My definition would just be tough, gritty, hard-working, bring your lunch pail, your hardhat, to work kind of mentality,” Keisel said by phone. “That’s the steel industry. The city was founded by men and families of that nature.”
Once a Steeler, always a Steeler. Sometimes, only a Steeler.
“You get a taste of reality when you go to Latrobe [for training camp] and you see Steeler Nation and you see the fight that these men go through just to make the team every year,” Keisel said. “You also see the family side of the locker room, the camaraderie, the brotherhood about being a Pittsburgh Steeler, so you immediately want to have that for your whole football life. It’s a special town to play football for. It’s awesome to feel the buzz right now, because we felt it quite a few times while we were playing there. But the football team means a ton to the city, and when the team’s doing good, we’re doing good.”
The team’s going good, with Roethlisberger looking nothing like a 38-year-old quarterback.
“He looks better than I’ve ever seen,” Keisel said.
Big Ben is getting the ball out of his hand with unprecedented speed. “It’s one of those situations you come back with a renewed refreshness for the game,” Cowher said. “Sometimes you don’t realize what you have till it’s taken away. You’re seeing him become more comfortable with this group of receivers. He’s always seen the field very well, but I’m impressed each week with the accuracy, particularly on some of the deep balls he’s that thrown.”
Rookie receiver Chase Claypool provides Big Ben with a Plaxico Burress-esque weapon.
“Chase is one of those guys that’s a big target, can high point a ball,” Cowher said. “A very selfless player. He can run with it as well. He really is a great complement to Diontae Johnson and JuJu Smith-Schuster, and James Washington as well.”
Bruising running back James Conner kills the body so the head dies.
“Looks like a man running with a sense of purpose,” Cowher said. “It’s really nice to know that in the course of a fourth quarter you can finish games, and that to me is what the Steelers have always been able to do. In the National Football League, games are not won in the first, second and third quarters.”
There will never be another Steel Curtain in Pittsburgh, and the loss of linebacker Devin Bush (torn ACL) hurts, but Cowher draws a parallel between T.J. Watt (5.5 sacks) and Bud Dupree (5 sacks) and the yesteryear tandems of Greg Lloyd-Kevin Greene, Jason Gilden-Joey Porter and James Harrison-LaMarr Woodley.
“Bud Dupree is a great complement to T.J.,” Cowher said. “When you play that defense in Pittsburgh, it’s about the bookends that you have on that defensive front. These two bookends right now, they complement each other and they know how to set an edge.”
Keisel played with Troy Polamalu and feels that safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, acquired by trade 14 months ago, could have a similar impact.
“I think getting him last year changed everything,” Cowher said. “They got Stephen Tuitt back this year. He missed almost all of last year, and I think under the radar he’s having a Pro Bowl season, along with Cam Heyward. They’re really good at every level.”
Since Noll began his Hall of Fame career in 1969, the Steelers have had three head coaches. Tomlin’s championship came in Super Bowl XLIII.
“Mike has a great feel for his players, and I think Mike has also been able to get a good feel for a coaching staff that he’s put together,” Cowher said. “[General manager] Kevin Colbert’s been there since the year 2000 in the middle of my tenure. Mike has put his own little niche on this football team. It’s about carrying yourself in a professional manner, about representing your city, your organization, your team, doing things a certain way, no one person’s bigger than the team. It’s more of a team than it is a group of individuals.”
Hide the women and children for Steelers-Ravens.
“I think it’s the best rivalry in football,” Cowher said. “They both try to intimidate by the way in which they play the game. They have respect for each other, but there’s without a mutual dislike for one another.”
You don’t need to tell Keisel.
“It’s a bloodbath,” he said. “The trench warfare is brutal. It is brutal, because both these teams believe in running the football, they both believe in having strong, physical, offense and defensive lines, and the games are won and lost right there. So watch the trenches, watch the type of hand-to-hand battle and combat that is going on in the trenches in between the whistles, it’ll scare ya!”
In Pittsburgh, they’ll be expecting a Steel Hurtin’.