newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Enter FOX Bet’s Week 15 Sunday contest for a free chance to win $100,000

Let ’ s take another crack at $ 100,000 in this Sunday ’ s FOX Bet contest .
There are six matchups to get correct , picking the final margin for either team — 1-3 , 4-6 , 7-9 , 10-14 , 15-21 , 22+ — in these Week 15 matchups .
Enter the NFL Sunday Challenge contest on the FOX Super 6 app for free and you can win this week ’ s $ 100,000 jackpot !
Download now at foxsuper6.com !
Nothing like the Texans to revive someone ’ s playoffs hopes , not to mention a resurgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nice chemistry with Allen Robinson , and a Monsters of the Midway pass rush .
Nick Foles was awful when the NFC North foes met and RB David Montgomery ( concussion ) missed the first matchup .
It helps Trubisky and HC Matt Nagy that the Vikings field the 26th-ranked pass defense .
MLB Roquan Smith helped contain Dalvin Cook ( 30-96 ) in the first meeting , and Bears DC Chuck Pagano will need Khalil Mack & Co. to harass Kirk Cousins more than they did ( one sack on 36 passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rookie Justin Jefferson such a dangerous duo .
And they ’ ll be that much more dangerous if impressive rookie CB Jaylon Johnson ( shoulder ) is sidelined or limited and Duke Shelley at slot corner If Buster Skrine is out .
Matthew Stafford ( ribs ) is iffy and if poor Chase Daniel is forced to make his sixth career start , he won ’ t be throwing to WR Kenny Golladay ( hip ) .
Wait , there ’ s more .
When you are the 29th-ranked run defense , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Derrick Henry .
And it isn ’ t only King Henry : the Titans , who are pushing to win the AFC South , have scored 141 points in their last four games with Ryan Tannehill ( 8 TDs , 2 INTs ) throwing to A. J .
Brown and Corey Davis .
Wait , there ’ s more .
No Jeff Okudah or Desmond Trufant means Amani Oruwariye at cornerback .
Good luck .
Maybe Chris Spielman can help find the right coach .
The poor Lions still haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has beaten Matt Ryan the only four times they ’ ve faced off , including that Super Bowl LI comeback for the ages .
And now Ryan could be without Julio Jones ( hamstring ) .
And the Bucs have 40 sacks .
OC Dirk Koetter won ’ t be able to fool Bucs DC Todd Bowles with Russell Gage throwing to Calvin Ridley since he unveiled it last week .
You have to believe that Ryan won ’ t throw three INTs in back-to-back games and he can ’ t afford to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the league ’ s top run defense .
The Falcons are 0-6 when they fail to reach 90 yards on the ground .
Well , the Bucs are 21st in pass defense , so there ’ s that .
And maybe Brady will forget what down it is .
HC Raheem Morris is 4-4 since replacing Dan Quinn and this is the home finale .
A sideline hug from owner Arthur Blank would go a long way towards helping him keep the job .
All the pressure is on the Bucs , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wild-card race and two games behind the Saints in the NFC South .
Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson had the benefit of a bye last weekend – – the Jets showed up .
But waiting for them across the country will be the Washington Football Team , and Chase Young and Montez Sweat .
The Washington Post informs us that Ron Rivera ’ s first-place outfit has outscored opponents 107-57 , allowed an average of 65 rushing yards and totaled eight takeaways during its four-game win streak .
Rivera and DC Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the Giants stymied Wilson .
Kendall Fuller is their best corner , but he ’ s 5-11 , and DK Metcalf is 6-4 , 229 .
There is optimism about Alex Smith ’ s calf , which would save Dwayne Haskins from the wrath of Jamal Adams .
Smith will need to get WR Terry McLaurin untracked with RBs J. D. McKissick and Peyton Barber in for gifted rookie Antonio Gibson .
The Fish opened the season with a 21-11 loss in Foxborough when Cam Newton rushed for 75 yards and 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Brian Flores won ’ t allow either to happen again and it ’ s difficult sweeping a division foe unless the Jets are in your division .
Bill Belichick is 21-5 against rookie quarterbacks after his smackdown of Justin Herbert ( 49.1 completion percentage , 0 TDs , 2 INTs ) , so don ’ t expect miracles from Tua Tagovailoa .
A win would give the Dolphins an inside track for the seventh seed and eliminate the Pats .
That ’ s what we call killing Tua birds with one stone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a No .
1 receiver and CB Xavien Howard ( 9 INTs ) lurking would be ideal for Miami .
The Dolphins have defeated the Patriots in their last two December meetings – – if Adam Gase can do it , Flores sure can , even if his RBs average a league-worst 3.6 ypc .
But all bets are off if DeVante Parker ( slight hamstring strain ) and/or TE Mike Gesicki ( shoulder ) are limited and/or sidelined .
It all depends on how hamstrung Daniel Jones will be .
The expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets to Sterling Shepard .
Quick decisions and getting the ball out of his hand will be imperative for Jones — and/or Colt McCoy — against Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon .
Baker Mayfield has a 13:2 TD : INT ratio over his last seven games , but DC Patrick Graham ’ s first task is to keep from getting trucked by RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt .
And Hunt is a big threat ( 31-252-5 TDs ) out of the backfield .
Joe Judge better straighten out his struggling special teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of the Ravens and Dolphins and tied with the Colts and Titans in the playoff chase .
They can ’ t afford to look past the Giants and ahead to the Jets — as tempting as that might be .

Let’s take another crack at $100,000 in this Sunday’s FOX Bet contest.
There are six matchups to get correct, picking the final margin for either team — 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-14, 15-21, 22+ — in these Week 15 matchups.
Enter the NFL Sunday Challenge contest on the FOX Super 6 app for free and you can win this week’s $100,000 jackpot! Download now at foxsuper6.com!
Bears at Vikings (-3.5)
Nothing like the Texans to revive someone’s playoffs hopes, not to mention a resurgent uptempo Mitch Trubisky, who had a nice chemistry with Allen Robinson, and a Monsters of the Midway pass rush. Nick Foles was awful when the NFC North foes met and RB David Montgomery (concussion) missed the first matchup. It helps Trubisky and HC Matt Nagy that the Vikings field the 26th-ranked pass defense.
MLB Roquan Smith helped contain Dalvin Cook (30-96) in the first meeting, and Bears DC Chuck Pagano will need Khalil Mack & Co. to harass Kirk Cousins more than they did (one sack on 36 passing attempts) with Adam Thielen and stud rookie Justin Jefferson such a dangerous duo. And they’ll be that much more dangerous if impressive rookie CB Jaylon Johnson (shoulder) is sidelined or limited and Duke Shelley at slot corner If Buster Skrine is out.
Pick: Vikings 1-3
Lions at Titans (-11)
Matthew Stafford (ribs) is iffy and if poor Chase Daniel is forced to make his sixth career start, he won’t be throwing to WR Kenny Golladay (hip). Wait, there’s more. When you are the 29th-ranked run defense, the last guy you want on your schedule is Derrick Henry. And it isn’t only King Henry: the Titans, who are pushing to win the AFC South, have scored 141 points in their last four games with Ryan Tannehill (8 TDs, 2 INTs) throwing to A. J. Brown and Corey Davis. Wait, there’s more. No Jeff Okudah or Desmond Trufant means Amani Oruwariye at cornerback. Good luck. Maybe Chris Spielman can help find the right coach. The poor Lions still haven’t won a Super Bowl.
Pick: Titans 15-21
Buccaneers (-6.5) at Falcons
Tom Brady has beaten Matt Ryan the only four times they’ve faced off, including that Super Bowl LI comeback for the ages. And now Ryan could be without Julio Jones (hamstring). And the Bucs have 40 sacks. OC Dirk Koetter won’t be able to fool Bucs DC Todd Bowles with Russell Gage throwing to Calvin Ridley since he unveiled it last week. You have to believe that Ryan won’t throw three INTs in back-to-back games and he can’t afford to since fading Todd Gurley will be confronting the league’s top run defense. The Falcons are 0-6 when they fail to reach 90 yards on the ground. Well, the Bucs are 21st in pass defense, so there’s that. And maybe Brady will forget what down it is. HC Raheem Morris is 4-4 since replacing Dan Quinn and this is the home finale. A sideline hug from owner Arthur Blank would go a long way towards helping him keep the job. All the pressure is on the Bucs, who are one game behind the Seahawks in the wild-card race and two games behind the Saints in the NFC South.
Pick: Bucs by 1 to 3.
Seahawks (-5.5) at Washington
Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson had the benefit of a bye last weekend – – the Jets showed up. But waiting for them across the country will be the Washington Football Team, and Chase Young and Montez Sweat. The Washington Post informs us that Ron Rivera’s first-place outfit has outscored opponents 107-57, allowed an average of 65 rushing yards and totaled eight takeaways during its four-game win streak. Rivera and DC Jack Del Rio will go to school on how the Giants stymied Wilson. Kendall Fuller is their best corner, but he’s 5-11, and DK Metcalf is 6-4, 229. There is optimism about Alex Smith’s calf, which would save Dwayne Haskins from the wrath of Jamal Adams. Smith will need to get WR Terry McLaurin untracked with RBs J. D. McKissick and Peyton Barber in for gifted rookie Antonio Gibson.
Pick: Seahawks by 1 to 3.
Patriots at Dolphins
The Fish opened the season with a 21-11 loss in Foxborough when Cam Newton rushed for 75 yards and 2 TDs and Ryan Fitzpatrick threw 3 INTs. Brian Flores won’t allow either to happen again and it’s difficult sweeping a division foe unless the Jets are in your division. Bill Belichick is 21-5 against rookie quarterbacks after his smackdown of Justin Herbert (49.1 completion percentage, 0 TDs, 2 INTs), so don’t expect miracles from Tua Tagovailoa. A win would give the Dolphins an inside track for the seventh seed and eliminate the Pats. That’s what we call killing Tua birds with one stone.
Forcing Newton to play catch-up without a No. 1 receiver and CB Xavien Howard (9 INTs) lurking would be ideal for Miami. The Dolphins have defeated the Patriots in their last two December meetings – – if Adam Gase can do it, Flores sure can, even if his RBs average a league-worst 3.6 ypc. But all bets are off if DeVante Parker (slight hamstring strain) and/or TE Mike Gesicki (shoulder) are limited and/or sidelined.
Pick: Dolphins by 4 to 7.
Browns (-5.5) at Giants
It all depends on how hamstrung Daniel Jones will be. The expected return of CB Denzel Ward will discourage targets to Sterling Shepard. Quick decisions and getting the ball out of his hand will be imperative for Jones — and/or Colt McCoy — against Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon.
Baker Mayfield has a 13:2 TD:INT ratio over his last seven games, but DC Patrick Graham’s first task is to keep from getting trucked by RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. And Hunt is a big threat (31-252-5 TDs) out of the backfield. Joe Judge better straighten out his struggling special teams. The 9-4 Browns are one game ahead of the Ravens and Dolphins and tied with the Colts and Titans in the playoff chase. They can’t afford to look past the Giants and ahead to the Jets — as tempting as that might be.
Pick: Giants by 1 to 3.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Even Logan Paul thinks brother Jake is ‘f–king dumb’ for vile Conor McGregor rant

Logan Paul admitted his brother Jake ’ s decision to call out Conor McGregor in an X-rated rant was “ f–king dumb.
” Jake hit the headlines after he branded McGregor an “ ‘ Irish c–t ” ‘ claimed to have sent him a $ 50 million fight offer .
He also insulted MdGregor ’ s wife , Dee Devlin .
Even big brother Logan — who faces McGregor ’ s former opponent Floyd Mayweather next year — was left shocked by the video .
And he fears Jake , 23 , may have gone too far by going after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knockouts in 22 wins .
Logan , 25 , said on his podcast : “ I love Jake , obviously , but this one is f–ling dumb .
Sorry , sorry , this one is f–king dumb , dude.
” As Mayweather , 43 , beat McGregor , 32 , in their 2017 boxing match , Logan was asked why he objects to Jake fighting the loser of that bout .
And he responded : “ Conor McGregor is a southpaw , he ’ s bigger than Floyd Mayweather , he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s way active .
I understand what you ’ re saying , so did everyone else , but he ’ s just a precision striker , knockout artist .
Floyd is not .
He ’ s just not .
He ’ s older , everyday he gets older , everyday I get better .
Logan will face Mayweather next February , in what is billed as a “ special exhibition fight.
” The internet sensation lost his pro debut last year by split-decision to social media rival KSI — real name Olajide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jake has won his first two bouts , empathically knocking out retired NBA player Nate Robinson , 36 , in November .

Logan Paul admitted his brother Jake’s decision to call out Conor McGregor in an X-rated rant was “f–king dumb.”
Jake hit the headlines after he branded McGregor an “‘Irish c–t”‘ claimed to have sent him a $50 million fight offer. He also insulted MdGregor’s wife, Dee Devlin.
Even big brother Logan — who faces McGregor’s former opponent Floyd Mayweather next year — was left shocked by the video.
And he fears Jake, 23, may have gone too far by going after ex-UFC champion McGregor — who has 19 knockouts in 22 wins.
Logan, 25, said on his podcast: “I love Jake, obviously, but this one is f–ling dumb. Sorry, sorry, this one is f–king dumb, dude.”
As Mayweather, 43, beat McGregor, 32, in their 2017 boxing match, Logan was asked why he objects to Jake fighting the loser of that bout.
Logan and Jake Paul; Conor McGregor Getty Images
And he responded: “Conor McGregor is a southpaw, he’s bigger than Floyd Mayweather, he’s younger than Floyd Mayweather.
“He’s way active. I understand what you’re saying, so did everyone else, but he’s just a precision striker, knockout artist. Floyd is not. He’s just not. He’s older, everyday he gets older, everyday I get better.
“I understand the discrepancy between us.”
Logan will face Mayweather next February, in what is billed as a “special exhibition fight.”
The internet sensation lost his pro debut last year by split-decision to social media rival KSI — real name Olajide William Olatunji.
But his little brother Jake has won his first two bouts, empathically knocking out retired NBA player Nate Robinson, 36, in November.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--NYPD tactics during George Floyd protests ‘heightened tensions’: DOI report

Vice President Mike Pence will get the COVID-19 vaccine during ...

The NYPD’s “inconsistent” enforcement during the George Floyd protests earlier this year “heightened tensions” between cops and protesters and suppressed First Amendment rights, according to a scathing new report.
“[T]he problems went beyond poor judgment or misconduct by some individual officers,” the city’s Department of Investigation found, detailing a systemic failure in the department’s response to the mostly peaceful demonstrations.
“The Department itself made a number of key errors or omissions that likely escalated tensions, and certainly contributed to both the perception and the reality that the Department was suppressing rather than facilitating lawful First Amendment assembly and expression.”
PBA president Pat Lynch said Friday the report confirms that cops were sent into harm’s way unprepared.
“The DOI report confirms what police officers knew on the first night of riots,” Lynch said. “Our city leaders sent us out with no plan, no strategy, and no support to deal with unrest that was fundamentally different from any of the thousands of demonstrations that police officers successfully protect every single year.”
“No amount of new training or strategizing will help while politicians continue to undermine police officers and embolden those who create chaos on our streets,” he said.
The long-awaited, 111-page report, which was released Friday morning after six months, doesn’t address allegations concerning individual officers — which it did describe as “unprofessional” at “a minimum” — but admonishes police leadership, without naming any individual officials.
“The response really was a failure on many levels,” Commissioner Margaret Garnett said Friday, detailing a lack of preparation for the “extraordinary policing challenge.”
“I hope they will take the findings seriously … that really goes to the core values of the police department,” she added. “I hope the department is more critical and self-reflective.”
The report criticized police for their use of force and crowd control tactics that “often failed to discriminate between lawful, peaceful protesters and unlawful actors” — contributing to the already firmly held anti-cop sentiment.
It specifically noted that the NYPD’s crowd control tactics “produced excessive enforcement that contributed to heightened tensions.”
“NYPD’s use of force on protesters — encirclement (commonly called ‘kettling’), mass arrests, baton and pepper spray use, and other tactics — reflected a failure to calibrate an appropriate balance between valid public safety or officer safety interests and the rights of protesters to assemble and express their views,” according to the report.
One of the most notable instances of “kettling” came on June 4 when cops corralled and trapped protesters in Mott Haven until they were out past the 8 p.m. curfew — and then violently arrested more than 300 people. A Human Rights Watch report described it as a violation of “international human rights.”
Garnett told reporters that the tactics echoed those used by the NYPD during the 2004 Republican National Convention, which resulted in litigation that the city paid an estimated $18 million to settle in 2014.
Legal documents named now-Chief of Department Terence Monahan as a key figure in developing those controversial strategies.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Dermot Shea both praised Monahan following the NYPD’s handling of the Mott Haven protest in June — which came just days after Monahan knelt with protesters in Brooklyn.
But limited police intelligence on the potential for violence at the protest — based on meetings with business leaders and arrests earlier in the day — did not justify the mass arrest, the DOI report said.
Between May 28 and June 5, 2,047 people were arrested during the demonstrations. According to NYPD data, there were 166 felonies, 1,002 misdemeanors and 851 violations.
Previous 1 of 5 Next Advertisement NYPD officers during protests over George Floyd’s death Christopher Sadowski for NY Post People are arrested for breaking the 8 p.m. curfew during a protest over the death of George Floyd. Christopher Sadowski for NY Post Advertisement Christopher Sadowski for NY Post Advertisement
The report does concede, however, that there were also numerous incidents of violence targeting police — and recognized that the tense nature of the demonstrations “triggered numerous violent confrontations between police and protesters” as well as “widespread allegations that police had used excessive tactics against citizens exercising their First Amendment rights.”
Overall, 386 officers were injured from May 28 to June 11.
But the DOI’s investigation, which was signed off on by Garnett, ultimately concludes that the majority of police officers’ actions were “appropriate.”
The Civilian Complaint Review Board also reported that it received 1,646 protest-related allegations connected to 248 incidents. Allegations of force were the leading accusation with 1,052 complaints.
Additionally, the report criticizes NYPD officials for not having a community affairs strategy, not properly training its officers to handle the demonstrations, and the lack of data and intelligence collection.
“Some policing decisions relied on intelligence without sufficient consideration of context or proportionality,” the DOI said, adding that the Mott Haven response was “disproportionate” with the “absence of evidence of actual violence.”
The mayor, in an unusual videotaped statement released after the report was made public, expressed regret over the department’s behavior.
“I read this report and I agree with it,” de Blasio said in the recorded statement. “It makes very clear we’ve got to do something different, and we’ve got to do something better.”
“I look back with remorse,” de Blasio added. “I wish I had done better. I want everyone to understand that. And I’m sorry I didn’t do better.”
Speaking on Hot97’s “Ebro in the Morning,” de Blasio said Shea “100 percent” agrees with him.
“We accept the recommendations,” the mayor said. “So, it’s his responsibility to put them into action in terms of the NYPD with the other leadership. But it’s my job to make sure that happens with my colleagues at City Hall.”
The NYPD did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment, but Shea said the report offered “thoughtful recommendations” following its release.
“In general terms, the report captured the difficult period that took place in May/June of 2020 and presents 20 logical and thoughtful recommendations that I intend to incorporate into our future policy and training,” Shea said in a statement.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Chord Overstreet reportedly dating Suzanne Somers’ granddaughter Camelia

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens @ @ @ @ @ to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Chord Overstreet has found some @ @ @ @ @ .
The 31-year-old actor is dating Suzanne Somers ’ granddaughter Camelia Somers , People reported @ @ @ @ @ with “ The Bold and the Beautiful ” actress , 25 , comes two years @ @ @ @ @ broke up .
The “ Glee ” actor first appeared on Camelia ’ s Instagram @ @ @ @ @ October birthday dinner .
In the picture , Overstreet threw up the peace sign while @ @ @ @ @ who sat at the head of the table .
Camelia has starred on the CBS @ @ @ @ @ 2015 .
She graduated from the University of Southern California in May 2018 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ ” she captioned a photo of herself on graduation day .
Reps for Overstreet and @ @ @ @ @ return Page Six ’ s request for comment .

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Chord Overstreet has found some newfound glee in his life.
Instagram
The 31-year-old actor is dating Suzanne Somers’ granddaughter Camelia Somers, Page Six has confirmed. Overstreet’s relationship with “The Bold and the Beautiful” actress, 25, comes two years after he and Emma Watson broke up.
A source tells us that the couple were quarantining together over the summer in his hometown of Nashville.
The “Glee” actor first appeared on Camelia’s Instagram in a photo from her October birthday dinner. In the picture, Overstreet threw up the peace sign while sitting next to Camelia, who sat at the head of the table.
“FEELING SO LOVED 🥰”she captioned the photo.
Camelia has starred on the CBS soap opera as Charlotte since 2015. She graduated from the University of Southern California in May 2018.
“It’s happeningggg ❤💛” she captioned a photo of herself on graduation day.
Reps for Overstreet and Camelia didn’t immediately return Page Six’s request for comment.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino’s Christmas wish: A ‘healthy baby boy’

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) The gift that Mike “ The Situation ” Sorrentino wants the most this year won ’ t be under the tree .
The “ Jersey Shore ” star , 38 , told Page Six via email that the gift he most wishes for this Christmas is his “ healthy baby boy who is due in May 2021.
” As for the best gifts he ’ s ever received , The Situation named his sobriety and his wife of two years , Lauren Sorrentino .
Lauren , meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the moon with anticipation for “ Baby Sitch ’ s ” arrival , saying via email , “ He is our biggest blessing and we can ’ t wait to meet him in the new year💙 Also Mike ’ s sober date is Christmas eve – 5 years this year !
Health is wealth and sobriety is the gift that keeps on giving 🙏🏼.
” In the meantime , The Situation has the perfect gift in mind for his “ Jersey Shore Family Vacation ” co-stars .
“ I would give the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he joked .
“ Not all but some of these guys could benefit from some critical thinking skills … And of course , the gift of health & prosperity into the new year .
Health is the new wealth !
” The couple , who announced last month that they ’ re expecting following a miscarriage in 2019 , are taking precautions this year with a scaled-down Christmas celebration with their immediate families .
Lauren said they are “ being very cautious and responsible while keeping the holiday spirit alive , ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested ahead of time to ensure safety .
Although the 2020 festivities will be smaller , the holidays will include one of Lauren ’ s favorite family traditions : making her grandmother ’ s Italian cookie recipe .
Although Lauren said “ it is my absolute favorite and Mike ’ s too because he gets to eat all the amazing cookies , ” he lightheartedly told us last year that so much holiday baking was derailing his workout progress .
“ Jersey Shore Family Vacation ” airs Thursdays at 8 p.m .
ET @ @ @

The gift that Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino wants the most this year won’t be under the tree.
The “Jersey Shore” star, 38, told Page Six via email that the gift he most wishes for this Christmas is his “healthy baby boy who is due in May 2021.”
As for the best gifts he’s ever received, The Situation named his sobriety and his wife of two years, Lauren Sorrentino.
Lauren, meanwhile, told us that she’s over the moon with anticipation for “Baby Sitch’s” arrival, saying via email, “He is our biggest blessing and we can’t wait to meet him in the new year💙 Also Mike’s sober date is Christmas eve – 5 years this year! Health is wealth and sobriety is the gift that keeps on giving 🙏🏼.”
In the meantime, The Situation has the perfect gift in mind for his “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” co-stars.
“I would give the gift of a good therapist,” he joked. “Not all but some of these guys could benefit from some critical thinking skills … And of course, the gift of health & prosperity into the new year. Health is the new wealth!”
The couple, who announced last month that they’re expecting following a miscarriage in 2019, are taking precautions this year with a scaled-down Christmas celebration with their immediate families. Lauren said they are “being very cautious and responsible while keeping the holiday spirit alive,” and Mike told us that everyone will get tested ahead of time to ensure safety.
Although the 2020 festivities will be smaller, the holidays will include one of Lauren’s favorite family traditions: making her grandmother’s Italian cookie recipe.
Although Lauren said “it is my absolute favorite and Mike’s too because he gets to eat all the amazing cookies,” he lightheartedly told us last year that so much holiday baking was derailing his workout progress.
“Jersey Shore Family Vacation” airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on MTV.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Vice President Pence receives COVID-19 vaccine

Vice President Mike Pence received the COVID-19 vaccine on live TV Friday morning in a move designed to instill confidence in the American public that the newly approved shot is safe .
Pence , second lady Karen Pence and Surgeon General Jerome Adams took turns getting jabbed at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House .
They became the first high-ranking White House officials to receive the vaccine , developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and approved for use in the US a week ago .
“ I didn ’ t feel a thing , well done , ” Pence said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
It ’ s a medical miracle.
” “ The last thing I would say to every American is be confident that we have cut red tape , but we ’ ve cut no corners when it comes to the development of this vaccine , ” he said .
President-elect Joe Biden is set to receive the inoculation next week in a public setting , according to CNN , while Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will also get one soon .
President Trump has not yet gotten the vaccine .
Dr. Anthony Fauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease expert , said Biden and Harris should get vaccinated as soon as possible “ for security reasons ” and before they take office next month .
Fauci said Trump should also plan on getting vaccinated even though there isn ’ t enough research on whether those who had the virus , like Trump , should get the vaccine .
“ Even though the president himself was infected , and he has , likely , antibodies that likely would be protective , we ’ re not sure how long that protection lasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ So , to be doubly sure , I would recommend that he get vaccinated as well as the vice president .
”

Vice President Mike Pence received the COVID-19 vaccine on live TV Friday morning in a move designed to instill confidence in the American public that the newly approved shot is safe.
Pence, second lady Karen Pence and Surgeon General Jerome Adams took turns getting jabbed at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House.
They became the first high-ranking White House officials to receive the vaccine, developed by Pfizer and BioNTech and approved for use in the US a week ago.
“I didn’t feel a thing, well done,” Pence said afterward. “Make no mistake about it. It’s a medical miracle.”
He added, “Today, Karen and I wanted to step forward and take this vaccine to assure the American people while we cut red tape, we cut no corners.
“The American people can be confident we have one — and perhaps in hours two — safe and effective coronavirus vaccines for you and for your family,” the vice president said, referring to Moderna’s vaccine, which was recommended for FDA approval Thursday.
Adams issued a heartfelt thanks to the researchers who’ve developed the Pfizer vaccine, noting he’s at higher risk for a serious case of COVID-19 with his history of asthma and high blood pressure.
“I am acutely aware of my own increased risk of COVID-19 exposures and the comorbidity that increase my risk of complications,” he said. “As the US surgeon general and a black man, I am equally aware of the symbolic significance of my vaccination today.”
Earlier this week, Pence toured a vaccine production facility in Indiana.
“The last thing I would say to every American is be confident that we have cut red tape, but we’ve cut no corners when it comes to the development of this vaccine,” he said.
President-elect Joe Biden is set to receive the inoculation next week in a public setting, according to CNN, while Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will also get one soon.
President Trump has not yet gotten the vaccine.
AP
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious diseases expert, said Biden and Harris should get vaccinated as soon as possible “for security reasons” and before they take office next month.
Fauci said Trump should also plan on getting vaccinated even though there isn’t enough research on whether those who had the virus, like Trump, should get the vaccine.
“Even though the president himself was infected, and he has, likely, antibodies that likely would be protective, we’re not sure how long that protection lasts,” Fauci told ABC News recently. “So, to be doubly sure, I would recommend that he get vaccinated as well as the vice president.”
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Nurse faints while talking to press about getting COVID-19 vaccine

This is the scary a moment a nurse who had just received the coronavirus vaccine at a Tennessee hospital told reporters she was feeling dizzy and then fainted .
Nurse manager Tiffany Dover received the Pfizer-BioNTech jab at CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga on Thursday and was giving a press briefing when she began to trail off , according to WTVC-9 .
“ All of my staff , you know , we are excited to get the vaccine .
We are in the COVID unit , so therefore , you know , my team will be getting first chances to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ And I know that it ’ s really … Sorry , I ’ m feeling really dizzy , ” she continued .
One of the doctors behind her caught her as she passed out about 17 minutes after receiving the shot .
“ It just hit me all of a sudden , I could feel it coming on .
I felt a little disoriented , but I feel fine now , and the pain in my arm is gone , ” Dover said after recovering .
Doctors said the episode was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine .
Dover told WTVC-9 she has a condition where she often faints when she feels pain .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also said that fainting may occur after various types of vaccinations and medical procedures – usually due to pain or anxiety .

This is the scary a moment a nurse who had just received the coronavirus vaccine at a Tennessee hospital told reporters she was feeling dizzy and then fainted.
Nurse manager Tiffany Dover received the Pfizer-BioNTech jab at CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga on Thursday and was giving a press briefing when she began to trail off, according to WTVC-9.
“All of my staff, you know, we are excited to get the vaccine. We are in the COVID unit, so therefore, you know, my team will be getting first chances to get the vaccine,” Dover said.
“And I know that it’s really … Sorry, I’m feeling really dizzy,” she continued.
One of the doctors behind her caught her as she passed out about 17 minutes after receiving the shot.
Nurse Manager Tiffany Dover faints. WTVC NewsChannel 9
“It just hit me all of a sudden, I could feel it coming on. I felt a little disoriented, but I feel fine now, and the pain in my arm is gone,” Dover said after recovering.
Doctors said the episode was not related to the ingredients in the vaccine.
Dover told WTVC-9 she has a condition where she often faints when she feels pain.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also said that fainting may occur after various types of vaccinations and medical procedures – usually due to pain or anxiety.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Who Played [SPOILER] in ‘The Mandalorian’?

It was pretty fair to bet that a Jedi was going to show up on the final episode of The Mandalorian Season 2 .
Back in “ Chapter 14 : The Tragedy , ” Grogu communed with a seeing stone on the planet Tython , and any Jedi in range would have come looking for the little tyke .
But did you see that Jedi showing up in the finale ?
MASSIVE SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT , but yeah… Luke Skywalker appeared .
But given some digital chicanery , you might be wondering : who played Luke Skywalker on The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recap , first , in case you missed the episode ( and if so , why are you reading this article ?
shame on you ! )
.
After getting trapped on the bridge of Moff Gideon ’ s ( Giancarlo Esposito ) Imperial Light Cruiser , Din Djarin ( Pedro Pascal ) and company were held down by a platoon of robotic , unstoppable Dark Troopers .
Earlier in the episode , one Trooper had nearly knocked Mando down for the count ; so with dozens of them , it was clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , until a very familiar X-Wing pulled up to the ship .
Out stepped a hooded Jedi , dressed in black .
As the blurry footage slowly revealed , this Jedi was not Ahsoka Tano ( Rosario Dawson ) , who we met a few episodes back ; this was someone different .
Someone with an iconic green lightsaber .
Someone with one hand .
And after beating the Dark Troopers , that figure was revealed to be none other than Luke Skywalker , a.k.a .
the farm boy who saved the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timeline , about five-ish years after the end of Return of the Jedi , Luke is just getting around to establishing the Jedi school that Kylo Ren ( Adam Driver ) will later destroy in a fit of rage before joining the First Order and kicking of Star Wars : The Force Awakens .
Meaning that if you ’ re worried whether Grogu is heading off to his certain doom , don ’ t fret : there ’ s still about a decade or so until anything bad goes down .
Recap out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back to our original question… Because you ’ re not a dumbo , you probably realized that yes , that is Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker on The Mandalorian ; but it ’ s a digital version of him , superimposed on someone else ’ s face an dbody .
The credits list Max Lloyd Jones as “ Double for Jedi , ” though TV viewers might know him better as Tom from the hit series When Calls The Heart , or Noah on Switched at Birth .
Lloyd Jones is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he played Blue Eyes in War for the Planet of the Apes .
So the slightly more complex answer is , as they have before , Lucasfilm used a digitally de-aged version of Mark Hamill and superimposed it on another actor ’ s body , aka Max Lloyd Jones .
The studio has previously used this tech to create a younger version of Carrie Fisher — twice : once at the end of Rogue One ; the second time during a flashback in Rise of Skywalker .
Peter Cushing ’ s Grand Moff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One , to , uh , less than savory results .
Despite controversy about the technique , Mark Hamill actually supported the idea back in 2018… Though he expected that it would be used posthumously , not while he is still very much alive .
“ Well already I told my family ‘ Absolutely – thumbs up ! '
” Hamill told the Radio Times .
In the same interview , Hamill also seemed very open to the idea of Luke being recast , and even suggested Sebastian Stan , or Jacob Tremblay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Lucasfilm decided to go the de-aging route , using a combo of Hamill ’ s voice ( he ’ s in the credits , folks , come on ) and Lloyd Jones ’ s body .
On the other hand , R2-D2 ?
That ’ s all him , baby .

It was pretty fair to bet that a Jedi was going to show up on the final episode of The Mandalorian Season 2. Back in “Chapter 14: The Tragedy,” Grogu communed with a seeing stone on the planet Tython, and any Jedi in range would have come looking for the little tyke. But did you see that Jedi showing up in the finale? MASSIVE SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT, but yeah… Luke Skywalker appeared. But given some digital chicanery, you might be wondering: who played Luke Skywalker on The Mandalorian?
A little bit of Mando recap, first, in case you missed the episode (and if so, why are you reading this article? shame on you!). After getting trapped on the bridge of Moff Gideon’s (Giancarlo Esposito) Imperial Light Cruiser, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and company were held down by a platoon of robotic, unstoppable Dark Troopers. Earlier in the episode, one Trooper had nearly knocked Mando down for the count; so with dozens of them, it was clearly the end of the line.
…That is, until a very familiar X-Wing pulled up to the ship. Out stepped a hooded Jedi, dressed in black. As the blurry footage slowly revealed, this Jedi was not Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), who we met a few episodes back; this was someone different. Someone with an iconic green lightsaber. Someone with one hand.
And after beating the Dark Troopers, that figure was revealed to be none other than Luke Skywalker, a.k.a. the farm boy who saved the galaxy. At this point in the timeline, about five-ish years after the end of Return of the Jedi, Luke is just getting around to establishing the Jedi school that Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) will later destroy in a fit of rage before joining the First Order and kicking of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Meaning that if you’re worried whether Grogu is heading off to his certain doom, don’t fret: there’s still about a decade or so until anything bad goes down.
Recap out of the way, let’s go back to our original question… Because you’re not a dumbo, you probably realized that yes, that is Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker on The Mandalorian; but it’s a digital version of him, superimposed on someone else’s face an dbody. The credits list Max Lloyd Jones as “Double for Jedi,” though TV viewers might know him better as Tom from the hit series When Calls The Heart, or Noah on Switched at Birth. Lloyd Jones is no stranger to digital doubling, either: he played Blue Eyes in War for the Planet of the Apes.
So the slightly more complex answer is, as they have before, Lucasfilm used a digitally de-aged version of Mark Hamill and superimposed it on another actor’s body, aka Max Lloyd Jones. The studio has previously used this tech to create a younger version of Carrie Fisher — twice: once at the end of Rogue One; the second time during a flashback in Rise of Skywalker. Peter Cushing’s Grand Moff Tarkin was also digitally created for Rogue One, to, uh, less than savory results.
Despite controversy about the technique, Mark Hamill actually supported the idea back in 2018… Though he expected that it would be used posthumously, not while he is still very much alive. “Well already I told my family ‘Absolutely – thumbs up!'” Hamill told the Radio Times.
In the same interview, Hamill also seemed very open to the idea of Luke being recast, and even suggested Sebastian Stan, or Jacob Tremblay. However, it’s clear that Lucasfilm decided to go the de-aging route, using a combo of Hamill’s voice (he’s in the credits, folks, come on) and Lloyd Jones’s body.
On the other hand, R2-D2? That’s all him, baby.
Stream The Mandalorian on Disney+


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Heather Morris blasts ‘Glee’ fan for ‘offensive’ post about Mark Salling

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Former “ Glee ” star Heather Morris called out a fan who tweeted an “ offensive ” post about her late co-star Mark Salling , who died by suicide in 2018 amid a child porn scandal .
Morris ’ other co-star , Kevin McHale , re-shared the fan ’ s tweet that celebrated the 10th anniversary of the show ’ s holiday episode “ A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ This album goes hard tho.
” In the photo post , however , the fan had covered Salling with a vomit-face emoji .
Salling died by suicide in January 2018 at age 35 after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography .
He had been set for sentencing that March .
The actor , who played Noah “ Puck ” Puckerman on the musical dramedy , reached a plea agreement with prosecutors in October 2017 in which he admitted to possessing images of prepubescent children .
The agreement stated that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of child porn on Salling ’ s computer and a thumb drive .
Prosecutors and Salling requested a judge sentence the actor to between four and seven years in prison .
He would ’ ve also been required to register as a sex offender , pay restitution and abide by residency restrictions .
The “ Glee ” cast has been plagued by tragedy .
Cory Monteith , who played Finn Hudson on the Fox series , died of a heroin overdose in 2013 .
Naya Rivera , who played Santana Lopez , drowned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southern California while boating with her son , Josey .

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Former “Glee” star Heather Morris called out a fan who tweeted an “offensive” post about her late co-star Mark Salling, who died by suicide in 2018 amid a child porn scandal.
Morris’ other co-star, Kevin McHale, re-shared the fan’s tweet that celebrated the 10th anniversary of the show’s holiday episode “A Very Glee Christmas,” and tweeted, “This album goes hard tho.”
In the photo post, however, the fan had covered Salling with a vomit-face emoji.
“the vomit face on Marks face is offensive,” Morris, 33, responded.
Salling died by suicide in January 2018 at age 35 after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography. He had been set for sentencing that March.
The actor, who played Noah “Puck” Puckerman on the musical dramedy, reached a plea agreement with prosecutors in October 2017 in which he admitted to possessing images of prepubescent children. The agreement stated that a search warrant found more than 50,000 images of child porn on Salling’s computer and a thumb drive.
Prosecutors and Salling requested a judge sentence the actor to between four and seven years in prison. He would’ve also been required to register as a sex offender, pay restitution and abide by residency restrictions.
The “Glee” cast has been plagued by tragedy. Cory Monteith, who played Finn Hudson on the Fox series, died of a heroin overdose in 2013. Naya Rivera, who played Santana Lopez, drowned earlier this year in Lake Piru in Southern California while boating with her son, Josey.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Sen. Dick Durbin says alleged Russian hack ‘virtually a declaration of war’

Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois called the alleged Russian-backed hack of government agencies and corporations “ virtually a declaration of war , ” according to a report .
“ We need an honest reset in terms of relationships between the United States and Russia , ” Durbin told CNN on Wednesday .
“ We can ’ t be buddies with Vladimir Putin and have him at the same time making this kind of cyberattack on America .
This is virtually a declaration of war by Russia on the United States , and we should take it that seriously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s comments come after President Trump ’ s former Homeland Security adviser Tom Bossert wrote in an op-ed in The New York Times that the vastness of the intrusion was “ hard to overstate.
” “ The Russians have had access to a considerable number of important and sensitive networks for six to nine months , ” Bossert wrote .
On Thursday , Durbin vowed during a speech in the Senate that “ there will be a price to pay for this , ” according to the Daily Mail .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Russians into critical accounts of the federal government , ” he said .
“ When adversaries such as Russia torment us , tempt us , breach the security of our nation , we need to respond in kind.
” He noted , however , that he was not calling for an “ all-out war.
” President-elect Joe Biden also promised a tough response , saying in a statement : “ Our adversaries should know that , as president , I will not stand idly by in the face of cyber assaults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ disrupt and deter ” future cyberattacks by “ imposing substantial costs on those responsible for such malicious attacks , including in coordination with our allies and partners , ” the Daily Mail reported .
Reuters reported Sunday that Russian-backed hackers infiltrated internal email systems at the US Treasury Department and the Commerce Department ’ s National Telecommunications and Information Administration , spying on communications for months .
Government intelligence officials fear the hackers may have gotten into the records of other federal agencies , Reuters reported , citing three anonymous sources briefed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigating the breaches by a group working for the Russian Foreign intelligence service , SVR , according to The Washington Post .
The group , known as APT29 or Cozy Bear , was also behind a hack of the White House and State Department during the Obama administration , the report said .
It ’ s not clear exactly what information was accessed during the more recent hacks .
But the cyber break-ins appeared so serious that the National Security Council met at the White House to discuss it on Saturday , sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be connected to a larger campaign that also included the recently-disclosed hack of the major U.S. cybersecurity firm FireEye .
The White House has not yet commented on the breach , but a US official who was asked if Russia was behind it said : “ We believe so .
We haven ’ t said that publicly yet because it isn ’ t 100 percent confirmed , ” the Daily Mail reported .

Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois called the alleged Russian-backed hack of government agencies and corporations “virtually a declaration of war,” according to a report.
“We need an honest reset in terms of relationships between the United States and Russia,” Durbin told CNN on Wednesday.
“We can’t be buddies with Vladimir Putin and have him at the same time making this kind of cyberattack on America. This is virtually a declaration of war by Russia on the United States, and we should take it that seriously,” the minority whip added.
Durbin’s comments come after President Trump’s former homeland security adviser Tom Bossert wrote in an op-ed in the New York Times that the vastness of the intrusion was “hard to overstate.”
“The Russians have had access to a considerable number of important and sensitive networks for six to nine months,” Bossert wrote.
On Thursday, Durbin vowed during a speech in the Senate that “there will be a price to pay for this,” according to the Daily Mail.
“This is nothing short of a virtual invasion by the Russians into critical accounts of the federal government,” he said. “When adversaries such as Russia torment us, tempt us, breach the security of our nation, we need to respond in kind.”
He noted, however, that he was not calling for an “all-out war.”
President-elect Joe Biden also promised a tough response, saying in a statement: “Our adversaries should know that, as president, I will not stand idly by in the face of cyber assaults on our nation.”
He vowed to “disrupt and deter” future cyberattacks by “imposing substantial costs on those responsible for such malicious attacks, including in coordination with our allies and partners,” the Daily Mail reported.
Reuters reported Sunday that Russian-backed hackers infiltrated internal email systems at the US Treasury Department and the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, spying on communications for months.
Government intelligence officials fear the hackers may have gotten into the records of other federal agencies, Reuters reported, citing three anonymous sources briefed on the matter.
The FBI is investigating the breaches by a group working for the Russian foreign intelligence service, SVR, according to the Washington Post.
The group, known as APT29 or Cozy Bear, was also behind a hack of the White House and State Department during the Obama administration, the report said.
Sen. Dick Durbin ZUMAPRESS.com
It’s not clear exactly what information was accessed during the more recent hacks. But the cyber break-ins appeared so serious that the National Security Council met at the White House to discuss it on Saturday, sources told Reuters.
It is thought to be connected to a larger campaign that also included the recently disclosed hack of the major US cybersecurity firm FireEye.
The White House has not yet commented on the breach, but a US official who was asked if Russia was behind it said: “We believe so. We haven’t said that publicly yet because it isn’t 100 percent confirmed,” the Daily Mail reported.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Hanukkah house decorations light up town

Who says holiday lights are only for Christmas ?
Check out this home ’ s festive Hanukkah display in Winters @ @ @ @ @ menorahs , dreidels and an inflatable bear .
“ My goal in all this is @ @ @ @ @ decorate for Hanukkah , ” said Philip Grosman , 39 .

Who says holiday lights are only for Christmas? Check out this home's festive Hanukkah display in Winters, Texas, including giant menorahs, dreidels and an inflatable bear. “My goal in all this is to influence other families to decorate for Hanukkah,” said Philip Grosman, 39.
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newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Iran begins new construction at underground nuclear facility amid US tensions

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates — Iran has begun construction on a site at its underground nuclear facility at Fordo amid tensions with the U.S. over its atomic program , satellite photos obtained Friday by The Associated Press show .
Iran has not publicly acknowledged any new construction at Fordo , whose discovery by the West in 2009 came in an earlier round of brinkmanship before world powers struck the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran .
While the purpose of the building remains unclear , any work at Fordo likely will trigger new concern in the waning days of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden .
Already , Iran is building at its Natanz nuclear facility after a mysterious explosion in July there that Tehran described as a sabotage attack .
“ Any changes at this site will be carefully watched as a sign of where Iran ’ s nuclear program is headed , ” said Jeffrey Lewis , an expert at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies who studies Iran .
Iran ’ s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose inspectors are in Iran as part of the nuclear deal , also did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Construction on the Fordo site began in late September .
Satellite images obtained from Maxar Technologies by the AP show the construction taking place at a northwest corner of the site , near the holy Shiite city of Qom some 90 kilometers ( 55 miles ) southwest of Tehran .
A Dec. 11 satellite photo shows what appears to be a dug foundation for a building with dozens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in construction to support buildings in earthquake zones .
The construction site sits northwest of Fordo ’ s underground facility , built deep inside a mountain to protect it from potential airstrikes .
The site is near other support and research-and-development buildings at Fordo .
Among those buildings is Iran ’ s National Vacuum Technology Center .
Vacuum technology is a crucial component of Iran ’ s uranium-gas centrifuges , which enrich uranium .
A Twitter account called Observer IL earlier this week published an image of Fordo showing the construction , citing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Korea Aerospace Research Institute .
The AP later reached the Twitter user , who identified himself as a retired Israeli Defense Forces soldier with a civil engineering background .
He asked that his name not be published over previous threats he received online .
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute acknowledged taking the satellite photo .
Trump in 2018 unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from Iran ’ s nuclear deal , in which Tehran had agreed to limit its uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions .
Trump cited Iran ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies and other issues in withdrawing from the accord , though the deal focused entirely on Tehran ’ s atomic program .
When the U.S. ramped up sanctions , Iran gradually and publicly abandoned the deal ’ s limits as a series of escalating incidents pushed the two countries to the brink of war at the beginning of the year .
Tensions still remain high .
Under the 2015 nuclear deal , Iran agreed to stop enriching uranium at Fordo and instead make it “ a nuclear , physics and technology center.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point in negotiations leading to the Iran nuclear deal , ” Lewis said .
“ The U.S. insisted Iran close it while Iran ’ s supreme leader said keeping it was a red line.
” Since the deal ’ s collapse , Iran has resumed enrichment there .
Shielded by the mountains , the facility also is ringed by anti-aircraft guns and other fortifications .
It is about the size of a football field , large enough to house 3,000 centrifuges , but small and hardened enough to lead U.S. officials to suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed the site publicly in 2009 .
As of now , Iran is enriching uranium up to 4.5 % , in violation of the accord ’ s limit of 3.67 % .
Iran ’ s parliament has passed a bill that requires Tehran to enrich up to 20 % , a short technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 % .
The bill also would throw out IAEA inspectors .
Experts say Iran now has enough low-enriched uranium stockpiled for at least two nuclear weapons , if it chose to pursue them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program is peaceful .
While Iranian President Hassan Rouhani opposed the bill , the country ’ s Guardian Council later tweaked and approved it .
The bill seeks to pressure European nations to provide relief from crippling U.S. sanctions .
Meanwhile , an Iranian scientist who created its military nuclear program two decades ago recently was killed in a shooting outside of Tehran .
Iran has blamed Israel , which has long been suspected of killing Iranian nuclear scientists over the last decade , for the attack .
Israel has not comment .

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran has begun construction on a site at its underground nuclear facility at Fordo amid tensions with the U.S. over its atomic program, satellite photos obtained Friday by The Associated Press show.
Iran has not publicly acknowledged any new construction at Fordo, whose discovery by the West in 2009 came in an earlier round of brinkmanship before world powers struck the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran.
While the purpose of the building remains unclear, any work at Fordo likely will trigger new concern in the waning days of the Trump administration before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Already, Iran is building at its Natanz nuclear facility after a mysterious explosion in July there that Tehran described as a sabotage attack.
“Any changes at this site will be carefully watched as a sign of where Iran’s nuclear program is headed,” said Jeffrey Lewis, an expert at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies who studies Iran.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The International Atomic Energy Agency, whose inspectors are in Iran as part of the nuclear deal, also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Construction on the Fordo site began in late September. Satellite images obtained from Maxar Technologies by the AP show the construction taking place at a northwest corner of the site, near the holy Shiite city of Qom some 90 kilometers (55 miles) southwest of Tehran.
A Dec. 11 satellite photo shows what appears to be a dug foundation for a building with dozens of pillars. Such pillars can be used in construction to support buildings in earthquake zones.
The construction site sits northwest of Fordo’s underground facility, built deep inside a mountain to protect it from potential airstrikes. The site is near other support and research-and-development buildings at Fordo.
Among those buildings is Iran’s National Vacuum Technology Center. Vacuum technology is a crucial component of Iran’s uranium-gas centrifuges, which enrich uranium.
A Twitter account called Observer IL earlier this week published an image of Fordo showing the construction, citing it as coming from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Research Institute.
The AP later reached the Twitter user, who identified himself as a retired Israeli Defense Forces soldier with a civil engineering background. He asked that his name not be published over previous threats he received online. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute acknowledged taking the satellite photo.
Trump in 2018 unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from Iran’s nuclear deal, in which Tehran had agreed to limit its uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Trump cited Iran’s ballistic missile program, its regional policies and other issues in withdrawing from the accord, though the deal focused entirely on Tehran’s atomic program.
When the U.S. ramped up sanctions, Iran gradually and publicly abandoned the deal’s limits as a series of escalating incidents pushed the two countries to the brink of war at the beginning of the year. Tensions still remain high.
Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran agreed to stop enriching uranium at Fordo and instead make it “a nuclear, physics and technology center.”
“This location was a major sticking point in negotiations leading to the Iran nuclear deal,” Lewis said. “The U.S. insisted Iran close it while Iran’s supreme leader said keeping it was a red line.”
Since the deal’s collapse, Iran has resumed enrichment there.
Shielded by the mountains, the facility also is ringed by anti-aircraft guns and other fortifications. It is about the size of a football field, large enough to house 3,000 centrifuges, but small and hardened enough to lead U.S. officials to suspect it had a military purpose when they exposed the site publicly in 2009.
As of now, Iran is enriching uranium up to 4.5%, in violation of the accord’s limit of 3.67%. Iran’s parliament has passed a bill that requires Tehran to enrich up to 20%, a short technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. The bill also would throw out IAEA inspectors.
Experts say Iran now has enough low-enriched uranium stockpiled for at least two nuclear weapons, if it chose to pursue them. Iran long has maintained its nuclear program is peaceful.
While Iranian President Hassan Rouhani opposed the bill, the country’s Guardian Council later tweaked and approved it. The bill seeks to pressure European nations to provide relief from crippling U.S. sanctions.
Meanwhile, an Iranian scientist who created its military nuclear program two decades ago recently was killed in a shooting outside of Tehran. Iran has blamed Israel, which has long been suspected of killing Iranian nuclear scientists over the last decade, for the attack. Israel has not comment.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Man shoots two Arkansas paramedics, then dies after one returns fire

A man who reportedly shot two Arkansas paramedics early Thursday morning was killed when one of the victims returned fire @ @ @ @ @ 22 , was shot dead after feuding with the paramedics who were giving aid to @ @ @ @ @ 4:40 a.m. in the city of Pine Bluff , the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported , citing @ @ @ @ @ paramedics , John Spriggs Sr. , 21 , told police that Curl “ aggressively ” @ @ @ @ @ inside their ambulance .
When Curl refused to back up , Spriggs pushed and punched @ @ @ @ @ out a gun and shot Spriggs and his partner , Joshua Godfrey , 35 , @ @ @ @ @ to the report .
Spriggs managed to return fire , fatally striking Curl , who @ @ @ @ @ dead inside the kitchen of the home paramedics responded to .
The paramedics were taken @ @ @ @ @ .

A man who reportedly shot two Arkansas paramedics early Thursday morning was killed when one of the victims returned fire.
Kevin Curl Jr., 22, was shot dead after feuding with the paramedics who were giving aid to his 20-year-old girlfriend at about 4:40 a.m. in the city of Pine Bluff, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported, citing police.
One of the paramedics, John Spriggs Sr., 21, told police that Curl “aggressively” approached them as they were inside their ambulance.
When Curl refused to back up, Spriggs pushed and punched him.
Curl then took out a gun and shot Spriggs and his partner, Joshua Godfrey, 35, three times each, according to the report.
Spriggs managed to return fire, fatally striking Curl, who was later found by police dead inside the kitchen of the home paramedics responded to.
The paramedics were taken to Jefferson Regional Medical Center.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Star college wrestler dead after tragic boating accident in Mexico

A star NCAA wrestler died Thursday following a tragic boating accident during a family vacation in Mexico , according to a report .
Bradlee LaMontagne , 21 , was on his uncle ’ s yacht near Cozumel when he jumped into the water to go for a swim — and was struck by another boat going by at a high speed , reports WAVY.com .
Passengers on the boat attempted to administer CPR , but it was too late , his family told the station .
LaMontagne was captain of the wrestling team at Johns Hopkins University , and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true leader .
“ He came to Hopkins because he wanted to change the world and he made a difference to every one of his teammates , to the community of Hopkins , ” Head Coach Keith Norris said .
Family members said LaMontagne was kind and worked hard to make the world a better place .
“ He wanted to do his part .
Improve his family , improve the world in any way he could , ” his uncle , Mike Hillier told WAVY.com .
“ He made everybody feel special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you were , he ’ d make you feel special , ” LaMontagne ’ s mom , Lindsey Hillier , said .
Following his death , Great Neck Wrestling Club created a scholarship in LaMontagne ’ s memory that allows other local wrestlers to make an impact .

A star NCAA wrestler died Thursday following a tragic boating accident during a family vacation in Mexico, according to a report.
Bradlee LaMontagne, 21, was on his uncle’s yacht near Cozumel when he jumped into the water to go for a swim — and was struck by another boat going by at a high speed, reports WAVY.com.
Passengers on the boat attempted to administer CPR, but it was too late, his family told the station.
LaMontagne was captain of the wrestling team at Johns Hopkins University, and was remembered by the coaching staff as a true leader.
“He came to Hopkins because he wanted to change the world and he made a difference to every one of his teammates, to the community of Hopkins,” Head Coach Keith Norris said.
“His energy, his smile was contagious.”
Family members said LaMontagne was kind and worked hard to make the world a better place.
“He wanted to do his part. Improve his family, improve the world in any way he could,” his uncle, Mike Hillier told WAVY.com.
“He made everybody feel special, it didn’t matter who you were, he’d make you feel special,” LaMontagne’s mom, Lindsey Hillier, said.
Following his death, Great Neck Wrestling Club created a scholarship in LaMontagne’s memory that allows other local wrestlers to make an impact.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Utah fugitive arrested after being found hiding in a clothes dryer

A Utah fugitive who led police on a wild chase was later found by authorities hiding in a clothes dryer , a report said .
Damien Mestas , 26 , was wanted for a parole violation when he fled from officers in a black Toyota SUV last Friday in the city of Ogden , according to a police affidavit obtained by KUTV .
While fleeing , Mestas is accused of ramming into an occupied patrol car and nearly running over several detectives , the report said .
The suspect made his getaway by speeding through a fence and over two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
The high-speed chase lasted for about 20 minutes , with Mestas striking several cars along the way , the report said .
Mestas briefly avoided capture , but later that day he was located by police inside a clothing dryer at a nearby home .
The suspect made one more escape attempt , but was caught outside the home .
Police said they recovered a meth pipe in the appliance , and what appeared to be remnants of the drug on top of it .
Mestas was hit with numerous charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and possession of drug paraphernalia .

A Utah fugitive who led police on a wild chase was later found by authorities hiding in a clothes dryer, a report said.
Damien Mestas, 26, was wanted for a parole violation when he fled from officers in a black Toyota SUV last Friday in the city of Ogden, according to a police affidavit obtained by KUTV.
While fleeing, Mestas is accused of ramming into an occupied patrol car and nearly running over several detectives, the report said.
The suspect made his getaway by speeding through a fence and over two boulders, according to a probable cause statement.
The high-speed chase lasted for about 20 minutes, with Mestas striking several cars along the way, the report said.
Mestas briefly avoided capture, but later that day he was located by police inside a clothing dryer at a nearby home.
The suspect made one more escape attempt, but was caught outside the home.
Police said they recovered a meth pipe in the appliance, and what appeared to be remnants of the drug on top of it.
Mestas was hit with numerous charges, including assault of a police officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--72-year-old NYPD traffic agent shoved to ground by illegally parked driver

A 72-year-old NYPD traffic agent was shoved to the ground in Brooklyn last month by an illegally parked driver , @ @ @ @ @ was attempting to write the man a summons when he was attacked on Fifth Avenue @ @ @ @ @ Park at about 2:45 p.m. on Nov. 27 , police said .
Surveillance footage of @ @ @ @ @ shows the man forcefully push the agent to the street in front of two witnesses @ @ @ @ @ on Fifth Avenue in a grey Nissan Rogue , police said .
The agent was @ @ @ @ @ in stable condition , authorities said .

A 72-year-old NYPD traffic agent was shoved to the ground in Brooklyn last month by an illegally parked driver, authorities said.
The victim was attempting to write the man a summons when he was attacked on Fifth Avenue near 58th Street in Sunset Park at about 2:45 p.m. on Nov. 27, police said.
Surveillance footage of the incident released by police shows the man forcefully push the agent to the street in front of two witnesses.
The suspect fled southbound on Fifth Avenue in a grey Nissan Rogue, police said.
The agent was taken to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn in stable condition, authorities said.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Florida woman allegedly stabs sister with Christmas ornament

A Florida woman has been arrested for allegedly stabbing her sister with a pointy Christmas ornament early Wednesday , authorities @ @ @ @ @ 55 , was arguing with her boyfriend in her Oxford home when her sister stepped @ @ @ @ @ her down , according to an arrest report from the Sumter County Sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
Rogers pushed her sister , grabbed a beaded cone-shaped Christmas decoration and then stabbed @ @ @ @ @ of her torso , the arrest report says .
The sister escaped Rogers and called @ @ @ @ @ arrived at the home , Rogers ’ boyfriend was gone , police said .
It @ @ @ @ @ sister received any medical treatment .
Cops have not identified Rogers ’ sibling .
Roger @ @ @ @ @ county of battery .
She was booked into Sumter County Detention Center in Bushnell where @ @ @ @ @ without bond .

A Florida woman has been arrested for allegedly stabbing her sister with a pointy Christmas ornament early Wednesday, authorities said.
Shirley Rogers, 55, was arguing with her boyfriend in her Oxford home when her sister stepped in to try and calm her down, according to an arrest report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office obtained by the Villages-News.
Rogers pushed her sister, grabbed a beaded cone-shaped Christmas decoration and then stabbed her on the left side of her torso, the arrest report says.
The sister escaped Rogers and called the police. When cops arrived at the home, Rogers’ boyfriend was gone, police said.
It’s unclear if the sister received any medical treatment. Cops have not identified Rogers’ sibling.
Roger has been charged with one county of battery. She was booked into Sumter County Detention Center in Bushnell where she’s being held without bond.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Justin Herbert, Chargers deliver blow to Raiders’ playoff hopes

Herbert scored on 1-yard plunge to give the Los Angeles Chargers a 30-27 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night .
“ It was pretty crazy , ” said Herbert , who set an NFL rookie record with his seventh 300-yard game and has 27 passing scores on the year , tying Baker Mayfield ( 2018 ) for the most by a rookie in NFL history .
“ I kind of waited to see the replay and guys didn ’ t really know what had happened .
So I got up and started shaking hands and kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Chargers ( 5-9 ) snapped a nine-game losing streak against their AFC West counterparts , and snapped a three-game skid against the Raiders .
Las Vegas ( 7-7 ) lost quarterback Derek Carr to a left groin injury in the first quarter .
It has lost four of five , all but killing its playoff chances .
Moments after Daniel Carlson ’ s 23-yard field goal on the Raiders ’ first possession put Las Vegas ahead 27-24 , Herbert found wideout Jalen Guyton streaking by cornerback Keisean Nixon for a 53-yard reception @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles improved to 1-2 in overtime games , while all four of its games against division foes have come down to the final play .
Herbert , who targeted nine receivers and completed at least one pass with seven , was 22 for 32 with 314 yards and two touchdowns .
“ I ’ ve seen a lot of growth over the past couple weeks , ” Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said .
“ He ’ s doing it with young receivers on the field and spreading the ball around.
” With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touchdown , Los Angeles ’ Hunter Henry now has a career-high 60 receptions on the year , third-highest among tight ends this season .
The Chargers got revenge from the first meeting on Nov. 8 , when Herbert ’ s apparent TD pass to Donald Parham was overturned by replay to end the game .
For the Raiders , the storyline quickly changed from must-win to stay alive in the playoff hunt , to how to win with backup Marcus Mariota seeing his first action as a Raider , while setting up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It was a pretty crazy experience , ” Herbert said .
“ I grew up watching Marcus .
He was my favorite player .
To see him on the field and play against him was really cool .
It ’ s everything I ’ ve ever wanted.
” Just four days after firing defensive coordinator Paul Guenther , plus missing four starters on defense , and having their offensive coordinator Greg Olson sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19 , the Raiders lost Carr when he came up lame on a third-down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first quarter .
Carr immediately went to the locker room and did not return .
Mariota was poised in his return from the first snap .
In his first drive , he was 3 for 3 for 70 yards and a perfectly placed over-the-top pass to Darren Waller .
Mariota also scrambled for 11 yards for a first down .
“ When it comes down to it , I think it ’ s part of your job to be prepared , ” Mariota said .
“ Just try to give these guys a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a little short.
” The sixth-year pro finished 17 of 28 for 226 yards with one TD and one interception .
He also rushed for 88 yards on nine carries , including a touchdown .
“ It just shows the kind of player and football character he has , ” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said of Mariota .
“ You lose Derek , and we change gears offensively .
Marcus came in and did a great job .
I ’ m really proud of him .
That just puts an exclamation point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wish we could have won the game for him.
” Los Angeles placekicker Michael Badgley missed two field goals near the end of the game — one from 47 yards and one from 51 — while the Raiders blew their chance when Mariota made his first bad decision of the game with an ill-advised pass that went off the hands of Zay Jones and into the hands Chris Harris Jr. , who returned it 51 yards to give Badgley his second opportunity .
Las Vegas lined up for a 65-yard , game-winning field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but a bad snap was bobbled by AJ Cole , preventing Carlson from making an attempt .

LAS VEGAS — Justin Herbert’s brilliant rookie season keeps rolling along.
Herbert scored on 1-yard plunge to give the Los Angeles Chargers a 30-27 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night.
“It was pretty crazy,” said Herbert, who set an NFL rookie record with his seventh 300-yard game and has 27 passing scores on the year, tying Baker Mayfield (2018) for the most by a rookie in NFL history. “I kind of waited to see the replay and guys didn’t really know what had happened. So I got up and started shaking hands and kind of saw the game was over.
The Chargers (5-9) snapped a nine-game losing streak against their AFC West counterparts, and snapped a three-game skid against the Raiders. Las Vegas (7-7) lost quarterback Derek Carr to a left groin injury in the first quarter. It has lost four of five, all but killing its playoff chances.
Moments after Daniel Carlson’s 23-yard field goal on the Raiders’ first possession put Las Vegas ahead 27-24, Herbert found wideout Jalen Guyton streaking by cornerback Keisean Nixon for a 53-yard reception to set up the winning score.
Los Angeles improved to 1-2 in overtime games, while all four of its games against division foes have come down to the final play.
Herbert, who targeted nine receivers and completed at least one pass with seven, was 22 for 32 with 314 yards and two touchdowns.
“I’ve seen a lot of growth over the past couple weeks,” Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said. “He’s doing it with young receivers on the field and spreading the ball around.”
Justin Herbert dives into the end zone to win the game of the Chargers. Getty Images
With five receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown, Los Angeles’ Hunter Henry now has a career-high 60 receptions on the year, third-highest among tight ends this season.
The Chargers got revenge from the first meeting on Nov. 8, when Herbert’s apparent TD pass to Donald Parham was overturned by replay to end the game.
For the Raiders, the storyline quickly changed from must-win to stay alive in the playoff hunt, to how to win with backup Marcus Mariota seeing his first action as a Raider, while setting up a showdown of former University of Oregon quarterbacks.
“It was a pretty crazy experience,” Herbert said. “I grew up watching Marcus. He was my favorite player. To see him on the field and play against him was really cool. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted.”
Just four days after firing defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, plus missing four starters on defense, and having their offensive coordinator Greg Olson sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, the Raiders lost Carr when he came up lame on a third-down scramble near the goal line in the first quarter. Carr immediately went to the locker room and did not return.
Mariota was poised in his return from the first snap.
Marcus Mariota scrambles with the ball. Getty Images
In his first drive, he was 3 for 3 for 70 yards and a perfectly placed over-the-top pass to Darren Waller. Mariota also scrambled for 11 yards for a first down.
“When it comes down to it, I think it’s part of your job to be prepared,” Mariota said. “Just try to give these guys a chance to win and unfortunately we came up a little short.”
The sixth-year pro finished 17 of 28 for 226 yards with one TD and one interception. He also rushed for 88 yards on nine carries, including a touchdown.
“It just shows the kind of player and football character he has,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said of Mariota. “You lose Derek, and we change gears offensively. Marcus came in and did a great job. I’m really proud of him. That just puts an exclamation point on why we signed him. Just wish we could have won the game for him.”
Los Angeles placekicker Michael Badgley missed two field goals near the end of the game — one from 47 yards and one from 51 — while the Raiders blew their chance when Mariota made his first bad decision of the game with an ill-advised pass that went off the hands of Zay Jones and into the hands Chris Harris Jr., who returned it 51 yards to give Badgley his second opportunity.
Las Vegas lined up for a 65-yard, game-winning field goal at the end of regulation, but a bad snap was bobbled by AJ Cole, preventing Carlson from making an attempt.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--Let’s Discuss ‘The Mandalorian’ Finale’s Game-Changing Post-Credits Scene

In classic Marvel fashion , the finale of The Mandalorian Season 2 ended with a post-credits sequence that… Uh , wait , hold on a second , The Mandalorian is actually Star Wars .
Sorry , I always get my Disney properties mixed up .
But anyway , there was a post-credits sequence at the end of “ Chapter 16 : The Rescue ” with a huge , surprising tease .
HUGE SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT , but what is The Book of Boba Fett , coming December 2021 ?
And is it The Mandalorian Season 3 , or something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little bit of explanation .
After reintroducing the previously thought dead Boba Fett ( Temuera Morrison ) in the Season 2 premiere , we ’ ve spent a lot more time with the bounty hunter than we ever did in the original Star Wars trilogy .
He ’ s teamed up with Din Djarin ( Pedro Pascal ) and Fennec Shand ( Ming-Na Wen ) , who is also not dead , and even helped get Din on board Moff Gideon ’ s ( Giancarlo Espostio ) Imperial Light Cruiser in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much peaced out of the episode after dropping off Din and his crew , meaning he didn ’ t get a rematch with Luke Skywalker ( Mark Hamill ) , the man who was partially responsible for dumping him in the Sarlacc in the first place in Return of the Jedi ; or R2-D2 , who he might have a bone to pick with , as well .
That doesn ’ t mean we saw the last of Boba , though — or classic , returning Star Wars characters , in general .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Jabba the Hutt ’ s palace on Tatooine .
There , Jabba ’ s former second-in-command Bib Fortuna is holding court .
Bib , by the way , is not played by Michael Carter as he was in RotJ .
Instead , Bib is played by Matthew Wood , an Oscar nominated sound editor whose first credited acting role was in Star Wars – Episode I : The Phantom Menace , playing the voice of… Bib Fortuna .
Since then he ’ s had dozens of Star Wars roles , most notably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Battle Droids on animated series and video games .
Anyway , back to Boba .
Suddenly , someone starts attacking everyone on the stairs down to Jabba ’ s/Bib ’ s throne room .
It ’ s Fennec Shand , who has been palling around with Boba pretty much since his return .
She kills everyone in the room except for Bib , and a slave , who she frees and tells to get lost .
Bib she saves for Boba , who kills him and shoves him ignominiously off his throne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Fennec grabs a drink , and the two get ready to take power on Tatooine… And maybe beyond .
…And that ’ s when we get two lines of text that blow up everything : So , back to the original question : What is The Book of Boba Fett ?
Decider reached out to Lucasfilm for comment , but there ’ s essentially two possibilities .
Actually three , if they ’ re maybe teasing a tell-all book Boba Fett wrote titled “ How I Did It : My Escape From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s gon na happen slash I would definitely read it if so .
The first , and most likely possibility ?
The Mandalorian Season 3 is subtitled “ The Book of Boba Fett.
” At the end of “ The Rescue , ” we get a pretty definitive ending to the story of Din Djarin and Grogu .
After Luke Skywalker shows up and says he ’ ll train Grogu , Din reluctantly lets his little charge go .
He takes off his helmet voluntarily , the two share a touching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , R2-D2 and Grogu head into an elevator .
Then the door literally closes .
It ’ s the end of the emotional arc for the series , at least for now .
Is there more story to tell ?
Surely .
There ’ s about a decade and change until Kylo Ren ( Adam Driver ) destroys Professor Skywalker ’ s School For Gifted Younglings , something that was alluded to in The Force Awakens and seen more clearly in The Last Jedi .
There ’ s also the fact that Din @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which means he ’ s the heir of Mandalore , something that will most likely bring him into direct conflict with Bo Katan ( Katee Sackhoff ) .
And even though he ’ s now in custody , we still don ’ t know exactly what Moff Gideon ( Giancarlo Esposito ) has been up to with Grogu ’ s blood .
But all of those things could be told on other series , or returned to later on .
There are two spinoffs of The Mandalorian already announced : Ahsoka , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tano ; and Rangers of the New Republic focusing on… Well , we don ’ t actually know , other than it takes place in The Mandalorian timeline , about five years after Return of the Jedi .
In addition , Disney+ seems unlikely to suddenly cancel one of the biggest hits of TV , so maybe after two seasons of “ The Book of Boba Fett ” we ’ ll get “ Return to Mandalore ” or something .
That certainly would give Pedro Pascal some time to do other projects in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Man to the burgeoning Star Wars TV universe .
And regardless , even though it ’ s titled The Mandalorian , this series is about the relationship between Din and Grogu .
Unless there ’ s an organic way to get the two back together , there ’ s no reason for their story to continue , at least for now .
Two other pieces of evidence that The Book of Boba Fett is actually The Mandalorian Season 3 : first , that Lucasfilm already announced The Mandalorian Season 3 was coming in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on December 10 , 2020 ; and the title includes the word “ Book.
” Seems like a dumb thing to point out , but every episode of The Mandalorian so far has been tiled as “ Chapter.
” So wouldn ’ t it make sense that The Book of Din Djarin is done for the moment , after 16 chapters ; and next we ’ ll get The Book of Boba Fett ?
On the other hand , there is the possibility that this is an unannounced spinoff series titled The Book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with The Mandalorian , or possibly even a spinoff movie/event .
It makes sense that either way Lucasfilm wouldn ’ t have wanted to announce this during the investor call for fear of spoiling The Mandalorian Season 2 finale .
And besides , they had enough going on that day , anyway announcing Fantastic Four , teasing WandaVision , and… Oh , sorry , that ’ s Marvel again .
My bad .
The Book of Boba Fett , whatever it is , premieres December 2021 on Disney+ .

Where to Stream: The Mandalorian
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In classic Marvel fashion, the finale of The Mandalorian Season 2 ended with a post-credits sequence that… Uh, wait, hold on a second, The Mandalorian is actually Star Wars. Sorry, I always get my Disney properties mixed up. But anyway, there was a post-credits sequence at the end of “Chapter 16: The Rescue” with a huge, surprising tease. HUGE SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT, but what is The Book of Boba Fett, coming December 2021? And is it The Mandalorian Season 3, or something new?
First, though, a little bit of explanation. After reintroducing the previously thought dead Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) in the Season 2 premiere, we’ve spent a lot more time with the bounty hunter than we ever did in the original Star Wars trilogy. He’s teamed up with Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen), who is also not dead, and even helped get Din on board Moff Gideon’s (Giancarlo Espostio) Imperial Light Cruiser in order to rescue Grogu.
However, Boba pretty much peaced out of the episode after dropping off Din and his crew, meaning he didn’t get a rematch with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the man who was partially responsible for dumping him in the Sarlacc in the first place in Return of the Jedi; or R2-D2, who he might have a bone to pick with, as well.
That doesn’t mean we saw the last of Boba, though — or classic, returning Star Wars characters, in general. In the post-credits sequence, we return to Jabba the Hutt’s palace on Tatooine. There, Jabba’s former second-in-command Bib Fortuna is holding court. Bib, by the way, is not played by Michael Carter as he was in RotJ. Instead, Bib is played by Matthew Wood, an Oscar nominated sound editor whose first credited acting role was in Star Wars – Episode I: The Phantom Menace, playing the voice of… Bib Fortuna. Since then he’s had dozens of Star Wars roles, most notably the voices of both General Grevious and the Battle Droids on animated series and video games.
Anyway, back to Boba. Suddenly, someone starts attacking everyone on the stairs down to Jabba’s/Bib’s throne room. It’s Fennec Shand, who has been palling around with Boba pretty much since his return. She kills everyone in the room except for Bib, and a slave, who she frees and tells to get lost. Bib she saves for Boba, who kills him and shoves him ignominiously off his throne. Boba sits down in his place, Fennec grabs a drink, and the two get ready to take power on Tatooine… And maybe beyond.
…And that’s when we get two lines of text that blow up everything:
“THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT
Coming December 2021”
So, back to the original question: What is The Book of Boba Fett? Decider reached out to Lucasfilm for comment, but there’s essentially two possibilities. Actually three, if they’re maybe teasing a tell-all book Boba Fett wrote titled “How I Did It: My Escape From The Sarlacc” though I highly doubt that’s gonna happen slash I would definitely read it if so.
The first, and most likely possibility? The Mandalorian Season 3 is subtitled “The Book of Boba Fett.” At the end of “The Rescue,” we get a pretty definitive ending to the story of Din Djarin and Grogu. After Luke Skywalker shows up and says he’ll train Grogu, Din reluctantly lets his little charge go. He takes off his helmet voluntarily, the two share a touching moment, and he watches as Luke, R2-D2 and Grogu head into an elevator. Then the door literally closes. It’s the end of the emotional arc for the series, at least for now.
Is there more story to tell? Surely. There’s about a decade and change until Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) destroys Professor Skywalker’s School For Gifted Younglings, something that was alluded to in The Force Awakens and seen more clearly in The Last Jedi. There’s also the fact that Din is now in possession of the Darksaber, which means he’s the heir of Mandalore, something that will most likely bring him into direct conflict with Bo Katan (Katee Sackhoff). And even though he’s now in custody, we still don’t know exactly what Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) has been up to with Grogu’s blood.
But all of those things could be told on other series, or returned to later on. There are two spinoffs of The Mandalorian already announced: Ahsoka, focusing on Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka Tano; and Rangers of the New Republic focusing on… Well, we don’t actually know, other than it takes place in The Mandalorian timeline, about five years after Return of the Jedi. In addition, Disney+ seems unlikely to suddenly cancel one of the biggest hits of TV, so maybe after two seasons of “The Book of Boba Fett” we’ll get “Return to Mandalore” or something. That certainly would give Pedro Pascal some time to do other projects in between, and/or function as the Iron Man to the burgeoning Star Wars TV universe.
And regardless, even though it’s titled The Mandalorian, this series is about the relationship between Din and Grogu. Unless there’s an organic way to get the two back together, there’s no reason for their story to continue, at least for now.
Two other pieces of evidence that The Book of Boba Fett is actually The Mandalorian Season 3: first, that Lucasfilm already announced The Mandalorian Season 3 was coming in December, 2021 on their investor call on December 10, 2020; and the title includes the word “Book.” Seems like a dumb thing to point out, but every episode of The Mandalorian so far has been tiled as “Chapter.” So wouldn’t it make sense that The Book of Din Djarin is done for the moment, after 16 chapters; and next we’ll get The Book of Boba Fett?
On the other hand, there is the possibility that this is an unannounced spinoff series titled The Book of Boba Fett that will run concurrently with The Mandalorian, or possibly even a spinoff movie/event. It makes sense that either way Lucasfilm wouldn’t have wanted to announce this during the investor call for fear of spoiling The Mandalorian Season 2 finale. And besides, they had enough going on that day, anyway announcing Fantastic Four, teasing WandaVision, and… Oh, sorry, that’s Marvel again. My bad.
The Book of Boba Fett, whatever it is, premieres December 2021 on Disney+.
Stream The Mandalorian on Disney+


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--NJ COVID-19 vaccine delivery short by 20 percent

New Jersey will get 20 percent fewer doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines through the end of the year , health officials said Friday .
The Garden State had been promised 492,075 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines this month , but will only get 392,800 , Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said at a news conference in Trenton .
“ The information about anticipated doses and shipments of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine keeps changing , ” said Persichilli .
New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy said the reduction is nothing personal , as every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of vaccines than originally promised .
“ I spoke to the very senior levels of Pfizer yesterday and they have no idea why this is being done .
I have not spoken to Stéphane Bancel , the CEO of Morderna , so I can ’ t speak for the Morderna side of the house but Pfizer said to me personally , ‘ We want you to know this is not us . '
” Murphy said he expects to learn more during a video conference with the White House on Monday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get as much of those doses into New Jersey as fast as possible , ” Murphy said .
In a statement , Pfizer said its production and distribution are on schedule — and passed the buck to Washington .
“ Pfizer is not having any production issues with our COVID-19 vaccine , and no shipments containing the vaccine are on hold or delayed .
This week , we successfully shipped all 2.9 million doses that we were asked to ship by the U.S. Government to the locations specified by them , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached out to Mordero for comment .
A total of 2,149 New Jersey health care workers have already been vaccinated , according to health officials .

New Jersey will get 20 percent fewer doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines through the end of the year, health officials said Friday.
The Garden State had been promised 492,075 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines this month, but will only get 392,800, Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said at a news conference in Trenton.
“The information about anticipated doses and shipments of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine keeps changing,” said Persichilli.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said the reduction is nothing personal, as every state will be receiving a smaller allocation of vaccines than originally promised.
“I spoke to the very senior levels of Pfizer yesterday and they have no idea why this is being done. I have not spoken to Stéphane Bancel, the CEO of Morderna, so I can’t speak for the Morderna side of the house but Pfizer said to me personally, ‘We want you to know this is not us.'”
Murphy said he expects to learn more during a video conference with the White House on Monday.
“We will not leave any stone unturned to get as much of those doses into New Jersey as fast as possible,” Murphy said.
In a statement, Pfizer said its production and distribution are on schedule — and passed the buck to Washington.
“Pfizer is not having any production issues with our COVID-19 vaccine, and no shipments containing the vaccine are on hold or delayed. This week, we successfully shipped all 2.9 million doses that we were asked to ship by the U.S. Government to the locations specified by them,” the statement reads.
The Post has reached out to Mordero for comment.
A total of 2,149 New Jersey health care workers have already been vaccinated, according to health officials.


newyorkpost--2020-12-18--AOC has a point on aging House leadership

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is right about one thing : It ’ s time for the House ’ s Democratic leadership to upgrade to a newer model .
In a podcast published Wednesday by The Intercept , AOC said it ’ s time for Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her team to pass the reins to younger leaders .
Fair enough : She ’ s in her 80s , as are the No .
2 and 3 House Democrats .
Where the Bronx-Queens firebrand ( 31 , incidentally ) is off is in complaining that there are no clear successors thanks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In fact , AOC ’ s fellow New Yorker , Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries , is one likely next speaker as No .
4 in the leadership .
He ’ s just 50 — but AOC would rather support a primary challenge to him than see him move up .
The fact is , it ’ s up to ambitious politicians to claw their own way up , building alliances and friendships with their peers .
AOC just lost a vote to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee because she ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back than work with them .
They might want to ask Jeffries for some advice .

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is right about one thing: It’s time for the House’s Democratic leadership to upgrade to a newer model.
In a podcast published Wednesday by The Intercept, AOC said it’s time for Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her team to pass the reins to younger leaders. Fair enough: She’s in her 80s, as are the No. 2 and 3 House Democrats.
Where the Bronx-Queens firebrand (31, incidentally) is off is in complaining that there are no clear successors thanks to a failure to groom younger leaders.
In fact, AOC’s fellow New Yorker, Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, is one likely next speaker as No. 4 in the leadership. He’s just 50 — but AOC would rather support a primary challenge to him than see him move up.
The fact is, it’s up to ambitious politicians to claw their own way up, building alliances and friendships with their peers. AOC just lost a vote to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee because she’d rather stab her colleagues in the back than work with them. They might want to ask Jeffries for some advice.