newyorkpost--2020-08-07--Mark Zuckerberg joins three-person ‘Centibillionaire Club’

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 ) You know what ’ s really cool ?
$ 100 billion .
On Thursday , Facebook ’ s Mark Zuckerberg joined the so-called Centibillionaire Club — the gang of three people who have a net worth of more than $ 100 billion .
The only other club members are Amazon chief Jeff Bezos and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates .
The BBC reports that Zuckerberg was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is owned by Facebook , launched a TikTok competitor , sending Facebook ’ s share price up by more than 6 percent .
Zuck owns 13 percent of the company .
It ’ s beyond the wildest dreams of even his early mentor , Sean Parker .
In a memorable scene from “ The Social Network ” — the 2010 movie about the founding of Facebook — Parker , played by Justin Timberlake , warns Zuckerberg not to sell the company for $ 1 million : “ A million dollars isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s cool ?
A billion dollars .
”

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You know what’s really cool? $100 billion.
On Thursday, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg joined the so-called Centibillionaire Club — the gang of three people who have a net worth of more than $100 billion. The only other club members are Amazon chief Jeff Bezos and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
The BBC reports that Zuckerberg was pushed into the cash stratosphere when Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, launched a TikTok competitor, sending Facebook’s share price up by more than 6 percent. Zuck owns 13 percent of the company.
It’s beyond the wildest dreams of even his early mentor, Sean Parker. In a memorable scene from “The Social Network” — the 2010 movie about the founding of Facebook — Parker, played by Justin Timberlake, warns Zuckerberg not to sell the company for $1 million: “A million dollars isn’t that cool. You know what’s cool? A billion dollars.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--Joe Arpaio loses Arizona primary to win back county sheriff job

Joe Arpaio narrowly lost his Republican primary bid to reclaim his old job as sheriff of Maricopa County .
The fiery anti-immigrant hardliner and ardent President Trump supporter was defeated by his former chief of staff and fellow conservative , Jerry Sheridan .
Sheridan will now face the Democratic Sheriff Paul Penzone in the November general election .
Penzone unseated Arpaio , 88 , four years ago , ending the controversial sheriff ’ s 24-year run in office .
Sheridan has pushed policies similar to Arpaio ’ s while pledging to avoid the legal trouble that beset the self-anointed “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ Arpaio ] loved and lived for the media attention , ” Sheridan told the local CBA affiliate earlier this week .
“ I ’ m not a grandstander .
He did a lot of things for media attention .
I will do things for the betterment of the citizens of Maricopa County , and good law enforcement practices.
” Arpaio is known for detaining immigrants in outdoor tents in Arizona ’ s 100-degrees-plus temperatures .
He was charged with contempt of court in 2016 for having ignored a federal judge ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the suspicion that they were in the country illegally .
His defiance led to frustration in his community after he knowingly took on controversial policies and racked up $ 147 million in legal bills that had to be paid by taxpayers .
Arpaio was convicted in July 2017 of a criminal charge for refusing a judge ’ s order to stop racially profiling residents and arresting immigrants who were only suspected of being undocumented .
Trump pardoned him the next month .
The loss was Arpaio ’ s second failed attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 .
He ran an unsuccessful primary bid for U.S. Senate in 2018 .
He later filed a $ 300 million defamation lawsuit against CNN , the Huffington Post and Rolling Stone for allegedly publishing inaccuracies that hurt his chances to win a ticket to Congress .
A federal judge tossed the suit last year arguing that Arpaio failed to prove malice behind the articles .

Joe Arpaio narrowly lost his Republican primary bid to reclaim his old job as sheriff of Maricopa County.
The fiery anti-immigrant hardliner and ardent President Trump supporter was defeated by his former chief of staff and fellow conservative, Jerry Sheridan.
Sheridan will now face the Democratic Sheriff Paul Penzone in the November general election. Penzone unseated Arpaio, 88, four years ago, ending the controversial sheriff’s 24-year run in office.
Sheridan has pushed policies similar to Arpaio’s while pledging to avoid the legal trouble that beset the self-anointed “toughest sheriff” in America.
“[Arpaio] loved and lived for the media attention,” Sheridan told the local CBA affiliate earlier this week.
“I’m not a grandstander. He did a lot of things for media attention. I will do things for the betterment of the citizens of Maricopa County, and good law enforcement practices.”
Arpaio is known for detaining immigrants in outdoor tents in Arizona’s 100-degrees-plus temperatures.
He was charged with contempt of court in 2016 for having ignored a federal judge’s order to stop arresting immigrants based solely on the suspicion that they were in the country illegally.
His defiance led to frustration in his community after he knowingly took on controversial policies and racked up $147 million in legal bills that had to be paid by taxpayers.
Arpaio was convicted in July 2017 of a criminal charge for refusing a judge’s order to stop racially profiling residents and arresting immigrants who were only suspected of being undocumented.
Trump pardoned him the next month.
The loss was Arpaio’s second failed attempt to return to politics since he was unseated in 2016. He ran an unsuccessful primary bid for U.S. Senate in 2018.
He later filed a $300 million defamation lawsuit against CNN, the Huffington Post and Rolling Stone for allegedly publishing inaccuracies that hurt his chances to win a ticket to Congress.
A federal judge tossed the suit last year arguing that Arpaio failed to prove malice behind the articles.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--Kanye West posts video with family from Dominican Republic

Got ta get down on Friday .
Kanye West has posted a video with his children with Kim Kardashian , apparently from the Dominican Republic , where the pair are reportedly holed up to work on their marriage .
In the short clip , West , 43 , clad in a hockey jersey , sings what seems to be a snippet from Rebecca Black ’ s “ Friday , ” before hopping out of the golf cart he was riding in and dancing alongside it .
Kardashian , who seems to be filming , can be heard laughing in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the clip , which many Twitter users were keen to point out mirrors a lyric from the “ Jesus Is King ” track “ On God : ” “ I bleached my hair for every time I could ’ ve died.
” Earlier Friday , People reported that West and Kardashian , 39 , “ decided to travel together so they can be away in private.
” The noted that Kardashian is “ exhausted , ” claiming “ between the kids , work , and dealing with Kanye ’ s bipolar episodes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her to think clearly.
” It has indeed been an exhausting recent few weeks in the KimYe world .
Whatever one wants to make of West ’ s supposed presidential run , his attempts to get onto the ballot of the 2020 election in multiple states followed a bizarre “ rally ” in South Carolina and a wild Forbes interview where he spoke of God , the fictional African nation of Wakanda from “ Black Panther , ” and China .
After spending time holed up on the couple ’ s ranch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bieber to Dave Chappelle , West visited a Wyoming hospital after he and Kardashian were seen locked in an intense discussion in a parked car .

Gotta get down on Friday.
Kanye West has posted a video with his children with Kim Kardashian, apparently from the Dominican Republic, where the pair are reportedly holed up to work on their marriage.
In the short clip, West, 43, clad in a hockey jersey, sings what seems to be a snippet from Rebecca Black’s “Friday,” before hopping out of the golf cart he was riding in and dancing alongside it. Kardashian, who seems to be filming, can be heard laughing in the background. West is sporting bleached hair in the clip, which many Twitter users were keen to point out mirrors a lyric from the “Jesus Is King” track “On God:” “I bleached my hair for every time I could’ve died.”
Earlier this week, People reported that West and Kardashian, 39, “decided to travel together so they can be away in private.” The noted that Kardashian is “exhausted,” claiming “between the kids, work, and dealing with Kanye’s bipolar episodes, it’s been hard for her to think clearly.”
It has indeed been an exhausting recent few weeks in the KimYe world. Whatever one wants to make of West’s supposed presidential run, his attempts to get onto the ballot of the 2020 election in multiple states followed a bizarre “rally” in South Carolina and a wild Forbes interview where he spoke of God, the fictional African nation of Wakanda from “Black Panther,” and China.
After spending time holed up on the couple’s ranch, where he received visitors ranging from Justin Bieber to Dave Chappelle, West visited a Wyoming hospital after he and Kardashian were seen locked in an intense discussion in a parked car.


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--Florida teen accused of fatally shooting man in the head

A teenage Florida boy accused of shooting a man in head while on the phone with a 911 dispatcher had charges against him upgraded to murder Friday after the victim died .
Connor Michael Lewis , 16 , of Sanford , was originally arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide in connection with the Wednesday shooting of 18-year-old Artavious Quarterman .
Quarterman died Friday at the hospital from his injuries , police said in a news release .
Lewis called 911 around 8 p.m. Wednesday to report several women banging on his door and window after a dispute between him and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the phone saying : “ Oh , you ’ re so scary .
You ’ re so scary.
” As the group was calling Lewis ’ name , a gunshot was heard , police said .
“ In the course of this interaction , one round from a gun was fired from the inside of the home , through the window on the front door , striking Artavious Quarterman in the head , ” a police news release said .
Quarterman had accompanied the mother of Lewis ’ girlfriend to the home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He was taken to a hospital where he remained in critical condition until he died Friday .
Lewis was originally arrested on suspicion of attempted second-degree homicide and shooting into or throwing deadly missiles within a dwelling before the charges were upgraded .
“ The fact that a young man ’ s life is now at risk is senseless , ” Sanford police Chief Cecil Smith said .
“ Sanford Police officers were minutes away from the home , and I believe would have been able to separate and de-escalate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When you shoot a firearm , you must understand that the consequences of that can be deadly in any situation .
”

A teenage Florida boy accused of shooting a man in head while on the phone with a 911 dispatcher had charges against him upgraded to murder Friday after the victim died.
Connor Michael Lewis, 16, of Sanford, was originally arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide in connection with the Wednesday shooting of 18-year-old Artavious Quarterman. Quarterman died Friday at the hospital from his injuries, police said in a news release.
Lewis called 911 around 8 p.m. Wednesday to report several women banging on his door and window after a dispute between him and his girlfriend. He could be heard over the phone saying: “Oh, you’re so scary. You’re so scary.”
As the group was calling Lewis’ name, a gunshot was heard, police said.
“In the course of this interaction, one round from a gun was fired from the inside of the home, through the window on the front door, striking Artavious Quarterman in the head,” a police news release said.
Quarterman had accompanied the mother of Lewis’ girlfriend to the home to pick up her belongings, police said.
He was taken to a hospital where he remained in critical condition until he died Friday. Lewis was originally arrested on suspicion of attempted second-degree homicide and shooting into or throwing deadly missiles within a dwelling before the charges were upgraded.
“The fact that a young man’s life is now at risk is senseless,” Sanford police Chief Cecil Smith said. “Sanford Police officers were minutes away from the home, and I believe would have been able to separate and de-escalate the situation in a matter of moments. When you shoot a firearm, you must understand that the consequences of that can be deadly in any situation.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--Proposed law would require Board of Elections to provide ‘drop boxes’ for NY voters

`` The failure of the NYC Board of Elections over the ...

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Under a proposed law, New York election officials would be required to provide “drop boxes” for voters to place their ballots in to avoid a repeat of the June 23 primary debacle.
State Sen. Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan), introduced the legislation, which would authorize local boards of election to install ballot drop boxes at various locations.
He said the option would give voters a convenient alternative to voting in person or mailing their ballots using an overwhelmed Postal Service.
Thousands of ballots in the city were mishandled or declared invalid amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Absentee ballot drop boxes have been in wide use in other states, including California, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, and Washington, for years. Other states, including Georgia, began using drop boxes during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hoylman cited a Post report that more than 84,000 mail-in ballots for the June presidential primary election were invalidated in New York City — a stunning 21% of all ballots received by the Board.
Many of the ballots were disqualified due to issues related to the mail-in process, such as lack of an appropriate postmark or late arrival due to Postal Service backlogs and delays.
Others ballots were disqualified because first time mail-in voters forgot to include their signature.
Hoylman said: “Donald Trump continues to undermine the legitimacy of mail-in absentee ballots by attacking the U.S. Postal Service. New York can hit back on this antidemocratic fear-mongering by establishing absentee ballot drop boxes across the state to help ensure the integrity of these ballots.
“My new legislation creating secure ballot drop boxes will help absentee voters continue to stay healthy during the pandemic, as well as assist local election boards to collect and count every ballot cast by New Yorkers in November.”
The measure would require election agencies to post the location of ballot drop boxes on their websites the same day they are erected.
An absentee or mail-in ballot would be deemed to be timely received by a Board of Elections if a voter deposited their ballot in a drop box before the close of polls on Election Day.
Meanwhile the state Board of Elections said it dropped its decision to appeal a federal judge’s ruling that ordered election officials to count thousands of mail-in ballots in the city and throughout New York State that were declared invalid for not having a post-mark or arriving at offices shortly after the June 23 primary.
Manhattan Judge Analisa Torres said voters were disenfranchised and denied their constitutional rights after being encouraged by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to vote by absentee ballot as a public health measure during the coronavirus pandemic.
State BOE Commissioners Andrew Spano and Doug Kellner said they changed their position on the issue and directed local elections to count the disputed ballots, as directed by the court.
Ali Najmi, a lawyer for plaintiffs in the ballot case, credited, state Attorney General Letitia James, whose office defends state agencies in court, for withdrawing the appeal.
“We are thankful to Attorney General Tish James for standing with the voters and ensuring these votes will be counted as soon as possible, and not be delayed because of an unnecessary appeal.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--What’s Up With This Freaky Ass Wolf Spying on All The Sex in ‘Yellowstone’?

Have you ever been just about to get it on but then you look up and there ’ s a dang wolf spying on you ?
No ?
Well , then you ’ re clearly not a character on Paramount Network ’ s hit show Yellowstone because that ’ s all that seems to happen to them .
There have been two instances during Season 3 so far where Kayce ( Luke Grimes ) and Monica ( Kelsey Asbille ) have been so rudely interrupted by a wolf that is mocking and cockblocking at every chance it gets .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this particular wolf and he wants it dead for attacking the cattle on the ranch .
But this wolf ?
Well , it just wants to watch this married couple make love .
Yellowstone viewers know it ’ s been a rough ride ( no pun intended ) for Kayce and Monica as their marriage has seen its share of ups and downs .
Plus , after their son Tate was kidnapped at the end of Season 2 , the family is just trying to get back to normal and become one with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the couple chooses to bang .
In Episode 2 of this season , Kayce ’ s got his gun ready to go , but there ’ s no sign of the wolf , only his wife .
And oohwee does she drop quite a line on him .
“ Well , there ’ s no one at the house , no one at the barn , just feeling kinda lonely , ” she says , as she removes her hat and gives him a smile , a sign that it ’ s ON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hat , and then his vest , and whoops there goes her flannel .
They start passionately making out , she gets down on her knees to unbuckle his belt while he removes his shirt and it ’ s getting HOT in here .
All seems to be going well for Monica too as she gasps — but it ’ s not in pleasure .
It ’ s because a freakin ’ wolf is staring right at them !
“ You are one lucky son of a bitch , you show up now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that doesn ’ t even realize this couple ’ s horniness has saved its life .
“ Baby , what do we do ?
” Monica asks him quietly yet urgently .
And Kayce seems to all of a sudden be on the wolf ’ s side because he says , “ If he wants to watch , just let him watch.
” AND IT DOES .
The wolf takes a seat and the Duttons do the deed .
This wolf likes what it likes because it ’ s back in Episode 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their son Tate , he runs off into the wilderness and Kayce returns for some flirty banter .
“ He ’ s got your aversion to bathing , ” she tells her husband , who informs her that “ I don ’ t mind bathing , I just don ’ t like doing it alone.
” The two discuss how long they ’ re going to stay out in the wild but for Kayce , there ’ s something else driving him wild .
“ I ’ m having a hard time thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monica , and even though she insists they “ can ’ t live like this forever , ” he delivers a foreplay quote for the ages .
“ There ’ s no such thing as forever .
All we can do is live like there ’ s no tomorrow because one day we ’ ll be right , ” he says , tossing his hat to the ground and you already know what that means .
They ’ re kissing , he ’ s on top — until they stop .
The wolf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one ?
” Monica asks .
“ Think he likes watching us.
” But for Kayce , the wolf hunter , it ’ s about so much more .
“ He ’ s not watching , he ’ s studying , ” he says , explaining that the wolf “ wants to know what we ’ ll do when he goes after our calves.
” He gets up and grabs his gun , which likely isn ’ t the only thing that ’ s loaded at this point , but Monica isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t stop loving me to kill something , ” she tells him .
“ Just love me , you can kill him tomorrow.
” Kayce very wisely does as he ’ s told and all have a grand old time .
No judgment here , we all like what we like , but what is up with this damn wolf always interrupting ?
Is it…kind of a perv ?
Does it just love getting in Kayce ’ s head when he ’ s trying to get it in ?
Is it just bored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to spend an afternoon ?
Mind your business , wolf , and let these two get their lovin ’ on in peace !
Of course , this isn ’ t the only freaky scene going down on this popular show .
May we remind you of this down and dirty ditty from Season 1 ?

Have you ever been just about to get it on but then you look up and there’s a dang wolf spying on you? No? Well, then you’re clearly not a character on Paramount Network’s hit show Yellowstone because that’s all that seems to happen to them.
There have been two instances during Season 3 so far where Kayce (Luke Grimes) and Monica (Kelsey Asbille) have been so rudely interrupted by a wolf that is mocking and cockblocking at every chance it gets.
Now, Kasey has had his eye on this particular wolf and he wants it dead for attacking the cattle on the ranch. But this wolf? Well, it just wants to watch this married couple make love.
Yellowstone viewers know it’s been a rough ride (no pun intended) for Kayce and Monica as their marriage has seen its share of ups and downs. Plus, after their son Tate was kidnapped at the end of Season 2, the family is just trying to get back to normal and become one with the Earth. Which is also where the couple chooses to bang.
In Episode 2 of this season, Kayce’s got his gun ready to go, but there’s no sign of the wolf, only his wife. And oohwee does she drop quite a line on him. “Well, there’s no one at the house, no one at the barn, just feeling kinda lonely,” she says, as she removes her hat and gives him a smile, a sign that it’s ON. Kayce confirms, also removing his hat, and then his vest, and whoops there goes her flannel. They start passionately making out, she gets down on her knees to unbuckle his belt while he removes his shirt and it’s getting HOT in here.
All seems to be going well for Monica too as she gasps — but it’s not in pleasure. It’s because a freakin’ wolf is staring right at them! “You are one lucky son of a bitch, you show up now,” Kayce says to the wolf that doesn’t even realize this couple’s horniness has saved its life. “Baby, what do we do?” Monica asks him quietly yet urgently. And Kayce seems to all of a sudden be on the wolf’s side because he says, “If he wants to watch, just let him watch.” AND IT DOES. The wolf takes a seat and the Duttons do the deed.
This wolf likes what it likes because it’s back in Episode 4. After Monica gives up on bathing their son Tate, he runs off into the wilderness and Kayce returns for some flirty banter.
“He’s got your aversion to bathing,” she tells her husband, who informs her that “I don’t mind bathing, I just don’t like doing it alone.” The two discuss how long they’re going to stay out in the wild but for Kayce, there’s something else driving him wild. “I’m having a hard time thinking past right now,” he tells Monica, and even though she insists they “can’t live like this forever,” he delivers a foreplay quote for the ages. “There’s no such thing as forever. All we can do is live like there’s no tomorrow because one day we’ll be right,” he says, tossing his hat to the ground and you already know what that means. They’re kissing, he’s on top — until they stop. The wolf again! “What, the same one?” Monica asks. “Think he likes watching us.”
But for Kayce, the wolf hunter, it’s about so much more. “He’s not watching, he’s studying,” he says, explaining that the wolf “wants to know what we’ll do when he goes after our calves.” He gets up and grabs his gun, which likely isn’t the only thing that’s loaded at this point, but Monica isn’t having it. “Don’t stop loving me to kill something,” she tells him. “Just love me, you can kill him tomorrow.” Kayce very wisely does as he’s told and all have a grand old time.
No judgment here, we all like what we like, but what is up with this damn wolf always interrupting? Is it…kind of a perv? Does it just love getting in Kayce’s head when he’s trying to get it in? Is it just bored and doesn’t have a better way to spend an afternoon? Mind your business, wolf, and let these two get their lovin’ on in peace!
Of course, this isn’t the only freaky scene going down on this popular show. May we remind you of this down and dirty ditty from Season 1?
Where to stream Yellowstone


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--HHS Secretary Alex Azar’s trip to Taiwan is a welcome slap at China

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar will travel to ...

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar’s trip to Taiwan is angering Beijing. Good.
Azar will be the highest-ranking US official to visit the island since 1979 and the first US cabinet official to go in six years. China views Taiwan as a part of itself, has sought to isolate it and hopes to regain control there eventually, perhaps by force.
By dispatching Azar, President Trump is delivering a clear message of resistance to China’s increasingly egregious behavior.
As the world has been fighting COVID-19, Beijing has been busy suppressing dissent. It’s exerted control over Hong Kong and virtually ended democracy there, which prompted Trump to slap sanctions Friday on Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam and 10 other senior officials in Hong Kong and mainland China.
Beijing has also been brutalizing Uighurs, fighting with India, trying to dominate the South China Sea and hobbling the world’s COVID response, among other abuses.
It sought to exclude Taipei from World Health Organization meetings, too, even though Taiwan has had one of the best global responses to the virus.
Azar’s visit, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told The Post, is appreciated. “We hope we can exchange ideas” and “show the best practices in dealing with COVID-19.”
“Taiwan has been a model of transparency and cooperation in global health during the COVID-19 pandemic and long before it,” says Azar. The United States and Taiwan both believe “free and democratic societies are the best model for protecting and promoting health.”
Past administrations have let China get away, literally, with murder. Good for Trump for pushing back.


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--NY Democrats are moving to lock in one-party rule — maybe forever

Democratic lawmakers in Albany are never satisfied : Their party already has a firm lock on the key levers of power , yet last week they moved to solidify that power even more — via an amendment to the state Constitution .
And because they control both houses of the Legislature , the measure sailed through easily , with barely any public input .
The amendment deals with the redistricting process — how new maps , based on the Census , must be drawn and approved .
And the changes essentially favor Dems and tie Republican hands , so Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their advantage .
Under the plan , minority parties would lose their ability to block partisan district lines .
The number of Senate districts would be locked at 63 ( the current number ) to preserve the Dems ’ edge and head off any new GOP-leaning districts .
It also requires that residents , regardless of immigration status , be counted — a clear bid to create yet more Dem-leaning districts .
“ The will of the people and public interest are far less important to New York Democrats than their own self-preservation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re “ obsessed with extending their misguided , one-party rule that drives up taxes , drives up crime and drives New Yorkers away.
” The amendment needs to be passed again next year when a “ new ” Legislature meets , before going to voters in November 2021 .
If it ’ s OK ’ d , Republicans could be out of power for a long time after the next redistricting .
And bet on Dems to keep using their power to preserve it even more .
The likely bottom line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dysfunctional one-party rule in New York .
Perhaps for good .

Democratic lawmakers in Albany are never satisfied: Their party already has a firm lock on the key levers of power, yet last week they moved to solidify that power even more — via an amendment to the state Constitution.
And because they control both houses of the Legislature, the measure sailed through easily, with barely any public input.
The amendment deals with the redistricting process — how new maps, based on the Census, must be drawn and approved. And the changes essentially favor Dems and tie Republican hands, so Democrats will be free to draw lines to their advantage.
Under the plan, minority parties would lose their ability to block partisan district lines. The number of Senate districts would be locked at 63 (the current number) to preserve the Dems’ edge and head off any new GOP-leaning districts. It also requires that residents, regardless of immigration status, be counted — a clear bid to create yet more Dem-leaning districts.
“The will of the people and public interest are far less important to New York Democrats than their own self-preservation,” howls Assemblyman Will Barclay. They’re “obsessed with extending their misguided, one-party rule that drives up taxes, drives up crime and drives New Yorkers away.”
The amendment needs to be passed again next year when a “new” Legislature meets, before going to voters in November 2021.
If it’s OK’d, Republicans could be out of power for a long time after the next redistricting. And bet on Dems to keep using their power to preserve it even more.
The likely bottom line: Say good-bye to democracy and hello to dysfunctional one-party rule in New York. Perhaps for good.


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s green-light-red-light for New York schools

New York City ’ s final plan on reopening schools was released ...

Great news: Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday gave a green light for schools in New York to reopen in September. Hear, hear.
The state’s 1 percent positive test rate for COVID-19 is well below the 5 percent threshold set by the World Health Organization. And though the city’s plan still needs the state Health Department’s OK, Mayor Bill de Blasio, to his credit, is eyeing in-class learning for at least part of the time.
Even teachers admit that remote learning doesn’t come close to in-school instruction, and it forces adults to be home with kids, making it hard for some to work at their jobs. So cheer Cuomo’s first step.
Alas, Cuomo didn’t help things by siding with teachers who don’t want to go back.
“Teachers are going to have to agree to come back,” he said. “If a teacher doesn’t show up, you don’t have a class.”
Well, yes. But why is Cuomo encouraging them? Besides, technically teachers are public employees, and it’s illegal for them to strike under the state’s Taylor Law.
The teachers’ union has already floated the idea of a strike and court action if it isn’t happy with the reopening plan. It’s also urging teachers and parents to sign its Change.org petition calling the city’s plan to reopen unsafe.
Plus, as The Post’s Selim Algar reported Friday, teachers at some city schools are launching letter-writing campaigns targeting parents and urging them to demand remote-only learning.
That does no one any favors — except, of course, the teachers.
No one wants to endanger teachers’ health — which is why those with underlying medical conditions can get exemptions. The city and schools should also mandate masks and distancing in classrooms.
But getting some in-person teaching is the right thing to do, for the mental health and development of our kids. We have to try to make it work.


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--You can help save Lebanon — through charity and prayer

`` Everything was shaking in a way that I really ca n't ...

As bishops in New York and Los Angeles serving Lebanese Maronite Catholic communities across the United States, we were heartbroken by this week’s massive explosions in Beirut, which left more than 150 people dead and thousands maimed.
The physical destruction wrought by the ammonium-nitrate blast has also disfigured a city long admired as one of the region’s most beautiful — the Paris of the Middle East, as it used to be called. Three-hundred thousand are now homeless in the Lebanese capital.
This tragedy couldn’t have come at a worse moment for Lebanon. The country has been suffering from a prolonged debt crisis, teetering at the edge of bankruptcy. It is riven by sectarian fault lines and situated in a wider region still radiating terrorism and disorder.
The weight of these malign forces, combined with the recent devastation, is enough to make one think Beirut and Lebanon are hopeless.
Except we disagree. In fact, we have faith that the future can be bright, provided Lebanon taps into its greatest asset — its people, particularly the young — and provided her friends lend a helping hand in this moment of trial.
It took fewer than 24 hours after the explosion for bands of Lebanese youth to enter the streets with shovels, brooms, dustpans and lots of love. They went door to door, assisting Muslim and Christian alike. It’s something of a cliché, but it holds true in the Lebanese case: The nation’s youth are a sight for sore eyes.
The youth were checking on the elderly, helping first responders bandage the wounded, serving Lebanese sandwiches to workers — demonstrating that the Lebanon envisioned by the great leaders of the past is still the Lebanon of today, even though she is wounded (once again).
A hundred years ago, it was the Maronite patriarch who led Islamic and Christian leaders to create modern Lebanon, a country that would be a welcoming refuge for all. The National Pact of 1943 sealed her independence and, by creating a delicate multi-sectarian power-sharing structure, ensured that Lebanon would be a shared dream of the different communities.
The Lebanese Civil War tested that structure brutally. And yet in the 1980s, at the height of the war, Pope Saint John Paul II stated that “Lebanon is more than a country, it is a message for East and West.”
This is the Lebanon we have known. This is the Lebanon worth fighting for. This is the Lebanon worthy of her youth.
So how can we Americans react? From deep within the tradition of the Catholic Church, we respond: with prayer, with fasting, with almsgiving. And we add one more: advocacy.
When we pray for Lebanon and her people, we can also ask the intercession of Our Lady of Lebanon, patroness of the country, as well as Saint Sharbel, her native son and legendary mystic, to help preserve the people of this great land. We also invite our non-Christian brothers and sisters to join their supplications to ours.
Lebanese Christians are used to fasting and still have the practice to fast every Friday. We can join them in solidarity.
We can give alms to Catholic and other charitable efforts. In Lebanon today, with its crisis-ridden, do-nothing government, it is often the Catholic Church that comes to the rescue. We suggest Caritas Lebanon and Saint Vincent de Paul Societies, which operate all across Lebanon. Visit our website to learn more at: http://www.stmaron.org/how-you-can-help.
And lastly, we can advocate. We can call upon our members of Congress and President Trump to provide much-needed humanitarian aid, as well to protect her from regional forces that would seek to use this moment to further undermine her independence.
We and several other religious leaders have also advocated for a special envoy to Lebanon to help support the work of the US ambassador to the country, Dorothy Shea. A strong and neutral Lebanon, well-supported by friends and allies, can regain her former glory as a jewel of the Middle East.
If they know we stand with them, perhaps those faithful, hopeful and loving young people cleaning the streets of Beirut won’t feel so alone.
Most Rev. Gregory John Mansour is bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn. Most Rev. A. Elias Zaidan is bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles.


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--NYC gyms dream up creative outdoor workouts despite closures

Gov .
Cuomo has stayed firm on keeping gyms closed in New York City to stop the spread of coronavirus .
But that isn ’ t stopping several headstrong owners , who are using the nice weather to their advantage and putting the “ out ” in workout by opening al fresco gyms .
But it ’ s far from your basic squats-in-the-park workout : Weights , machines and bikes are seeing the sunlight for the first time , being set up outside as full-fledged gymnasiums .
Adam Sturm , the co-founder of cross-training studio BK Fit , has fitness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Bed-Stuy .
BK Fit ’ s first foray back to group classes started with small get-togethers in local parks but has since expanded to one full outdoor gym in Williamsburg and three “ curbside locations ” outside their brick-and-mortar locations across the borough .
Fit now offers 100 classes a week outside .
The 2,500-square-foot outdoor East Williamsburg space he rented is anything but makeshift .
“ We have a pullup rig and the whole nine yards , ” said Sturm .
Although the tricep extension and leg press machines were left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Olympic-style rings hanging from pullup bars .
On sidewalks at the curbside sweat locales , patrons do box jumps inside cones so they don ’ t get in the way of pedestrians .
BYKlyn Cycle , owned by Amy Glosser , also expanded to a new space .
Despite having to shut down her Park Slope studio because of the coronavirus , she said loyal spinners wanted to keep their memberships .
“ We put real money in here , which is a risk .
We are betting that COVID won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our numbers will stay where they are , ” Glosser told The Post .
She ’ s since transformed a dilapidated , 1,200-square-foot empty lot she purchased by the Barclays Center into BYKlyn Yard : 18 stationary bikes dot the turf-lined yard , which has some ambience during evening classes with lights strung overhead .
Although cycling classes won ’ t be held if the temperature rises over 90 degrees or if it rains , Glosser hopes her bikers will continue after the summer ends .
“ Even when it gets cold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and come on over , ” she says .
To minimize noise and filter out buzz from traffic and passers-by , spinners wear SoundOff headphones so they can hear the teacher and the music at their own desired volume .
This “ silent disco ” method has been adopted by other outdoor studios including Tracy Anderson ’ s Watermill , LI , studio and SoulCycle ’ s SoulOutside four Hamptons locations .
The gyms sanitize headsets in between classes and allow riders to bring their own as well .
Anderson ’ s al @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through September , has moved its bouncy “ Super-G ” cardio floors outside — which helps lessen the blow to joints as members jump and dance — and added an overhead covering to keep the spot shady .
Wooden platforms help elevate the workout experience — and enforce social distancing .
At One Yoga Space in Montauk ( $ 30 a class ) , yogis practice on raised beds typically reserved for poolside loungers .
And at New York Pilates in Montauk , Heather Andersen and Brion Isaacs built their own platforms in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reformer machines off the ground , which not only spaces the 15 reformers for safety but puts exercisers in the path of the summer breeze off the water .
“ There ’ s no possibility someone could get COVID at New York Pilates , that ’ s my main concern , ” Andersen told The Post .
She said members have been so grateful for the studio ’ s return that they ’ ve gotten emotional .
“ Someone literally cried that first weekend on the reformer , ” said Andersen .
New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a parking lot permit in the city , while their five other locations remain closed .
Now that all these summer hot spots are back in action , there ’ s just one thing you need to add to your gym bag , says Andersen .

Gym rats aren’t sweating the pandemic anymore.
Gov. Cuomo has stayed firm on keeping gyms closed in New York City to stop the spread of coronavirus. But that isn’t stopping several headstrong owners, who are using the nice weather to their advantage and putting the “out” in workout by opening al fresco gyms. But it’s far from your basic squats-in-the-park workout: Weights, machines and bikes are seeing the sunlight for the first time, being set up outside as full-fledged gymnasiums.
Adam Sturm, the co-founder of cross-training studio BK Fit, has fitness fans lifting on the sidewalks of Bushwick and Bed-Stuy.
BK Fit’s first foray back to group classes started with small get-togethers in local parks but has since expanded to one full outdoor gym in Williamsburg and three “curbside locations” outside their brick-and-mortar locations across the borough. Fit now offers 100 classes a week outside.
The 2,500-square-foot outdoor East Williamsburg space he rented is anything but makeshift.
“We have a pullup rig and the whole nine yards,” said Sturm. Although the tricep extension and leg press machines were left indoors, the open-air studio has unique Olympic-style rings hanging from pullup bars. On sidewalks at the curbside sweat locales, patrons do box jumps inside cones so they don’t get in the way of pedestrians.
BYKlyn Cycle, owned by Amy Glosser, also expanded to a new space. Despite having to shut down her Park Slope studio because of the coronavirus, she said loyal spinners wanted to keep their memberships.
“We put real money in here, which is a risk. We are betting that COVID won’t close us down and people will behave and our numbers will stay where they are,” Glosser told The Post.
She’s since transformed a dilapidated, 1,200-square-foot empty lot she purchased by the Barclays Center into BYKlyn Yard: 18 stationary bikes dot the turf-lined yard, which has some ambience during evening classes with lights strung overhead.
Although cycling classes won’t be held if the temperature rises over 90 degrees or if it rains, Glosser hopes her bikers will continue after the summer ends.
“Even when it gets cold, I hope people put on sweats and come on over,” she says.
To minimize noise and filter out buzz from traffic and passers-by, spinners wear SoundOff headphones so they can hear the teacher and the music at their own desired volume. This “silent disco” method has been adopted by other outdoor studios including Tracy Anderson’s Watermill, LI, studio and SoulCycle’s SoulOutside four Hamptons locations. The gyms sanitize headsets in between classes and allow riders to bring their own as well.
Anderson’s al fresco spot, which will be open through September, has moved its bouncy “Super-G” cardio floors outside — which helps lessen the blow to joints as members jump and dance — and added an overhead covering to keep the spot shady.
Wooden platforms help elevate the workout experience — and enforce social distancing. At ONEYOGAHOUSE at Montauk Beach House ($30 a class), yogis practice on raised beds typically reserved for poolside loungers.
And at New York Pilates in Montauk, Heather Andersen and Brion Isaacs built their own platforms in the parking lot to elevate their pilates reformer machines off the ground, which not only spaces the 15 reformers for safety but puts exercisers in the path of the summer breeze off the water.
“There’s no possibility someone could get COVID at New York Pilates, that’s my main concern,” Andersen told The Post.
She said members have been so grateful for the studio’s return that they’ve gotten emotional.
“Someone literally cried that first weekend on the reformer,” said Andersen. New York Pilates is currently working on attaining a parking lot permit in the city, while their five other locations remain closed.
Now that all these summer hot spots are back in action, there’s just one thing you need to add to your gym bag, says Andersen.
“Don’t forget to wear sunscreen.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--Common speaks on relationship with Tiffany Haddish for the first time

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 ) Common has spoken for the @ @ @ @ @ with Tiffany Haddish .
The pair got together shortly before the lockdown began , and @ @ @ @ @ commercial designed to encourage people to go on virtual dates during quarantine .
“ She @ @ @ @ @ , a queen , and just a beautiful person , ” he said on “ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan ” on Friday , “ I care for her a lot , enjoy her @ @ @ @ @ in my life .
Yeah I ’ m happy !
” Meanwhile , the “ @ @ @ @ @ on the “ Wild Rose ” podcast , “ This is the best relationship I @ @ @ @ @ I feel more confident in me .
”

Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
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Common has spoken for the first time about his romance with Tiffany Haddish.
The pair got together shortly before the lockdown began, and even starred in a Bumble commercial designed to encourage people to go on virtual dates during quarantine.
“She’s a wonderful woman, a queen, and just a beautiful person,” he said on “Live! With Kelly and Ryan” on Friday, “I care for her a lot, enjoy her and grateful to have her in my life. Yeah I’m happy!”
Meanwhile, the “Girls Trip” actress said on the “Wild Rose” podcast, “This is the best relationship I’ve been in. I feel more confident in me.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--Joe Biden’s perilous veep-pick balancing act

Joe Biden ’ s veep list has reportedly narrowed to two candidates : ...

If the presidential-nominating process is the weakest part of our political system, the vice-presidential selection process comes solidly in second place. Some might even argue it’s a contender for the top spot.
That’s been particularly the case in the two most recent election cycles. The 2016 election saw Republican and Democratic nominees ages 70 and 69 on Election Day, respectively, elevate the actuarial odds of a vice president succeeding to the presidency to the highest level in history.
This year, the Republican and Democratic nominees turn 74 and 78. With Vice President Mike Pence sure to be renominated, the focus is on Joe Biden’s choice.
Foreigners must consider it odd that 30 to 34 million people participate in selecting presidential nominees, but it’s taken for granted that vice-presidential nominees are selected by just one person.
They may also consider it odd that Joe Biden has limited his choice to women and, apparently, to women of color. That limits the plausible picks to a very small percentage, and each of the names mentioned seems to have at least one plausible disqualifying characteristic.
Former National Security Adviser Susan Rice, for example, with more foreign-policy and national-security experience than the others, was the Obama administration’s designated liar, going on five Sunday programs as United Nations ambassador in 2012 to spread a legend about Benghazi. Sen. Kamala Harris is regarded by many Democrats as having been too prosecutorial when she was district attorney in San Francisco. Rep. Karen Bass was a big fan of Fidel Castro. Rep. Val Demings was a cop — a problem for the left.
Looking back, the two women previously nominated for vice president, former Rep. Geraldine Ferraro and former Gov. Sarah Palin, also had thin credentials and glaring weaknesses. But both, in my view, performed better in their fall campaigns than the men who selected them. Maybe Biden’s choice will, too.
And there’s historical precedent for nominees choosing from a sharply narrowed field. The Democratic Party has, from its beginnings, been a coalition of out-groups, capable of winning majorities when united.
Keeping them together, however, can be hard work. Narrowing the veep list to women, or black women, rewards two decadeslong core constituencies, feminist-minded female college graduates and blacks. The prospect of a black female vice president might maximize turnout of college females and blacks.
Of course, Americans have already elected a black president and nearly elected a woman. The prospect of a black woman vice president might seem no big deal. After John F. Kennedy won the presidency with 78 percent of Catholic votes in 1960, Catholic veep nominees were chosen by Republicans in 1964 and by Democrats in 1968 and 1972.
Democrats have had to choose from narrow fields of veep possibilities before. In the six decades after the Civil War, when the party’s major constituencies were white Southerners and Catholic immigrants, it was considered unthinkable to put a Southerner or a Catholic on the ticket.
During these years, Democrats — and Republicans — usually nominated Northern Protestants from New York, Ohio or Indiana, the three large marginal states in close elections.
Between 1868 and 1920, every winning ticket and most losing tickets had at least one nominee from these three states, which were the home bases of the winning veeps in 10 of 14 elections.
There’s a stronger argument for ticket balancing, at least since former President Jimmy Carter and former Vice President Walter Mondale reinvented the vice presidency as a working part of the executive branch. All but one of the vice presidents selected then had a career path and a set of experiences significantly different from those of the presidents who selected them.
Former Vice Presidents Walter Mondale, Dan Quayle, Al Gore, Joe Biden and Mike Pence have 12 to 36 years of congressional experience, compared with zero to four years for the presidential nominees who picked them. George H.W. Bush and Dick Cheney had years of foreign-policy and national-security-policy experience, while the nominees who picked them had virtually none.
Joe Biden, with tons of experience, is said to be wary of an ambitious veep. Balancing the ticket that way wouldn’t be unprecedented but might be unnerving to voters with a sense of the actuarial odds.


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--Nets exceed expectations with playoff-clinching win over Kings

The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks , 119-116 , as 19-point ...

The Nets clinched their second straight playoff berth. And they didn’t back in or fall in, but won their way in with a 119-106 bounceback against Sacramento.
After Wednesday’s desultory loss to Boston, the Nets took the court at ESPN Wide World of Sport in Orlando knowing a Wizards loss would seal their postseason bid. But they took care of business on their own with an impressive victory over the Kings.
“Huge amount of grit and togetherness shown to respond from a disappointing outing and answer the way we did,” said Jacque Vaughn, now 5-2 as interim coach. “It’s great to punch your own ticket into the playoffs. I joked with the guys: I like my laundry being done, but nothing like doing your own laundry.”
Brooklyn (33-36) moved 1 ½ games clear of Orlando for seventh in the East with just three dates left, including against the Magic on Tuesday.
And following Wednesday’s humbling 149-115 loss to the Celtics, this was a performance far more befitting a playoff-bound team.
“The coaching staff and our vets were preaching good teams don’t have two bad games in a row,” said Caris LeVert, who made sure they had a good one.
LeVert had 22 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. Joe Harris scored 21 on 5 of 7 from deep, and Jarrett Allen had 17 points, 11 boards and a career-high eight assists.
“We’ve got good veteran leadership. We’ve got guys who don’t allow you to stay down on yourself,” Tyler Johnson said. “We don’t sit around and feel bad for ourselves. It’s a telltale sign of a maturing team, because when everything goes well it’s easy for everybody to be up. But we have a couple rocky games and to turn around and play as well as we did, that feels good.”
They have much to feel good about.
On one end, Brooklyn held a Kings team that’d scored 140 points a day earlier to just 106 on 20 assists and 15 turnovers. And on the other, they\ Nets shot 48.8 percent with 30 assists and a clean nine turnovers — buying in, staying together and not descending into selfishness.
“It easily could go the other way,” said Vaughn, whose team is 3-2 in the restart. “This group has not given in to that.”
Bogdan Bogdanovic (game-high 27 points) helped the Kings take an early lead. Brooklyn trailed 30-24 after a Buddy Hield 3. But Chris Chiozza (14 points) capped a 14-2 run with a reverse to give the Nets a 38-32 lead that they built on the rest of the way.
LeVert’s 19 first-half points spotted Brooklyn a 63-53 lead at the break. Garrett Temple’s free throws made it 78-62 with 7:39 left in the third.
Even when the Kings ripped off a dozen unanswered points to cut the lead to 78-74, the Nets responded. Temple slowed the game, pulled Nemanja Bjelica out and drove for a layup to stanch the bleeding.
That sparked a 21-8 run to put Brooklyn ahead 99-82, and put the game away. It sealed a second straight playoff appearance, an impressive rise from the NBA’s cellar.
“The first year I was here, we were struggling. … We were somewhere down at the bottom of the standings,” Allen said. “We’ve kept climbing and climbing, and we’re finally to a point where we’re making back-to-back playoffs.”
The Nets were 20-62 in LeVert’s rookie season, and 28-54 in Allen’s debut. Now they’re headed to a second straight postseason — and should have Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving next season.
“No one knew when it’d happen, if it’d happen so quickly, consistently now,” LeVert said. “But that was always the goal for sure, was to compete for a championship every year. It’s gratifying to see all the hard work pay off. We want to continue to do that, we want to make it a habit for this organization, for sure.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--How To Watch Raptors Vs. Celtics Live Online

Anyone in the mood for some Friday night NBA action ?
It ’ s a battle of Eastern Conference powerhouses as the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics collide on TNT !
In a potential playoff preview , the surging Raptors look to keep their bubble undefeated streak alive as they take on the Celtics .
The second and third seeds in the east , both teams look to stay healthy as they prepare for the postseason .
Will Toronto continue their winning ways or will the Celtics snap their streak ?
Let ’ s find out .
How can you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here ’ s everything you need to know .
WHAT TIME DOES THE CELTICS/RAPTORS GAME START ?
Tonight ’ s matchup is scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m .
ET on TNT .
If you have a valid cable login , you can watch tonight ’ s Celtics/Raptors game live via the TNT live stream on the TNT website or Watch TNT app .
CAN I WATCH THE RAPTORS GAME LIVE ON HULU ?
Yes !
If you have a valid subscription to Hulu + Live TV , you can watch the Raptors/Celtics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TNT live stream .
Hulu + Live TV offers a seven-day free trial for eligible subscribers .
DOES SLING TV OR YOUTUBE TV HAVE TNT ?
You bet .
You can also watch TNT live with an active subscription to YouTube TV , Sling TV , or AT & T TV NOW .
HOW TO WATCH TNT FOR FREE : Both YouTube TV and Sling TV offer a free trial for eligible subscribers .

Anyone in the mood for some Friday night NBA action? It’s a battle of Eastern Conference powerhouses as the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics collide on TNT!
In a potential playoff preview, the surging Raptors look to keep their bubble undefeated streak alive as they take on the Celtics. The second and third seeds in the east, both teams look to stay healthy as they prepare for the postseason. Will Toronto continue their winning ways or will the Celtics snap their streak? Let’s find out.
How can you watch the Celtics/Raptors live on TNT? Here’s everything you need to know.
WHAT TIME DOES THE CELTICS/RAPTORS GAME START?
Tonight’s matchup is scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. ET on TNT.
HOW TO FIND A CELTICS/RAPTORS LIVE STREAM:
If you have a valid cable login, you can watch tonight’s Celtics/Raptors game live via the TNT live stream on the TNT website or Watch TNT app.
CAN I WATCH THE RAPTORS GAME LIVE ON HULU?
Yes! If you have a valid subscription to Hulu + Live TV, you can watch the Raptors/Celtics matchup live via the service’s TNT live stream. Hulu + Live TV offers a seven-day free trial for eligible subscribers.
DOES SLING TV OR YOUTUBE TV HAVE TNT?
You bet. You can also watch TNT live with an active subscription to YouTube TV, Sling TV, or AT&T TV NOW.
HOW TO WATCH TNT FOR FREE:
Both YouTube TV and Sling TV offer a free trial for eligible subscribers.


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--Obama and the Democrats’ astonishing hypocrisy on the filibuster

Former President Barack Obama on Thursday said it ’ s time to ...

In April 2005, then-Sen. Barack Obama took to the Senate floor and ardently spoke out against GOP efforts to end the filibuster.
Then a rising star in the Democratic Party, Obama noted that despite the pressure partisans might feel, it was imperative to “rise above an ‘ends-justify-the-means’ mentality, because we’re here to answer to the people — all of the people — not just the ones wearing our party label.”
Last month, Obama made precisely the opposite argument at John Lewis’ funeral, contending that eliminating a vital check on partisan power was justified as long as Dems got their desired policies.
After offering a shamefully dishonest comparison between George Wallace, Bull Connor and contemporary Republicans, Obama argued that passing a “voting-rights” bill was worth stripping away counter-majoritarian norms. “If all this takes eliminating the filibuster, another Jim Crow relic, in order to secure the God-given rights of every American,” Obama told the congregants, “then that’s what we should do.”
And by “we,” Obama means 51 percent of Washington should dictate the legislative agenda to the entire country. Why is it a bad idea? Let’s turn to 2005 Obama, who explained that while the American people expected rigorous debate in Congress . . .
“What they don’t expect is for one party — be it Republican or Democrat — to change the rules in the middle of the game so that they can make all the decisions while the other party is told to sit down and keep quiet. The American people want less partisanship in this town, but everyone in this chamber knows that if the majority chooses to end the filibuster — if they choose to change the rules and put an end to democratic debate — then the fighting and the bitterness and the gridlock will only get worse.”
One wonders why Obama felt comfortable using a “relic of Jim Crow” when it suited his purposes. Why did he claim that allegedly racist institution was an indispensable check on power and a bulwark against assaults on debate?
Again in 2006, Obama told ABC News that he supported a filibuster of Samuel Alito because he was not only “somebody who is contrary to core American values, not just liberal values,” but had not shown “himself willing” to temper executive power. Considering Obama’s subsequent abuse of that very power, the statement reads especially hypocritically.
When it was expedient, Obama claimed to “regret” participating in the Alito filibuster. But even if we allow that President Obama changed his mind, why didn’t citizen Obama call for the filibuster’s end from 2016 to 2019? Because Obama wants Democrats, who believe they will win 2020, to govern without being encumbered by the minority.
It’s no coincidence the same politicos clamoring for more direct democracy are the ones who view the Constitution as the biggest impediment to their goals.
The filibuster complements the constitutional checks and balances that have historically made American governance effective.
A strong minority has always been a distinguishing feature of the upper house. Because when thin majorities ram through massive centralized federal laws that affect all states, as Democrats plan to do, it not only undermines political stability but self-governance, as well. The blowback to the heavy-handed passage of Obamacare should have been instructive. The more divergent our views become, the more imperative it is to build consensus.
Democrats increasingly favor centralized federal reforms on green energy and single-payer and so on. A minority gums up the works. It’s that simple.
Earlier, Democrats destroyed norms on executive appointments so they could name some bureaucrats to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the National Labor Relations Board. They seemed to think they would hold power in perpetuity. “One day Democrats will be in the majority again, and this rule change will be no fairer to a Republican minority than it is to a Democratic minority,” Obama presciently warned back in 2005. That warning still stands.
Twitter: @DavidHarsanyi


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--MTV VMAs Move Event From Barclays Center Due to Health Warnings

The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards have decided against holding an indoors event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn , N.Y .
Instead , it will stage a series of outdoor performances in various NYC boroughs .
The show will still be held on Aug. 30 .
The outdoors shows will take place in front of limited or no audiences .
“ In close consultation with state and local health officials , it became clear at this time that outdoor performances with limited or no audience would be more feasible and safer than an indoor event , ” said an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlight the boroughs in an exciting show and return to Barclays Center in 2021 .
MTV will continue to work closely with the Department of Health , state and local officials , the medical community , and key stakeholders to ensure the safety of all involved.
” The New York Post ’ s Page Six reported that some staffers said they did not feel safe with an indoors show .
Keke Palmer will host the show , with performances scheduled from K-pop group BTS , Doja Cat and J Balvin .
Ariana Grande @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with nine apiece , followed by Billie Eilish and The Weeknd , who each have six nominations .
It would ’ ve marked the first time the show has been at Barclays since 2013 .

The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards have decided against holding an indoors event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Instead, it will stage a series of outdoor performances in various NYC boroughs.
The show will still be held on Aug. 30. The outdoors shows will take place in front of limited or no audiences.
“In close consultation with state and local health officials, it became clear at this time that outdoor performances with limited or no audience would be more feasible and safer than an indoor event,” said an MTV statement. “The VMAs will highlight the boroughs in an exciting show and return to Barclays Center in 2021. MTV will continue to work closely with the Department of Health, state and local officials, the medical community, and key stakeholders to ensure the safety of all involved.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--Bill Lawrence teams up with Jason Sudeikis for soccer comedy ‘Ted Lasso’

Writer/showrunner Bill Lawrence has entered the streaming series world with the Apple+ comedy “ Ted Lasso.
” Premiering Aug. 14 , it follows Ted ( Jason Sudeikis , the show ’ s co-creator and star ) , an affable American college football coach who ’ s hired to run a Premier League soccer team in the UK — despite having no knowledge of the sport or the region .
The British press , players , and fans are all skeptical about Ted , and for good reason — it turns out the team ’ s owner , Rebecca ( Hannah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , secretly hired him in hopes he would lead the team into failure so she could avenge her soccer-loving philandering ex ( Anthony Head , “ Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
” ) “ I didn ’ t have to do much research about soccer because Jason and I are Ted Lasso — we don ’ t know the game , ” says Lawrence , 51 , best-known for “ Scrubs ” and “ Cougar Town.
” “ We did hire some British writers who knew the fan world of British Premier football .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports and wanted to do our version of an iconic sports movie .
“ Every American grows up watching ‘ Rocky.
’ We wanted to do that classic underdog story.
” “ Ted Lasso ” was filmed in and around London , using Selhurst Park Stadium , home of Crystal Palace Football Club , for its action scenes .
“ The first burden for anybody who ’ s made a sports movie or TV show is that it ’ s really easy to make one that looks fake , ” says Lawrence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look real .
We were lucky enough to use real venues.
” The Ted Lasso character originated in ads that Sudekis did for NBC Sports ’ coverage of the English Premier League in 2013 .
“ I had seen those videos Jason did a few years back when he was promoting the Premier League , ” says Lawrence .
“ Years later , I was chasing him down to do a TV show [ together ] because I think he ’ s an iconic funny leading man and affable actor .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more as Ted Lasso when I leave the country because football is so big overseas.
’ ” The rest is history , as the duo set about fleshing out the character and his story into a 10-episode series .
Ted strolls into the UK with an upbeat attitude and a thick Midwestern twang .
Initially , he ’ s viewed as a joke — but slowly his genuine nature starts affecting everyone around him , from the team to Rebecca .
“ I don ’ t want to take any shots at cynical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comedy writer , I do it myself , ” says Lawrence .
“ With this , we wanted to make a hopeful and optimistic show and a character that embodies kindness — maybe at a time when it ’ s nice to have escapist entertainment .
“ If I met Ted Lasso , we ’ ve reached a time and era that my initial reaction would be , ‘ There ’ s no way this dude is this sincere !
’ And then you feel like a jerk a week later , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the basis for this show .
Even when he ’ s ignorant , he ’ s curious .
That ’ s where Jason and I overlap .
“ He knew I had a history of doing shows with emotional depth and heart to them .
”

Writer/showrunner Bill Lawrence has entered the streaming series world with the Apple TV+ comedy “Ted Lasso.”
Premiering Aug. 14, it follows Ted (Jason Sudeikis, the show’s co-creator and star), an affable American college football coach who’s hired to run a Premier League soccer team in the UK — despite having no knowledge of the sport or the region. The British press, players, and fans are all skeptical about Ted, and for good reason — it turns out the team’s owner, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham, “Sex Education”), secretly hired him in hopes he would lead the team into failure so she could avenge her soccer-loving philandering ex (Anthony Head, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”)
“I didn’t have to do much research about soccer because Jason and I are Ted Lasso — we don’t know the game,” says Lawrence, 51, best-known for “Scrubs” and “Cougar Town.” “We did hire some British writers who knew the fan world of British Premier football. [Jason and I] both love sports and wanted to do our version of an iconic sports movie.
“Every American grows up watching ‘Rocky.’ We wanted to do that classic underdog story.”
“Ted Lasso” was filmed in and around London, using Selhurst Park Stadium, home of Crystal Palace Football Club, for its action scenes.
“The first burden for anybody who’s made a sports movie or TV show is that it’s really easy to make one that looks fake,” says Lawrence. “The football aspects of it needed to look real. We were lucky enough to use real venues.”
The Ted Lasso character originated in ads that Sudekis did for NBC Sports’ coverage of the English Premier League in 2013.
“I had seen those videos Jason did a few years back when he was promoting the Premier League,” says Lawrence. “Years later, I was chasing him down to do a TV show [together] because I think he’s an iconic funny leading man and affable actor. And he said, ‘I get recognized more as Ted Lasso when I leave the country because football is so big overseas.’ ”
The rest is history, as the duo set about fleshing out the character and his story into a 10-episode series.
Ted strolls into the UK with an upbeat attitude and a thick Midwestern twang. Initially, he’s viewed as a joke — but slowly his genuine nature starts affecting everyone around him, from the team to Rebecca.
“I don’t want to take any shots at cynical snarky comedy because I’m a comedy writer, I do it myself,” says Lawrence. “With this, we wanted to make a hopeful and optimistic show and a character that embodies kindness — maybe at a time when it’s nice to have escapist entertainment.
“If I met Ted Lasso, we’ve reached a time and era that my initial reaction would be, ‘There’s no way this dude is this sincere!’ And then you feel like a jerk a week later,” he says. “That was kind of the basis for this show. Even when he’s ignorant, he’s curious. That’s where Jason and I overlap.
“He knew I had a history of doing shows with emotional depth and heart to them.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--Meet the femme fatale of Showtime thriller ‘We Hunt Together’

Move over , Villanelle — Freddy Lane is the new charming murderer in town .
Freddy ( Hermione Corfield ) is a twentysomething blonde with a shadowy past who quotes philosophers and works as a phone-sex operator .
She ’ s also a killer , and in “ We Hunt Together ” — a six-episode British crime drama premiering Sunday on Showtime ( 10 p.m. ) — she ’ s being chased by prickly cop Lola Frank ( Eve Myles ) and her more jovial partner , Jackson Mendy ( Babou Ceesay ) .
“ I hadn ’ t really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corfield , 26 , tells The Post .
“ I thought it was incredibly bold writing and a really interesting character study of someone who has such an extreme duality to her .
She was funny and engaging and such a multi-faceted character.
” In Sunday ’ s opener , Freddy shows her duplicitous nature when she expertly pits two men against each other in a dangerous battle in a seedy nightclub .
Troubled refugee Baba ( Dipo Ola ) soon emerges as Freddy ’ s murderous sidekick after rescuing her from an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role for Corfield , who ’ s had small roles in films including “ Star Wars Episode VIII : The Last Jedi ” and “ Mission : Impossible — Rogue Nation.
” She was also in the 2017 British TV series “ The Halcyon , ” set in World War II-era London .
“ That was my first lead role in a TV show , but [ ‘ We Hunt Together ’ ] was so different to that , ” she says She ’ s aware that Freddy will invite the inevitable comparisons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Jodie Comer in “ Killing Eve.
” “ I purposefully stayed away from [ watching ] it , ” she says of the BBC America/AMC drama .
“ I had watched a little bit of it before I knew I was playing this part [ and ] I do think Jodie is amazing and fantastic .
Of course there would be comparisons drawn there , but in my mind , [ Freddy and Villanelle ] are very different .
Villanelle works solo and Freddy has a need to find a partner in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mind , legitimizes the violence.
” To establish a level of comfort and familiarity between Freddy and Baba , Corfield and Ola went to a pub and got to know each other .
“ I really wanted her to be likable as possible , so that you can buy into her love story with Boba and the human aspect of the murder , ” she says .
“ Freddy is someone who really does want to love and feel what everyone else feels — she ’ s just wired differently .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — the human aspect within her more evil qualities .
”

Move over, Villanelle — Freddy Lane is the new charming murderer in town.
Freddy (Hermione Corfield) is a twentysomething blonde with a shadowy past who quotes philosophers and works as a phone-sex operator. She’s also a killer, and in “We Hunt Together” — a six-episode British crime drama premiering Sunday on Showtime (10 p.m.) — she’s being chased by prickly cop Lola Frank (Eve Myles) and her more jovial partner, Jackson Mendy (Babou Ceesay).
“I hadn’t really read a character like that,” Corfield, 26, tells The Post. “I thought it was incredibly bold writing and a really interesting character study of someone who has such an extreme duality to her. She was funny and engaging and such a multi-faceted character.”
In Sunday’s opener, Freddy shows her duplicitous nature when she expertly pits two men against each other in a dangerous battle in a seedy nightclub. Troubled refugee Baba (Dipo Ola) soon emerges as Freddy’s murderous sidekick after rescuing her from an assault.
The show is a breakout role for Corfield, who’s had small roles in films including “Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi” and “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation.” She was also in the 2017 British TV series “The Halcyon,” set in World War II-era London.
“That was my first lead role in a TV show, but [‘We Hunt Together’] was so different to that,” she says She’s aware that Freddy will invite the inevitable comparisons to Villanelle, the cold-blooded assassin played by Jodie Comer in “Killing Eve.”
“I purposefully stayed away from [watching] it,” she says of the BBC America/AMC drama. “I had watched a little bit of it before I knew I was playing this part [and] I do think Jodie is amazing and fantastic. Of course there would be comparisons drawn there, but in my mind, [Freddy and Villanelle] are very different. Villanelle works solo and Freddy has a need to find a partner in crime. A person that, in her mind, legitimizes the violence.”
To establish a level of comfort and familiarity between Freddy and Baba, Corfield and Ola went to a pub and got to know each other.
“I really wanted her to be likable as possible, so that you can buy into her love story with Boba and the human aspect of the murder,” she says. “Freddy is someone who really does want to love and feel what everyone else feels — she’s just wired differently.
“That was an important balance to find — the human aspect within her more evil qualities.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-07--NFL changes coronavirus testing protocols after Matthew Stafford false positive

The NFL is changing the current coronavirus screening and testing protocols , it announced Friday .
Dr. Allen Sills , chief medical officer of the league , sent out a memo to all club presidents , general managers , head coaches , team physicians and athletic trainers on Friday detailing change regarding unconfirmed and false positive tests .
“ Test results reported as ‘ presumptive positive ’ or ‘ inconclusive ’ should be considered the same as ‘ positive , ’ ” Sills confirmed .
“ With regard to further testing , treatment , and screening.
” The update comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed from the COVID-IR list on Tuesday , receiving a false-positive test that turned his family ’ s life upside down .
His wife Kelly complained that the results have been essentially ruining her life via Instagram .
“ We always want to produce the most accurate test results , ” Sills said on a conference call with reporters .
“ When you have 75,000 tests , you collect a lot of learning.
” As well as the changes to the testing protocols , Sills is also advocating changing the league ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players , Tier 1 and Tier 2 personnel must use facemasks at all times when in the club facility except players may remove their masks when physical activity prevents their use ( at which times they are encouraged when possible ) , ” Stills explained in the memo .
“ Players are encouraged , but not required to wear masks in the weight room .
Face shields are NOT an acceptable substitute for face masks , though they may be worn in addition to a mask for additional protection .
”

The NFL is changing the current coronavirus screening and testing protocols, it announced Friday.
Dr. Allen Sills, chief medical officer of the league, sent out a memo to all club presidents, general managers, head coaches, team physicians and athletic trainers on Friday detailing change regarding unconfirmed and false positive tests.
“Test results reported as ‘presumptive positive’ or ‘inconclusive’ should be considered the same as ‘positive,’” Sills confirmed. “With regard to further testing, treatment, and screening.”
The update comes after Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was removed from the COVID-IR list on Tuesday, receiving a false-positive test that turned his family’s life upside down. His wife Kelly complained that the results have been essentially ruining her life via Instagram.
“We always want to produce the most accurate test results,” Sills said on a conference call with reporters. “When you have 75,000 tests, you collect a lot of learning.”
As well as the changes to the testing protocols, Sills is also advocating changing the league’s current Treatment Response Protocols.
“All players, Tier 1 and Tier 2 personnel must use facemasks at all times when in the club facility except players may remove their masks when physical activity prevents their use (at which times they are encouraged when possible),” Stills explained in the memo. “Players are encouraged, but not required to wear masks in the weight room. Face shields are NOT an acceptable substitute for face masks, though they may be worn in addition to a mask for additional protection.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-08--Massachusetts COVID-19 compliance hotline flooded with crank calls

New Yorkers did it first .
A Massachusetts hotline set up to enforce coronavirus safety guidelines instead received profanity , fake reports and porn from residents fed up with the rules — similar to what happened in April when New York City launched a similar effort .
It didn ’ t take long for things to go downhill for Gov .
Charlie Baker ’ s compliance hotline , according to MassLive.com .
In just a matter of hours , there was a picture of a penis from an account dubbed , “ Good German , ” missives slamming the hotline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaints about “ unmasked dogs ” and gripes about Baker ’ s lack of a mask during news conferences , the outlet reported .
Overall , the bogus messages amounted to dozens out of more than 900 reports .
A similar effort in the five boroughs earlier this year saw an influx of crank complaints including “ d–k pics , ” people flipping the bird , photos of extended middle fingers and Mayor Bill de Blasio dropping the Staten Island groundhog , along with news coverage of him going to the gym .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will fight this tyrannical overreach !
” to the service and got an automated message that in part said , “ Hello , and thank you for texting NYC311 .
”

New Yorkers did it first.
A Massachusetts hotline set up to enforce coronavirus safety guidelines instead received profanity, fake reports and porn from residents fed up with the rules — similar to what happened in April when New York City launched a similar effort.
It didn’t take long for things to go downhill for Gov. Charlie Baker’s compliance hotline, according to MassLive.com.
In just a matter of hours, there was a picture of a penis from an account dubbed, “Good German,” missives slamming the hotline as a “rat line,” complaints about “unmasked dogs” and gripes about Baker’s lack of a mask during news conferences, the outlet reported.
Overall, the bogus messages amounted to dozens out of more than 900 reports.
A similar effort in the five boroughs earlier this year saw an influx of crank complaints including “d–k pics,” people flipping the bird, photos of extended middle fingers and Mayor Bill de Blasio dropping the Staten Island groundhog, along with news coverage of him going to the gym.
One user sent the message, “We will fight this tyrannical overreach!” to the service and got an automated message that in part said, “Hello, and thank you for texting NYC311.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-08--Jacque Vaughn showing how far he’s come with Nets surprising success

Just before the pandemic put the NBA season on pause , ...

By his own admission, Jacque Vaughn isn’t the same coach who lost almost three-quarters of his games with the Magic. He’s older, wiser. Better.
Now back in Orlando — but this time for the NBA restart, as interim of the Nets — he’s showing the league how much better.
Since stepping in for the departed Kenny Atkinson — and being robbed of much of his roster by either injury or the coronavirus — Vaughn has held the Nets together and shepherded a threadbare squad into the playoffs.
“He’s done a great job,” Jarrett Allen said. “It’d be hard for me to be able to task somebody with keeping a team, let alone having to bring a bunch of news guys in, having to get a lot of people accustomed to the team and to how we play, bringing us into a bubble.
“Just all the factors going against him — he’s been able to rally us together, rally us under his system, help us believe in him and believe in the things he’s doing for us — he’s just done an unbelievable job.”
Since succeeding Atkinson, Vaughn is 5-2 as interim. And despite missing Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie, DeAndre Jordan and Taurean Prince, he’s still 3-2 in the restart, already exceeding Vegas’ win projection with three games left on the schedule.
Clearly no decisions have been made yet, and once Brooklyn’s season eventually ends Vaughn will face stiff competition for what will be a plum position. But expected Nets candidates Ty Lue and Jason Kidd could both be pursued by New Orleans, according to ESPN. And everything Vaughn has done in the restart will only strengthen his résumé.
“He’s done an amazing job,” Caris LeVert said. “Everybody trusts Jacque in the organization, everyone trusts his decision-making. He’s made several switches with the lineup, how we’re playing offensively, defensively. He’s been great with adjustment and things like that.
“It’s definitely been tough with the lineup we had, with the roster we had, and he’s done a great job of adjusting and being adaptable. The guards really feed off of what he brings to the table. He’s a competitive guard, a competitive coach. He’s played in the league for a while and everyone follows his lead.”
Vaughn has seemed completely comfortable in his skin as a coach, showing both tactical sense and leadership ability. Both had been in question when he went 58-158 with the rebuilding Magic.
“You’re always introspective in your approach to the game to make sure that you’re doing your part, my part as a coach,” Vaughn said. “So, the challenge is getting this group ready to play.
“We have some guys that’ve been with us for a long time, but we have a new group that we’re counting on to play minutes. So, we’re going to maximize the talent and maximize this group. That’s the challenge for me, and that’s the challenge I look forward to every single day with this group.”
He has maximized the talent by fostering a midrange game, stressing ball movement (second in assist-to-turnover ratio in the restart) and putting LeVert in spots to excel — be it at point Friday or operating more in the post. And the Nets have responded to his social justice messaging, like Thursday’s slideshow on voter suppression and the Voting Rights Act.
“We’ve made a commitment to continue to educate our group, and [that] was an opportunity,” Vaughn said. “We’ll keep putting opportunities in front of our guys to grab onto.”
The Nets will get an opportunity at the playoffs, heading into Sunday’s tilt versus the Clippers seventh in the East, 1 ½ games clear of Orlando. They’ll face Vaughn’s old team Tuesday, with a good chance to avoid a first-round date versus Milwaukee.
Yes, they just upset the Bucks this past week, and dropped the season series to Toronto. But nobody wants any part of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s league leaders, and the Raptors’ blowout loss to Boston on Friday showed signs of vulnerability. Are the Nets good enough to take advantage?
“They’re a really good team. They’re really good in that team stuff,” Bogdan Bogdanovic said. “Whatever they do, they do it as a team, offensively, defensively and it’s really hard to beat them.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-08--Filly Ramona Hill rolls to victory in Hambletonian

A filly winning the Hambletonian has been a rare sight in the 95-year history of trotting ’ s biggest race .
Only 15 have accomplished the feat .
Now owners Michelle and Al Crawford and Brad Grant have done it twice in the past three years .
Ramona Hill joined the list Saturday , scoring an impressive one-length victory while matching the stakes record set by her sire in 2009 .
Atlanta won in 2018 for the Crawfords and Grant .
“ We haven ’ t quite processed , I don ’ t think we ’ ll process for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ To have these two fillies in our lives and to do the hard work and the breeding and the racing and selections in the yearling crop to get them to this point and then find out that they ’ re good enough to go into these races and be competitive , is unbelievable — it ’ s a great feeling.
” Driven by Andrew McCarthy , the 3-year-old daughter of Muscle Hill covered the mile in 1:50.1 in equaling the record set by her father .
The Tony Alagna-trained trotter paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.10 as the favorite in the field of 10 3-year-olds for the $ 1 million race .
Ramona Hill made a late last-to-first move and posted the fastest time ( 1:51.2 ) in winning one of the two eliminations held last week .
Breaking from the No .
5 post position in the final , McCarthy moved earlier this week , taking the lead from Threefiftytwo near the end of the backstretch in winning for the third time in four starts in the coronavirus-delayed season .
“ So when I came out early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the front and I went for it , ” McCarthy said .
“ She knows her job , I ’ ve said it the whole way along , in the last turn she really swelled up .
She was starting to work there a little bit towards the wire but she finished it off.
” It was the first win in the race for Alagna and McCarthy .
The Crawfords had a really big day .
They also own a piece of Sorella , who won the $ 600,000 Hambletonian Oaks for 3-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are partners with Robert Leblanc and In The Gym Partners in owning Ramona Hill .
Ready For Moni , who won the other elimination last weekend , held off Back Of The Neck to finish second .
Ready For Moni returned $ 3.40 and $ 2.40 .
Back Of The Neck paid $ 2.40 .
In the Oaks , driver Yannick Gingras scored his sixth win in seven years in this race .
Favored Sorella won by 1 3/4-lengths to give trainer Nancy Takter her first win the race .
Her father , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight times , the last five times with Gingras driving .

A filly winning the Hambletonian has been a rare sight in the 95-year history of trotting’s biggest race.
Only 15 have accomplished the feat. Now owners Michelle and Al Crawford and Brad Grant have done it twice in the past three years.
Ramona Hill joined the list Saturday, scoring an impressive one-length victory while matching the stakes record set by her sire in 2009. Atlanta won in 2018 for the Crawfords and Grant.
“We haven’t quite processed, I don’t think we’ll process for a long time,” Michelle Crawford said. “To have these two fillies in our lives and to do the hard work and the breeding and the racing and selections in the yearling crop to get them to this point and then find out that they’re good enough to go into these races and be competitive, is unbelievable — it’s a great feeling.”
Driven by Andrew McCarthy, the 3-year-old daughter of Muscle Hill covered the mile in 1:50.1 in equaling the record set by her father. The Tony Alagna-trained trotter paid $2.80, $2.10 and $2.10 as the favorite in the field of 10 3-year-olds for the $1 million race.
Ramona Hill made a late last-to-first move and posted the fastest time (1:51.2) in winning one of the two eliminations held last week.
Breaking from the No. 5 post position in the final, McCarthy moved earlier this week, taking the lead from Threefiftytwo near the end of the backstretch in winning for the third time in four starts in the coronavirus-delayed season.
“So when I came out early there, I sensed I could find the front and I went for it,” McCarthy said. “She knows her job, I’ve said it the whole way along, in the last turn she really swelled up. She was starting to work there a little bit towards the wire but she finished it off.”
It was the first win in the race for Alagna and McCarthy.
The Crawfords had a really big day. They also own a piece of Sorella, who won the $600,000 Hambletonian Oaks for 3-year-old trotting fillies.
The Crawfords and Grant are partners with Robert Leblanc and In The Gym Partners in owning Ramona Hill.
Ready For Moni, who won the other elimination last weekend, held off Back Of The Neck to finish second.
Ready For Moni returned $3.40 and $2.40. Back Of The Neck paid $2.40.
In the Oaks, driver Yannick Gingras scored his sixth win in seven years in this race. Favored Sorella won by 1 3/4-lengths to give trainer Nancy Takter her first win the race. Her father, Jimmy, won the race a record eight times, the last five times with Gingras driving.


newyorkpost--2020-08-08--COVID-19 rocks the Rockettes — but just wait till next year!

There will be no high kicks in Midtown this year : The “ Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes , ” a New York City institution , has been canceled .
For the first time since it debuted in 1933 , there will be no dance numbers to the “ Parade of the Wooden Soldiers ” or “ The 12 Days of Christmas.
” Why not ?
You guessed it : “ uncertainty associated ” with COVID-19 , says MSG Garden Entertainment , which manages the Rockettes .
The virus ’ toll on entertainment is now stretching to December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Samantha Berger , who has been performing with the Rockettes for 15 seasons , sighed on social media , adding two broken-heart emojis .
MSG will also lay off 350 people , about a third of its corporate workforce , as the pandemic socks live-performance venues .
Also last week , organizers canceled this year ’ s Columbus Day Parade , due to the virus .
At this point , Americans — people the world over , actually — are asking : When will this nightmare end ?
COVID has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ untold misery .
And doomsayers keep saying there ’ s no end in sight , even as several vaccines race toward completion .
“ It seems , to me , unlikely that a vaccine is an off-switch or a reset button where we will go back to pre-pandemic times , ” says Yonatan Grad , an assistant professor of infectious diseases at the Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health .
Please .
Man has gone to the moon and put rovers on Mars .
We invented cars and computers .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and numerous other diseases .
Hang in there .
We ’ ll high-kick COVID to the ashes of history before you know it .

There will be no high kicks in Midtown this year: The “Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes,” a New York City institution, has been canceled.
For the first time since it debuted in 1933, there will be no dance numbers to the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” or “The 12 Days of Christmas.”
Why not? You guessed it: “uncertainty associated” with COVID-19, says MSG Garden Entertainment, which manages the Rockettes.
The virus’ toll on entertainment is now stretching to December. “Christmas has officially been canceled,” Samantha Berger, who has been performing with the Rockettes for 15 seasons, sighed on social media, adding two broken-heart emojis.
MSG will also lay off 350 people, about a third of its corporate workforce, as the pandemic socks live-performance venues.
Also last week, organizers canceled this year’s Columbus Day Parade, due to the virus.
At this point, Americans — people the world over, actually — are asking: When will this nightmare end? COVID has taken 700,000 deaths, wrecked economies and caused untold misery. And doomsayers keep saying there’s no end in sight, even as several vaccines race toward completion.
“It seems, to me, unlikely that a vaccine is an off-switch or a reset button where we will go back to pre-pandemic times,” says Yonatan Grad, an assistant professor of infectious diseases at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Please. Man has gone to the moon and put rovers on Mars. We invented cars and computers. And ice cream! We beat polio — and numerous other diseases. Hang in there. We’ll high-kick COVID to the ashes of history before you know it.


newyorkpost--2020-08-08--Washington’s dubious — and pricey — ‘stimulus’

The order is expected to cut payroll taxes , halt evictions ...

With negotiations over a (yes!) fifth COVID-19 rescue package at an impasse, President Trump took action on his own Saturday, signing executive orders on a number of “stimulus” measures. Whether his actions or Congress’ ultimately prevail, expect a pretty hefty price tag — and dubious economic benefits.
For starters, unilateral steps by a president, especially regarding the budget, are often legally and politically fraught. The Constitution gives Congress the power over the purse, and if there isn’t enough political will to act, it can be a stretch for presidents to simply use their “phone and pen” (as President Barack Obama put it when he issued his own EOs) and sidestep lawmakers.
Democrats have already questioned the legality of Trump’s move, and even he says he expects a lawsuit.
Besides that, some of his measures are questionable on the merits: His payroll-tax cut, for example, won’t help people out of work, and those with jobs don’t really need it.
Yet the moves might’ve been meant mostly to light a fire under Dems and prompt concessions. As with past packages, Democrats have been slowing any agreement, demanding the moon and figuring they can blame Trump for any stalemate. They’ve resisted, for instance, narrow stand-alone measures, even those both sides agree on.
They started the bidding for a deal at a ridiculous $3.4 trillion, more than the entire GDP of any other country except Germany, Japan and China. (The GOP plan, at a still-sky-high $1 trillion, was modest in comparison.) And this, after Congress already set aside nearly $3 trillion in the four previous packages.
At week’s end, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hinted that she might be willing to trim $1 trillion off her ask — but no more than that. (She clearly thinks she’s playing with Monopoly money.)
Then there’s the $600 unemployment bonus approved under the previous rescue plan. Those payments got added to state jobless benefits, leaving many unemployed workers with more money than they made on the job and creating perverse incentives to prolong the high jobless rates. Republicans were willing to agree to $200 or 70 percent of a workers’ lost wages — but Pelosi insisted on leaving it as is: “There’s no in between,” she said last week. Trump would allow for $400 a week.
Dems also pushed for a patently absurd $1 trillion to bail out (mostly Democratic-run) state and local governments that have spent recklessly and were ill-prepared for the pandemic.
Both sides also want to send out $1,200 “stimulus” checks. Yet Americans are clearly socking away money (the savings rate shot up to 25.7 percent in the second quarter), which they’ll spend once the pandemic begins to wane and the economy stabilizes.
Of course, federal aid is vital for some things, such as the ailing mass-transit system that powers New York City, the nation’s most critical economy. Even the additional $4 billion the MTA seeks won’t likely be enough to keep it afloat, particularly if ridership remains low.
The best fix for governments and private citizens: an economic resurgence.
In 2001, Uncle Sam actually saw a surplus, thanks to a hot economy. Fact is, no “stimulus” can top beating COVID and letting the economy gear up. Washington should focus on that.