newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Taylor Swift’s father scuffles with would-be burglar inside Florida penthouse

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 ) Taylor Swift ’ s dad really shook this guy off .
The pop superstar ’ s father , Scott Swift , had a tussle with a burglar inside his $ 4 million Florida penthouse , the Tampa Bay Times reported Monday .
Swift came home around 10 p.m. on Jan. 17 to find 30-year-old Terrence Hoover rustling through his pad , according to police records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who fled the scene after the skirmish , had climbed 13 floors on an emergency escape stairwell to get inside the 5,359 square-foot apartment , the documents said .
Hoover then called the police to report the scuffle .
Marion County deputies tracked down Hoover and arrested him last week on burglary charges .
The suspect was being held Monday on a $ 50,000 bond .
Hoover ’ s mother told the paper that her son got lost while “ looking for churches by the water.
” “ He was lost and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mom , Donna DeNapoli , said .
Hoover has a lengthy rap sheet , including charges for domestic violence by strangulation , aggravated battery , burglary , aggravated assault with a deadly weapon , and kidnapping and false imprisonment .
It ’ s unclear whether Hoover targeted Swift ’ s pad .
The “ Shake It Off ” singer doesn ’ t live with her dad .
However , one of Taylor ’ s homes in Tribeca was broken into twice by admitted stalker Roger Alvarado .
Alvarado , 23 , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison in April .
Another fanatic , David Page Liddle , was busted outside the singer ’ s Rhode Island beachfront mansion in July .
Page allegedly had a backpack stuffed with burglary tools and an aluminum bat .
The singer could not be reached for comment on Monday night .

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Taylor Swift’s dad really shook this guy off.
The pop superstar’s father, Scott Swift, had a tussle with a burglar inside his $4 million Florida penthouse, the Tampa Bay Times reported Monday.
Swift came home around 10 p.m. Jan. 17 to find 30-year-old Terrence Hoover browsing through his pad, according to police records cited by the paper.
Hoover, who fled after the skirmish, had climbed 13 floors on an emergency escape stairwell to get inside the 5,359-square-foot apartment, the documents said.
Hoover called the police to report the scuffle. Marion County deputies tracked down Hoover and arrested him last week on burglary charges.
The suspect was being held Monday on a $50,000 bond.
Hoover’s mother told the paper that her son got lost while “looking for churches by the water.”
“He was lost and should be charged with only trespassing,” said the mom, Donna DeNapoli.
Hoover has a lengthy rap sheet, including charges for domestic violence by strangulation, aggravated battery, burglary, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and kidnapping and false imprisonment.
It’s unclear whether Hoover targeted Swift’s pad. The “Shake It Off” singer doesn’t live with her dad.
However, one of Taylor’s homes in Tribeca was broken into twice by admitted stalker Roger Alvarado.
Alvarado, 23, was sentenced to up to four years in prison in April.
Another fanatic, David Page Liddle, was busted outside the singer’s Rhode Island beachfront mansion in July.
Page allegedly had a backpack stuffed with burglary tools and an aluminum bat.
Related Video Taylor Swift made $320 million before turning 30
The singer could not be reached for comment Monday night.


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--Luis Rojas quickly shows Mets he isn’t messing around

PORT ST. LUCIE — Luis Rojas ’ first full-squad meeting with the Mets on Monday included a show of hands as to how many players had previously played in the minor leagues for the new manager .
“ I think it was about three-quarters of the room , ” Dellin Betances said .
Rojas , who spent eight seasons managing in the minor leagues for the Mets before last year becoming the team ’ s quality control coach , brought an energy to the clubhouse with his remarks to the team , according to Wilson Ramos .
The rookie manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus about 50 Mets officials , including team owner Fred Wilpon .
Though soft-spoken and measured in his press conferences , the 38-year-old Rojas came across as managerial to his players .
“ He is talking like he ’ s the manager , like he commands everybody here , so I like that , ” Ramos said .
“ Last year he was quiet , but I like the new Luis .
He tried to give us some confidence , so that is very important for us .
He knows everybody here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that is very cool.
” Rojas initial remarks to the full squad came after a tumultuous offseason for the Mets in which two managers — Mickey Callaway and Carlos Beltran — departed the organization .
Callaway was fired and Beltran “ parted ways ” with the Mets after only 77 days for his role in the Astros ’ illegal sign-stealing scheme .
In his remarks , Rojas mentioned the World Series experience in the room and players such as Jacob deGrom and Rick Porcello who have won Cy Young awards .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward the second half , ” Betances said , who arrived as a free agent from the Yankees .
“ So just kind of continue to what we did as a group last year , what they did , and just add on to this year.
” Rojas had previously addressed the pitchers and catchers before their first initial workout , last week .
“ But being there with the entire squad , that was a pretty special moment , to be able to voice a message there and talk about different things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other and our values as a team , ” Rojas said .
“ We talked big about communication and trust and accountability , which are always the things I bring up as our values and we talked about preparation and our talent and how we ’ re going to always motivate each other in spring training throughout the season and on top of that have fun .
”

PORT ST. LUCIE — Luis Rojas’ first full-squad meeting with the Mets on Monday included a show of hands as to how many players had previously played in the minor leagues for the new manager.
“I think it was about three-quarters of the room,” Dellin Betances said.
Rojas, who spent eight seasons managing in the minor leagues for the Mets before last year becoming the team’s quality control coach, brought an energy to the clubhouse with his remarks to the team, according to Wilson Ramos. The rookie manager spoke to the 63 players in camp plus about 50 Mets officials, including team owner Fred Wilpon.
Though soft-spoken and measured in his press conferences, the 38-year-old Rojas came across as managerial to his players.
“He is talking like he’s the manager, like he commands everybody here, so I like that,” Ramos said. “Last year he was quiet, but I like the new Luis. He tried to give us some confidence, so that is very important for us. He knows everybody here, a lot of guys respect him, so that is very cool.”
Rojas initial remarks to the full squad came after a tumultuous offseason for the Mets in which two managers — Mickey Callaway and Carlos Beltran — departed the organization. Callaway was fired and Beltran “parted ways” with the Mets after only 77 days for his role in the Astros’ illegal sign-stealing scheme.
In his remarks, Rojas mentioned the World Series experience in the room and players such as Jacob deGrom and Rick Porcello who have won Cy Young awards.
“I remember this team playing real well toward the second half,” Betances said, who arrived as a free agent from the Yankees. “So just kind of continue to what we did as a group last year, what they did, and just add on to this year.”
Rojas had previously addressed the pitchers and catchers before their first initial workout, last week.
“But being there with the entire squad, that was a pretty special moment, to be able to voice a message there and talk about different things of the team, how we know each other and our values as a team,” Rojas said. “We talked big about communication and trust and accountability, which are always the things I bring up as our values and we talked about preparation and our talent and how we’re going to always motivate each other in spring training throughout the season and on top of that have fun.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--Pete Buttigieg tweets well wishes to NASCAR driver Ryan Newman after fiery crash

Presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg tweeted a get-well-soon message to NASCAR driver Ryan Newman , who hails from the former mayor ’ s hometown of South Bend , Indiana .
Buttigieg sent his positive message after Newman ’ s race car flipped and ignited into flames on the final lap of the Daytona 500 in Florida Monday .
“ Praying for a son of South Bend tonight , as we all wish the best for @ RyanJNewman and his family after today ’ s devastating accident , ” Buttigieg wrote .
Newman , 42 , was jockeying for position with eventual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when his No .
6 car spun into the wall , flipped onto its roof and was then hit by Corey LaJoie ’ s vehicle .
Newman ’ s car flew into the air before sliding across the track upside down and igniting into flames .
Hours after the smash-up , his racing team said in a statement that Newman was seriously injured , but was expected to survive .
“ Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center .
He is in serious condition , but doctors have indicated his injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Racing said in the statement .
“ We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and ask that you respect the privacy of Ryan and his family during this time , ” they added .

Presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg tweeted a get-well-soon message to NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, who hails from the former mayor’s hometown of South Bend, Indiana.
Buttigieg sent his positive message after Newman’s race car flipped and ignited into flames on the final lap of the Daytona 500 in Florida Monday.
“Praying for a son of South Bend tonight, as we all wish the best for @RyanJNewman and his family after today’s devastating accident,” Buttigieg wrote.
Newman, 42, was jockeying for position with eventual winner Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney, when his No. 6 car spun into the wall, flipped onto its roof and was then hit by Corey LaJoie’s vehicle.
Newman’s car flew into the air before sliding across the track upside down and igniting into flames.
Hours after the smash-up, his racing team said in a statement that Newman was seriously injured, but was expected to survive.
“Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center. He is in serious condition, but doctors have indicated his injuries are not life-threatening,” Roush Fenway Racing said in the statement.
“We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and ask that you respect the privacy of Ryan and his family during this time,” they added.


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--Jay Wright won’t be leaving Villanova for the Knicks

Jay Wright passed on speaking with the Knicks when they had a head-coaching vacancy two years ago and it doesn ’ t seem likely he will change his mind anytime soon .
A new report Monday in Forbes suggested the Knicks would have strong interest in Wright just as the former brain trust did two years ago .
But the feelings are not mutual , according to an NCAA source close to the situation .
“ Jay loves Villanova , Jay loves Villanova , ’ ’ the source said .
The source indicated Wright has not completely ruled out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job , but indicated the Knicks franchise currently has not been a paradise under the ownership of James Dolan .
Both incoming Knicks president Leon Rose and William “ Worldwide Wes ” Wesley — a basketball power broker whom Rose has worked with — are from the Philadelphia area .
Rose is from Cherry Hill , N.J. , and graduated from Temple .
So Rose is awfully familiar with the Big 5 Philly basketball scene .
Jeff Van Gundy and Tom Thibodeau are expected to be on Rose ’ s short list .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that the only job he ’ d leave Villanova for is the 76ers .
In May 2018 , Wright told The Post that not talking to the Knicks had everything to do with Villanova .
“ It ’ s not that you ’ re not interested , I just don ’ t want to leave , ” Wright said then .
“ It ’ s the Knicks .
You love the Garden , you love New York City , you love the Knicks .
I just know I don ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wright ’ s longtime agent , also told The Post at the time that Wright had no plans to leave the school .
Wright , 58 , is in his 19th season with Villanova .
He led the Wildcats to national titles in 2015-16 and 2017-18 .
Wright is putting his Berwyn , Pa. , house on the market for roughly $ 2.5 million , but Philadelphia Business Journal reports he and his family are looking to downsize and move closer to Villanova ’ s campus .

Jay Wright passed on speaking with the Knicks when they had a head-coaching vacancy two years ago and it doesn’t seem likely he will change his mind anytime soon.
A new report Monday in Forbes suggested the Knicks would have strong interest in Wright just as the former brain trust did two years ago. But the feelings are not mutual, according to an NCAA source close to the situation.
“Jay loves Villanova, Jay loves Villanova,’’ the source said. The source indicated Wright has not completely ruled out the NBA in the future for the perfect job, but indicated the Knicks franchise currently has not been a paradise under the ownership of James Dolan.
Both incoming Knicks president Leon Rose and William “Worldwide Wes” Wesley — a basketball power broker whom Rose has worked with — are from the Philadelphia area. Rose is from Cherry Hill, N.J., and graduated from Temple. So Rose is awfully familiar with the Big 5 Philly basketball scene.
Jeff Van Gundy and Tom Thibodeau are expected to be on Rose’s short list.
The impression from people who know Wright is that the only job he’d leave Villanova for is the 76ers.
In May 2018, Wright told The Post that not talking to the Knicks had everything to do with Villanova.
“It’s not that you’re not interested, I just don’t want to leave,” Wright said then. “It’s the Knicks. You love the Garden, you love New York City, you love the Knicks. I just know I don’t want to leave Villanova.”
Carl Hirsch, Wright’s longtime agent, also told The Post at the time that Wright had no plans to leave the school.
Wright, 58, is in his 19th season with Villanova. He led the Wildcats to national titles in 2015-16 and 2017-18.
Wright is putting his Berwyn, Pa., house on the market for roughly $2.5 million, but Philadelphia Business Journal reports he and his family are looking to downsize and move closer to Villanova’s campus.


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--A positive development in the Mets’ Jed Lowrie saga

PORT ST. LUCIE — Jed Lowrie isn ’ t facing restrictions in his Mets workouts , but whether he will be ready for the start of the exhibition season is another matter altogether .
A day after he arrived at camp wearing a sizeable brace on his left leg , Lowrie on Monday participated in the full range of drills with his teammates , according to manager Luis Rojas , who noted the performance staff would make a call on whether the veteran infielder is clear to participate in games .
The Mets begin their Grapefruit League season Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not in our hands , but to do the workouts it is , ” Rojas said .
“ He ’ s going through the day like every one of the guys who is in camp , but to play the games we don ’ t have the timeline .
It ’ s something we ’ ll probably communicate with the performance staff as we move forward.
” Lowrie on Sunday would not provide a diagnosis other than to say his issues stemmed from his left knee .
After arriving on a two-year contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he took only seven at-bats for the Mets , coming off the injured list in September .
Lowrie ’ s injuries last season included a sprained left knee capsule and strained left hamstring .
Rojas indicated Lowrie took live batting practice against Robert Gsellman on Monday and was involved in bunt plays in addition to taking grounders at second base .
“ He is moving good , ” Rojas said .
“ He has got that brace , it works for him to do all those movements , so it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set a pitching rotation for the start of the exhibition season this weekend .
The Mets will play a split squad on Saturday , with a home game against the Marlins .
The other half of the squad will play the Cardinals in Jupiter , Fla. Rojas said he has to figure out which catchers he wants at particular venues before he can set the rotation .
The Astros ’ Josh Reddick cited a collision with Pete Alonso last spring as a possible reason he needed offseason shoulder surgery .
“ If I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it probably happened here in spring training and running into that brick wall , Pete Alonso , ” Reddick told Houston reporters .
Michael Conforto homered over the right-field fence against Michael Wacha in Conforto ’ s first round of live batting practice .
Wacha faced several hitters , including Yoenis Cespedes .
Mets coaches have walkie-talkies at spring training this season in an attempt to keep players rotating more smoothly to their work stations .
Efficiency has become a goal .
From behind , Matt Adams — wearing No .
21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — bore a striking resemblance to Lucas Duda .
The veteran Adams , who arrived on a minor league deal , will also work out in left field .

PORT ST. LUCIE — Jed Lowrie isn’t facing restrictions in his Mets workouts, but whether he will be ready for the start of the exhibition season is another matter altogether.
A day after he arrived at camp wearing a sizeable brace on his left leg, Lowrie on Monday participated in the full range of drills with his teammates, according to manager Luis Rojas, who noted the performance staff would make a call on whether the veteran infielder is clear to participate in games. The Mets begin their Grapefruit League season Saturday.
“The timeline to play games is not in our hands, but to do the workouts it is,” Rojas said. “He’s going through the day like every one of the guys who is in camp, but to play the games we don’t have the timeline. It’s something we’ll probably communicate with the performance staff as we move forward.”
Lowrie on Sunday would not provide a diagnosis other than to say his issues stemmed from his left knee. After arriving on a two-year contract worth $20 million before last season, he took only seven at-bats for the Mets, coming off the injured list in September. Lowrie’s injuries last season included a sprained left knee capsule and strained left hamstring.
Rojas indicated Lowrie took live batting practice against Robert Gsellman on Monday and was involved in bunt plays in addition to taking grounders at second base.
“He is moving good,” Rojas said. “He has got that brace, it works for him to do all those movements, so it’s good.”
Rojas is still working to set a pitching rotation for the start of the exhibition season this weekend. The Mets will play a split squad on Saturday, with a home game against the Marlins. The other half of the squad will play the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla. Rojas said he has to figure out which catchers he wants at particular venues before he can set the rotation.
The Astros’ Josh Reddick cited a collision with Pete Alonso last spring as a possible reason he needed offseason shoulder surgery.
“If I had to look back at one spot, it probably happened here in spring training and running into that brick wall, Pete Alonso,” Reddick told Houston reporters.
Conforto Crushes
Michael Conforto homered over the right-field fence against Michael Wacha in Conforto’s first round of live batting practice. Wacha faced several hitters, including Yoenis Cespedes.
Open Communication
Mets coaches have walkie-talkies at spring training this season in an attempt to keep players rotating more smoothly to their work stations. Efficiency has become a goal.
Caught My Eye
From behind, Matt Adams — wearing No. 21 and working out at first base Monday — bore a striking resemblance to Lucas Duda. The veteran Adams, who arrived on a minor league deal, will also work out in left field.
Tuesday’s Schedule
Full-squad workouts continue in preparation for Saturday’s split-squad Grapefruit League opener.


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--Nets’ Kyrie Irving voted vice president of players’ union

Kyrie Irving isn ’ t just the Nets ’ leader now .
He ’ s also taking a leadership role in the NBA after being elected vice president of the players ’ union .
The NBPA announced Monday that Irving had been elected vice president on the union ’ s executive committee .
The Nets star ’ s three-year term starts immediately , and gives the nine-man committee a heavy Brooklyn flavor with Garrett Temple already a member .
Temple and Irving are among six vice presidents .
Temple ’ s term ends in June while Irving will serve through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next collective bargaining agreement .
“ This was the right time for me to run for a leadership position in the NBPA , ” the 27-year-old Irving said in a statement shared by the union .
“ I have been an observer and a participant in union affairs for a while , but for the most part , I was off on the sidelines , supporting our Executive Committee as they made important decisions .
At this point in my career , I wanted to join forces with those guys and take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and within our union .
“ I want to help move the union forward with innovative ideas , not only on social issues but also with business ventures into a new space .
I am honored to be elected by my peers and I can not wait to work with everybody to make an impact.
” Irving may have been tired of being on the sidelines for the NBPA , but he ’ s got to be sick of being on the sidelines for Brooklyn as well .
The New Jersey-bred star has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games in his homecoming season , including the last five with a sprained knee .

Kyrie Irving isn’t just the Nets’ leader now. He’s also taking a leadership role in the NBA after being elected vice president of the players’ union.
The NBPA announced Monday that Irving had been elected vice president on the union’s executive committee. The Nets star’s three-year term starts immediately, and gives the nine-man committee a heavy Brooklyn flavor with Garrett Temple already a member.
Temple and Irving are among six vice presidents. Temple’s term ends in June while Irving will serve through the negotiations for the league’s next collective bargaining agreement.
“This was the right time for me to run for a leadership position in the NBPA,” the 27-year-old Irving said in a statement shared by the union. “I have been an observer and a participant in union affairs for a while, but for the most part, I was off on the sidelines, supporting our Executive Committee as they made important decisions. At this point in my career, I wanted to join forces with those guys and take a bigger role outside of the basketball court and within our union.
“I want to help move the union forward with innovative ideas, not only on social issues but also with business ventures into a new space. I am honored to be elected by my peers and I cannot wait to work with everybody to make an impact.”
Irving may have been tired of being on the sidelines for the NBPA, but he’s got to be sick of being on the sidelines for Brooklyn as well.
The New Jersey-bred star has missed 33 of the Nets’ 53 games in his homecoming season, including the last five with a sprained knee.


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--Jeff Bezos commits $10 billion to fight climate change

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said Monday that he plans to spend $ 10 billion of his own fortune to help fight climate change .
Bezos , the world ’ s richest person , said in an Instagram post that he ’ ll start giving grants this summer to scientists , activists and nonprofits working to protect Earth .
“ I want to work alongside others both to amplify known ways and to explore new ways of fighting the devastating impact of climate change , ” Bezos said in the post .
Amazon , the company Bezos runs , has an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon officials said the company would work to have 100 % of its energy use come from solar panels and other renewable energy by 2030 .
The online retailer relies on fossil fuels to power planes , trucks and vans in order to ship billions of items all around the world .
Amazon workers in its Seattle headquarters have been vocal in criticizing some of the company ’ s practices , pushing it to do more to combat climate change .
Bezos said in the post Monday that he will call his new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon spokesman confirmed that Bezos will be using his own money for the fund .
Despite being among the richest people in the world , Bezos only recently became active in donating money to causes as other billionaires like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have done .
In 2018 , Bezos started another fund , committing $ 2 billion of his own money to open preschools in low-income neighborhoods and give money to nonprofits that help homeless families .
Bezos , who founded Amazon 25 years ago , has a stake in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 billion .

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said Monday that he plans to spend $10 billion of his own fortune to help fight climate change.
Bezos, the world’s richest person, said in an Instagram post that he’ll start giving grants this summer to scientists, activists and nonprofits working to protect Earth.
“I want to work alongside others both to amplify known ways and to explore new ways of fighting the devastating impact of climate change,” Bezos said in the post.
Amazon, the company Bezos runs, has an enormous carbon footprint. Last year, Amazon officials said the company would work to have 100% of its energy use come from solar panels and other renewable energy by 2030.
The online retailer relies on fossil fuels to power planes, trucks and vans in order to ship billions of items all around the world. Amazon workers in its Seattle headquarters have been vocal in criticizing some of the company’s practices, pushing it to do more to combat climate change.
Bezos said in the post Monday that he will call his new initiative the Bezos Earth Fund. An Amazon spokesman confirmed that Bezos will be using his own money for the fund.
Despite being among the richest people in the world, Bezos only recently became active in donating money to causes as other billionaires like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have done. In 2018, Bezos started another fund, committing $2 billion of his own money to open preschools in low-income neighborhoods and give money to nonprofits that help homeless families.
Bezos, who founded Amazon 25 years ago, has a stake in the company that is worth more than $100 billion.


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--Silverstein Properties taps Goldman Sachs’ Dino Fusco as COO

Silverstein Properties has tapped Dino Fusco as its chief operating officer .
Fusco most recently managed Goldman Sachs ’ vast @ @ @ @ @ Larry Silverstein called Fusco “ a superb fit ” for his company “ particularly as @ @ @ @ @ and overseas.
” He succeeds Mickey Kupperman , who will now be focusing on Silverstein @ @ @ @ @ personnel news , CBRE has promoted Eric Deutsch , John Maher , Paul Myers , @ @ @ @ @ — all are now vice chairmen based in the real estate company ’ s Midtown @ @ @ @ @

Silverstein Properties has tapped Dino Fusco as its chief operating officer. Fusco most recently managed Goldman Sachs’ vast global real estate portfolio.
Larry Silverstein called Fusco “a superb fit” for his company “particularly as we continue to expand nationally and overseas.”
He succeeds Mickey Kupperman, who will now be focusing on Silverstein development projects.
In other personnel news, CBRE has promoted Eric Deutsch, John Maher, Paul Myers, James Millon and Tom Traynor — all are now vice chairmen based in the real estate company’s Midtown Manhattan corporate office location.


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--Very Fresh Noodles signs lease for new restaurant in Manhattan

Very Fresh Noodles , where the noodles are so fresh that the dough is hand-pulled before your eyes , has @ @ @ @ @ first outpost outside Chelsea Market .
The Taiwanese-inspired eatery , which has been in Chelsea @ @ @ @ @ an 830-square-foot space at 980 Sixth Ave. at West 36th Street .
The asking rent @ @ @ @ @ foot .
Landlord Vanbarton Group was repped by Newmark Knight Frank ’ s David Abrams @ @ @ @ @ tenant was repped by AKRE NYC ’ s Ava Kim .

Very Fresh Noodles, where the noodles are so fresh that the dough is hand-pulled before your eyes, has signed a lease for its first outpost outside Chelsea Market.
The Taiwanese-inspired eatery, which has been in Chelsea since 2016, is adding an 830-square-foot space at 980 Sixth Ave. at West 36th Street. The asking rent was $374 per square foot.
Landlord Vanbarton Group was repped by Newmark Knight Frank’s David Abrams and Carly Geller. The tenant was repped by AKRE NYC’s Ava Kim.


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--De Blasio says NYPD made a ‘mistake’ when they subpoenaed Post reporter

Mayor de Blasio chided the NYPD on Monday for trying to use a post-9/11 anti-terrorism law to determine who leaked crime scene photos to a New York Post reporter .
“ Yeah , I think it was a mistake , ” de Blasio said on NY1 ’ s “ Inside City Hall , ” referring to the department ’ s decision to subpoena Twitter on Dec. 9 for electronic information associated with the account of Post Police Bureau Chief Tina Moore .
“ I think the effort to ensure that information that is not public is kept confidential — that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that fashion ?
I am not comfortable with that .
Freedom of the press really matters.
” The NYPD withdrew the subpoena last Wednesday — after Twitter alerted The Post , and the newspaper ’ s lawyers promptly contacted the department .
“ I think the NYPD should not have done it , and I am glad they dropped that , ” added de Blasio , who has a long history of verbally sparring with reporters .
The subpoena came amid an NYPD push to stop the flow of sourced information to @ @ @

Mayor Bill de Blasio chided the NYPD on Monday for trying to use a post-9/11 anti-terrorism law to determine who leaked crime scene photos to a New York Post reporter.
“Yeah, I think it was a mistake,” de Blasio said on NY1’s “Inside City Hall,” referring to the department’s decision to subpoena Twitter on Dec. 9 for electronic information associated with the account of Post Police Bureau Chief Tina Moore.
“I think the effort to ensure that information that is not public is kept confidential — that is fair. But subpoenaing a reporter in that fashion? I am not comfortable with that. Freedom of the press really matters.”
The NYPD withdrew the subpoena last Wednesday — after Twitter alerted The Post, and the newspaper’s lawyers promptly contacted the department.
“I think the NYPD should not have done it, and I am glad they dropped that,” added de Blasio, who has a long history of verbally sparring with reporters.
The subpoena came amid an NYPD push to stop the flow of sourced information to the press.


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--With squeegee men back, NYC’s bad old days can’t be far behind

Mayor Bill de Blasio was vague about what was at risk when he called on New Yorkers this month to “ save our city.
” Yet The Post ’ s report Monday on the return of squeegee men leaves no doubt : Absent urgent action , Gotham is headed rapidly back to the bad old days .
This weekend , those pernicious squeegee men of the pre-Rudy Giuliani era were back in force , harassing drivers .
In the old days , nothing better symbolized the loss of civility and law and order than guys with dirty rags swabbing windshields @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Meanwhile , more subway trains were found covered in graffiti .
The homeless were as ubiquitous as ever .
And a French tourist was stabbed in the neck in a random attack .
All this , of course , is to be expected in a city where low-level crimes are no longer considered crimes — and cops , as The Post reported Tuesday , aren ’ t even bothering to hand out summonses .
And where only the most violent criminals are held in jail , thanks to Albany ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys , homeless and even criminals themselves , cops get the message : In a lawless city , what difference does it make if they hand out tickets ?
As a John Jay College report found , summonses for infractions such as public urination and open containers are down 48 percent since they were decriminalized in 2017 .
That is , law-breakers are at little risk of arrest or fines .
Even many offenses still considered criminal won ’ t get you locked up .
So what do miscreants have to fear ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ now considering tossing whole classes of cases because of the burdens on prosecutors that were part of the “ reform.
” No wonder shootings are up 27 percent , robberies 35 percent , auto thefts 67 percent and transit crime 34 percent .
De Blasio ’ s right : The city needs saving .
From his — and Albany ’ s — complete loss of control over law and order .

Mayor Bill de Blasio was vague about what was at risk when he called on New Yorkers this month to “save our city.” Yet The Post’s report Monday on the return of squeegee men leaves no doubt: Absent urgent action, Gotham is headed rapidly back to the bad old days.
This weekend, those pernicious squeegee men of the pre-Rudy Giuliani era were back in force, harassing drivers. In the old days, nothing better symbolized the loss of civility and law and order than guys with dirty rags swabbing windshields without permission — and demanding money for it.
Meanwhile, more subway trains were found covered in graffiti. The homeless were as ubiquitous as ever. And a French tourist was stabbed in the neck in a random attack.
All this, of course, is to be expected in a city where low-level crimes are no longer considered crimes — and cops, as The Post reported Tuesday, aren’t even bothering to hand out summonses. And where only the most violent criminals are held in jail, thanks to Albany’s bail “reform.”
Like the squeegee guys, homeless and even criminals themselves, cops get the message: In a lawless city, what difference does it make if they hand out tickets?
As a John Jay College report found, summonses for infractions such as public urination and open containers are down 48 percent since they were decriminalized in 2017. That is, law-breakers are at little risk of arrest or fines. Even many offenses still considered criminal won’t get you locked up. So what do miscreants have to fear?
More: Manhattan DA Cy Vance is now considering tossing whole classes of cases because of the burdens on prosecutors that were part of the “reform.”
No wonder shootings are up 27 percent, robberies 35 percent, auto thefts 67 percent and transit crime 34 percent.
De Blasio’s right: The city needs saving. From his — and Albany’s — complete loss of control over law and order.


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Country legend Charlie Daniels ‘extremely pleased’ with Bernie Kerik pardon

Former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik revealed to The Post on ...

Country legend Charlie Daniels is “extremely pleased” with President Trump’s pardoning of former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik, he said Tuesday.
The “Devil Went Down to Georgia” crooner was one of a handful of high-profile names to endorse Kerik’s full pardoning after he pleaded guilty in 2009 to tax fraud and lying to White House officials.
“He’s a great American, and I was happy to vouch for him,” said Daniels. “I’m extremely pleased with the pardon.”
Trump included Kerik, 64, among 10 other convicts whose sentences he either pardoned or commuted Tuesday — including disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Eddie DeBartolo Jr., the San Francisco 49ers owner who brought the team five Super Bowl championships.
Kerik served three years of a four-year sentence before he was released from prison in May 2013.
Daniels said he met Kerik several years ago when he invited the former top cop to participate in Daniels’ charity organization to help veterans, The Journey Home Project.
“We invited him a few years ago to a charity event — and he’ has been doing it ever since and I’ve been friends with him ever since,” Daniels said. “He’s a very charitable, kind person — always ready to do anything for you that he can possibly can.”
Daniels said he and others at the organization were always moved by Kerik’s speeches at charity events, where he would offer a retelling of his response as police commissioner to 9/11.
“He brings 9/11 home like nobody I’ve ever heard do it — what happened and where he was; the officers he lost and what traumas families went through … it was absolutely captivating,” Daniels said.
Along with Daniels, Kerik had the backing from former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is also Trump’s private attorney, as well as GOP Rep. Peter King and Fox News talking heads Judge Andrew Napolitano and Geraldo Rivera.
“Bernie is a friend who served NYC and America with distinction,” King tweeted. “Very appropriate action by POTUS.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Billie Eilish confesses she’s feeling ‘very hated recently’ at BRIT Awards

In an emotional speech at Tuesday night ’ s BRIT Awards , Billie Eilish said even amidst an outpouring of accolades , she ’ s coping with plenty of haters .
Eilish , 18 , was awarded Best International Female Solo artist at the ceremony , where she also sang her new Bond song , “ No Time to Die ” for the first time .
She was presented the honors by fellow pop legend Melanie “ Sporty Spice ” Chisholm .
“ I ’ ve felt very hated recently .
And , when I was on the stage and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , ” Eilish said breathlessly .
“ It genuinely made me wan na cry .
And I wan na cry right now , so thank you.
” Eilish ’ s uncharacteristically lengthy speech capped a year of nonstop awards for the “ Bad Guy ” singer , who swept the 2020 Grammys with the most trophies of the night , including one for Record of the Year for “ When We All Fall Asleep , Where Do We Go ?
” But the success has taken its toll on the young pop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her brother Finneas O ’ Connell in their childhood home in Los Angeles .
This week , she said she had to stop reading Instagram comments for the sake of her mental health , and that the online hate is getting to be too much .
“ I stopped reading comments fully , ” Eilish told “ BBC Breakfast.
” “ It was ruining my life … The cooler the things you get to do are , the more people hate you .
It ’ s crazy.
” She went to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bunch of trolls , you know ?
And the problem is that a lot of it is really funny .
I think that ’ s the issue — that ’ s why nobody really stops , because it ’ s funny.
” Eilish ’ s precarious relationship with fame has other celebs worried .
In an interview with Beats 1 interviewer Zane Lowe , singer Justin Bieber said he ’ s concerned for the starlet .
“ I just want to protect her , ” Bieber said through tears in the clip shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want her to lose it .
I don ’ t want her to go through anything I went through.
” He added that finding fame at such a young age almost killed him .
“ I don ’ t wish that upon anybody .
So um , yeah , if she ever needs me I ’ m just a call away , ” said Bieber , now 25 .
Here ’ s who else won awards during the Brit Awards Tuesday night .

It’s not easy being Billie.
In an emotional speech at Tuesday night’s BRIT Awards, Billie Eilish said even amid an outpouring of accolades, she’s coping with plenty of haters.
Eilish, 18, was awarded Best International Female Solo artist at the ceremony, where she also sang her new Bond song, “No Time to Die,” for the first time. She was presented the honors by fellow pop legend Melanie “Sporty Spice” Chisholm.
“I’ve felt very hated recently. And, when I was on the stage and I saw you guys all smiling at me,” Eilish said breathlessly, “it genuinely made me wanna cry. And I wanna cry right now, so thank you.”
Eilish’s uncharacteristically lengthy speech capped a year of nonstop awards for the singer, who swept the 2020 Grammys with the most trophies of the night, including Record of the Year for “Bad Guy” and Album of the Year for “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”
But the success has taken its toll on the young pop star, who created her award-winning album with her brother Finneas O’Connell in their childhood home in Los Angeles. This week, she said she had to stop reading Instagram comments for the sake of her mental health, and that the online hate is getting to be too much.
“I stopped reading comments fully,” Eilish told “BBC Breakfast.” “It was ruining my life … The cooler the things you get to do are, the more people hate you. It’s crazy.”
She went to say that “the internet is just a bunch of trolls, you know? And the problem is that a lot of it is really funny. I think that’s the issue — that’s why nobody really stops, because it’s funny.”
Eilish’s precarious relationship with fame has other celebs worried. In an interview with Beats 1 interviewer Zane Lowe, singer Justin Bieber said he’s concerned for the starlet.
“I just want to protect her,” Bieber said through tears in the clip shared by Eilish herself. “I don’t want her to lose it. I don’t want her to go through anything I went through.”
He added that finding fame at such a young age almost killed him. “I don’t wish that upon anybody. So um, yeah, if she ever needs me, I’m just a call away,” said Bieber, now 25.
Here’s who else won awards during the Brit Awards on Tuesday night:


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Kyrie Irving’s shoulder flaring up again as Nets concern grows

The shoulder injury that cost Kyrie Irving two months has flared up again , potentially putting the rest of his season in question .
Irving wasn ’ t with the Nets for their first post-All-Star break practice , instead seeing another specialist .
It ’ s a given he won ’ t play Thursday in Philadelphia .
The question is whether he ’ ll play the remainder of the 2019-20 season , or get the surgery he opted against back in December .
“ He ’ s still having issues with his shoulder .
He is going to see a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about all I can tell you , ” Kenny Atkinson said .
“ I don ’ t expect him to be available for Thursday .
His shoulder continues to bother him .
That ’ s kind of the extent of it for now.
” Irving has missed 33 of the Nets ’ 53 games this season , including the past five with a sprained knee .
He sat out 26 straight earlier this season with the shoulder impingement suffered Nov. 4 , seeing a specialist in Arizona before eventually — and grudgingly — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the time , Irving had been presented with a choice of the cortisone shot or arthroscopic surgery that could potentially end his season .
He picked the former , knowing that it was always a short-term fix .
That term apparently is expired .
“ I think the issue right now is the shoulder .
I think that the knee was getting better , but the shoulder is a concern now , ” said Atkinson , revealing that the injury has continued to plague Irving even as the guard has tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s been bothering him .
Again , the shoulder is a tough thing , I told you .
“ I ’ ve been through it and I just think it ’ s an on and off thing where some days it ’ s bothering you and some days you feel good and some days you don ’ t feel good .
So it got to the point where let ’ s see another specialist and be sure about this , and that ’ s kind of where we are.
” Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d get here eventually .
Back on Jan. 4 , Irving had intimated as much .
“ The next progression was get a cortisone shot or you get arthroscopic surgery , ” Irving had said at the time .
“ The cortisone shot lasts as long as it can .
You either continue to get cortisone shots , which is obviously detrimental to your health in your muscles , or you go get arthroscopic surgery .
“ It ’ s just about being able to go back out there after the right amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest , recovery , and see what we can do for the rest of the season and then reevaluate after a few months.
” Now the rest of the season is in doubt .
“ Of course somebody who is such a great person , obviously the person you go out with every day , you worry about him when it comes to surgery talk and things of that sort , ” said Taurean Prince .
“ But Ky is one of the most positive people I ’ ve ever been around this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting him since he signed , I ’ m sure it ’ s just another testament to his book.
, Its time for other guys to step up and be the players that they feel they want to be along with trying to help us win as many games as possible down the stretch.
” Atkinson tried to steer around any such questions .
When asked if or when he expected Irving to return , Atkinson replied “ We ’ ll see .
We ’ ll get the information from the specialist.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the season , he answered “ I don ’ t want to go there .
I don ’ t feel comfortable saying that.
” After joining Kevin Durant in picking Brooklyn , Irving inked a four-year , $ 136 million deal .
He ’ s averaged a career-high 27.4 points and 6.4 assists , but played just 20 games in his debut Nets season .
He may not play another .
“ I don ’ t know what the duration he ’ s out besides Thursday .
We ’ ll see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dinwiddie .
“ Obviously we just pray for his health .
That ’ s all you can do .
”

The shoulder injury that cost Kyrie Irving two months has flared up again, potentially putting the rest of his season in question.
Irving wasn’t with the Nets for their first post-All-Star break practice because he was off seeing another specialist. It’s a given he won’t play Thursday at Philadelphia, but the question now is whether he’ll play at all in 2019-20, or get the surgery he opted against back in December.
“He’s still having issues with his shoulder. He is going to see a specialist this week. That’s about all I can tell you,” coach Kenny Atkinson said. “I don’t expect him to be available for Thursday. His shoulder continues to bother him. That’s kind of the extent of it for now.”
Irving has missed 33 of the Nets’ 53 games this season, including the past five with a sprained knee. He’s about to miss a bunch more.
He sat out 26 straight earlier this season with a shoulder impingement suffered Nov. 4. He saw a specialist in Arizona for that ailment before grudgingly getting a cortisone shot on Christmas Eve.
At the time, Irving had been presented with a choice of the cortisone shot or arthroscopic surgery that could potentially end his season. He picked the shot, knowing that it was a short-term fix. That term apparently has expired.
“I think the issue right now is the shoulder. I think that the knee was getting better, but the shoulder is a concern now,” said Atkinson, revealing that the injury has continued to plague Irving and the guard has tried to play through it. “Listen it’s been bothering him. Again, the shoulder is a tough thing, I told you.
“I’ve been through it and I just think it’s an on and off thing where some days it’s bothering you and some days you feel good and some days you don’t feel good. So it got to the point where let’s see another specialist and be sure about this, and that’s kind of where we are.”
Both the Nets and Irving knew they’d get here eventually. On Jan. 4, Irving intimated as much.
“The next progression was get a cortisone shot or you get arthroscopic surgery,” Irving said that day. “The cortisone shot lasts as long as it can. You either continue to get cortisone shots, which is obviously detrimental to your health in your muscles, or you go get arthroscopic surgery.
“It’s just about being able to go back out there after the right amount of rehab, the right amount of rest, recovery, and see what we can do for the rest of the season and then reevaluate after a few months.”
Now the rest of the season is in doubt.
“Of course somebody who is such a great person, obviously the person you go out with every day, you worry about him when it comes to surgery talk and things of that sort,” teammate Taurean Prince said.
“But Ky is one of the most positive people I’ve ever been around this whole process of me knowing him, meeting him since he signed, I’m sure it’s just another testament to his book. It’s time for other guys to step up and be the players that they feel they want to be along with trying to help us win as many games as possible down the stretch.”
Atkinson tried to steer around any questions concerning the rest of Irving’s season.
When asked if or when he expected Irving to return, Atkinson said: “We’ll see. We’ll get the information from the specialist.”
When pressed whether the guard was done for the season, he said: “I don’t want to go there. I don’t feel comfortable saying that.”
After joining Kevin Durant in picking the Nets in free agency last offseason, Irving inked a four-year, $136 million deal. He has averaged a career-high 27.4 points and 6.4 assists, but has played just 20 games in his debut Nets season. He may not play another.
“I don’t know what the duration he’s out besides Thursday. We’ll see what is going on,” Spencer Dinwiddie said. “Obviously we just pray for his health. That’s all you can do.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Illinois GOP leader blasts ‘very disappointing’ Blagojevich commutation

President Trump on Tuesday said he pardoned former NYPD Commissioner ...

The leader of Illinois’ House Republicans blasted the commutation of former governor Rod Blagojevich’s corruption sentence by President Trump on Tuesday.
“This action distracts and also dilutes what I think is the proper role of the Department of Justice: to root out corruption,” said Rep. Jim Durkin, Illinois’ House Minority Leader, in a fiery press briefing filmed and tweeted by a reporter for local CBS affiliate WCIA.
“I don’t agree,” continued Durkin, calling the move “very disappointing.”
Blagojevich — who served as the Democratic governor of the Prairie State from 2003 until his impeachment and removal from office in 2009 — was among several high-profile figures who had their sentences commuted or were pardoned by Trump on Tuesday.
The disgraced pol, 63, was sentenced in 2012 to 14 years at a federal penitentiary in Colorado — thanks in part to Durkin.
“I was involved firsthand with the impeachment efforts and I saw a governor who was rogue on steroids,” he said Tuesday. “He was a person that didn’t care about the state of Illinois. He cared about his own ambition.
“Why should he get special treatment [rather] than some other people that have been sitting in the Department of Corrections for drug offenses?” asked Durkin. “They’re getting 30-, 40-year drug sentences but they’re never going to see the light of day or any type of relief from this president.
“It’s just because of the celebrity of Rod Blagojevich.”
Blagojevich once appeared on Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” reality show on NBC, getting fired by Trump in an April 2010 episode.
Trump on Tuesday said that Blagojevich is serving a “ridiculous sentence” — but Durkin said that the president owes his state a more specific explanation.
“I think he needs to explain to the people of Illinois, who saw a governor destroy the integrity of the office,” he said. “I hope that he can make a plausible explanation of why this is appropriate, because I haven’t seen anything yet.”
Durkin added that the decision may prove costly to Trump at the polls on Election Day.
“I guess he’s not concerned about the state of Illinois for next November,” he said.
Democrat Hillary Clinton carried the state by more than 17 points over Trump in 2016.


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Bernie Kerik details the Trump pardon phone call that changed his life

Former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik revealed to The Post on Tuesday how he first learned that President Trump was issuing him a pardon for his felony conviction .
Kerik , 64 , said he had no idea he was going to be pardoned until he got a call from the president on his cellphone at 11:57 a.m. “ Right now , as we ’ re speaking , I ’ m signing your presidential pardon , ” Kerik said Trump told him .
“ Your record will be expunged .
Go on with your life.
” Kerik recalled , “ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him several times .
“ This makes you an American citizen again , ” the former top city cop said of the rare move .
Kerik — who pleaded guilty in 2009 to tax fraud and lying to White House officials vetting him for the position of head of Homeland Security under then-President George W. Bush — said he previously applied for a pardon with the Obama administration but never heard back .
Kerik said he and Trump crossed paths in the early 1990s in New York City and were friendly but never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve always had enormous respect for Donald Trump , especially in the aftermath of 9/11 , when he came down several times to the area and helped motivate the men and women who were working there , ” said Kerik , who was head of New York City ’ s Police Department at the time .
“ He sent people down there to help and donate.
” As for the pardon , “ I feel good .
I feel great , ” Kerik , said .
“ A lot of people don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you lose a lot of civil and constitutional rights .
He said one important right that was taken away from him with his conviction was his inability to carry a gun .
Now that he ’ s been pardoned — and his conviction wiped out — Kerik said he plans to get a gun license to carry again .
“ I ’ ve carried a gun since I ’ m 18 years old , ” the Army vet and former cop said .
Kerik said he was allowed to vote as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crimes , including in the last presidential election , when he cast his ballot for Trump .
“ Even if this [ pardon ] didn ’ t happen , I would have voted for Donald Trump ” again , Kerik said .

Former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik revealed to The Post on Tuesday how he first learned that President Trump was issuing him a pardon for his felony conviction.
Kerik, 64, said he had no idea he was going to be pardoned until he got a call from the president on his cellphone at 11:57 a.m.
“Right now, as we’re speaking, I’m signing your presidential pardon,” Kerik said Trump told him.
“Your record will be expunged. Go on with your life.”
Kerik recalled, “It was pretty emotional. I just thanked him several times.
“This makes you an American citizen again,” the former top city cop said of the rare move.
Kerik — who pleaded guilty in 2009 to tax fraud and lying to White House officials vetting him for the position of head of homeland security under President George W. Bush — said he previously applied for a pardon with the Obama administration but never heard back.
Kerik said he and Trump crossed paths in the early 1990s in New York City and were friendly but never hung out.
But “I’ve always had enormous respect for Donald Trump, especially in the aftermath of 9/11, when he came down several times to the area and helped motivate the men and women who were working there,” said Kerik, who was head of New York City’s Police Department at the time.
“He sent people down there to help and donate.”
As for the pardon, “I feel good. I feel great,” Kerik said. “A lot of people don’t realize that with a federal conviction, you lose a lot of civil and constitutional rights.
“This president understands that.”
He said one important right that was taken away from him with his conviction was his ability to carry a gun.
Now that he’s been pardoned — and his conviction wiped out — Kerik said he plans to get a license to carry a gun again.
“I’ve carried a gun since I’m 18 years old,” the Army vet and former cop said.
Kerik said he was allowed to vote as soon as he got off parole for his crimes, including in the last presidential election, when he cast his ballot for Trump.
“Even if this [pardon] didn’t happen, I would have voted for Donald Trump” again, Kerik said.


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Jane Austen screen adaptations over the years — even with zombies

All Jane Austen ’ s heroines are clever , but Anya Taylor-Joy brings ...

Given the sheer volume of Jane Austen-inspired movies and TV series over the years, it can be startling to remember that the early 19th-century British scribe only wrote six major works, all of which turned an incisive and often satirical eye on the traditions of the upper class.
Though “Pride and Prejudice” remains her best-known novel, “Emma” — whose latest interpretation is out Friday — is a close second.
Here’s a look at some of the top Austen adaptations in recent years, from wryly debonair to the walking dead.
“Pride and Prejudice” (1995)
The mid-’90s were peak Jane Austen years, beginning with the BBC’s miniseries starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, the latter of whom would forever be linked with his role as romantic hero Mr. Darcy — leading to his casting in “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001) as . . . Mark Darcy.
“Sense and Sensibility” (1995)
Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson play the Dashwood sisters in Ang Lee’s delightful film, which includes Hugh Grant and an Alan Rickman so heartwarming he might erase your memory of Severus Snape.
“Clueless” (1995)
Yes, it’s not technically Austen, but Amy Heckerling’s ’90s high-school spin on “Emma,” starring Alicia Silverstone as the gossipy but good-hearted Cher, was so indelibly quotable it’s still the definitive “Emma” guide for many.
“Emma” (1996)
A pre-Goop Gwyneth Paltrow carried the title role in this straightforward adaptation close on the heels of “Clueless,” and made it distinctive enough to hold its own.
“Pride and Prejudice” (2005)
A decade seemed enough space for another attempt at a definitive “P&P,” and this movie pulled it off with a sweeping, unapologetically romantic-with-a-big-R rendition starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.
“Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” (2016)
Because eventually someone had to make the metaphorical monsters of patriarchy and rigid social stratification into literal brain-eating ones.
“Sanditon” (2019)
Adapted from an unfinished book by Austen, this British miniseries (airing on PBS) leans into sexual tension and the author’s critique of slavery, with a strikingly different tone from its predecessors.


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--NYPD hiring team of psychologists to combat spike in cop suicides

The cop , who has many years on the job , hanged ...

The NYPD is forming a new team of psychologists to combat mental-health issues among its ranks — following a spate of cop suicides last year.
The department announced Tuesday it has hired a head psychologist who will oversee a team of five other mental health experts — one for each borough, a police spokeswoman said.
The move comes as NYPD officers mourn the death of Det. Paul Federico. The 53-year-old with nearly three decades on the job hanged himself in his home on Monday.
The psychologist, whose name was not released, will start on March 1. The rest of the team has not been hired.
This is the latest effort by the NYPD to destigmatize mental-health treatment after 10 active-duty cops killed themselves in 2019.
In October, the department launched a partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian for free counseling and medication for officers. Critics previously said the city’s insurance made it tough to get mental health help.
A month earlier, NYPD guidelines were changed to allow cops in treatment to keep their badges, even if they are forced to turn over their gun.
That system, though, has had a rocky rollout — with one 12-year veteran calling the recent shift in policy “smoke and mirrors.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Prospect Park tower shadows would have ‘significant adverse impact’ on Botanic Gardens

A pair of 39-story apartment towers proposed for the Prospect Park area could spell doom for the flowers at the nearby Brooklyn Botanic Garden thanks to their massive shadows , a newly revealed Parks Department memo determined .
Two months after the memo was sent , however , Mayor Bill de Blasio seemed to downplay concerns that the flora at the garden would wilt in the shade of the buildings , which are slated for 960 Franklin Ave. “ I don ’ t think it ruins the garden forever .
I just don ’ t .
I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said during a Feb. 7 appearance on WNYC ’ s “ Brian Lehrer Show , ” when asked about the development .
“ I would love it if we could have a city that could be a city for everyone and affordable and we could keep some of the exact scale and aesthetics we had previously , ” he added .
“ I would love it if we could achieve those things , but we ’ re in this new world.
” City Hall said Tuesday that de Blasio confused the development backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Co. and Lincoln Equities with another major development in quickly gentrifying Prospect-Lefferts Garden — and was not briefed on the memo before appearing on Lehrer ’ s program .
That project plans to build three 17-story towers at 931 Carroll St. , 40 Crown St. and 54 Crown St , just north of the Eichner ’ s proposed development .
Critics have claimed those three buildings will also cast shadows that could threaten the garden .
The memo is set to re-energize longstanding criticism of both projects , fueled by worries about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demographics .
“ The proposed project would potentially lead to a significant adverse impact to natural resources , specifically to natural resources found in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden ( BBG ) , due to the project-generated shadows , ” the Parks Department wrote in the 13-page December memorandum , which was first obtained by The Brooklyn Paper .
Development opponents in the neighborhood and the Botanic Garden celebrated the Parks Department ’ s findings .
“ It makes sense for the Parks Department to push back against the idea that these shadows are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a founder of the Movement to Protect the People , a local community group that sued to stop the towers on Carroll and Crown streets — and opposes the Franklin Avenue project as well .
“ It really shows there ’ s a large force out there that says this green space can not be destroyed.
” A spokeswoman for the Garden added they were “ gratified by this independent validation ” of their position .
The developer of the Franklin Avenue project , Ian Bruce Eichner , told The Post on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential concessions over the issue .
“ Nobody ’ s asked us what , if any mitigation we can bring , ” Eichner said .
“ We are open to discussion , and we expect the discussion to come as part of the process.
” The developers and supporters of the Franklin towers project argue the apartment complex — with its two massive towers — would bring badly needed housing to PLG .
Plans filed with the city ’ s Planning Department show the development would include 1,578 apartments , half of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have their rents capped based on tenant incomes .
Nearly a quarter — 473 — would be set aside for New Yorkers making less than 80 percent of the average wage .
That means a family of three making $ 76,880 a year would pay $ 1,862 a month for a two-bedroom unit in the complex , under current income limits set by the Housing and Preservation Department .
It would replace a low-slung spice factory that has occupied that strip of Franklin Avenue for decades .
Representatives for the neighborhood ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D-Brooklyn ) , did not return a request for comment .

A pair of 39-story apartment towers proposed for the Prospect Park area could spell doom for the flowers at the nearby Brooklyn Botanic Garden thanks to their massive shadows, a newly revealed Parks Department memo determined.
Two months after the memo was sent, however, Mayor Bill de Blasio seemed to downplay concerns that the flora at the garden would wilt in the shade of the buildings, which are slated for 960 Franklin Ave.
“I don’t think it ruins the garden forever. I just don’t. I don’t take that position,” de Blasio said during a Feb. 7 appearance on WNYC’s “Brian Lehrer Show,” when asked about the development.
“I would love it if we could have a city that could be a city for everyone and affordable and we could keep some of the exact scale and aesthetics we had previously,” he added. “I would love it if we could achieve those things, but we’re in this new world.”
City Hall said Tuesday that de Blasio confused the development backed by Ian Bruce Eichner’s Continuum Co. and Lincoln Equities with another major development in quickly gentrifying Prospect-Lefferts Garden — and was not briefed on the memo before appearing on Lehrer’s program.
That project plans to build three 17-story towers at 931 Carroll St., 40 Crown St. and 54 Crown St, just north of the Eichner’s proposed development. Critics have claimed those three buildings will also cast shadows that could threaten the garden.
The memo is set to re-energize longstanding criticism of both projects, fueled by worries about the garden and mounting anger over shifting neighborhood demographics.
“The proposed project would potentially lead to a significant adverse impact to natural resources, specifically to natural resources found in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG), due to the project-generated shadows,” the Parks Department wrote in the 13-page December memorandum, which was first obtained by The Brooklyn Paper.
Development opponents in the neighborhood and the Botanic Garden celebrated the Parks Department’s findings.
“It makes sense for the Parks Department to push back against the idea that these shadows are no threat,” said Alicia Boyd, a founder of the Movement to Protect the People, a local community group that sued to stop the towers on Carroll and Crown streets — and opposes the Franklin Avenue project as well. “It really shows there’s a large force out there that says this green space cannot be destroyed.”
A spokeswoman for the Garden added they were “gratified by this independent validation” of their position.
The developer of the Franklin Avenue project, Ian Bruce Eichner, told The Post on Tuesday he was open to negotiations and potential concessions over the issue.
“Nobody’s asked us what, if any mitigation we can bring,” Eichner said. “We are open to discussion, and we expect the discussion to come as part of the process.”
The developers and supporters of the Franklin towers project argue the apartment complex — with its two massive towers — would bring badly needed housing to PLG.
Plans filed with the city’s Planning Department show the development would include 1,578 apartments, half of which would be covered by rent stabilization and would have their rents capped based on tenant incomes.
Nearly a quarter — 473 — would be set aside for New Yorkers making less than 80 percent of the average wage. That means a family of three making $76,880 a year would pay $1,862 a month for a two-bedroom unit in the complex, under current income limits set by the Housing and Preservation Department.
It would replace a low-slung spice factory that has occupied that strip of Franklin Avenue for decades.
Representatives for the neighborhood’s lawmaker, Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo (D-Brooklyn), did not return a request for comment.


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Snake orgy forces Florida officials to close section of park

Snakes may be cold-blooded but it doesn ’ t mean they don ’ t like getting hot and heavy .
The city of Lakeland , Florida was forced to close off a section of parkland to make room for a snake orgy .
The Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department sectioned off an area of land near Lake Hollingsworth this week after receiving numerous reports of snake sightings , according to CNN .
An investigation discovered that it ’ s mating season for the Florida water snake .
“ It appears they have congregated for mating , ” the Parks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To protect residents — and the snakes ’ privacy — the Parks Department put up caution tape around the area .
Florida water snakes — which are a native species that live in freshwater environments — are “ non-venomous and generally not aggressive as long as people do not disturb them , ” the department noted .
But while officials confirmed that the snakes were water snakes , one park visitor pointed out that he had seen water moccasins in the same location — which are venomous , according to the Tampa Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can lead to severe pain , swelling and , without proper medical treatment , death .
The city responded to this concern writing on Facebook , “ While we can not rule out the presence of other species being in that location or other locations around the lake we believe the water snakes have congregated in that area as they seem to do yearly.
” The department says the snakes should go their separate ways once mating season is over .
Florida Museum of Natural History says mating occurs from mid-winter into spring @

Snakes may be cold-blooded but it doesn’t mean they don’t like getting hot and heavy.
The city of Lakeland, Florida was forced to close off a section of parkland to make room for a snake orgy.
The Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department sectioned off an area of land near Lake Hollingsworth this week after receiving numerous reports of snake sightings, according to CNN.
An investigation discovered that it’s mating season for the Florida water snake.
“It appears they have congregated for mating,” the Parks and Recreation Department wrote on Facebook Thursday.
To protect residents — and the snakes’ privacy — the Parks Department put up caution tape around the area.
Florida water snakes — which are a native species that live in freshwater environments — are “non-venomous and generally not aggressive as long as people do not disturb them,” the department noted.
But while officials confirmed that the snakes were water snakes, one park visitor pointed out that he had seen water moccasins in the same location — which are venomous, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The bite of a moccasin can lead to severe pain, swelling and, without proper medical treatment, death.
The city responded to this concern writing on Facebook, “While we cannot rule out the presence of other species being in that location or other locations around the lake we believe the water snakes have congregated in that area as they seem to do yearly.”
The department says the snakes should go their separate ways once mating season is over. Florida Museum of Natural History says mating occurs from mid-winter into spring.


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Rob Manfred apologizes for ‘disrespectful’ World Series trophy comment

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred apologized Tuesday after he called the World Series trophy “ a piece of metal , ” as part of his defense for not stripping the Houston Astros of their 2017 World Series title .
“ In an effort to make a rhetorical point I referred to the World Series trophy in a disrespectful way .
… It was a mistake to say what I said , ” the embattled Manfred told reporters in Arizona , in wake of the sign-stealing scandal aftermath .
The ill-advised comment landed Manfred in trouble with many around baseball , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For him to devalue it the way he did [ Sunday ] just tells me how out of touch he is with the players in this game , ” Turner told reporters on Monday .
“ At this point the only thing devaluing that trophy is that it says ‘ commissioner ’ on it.
” Manfred has been under fire for his handling of the Astros ’ cheating saga , which he confirmed took place during the ’ 17 season and parts of 2018 , as no players were punished as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league in exchange for providing information on the case .

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred apologized Tuesday after he called the World Series trophy “a piece of metal,” as part of his defense for not stripping the Houston Astros of their 2017 World Series title.
“In an effort to make a rhetorical point I referred to the World Series trophy in a disrespectful way. … It was a mistake to say what I said,” the embattled Manfred told reporters in Arizona, in wake of the sign-stealing scandal aftermath.
The ill-advised comment landed Manfred in trouble with many around baseball, including Dodgers star infielder Justin Turner.
“For him to devalue it the way he did [Sunday] just tells me how out of touch he is with the players in this game,” Turner told reporters on Monday. “At this point the only thing devaluing that trophy is that it says ‘commissioner’ on it.”
Manfred has been under fire for his handling of the Astros’ cheating saga, which he confirmed took place during the ’17 season and parts of 2018, as no players were punished as a result. Players were granted immunity by the league in exchange for providing information on the case.


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Heated LeBron James goes off on Astros’ cheating scandal

Baseball stars aren ’ t the only ones fuming about the Houston Astros ’ sign-stealing scandal .
“ Listen I know I don ’ t play baseball but I am in Sports and I know if someone cheated me out of winning the title and I found out about it I would be ( expletive ) irate , ” Lakers superstar LeBron James tweeted Tuesday in response to the cheating scheme rocking baseball .
James roots for his hometown Cleveland Indians and the Yankees , who lost to the Astros in the 2017 ALCS — the same season Houston was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ route to winning the World Series .
( MLB also confirmed that Houston cheated during parts of 2018 . )
Many players and fans across the league have called on commissioner Rob Manfred to punish Astros players for their roles in the scandal , but players were granted immunity in exchange for providing information on the case .
“ I mean like uncontrollable about what I would/could do !
Listen here baseball commissioner listen to your…..players speaking today about how disgusted , mad , hurt , broken , etc etc about this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( or should I say field ) , ” James tweeted .
“ And you need to fix this for the sake of Sports !
# JustMyThoughtsComingFromASportsJunkieRegardlessMyOwnSportIPlay ”

Baseball stars aren’t the only ones fuming about the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.
“Listen I know I don’t play baseball but I am in Sports and I know if someone cheated me out of winning the title and I found out about it I would be (expletive) irate,” Lakers superstar LeBron James tweeted Tuesday in response to the cheating scheme rocking baseball.
James roots for his hometown Cleveland Indians and the Yankees, who lost to the Astros in the 2017 ALCS — the same season Houston was found to have electronically stolen signs en route to winning the World Series. (MLB also confirmed that Houston cheated during parts of 2018.)
Many players and fans across the league have called on commissioner Rob Manfred to punish Astros players for their roles in the scandal, but players were granted immunity in exchange for providing information on the case.
“I mean like uncontrollable about what I would/could do! Listen here baseball commissioner listen to your…..players speaking today about how disgusted, mad, hurt, broken, etc etc about this. Literally the ball is in your court (or should I say field),” James tweeted. “And you need to fix this for the sake of Sports! #JustMyThoughtsComingFromASportsJunkieRegardlessMyOwnSportIPlay”


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--8-year-old boy’s reaction to getting adopted will melt your heart

It ’ s all about love for one special boy .
Nike Garza , who spent half his life in foster care , has finally found his forever family — and enjoyed a huge celebration with 300 well-wishers to let him know how much he ’ s loved .
The overjoyed second-grader was fêted by loved ones last week when his adoption was made official inside a Collin County , Texas , courtroom .
Armed with “ May the Schwartz be with you ” T-shirts , the adorable 8-year-old was formally adopted by David and Kristi Schwartz , who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child .
The pint-size Dallas Cowboys fan was treated to epic swag , according to the local CBS affiliate , including a signed football by his favorite player , Dak Prescott , along with the entire 2019 team .
Buckner International , the agency that facilitated Nike ’ s adoption , tweeted , “ Nike Garza has been in # fostercare for 1,553 days ( half of his life ) , and today he was # adopted by his forever family .
Thank you to the @ dallascowboys for making Nike ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # HopeShinesHere.
” The tweet was accompanied by a heartwarming video of the youngster ensconced warmly by friends and — new — family .
It ’ s a happy ending for Nike , especially considering that about 443,000 kids are currently in foster care in the US .
Other kids who have warmed the internet ’ s heart include a 5-year-old in Michigan whose entire kindergarten class flooded the courtroom to root for him at his tear-jerking adoption hearing , and a Georgia girl who broke down in sobs after learning on her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

It’s all about love for one special boy.
Nike Garza, who spent half his life in foster care, has finally found his forever family — and enjoyed a huge celebration with 300 well-wishers to let him know how much he’s loved.
The overjoyed second-grader was fêted by loved ones last week when his adoption was made official inside a Collin County, Texas, courtroom. Armed with “May the Schwartz be with you” T-shirts, the adorable 8-year-old was formally adopted by David and Kristi Schwartz, who have two other children, including another adopted child.
The pint-size Dallas Cowboys fan was treated to epic swag, according to the local CBS affiliate, including a signed football by his favorite player, Dak Prescott, along with the entire 2019 team.
Buckner International, the agency that facilitated Nike’s adoption, tweeted, “Nike Garza has been in #fostercare for 1,553 days (half of his life), and today he was #adopted by his forever family. Thank you to the @dallascowboys for making Nike’s #adoption day even more special! #HopeShinesHere.”
The tweet was accompanied by a heartwarming video of the youngster ensconced warmly by friends and — new — family.
It’s a happy ending for Nike, especially considering that about 443,000 kids are currently in foster care in the US. Other kids who have warmed the internet’s heart include a 5-year-old in Michigan whose entire kindergarten class flooded the courtroom to root for him at his tear-jerking adoption hearing, and a Georgia girl who broke down in sobs after learning on her birthday that she’d be adopted.


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Italian town is so desperate for residents it will pay their rent

The idyllic village of Teora lies at the base of Mount Cresta del Gallo in southern Italy , a short driving distance to the pastel-colored fishing villages of the Amalfi coast and the charming hill towns of Puglia .
And its government will pay you to live there .
Following the recent trend in Italian communities to sell off empty houses for 1 euro ( $ 1.08 ) ( or even give them away ) in the hopes of attracting new residents and reviving their dwindling populations , Teora has taken a different tactic to attracting residents .
Mayor Stefano @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her fiefdom will have longer-lasting impact .
With the 1-euro approach , it ’ s likely that buyers — who are then tasked with extensive renovations — will just use the home for vacations or other short periods .
In order to qualify for Teora ’ s plan , however , newcomers must take up residence for at least three years , and already have a minimum of one child when they apply .
“ I don ’ t believe in selling empty houses for 1 euro , that doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Stefano Farina , the mayor of Teora , tells CNN Travel .
In return , they ’ ll get approximately $ 160 a month toward the cost of renting a house , over the course of two years — which is a pretty good deal , considering rents there can be as low as $ 200 a month .
Prospective residents can opt instead for a lump sum of $ 5,400 that would go towards buying a home .
Houses in Teora can cost as little as $ 30,000 .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as holiday-makers .
That ’ s not the solution , ” Farina says .
“ But taking up residency and enrolling kids at the local school , that does breathe new life.
” According to Farina , population problems began for Teora in 1980 when the village suffered a massive earthquake , killing 157 residents and destroying many historical and cultural buildings .
The earthquake also forced many younger denizens to flee to safer ground , and the town has never quite bounced back .
“ Two babies are born [ in Teora @ @ @ @ @ @ @ die , ” Farina says .
“ We ’ re down to barely 1,500 residents.
” To find out more information about what is available , prospective settlers can contact Teora ’ s town hall office by email .
The available houses are all in good condition , CNN reports , and will come out to less than the 1-euro homes cost to renovate .
Some are even furnished .
And Teora has plenty to see and do , including an annual celebration of love songs where couples re-enact the balcony scene from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and the Halloween-esque parade of Li Squacqualacchiun , where participantswill knock on doors with sticks covered in pine needles before performing tricks .
Some structures also still remain from before the earthquake , including an amphitheater , fountains , a water mill and an ancient church .
And , Farina adds , the scheme already seems to be working .
“ So far two Italian families have settled down and one from Brazil with Italian roots , ” he says .
“ They even brought along the grandparents .
”

The idyllic village of Teora lies at the base of Mount Cresta del Gallo in southern Italy, a short driving distance to the pastel-colored fishing villages of the Amalfi coast and the charming hill towns of Puglia.
And its government will pay you to live there.
Following the recent trend in Italian communities to sell off empty houses for 1 euro ($1.08) (or even give them away) in the hopes of attracting new residents and reviving their dwindling populations, Teora has taken a different tactic to attracting residents. Mayor Stefano Farina hopes the financial gambit to move to her fiefdom will have longer-lasting impact. With the 1-euro approach, it’s likely that buyers — who are then tasked with extensive renovations — will just use the home for vacations or other short periods. In order to qualify for Teora’s plan, however, newcomers must take up residence for at least three years, and already have a minimum of one child when they apply.
“I don’t believe in selling empty houses for 1 euro, that doesn’t incentivize people to stay in town,” Stefano Farina, the mayor of Teora, tells CNN Travel.
In return, they’ll get approximately $160 a month toward the cost of renting a house, over the course of two years — which is a pretty good deal, considering rents there can be as low as $200 a month. Prospective residents can opt instead for a lump sum of $5,400 that would go towards buying a home. Houses in Teora can cost as little as $30,000.
“They just come a few months a year as holiday-makers. That’s not the solution,” Farina says. “But taking up residency and enrolling kids at the local school, that does breathe new life.”
According to Farina, population problems began for Teora in 1980 when the village suffered a massive earthquake, killing 157 residents and destroying many historical and cultural buildings. The earthquake also forced many younger denizens to flee to safer ground, and the town has never quite bounced back.
“Two babies are born [in Teora] each year versus 20 elders who die,” Farina says. “We’re down to barely 1,500 residents.”
To find out more information about what is available, prospective settlers can contact Teora’s town hall office by email. The available houses are all in good condition, CNN reports, and will come out to less than the 1-euro homes cost to renovate. Some are even furnished.
And Teora has plenty to see and do, including an annual celebration of love songs where couples re-enact the balcony scene from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and the Halloween-esque parade of Li Squacqualacchiun, where participantswill knock on doors with sticks covered in pine needles before performing tricks.
Some structures also still remain from before the earthquake, including an amphitheater, fountains, a water mill and an ancient church.
And, Farina adds, the scheme already seems to be working.
“So far two Italian families have settled down and one from Brazil with Italian roots,” he says. “They even brought along the grandparents.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Cuomo shifting worker salaries offline amid budget crunch

Much of the state 's massive spending shortfall is linked to ...

In the face of a projected $6 billion deficit, Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to shift millions of dollars in salaries from the government payroll to the capital budget — thus giving the appearance he’s lowering operating costs, critics charge.
A prime example is Cuomo’s bid to transfer employee salaries from the Department of Environmental Conservation to the $300 million Environmental Protection Fund in the capital budget.
Assembly Environmental Committee Chairman Steve Englebright (D-Suffolk) said that Cuomo shouldn’t pile the salaries there.
“The Environmental Protection Fund has never been used for general operations of the agency. This is not a program specific need. This is just an off-loading of agency personnel,” Englebright told The Post.
“It risks the long-term viability of this very targeted capital program. The raid of the capital fund needs to be rejected. It’s the camel’s nose under the tent,” Englebright added.
Senates Environmental Committee Chairman Todd Kaminsky (D-Nassau) also opposes the move, a spokesman said.
The EPF funds $152 million for land acquisition and open space, $39 million for recycling programs, $89.2 million for parks and recreational programs, including zoos and botanical gardens, and $19.7 million for climate change initiatives.
But language covering the EPF’s budget line says, “a portion may be used for the payment of personal service expenses incurred on or after April 1, 2020.
One budget analyst said Cuomo has sought to shift more salaries off-budget to claim he’s staying within his self-imposed 2 percent spending cap for his government.
“Moving employees to capital line items is a way to keep perceived `state operating funds costs down. Every year, the governor finds way to nudge more operating costs into non-operating categories, or to redefine some spending as revenue, or to move some spending from one year into another,” said EJ McMahon of the Empire Center for Public Policy.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli raised concerns about cost shifting in his own analysis of Cuomo’s budget plan.
Adjusting for these maneuvers, the actual proposed spending increase in Cuomo’s operating budget is 3 percent – not 1.9 percent – as Cuomo maintains, DiNapoli said.
Transferring employee salaries to EPF “would effectively reduce funding available to EPF project and program needs,” DiNapoli said.
Cuomo’s budget office defended the move as appropriate to cover the EPF’s six percent in overhead costs – or about $18.5 million.
“The Budget continues the Governor’s record $300 million in support for the Environmental Protection Fund, which ensures that investments are properly targeted to meet the environmental needs of the state and that the internal resources necessary to achieve that goal are properly funded,” said Cuomo Division of the Budget spokesman Freeman Klopott.
Cuomo’s $178 billion budget plan has provoked a backlash, particularly his proposal that would force New York City and other counties to pick up a greater share of the costs for the explosive growth in the Medicaid program. He also wants SUNY and CUNY to raise more funds privately to pay for construction needs and recommends that firms pay a new 3 percent tax to open new medical facilities.


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--Greg Olsen puts off TV career to join Seahawks

The former Carolina Panthers tight end is signing a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks for a reported $ 7 @ @ @ @ @ million guaranteed .
After parting ways with Carolina — Olsen later disputed the team characterizing @ @ @ @ @ ” agreement — the 34-year-old visited with the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins before ultimately @ @ @ @ @ the Seahawks , he ’ ll be paired up with quarterback Russell Wilson , who @ @ @ @ @ s 59 career touchdowns — if the oft-injured New Jersey native can stay healthy .
@ @ @ @ @ over the last three seasons battling injuries .
Olsen , a veteran of 13 NFL @ @ @ @ @ success in the broadcast booth , trying his hand at analysis for NFL and XFL @ @ @ @ @ to be a hot commodity when he finally hangs up his shoulder pads .
It @ @ @ @ @ that will have to wait until at least 2021 .

Greg Olsen’s TV career is back on hold.
The former Carolina Panthers tight end is signing a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks for a reported $7 million, including $5.5 million guaranteed.
After parting ways with Carolina — Olsen later disputed the team characterizing it as a “mutual” agreement — the 34-year-old visited with the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins before ultimately landing in Seattle.
With the Seahawks, he’ll be paired up with quarterback Russell Wilson, who should help increase Olsen’s 59 career touchdowns — if the oft-injured New Jersey native can stay healthy. He has missed 18 games over the last three seasons battling injuries.
Olsen, a veteran of 13 NFL seasons, has also found success in the broadcast booth, trying his hand at analysis for NFL and XFL games, and is expected to be a hot commodity when he finally hangs up his shoulder pads. It’s a career transition that will have to wait until at least 2021.


newyorkpost--2020-02-18--‘Emma.’ movie review: Anya Taylor-Joy is an Austen heroine to remember

All Jane Austen ’ s heroines are clever , but Anya Taylor-Joy brings an unusually sharp edge to her rendition of Emma Woodhouse in “ Emma.
” Maybe it ’ s the lingering influence of Taylor-Joy ’ s sociopathic character in 2017 ’ s underrated “ Thoroughbreds.
” At any rate , she ’ s the standout in this likable adaptation .
It ’ s notable that this version ’ s title is adorned with a period ; I ’ m not sure the definitive gesture is entirely warranted , but I admire its confidence .
The happily meddling younger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with expertly gusty sighs by Bill Nighy ) , Emma believes her life ’ s work to be arranging other people ’ s love lives ( she professes no interest in romance for herself ) .
She steers her latest subject , the pleasant , simple Harriet Smith ( Mia Goth ) , away from an adoring working-class farmer ( Connor Swindells ) and toward the simpering minister Mr. Elton ( Josh O ’ Connor ) , with a stunning lack of insight into the latter ’ s interest in Emma herself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ handsome , eye-rolling neighbor — another Austenian fixture , of course — by the name of Mr. Knightley , nicely underplayed here with just the right amount of smolder by Johnny Flynn ( “ Beast ” ) .
Debut feature director Autumn de Wilde , whose background is in videos , loses a bit of focus when it comes to the story ’ s supporting characters : Frenemy Jane Fairfax ( Amber Anderson ) isn ’ t really given enough screen time for us to know why she ’ s such an irritant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much-discussed Frank Churchill ( Callum Turner ) isn ’ t charismatic enough to deserve the buildup to his arrival ( in 1996 ’ s “ Emma , ” he was played by Ewan McGregor , who has never suffered that problem ) .
But de Wilde has a good grasp of Austen ’ s sense of humor , and she plays it up with some amusing bits , including Mr. Woodhouse ’ s habit of surrounding himself with an increasingly ridiculous number of folding screens to protect himself from a mysterious “ draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metaphor for the plague of constant visitors ) and a couple of literally cheeky moments in which Emma and Mr. Knightley bare their rear ends while getting dressed .
Watching Emma haltingly approach self-awareness — particularly in the epically cringe-y Box Hill picnic at which she insults a vulnerable acquaintance ( the comic talent Miranda Hart ) — is an enjoyably tense experience .
Taylor-Joy ’ s self-possession as Emma feels a little at odds with the romantic surrender that Austen ’ s conclusions always require — it certainly sets her apart from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alicia Silverstone one in the ’ 90s “ Emma ” riff “ Clueless ” ) .
Like Greta Gerwig ’ s twists in “ Little Women , ” it ’ s also a nicely modern undercutting of the very notion of coupling as a happy ending .

Movie review Emma. Running time: 124 min. Rated PG (brief partial nudity).
All Jane Austen’s heroines are clever, but Anya Taylor-Joy brings an unusually sharp edge to her rendition of Emma Woodhouse in “Emma.” Maybe it’s the lingering influence of Taylor-Joy’s sociopathic character in 2017’s underrated “Thoroughbreds.” At any rate, she’s the standout in this likable adaptation. It’s notable that this version’s title is adorned with a period; I’m not sure the definitive gesture is entirely warranted, but I admire its confidence.
The happily meddling younger daughter of a moody father (played with expertly gusty sighs by Bill Nighy), Emma believes her life’s work to be arranging other people’s love lives (she professes no interest in romance for herself). She steers her latest subject, the pleasant, simple Harriet Smith (Mia Goth), away from an adoring working-class farmer (Connor Swindells) and toward the simpering minister Mr. Elton (Josh O’Connor), with a stunning lack of insight into the latter’s interest in Emma herself. Meanwhile, she’s got a handsome, eye-rolling neighbor — another Austenian fixture, of course — by the name of Mr. Knightley, nicely underplayed here with just the right amount of smolder by Johnny Flynn (“Beast”).
Debut feature director Autumn de Wilde, whose background is in videos, loses a bit of focus when it comes to the story’s supporting characters: Frenemy Jane Fairfax (Amber Anderson) isn’t really given enough screen time for us to know why she’s such an irritant to Emma, and the long-awaited, much-discussed Frank Churchill (Callum Turner) isn’t charismatic enough to deserve the buildup to his arrival (in 1996’s “Emma,” he was played by Ewan McGregor, who has never suffered that problem).
But de Wilde has a good grasp of Austen’s sense of humor, and she plays it up with some amusing bits, including Mr. Woodhouse’s habit of surrounding himself with an increasingly ridiculous number of folding screens to protect himself from a mysterious “draft” (which seems to be a metaphor for the plague of constant visitors) and a couple of literally cheeky moments in which Emma and Mr. Knightley bare their rear ends while getting dressed.
Watching Emma haltingly approach self-awareness — particularly in the epically cringe-y Box Hill picnic at which she insults a vulnerable acquaintance (the comic talent Miranda Hart) — is an enjoyably tense experience. Taylor-Joy’s self-possession as Emma feels a little at odds with the romantic surrender that Austen’s conclusions always require — it certainly sets her apart from the Gwyneth Paltrow incarnation (and the Alicia Silverstone one in the ’90s “Emma” riff “Clueless”). Like Greta Gerwig’s twists in “Little Women,” it’s also a nicely modern undercutting of the very notion of coupling as a happy ending.