newyorkpost--2020-04-19--Three arrested outside synagogue after violating coronavirus social distancing

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Three people were arrested for violating the city ’ s social distancing restrictions outside an iconic Jewish synagogue in Brooklyn .
The arrests at the World Headquarters of Chabad-Lubavitch on Thursday came after police responded to calls about “ New Yorkers NOT social distancing ” outside the synagogue , NYPD Chief Terence Monahan said in a tweet .
“ After numerous warnings from officers and continued disputes , three arrests were made , ” Monahan wrote .
Arrested during the incident were Menachem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with assault and criminal trespass , police said Sunday .
Two other men , Ariel Balon , 37 , and Moshe Blumenfeld , 20 , were each charged with resisting arrest , disorderly conduct and obstructing governmental administration , police said .
Yaacov Behrman , a spokesman for Chabad-Lubavitch , said Sunday that the men were part of an unsanctioned group gathering outside the temple , which had been closed due to coronavirus restrictions .
He said police had the synagogue ’ s blessing to break up the gathering outside the building .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ support any action the police take to uphold the law , ” Behrman said .
He said the group “ had no permission to be there .
Chabad made it clear no one has permission to be on the property.
” Police have begun cracking down on large gatherings that violate the city ’ s lockdown rules , including a raucous gathering at a Brooklyn barbershop on Saturday .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
Three people were arrested for violating the city’s social distancing restrictions outside an iconic Jewish synagogue in Brooklyn.
The arrests at the World Headquarters of Chabad-Lubavitch on Thursday came after police responded to calls about “New Yorkers NOT social distancing” outside the synagogue, NYPD Chief Terence Monahan said in a tweet.
“After numerous warnings from officers and continued disputes, three arrests were made,” Monahan wrote.
Arrested during the incident were Menachem Hilel, 29, who was charged with assault and criminal trespass, police said Sunday.
Two other men, Ariel Balon, 37, and Moshe Blumenfeld, 20, were each charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and obstructing governmental administration, police said.
Yaacov Behrman, a spokesman for Chabad-Lubavitch, said Sunday that the men were part of an unsanctioned group gathering outside the temple, which had been closed due to coronavirus restrictions. He said police had the synagogue’s blessing to break up the gathering outside the building.
“We made it clear that we support any action the police take to uphold the law,” Behrman said.
He said the group “had no permission to be there. Chabad made it clear no one has permission to be on the property.”
Police have begun cracking down on large gatherings that violate the city’s lockdown rules, including a raucous gathering at a Brooklyn barbershop on Saturday.


newyorkpost--2020-04-19--Beijing’s latest outrageous crackdown on Hong Kong freedoms

On Saturday , Hong Kong authorities arrested Martin Lee , one of the territory ’ s most senior barristers and the grandfather of its pro-democracy movement .
The decision to round up the 81-year-old Lee , along with a dozen other prominent pro-democracy politicians and activists on bogus charges , represents an all-out assault against what little remains of Hong Kong ’ s rule of law .
Beijing has been tightening the screws on Hong Kong ’ s freedoms and autonomy over the past six years .
During that time , we have seen the disappearance of anti-regime booksellers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on academic and media freedom , a law criminalizing perceived insults to the national anthem , the expulsion of a growing number of foreign activists and journalists and the arrest and imprisonment of peaceful protesters .
The repression has escalated over the past year .
In April , the government of Chief Executive Carrie Lam proposed a law that would have allowed the extradition to mainland China of Hong Kongers the Beijing regime accuses of criminal acts .
That sparked sustained mass protests , with more than 2 million Hong Kongers pouring into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement .
Some protesters became more violent in frustration at a government that refused to listen and a police force that responded to words with rubber bullets and truncheons .
While violence on the part of a few protesters is inexcusable , it is the indiscriminate and disproportionate brutality of the police that will leave a permanent scar on Hong Kong ’ s civic fabric .
Only when it was too late , when trust was completely broken , did Lam finally withdraw the extradition bill , and she still refuses to walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s district-council elections saw the pro-democracy camp garnering a significant victory , sending a clear signal about the will of the people .
Lam could have responded by initiating dialogue and reform .
Instead , she gave jobs to defeated pro-Communist candidates and shut her ears to voters ’ message .
Over the past week , Beijing has turned up the temperature alarmingly .
The Communists are mounting pressure on the judiciary , according to senior judges , who worry that judicial independence is in a fight for survival .
China ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also demanded a national-security law that would gravely endanger freedom of expression .
And China ’ s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office has slammed pro-democracy legislators — a clear interference in breach of the Basic Law .
Beijing now claims that Article 22 of the Basic Law — which bars any department of the mainland regime from meddling in matters that fall under Hong Kong ’ s autonomous authority — doesn ’ t apply to the Chinese government bodies charged with governing Hong Kong .
If so , then in what sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , two systems ” still alive ?
I have known Martin Lee for nearly 23 years .
He epitomizes the common wisdom , gentleness and fundamental reasonableness of Hong Kong people .
To arrest hotheads throwing Molotov cocktails is justified .
But to arrest a mild-mannered octogenarian lawyer and former legislator and other moderate democrats is an insult .
It is Beijing ’ s most vicious blow to Hong Kong yet .
As a Briton , I ’ m especially pained by Beijing ’ s grotesque trampling of the Sino-British Joint Declaration .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ four years ago , that declaration was supposed to guarantee that “ no Hong Kong resident would have to fear a midnight knock on the door.
” Now that knock has come .
The West mustn ’ t lose sight of what ’ s happening , even as we deal with the pandemic and its economic aftershocks .
The British government , with its legal responsibility for Hong Kong , and the United States , with its vast influence , must speak out — and act .
One first step might be to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible for this strangling of freedom .
We can ’ t afford to allow such a vital global financial center to collapse into tyranny .
And we can ’ t allow China to shirk its legal commitments with such impunity .
A pandemic shouldn ’ t cause us to forget our values .
If anything , growing evidence of Chinese Communist malfeasance in the pandemic ’ s early stages is a reminder of why we should care about what happens in Hong Kong .
Right now , the Communist regime is holding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But don ’ t be surprised if Beijing next points that dagger at the West .
In fact , it already has .
Benedict Rogers is the founder and chairman of Hong Kong Watch .

On Saturday, Hong Kong authorities arrested Martin Lee, one of the territory’s most senior barristers and the grandfather of its pro-democracy movement. The decision to round up the 81-year-old Lee, along with a dozen other prominent pro-democracy politicians and activists on bogus charges, represents an all-out assault against what little remains of Hong Kong’s rule of law.
Beijing has been tightening the screws on Hong Kong’s freedoms and autonomy over the past six years. During that time, we have seen the disappearance of anti-regime booksellers, the disqualification of pro-democracy legislators, pressure on academic and media freedom, a law criminalizing perceived insults to the national anthem, the expulsion of a growing number of foreign activists and journalists and the arrest and imprisonment of peaceful protesters.
The repression has escalated over the past year. In April, the government of Chief Executive Carrie Lam proposed a law that would have allowed the extradition to mainland China of Hong Kongers the Beijing regime accuses of criminal acts. That sparked sustained mass protests, with more than 2 million Hong Kongers pouring into the streets at the height of the movement.
Some protesters became more violent in frustration at a government that refused to listen and a police force that responded to words with rubber bullets and truncheons. While violence on the part of a few protesters is inexcusable, it is the indiscriminate and disproportionate brutality of the police that will leave a permanent scar on Hong Kong’s civic fabric.
Only when it was too late, when trust was completely broken, did Lam finally withdraw the extradition bill, and she still refuses to walk the path of reform.
Last November’s district-council elections saw the pro-democracy camp garnering a significant victory, sending a clear signal about the will of the people. Lam could have responded by initiating dialogue and reform. Instead, she gave jobs to defeated pro-Communist candidates and shut her ears to voters’ message.
Over the past week, Beijing has turned up the temperature alarmingly. The Communists are mounting pressure on the judiciary, according to senior judges, who worry that judicial independence is in a fight for survival. China’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong has also demanded a national-security law that would gravely endanger freedom of expression. And China’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office has slammed pro-democracy legislators — a clear interference in breach of the Basic Law.
Beijing now claims that Article 22 of the Basic Law — which bars any department of the mainland regime from meddling in matters that fall under Hong Kong’s autonomous authority — doesn’t apply to the Chinese government bodies charged with governing Hong Kong. If so, then in what sense is the promise of “one country, two systems” still alive?
I have known Martin Lee for nearly 23 years. He epitomizes the common wisdom, gentleness and fundamental reasonableness of Hong Kong people. To arrest hotheads throwing Molotov cocktails is justified. But to arrest a mild-mannered octogenarian lawyer and former legislator and other moderate democrats is an insult. It is Beijing’s most vicious blow to Hong Kong yet.
As a Briton, I’m especially pained by Beijing’s grotesque trampling of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. As Lee testified before the British Parliament four years ago, that declaration was supposed to guarantee that “no Hong Kong resident would have to fear a midnight knock on the door.”
Now that knock has come.
The West mustn’t lose sight of what’s happening, even as we deal with the pandemic and its economic aftershocks. The British government, with its legal responsibility for Hong Kong, and the United States, with its vast influence, must speak out — and act. One first step might be to sanction officials in Beijing and Hong Kong responsible for this strangling of freedom.
We can’t afford to allow such a vital global financial center to collapse into tyranny. And we can’t allow China to shirk its legal commitments with such impunity. A pandemic shouldn’t cause us to forget our values. If anything, growing evidence of Chinese Communist malfeasance in the pandemic’s early stages is a reminder of why we should care about what happens in Hong Kong.
Right now, the Communist regime is holding a dagger to Hong Kong’s throat. But don’t be surprised if Beijing next points that dagger at the West. In fact, it already has.
Benedict Rogers is the founder and chairman of Hong Kong Watch.Twitter: @BenedictRogers


newyorkpost--2020-04-19--The coronavirus could kill off a host of US colleges

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Some of America ’ s most beautiful spaces , our university campuses , are closed and empty these days .
Schools have canceled their spring semesters and commencements because of COVID-19 ; classrooms , dormitories and athletic facilities are shuttered .
Some institutions tell students that they can continue to access instruction online .
But exams and grades have been canceled in many cases .
One suspects online viewership will be sporadic , concentration light .
But students shouldn ’ t hover around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a tuition-rebate check .
And students — and parents —who expect campuses to reopen this fall , next spring or the fall after that may be in for surprise and disappointment .
American higher education has been in serious and growing trouble in the past two decades .
Yes , our science and technology departments lead the world , and the social-sciences and humanities departments still boast some brilliant scholars .
But at some point , too much of a good thing stops being a good thing .
People have observed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over their lifetime than non-college graduates .
But it doesn ’ t follow that people not headed to college will make money if they go there .
A dismaying number of American college freshmen never end up graduating , not after four or six or 20 years .
An even more dismaying number of nongraduates and graduates end up with daunting amounts of college debt , nondischargeable in bankruptcy , which reduces or prevents significant wealth accumulation .
Americans today have more college debt than credit-card debt .
And for what ?
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Higher Education , ” John Ellis , an emeritus professor at the University of California , Santa Cruz , cites multiple studies showing that half of graduates make no intellectual gains .
Many schools don ’ t teach the basics of US history or government .
College degrees aren ’ t so much evidence of learning as of plodding persistence .
And a willingness to put up with left-wing agitprop .
American universities keep grinding out more PhDs ( writing theses no one may ever read ) than they have tenure-track teaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hourly wages as adjuncts and look forward to increases in the minimum wage .
Meanwhile , administrators now outnumber teachers at many institutions .
Many spend their time in meetings and conferences promoting “ equity , inclusivity and diversity.
” Some spend time enforcing speech codes prohibiting free expression that colleges and universities at one time fostered .
Others are occupied in regulating adult students ’ social behavior , conducting kangaroo courts in which those accused of sexual harassment or assault are denied any presumption of innocence , the ability to call witnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notion that adults , who are eligible to vote and serve in the military , need such guidance is rooted in the Latin phrase in loco parentis , the notion that students at residential colleges need something like parental supervision , even if that supervision is irksome and increasingly expensive .
The fact is that the residential college , the model of American higher education since its 17th-century foundations , is the exception rather than the rule in most of the world .
University students typically live in parental homes or with roommates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s true of most undergraduates in Britain , where Cambridge and Oxford and their beautiful quads were the models for Harvard and William & Mary .
For the 100 or so selective colleges , the residential-college model will continue to be profitable .
But even Harvard , with its $ 37 billion endowment , saw fit to lay off hundreds of subcontracted campus dining-hall workers .
Dozens , perhaps hundreds , of lesser-known schools , whose graduates never get interviews with Goldman Sachs , may be thrust into bankruptcy if the perceived need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enrollments .
As Heather Mac Donald writes in City Journal , “ Students and their parents may start to ask why they should pay astronomical fees for a campus experience if they can get the same instruction over the Web.
” And perhaps some college and university administrators will ask whether they can somehow cut back on administrative bloat , especially if the alternative is figuring out some other use for beautiful but suddenly obsolete campuses .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
Some of America’s most beautiful spaces, our university campuses, are closed and empty these days. Schools have canceled their spring semesters and commencements because of COVID-19; classrooms, dormitories and athletic facilities are shuttered.
Some institutions tell students that they can continue to access instruction online. But exams and grades have been canceled in many cases. One suspects online viewership will be sporadic, concentration light.
But students shouldn’t hover around their home mailboxes waiting for an envelope with a tuition-rebate check. And students — and parents —who expect campuses to reopen this fall, next spring or the fall after that may be in for surprise and disappointment.
American higher education has been in serious and growing trouble in the past two decades. Yes, our science and technology departments lead the world, and the social-sciences and humanities departments still boast some brilliant scholars.
But at some point, too much of a good thing stops being a good thing. People have observed for years that college graduates make more money over their lifetime than non-college graduates. But it doesn’t follow that people not headed to college will make money if they go there.
A dismaying number of American college freshmen never end up graduating, not after four or six or 20 years. An even more dismaying number of nongraduates and graduates end up with daunting amounts of college debt, nondischargeable in bankruptcy, which reduces or prevents significant wealth accumulation. Americans today have more college debt than credit-card debt.
And for what? In his new book, “The Breakdown of Higher Education,” John Ellis, an emeritus professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, cites multiple studies showing that half of graduates make no intellectual gains. Many schools don’t teach the basics of US history or government. College degrees aren’t so much evidence of learning as of plodding persistence.
And a willingness to put up with left-wing agitprop. American universities keep grinding out more PhDs (writing theses no one may ever read) than they have tenure-track teaching jobs so that an increasing number accept hourly wages as adjuncts and look forward to increases in the minimum wage.
Meanwhile, administrators now outnumber teachers at many institutions. Many spend their time in meetings and conferences promoting “equity, inclusivity and diversity.” Some spend time enforcing speech codes prohibiting free expression that colleges and universities at one time fostered.
Others are occupied in regulating adult students’ social behavior, conducting kangaroo courts in which those accused of sexual harassment or assault are denied any presumption of innocence, the ability to call witnesses and knowledge of any charges.
The notion that adults, who are eligible to vote and serve in the military, need such guidance is rooted in the Latin phrase in loco parentis, the notion that students at residential colleges need something like parental supervision, even if that supervision is irksome and increasingly expensive.
The fact is that the residential college, the model of American higher education since its 17th-century foundations, is the exception rather than the rule in most of the world. University students typically live in parental homes or with roommates in cheap nearby apartments. That’s true of most undergraduates in Britain, where Cambridge and Oxford and their beautiful quads were the models for Harvard and William & Mary.
For the 100 or so selective colleges, the residential-college model will continue to be profitable. But even Harvard, with its $37 billion endowment, saw fit to lay off hundreds of subcontracted campus dining-hall workers.
Dozens, perhaps hundreds, of lesser-known schools, whose graduates never get interviews with Goldman Sachs, may be thrust into bankruptcy if the perceived need for social distancing closes classrooms or reduces enrollments.
As Heather Mac Donald writes in City Journal, “Students and their parents may start to ask why they should pay astronomical fees for a campus experience if they can get the same instruction over the Web.”
And perhaps some college and university administrators will ask whether they can somehow cut back on administrative bloat, especially if the alternative is figuring out some other use for beautiful but suddenly obsolete campuses.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--Shake Shack to return $10 million meant for small businesses during pandemic

Burger giant Shake Shack plans to return $ 10 million it received from a government loan program meant to protect small businesses during the coronavirus crisis .
The New York-based fast food chain was one of several large restaurant companies that got a multi-million-dollar loan through the Trump administration ’ s $ 349 billion Paycheck Protection Program aimed at helping struggling small firms pay workers amid the pandemic .
Many merchants were left waiting for a lifeline when the program ran out of money last week .
Shake Shack decided to return its loan because it found a way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead , CEO Randy Garutti and chairman Danny Meyer said Sunday .
They urged Congress to put more money into the program and prioritize businesses with limited access to outside funds .
“ It ’ s inexcusable to leave restaurants out because no one told them to get in line by the time the funding dried up .
That unfairly pits restaurants against restaurants , ” Garutti and Meyer said in a LinkedIn post .
“ This industry rises and falls together.
” More than a dozen big publicly traded firms like Shake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nearly 8,000 employees — got PPP loans , even though the program was targeted at businesses with up to 500 workers , according to Bloomberg News .
Others included coal-mining company Hallador Energy , cruise operator Lindblad Expeditions and the firms behind Potbelly Sandwich Shop and Ruth ’ s Chris Steak House , the news agency reported Sunday .
Shake Shack decided to apply for a PPP loan because chains were eligible for funding if each location had fewer than 500 workers , Meyer and Garutti said .
Union Square Hospitality Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped start Shake Shack , also sought money after closing its eateries and laying off more than 2,000 people , they said .
“ The ‘ PPP ’ came with no user manual and it was extremely confusing , ” Garutti and Meyer wrote .
“ The best chance of keeping our teams working , off the unemployment line and hiring back our furloughed and laid off employees , would be to apply now and hope things would be clarified in time.
” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday that Congress was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more small-business loan money .
Republican lawmakers have been pushing for an additional $ 251 billion for the program .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
Burger giant Shake Shack plans to return $10 million it received from a government loan program meant to protect small businesses during the coronavirus crisis.
The New York-based fast food chain was one of several large restaurant companies that got a multimillion-dollar loan through the Trump administration’s $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program aimed at helping struggling small firms pay workers amid the pandemic. Many merchants were left waiting for a lifeline when the program ran out of money last week.
Shake Shack decided to return its loan because it found a way to raise money through a public stock transaction instead, CEO Randy Garutti and chairman Danny Meyer said Sunday. They urged Congress to put more money into the program and prioritize businesses with limited access to outside funds.
“It’s inexcusable to leave restaurants out because no one told them to get in line by the time the funding dried up. That unfairly pits restaurants against restaurants,” Garutti and Meyer said in a LinkedIn post. “This industry rises and falls together.”
More than a dozen big publicly traded firms like Shake Shack — which has 189 US restaurants and nearly 8,000 employees — got PPP loans, even though the program was targeted at businesses with up to 500 workers, according to Bloomberg News.
Others included coal-mining company Hallador Energy, cruise operator Lindblad Expeditions and the firms behind Potbelly Sandwich Shop and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, the news agency reported Sunday.
Shake Shack decided to apply for a PPP loan because chains were eligible for funding if each location had fewer than 500 workers, Meyer and Garutti said.
Union Square Hospitality Group, Meyer’s restaurant conglomerate that helped start Shake Shack, also sought money after closing its eateries and laying off more than 2,000 people, they said.
“The ‘PPP’ came with no user manual and it was extremely confusing,” Garutti and Meyer wrote. “The best chance of keeping our teams working, off the unemployment line and hiring back our furloughed and laid off employees, would be to apply now and hope things would be clarified in time.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday that Congress was “very close” to reaching a deal for more small-business loan money. Republican lawmakers have been pushing for an additional $251 billion for the program.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--People are splurging on luxury goods during the coronavirus pandemic

“ I ’ ve bought an area rug , a coffee table , prints for the walls , a mirror and plants , ” says Jackson Isaacson , 27 , who estimates he ’ s spent nearly $ 4,000 since self-isolating due to the novel coronavirus outbreak a month ago .
“ I could ’ ve gone for a cheap coffee table but I went for a chic , nice one from West Elm .
It ’ s mid-century looking and walnut , ” says the marketer .
“ I love it.
” Stuck at home amid shelter-in-place orders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for entertainment , connection — and retail therapy , especially those lucky enough to be healthy and employed , or anticipating a stimulus check .
“ When you ’ re in a state of anxiety , you ’ re worried about what ’ s going to happen , ” says Carrie Rattle , a financial counselor based in Westchester who focuses on curbing clients ’ compulsive shopping habits .
Rattle says e-commerce can give panicked spenders a sense of control .
“ Shopping takes your mind away from the harshness of everyday life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wake up and we have no idea what the rules of the world are going to be today , so [ shopping ] is self-soothing.
” The first week of April saw a 13 percent uptick in online purchases compared to pre-COVID times according to the NPD Group , a market research company .
And apparently , it ’ s only going up .
A 700-person study from Influence Central found that 72 percent plan to do even more online shopping in the isolated days to come .
In addition to furniture , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liquor and a $ 70 Malin+Goetz candle since he began quarantining in his Financial District apartment .
Still , he insists he ’ s saving money , noting that without his gym membership and nights out at restaurants and bars draining his account , he has cash to spare on luxe goods .
“ I can buy the big Ketel One for the same price as two martinis at the steakhouse I used to go to near me , ” says Isaacson .
Amalia Rand , 19 , who works in tech sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sneakers she anticipates wearing to her own birthday party and out to museums when the stay-at-home order is up .
“ There ’ s no reason to go shopping , I ’ m not going outside .
But then I see that there are sales , ” says Rand , who lives in East Harlem .
“ I bought a skirt , some tote bags , blouses and jeans from [ UK-based site ] ASOS.
” She also copped wares from Rihanna ’ s lingerie line Savage X Fenty and the sneaker-reselling platform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1s and $ 60 Vans .
She estimates that she ’ s spent about $ 1,000 on wardrobe upgrades .
“ I ’ m just hoping I can be outside in them soon , ” she says .
Stylist Susan Breindel has shifted her interests from clothes to CBD , a cannabis-plant derivative .
Breindel left her Noho home in such a rush last month that she arrived at her weekend house in Ulster County without her Toast Wellness CBD oil she ’ s used for the past year and a half to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online to stockpile the oil , she stumbled upon the brand ’ s artisanal CBD-infused chocolates that cost $ 20 a bar .
“ I ’ m not a snob , but I love very good food , wine , chocolate , ” says Breindel , 61 , who estimates she “ spent several hundred dollars ” on the decadent haul .
“ Who cares about clothes or fashion right now ?
We ’ re eating and cooking well , ” she says of her and her husband .
Rare trips to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to indulge .
“ I ’ ve spent about a hundred bucks on cheeses in the past few weeks , ” says Adam Morey , a lobbyist who lives in Albany .
He ’ s been going for top-shelf Taleggio , Camembert and triple-cream brie , and says he ’ s “ nerding out ” on online cheese forums .
Some people in isolation who dream of a decadent meal in a favorite locale have to settle for the next best thing : pricey nationwide delivery .
“ We ’ ve been ordering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Goldbelly , ” says Fran Pessagno , a single Long Island-based advertising exec who ’ s been holed up with a couple of friends in their Candlewood Lake , Conn. , home for the past month .
The group splurges on deliveries — which easily crack $ 150 each — twice a week .
Pessagno estimates he ’ s spent $ 1,750 in the past month on food alone .
The 45-year-old , who regularly travels for work , says he ’ s ordering from places he was supposed to visit before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Orleans was canceled , for example , he ordered muffuletta sandwiches with olive spread for delivery from Central Grocery .
Last week was supposed to be a trip to Chicago , so it was Lou Malnati ’ s deep-dish pizza for dinner on Tuesday , while Thursday was 8 pounds “ of just meat ” from Joe ’ s Kansas City Bar-B-Que .
“ This allows us to feel like we ’ re living a normal life — and takes us to places we ’ re familiar with that we can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Chicago or New Orleans for a brief moment , ” he says , adding that it ’ s also a way to give back to small businesses around the country .
“ We ’ re eating very well — and I like to think we ’ re doing something good for the economy.
” Reem Abbassi , a 44-year-old hedge fund project manager , also wanted a taste of her pre-quarantine life .
So she signed up for an online group class hosted by Rare Champagne and Petrossian caviar , which included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 270 per person .
“ Most people are staying at home in small apartments , in yoga pants , so it ’ s one night of the week to at least dress up — and feel like you ’ re living the life that many of us moved to New York to live , ” says Abbassi , who styled her hair and put on a little black dress and heels for the Zoom call .
It was a delicious distraction from reality .
“ For a moment , in that hour , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in quarantine .
”

Call it a spendemic.
“I’ve bought an area rug, a coffee table, prints for the walls, a mirror and plants,” says Jackson Isaacson, 27, who estimates he’s spent nearly $4,000 since self-isolating due to the novel coronavirus outbreak a month ago. “I could’ve gone for a cheap coffee table but I went for a chic, nice one from West Elm. It’s mid-century looking and walnut,” says the marketer. “I love it.”
Stuck at home amid shelter-in-place orders, New Yorkers are turning to their screens for entertainment, connection — and retail therapy, especially those lucky enough to be healthy and employed, or anticipating a stimulus check. “When you’re in a state of anxiety, you’re worried about what’s going to happen,” says Carrie Rattle, a financial counselor based in Westchester who focuses on curbing clients’ compulsive shopping habits.
Rattle says e-commerce can give panicked spenders a sense of control.
“Shopping takes your mind away from the harshness of everyday life,” she says. “We wake up and we have no idea what the rules of the world are going to be today, so [shopping] is self-soothing.”
The first week of April saw a 13 percent uptick in online purchases compared to pre-COVID times according to the NPD Group, a market research company. And apparently, it’s only going up. A 700-person study from Influence Central found that 72 percent plan to do even more online shopping in the isolated days to come.
In addition to furniture, Isaacson has sprung for athleisure, top-shelf liquor and a $70 Malin+Goetz candle since he began quarantining in his Financial District apartment. Still, he insists he’s saving money, noting that without his gym membership and nights out at restaurants and bars draining his account, he has cash to spare on luxe goods.
“I can buy the big Ketel One for the same price as two martinis at the steakhouse I used to go to near me,” says Isaacson.
Amalia Rand, 19, who works in tech sales, is shopping for new outfits and sneakers she anticipates wearing to her own birthday party and out to museums when the stay-at-home order is up.
“There’s no reason to go shopping, I’m not going outside. But then I see that there are sales,” says Rand, who lives in East Harlem. “I bought a skirt, some tote bags, blouses and jeans from [UK-based site] ASOS.” She also copped wares from Rihanna’s lingerie line Savage X Fenty and the sneaker-reselling platform StockX, including $300 Nike Jordan 1s and $60 Vans. She estimates that she’s spent about $1,000 on wardrobe upgrades. “I’m just hoping I can be outside in them soon,” she says.
Stylist Susan Breindel has shifted her interests from clothes to CBD, a cannabis-plant derivative. Breindel left her Noho home in such a rush last month that she arrived at her weekend house in Ulster County without her Toast Wellness CBD oil she’s used for the past year and a half to feel “calm.” When she went online to stockpile the oil, she stumbled upon the brand’s artisanal CBD-infused chocolates that cost $20 a bar.
“I’m not a snob, but I love very good food, wine, chocolate,” says Breindel, 61, who estimates she “spent several hundred dollars” on the decadent haul.
“Who cares about clothes or fashion right now? We’re eating and cooking well,” she says of her and her husband.
Rare trips to the grocery store can also become an opportunity to indulge.
“I’ve spent about a hundred bucks on cheeses in the past few weeks,” says Adam Morey, a lobbyist who lives in Albany. He’s been going for top-shelf Taleggio, Camembert and triple-cream brie, and says he’s “nerding out” on online cheese forums.
“I call it the end-of-the-world cheese,” adds Morey, 33.
Some people in isolation who dream of a decadent meal in a favorite locale have to settle for the next best thing: pricey nationwide delivery.
“We’ve been ordering food from all over the country through Goldbelly,” says Fran Pessagno, a Long Island-based advertising exec who’s been holed up with a couple of friends in their Candlewood Lake, Conn., home for the past month. The group splurges on deliveries — which easily crack $150 each — twice a week. Pessagno estimates he’s spent $1,750 in the couple months on food alone.
The 45-year-old, who regularly travels for work, says he’s ordering from places he was supposed to visit before the coronavirus restrictions. When a conference in New Orleans was canceled, for example, he ordered muffuletta sandwiches with olive spread for delivery from Central Grocery. Last week was supposed to be a trip to Chicago, so it was Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizza for dinner on Tuesday, while Thursday was 8 pounds “of just meat” from Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.
“This allows us to feel like we’re living a normal life — and takes us to places we’re familiar with that we can’t visit now. It takes us to Chicago or New Orleans for a brief moment,” he says, adding that it’s also a way to give back to small businesses around the country. “We’re eating very well — and I like to think we’re doing something good for the economy.”
Related Video Stimulus checks are being spent on dildos, tigers, guns and stripper poles
Reem Abbassi, a 44-year-old hedge fund project manager, also wanted a taste of her pre-quarantine life. So she signed up for an online group class hosted by Rare Champagne and Petrossian caviar, which included Champagne and caviar home delivery for $270 per person.
“Most people are staying at home in small apartments, in yoga pants, so it’s one night of the week to at least dress up — and feel like you’re living the life that many of us moved to New York to live,” says Abbassi, who styled her hair and put on a little black dress and heels for the Zoom call.
It was a delicious distraction from reality.
“For a moment, in that hour, it’s easy to forget you are in quarantine.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--The best calming CBD products to buy in honor of 4/20

NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
If you ’ ve been feeling anxiety over current events , it might be time to browse a few soothing CBD products — especially in honor of this week ’ s cheeky 4/20 holiday , celebrated by cannabis lovers around the globe .
Besides their scintillating aroma , CBD ( cannabidiol ) products promise to reduce inflammation , calm nerves and alleviate pain .
While few of these benefits are backed up by medical studies , the cannabis craze shows no signs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye masks to gummies and skin-care potions , chill out with our favorite plant-based picks .
Say hasta la vista to dark under-eye circles with these hydrogel eye masks .
Infused with cannabis sativa seed oil , green tea extract , chamomile and sodium hyaluronate , these miracle masks nourish , smooth and brighten delicate skin under the eyes .
No Puff Zone Hydrating Hemp Hydrogel Under Eye Mask , $ 9 Nails Inc .
Constantly washing and sanitizing your hands can take a real toll on your skin .
Let this natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hero .
This shampoo and conditioner set — infused with hemp-derived CBD — gently cleanses , detangles and hydrates locks , leaving you with the ultimate hair high .
The only thing worth inhaling this 4/20 are the mild floral scents and rich , spicy and herbaceous aromas of this candle .
Self-soothe with this restorative body oil , packed with powerful ingredients such as full-spectrum CBD and French maritime pine bark extract .
This budding bundle will keep you calm and organized .
The all-in-one kit includes a sleek leather pouch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gift card from the meditation app Headspace .
Enjoy the stress-relieving benefits of this sophisticated skin-care cream .
Its rich blend of terpenes , CBD and natural compounds delivers instant relief to dry and itchy skin .
Get baked and bronzed with the first luxurious CBD-infused tanning mousse .
Nourishing botanical ingredients leave skin with a long-lasting sun-kissed glow — and a fresh scent .
This facial mist uses the finest THC-free cannabidiol ( in combination with aloe , green tea , coffee and peppermint ) to reduce redness and leave you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bask in the glow of your own complexion with this CBD face oil .
Infused with Colorado-grown , organic , full-spectrum CBD , it offers TLC to dry , irritated or stressed-out skin .
Add a tranquil touch to virtual happy hour by stirring one of these soothing sachets into your drink .
Packed with powerful anti-inflammatories agents such as turmeric , ginger and boswellia , along with CBD and tart cherry powder , the powders promise to optimize relaxation and ease sore and achy joints .
Soothing sachets , $ 50 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Things Soak up the healing benefits of these CBD- and botanical-infused bath salts , designed to alleviate aches and pains .
Ingredients such as sulfur detoxify and draw out impurities , while active botanicals soothe muscles and promote relaxation .
Let this earthy eau de grassy vetiver , with calming violet leaf and fresh lemon , be the high note of your fragrance collection .
The debut of this bubbling face tonic ( from vegan and cruelty-free skin-care brand Wldkat ) comes just in time for 4/20 .
Charged with powerful ingredients such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ root extract , the potion leaves skin looking bright and radiant .

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
If you’ve been feeling anxiety over current events, it might be time to browse a few soothing CBD products — especially in honor of this week’s cheeky 4/20 holiday, celebrated by cannabis lovers around the globe.
Besides their scintillating aroma, CBD (cannabidiol) products promise to reduce inflammation, calm nerves and alleviate pain. While few of these benefits are backed up by medical studies, the cannabis craze shows no signs of slowing down.
From CBD-infused oils and eye masks to gummies and skin-care potions, chill out with our favorite plant-based picks.
Puff begone
Say hasta la vista to dark under-eye circles with these hydrogel eye masks. Infused with cannabis sativa seed oil, green tea extract, chamomile and sodium hyaluronate, these miracle masks nourish, smooth and brighten delicate skin under the eyes.
No Puff Zone Hydrating Hemp Hydrogel Under Eye Mask, $9 Nails Inc.
Hydrated high
Constantly washing and sanitizing your hands can take a real toll on your skin. Let this natural CBD skin cream be your handy hydrating hero.
Natural CBD skin cream, $65 (2 oz.) at Dr. Kerklaan
Herbal essence
This shampoo and conditioner set — infused with hemp-derived CBD — gently cleanses, detangles and hydrates locks, leaving you with the ultimate hair high.
Super Garden shampoo and conditioner set, $72 at R+Co
Get lit
The only thing worth inhaling this 4/20 are the mild floral scents and rich, spicy and herbaceous aromas of this candle.
Cannabis candle, $55 at Malin + Goetz
Strike oil
Self-soothe with this restorative body oil, packed with powerful ingredients such as full-spectrum CBD and French maritime pine bark extract.
Ellis Brooklyn Marvelous CBD Massage & Body Oil, $65 at Standard Dose
Chew on this
This budding bundle will keep you calm and organized. The all-in-one kit includes a sleek leather pouch, a starter pack of CBD gummies and a gift card to a meditation app.
The Bee & Kit, $99 at Bee & Kin
Serenity now
Enjoy the stress-relieving benefits of this sophisticated skin-care cream. Its rich blend of terpenes, CBD and natural compounds delivers instant relief to dry and itchy skin.
CBD 300 Face and Body Cream, $125 at Chantecaille
Always sunny
Get baked and bronzed with the first luxurious CBD-infused tanning mousse. Nourishing botanical ingredients leave skin with a long-lasting sun-kissed glow — and a fresh scent.
Tanning Mousse, $55 at Opalens Beauty
Mist Mary Jane
This facial mist uses the finest THC-free cannabidiol (in combination with aloe, green tea, coffee and peppermint) to reduce redness and leave you fresh-faced for your next video call.
Tone Down spray, $29 at Fitish
Go green
Bask in the glow of your own complexion with this CBD face oil. Infused with Colorado-grown, organic, full-spectrum CBD, it offers TLC to dry, irritated or stressed-out skin.
Emerald CBD Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil, $98 at Herbivore Botanicals
Powder hour
Add a tranquil touch to virtual happy hour by stirring one of these soothing sachets into your drink. Packed with powerful anti-inflammatories agents such as turmeric, ginger and boswellia, along with CBD and tart cherry powder, the powders promise to optimize relaxation and ease sore and achy joints.
Soothing sachets, $50 (box of 12) at Nature of Things
Rub-a-dub-dub
Soak up the healing benefits of these CBD- and botanical-infused bath salts, designed to alleviate aches and pains. Ingredients such as sulfur detoxify and draw out impurities, while active botanicals soothe muscles and promote relaxation.
Botanicals bath salts, $29 at Vertly
Just a spritz
Let this earthy eau de grassy vetiver, with calming violet leaf and fresh lemon, be the high note of your fragrance collection.
Dirty Grass eau de parfum, $185 at Heretic
Chronic tonic
The debut of this bubbling face tonic (from vegan and cruelty-free skin-care brand Wldkat) comes just in time for 4/20. Charged with powerful ingredients such as broad-spectrum CBD, kombucha and ginger root extract, the potion leaves skin looking bright and radiant.
Ginger + Kombucha Bubbling Skin Tonic, $28 (available 4/20) at Wldkat


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--American among 6 people busted hiding from coronavirus in Indian cave

Six broke tourists — including an American — tried to sit out the coronavirus pandemic in an Indian cave and have been sent to quarantine at an ashram near a city where the Beatles gathered to meditate in 1968 , according to a report .
The four men and two women – including French , Ukrainian , Turkish and Nepalese citizens — had been hunkered down in the cave near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand state since March 24 , police inspector Rajendra Singh Kathait told Agence France-Presse .
They cave dwellers have been moved to Swarg Ashramto spend 14 days under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown symptoms of the illness , according to AFP .
“ Before the lockdown began , they were living in a hotel in the Muni Ki Reti region but they moved to the cave after they ran out of money , ” Kathait told the news outlet .
“ However , they had saved some money to buy food and other supplies.
” The Nepalese man had been buying essential items to help the group , Kathait added .
About 700 foreign tourists remain in Rishikesh and the government has launched the website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international travelers .
In 1968 , Paul McCartney , John Lennon , George Harrison and Ringo Starr sought refuge from Beatlemania by going to Rishikesh for spiritual enlightenment and to immerse themselves in Indian culture .
In addition to practicing transcendental meditation , the Fab Four also wrote about 40 songs at their ashram in the yoga retreat city , including some featured on “ Abbey Road ” and “ The White Album.
” India has been under a nationwide lockdown since late March .
It was due to be lifted on April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least May 3 .
The country has reported more than 15,700 coronavirus cases , including 507 deaths .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
Six broke tourists — including an American — tried to sit out the coronavirus pandemic in an Indian cave and have been sent to quarantine at an ashram near a city where the Beatles gathered to meditate in 1968, according to a report.
The four men and two women – including French, Ukrainian, Turkish and Nepalese citizens — had been hunkered down in the cave near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand state since March 24, police inspector Rajendra Singh Kathait told Agence France-Presse.
The cave dwellers have been moved to Swarg Ashram to spend 14 days under quarantine, although none of them have shown symptoms of the illness, according to AFP.
“Before the lockdown began, they were living in a hotel in the Muni Ki Reti region but they moved to the cave after they ran out of money,” Kathait told the news outlet. “However, they had saved some money to buy food and other supplies.”
The Nepalese man had been buying essential items to help the group, Kathait added.
About 700 foreign tourists remain in Rishikesh and the government has launched the website “Stranded in India” to help international travelers.
In 1968, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr sought refuge from Beatlemania by going to Rishikesh for spiritual enlightenment and to immerse themselves in Indian culture.
In addition to practicing transcendental meditation, the Fab Four wrote about 40 songs at their ashram in the yoga retreat city, including some featured on “Abbey Road” and “The White Album.”
India has been under a nationwide lockdown since late March. It was due to be lifted on April 15, but has been extended to at least May 3.
The country has reported more than 15,700 coronavirus cases, including 507 deaths.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--5-year-old daughter of Detroit first responders dies of coronavirus

NFL Draft 2020 is carrying the sports conversation during the ...

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The 5-year-old daughter of two first responders has died in Michigan after a coronavirus infection left her likely brain-dead on a ventilator, her family says.
Little Skylar Herbert first complained a month ago about bad headaches — with COVID-19 causing a form of meningitis that caused swelling of her brain, her parents told the Detroit News.
“We decided to take her off the ventilator today because her improvement had stopped, the doctors told us that it was possible she was brain-dead,” her mother, LaVondria Herbert, told the paper Sunday.
“We basically just knew she wasn’t coming back to us,” said the 46-year-old mom, a Detroit cop for 25 years.
Skylar had initially tested positive for strep throat on March 23, with her pediatrician sending her home with antibiotics. But her parents took her to the ER after she stayed up “crying all night and saying the headache would not go away,” her mom recalled.
She was tested for COVID-19 at Beaumont Royal Oak, which came back positive the next day. The family returned the next day, this time because Skylar’s dad — Detroit firefighter Ebbie Herbert — showed symptoms of the bug. The youngster had a seizure while her father was being tested, and tests later revealed meningitis.
Her parents told the Detroit News they do not know how she became infected because she had stayed home for weeks and had no pre-existing conditions. Her father’s test came back inconclusive despite his symptoms, they say.
Skylar is the first child to have died of the contagion in Michigan, the paper says.
“The loss of a child, at any time, under any circumstances, is a tragedy,” a spokesman for Beaumont Health told the paper.
“We are heartbroken that COVID-19 has taken the life of a child. We extend our deepest sympathy to Skylar’s family and all others who have lost a loved one to this virus.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--Listen to Episode 28 of ‘Gang’s All Here’: Projecting the Jets’ Draft feat. Greg McElroy

NFL Draft 2020 is carrying the sports conversation during the pandemic .
Thursday , Friday and Saturday will be three days of 255 players being selected and making their NFL dreams come true .
To break down the Jets ’ plans for the draft , we present a brand-new episode of the “ Gang ’ s All Here ” podcast .
Brian Costello and I open the show honoring the life of Post sports photographer Anthony Causi , who lost a brave battle with coronavirus , and Coz talks about his memories of working with him over the years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
11 pick in the draft and break down whom they might take .
Coz believes they definitely will go with an offensive lineman , and would take Georgia ’ s Andrew Thomas if he is still on the board .
I believe getting a No .
1 wide receiver like Jerry Jeudy would be the move , but either decision makes sense for Gang Green .
We also go through the rest of the Jets ’ draft picks as Coz does a mock draft of his own .
Coz then welcomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterback and current ESPN college football analyst .
McElroy analyzes the SEC standouts whom the Jets could think about : Thomas , Jedrick Willis Jr. , Jeudy and Henry Ruggs .
He breaks down whether it ’ s more important for a QB to have weapons or a strong offensive line .
McElroy also looks back to the “ smack-talking ” 2012 Jets and discussed working at ESPN with his old buddies Mark Sanchez , Rex Ryan and Tim Tebow .
Subscribe to “ Gang ’ s All Here ” on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcasts .
Stay tuned for the next episode of the podcast .

NFL Draft 2020 is carrying the sports conversation during the pandemic. Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be three days of 255 players being selected and making their NFL dreams come true. To break down the Jets’ plans for the draft, we present a brand-new episode of the “Gang’s All Here” podcast.
Brian Costello and I open the show honoring the life of Post sports photographer Anthony Causi, who lost a brave battle with coronavirus, and Coz talks about his memories of working with him over the years. We then get into the Jets’ No. 11 pick in the draft and break down whom they might take. Coz believes they definitely will go with an offensive lineman, and would take Georgia’s Andrew Thomas if he is still on the board. I believe getting a No. 1 wide receiver like Jerry Jeudy would be the move, but either decision makes sense for Gang Green.
We also go through the rest of the Jets’ draft picks as Coz does a mock draft of his own.
Coz then welcomes in Greg McElroy, the former Jets quarterback and current ESPN college football analyst. McElroy analyzes the SEC standouts whom the Jets could think about: Thomas, Jedrick Willis Jr., Jeudy and Henry Ruggs. He breaks down whether it’s more important for a QB to have weapons or a strong offensive line. McElroy also looks back to the “smack-talking” 2012 Jets and discussed working at ESPN with his old buddies Mark Sanchez, Rex Ryan and Tim Tebow.
Catch up on all episodes of “Gang’s All Here,” a New York Jets podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--TV reporter accidentally records husband naked in the shower

A California TV reporter got into a hairy situation while filing a report from her bathroom – when her naked @ @ @ @ @ shower , according to a report .
Melinda Meza of Sacramento ’ s KRCA3 recorded @ @ @ @ @ a story about hairstylists during the coronavirus quarantine when her camera captured more than she @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Mail .
Her husband Mike de Lambert apparently is seen in a reflection @ @ @ @ @ that his privates were beamed over the airwaves .
“ Omg please let that not @ @ @ @ @ one Twitter user posted .
Another joked : “ Damn why she wan na work @ @ @ @ @ all that at home ?
” And yet another had other thoughts in mind .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ t see this !
” the user said .

A California TV reporter got into a hairy situation while filing a report from her bathroom – when her naked hubby was caught in the shower, according to a report.
Melinda Meza of Sacramento’s KCRA3 recorded herself cutting her bangs for a story about hairstylists during the coronavirus quarantine when her camera captured more than she bargained for, according to the Daily Mail.
Her husband, Mike de Lambert, apparently is seen in a reflection in the background, unaware that his privates were beamed over the airwaves.
“Omg please let that not be her husband,” one Twitter user posted.
Another joked: “Damn why she wanna work when she’s got all that at home?”
And yet another had other thoughts in mind.
“Hope her husband doesn’t see this!” the user said.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--Texas sisters die 102 years apart from separate global pandemics

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The coronavirus has claimed the life of a 96-year-old Texas woman whose sister died from the Spanish flu in 1918 , according to a report .
Selma Esther Ryan , who died at an assisted-living facility in Austin last week , wasn ’ t yet born when her sister , Esther , died 102 years ago at the age of 5 , according to WGN-TV .
“ On April 3 , I got a call from the facility that five residents , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Ryan ’ s daughter Vicki told the news outlet .
“ Over the next five days I watched through the window as she got sicker and sicker .
It was so hard to not be with her , ” she added .
“ Her 96th birthday was April 11 .
Our family gathered outside her window , but it was obvious that something terrible had happened.
” Ryan had not been tested for COVID-19 until after she died , Vicki said , adding that the Travis County Medical Examiner ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was born five years after her sister died during the 1918 pandemic , which proved to be deadly for young children .
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the 1918 pandemic infected 500 million people globally — a third of the world ’ s population at the time — and killed 50 million people , including 675,000 in the US .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
The coronavirus has claimed the life of a 96-year-old Texas woman whose sister died from the Spanish flu in 1918, according to a report.
Selma Esther Ryan, who died at an assisted living facility in Austin last week, wasn’t yet born when her sister Esther died 102 years ago at the age of 5, according to WGN-TV.
“On April 3, I got a call from the facility that five residents, including my mother, were running a temperature,” Ryan’s daughter Vicki told the news outlet.
“Over the next five days I watched through the window as she got sicker and sicker. It was so hard to not be with her,” she added. “Her 96th birthday was April 11. Our family gathered outside her window, but it was obvious that something terrible had happened.”
Ryan was not tested for COVID-19 until after she died, Vicki said, adding that the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed her infection.
She was born five years after her sister died during the 1918 pandemic, which proved to be especially deadly for young children.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 1918 pandemic infected 500 million people globally — a third of the world’s population at the time — and killed 50 million people, including 675,000 in the US.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--TikTok user may have accidentally recorded home intruder while dancing

lmao i ’ m home alone so i learned a tiktok dance .
lov u doja but what has my life come to ?
# musiclives # positivevibes # sayso # qurantine # boredathome This guy was home alone… right ?
A post on TikTok showing a man dancing has gone viral , but probably not for the reason the original poster had hoped .
Instead of impressing the Internet with some funky dance moves , he instead ended up scaring many of his followers .
TikTok user Reubix_Cube posted the video of himself dancing while he said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shocked when something briefly appeared in the background ; some commenters described it as looking like someone “ poking their head ” around the corner .
The original video has racked up over 1.7 million views , while a follow-up video of Reu ( as he signed his posts ) reacting to the footage had 6.2 million views .
While many of the comments speculated on what the video actually showed , some users suggested the creepy looking footage was staged .
As one user wrote , “ Obviously this is planned , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone , ’ ( he ) wanted us to know.
” In one of several follow up videos , Reu claimed he ’ s been having trouble sleeping since he recorded the footage and was not “ calm.
” He also claimed he wasn ’ t sure if the footage showed a person on the stairs , as he said his stairs were very loud and he likely would ’ ve heard someone walking down them .
He also denied the video was “ staged.
” In yet another follow up video , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they were not home at the time ( he didn ’ t want to annoy them by playing the same music over and over again while learning the dance ) .
He also said they had no pets .
He did say , however , that the house was near a graveyard .

This guy was home alone … right?
A post on TikTok showing a man dancing has gone viral, but probably not for the reason the original poster had hoped. Instead of impressing the internet with some funky dance moves, he ended up scaring many of his followers.
TikTok user Reubix_Cube posted the video of himself dancing while he said he was home alone. This apparently left viewers shocked when something briefly appeared in the background; some commenters described it as looking like someone “poking their head” around the corner.
The original video has racked up over 1.7 million views, while a follow-up video of Reu (as he signed his posts) reacting to the footage had 6.2 million views.
While many of the comments speculated on what the video actually showed, some users suggested the creepy-looking footage was staged. As one user wrote, “Obviously this is planned, the caption says ‘I was home alone,’ (he) wanted us to know.”
In one of several follow-up videos, Reu claimed he’s been having trouble sleeping since he recorded the footage and was not “calm.” He also claimed he wasn’t sure if the footage showed a person on the stairs, as he said his stairs were very loud and he likely would’ve heard someone walking down them.
He also denied the video was “staged.” In yet another follow-up video, he confirmed he lived with relatives, but they were not home at the time (he didn’t want to annoy them by playing the same music over and over again while learning the dance). He also said they had no pets.
He did say, however, that the house was near a graveyard.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--100,000 people attend Bangladesh funeral despite coronavirus lockdown measure

A funeral for a Bangladeshi religious leader drew around 100,000 people in defiance of nationwide coronavirus lockdown .
Police reported that mourners did not wear masks or gloves as they crowded the Sarail district in Brahmanbaria on Saturday to pay their respects to Maulana Jubayer Ahmed Ansari , a senior official of an Islamist party .
Bangladesh has struggled to control the pandemic , leading to strict lockdown measures .
Government officials were assured the funeral would observe social distancing rules .
“ The madrasa authorities told us they would ensure social distancing , which did not turn out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look into it , ” Deputy Commissioner Hayat-ud-Doula Khan told the Dhaka Tribune .
Police were unable to handle the huge number of people attending the last rites .
“ We had repeatedly asked them to ensure social distancing .
Announcements through megaphones were made in the area to that end .
Despite all-out efforts from our part , it was not possible to maintain the social distancing rules , ” said Additional Superintendent of Police Md Alamgir Hossain .
“ The law can not be enforced on tens of thousands of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several senior officers for failing to disperse the crowd .
Bangladesh has imposed a nationwide lockdown since March 26 , with a restriction of no more than five people allowed to congregate in prayer in a mosque .
As of Sunday , Bangladesh had 2,456 confirmed coronavirus cases , with 91 deaths .

A funeral for a Bangladeshi religious leader drew around 100,000 people in defiance of nationwide coronavirus lockdown.
Police reported that mourners did not wear masks or gloves as they crowded the Sarail district in Brahmanbaria on Saturday to pay their respects to Maulana Jubayer Ahmed Ansari, a senior official of an Islamist party.
Bangladesh has struggled to control the pandemic, leading to strict lockdown measures. Government officials were assured the funeral would observe social distancing rules.
“The madrasa authorities told us they would ensure social distancing, which did not turn out to be the case. We’ll look into it,” Deputy Commissioner Hayat-ud-Doula Khan told the Dhaka Tribune.
Police were unable to handle the huge number of people attending the last rites.
“We had repeatedly asked them to ensure social distancing. Announcements through megaphones were made in the area to that end. Despite all-out efforts from our part, it was not possible to maintain the social distancing rules,” said Additional Superintendent of Police Md Alamgir Hossain.
“The law cannot be enforced on tens of thousands of people,” Hossain said.
Police suspended several senior officers for failing to disperse the crowd.
Bangladesh has imposed a nationwide lockdown since March 26, with a restriction of no more than five people allowed to congregate in prayer in a mosque.
As of Sunday, Bangladesh had 2,456 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 91 deaths.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--Listen to Episode 30 of ‘Blue Rush’: Who Will Be the Giants’ Pick at No. 4?

While most of the sports world is on hold , the NFL Draft is still happening , beginning Thursday with the first round .
That means it ’ s time for a brand-new “ Blue Rush ” podcast with Steve Serby , Paul Schwartz and me .
Serby and I open the show talking about life without sports and what we have been doing to fill our quarantine days .
Serby then gives a touching tribute to longtime NY Post sports photographer Anthony Causi , who passed away last Sunday after a fierce battle with coronavirus .
Serby talks about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the years , including the time they went to Houston together to knock on Andy Pettitte ’ s door .
We then get into the No .
4 pick the Giants will have Thursday and what they might do with it .
Isaiah Simmons…or offensive tackle ?
The stud linebacker out of Clemson who could give the Giants defense a playmaker it desperately needs or a building block for the offensive line ?
Serby and I break down the top offensive linemen , the Giants ’ current situation , how poorly they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong O-line is for Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley .
NY Post Giants beat writer Paul Schwartz then joins and explains whether he would take Simmons or one of the top tackles ( Jedrick Wills Jr. , Tristan Wirfs , Mekhi Becton or Andrew Thomas ) .
He also talks about the importance of this draft for GM Dave Gettleman , other prospects Big Blue will target after the first round and what positions they should focus on .
Schwartz also shares his memories of Causi , including a memorable photo with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ episodes of “ Blue Rush ” by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts .
Stay tuned for the next episode of the show .

While most of the sports world is on hold, the NFL Draft is still happening, beginning Thursday with the first round. That means it’s time for a brand-new “Blue Rush” podcast with Steve Serby, Paul Schwartz and me.
Serby and I open the show talking about life without sports and what we have been doing to fill our quarantine days. Serby then gives a touching tribute to longtime NY Post sports photographer Anthony Causi, who passed away last Sunday after a fierce battle with coronavirus. Serby talks about his memories of working with Causi over the years, including the time they went to Houston together to knock on Andy Pettitte’s door.
We then get into the No. 4 pick the Giants will have Thursday and what they might do with it. Isaiah Simmons…or offensive tackle? The stud linebacker out of Clemson who could give the Giants defense a playmaker it desperately needs or a building block for the offensive line?
Serby and I break down the top offensive linemen, the Giants’ current situation, how poorly they have drafted over the years and how essential a strong O-line is for Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.
NY Post Giants beat writer Paul Schwartz then joins and explains whether he would take Simmons or one of the top tackles (Jedrick Wills Jr., Tristan Wirfs, Mekhi Becton or Andrew Thomas). He also talks about the importance of this draft for GM Dave Gettleman, other prospects Big Blue will target after the first round and what positions they should focus on. Schwartz also shares his memories of Causi, including a memorable photo with Saquon Barkley.
Catch up on all episodes of “Blue Rush,” a New York Giants podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--Mischievous tot makes a pink ‘beard’ with mom’s lipstick

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If she thought she had this under control, she had another “pink” coming. Watch the funny moment when Priscilla King, 38, in Leeds, England, discovers her 2-year-old covered in pink lipstick. “Every morning when I’m doing my makeup he says, ‘Can I do it?’ and I say, ‘No, it’s just for mommies,’” Oscar’s mom confessed. As soon as she was distracted, the boy seized the moment to paint nearly his entire face.
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newyorkpost--2020-04-20--Trump admits he’s still holding a grudge against Romney after task force snub

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President Trump acknowledged that he left Sen. Mitt Romney off the White House task force studying the reopening of parts of the US amid the coronavirus pandemic because he still holds a grudge against him .
The “ Opening Up American Again Congressional Group ” includes almost 70 senators , including a dozen Democrats and all 52 of the Utah lawmaker ’ s Republican colleagues in the upper chamber .
Romney was the only GOP senator to vote to convict Trump of abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ m not a fan of Mitt Romney , ” the president said Sunday , according to The Hill , adding , “ I don ’ t really want his advice.
” Asked if Romney ’ s exclusion shows Trump still holding a grudge , the president answered , “ Yeah , it does.
” The Utah senator has been a frequent critic of the president , who called him a “ pompous ass ” in a tweet after the senator criticized him for urging foreign leaders to investigate former Vice @ @ @ @

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President Trump acknowledged that he left Sen. Mitt Romney off the White House task force studying the reopening of parts of the US amid the coronavirus pandemic because he still holds a grudge against him.
The “Opening Up America Again Congressional Group” includes almost 70 senators, including a dozen Democrats and all 52 of the Utah lawmaker’s Republican colleagues in the upper chamber.
Romney was the only GOP senator to vote to convict Trump of abuse of power in his impeachment trial.
“I’m not a fan of Mitt Romney,” the president said Sunday, according to The Hill, adding, “I don’t really want his advice.”
Asked if Romney’s exclusion shows Trump still holds a grudge, the president answered, “Yeah, it does.”
The Utah senator has been a frequent critic of the president, who called him a “pompous ass” in a tweet after Romney criticized him for urging foreign leaders to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--Joe Biden wins mail-in Wyoming caucus

Joe Biden wins mail-in Wyoming caucus

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CHEYENNE , Wyo .
— Joe Biden has won Wyoming ’ s Democratic presidential caucus , which had been postponed for two weeks and scaled back to just mail-in ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic , state party officials said Sunday .
The results come less than two weeks after Bernie Sanders dropped out and endorsed Biden , who is the only candidate still actively seeking the Democratic nomination .
Voting began when it was still a two-candidate race .
Biden beat Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total of 15,428 votes were cast .
Biden gets 12 delegates and Sanders gets two .
Party rules make Sanders ineligible to win delegates based on the statewide vote .
He is , however , still eligible to win delegates based on vote totals in individual congressional districts — Wyoming has one at-large district — which is why The Associated Press allocated two delegates to the Vermont senator .
Biden led Sanders in the delegate count 1,305 to 939 .
The Biden and Sanders campaigns are in talks over allowing Sanders to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race for the nomination may be moot , but Sanders still wants as many delegates as possible to help shape the party ’ s platform .
The Wyoming Democratic Party announced the results after tabulating votes Saturday and auditing the results overnight .
What was originally to be a combination of in-person caucusing , drop-off and mail-in vote tabulation on April 4 was scaled back to just drop-off and mail-in — and finally just mail-in voting .
Party officials then pushed back the due date for mailed ballots and tabulation to help ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Wyoming Democratic Party headquarters Friday .
Party officials used a courier to drive the ballots to Denver for tabulation .
The party for the first time used ranked-choice voting to allocate delegates to the Democratic National Convention in August .
Voters could rank up to five candidates according to their preference .
Besides Biden and Sanders , Hawaii U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard ; former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg ; former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg ; Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren ; Minnesota U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francisco ; were on the ballot .

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CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Joe Biden has won Wyoming’s Democratic presidential caucus, which had been postponed for two weeks and scaled back to just mail-in ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic, state party officials said Sunday.
The results come less than two weeks after Bernie Sanders dropped out and endorsed Biden, who is the only candidate still actively seeking the Democratic nomination. Voting began when it was still a two-candidate race.
Biden beat Sanders 72% to 28%. A total of 15,428 votes were cast.
Biden gets 12 delegates and Sanders gets two.
Party rules make Sanders ineligible to win delegates based on the statewide vote. He is, however, still eligible to win delegates based on vote totals in individual congressional districts — Wyoming has one at-large district — which is why The Associated Press allocated two delegates to the Vermont senator.
Biden led Sanders in the delegate count 1,305 to 939. The Biden and Sanders campaigns are in talks over allowing Sanders to keep some of his statewide delegates. The race for the nomination may be moot, but Sanders still wants as many delegates as possible to help shape the party’s platform.
The Wyoming Democratic Party announced the results after tabulating votes Saturday and auditing the results overnight.
What was originally to be a combination of in-person caucusing, drop-off and mail-in vote tabulation on April 4 was scaled back to just drop-off and mail-in — and finally just mail-in voting.
Party officials then pushed back the due date for mailed ballots and tabulation to help ensure participation.
The mailed-in ballots were due at Wyoming Democratic Party headquarters Friday. Party officials used a courier to drive the ballots to Denver for tabulation.
The party for the first time used ranked-choice voting to allocate delegates to the Democratic National Convention in August. Voters could rank up to five candidates according to their preference.
Besides Biden and Sanders, Hawaii U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard; former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg; former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg; Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren; Minnesota U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar; and investor Tom Steyer, of San Francisco; were on the ballot.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--Israelis maintain social distancing while protesting coronavirus measures

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Thousands of Israelis practiced social distancing Sunday while protesting against what they see as anti-democratic measures in the country under the coronavirus-era government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu .
The demonstrators could be seen holding signs and wearing masks as they stood six feet apart in Tel Aviv ’ s Rabin Square to obey the measures taken during the coronavirus pandemic .
More than 2,000 protesters involved in the “ Black Flag ” movement rallied against the strict police measures aimed to combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilians — that were implemented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , reported Haaretz .
Police required the “ Black Flag ” organizers to mark spots on the ground for the protesters to stand and maintain physical distance from each other .
Demonstrations are allowed under Israel ’ s coronavirus restrictions , as long as participants stand two meters apart and wear masks .
Several thousand more people participated in virtual versions of the rally on Facebook and Zoom , due to coronavirus fears .
The “ Black Flag ” protests gained traction in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cars drove to Jerusalem to protest anti-democratic measures taken to combat fight the virus passed by Netanyahu .
“ It started with the coronavirus , when they [ the government ] started passing anti-democratic bills , ” said Tamir Hefetz , one of the protest organizers said to Haaretz .
“ I woke up and realized there is no alternative , tomorrow will be too late.
” The protesters also warned against talks between Netanyahu and his formal rival Benny Gantz — the two are in the process of trying to form a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of political deadlock after three inconclusive elections .
Waving black flags and holding banners that “ Save the Democracy , ” protesters called on Gantz ’ s Blue and White party not to join in a coalition led by Netanyahu—who is under criminal indictment for three corruption cases .
Netanyahu eased lockdown restrictions over the weekend as unemployment soared over 26 percent .
Israel has reported more than 13,000 coronavirus cases and 172 people have died .

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Thousands of Israelis practiced social distancing Sunday while protesting against what they see as anti-democratic measures in the country under the coronavirus-era government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The demonstrators could be seen holding signs and wearing masks as they stood six feet apart in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square to obey the measures taken during the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 2,000 protesters involved in the “Black Flag” movement rallied against the strict police measures aimed to combat the virus — including phone tracking for civilians — that were implemented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported Haaretz.
Police required the “Black Flag” organizers to mark spots on the ground for the protesters to stand and maintain physical distance from each other.
Demonstrations are allowed under Israel’s coronavirus restrictions, as long as participants stand two meters apart and wear masks.
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Several thousand more people participated in virtual versions of the rally on Facebook and Zoom, due to coronavirus fears.
The “Black Flag” protests gained traction in March, when hundreds of people in cars drove to Jerusalem to protest anti-democratic measures taken to combat fight the virus passed by Netanyahu.
“It started with the coronavirus, when they [the government] started passing anti-democratic bills,” said Tamir Hefetz, one of the protest organizers said to Haaretz. “I woke up and realized there is no alternative, tomorrow will be too late.”
The protesters also warned against talks between Netanyahu and his formal rival Benny Gantz — the two are in the process of trying to form a collation government that would end a year of political deadlock after three inconclusive elections.
Waving black flags and holding banners that “Save the Democracy,” protesters called on Gantz’s Blue and White party not to join in a coalition led by Netanyahu—who is under criminal indictment for three corruption cases.
Netanyahu eased lockdown restrictions over the weekend as unemployment soared over 26 percent.
Israel has reported more than 13,000 coronavirus cases and 172 people have died.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--Cops enforcing coronavirus restrictions on Florida beach nab fugitive murder suspect

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Cops enforcing coronavirus restrictions at a Florida beach Sunday arrested a man on the lam in a Pennsylvania murder case .
The arrest of fugitive Mario Matthew Gatti , 30 , unfolded two days after officials partially reopened Jacksonville beaches that had been closed to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
The reopening drew hundreds of beachgoers .
“ This morning while officers patrolled the beach proper they captured a Fugitive from Justice , wanted in Arnold , Pennsylvania for Homicide , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Good job !
” Police posted a photo of Gatti in surfing shorts on the beach as two officers led him away in handcuffs .
Police said they took Gatti into custody after spotting him loitering close to the dunes around 8:20 a.m. , Fox 30 Jacksonville reported .
An arrest warrant was issued for him in the shooting death of Michael Coover Jr. , 33 who was shot multiple times in January at an apartment in Arnold , outside Pittsburgh .
Both Gatti and Coover had criminal records , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder .
Crowds returned to the Jacksonville beaches after they reopened from 6-11 a.m. and 5-8 p.m. daily .
The beaches were opened again for walking , running , swimming and surfing but restrictions haven ’ t been lifted that prohibited sunbathing and lounging in chairs or on blankets .

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Cops enforcing coronavirus restrictions at a Florida beach Sunday arrested a man on the lam in a Pennsylvania murder case.
The arrest of fugitive Mario Matthew Gatti, 30, unfolded two days after officials partially reopened Jacksonville beaches that had been closed to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The reopening drew hundreds of beachgoers.
“This morning while officers patrolled the beach proper they captured a Fugitive from Justice, wanted in Arnold, Pennsylvania for Homicide,” the Jacksonville Beach Police Department tweeted. “Good job!”
Police posted a photo of Gatti in surfing shorts on the beach as two officers led him away in handcuffs.
Related Video Jacksonville beach packed as Florida coronavirus cases hit record
Police said they took Gatti into custody after spotting him loitering close to the dunes around 8:20 a.m., Fox 30 Jacksonville reported.
An arrest warrant was issued for him in the shooting death of Michael Coover Jr., 33, who was shot multiple times in January at an apartment in Arnold, outside Pittsburgh.
Both Gatti and Coover had criminal records, according to reports at the time of the murder.
Crowds returned to the Jacksonville beaches after they reopened from 6 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. daily.
The beaches were opened again for walking, running, swimming and surfing, but restrictions haven’t been lifted that prohibited sunbathing and lounging in chairs or on blankets.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--More than 1,800 inmates, 100 staff test positive for coronavirus at Ohio prison

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More than 1,800 inmates housed at an Ohio correctional facility have coronavirus , a report said Sunday .
A total of 1,828 detainees at the Marion Correctional Institution in Marion , Ohio have tested positive for the illness , and 108 staff members have also been infected , according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction .
Of the sick inmates , 38 were being treated at an outside hospital .
A total of 667 inmates were being quarantined at the facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Because we are testing everyone — including those who are not showing symptoms — we are getting positive test results on individuals who otherwise would have never been tested because they were asymptomatic , ” the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said in a statement .
“ Also , our comprehensive testing approach of staff and inmates has assisted us in identifying asymptomatic individuals who have tested positive who can now be isolated from others in order to prevent further spread , ” the statement read .
There have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak .
More than 11,600 have tested positive for the illness in the state .

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More than 1,800 inmates housed at an Ohio correctional facility have coronavirus, a report said Sunday.
A total of 1,828 detainees at the Marion Correctional Institution in Marion, Ohio have tested positive for the illness, and 108 staff members have also been infected, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Of the sick inmates, 38 were being treated at an outside hospital. A total of 667 inmates were being quarantined at the facility. The jail houses about 2,500 inmates.
“Because we are testing everyone — including those who are not showing symptoms — we are getting positive test results on individuals who otherwise would have never been tested because they were asymptomatic,” the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said in a statement.
“Also, our comprehensive testing approach of staff and inmates has assisted us in identifying asymptomatic individuals who have tested positive who can now be isolated from others in order to prevent further spread,” the statement read.
There have been 471 deaths in Ohio due to the coronavirus outbreak. More than 11,600 have tested positive for the illness in the state.


newyorkpost--2020-04-20--Yankees’ Jordan Montgomery ‘more optimistic’ season will happen

Yankees pitcher Jordan Montgomery takes Post readers behind the scenes as he tries to stay prepared for the 2020 season amid the coronavirus pandemic .
As told to Ken Davidoff .
Hello again from Sumter , South Carolina , where I ’ m amping up my workouts a little bit .
I ’ m getting more optimistic that we ’ re going to have a baseball season this year after hearing Dr. Anthony Fauci say we could have a season without fans .
I don ’ t think they would release that statement without it being a real possibility .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen sooner or later .
I have been throwing bullpen sessions once a week and playing catch the other days .
I ’ m going to switch that to a five-day rotation and throw every fifth day .
I want to show up for the new spring training as ready as I can be and use that as a refining , not a rushed buildup .
I ’ d rather be overconfident and ready than have the season sneak up on me and not be ready .
I ’ d be fine with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us all in Phoenix-area hotels and transporting us from there to the ballparks and back .
That ’ s basically what I ’ m doing now , except we ’ d be playing baseball .
I ’ d be really excited about it .
Before any plans go into place , though , I know that I ’ ve been lucky to be home with my family .
There ’ s always someone who needs it more than I do .
I want to try to make a difference , and that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week .
1 .
The coast of South Carolina has been hit really bad by this .
Charleston , usually flooded with tourists , is a ghost town .
You might see five people walking along the water .
Most of the restaurants are shut down or just doing takeout , and many of those waiters and waitresses are out of jobs .
I donated to the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina ’ s COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Fund .
The fund is helping to take care of people from there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I donated to Harvest Hope Food Bank ’ s Coronavirus Response Fund .
They are a benefiting partner of Feeding America and are providing non-perishable food for people who aren ’ t getting meals .
3 .
I did another one for a Sumter County rent fund through Central Carolina Community Foundation .
Hopefully I can take care of a month ’ s rent for somebody .
I just felt like this was something that I needed to do after everything South Carolina has done for me .
I am passionate about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and raised here in Sumter , and I pitched for the University of South Carolina in Columbia .
I love the coastal area , and the foundation there also features a matching grant , so my donation will have an even greater impact .
Otherwise , I ’ m actually talking with my teammates more than I was .
Our Madden league is coming to an end .
It ’ s no surprise that Tommy Kahnle and Ben Heller are playing in our Super Bowl .
My team wound up 3-11 , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse .
My highlight was beating Tyler Wade in a user game , which was big .
It was fun to have something to do , to be in a group chat , listen to everybody , see everybody .
Besides missing my actual job and my teammates , I also miss New York City .
I used to be lazy during our off days at home , but my girlfriend , Mckenzie , has been trying to get me to do more New York things .
She ’ s been putting me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ ve only been to three shows : “ Waitress , ” “ Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ” and “ Frozen , ” which I took my young niece to .
I ’ m amazed by how much talent it takes to put all of that together .
Those people , they ’ re working to try to get on Broadway and stay on Broadway , and once you make it , it ’ s pretty impressive .
It ’ s like the big leagues of show business .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and things are up and running again , I want to see “ The Book of Mormon ” ( I know Chad Green went and saw it and thought it was hilarious ) and “ School of Rock.
” That ’ s for later , though .
Right now , we ’ ll see how the virus keeps going .
Hopefully it starts trending down and this hot weather will fizzle it out , and we can play some baseball this year .

Yankees pitcher Jordan Montgomery takes Post readers behind the scenes as he tries to stay prepared for the 2020 season amid the coronavirus pandemic. As told to Ken Davidoff.
Hello again from Sumter, South Carolina, where I’m amping up my workouts a little bit. I’m getting more optimistic that we’re going to have a baseball season this year after hearing Dr. Anthony Fauci say we could have a season without fans. I don’t think they would release that statement without it being a real possibility. I think it’s going to happen sooner or later.
I have been throwing bullpen sessions once a week and playing catch the other days. I’m going to switch that to a five-day rotation and throw every fifth day. I want to show up for the new spring training as ready as I can be and use that as a refining, not a rushed buildup. I’d rather be overconfident and ready than have the season sneak up on me and not be ready.
I’d be fine with the “Arizona plan” of keeping us all in Phoenix-area hotels and transporting us from there to the ballparks and back. That’s basically what I’m doing now, except we’d be playing baseball. I’d be really excited about it.
Before any plans go into place, though, I know that I’ve been lucky to be home with my family. There’s always someone who needs it more than I do. I want to try to make a difference, and that’s why I made a few donations last week.
1. The coast of South Carolina has been hit really bad by this. Charleston, usually flooded with tourists, is a ghost town. You might see five people walking along the water. Most of the restaurants are shut down or just doing takeout, and many of those waiters and waitresses are out of jobs. I donated to the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina’s COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Fund. The fund is helping to take care of people from there who are out of work.
2. I donated to Harvest Hope Food Bank’s Coronavirus Response Fund. They are a benefiting partner of Feeding America and are providing non-perishable food for people who aren’t getting meals.
3. I did another one for a Sumter County rent fund through Central Carolina Community Foundation. Hopefully I can take care of a month’s rent for somebody.
I just felt like this was something that I needed to do after everything South Carolina has done for me. I am passionate about my home state. I was born and raised here in Sumter, and I pitched for the University of South Carolina in Columbia. I love the coastal area, and the foundation there also features a matching grant, so my donation will have an even greater impact.
Otherwise, I’m actually talking with my teammates more than I was. Our Madden league is coming to an end. It’s no surprise that Tommy Kahnle and Ben Heller are playing in our Super Bowl. My team wound up 3-11, I believe. It could’ve been worse. My highlight was beating Tyler Wade in a user game, which was big. It was fun to have something to do, to be in a group chat, listen to everybody, see everybody.
Besides missing my actual job and my teammates, I also miss New York City. I used to be lazy during our off days at home, but my girlfriend, Mckenzie, has been trying to get me to do more New York things. She’s been putting me on Broadway, which I really like. I’ve only been to three shows: “Waitress,” “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” and “Frozen,” which I took my young niece to. I’m amazed by how much talent it takes to put all of that together. Those people, they’re working to try to get on Broadway and stay on Broadway, and once you make it, it’s pretty impressive. It’s like the big leagues of show business.
When we get back to New York and things are up and running again, I want to see “The Book of Mormon” (I know Chad Green went and saw it and thought it was hilarious) and “School of Rock.”
That’s for later, though. Right now, we’ll see how the virus keeps going. Hopefully it starts trending down and this hot weather will fizzle it out, and we can play some baseball this year.


newyorkpost--2020-04-19--More players entering NFL Draft early at their own risk

Alabama and Clemson have been the kings of college football ...

The first year the NFL allowed underclassmen to apply for its annual draft, 28 players with college eligibility remaining left school early for the promise of riches in professional football.
Five of those players were chosen among the first 10 picks in 1990 — led by Illinois quarterback Jeff George by the Indianapolis Colts with the first-overall pick — with 10 not selected at all.
Those numbers across the board have gone up exponentially in the ensuing three decades, topping out with a record 144 players applying to come out early in 2019.
Of that total, however, 49 went undrafted — a whopping 34 percent for the second consecutive year. And that figure remains a problem for a system that, unlike basketball, does not allow players to make the determination to return to college ahead of the draft if it does not appear the process will work out for them.
“I think players realize there’s a short window for a career and you’re not being paid in college, so let’s try to go to the NFL and get paid. I think it’s really that simple,” former Giants offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz, host of the “Block ‘Em Up” podcast, said in a phone interview last week. “I think a lot of players take the risk, just because they or their family needs the money.
“They’d rather try to get to the NFL, even if you’re undrafted, to make a roster or even make a practice squad, taking that chance economically, that makes more sense for a lot of guys than staying one more year.”
A deeper dive into numbers provided by the NFL shows that 1,542 players have left college early for the draft since 1990, and 1,111 of those were chosen (72 percent), including 151 within the top 10.
This year, 115 players with remaining eligibility declared and were granted draft status — 16 of whom already have fulfilled their degree requirements and 99 who have not. (According to NFL rules, players can apply for the draft three years after their high-school class graduated).
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Heisman Trophy-winning senior quarterback Joe Burrow (LSU) is widely expected to be selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, but in his most recent mock draft released last week, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. projects 27 of the 32 picks in the first round will be underclassmen.
Featured on Kiper’s latest list are two Ohio State junior defenders, edge-rusher Chase Young and cornerback Jeff Okudah, going with the next two picks after Burrow, Clemson junior linebacker Isaiah Simmons coming off the board next to the Giants and Alabama tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. landing with the Jets at No. 11. Kiper predicts that fellow Crimson Tide stars such as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, safety Xavier McKinney and wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III also will be selected in the opening round.
Still, Alabama coach Nick Saban, whose program has had 21 players leave early over the past four years, consistently has railed against the system that forces players to decide in January — months before the NFL Scouting Combine — if they want to leave school without the option of returning.
“It’s the culture and it’s the trend, and I’ve actually changed how I talk to recruits now,” Saban said in 2019. “I tell every recruit that I talk to, the reason that you’re going to college is to prepare yourself for the day you can’t play football.
“I think we have a lot of people way back in high school, that look at college as a conduit to get to the NFL. … We’ve had six or seven guys here that had second- or third-round grades that became top-15 and first-round draft picks and made a significant amount of money doing that, so there’s some really good examples of guys that did it that way. But I think, [and it’s] not just our players, there’s a significant amount of players that are not making good business decisions about what they do.”
Many undrafted players, of course, still will sign as free agents and occasionally end up on a team’s practice squad, but these deals offer few monetary guarantees. As recently as 2011, the number of players with remaining eligibility to declare for the draft was 56, but that number has nearly tripled over the past nine years.
While the NBA has had success with its G-League to stash prospects in need of further seasoning, the other issue on the NFL side has been the failure for a viable spring developmental league to take hold. The fledgling Alliance of American Football folded after just eight weeks of operation in 2019, while Vince McMahon’s rebooted XFL already has filed for bankruptcy after the league was shut down last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Schwartz had suggested a plan last year in a column for SB Nation for the NFL to expand practice squads (from the current 10 players per team) to 22 — with extra coaches, too — and combine with those from other teams to play games a few times per season in a “developmental league [the NFL] has authority over.”
“The NFL would have to back it. But college football is a natural minor league feeder system for the NFL to use. So there’s not a need to pay for it if the league isn’t going to make money off it,” Schwartz said. “I think the NBA is a little different with a smaller roster size and not having to practice as much.
“In the NFL, there’s a far greater opportunity to improve every day in practice. And I just think a lot of players are still willing to take that chance.”