newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Alvin Kamara ties NFL record with 6 rushing touchdowns in Saints win

NEW ORLEANS — Alvin Kamara tied an NFL record by running for six touchdowns in a game and finished with a career-high 155 yards rushing to help New Orleans beat the Minnesota Vikings 52-33 on Friday and clinch a fourth straight NFC South title .
Wearing different colored shoes — one red and one green on Christmas Day — Kamara sprinted for a 40-yard touchdown on the game ’ s opening drive .
He added scoring runs of 1 , 5 , 6 , 7 and 3 yards against a Minnesota defensive front hit hard by injuries .
Kamara equaled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fullback Ernie Nevers in 1929 for the Chicago Cardinals .
“ The offensive line gets the game ball for sure , kudos to them , ” Kamara said .
“ Sean ( Payton , the Saints coach ) dialed it up , I did the small part .
“ Today was a great day , we got out first goal , division title .
Gon na take it from there.
” Minnesota ( 6-9 ) was eliminated from playoff contention while allowing the most points by any Vikings team since 1963 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and set a record of yards gained in a game by a Vikings opponent with 583 .
They might have won by a greater margin if not for a pair interceptions of Drew Brees , one of them on a pass that deflected off receiver Emmanuel Sanders ’ hands .
Brees completed 19 of 26 throws for 311 yards in his second game back from rib and lung injuries that had sidelined him for four games .
Sanders had four catches for 83 yards , while tight end Jared Cook caught three passes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 264 yards rushing were the most by a Vikings opponent in head coach Mike Zimmer ’ s seven seasons .
New Orleans native Irv Smith Jr. caught a pair of touchdown passes in the third quarter for the Vikings , the second pulling Minnesota to 31-27 .
But the Saints responded with two short touchdown runs by Kamara and one by reserve QB Taysom Hill in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach .
Kirk Cousins passed for 283 yards and three touchdowns for the Vikings , who never led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s second TD in the first quarter .
In a game that saw both defenses struggle , Saints receiver Marquez Callaway made a play that any defensive back would appreciate when he prevented Eric Wilson from intercepting a pass Brees thrown right at the linebacker .
Brees took advantage of the second chance , hitting Callaway for 11 yards on the next play and then finding Cook for a 19-yard gain to the Vikings 6 .
That set up Kamara ’ s third TD run of the half to put New Orleans up @ @

NEW ORLEANS — Alvin Kamara tied an NFL record by running for six touchdowns in a game and finished with a career-high 155 yards rushing to help New Orleans beat the Minnesota Vikings 52-33 on Friday and clinch a fourth straight NFC South title.
Wearing different colored shoes — one red and one green on Christmas Day — Kamara sprinted for a 40-yard touchdown on the game’s opening drive. He added scoring runs of 1, 5, 6, 7 and 3 yards against a Minnesota defensive front hit hard by injuries.
Kamara equaled a record set by Hall of Fame fullback Ernie Nevers in 1929 for the Chicago Cardinals.
“The offensive line gets the game ball for sure, kudos to them,” Kamara said. “Sean (Payton, the Saints coach) dialed it up, I did the small part.
“Today was a great day, we got out first goal, division title. Gonna take it from there.”
Minnesota (6-9) was eliminated from playoff contention while allowing the most points by any Vikings team since 1963.
The Saints (11-4) never punted, and set a record of yards gained in a game by a Vikings opponent with 583. They might have won by a greater margin if not for a pair interceptions of Drew Brees, one of them on a pass that deflected off receiver Emmanuel Sanders’ hands.
Brees completed 19 of 26 throws for 311 yards in his second game back from rib and lung injuries that had sidelined him for four games.
Alvin Kamara AP
Sanders had four catches for 83 yards, while tight end Jared Cook caught three passes for 82 yards. New Orleans’ 264 yards rushing were the most by a Vikings opponent in head coach Mike Zimmer’s seven seasons.
New Orleans native Irv Smith Jr. caught a pair of touchdown passes in the third quarter for the Vikings, the second pulling Minnesota to 31-27. But the Saints responded with two short touchdown runs by Kamara and one by reserve QB Taysom Hill in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.
Kirk Cousins passed for 283 yards and three touchdowns for the Vikings, who never led and trailed for good after Kamara’s second TD in the first quarter.
In a game that saw both defenses struggle, Saints receiver Marquez Callaway made a play that any defensive back would appreciate when he prevented Eric Wilson from intercepting a pass Brees thrown right at the linebacker. Brees took advantage of the second chance, hitting Callaway for 11 yards on the next play and then finding Cook for a 19-yard gain to the Vikings 6. That set up Kamara’s third TD run of the half to put New Orleans up 24-14.


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Nets put on Christmas Day show in rout of Celtics

The James Harden-to-Brooklyn talk just won ’ t go away .
But Nets ...

For the first time since bolting Boston for Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving made his return to TD Garden in a game that counts. Then he reminded the Celtics what they were missing, leading the Nets to a dominating 123-95 victory on Friday.
Irving tormented his former employer with a game-high 37 points, the most any Net had ever scored on Christmas Day. And while he insisted there wasn’t any added incentive playing his old team after his highly scrutinized exit, Irving said he’s just thankful to be healthy and happy with his red-hot new team.
“No, I’m just grateful that we’re all healthy and we’re all here to be able to play the game that we love,” Irving said. “Obviously, competing against those guys, competing against the coaches that I had almost a year and a half ago, I’m grateful. We’re going to continue to see them, we’re in the same division. So, to get us started here in Boston, nothing added.”
The Nets (2-0) are the first team since the 2008-09 Lakers to win their first two games by 20 points each. The scary part for the rest of the East is their defense held Boston to 37.8 percent shooting and 29.6 percent from deep, while their offense is still jelling.
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant celebrate during today’s win. Getty Images
Irving had eight assists, six rebounds and hit 7 of 10 from deep in only his second game since Feb. 1 due to shoulder surgery. Kevin Durant added 29 points on 9 of 16 shooting in his second game back from a June 2019 Achilles rupture. The two led Brooklyn in turning a third-quarter deficit into an all-out rout.
“The game got away from us there in the start of the fourth and they poured it on. That’s the thing: They’re very capable of pouring it on,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “I think it’s the deepest team in the NBA and quite possibly — certainly in the conversation for — the best.”
The Nets sure looked the part.
Coach Steve Nash had said he wanted to see the Nets tested, hit in the mouth. Down 54-51 at the half, they outscored Boston 72-41 the rest of the way — including 37-18 in the final period. Jaylen Brown admitted Durant and Irving’s shotmaking threw the Celtics off.
“In general as a group it definitely maybe had a little bit of an effect on us,” Brown said. “It’s the second game of the season and we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us.”
Irving and Durant each had 20 points in the second half, shooting 15 of 21 overall and 6 of 7 from behind the arc. The Celtics only managed one more point as a team in the second half than the Nets’ dominant duo.
“It was more of a jab. We were great,” said Nash, who admitted Boston’s physicality bogged down their offense early.
“We adjusted. We turned it over, we gave up offensive rebounds in the first half. In the second half we didn’t turn it over, didn’t give up as many offensive rebounds. It was down to just competing, wanting it, and trying to match their physicality.”
Once they matched Boston’s fight, talent took over. Down 61-60 after a Brown floater, Brooklyn hit six straight to seize control with an 11-2 run.
Durant’s 28-foot pull-up gave Brooklyn a 71-63 cushion with 6:35 left in the third quarter. The Nets padded it from there, behind Durant, Irving and the defense.
“We just settled in, let the game come to us, and just fought back, which is about matching their physicality and doing what it took to get the [win],” Irving said.
Brooklyn kept building on the lead in the fourth quarter.
Irving hit a 3 to push it to 111-90 with 3:44 to play, and another off a Durant assist to make it 116-92. The clock read 2:39 left, but the game had long since been over.
“Boston came out, they punched us in the mouth early,” Joe Harris said. “They played physical, they mixed up their defensive coverages and it took us a little time to match their intensity and then supersede it.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Nashville cops who ‘ran to danger’ in Christmas explosion hailed as heroes

Human remains have been found near the site of the ...

Nashville’s mayor praised the police officers at Friday morning’s explosion as “incredible heroes” who rushed toward danger to save lives.
Mayor John Cooper said the six local cops took “swift action” to evacuate people in the city’s downtown area as a parked RV blared a warning that a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes.
“These incredible heroes who ran to danger with uncertain outcomes ahead of them were responsible for so many injuries being saved,” Cooper said in an evening press conference.
The brave cops “took swift action and directed people away to save lives — even at the time when their own lives would have been in peril.”
“They are heroes and I am grateful to them.”
The officers had been responding to reports of “shots fired” in Nashville’s downtown when they came upon the RV and heard the chilling recording.
They evacuated nearby buildings and called the bomb squad — and the vehicle blew up shortly afterward.
Three people were injured in the blast and were in stable condition, officials said.
Human remains were found near the scene, CBS News and The Associated Press reported, citing law enforcement sources.
It’s not yet clear whether the remains are from someone connected to the blast or from a victim. Authorities haven’t said whether anyone was in the vehicle when it blew up.
Asked about the reports of remains, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said that “we have found tissues that we believe could be remains.”
The “tissues” still need to be examined, the chief told reporters.
At least 41 buildings were damaged in the bombing, which officials have said was a deliberate act. Authorities said many people had been displaced.
“This morning’s attack on our community was intended to create chaos and fear in this season of hope,” the mayor said.
Authorities are “not going to rest until those responsible for this outrageous and cowardly attack are brought to justice,” Cooper added.
“Nashville’s spirit can’t be broken… We can rebuild and get back to normal.”
A curfew has been imposed in the area affected by the blast until 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Giants’  Thomas McGaughey could be up for head coach vacancies

Jason Garrett has the experience .
Patrick Graham has a hot résumé .
And Thomas McGaughey finally has a chance .
It ’ s possible all three Giants coordinators could be linked to head coach vacancies as the carousel starts spinning .
Garrett is no surprise after 10 seasons as the Cowboys head coach .
Graham is included on virtually every speculative list of top candidates .
But don ’ t sleep on McGaughey , who could be one of a handful of special teams coordinators on the interview circuit now that Giants coach Joe Judge has earned positive reviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patriots .
“ My goal as a coach has always been to eventually become a head coach , ” McGaughey said .
“ I ’ m just enjoying where I am now and learning as much as I can from Joe .
He ’ s been awesome as far as learning all the different situational things and the preparation part.
” The only two active NFL head coaches with a primarily special teams background — Judge and the Ravens ’ John Harbaugh — will square off Sunday .
Opportunities primarily go to offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backgrounds of coaching greats Bill Belichick , Marv Levy , Dick Vermeil and Bill Cowher .
“ These two guys are kind of breaking that stereotype , the stigma of special teams coaches not being able to be head coaches , ” McGaughey said before echoing one of the strengths Giants ownership identified in Judge .
“ Just understanding the game and how it all fits together and having a vision and a purpose for what you want to do.
” Well-respected in league circles and well-liked by players , McGaughey , 47 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach since 2002 , with the exception of a three-year stint in the same role at LSU .
McGaughey ’ s second stint with the Giants began in 2018 and Judge kept him in place — a form of high praise .
“ The one thing that I ’ ve always learned in this coaching profession is all the jobs you ever chase you never get , ” McGaughey said .
“ You take care of the one that you have and the next one will jump in your lap.
” There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more expected after the season .
“ I ’ ve had opportunities to be around a lot of good head coaches that have had success and that have done some good things in their career , ” McGaughey said .
“ When those opportunities come up , we ’ ll see what happens.
” QB Daniel Jones ( hamstring/ankle ) is listed as “ questionable ” for Sunday , but that seems just a formality as he is expected to start despite limited practice participation .
CB Darnay Holmes ( knee ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are questionable .
Holmes has missed the last two games .
WR Golden Tate will not play after injuring his calf earlier in the week .
Giants practice squad wide receiver Alex Bachman is one of the players called upon to simulate inimitable Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson on the scout team .
Quarterbacks Joe Webb or Clayton Thorson can handle pass plays , but Jackson will be the fastest runner on the field and the Giants needed a creative way to give their defense a taste of his elusiveness .

Jason Garrett has the experience. Patrick Graham has a hot résumé. And Thomas McGaughey finally has a chance.
It’s possible all three Giants coordinators could be linked to head coach vacancies as the carousel starts spinning.
Garrett is no surprise after 10 seasons as the Cowboys head coach. Graham is included on virtually every speculative list of top candidates. But don’t sleep on McGaughey, who could be one of a handful of special teams coordinators on the interview circuit now that Giants coach Joe Judge has earned positive reviews after coming over from the New England Patriots.
“My goal as a coach has always been to eventually become a head coach,” McGaughey said. “I’m just enjoying where I am now and learning as much as I can from Joe. He’s been awesome as far as learning all the different situational things and the preparation part.”
The only two active NFL head coaches with a primarily special teams background — Judge and the Ravens’ John Harbaugh — will square off Sunday. Opportunities primarily go to offensive or defensive assistants despite the special teams backgrounds of coaching greats Bill Belichick, Marv Levy, Dick Vermeil and Bill Cowher.
“These two guys are kind of breaking that stereotype, the stigma of special teams coaches not being able to be head coaches,” McGaughey said before echoing one of the strengths Giants ownership identified in Judge. “Just understanding the game and how it all fits together and having a vision and a purpose for what you want to do.”
Thomas McGaughey Noah K. Murray-NY Post
Well-respected in league circles and well-liked by players, McGaughey, 47, has been an NFL special teams coach since 2002, with the exception of a three-year stint in the same role at LSU. McGaughey’s second stint with the Giants began in 2018 and Judge kept him in place — a form of high praise.
“The one thing that I’ve always learned in this coaching profession is all the jobs you ever chase you never get,” McGaughey said. “You take care of the one that you have and the next one will jump in your lap.”
There are three head coach vacancies right now and more expected after the season.
“I’ve had opportunities to be around a lot of good head coaches that have had success and that have done some good things in their career,” McGaughey said. “When those opportunities come up, we’ll see what happens.”
QB Daniel Jones (hamstring/ankle) is listed as “questionable” for Sunday, but that seems just a formality as he is expected to start despite limited practice participation. CB Darnay Holmes (knee) and LB Blake Martinez (ankle) also are questionable. Holmes has missed the last two games. WR Golden Tate will not play after injuring his calf earlier in the week.
Giants practice squad wide receiver Alex Bachman is one of the players called upon to simulate inimitable Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson on the scout team. Quarterbacks Joe Webb or Clayton Thorson can handle pass plays, but Jackson will be the fastest runner on the field and the Giants needed a creative way to give their defense a taste of his elusiveness.


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Doctor reportedly has severe allergic reaction to Moderna COVID vaccine

A Boston doctor suffered a serious allergic reaction to Moderna ’ s coronavirus vaccine , the first of its kind documented , a report said Friday .
Dr. Hossein Sadrzadeh , a geriatric oncologist at Boston Medical Center , became dizzy and felt his heart racing minutes after receiving the vaccine on Thursday , he told The New York Times .
“ It was the same anaphylactic reaction that I experience with shellfish , ” Dr. Sadrzadeh told the paper , noting that his tongue became numb , his blood pressure plummeted and he broke into a cold sweat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go through that.
” Sadrzadeh self-administered an EpiPen he brought in the event of such a reaction , and was discharged following a brief emergency room examination , the report said .
Though a handful of recipients of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine have reported allergic reactions to that inoculation — including a New York City health care worker — Sadrzadeh ’ s symptoms mark the first known reaction of its severity to the Moderna shot .
The vaccines , which have similar ingredients , both require two shots administered a few weeks apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Drug Administration , which approved the vaccines , commented on the Times ’ report .

A Boston doctor suffered a serious allergic reaction to Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine, the first of its kind documented, a report said Friday.
Dr. Hossein Sadrzadeh, a geriatric oncologist at Boston Medical Center, became dizzy and felt his heart racing minutes after receiving the vaccine on Thursday, he told The New York Times.
“It was the same anaphylactic reaction that I experience with shellfish,” Dr. Sadrzadeh told the paper, noting that his tongue became numb, his blood pressure plummeted and he broke into a cold sweat.
“I don’t want anybody to go through that.”
Sadrzadeh self-administered an EpiPen he brought in the event of such a reaction, and was discharged following a brief emergency room examination, the report said.
Though a handful of recipients of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine have reported allergic reactions to that inoculation — including a New York City health care worker — Sadrzadeh’s symptoms mark the first known reaction of its severity to the Moderna shot.
The vaccines, which have similar ingredients, both require two shots administered a few weeks apart.
Neither Moderna nor the federal Food and Drug Administration, which approved the vaccines, commented on the Times’ report.


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Nets coach responds to new James Harden trade buzz

The only thing the Nets proved in their opener was ...

The James Harden-to-Brooklyn talk just won’t go away.
But Nets coach Steve Nash insists he’s not a part of it.
General manager Sean Marks has made it a point to say the organization works in a collaborative fashion, but when Nash was asked what kind of talks he had with his boss about possibly trading for Harden, he claimed he hasn’t had any.
“I haven’t had any conversations about him,” Nash said before Friday’s Christmas Day rout of Boston at TD Garden. “So, you know, we definitely work in close proximity. I haven’t any conversations or any alerts, so maybe that says it all.”
Harden has made it clear he not only wants out of Houston, but would prefer Brooklyn as a destination. The Nets are among the teams to have had recent trade discussions with the Rockets, and ESPN reported that Houston is still trying to find a third team to help facilitate the deal by providing the young star Brooklyn lacks.
With Houston less than enthralled by what Brooklyn can offer (Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, Spencer Dinwiddie, etc.) — and the Nets having looked so sharp they don’t have to cave to extortionate demands — Harden seems to realize his first choice may not be readily available. He has reportedly added the Bucks, Heat, Trail Blazers and Friday’s foe Boston to his list, according to The Athletic.
Brooklyn doesn’t have any interest in trading Kyrie Irving for Harden, and there is no indication the Rockets are even interested in the All-Star point guard, who has started the season in red-hot form.
Whether the Nets are trying to get their price or genuinely looking to stand pat and let it ride with their current roster, Nash was coy about any potential involvement in talks for the three-time NBA scoring champion.
“We’re excited with the players we have. We’re looking forward every day to trying to get better. For me it’s just been a blast, learning a lot and enjoy working with our guys,” Nash said. “No one’s conferred with me about the possibilities.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Cops removed bullets from teen ‘by hand’ after shooting him, lawsuit claims

Cops in California shot a teenager twice in the back — then removed the bullets “ by hand ” before paramedics arrived , a federal lawsuit claims .
The lawsuit filed this week claims that officers in the Bay Area city of Hayward wrongfully shot the 17-year-old in the back in June , then took out the bullets themselves and dropped the teen off at a juvenile facility , the Mercury News reported .
“ It ’ s barbaric , the way in which they tried to minimize the harm they caused this young man , ” Adante Pointer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , told the newspaper .
“ It ’ s completely inappropriate and fortunately it didn ’ t cause more severe damage to him , ” the attorney added .
Pointer also posted photos of the unnamed teen ’ s wounds on Twitter .
“ The cops did this to a kid when the eyes of the world were looking !
” he wrote in another post .
“ Imagine what happens when NO ONE is looking !
” The lawsuit , filed Monday , claims the teenager fell asleep in his cousin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looting in the midst of Black Lives Matter protests in the city .
Police said cops were dispatched to a CVS pharmacy in the area on reports of looting .
The teenager , however , claims he woke up around 4 a.m. on June 1 , frightened and confused , and drove past the cops — who opened fire and struck him in the back .
Hayward Police Officer Samuel Tomlinson said he believed the vehicle was going to hit him so he opened fire , the Mercury News said .
The second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also fired , believing “ his partner had either been shot or struck by the vehicle , ” Hayward police said in a statement after the shooting , the outlet said .
The teen crashed the car and fled , and hid in bushes , where he was found by police and arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer .
The charge was later dropped , the newspaper said .
“ I feel like all they saw was a black face and just believed he did ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teen ’ s mother , Jael Barnes .
“ Not only does he now have these physical wounds , he has these mental wounds as well , which will never go away.
” Hayward police referred questions to the city attorneys office , the outlet said .
City Attorney Michael Lawson declined to comment comment because the city had not yet been served with the lawsuit .
It is unclear what happened to the bullets allegedly removed by the cops .

Cops in California shot a teenager twice in the back — then removed the bullets “by hand” before paramedics arrived, a federal lawsuit claims.
The lawsuit filed this week claims that officers in the Bay Area city of Hayward wrongfully shot the 17-year-old in the back in June, then took out the bullets themselves and dropped the teen off at a juvenile facility, the Mercury News reported.
“It’s barbaric, the way in which they tried to minimize the harm they caused this young man,” Adante Pointer, the lawyer for the teen’s family, told the newspaper.
“It’s completely inappropriate and fortunately it didn’t cause more severe damage to him,” the attorney added.
Pointer also posted photos of the unnamed teen’s wounds on Twitter.
“The cops did this to a kid when the eyes of the world were looking!” he wrote in another post. “Imagine what happens when NO ONE is looking!”
The lawsuit, filed Monday, claims the teenager fell asleep in his cousin’s car near the scene of looting in the midst of Black Lives Matter protests in the city.
Police said cops were dispatched to a CVS pharmacy in the area on reports of looting.
The teenager, however, claims he woke up around 4 a.m. on June 1, frightened and confused, and drove past the cops — who opened fire and struck him in the back.
Hayward Police Officer Samuel Tomlinson said he believed the vehicle was going to hit him so he opened fire, the Mercury News said.
The second cop, Police Officer Stephen Akacsos, also fired, believing “his partner had either been shot or struck by the vehicle,” Hayward police said in a statement after the shooting, the outlet said.
The teen crashed the car and fled, and hid in bushes, where he was found by police and arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.
The charge was later dropped, the newspaper said.
“I feel like all they saw was a black face and just believed he did (a crime),” said the teen’s mother, Jael Barnes. “Not only does he now have these physical wounds, he has these mental wounds as well, which will never go away.”
Hayward police referred questions to the city attorneys office, the outlet said.
City Attorney Michael Lawson declined to comment comment because the city had not yet been served with the lawsuit.
It is unclear what happened to the bullets allegedly removed by the cops.


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Jets assistant coach missing next game

Jets assistant coach missing next game

The Jets will be without wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson for Sunday ’ s game against the Browns after Jefferson @ @ @ @ @ after a close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 .
Jefferson is in @ @ @ @ @ team ’ s receivers coach and assistant head coach .
The Jets will also not @ @ @ @ @ at the game .
Williams has not coached since his father , Gregg , was @ @ @ @ @ this month .
The Jets retained Blake Williams but altered his duties to off-field projects @ @ @ @ @ injury report lists cornerback Javelin Guidry as doubtful with a knee injury .
Guidry has @ @ @ @ @ as the slot corner .
The undrafted rookie from Utah has made some key tackles @ @ @ @ @ a fumble against the Raiders .
The Jets could move Arthur Maulet back to slot @ @ @ @ @ safety last week .
The only other player with an injury designation was wide receiver @ @ @ @ @ questionable with a shoulder injury .

The Jets will be without wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson for Sunday’s game against the Browns after Jefferson was deemed a high risk after a close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Jefferson is in his second season as the team’s receivers coach and assistant head coach. The Jets will also not have defensive assistant Blake Williams at the game. Williams has not coached since his father, Gregg, was fired as defensive coordinator earlier this month. The Jets retained Blake Williams but altered his duties to off-field projects.
The Jets’ final injury report lists cornerback Javelin Guidry as doubtful with a knee injury. Guidry has started the past two games as the slot corner. The undrafted rookie from Utah has made some key tackles in recent weeks and forced a fumble against the Raiders. The Jets could move Arthur Maulet back to slot corner. Maulet started at safety last week.
The only other player with an injury designation was wide receiver Jeff Smith, who is questionable with a shoulder injury.


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Demise of the Warriors keeps getting uglier: ‘I’m disappointed’

A season that was supposed to mark the return of the dynastic Warriors took another bad turn on Christmas Day .
Golden State was thrashed by the Milwaukee Bucks , 138-99 on Friday , as it already seems destined for a second straight trip to the draft lottery following a run of three titles in five years .
The 39-point loss marked the largest loss on the holiday , while Golden State ’ s 65-point differential through the first two games is the second worst in league history , behind the 17-65 Clippers of 1988 ( 71 points ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bucks , who seem poised to compete for a title this season .
The Warriors , not so much .
After essentially surrendering last season following injuries to Klay Thompson and Steph Curry , leading to a 15-50 record and the second pick in the draft , Golden State was expected to at least compete this season .
But any hopes of a bounce back were dashed long before the season ’ s tipoff Tuesday , when Thompson , who missed all of last season with a torn ACL , ruptured his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , costing him another full season .
Curry , who was limited to just 22 games last season due to a hand injury , was back on the floor to lead the Warriors on Friday , albeit with a pedestrian 19 points .
“ It was kind of just scattered and disorganized , ” longtime head coach Steve Kerr told reporters after the game , a description that would rarely have fit Warriors teams of the past half decade .
“ I ’ m disappointed in that and need to take the blame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we didn ’ t expect it to be this rough early , but we knew it was going to be a long process.
” In the starting lineup beside Curry , perhaps the greatest 3-point shooter in league history , were center James Wiseman , the No .
2 pick in the draft , and three unremarkable players who also were not on the last Warriors team to make the NBA Finals in 2019 .
Draymond Green , the loudmouth , frenetic defender who played a key role in those championships , missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a nagging foot injury .
And long gone is superstar Kevin Durant , who left Golden State for Brooklyn two summers ago , and scored 22 points in the Nets ’ opening night 125-99 victory over his former team .
It ’ s early , but it seems the Warriors may be bound for another lost season .
And with Curry ( 32 years old ) , Thompson and Green ( both 30 ) all having major wear and tear , there ’ s no telling whether one of the NBA ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comeback .

A season that was supposed to mark the return of the dynastic Warriors took another bad turn on Christmas Day.
Golden State was thrashed by the Milwaukee Bucks, 138-99 on Friday, as it already seems destined for a second straight trip to the draft lottery following a run of three titles in five years.
The 39-point loss marked the largest loss on the holiday, while Golden State’s 65-point differential through the first two games is the second worst in league history, behind the 17-65 Clippers of 1988 (71 points).
Khris Middleton’s 31 points led the Bucks, who seem poised to compete for a title this season.
The Warriors, not so much.
After essentially surrendering last season following injuries to Klay Thompson and Steph Curry, leading to a 15-50 record and the second pick in the draft, Golden State was expected to at least compete this season.
But any hopes of a bounce back were dashed long before the season’s tipoff Tuesday, when Thompson, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL, ruptured his Achilles tendon during a practice in November, costing him another full season.
Steve Kerr and Steph Curry earlier this month Getty Images
Curry, who was limited to just 22 games last season due to a hand injury, was back on the floor to lead the Warriors on Friday, albeit with a pedestrian 19 points.
“It was kind of just scattered and disorganized,” longtime head coach Steve Kerr told reporters after the game, a description that would rarely have fit Warriors teams of the past half decade. “I’m disappointed in that and need to take the blame for that.”
Curry said that “we didn’t expect it to be this rough early, but we knew it was going to be a long process.”
In the starting lineup beside Curry, perhaps the greatest 3-point shooter in league history, were center James Wiseman, the No. 2 pick in the draft, and three unremarkable players who also were not on the last Warriors team to make the NBA Finals in 2019.
Draymond Green, the loudmouth, frenetic defender who played a key role in those championships, missed his second game in a row due to a nagging foot injury.
Long gone is superstar Kevin Durant, who left Golden State for Brooklyn two summers ago, and scored 22 points in the Nets’ opening night 125-99 victory over his former team.
The Warriors may be bound for another lost season, and with Curry (32 years old), Thompson and Green (both 30) all having major wear and tear, there’s no telling whether one of the NBA’s most-thrilling dynasties will ever make a comeback.


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--NYC gets ready for the new year: The Post’s week in photos

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Brianna Greco, left, and, Antonio Murdock, right, pick up Rain, their Great Dane puppy from the Animal Care Center in East New York on Dec. 23, 2020. Murdock is facing charges after pulling the emergency door and leaving a Delta flight after he had a panic attack as the plane was about to take off.


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--NY COVID tracking app provides little help in pandemic fight

SEOUL – When a man in Seoul tested positive for ...

New York state’s much-touted coronavirus tracking smartphone app has only been used to contract trace after 1,400 positive tests — even as the state has clocked more than 400,000 new cases since its launch.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the launch of the COVID Alert NY app for iPhones and Android devices with great fanfare on Oct. 1, saying one of his closest and most-trusted advisors would oversee the application as part of the Empire State’s contract tracing initiative.
“It’s really creative and smart and I think it can make a big difference,” Cuomo said in a statement, announcing the new service, describing the app as “a technology-based solution” that would play a key role in bolstering the state’s efforts to quickly alert New Yorkers if they were near someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
But state records show that over the last three months, the app has hardly been used. Just 1,400 New Yorkers notified the app that they tested positive for the disease, which triggered notifications to just 1,300 other people.
That accounts for less than one-third of one percent of the more than 440,000 new cases of coronavirus recorded in New York state over the same period of time, records show.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
On the day it launched, New York state reported 460,031 total cases of the coronavirus since the pandemic began. That tally has climbed to nearly 904,000 over the intervening three months.
Overall, the app has been downloaded 1.2 million times since it launched, representing a fraction of New York’s population, which exceeds 19 million people.
The program is based on a concept pioneered by several countries in Asia to use phones, credit card receipts and other bits of digital data to track down those possibly exposed.
Privacy concerns here though mean that downloading the application is optional and it does not use GPS or other technology to keep tabs on your exact location.
Instead, it utilizes the Bluetooth feature on phones to make a list of other devices with the app that came within six feet and alerts those users if there’s an eventual positive. It does not reveal the device or the identity of the owner who tested positive.
Cuomo put Larry Schwartz, one of his most trusted hands in charge of running the state’s overall coronavirus contract tracing program — including the app. Schwartz was once Cuomo’s all-powerful Secretary and remains a close advisor.
Schwartz downplayed the importance of the phone app, calling it an “added tool” in the state’s contact tracing program to interview and trace positive cases — which he credited with helping to keep ahead of the second wave of the coronavirus outbreaks slamming much of the rest of the country.
“We’ve reached more than 80 percent of all positive cases and 85 percent of their contacts,” Schwartz told The Post. “No one else in the country has had that kind of success.”
“I applaud the 1.2 million people who have taken the time to download the app,” he added. “It’s all part of a multifaceted effort.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Cops caught suspect in Cuomo aide attack with help from The Post

Exclusive video obtained by The Post shows the moment just ...

Cops who nabbed the homeless man accused of attacking a Cuomo staffer recognized him on the street — thanks to The Post.
The officers were reading the paper’s coverage of Thursday’s random sidewalk attack on gubernatorial worker Lisa Cavanaugh in Midtown when they spotted suspect Christopher Guzman on West 37th Street hours later, law-enforcement sources said Friday.
The NYPD cops recognized Guzman from the clothes he was wearing at the time of the 2:15 p.m. Christmas Eve attack — matching them to a surveillance photo of the suspect in the paper, sources said.
Guzman, who was taken into custody around 10 p.m. between Fifth and Sixth avenues, then tried to lie his way to freedom — but couldn’t outsmart the cops, sources said.
He gave them a fake name — but when officers ran it through the system, it came back to a person who is 6-foot-5.
Guzman stands 5-foot-5.
The suspect, who sources said also goes by the name Chris Mattei, was arrested on second-degree assault charges for allegedly bashing Cavanaugh over the head with a cinder block as she walked past a construction site on Third Avenue near East 48th Street.
He was ordered held without bail by Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Jay Weiner during a 6 p.m. video conference arraignment. The judge ordered he be held for a psychiatric evaluation.
The criminal court complaint against Guzman alleged that he had followed his victim for at least a block, all the while holding the concrete block in his hands.
Guzman, who told cops he lives in a homeless hotel on West 35th Street, has been arrested before for low-level quality-of-life issues, mostly for public drinking, sources said.
Cavanaugh suffered a 2-inch-deep gash to her head and is recovering. She is believed to have been walking home from work at Cuomo’s nearby Midtown office when attacked.
Cuomo senior adviser Rich Azzopardi told The Post in a statement late Friday afternoon, more than a day after the attack, “Lisa is a valued member of Team Cuomo, and we have been in constant touch with her and her family to make sure she has everything she needs in her recovery.
“We thank the NYPD for their quick work in apprehending the person they believe attacked her.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Child-welfare agencies’ rush to go woke is terrible for the kids

How do we prevent child abuse ?
First , we have to stop racism .
That message has lately invaded the child-welfare system .
The triumph of today ’ s fashionable ideological nonsense in this particular field carries exceptionally high costs — and abused kids will pay them .
Witness a recent educational offering from the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children , whose members can now earn a certificate in “ Systemic Racism in Child Welfare.
” Classes are offered as part of “ APSAC ’ s commitment to work toward ending racism and implicit bias in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class on “ Hip Hop as Prevention and Intervention for Youth ” includes readings such as “ Hip-Hop-Based Intervention as Pedagogy/Therapy ” and “ Rap-Music Attitude and Perception Scale : A Validation Study.
” Neither the society nor the instructor replied to my queries asking how exactly hip-hop will prevent child abuse .
Academics and leaders in child welfare are single-mindedly focused on racial disparities in the system .
They note that black kids are more likely to be removed from their homes than white ones .
Never mind that black children are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the victims of maltreatment as white children .
These scholars and activists argue that we have to make the numbers come out even .
But child abuse is highly correlated with family structure : Children living with a nonrelative male are 10 times more likely to be abused than those living with two married parents .
And family structure varies significantly by race .
So the disparities are hardly surprising .
Yet in New Orleans , a judge has been almost solely responsible for the number of kids in foster care being reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , all because she doesn ’ t like how many black kids are being removed .
Rhenda Hodnett , Louisiana ’ s assistant secretary of child welfare , told me : “ Race is absolutely something that impacts [ the judge ’ s ] decision-making .
She makes no bones about that.
” In New Jersey , the number of kids in foster care plummeted to 4,500 , from about 7,500 , between 2014 and 2019 — the opposite of what one might expect in a state racked by drug overdoses .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top of the agenda for the Department of Children and Families .
The department has placed thousands of children in the care of relatives and all but closed down recruitment of nonrelative foster families .
Many of these relatives don ’ t have to pass the same background checks as foster families do , and the department doesn ’ t keep tabs on the kids afterward , the way it does with foster families .
But hey , at least the kids aren ’ t being raised by someone of a different race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new policy , the city ’ s public hospitals won ’ t be able to test new or expectant mothers for drug use without explicit permission ; private hospitals are also likely to reduce testing as a result of an inquiry by the city ’ s Commission on Human Rights .
Why ?
Because there are disparate rates of testing .
Never mind whether the tests are positive , or whether the reports of those tests turn out to be worth investigating .
In fact , two-thirds of reports are substantiated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spreadsheet numbers don ’ t look woke .
Though child welfare is mostly run by states , the federal Department of Health and Human Services oversees their funding .
And Xavier Becerra , Joe Biden ’ s pick to head the agency , has been outspoken about racial disparities in these fields .
So this is all likely to worsen .
The wider culture , too , now reflects these unhealthy obsessions .
A Times reader recently wrote in to the paper ’ s “ Ethicist ” column to describe a neighbor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” routinely beating her young children and their “ wailing in response.
” But , the writer notes , “ I do not want to involve the police for obvious reasons.
” We would rather listen to the screams of abused children than subject a woman to some imagined instance of racism .
Child welfare has lost its way .
Naomi Schaefer Riley is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior fellow of the Independent Women ’ s Forum .

How do we prevent child abuse? First, we have to stop racism. That message has lately invaded the child-welfare system. The triumph of today’s fashionable ideological nonsense in this particular field carries exceptionally high costs — and abused kids will pay them.
Witness a recent educational offering from the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, whose members can now earn a certificate in “Systemic Racism in Child Welfare.”
Classes are offered as part of “APSAC’s commitment to work toward ending racism and implicit bias in the field of child maltreatment.” A class on “Hip Hop as Prevention and Intervention for Youth” includes readings such as “Hip-Hop-Based Intervention as Pedagogy/Therapy” and “Rap-Music Attitude and Perception Scale: A Validation Study.”
Neither the society nor the instructor replied to my queries asking how exactly hip-hop will prevent child abuse.
Academics and leaders in child welfare are single-mindedly focused on racial disparities in the system. They note that black kids are more likely to be removed from their homes than white ones. Never mind that black children are more than twice as likely to be the victims of maltreatment as white children.
These scholars and activists argue that we have to make the numbers come out even. But child abuse is highly correlated with family structure: Children living with a nonrelative male are 10 times more likely to be abused than those living with two married parents. And family structure varies significantly by race. So the disparities are hardly surprising.
Yet in New Orleans, a judge has been almost solely responsible for the number of kids in foster care being reduced by 75 percent between 2010 and 2018, all because she doesn’t like how many black kids are being removed. Rhenda Hodnett, Louisiana’s assistant secretary of child welfare, told me: “Race is absolutely something that impacts [the judge’s] decision-making. She makes no bones about that.”
In New Jersey, the number of kids in foster care plummeted to 4,500, from about 7,500, between 2014 and 2019 — the opposite of what one might expect in a state racked by drug overdoses. But racial equity seems to be at the top of the agenda for the Department of Children and Families.
The department has placed thousands of children in the care of relatives and all but closed down recruitment of nonrelative foster families. Many of these relatives don’t have to pass the same background checks as foster families do, and the department doesn’t keep tabs on the kids afterward, the way it does with foster families. But hey, at least the kids aren’t being raised by someone of a different race.
In New York, according to a new policy, the city’s public hospitals won’t be able to test new or expectant mothers for drug use without explicit permission; private hospitals are also likely to reduce testing as a result of an inquiry by the city’s Commission on Human Rights.
Why? Because there are disparate rates of testing. Never mind whether the tests are positive, or whether the reports of those tests turn out to be worth investigating. In fact, two-thirds of reports are substantiated. The problem, of course, is the spreadsheet numbers don’t look woke.
Though child welfare is mostly run by states, the federal Department of Health and Human Services oversees their funding. And Xavier Becerra, Joe Biden’s pick to head the agency, has been outspoken about racial disparities in these fields. So this is all likely to worsen.
The wider culture, too, now reflects these unhealthy obsessions. A Times reader recently wrote in to the paper’s “Ethicist” column to describe a neighbor, “a single mother of color,” routinely beating her young children and their “wailing in response.” But, the writer notes, “I do not want to involve the police for obvious reasons.”
We would rather listen to the screams of abused children than subject a woman to some imagined instance of racism. Child welfare has lost its way.
Naomi Schaefer Riley is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior fellow of the Independent Women’s Forum.


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Nashville bombing aftermath captured in dramatic photos, videos

After bravely and happily spending her short life overcoming genetic ...

The Christmas morning bombing in Nashville left a wake of destruction that was captured in dramatic photos and videos that made downtown Music City look more like Baghdad or Beirut.
Cellphone footage shot shortly after the massive blast caught victims wailing in panic and screaming for help as flames consumed vehicles parked along North Second Avenue and black smoke filled the sky.
Previous 1 of 3 Next Advertisement Police at the scene of the explosion Mark Humphrey/AP The Tennessean/USA Today Network Advertisement
Other shots revealed gaping holes that were once storefronts in historic brick buildings, with broken glass, charred tree limbs and rubble littering the street.
The explosion, which could be felt for blocks, rocked the city just as dawn was breaking around 6:30 a.m.
Officials said cops were already at the scene, having responded to a report of shots fired about 30 minutes earlier.
When they got there, officers found an RV playing a recorded message that warned “a potential bomb would detonate within 15 minutes,” Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said during an afternoon news conference.
A YouTube video, which Vice Mayor Jim Shulman seemed to confirm as authentic during a CNN interview, has audio of a female voice repeatedly saying, “If you can hear this message, evacuate now” just before the blast.
A bomb squad was on the way when the motorhome exploded in what officials described as an “intentional act.”
Three people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said, and CBS News reported Friday evening that what appeared to be human remains were found near the blast site.
It was unclear if the remains were from a victim or perpetrator of the explosion, CBS said.
Federal officials didn’t say if the blast was being treated as an act of terror, but Nashville US Attorney Don Cochran said the “entire resources of the Department of Justice” were being devoted to the investigation.
Cops later released an image of the RV, saying, “It arrived on 2nd Ave at 1:22 a.m.” and asking for anyone with information to contact them or the FBI.
Witness Betsy Williams told CNN she remembered hearing the sound of gunfire at around 4:30 a.m., and then a “computerized message” from the RV.
“Evacuate now,” Williams recalls the female voice repeating several times.
She later heard the voice counting down, prompting her and her wife to run away from their apartment nearby.
“This vehicle will explode in 15 minutes,” the countdown said, Williams recalled to CNN. Then, “This vehicle will explode in 14 minutes.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--CNN reporter Andrew Kaczynski’s 9-month-old baby dies on Christmas Eve

After bravely and happily spending her short life overcoming genetic hearing loss and fighting a cancer diagnosis , 9-month-old Francesca “ Bean ” Kaczynski — daughter of CNN journalist Andrew Kaczynski and Wall Street Journal reporter Rachel Louise Ensign — died of complications from cancer on Christmas Eve .
“ We ’ re heartbroken to have to announce our beautiful daughter Francesca passed away last night in the arms of her mom and dad , ” tweeted Kaczynski , who chronicled Bean ’ s battle with cancer on the platform .
“ There will always be a Bean-sized hole in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re so grateful to have known her love.
” A GoFundMe that was started for “ Team Beans ” in September has racked up over $ 115,000 .
In lieu of flowers , food or gifts of any kind , the family has asked that donations be made in Francesca ’ s honor to a bike-a-thon fundraiser that donates all proceeds to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute .
Kaczynski also tweeted that people can donate blood or platelets at a Boston Children ’ s Hospital , where Bean was treated with “ remarkable love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Medium post about her passing .
In her nine months on this Earth , Bean showed her self to be an “ outgoing , bold and curious baby , ” a big fan of eating , Elmo and being held close in the evenings , Kaczynski wrote in the heartbreaking article .
“ A Brooklyn-based Sesame Street fan , Francesca enjoyed taking long walks around New York City and Boston , playing with her toys and balloons , attending speech therapy , and ‘ petting ‘ ( i.e .
grabbing ) her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Her many smiles sent a thrill through the world .
She was so generous with them , even when most of the smiles back were covered by masks.
” Despite her life being cut short by cancer , Bean managed to spread much joy in her brief time here , including to her doctors and nurses who “ would gasp with joy when they saw her smile.
” She “ showed her parents a kind of love they never knew before and they will never forget ” and inspired thousands through Kaczynski @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were met with a tidal wave of support , prayers and love .

After bravely and happily spending her short life overcoming genetic hearing loss and fighting a cancer diagnosis, 9-month-old Francesca “Bean” Kaczynski — daughter of CNN journalist Andrew Kaczynski and Wall Street Journal reporter Rachel Louise Ensign — died of complications from cancer on Christmas Eve.
“We’re heartbroken to have to announce our beautiful daughter Francesca passed away last night in the arms of her mom and dad,” tweeted Kaczynski, who chronicled Bean’s battle with cancer on the platform. “There will always be a Bean-sized hole in our hearts for her. We’re so grateful to have known her love.”
A GoFundMe that was started for “Team Beans” in September has racked up over $115,000. In lieu of flowers, food or gifts of any kind, the family has asked that donations be made in Francesca’s honor to a bike-a-thon fundraiser that donates all proceeds to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Kaczynski also tweeted that people can donate blood or platelets at a Boston Children’s Hospital, where Bean was treated with “remarkable love and kindness,” he wrote in a Medium post about her passing.
In her nine months on this Earth, Bean showed her self to be an “outgoing, bold and curious baby,” a big fan of eating, Elmo and being held close in the evenings, Kaczynski wrote in the heartbreaking article. “A Brooklyn-based Sesame Street fan, Francesca enjoyed taking long walks around New York City and Boston, playing with her toys and balloons, attending speech therapy, and ‘petting‘ (i.e. grabbing) her cat Ryland,” he continued. “Her many smiles sent a thrill through the world. She was so generous with them, even when most of the smiles back were covered by masks.”
Despite her life being cut short by cancer, Bean managed to spread much joy in her brief time here, including to her doctors and nurses who “would gasp with joy when they saw her smile.” She “showed her parents a kind of love they never knew before and they will never forget” and inspired thousands through Kaczynski’s heartfelt online updates, which were met with a tidal wave of support, prayers and love.


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Girl, 13, charged in Jersey City murder of 35-year-old man

A 13-year-old girl was charged Friday with the fatal shooting of a man nearly three times her age in Jersey @ @ @ @ @ teen , whose name was not released , allegedly gunned down Niles Holmes , 35 @ @ @ @ @ Drive and Wilkinson Avenue around 4:15 p.m. Dec. 10 , the office of Hudson County @ @ @ @ @ .
Cops found a second , surviving victim of the shooting , identified by prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ .
The teen , who was picked up by cops on Christmas Eve , is @ @ @ @ @ and faces charges including murder and aggravated assault .
Officials did not disclose a motive @ @ @ @ @ law-enforcement source told NBC New York that the murder stemmed from a dispute between multiple @ @ @ @ @ gang-related , without elaborating further .

A 13-year-old girl was charged Friday with the fatal shooting of a man nearly three times her age in Jersey City, NJ.
The teen, whose name was not released, allegedly gunned down Niles Holmes, 35, near Martin Luther King Drive and Wilkinson Avenue around 4:15 p.m. Dec. 10, the office of Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said Friday.
Cops found a second, surviving victim of the shooting, identified by prosecutors only as a 24-year-old man.
The teen, who was picked up by cops on Christmas Eve, is being prosecuted as a juvenile and faces charges including murder and aggravated assault.
Officials did not disclose a motive in the slaying.
A law-enforcement source told NBC New York that the murder stemmed from a dispute between multiple groups, but was not gang-related, without elaborating further.


newyorkpost--2020-12-26--Get your own piece of the Sistine Chapel with this book — for just $22K!

They say it ’ s hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven , but he might have more luck getting his hands on this heavenly book : “ The Sistine Chapel , ” a three-volume limited edition collectors series of 600 numbered sets .
Basically , it ’ s the Sistine Chapel in book form , with masterpieces by Michelangelo , Botticelli , Perugino , and other Renaissance artists presented in the pages with 99 percent color authenticity .
The price : a mere $ 22,000 — it ’ s a work of art in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 24 by 17 inches and a whopping 822 pages total ( each volume weighs 25 pounds ) , is the result of a five-year collaboration between Callaway Arts & Entertainment , the Vatican art museums and Italian art publisher Scripta Maneant .
The publication of this book is a big deal ; the Vatican museums have never before authorized a publication of its kind , and the work will never be reprinted .
The creation of the book is its own dramatic story .
Over the course of 67 consecutive nights , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public while a team of photographers took more than 270,000 digital images , using a 33-foot-tall scaffold and rig to capture every inch of the chapel .
“ Now more than ever , when travel is limited and the immense amount of digital imagery fatigues the eye , these magnificent volumes can serve as a tonic for the soul , ” says art historian and art dealer Robert Simon , who was responsible for discovering Leonardo da Vinci ’ s lost work “ Salvator Mundi ” in 2005 .
“ Whether seen as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of scholarship , or a luxurious asset , this is a work to covet and , for the fortunate , to own .
”

They say it’s hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, but he might have more luck getting his hands on this heavenly book: “The Sistine Chapel,” a three-volume limited edition collectors series of 600 numbered sets. Basically, it’s the Sistine Chapel in book form, with masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Perugino, and other Renaissance artists presented in the pages with 99 percent color authenticity.
The price: a mere $22,000 — it’s a work of art in its own right.
The book, which is 24 by 17 inches and a whopping 822 pages total (each volume weighs 25 pounds), is the result of a five-year collaboration between Callaway Arts & Entertainment, the Vatican art museums and Italian art publisher Scripta Maneant.
Vatican Museum
The publication of this book is a big deal; the Vatican museums have never before authorized a publication of its kind, and the work will never be reprinted.
The creation of the book is its own dramatic story. Over the course of 67 consecutive nights, the Sistine Chapel was closed to the public while a team of photographers took more than 270,000 digital images, using a 33-foot-tall scaffold and rig to capture every inch of the chapel.
“Now more than ever, when travel is limited and the immense amount of digital imagery fatigues the eye, these magnificent volumes can serve as a tonic for the soul,” says art historian and art dealer Robert Simon, who was responsible for discovering Leonardo da Vinci’s lost work “Salvator Mundi” in 2005. “Whether seen as a triumph of photography, a monument of scholarship, or a luxurious asset, this is a work to covet and, for the fortunate, to own.”
At www.callaway.com/sistinechapel


newyorkpost--2020-12-26--A lifetime of Babbel’s award-winning language app just dropped to $179

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store , from our partner StackCommerce .
NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
Learning a new language is an admirable and useful endeavor .
It ’ s a skill you can use on your resume , to help you get around a foreign country , or even just to pull out of your pocket to impress others at any time .
If you want to learn a second , third , or even fourth language , do it with Babbel .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deals of the season for only $ 179 , down from $ 399 .
With Babbel , you can choose from 14 different languages : Spanish ( Spain ) , German , Italian , French , Portuguese , Swedish , Turkish , Dutch , Polish , Indonesian , Norwegian , Danish , Russian , and Spanish ( Latin America ) .
But don ’ t be overwhelmed ; one of Babbel ’ s finest features is the 10–15 minute lessons ( from beginner to advanced ) that you can easily fit into your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covers a vast array of real-life topics that you would typically use daily , as opposed to seemingly random vocabulary words .
It also uses speech recognition technology to keep your pronunciation accurate , too , so you ’ ll sound like a local wherever you go .
Another great feature is that you don ’ t have to be connected to Wi-Fi to use the app .
You can study using offline mode as long as you download the lessons beforehand .
Learning a new language can help you develop better listening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dazzle potential employers , opening up more role opportunities in the bilingual category .
Students of Babbel are loving how user-friendly the app is and how it makes learning more fun .
One reviewer says , “ Brilliant app , nice bite-sized lessons that are sticking with me .
Can ’ t believe at the age of 50 , I am learning a new language .
Thanks , Babbel , you make it easy.
” The Next Web says , “ Babbel is one of the stalwarts of the online language-learning sphere.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 million users worldwide .
Find out why when you snag a lifetime subscription to the language-learning app at the best-on-the-web price of $ 179 for a limited time .

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store, from our partner StackCommerce. NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
Learning a new language is an admirable and useful endeavor. It’s a skill you can use on your resume, to help you get around a foreign country, or even just to pull out of your pocket to impress others at any time. If you want to learn a second, third, or even fourth language, do it with Babbel. This lifetime subscription is one of our biggest deals of the season for only $179, down from $399.
With Babbel, you can choose from 14 different languages: Spanish (Spain), German, Italian, French, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, Dutch, Polish, Indonesian, Norwegian, Danish, Russian, and Spanish (Latin America). But don’t be overwhelmed; one of Babbel’s finest features is the 10–15 minute lessons (from beginner to advanced) that you can easily fit into your schedule, busy or not.
Babbel covers a vast array of real-life topics that you would typically use daily, as opposed to seemingly random vocabulary words. It also uses speech recognition technology to keep your pronunciation accurate, too, so you’ll sound like a local wherever you go. Another great feature is that you don’t have to be connected to Wi-Fi to use the app. You can study using offline mode as long as you download the lessons beforehand.
Learning a new language can help you develop better listening skills and improve your problem-solving abilities and dazzle potential employers, opening up more role opportunities in the bilingual category.
Students of Babbel are loving how user-friendly the app is and how it makes learning more fun. One reviewer says, “Brilliant app, nice bite-sized lessons that are sticking with me. Can’t believe at the age of 50, I am learning a new language. Thanks, Babbel, you make it easy.” The Next Web says, “Babbel is one of the stalwarts of the online language-learning sphere.”
Babbel is top-rated and much-loved by over 10 million users worldwide. Find out why when you snag a lifetime subscription to the language-learning app at the best-on-the-web price of $179 for a limited time.
Prices subject to change.


newyorkpost--2020-12-26--Up your home theater game with 10 portable projectors on sale

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store , from our partner StackCommerce .
NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
We ’ ve rounded up 10 stellar projectors that will make your home theater snazzier than your wildest dreams—which will really come in handy this winter while we ’ re stuck inside .
Check them out while they ’ re on sale .
This incredible projector is as light as an iPhone 7s Plus , so you can turn every moment into a standalone multimedia experience , no matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mini Projector , on sale for $ 279.99 ( 64 % off ) This powerful projector will stun you with the sharpest picture you ’ ve ever seen from a device like this—a picture it projects to a massive 240″ .
CINEMOOD 360 Bundle : First Interactive Projector with 360 Motion Capability Plus Free Cover , on sale for $ 399 ( 20 % off ) This gadget is designed to be the world ’ s first 360-degree capable , interactive projector without plugs , cables , or cords .
4K HD DLP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 299.99 ( 39 % off ) This mini projector will cast whatever is on your phone into a large 120″ picture without taking up much space .
Plus , you can connect it with Bluetooth !
Kodak Luma 150 Portable Wireless HD Projector , on sale for $ 219.99 ( 12 % off ) This projector has earned itself 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon because it ’ s just that good .
With DLP technology , simple touch controls , and near-universal device compatibility , you can ’ t miss .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Projector , on sale for $ 189.99 ( 5 % off ) If you ’ re looking to watch HD videos in up to 1080p resolution on a 16:9 screen with a range of up to 100″ , this one ’ s your guy .
Epson EX5260 Wireless XGA 3LCD Projector ( Certified Refurbished ) , on sale for $ 419.99 ( 33 % off ) Get performance you can depend upon and remarkably easy setup with this wireless portable projector and enjoy bold , vibrant images even in well-lit offices and conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Certified Refurbished ) , on sale for $ 519.99 ( 30 % off ) With 3,000 lumens of brightness , combined with a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio , this projector will beat ambient light for a crisp , beautiful image every single time .
AAXA BP1 100-Lumen nHD Speaker Projector , on sale for $ 143.99 ( 12 % off ) Enjoy huge , vivid visuals , and crystal clear music with this multitasking device !
With 60″ projection , a 12W speaker , and Bluetooth technology , this projector will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AAXA 600-Lumen Full HD DLP Pico Projector , on sale for $ 377.99 ( 5 % off ) Streaming from your device to the big screen is now possible with this Bluetooth projector ’ s 1080p Full HD Resolution , 120″ display , and 2W speaker .

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store, from our partner StackCommerce. NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
We’ve rounded up 10 stellar projectors that will make your home theater snazzier than your wildest dreams—which will really come in handy this winter while we’re stuck inside. Check them out while they’re on sale.
Prima 1080p HD Pocket Projector, on sale for $799
This incredible projector is as light as an iPhone 7s Plus, so you can turn every moment into a standalone multimedia experience, no matter where you roam.
PIQO Powerful 1080p Mini Projector, on sale for $279.99 (64% off)
This powerful projector will stun you with the sharpest picture you’ve ever seen from a device like this—a picture it projects to a massive 240″.
CINEMOOD 360 Bundle: First Interactive Projector with 360 Motion Capability Plus Free Cover, on sale for $399 (20% off)
This gadget is designed to be the world’s first 360-degree capable, interactive projector without plugs, cables, or cords.
4K HD DLP Pocket Projector, on sale for $299.99 (39% off)
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newyorkpost--2020-12-26--49ers vs. Cardinals line, predictions for NFL Week 16 tripleheader

The Post ’ s Dave Blezow gives his picks for Saturday ’ s NFL tripleheader .
Home team in CAPS .
Tom Brady shouldn ’ t have much trouble against a Detroit team that has given up 41 , 30 , 31 and 46 points in its last four games .
Brave Matthew Stafford will probably try to keep playing with his bad ribs , but he could be down three starting offensive linemen for this one .
Also not a good sign that the Lions don ’ t even know who will be available to coach after a COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wonder if the COVID-related eviction from their home county has taken a toll on the 49ers .
This is essentially their sixth road game in a row .
The Cardinals have gotten hot at the right time and will be all out to try to hold on to an NFC wild-card bid .
I may choke on the dust of all of this Friday/Saturday chalk but I have to ride the Dolphins , winners of 8 of 10 , owners of the best spread record in the NFL ( 11-3 ) and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final AFC wild card .
Raiders will come to play but have a lot of key injuries on offense .

The Post’s Dave Blezow gives his picks for Saturday’s NFL tripleheader. Home team in CAPS.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-9) over DETROIT LIONS
Tom Brady shouldn’t have much trouble against a Detroit team that has given up 41, 30, 31 and 46 points in its last four games. Brave Matthew Stafford will probably try to keep playing with his bad ribs, but he could be down three starting offensive linemen for this one. Also not a good sign that the Lions don’t even know who will be available to coach after a COVID outbreak in their building.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (-5) over San Francisco 49ers
Have to wonder if the COVID-related eviction from their home county has taken a toll on the 49ers. This is essentially their sixth road game in a row. The Cardinals have gotten hot at the right time and will be all out to try to hold on to an NFC wild-card bid.
Kyler Murray Getty Images
Miami Dolphins (-3) over LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
I may choke on the dust of all of this Friday/Saturday chalk but I have to ride the Dolphins, winners of 8 of 10, owners of the best spread record in the NFL (11-3) and in a battle with the Ravens for the final AFC wild card. Raiders will come to play but have a lot of key injuries on offense.


newyorkpost--2020-12-26--Man wins $250,000 lottery soon after he loses job and dad to COVID-19

A Charlotte , North Carolina preschool teacher recently lost his job , and then his father to the coronavirus — but on Christmas Eve , he won $ 250,000 in a scratch-off lottery .
“ I fell to my knees at the gas pump , ” Joe Camp said of scratching off his prize , describing his turn in fortune in a news release from the North Carolina Lottery .
Camp , a dad and grandfather , says he ’ ll use the money he won on his lucky “ Gold Rush ” ticket on his family .
His plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass down to his grandkids , and paying for his daughter ’ s education .
“ What I plan on doing with my winnings is having a future for my daughter , ” he said .
“ I want to have something for us .
I never had anything .
“ No one passed anything down , and that ’ s what I want to do.
” His run of bad luck included getting laid off in September from a teaching job he ’ d held for two decades , and then losing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .
He ’ d taken a job at a car dealership when his luck turned .
“ It put me in a dark place , ” Camp said .
“ But I have a lot of friends and family that just told me to keep sticking in there , keep believing in myself .
”

A Charlotte, North Carolina preschool teacher recently lost his job, and then his father to the coronavirus — but on Christmas Eve, he won $250,000 in a scratch-off lottery.
“I fell to my knees at the gas pump,” Joe Camp said of scratching off his prize, describing his turn in fortune in a news release from the North Carolina Lottery.
Camp, a dad and grandfather, says he’ll use the money he won on his lucky “Gold Rush” ticket on his family.
His plans include buying a new home he can pass down to his grandkids, and paying for his daughter’s education.
“What I plan on doing with my winnings is having a future for my daughter,” he said. “I want to have something for us. I never had anything.
“No one passed anything down, and that’s what I want to do.”
His run of bad luck included getting laid off in September from a teaching job he’d held for two decades, and then losing his father to COVID-19 just a month later. He’d taken a job at a car dealership when his luck turned.
“It put me in a dark place,” Camp said. “But I have a lot of friends and family that just told me to keep sticking in there, keep believing in myself.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-26--‘Deepfake’ Queen Elizabeth II warns about misinformation

A “ deepfake ” Queen Elizabeth II delivered an alternative Christmas speech and even danced a Tik Tok routine as part of a campaign warning viewers of misinformation .
The digitally altered version of the British monarch aired on Channel 4 after the real queen ’ s annual Christmas message was broadcast on the BBC and ITV Friday afternoon .
“ If there is a theme to my message today , it is trust .
Trust in what is genuine , and what is not , ” the fake queen says .
The station told CNN the fake video was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the advanced technology that is enabling the proliferation of misinformation and fake news in a digital age.
” In the altered address , a voice actor posing as Queen Elizabeth II mentions the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan from the monarchy and Prince Andrew ’ s removal from royal duties over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein .
The fake queen is quite the cut-up , dancing around a palace room and quipping of Harry and Meghan , “ There are few things more hurtful than someone telling you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buckingham Palace has not commented on the artificial queen .

A “deepfake” Queen Elizabeth II delivered an alternative Christmas speech and even danced a Tik Tok routine as part of a campaign warning viewers of misinformation.
The digitally altered version of the British monarch aired on Channel 4 after the real queen’s annual Christmas message was broadcast on the BBC and ITV Friday afternoon.
“If there is a theme to my message today, it is trust. Trust in what is genuine, and what is not,” the fake queen says.
The station told CNN the fake video was meant to be “a stark warning about the advanced technology that is enabling the proliferation of misinformation and fake news in a digital age.”
In the altered address, a voice actor posing as Queen Elizabeth II mentions the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan from the monarchy and Prince Andrew’s removal from royal duties over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The fake queen is quite the cut-up, dancing around a palace room and quipping of Harry and Meghan, “There are few things more hurtful than someone telling you they prefer the company of Canadians.”
Buckingham Palace has not commented on the artificial queen.


newyorkpost--2020-12-26--At least five family members found dead in Arkansas home: cops

At least five people — all believed to be family members — were found dead in their Arkansas home in @ @ @ @ @ Christmas Day massacre , authorities said .
Deputies responded to a home in Atkins on @ @ @ @ @ homicide after 5 p.m. , according to the Pope County Sheriff ’ s Office .
@ @ @ @ @ County on this Christmas Day , ” a sheriff ’ s office spokesman said a @ @ @ @ @ Upon arrival , we did notice that there was potentially five victims within this residence @ @ @ @ @ be all family members at this time.
” No other information was released .
The @ @ @ @

At least five people — all believed to be family members — were found dead in their Arkansas home in what appeared to be a Christmas Day massacre, authorities said.
Deputies responded to a home in Atkins on a call of a possible homicide after 5 p.m., according to the Pope County Sheriff’s Office.
“Tragedy has struck Pope County on this Christmas Day,” a sheriff’s office spokesman said a press conference Friday. “Upon arrival, we did notice that there was potentially five victims within this residence. We believe them to be all family members at this time.”
No other information was released. The investigation is ongoing.


newyorkpost--2020-12-26--College football bowl betting: Why Colorado is the pick against Texas

LAS VEGAS — It ’ s a mess at Texas with fourth-year coach Tom Herman , who reportedly explored other job opportunities and wants out .
Herman has been on the hot seat and would be history if Urban Meyer had decided to come out of retirement .
The Longhorns are showing no progress and spinning their wheels , so it seems fitting they are returning to the Alamo Bowl for the second year in a row .
Herman said his players are “ extremely excited ” to be playing Tuesday in San Antonio , but who ’ s buying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team captains — including offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi , defensive lineman and linebacker Joseph Ossai and safety Caden Sterns — opted out to prepare for the NFL draft .
The only captain who will play is senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger , who has 25 touchdown passes and is a gamer who always gives a great effort .
Another positive is Herman ’ s 3-0 bowl record with the Longhorns , who were 7-point underdogs in a 38-10 victory over Utah last year in this bowl .
In coach Karl Dorrell ’ s first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-1 ) beat UCLA and Stanford to emerge as the Pac-12 ’ s surprise team .
One team is definitely excited to be in this bowl and it ’ s not Texas , which has the look of an unfocused bowl favorite .
This line opened at 12 before sharp money started showing on the ’ dog .
The Chanticleers ( 11-0 ) upset BYU on Dec. 5 and ran the table in the Sun Belt Conference .
Grayson McCall has 23 touchdown passes with two interceptions .
It ’ s hard not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 9-1 ) are getting overlooked in this matchup .
Liberty beat two ACC opponents ( Syracuse and Virginia Tech ) and lost to a third ( North Carolina State ) by one point .
This team is well coached by Hugh Freeze , whose offense gets a spark from quarterback Malik Willis , an Auburn transfer .
Willis has passed for 20 touchdowns with four interceptions and leads the team in rushing with 807 yards and 10 TDs .
The Flames have covered seven games in a row and are 3-0 ATS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Florida ( Wednesday , Cotton Bowl ) : Expect an entertaining , high-scoring game similar to the SEC Championship shoot-out which the Gators lost 52-46 to Alabama .
Florida quarterback Kyle Trask is a Heisman Trophy finalist , but star tight end Kyle Pitts has opted out and his next game will be in the NFL .
The Sooners , who held off Iowa State to win the Big 12 , will go into next season as national title contenders with quarterback Spencer Rattler returning .
Cincinnati ( +7.5 ) over Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bearcats coach Luke Fickell is in an advantageous position in this bowl because his 9-0 team will be motivated and playing to prove a point against an SEC opponent .
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder is a dual-threat playmaker , but the team ’ s strength is a defense that ranks No .
7 in the nation in scoring by allowing 16 points per game .
Georgia coach Kirby Smart faces the possibility of several players opting out to prepare for the NFL , with star senior linebacker Monty Rice among those who will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 31-5 straight up and 20-14-1 ATS in the past three seasons , including two bowl wins .
The Bearcats should be live ’ dogs , especially if the Bulldogs are disinterested .

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LAS VEGAS — It’s a mess at Texas with fourth-year coach Tom Herman, who reportedly explored other job opportunities and wants out. Herman has been on the hot seat and would be history if Urban Meyer had decided to come out of retirement.
The Longhorns are showing no progress and spinning their wheels, so it seems fitting they are returning to the Alamo Bowl for the second year in a row. Herman said his players are “extremely excited” to be playing Tuesday in San Antonio, but who’s buying that line?
The truth is five team captains — including offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi, defensive lineman and linebacker Joseph Ossai and safety Caden Sterns — opted out to prepare for the NFL draft. The only captain who will play is senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger, who has 25 touchdown passes and is a gamer who always gives a great effort. Another positive is Herman’s 3-0 bowl record with the Longhorns, who were 7-point underdogs in a 38-10 victory over Utah last year in this bowl.
In coach Karl Dorrell’s first season at Colorado, the Buffaloes (4-1) beat UCLA and Stanford to emerge as the Pac-12’s surprise team. One team is definitely excited to be in this bowl and it’s not Texas, which has the look of an unfocused bowl favorite. This line opened at 12 before sharp money started showing on the ’dog.
The pick: Colorado +9.
Coastal Carolina’s Grayson McCall AP
Liberty (+7) over Coastal Carolina (Saturday, Cure Bowl):
The Chanticleers (11-0) upset BYU on Dec. 5 and ran the table in the Sun Belt Conference. Grayson McCall has 23 touchdown passes with two interceptions. It’s hard not to be impressed.
But the Flames (9-1) are getting overlooked in this matchup. Liberty beat two ACC opponents (Syracuse and Virginia Tech) and lost to a third (North Carolina State) by one point. This team is well coached by Hugh Freeze, whose offense gets a spark from quarterback Malik Willis, an Auburn transfer. Willis has passed for 20 touchdowns with four interceptions and leads the team in rushing with 807 yards and 10 TDs. The Flames have covered seven games in a row and are 3-0 ATS as underdogs.
Oklahoma (+3) over Florida (Wednesday, Cotton Bowl): Expect an entertaining, high-scoring game similar to the SEC Championship shoot-out which the Gators lost 52-46 to Alabama. Florida quarterback Kyle Trask is a Heisman Trophy finalist, but star tight end Kyle Pitts has opted out and his next game will be in the NFL. The Sooners, who held off Iowa State to win the Big 12, will go into next season as national title contenders with quarterback Spencer Rattler returning.
Cincinnati (+7.5) over Georgia (Friday, Peach Bowl): Bearcats coach Luke Fickell is in an advantageous position in this bowl because his 9-0 team will be motivated and playing to prove a point against an SEC opponent. Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder is a dual-threat playmaker, but the team’s strength is a defense that ranks No. 7 in the nation in scoring by allowing 16 points per game.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart faces the possibility of several players opting out to prepare for the NFL, with star senior linebacker Monty Rice among those who will not play in the bowl. Fickell is 31-5 straight up and 20-14-1 ATS in the past three seasons, including two bowl wins. The Bearcats should be live ’dogs, especially if the Bulldogs are disinterested.
Last Week: 2-1. Northwestern (W), Stanford (W), UCF (L).
Season: 27-22-1.


newyorkpost--2020-12-26--Active shooter at Texas lodge prompts lockdown: reports

A popular Texas resort was in lockdown Friday night after reports of a possible active shooter .
Law enforcement swarmed the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine after 10 p.m. local time , and placed the hotel on lockdown as a precaution , Grapevine Police said on Twitter .
“ We are searching each room while families wait in a secure part of the resort , ” the cops tweeted two hours later .
“ Our officers are responding to an active threat call at Great Wolf Lodge , ” the Grapevine Police announced on Twitter at 10 p.m. “ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still on scene and searching the area.
” The lodge tweeted to the local CBS station that police were called after someone “ made concerning statements threatening the safety of our guests ; ” that person was being sought , the tweet said .
“ For the safety of our guests , the resort is currently in lockdown & we following [ sic ] the lead of law enforcement.
” Grapevine is a suburb located just north of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport .
The Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its website .
A guest staying at the lodge told KTVT that a text sent by the hotel warned customers not to leave their rooms amid reports of a possible active shooter .
Great Wolf Lodge told the outlet law enforcement is investigating the scene .

A popular Texas resort was in lockdown Friday night after reports of a possible active shooter.
Law enforcement swarmed the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine after 10 p.m. local time, and placed the hotel on lockdown as a precaution, Grapevine Police said on Twitter.
“We are searching each room while families wait in a secure part of the resort,” the cops tweeted two hours later.
“Our officers are responding to an active threat call at Great Wolf Lodge,” the Grapevine Police announced on Twitter at 10 p.m.
“There are no injuries reported, but we are still on scene and searching the area.”
By early Saturday no suspect had been found, the local Fox affilliate reported.
The lodge tweeted to the local CBS station that police were called after someone “made concerning statements threatening the safety of our guests;” that person was being sought, the tweet said.
“For the safety of our guests, the resort is currently in lockdown & we following [sic] the lead of law enforcement.”
Grapevine is a suburb located just north of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
The Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor water park and resort, according to its website.
A guest staying at the lodge told KTVT that a text sent by the hotel warned customers not to leave their rooms amid reports of a possible active shooter.
Great Wolf Lodge told the outlet law enforcement is investigating the scene.


newyorkpost--2020-12-26--World War II tombstones with swastikas removed from Texas cemetery

Two German WWII tombstones at a Texas veterans cemetery — each bearing Nazi swastikas — have been removed and replaced @ @ @ @ @ not use the symbol .
The 1943 gravestones belonging to German prisoners of war Alfred @ @ @ @ @ Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery featured an Iron Cross with a swastika in the middle @ @ @ @ @ “ He died far from his home for the Leader ( Führer ) , people @ @ @ @ @ , it took a long time for this to happen , and it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ have been done , ” said Michael Weinstein , founder and president of the Military @ @ @ @ @ foundation previously demanded Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie remove the tombstones , but the agency @ @ @ @ @ a historical meaning .
A third grave that also features Nazi symbol is located in @ @ @ @ @ Utah but it ’ s unclear if it ’ s been removed .

Two German WWII tombstones at a Texas veterans cemetery — each bearing Nazi swastikas — have been removed and replaced with new ones that do not use the symbol.
The 1943 gravestones belonging to German prisoners of war Alfred Kafka and Georg Forst at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery featured an Iron Cross with a swastika in the middle, and the phrase, “He died far from his home for the Leader (Führer), people and fatherland.”
Cemetary workers removed the stones on Wednesday.
“Clearly, it took a long time for this to happen, and it’s obviously the right thing to have been done,” said Michael Weinstein, founder and president of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.
The foundation previously demanded Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie remove the tombstones, but the agency refused and argued they had a historical meaning.
A third grave that also features Nazi symbol is located in Fort Douglas Post Cemetery in Utah but it’s unclear if it’s been removed.
With Post Wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Kevin Durant already showing MVP flashes

This was a nice reminder that , for all the good ...

Many wondered whether the Nets would get All-NBA Kevin Durant, or merely All-Star KD.
On Friday, he flashed MVP KD.
In an impressive 123-95 road rout of Boston, Durant poured in 29 points on 9 of 16 shooting, and 3 of 4 from deep. Playing against Durant, Boston power forward Tristan Thompson picked up three fouls in the first quarter and never did find a way to slow the Nets star.
“The isolation defense on Kevin Durant is an issue for every person in the world. That’s how good Kevin Durant is,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said.
“It just came [to me]. I got it in my hands and I just tried to be aggressive going downhill,” said Durant, who was biding his time in a first half that saw the Nets run more pick-and-rolls with Kyrie Irving. “I felt like I was just waiting for more opportunities in the second half to just be aggressive to shoot. I was able to knock some down.”
Durant, in only his second regular-season game since rupturing his Achilles in June 2019, took over late with 16 points in the third quarter alone on 6 of 7 shooting.
“It’s still impressive to watch after all these years. Just his length, his skill, his mobility, his athleticism; it’s an incredible package,” Steve Nash said. “For him to have runs like that is nothing for him in his mind. For mere mortals in this game in the NBA, it’s impossible to think of sometimes. So, yeah, an incredible run there.”
The Nets have off Saturday before a back-to-back Sunday at Charlotte and Monday versus the Grizzlies. Durant said he hasn’t talked to the performance team yet, but is hoping to play against the Hornets.
Joe Harris was a plus-23, while Jarrett Allen had nine points, a game-high 11 rebounds and a game-high four blocks off the bench.
Nash said he hasn’t spoken to Allen specifically about the team not agreeing to a rookie extension with the young center.
“We’re focused on the season,” Nash said. “He has a bright future. He’s going to have a big contract whenever the time is. We’re just trying to figure out who we are as a team.
“The guy was unbelievable. He was good in the first half, he was special in the second half. That’s what it’s going to take to win, especially as we’re forming here, is special efforts; and man, he was good. Defensively, protecting the rim, loose balls, rebounding at both ends, he was outstanding. We’re proud of him and he’s continuing and improving at this stage of his career.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--NASA astronauts send Christmas message of ‘resilience’ back to Earth

Their Christmas was out of this world — but all they want is peace on Earth .
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station beamed season ’ s greeting back to Earth , sending a message of “ resilience ” to all amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ The resilience of the human spirit is something that we can truly celebrate in this special season , ” NASA astronaut Victor Glover said in a video this week .
Resilience is also the name of the SpaceX rocket that brought Glover and three others — fellow NASA astronauts Mike Hopkins and Shannon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Noguchi — to the ISS in November .
“ We selected that name in tribute to people around the world and to the teams that help make our mission possible during a year that changed all our lives , ” Hopkins , the crew commander , said in the clip .
“ We ’ d also like to remember everyone we ’ ve lost this year.
” Glover added : “ There couldn ’ t be a more fitting name to describe 2020.
” The four joined NASA astronaut Kate Rubins and Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the space station last month .
The entire crew was off-duty on Christmas and spent the day sharing a holiday meal together and calling family and friends .
They also decked the halls of the ISS with festive decorations .

Their Christmas was out of this world — but all they want is peace on Earth.
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station beamed season’s greeting back to Earth, sending a message of “resilience” to all amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“The resilience of the human spirit is something that we can truly celebrate in this special season,” NASA astronaut Victor Glover said in a video this week.
Resilience is also the name of the SpaceX rocket that brought Glover and three others — fellow NASA astronauts Mike Hopkins and Shannon Walker and Japanese space program astronaut Soichi Noguchi — to the ISS in November.
“We selected that name in tribute to people around the world and to the teams that help make our mission possible during a year that changed all our lives,” Hopkins, the crew commander, said in the clip.
“We’d also like to remember everyone we’ve lost this year.”
Glover added: “There couldn’t be a more fitting name to describe 2020.”
The four joined NASA astronaut Kate Rubins and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov on the space station last month.
The entire crew was off-duty on Christmas and spent the day sharing a holiday meal together and calling family and friends. They also decked the halls of the ISS with festive decorations.


newyorkpost--2020-12-25--Fantasy football: Players to start, sit for NFL Week 16

Whether it is Christmas cookies or Hanukkah latkes or sweet ...

The Post’s Drew Loftis evaluates all the relevant fantasy football news ahead of Week 16 of the 2020 NFL season.
Big Weeks
Leonard Fournette RB, Buccaneers, at Lions (Sat. only: FanDuel $7,000/DraftKings $5,500)
The Lions are so bad defending against fantasy RBs, they give up nine more PPR points per game at the position than the league average, and 1.5 more than the next-worst team (Texans).
Darrell Henderson Jr. RB, Rams, at Seahawks (FD $5,600/DK $4,500)
Will get increased volume with Cam Akers out. Play him over the James Conner/Wayne Gallman types, not ahead of the Melvin Gordon, Le’Veon Bell or Gio Bernard group.
Jeff Wilson Jr. RB, 49ers, at Cardinals (Sat. only: FD $6,000/DK $5,000)
Speaking of players to slot in ahead of Henderson, add Wilson to the list. We don’t expect him to get all the San Fran carries, but we do expect him the get most as well as, and most importantly, the goal-line carries.
Antonio Brown WR, Buccaneers, at Lions (Sat. only: FD $6,600/DK $5,300)
With the Lions’ coaching staff in disarray, a Tampa Bay playoff spot to clinch and we envision a desire to get the Tom Brady-AB connection firm before the postseason, and we see a strong Flex play here.
Chris Carson Getty Images
Small Weaks
Chris Carson RB, Seahawks, vs. Rams (FD $7,100/DK $6,400)
He has battled a foot injury for much of the season and hasn’t shown the power or pop he had in the past. Now faces a stout Rams defense that will be angry after an embarrassing loss to the Jets.
Ezekiel Elliott RB, Cowboys, vs. Eagles (FD $7,000/DK $6,700)
Questionable with a calf problem. If he plays, don’t use him, he could be limited and/or share carries with Pollard. If he doesn’t play, Pollard is a must-start in virtually any fantasy format.
Diontae Johnson WR, Steelers, vs. Colts (FD $6,700/DK $6,300)
Beyond our immediate concerns regarding the recent struggles of the Steelers offense in general, we tend to look upon with disfavor which receiver is coming off a big game. This week, that is Diontae.
Corey Davis WR, Titans, at Packers (FD $7,200/DK $6,100)
We’ve been on the Corey bandwagon for a while, but Tennessee has a built-in incentives to lean on the run — Packers have decent pass D, a weak run D, and controlling the clock keeps Aaron Rodgers off the field.
Fantasy Insanity Daily Duel
Site: FanDuel
Slate: main (10 games)
Entry: $5
Pot: $50K
Top prize: $5K
Drew’s Crew
QB: Baker Mayfield (Cle, at NYJ) $7,600
RB: David Montgomery (Chi, at Jac) $7,800
RB: Austin Ekeler (LAC, vs. Den) $7,000
WR: Jarvis Landry (Cle, at NYJ) $6,500
WR: CeeDee Lamb (Dal, vs. Phi) $6,000
WR: Cooper Kupp (LAR, at Sea) $6,800
TE: Logan Thomas (Was, vs. Car) $6,000
Flex: Travis Kelce (KC, vs. Atl) $8,800
DEF: Bengals (Cin, at Hou) $3,200
Wilk’s Warriors
QB: Baker Mayfield (Cle, at NYJ) $7,600
RB: David Montgomery (Chi, at Jac) $7,800
RB: Darrell Henderson Jr. (LAR, at Sea) $5,600
WR: Diontae Johnson (Pit, vs. Ind) $6,700
WR: Alshon Jeffery (Phi, at Dal) $5,300
WR: D.J. Moore (Car, at Was) $7,200
TE: Noah Fant (Den, at LAC) $6,200
Flex: Travis Kelce (KC, vs. Atl) $8,800
DEF: Washington (Was, vs. Car) $4,800
Follow @NYPost_Loftis and @NYPost_Roto on Twitter for any late roster changes.
Season risked: $120
Winnings: Jarad $100, Drew $100