newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Bermuda Triangle shipwreck discovered nearly 100 years after it vanished

A team of experts has located the wreck of a merchant ship that vanished in the Bermuda Triangle in 1925 .
The fate of the SS Cotopaxi has long been shrouded in mystery .
On Nov. 29 , 1925 , the steam-powered vessel left Charleston , S.C. for Havana , Cuba .
She never reached her destination and the bodies of the Cotopaxi ’ s 32 passengers were never recovered .
Now , however , a group of underwater explorers and maritime archaeologists have located the ill-fated ship about 35 nautical miles off the coast of St. Augustine , Fla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first episode of “ Shipwreck Secrets , ” a new Science Channel Series that premieres on Feb. 9 at 8 p.m .
ET .
Subsequent episodes will air on Sundays at 9 p.m .
ET In a statement , the Science Channel explained that marine biologist and underwater explorer Michael Barnette contacted British historian Guy Walters to help find the mysterious ship .
“ Walters combed through ship records at the archives of Lloyd ’ s of London , who were the insurance brokers for the SS Cotopaxi , ” the Science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something previously unknown about the SS Cotopaxi ’ s voyage .
The ship had sent out wireless distress signals with a position on December 1st , 1925 , two days after it left Charleston.
” A shipwreck known locally as the Bear Wreck , which was found almost 35 years ago , is in that location .
Armed with the new information , however , and working with diver Al Perkins and experts from the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum , researchers realized that the Bear Wreck is actually the Cotopaxi .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ available evidence , the team felt confident that the Bear Wreck is indeed the final resting spot of the lost Cotopaxi , ” explains the Science Channel , in its statement .
This information was also shared with Douglas Myers , the grandson of the Cotopaxi ’ s captain , Captain William J. Myers , at his home in Long Island , N.Y. “ Myers agreed that the team had finally located his grandfather ’ s ship after being missing for almost 100 years , ” the Science Channel said .
The Bermuda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fascination .
The body of water , infamous as a place where many vessels have sunk , stretches across a western part of the North Atlantic between Florida , Puerto Rico and Bermuda .
The area , also known as the Devil ’ s Triangle , has claimed over 1,000 lives in the last 100 years , News.com.au reported in 2017 .
In 2018 scientists in the U.K. noted that a natural “ rogue wave ” phenomenon could play a part in the Bermuda Triangle ’ s reputation .
Busy maritime traffic in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a key factor in its history .

A team of experts has located the wreck of a merchant ship that vanished in the Bermuda Triangle in 1925.
The fate of the SS Cotopaxi has long been shrouded in mystery. On Nov. 29, 1925, the steam-powered vessel left Charleston, S.C. for Havana, Cuba. She never reached her destination and the bodies of the Cotopaxi’s 32 passengers were never recovered.
Now, however, a group of underwater explorers and maritime archaeologists have located the ill-fated ship about 35 nautical miles off the coast of St. Augustine, Fla. The discovery will be featured in the first episode of “Shipwreck Secrets,” a new Science Channel Series that premieres on Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. ET. Subsequent episodes will air on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET
In a statement, the Science Channel explained that marine biologist and underwater explorer Michael Barnette contacted British historian Guy Walters to help find the mysterious ship.
“Walters combed through ship records at the archives of Lloyd’s of London, who were the insurance brokers for the SS Cotopaxi,” the Science Channel explained. “There he discovered something previously unknown about the SS Cotopaxi’s voyage. The ship had sent out wireless distress signals with a position on December 1st, 1925, two days after it left Charleston.”
A shipwreck known locally as the Bear Wreck, which was found almost 35 years ago, is in that location.
Armed with the new information, however, and working with diver Al Perkins and experts from the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, researchers realized that the Bear Wreck is actually the Cotopaxi.
“After discussing and evaluating all the available evidence, the team felt confident that the Bear Wreck is indeed the final resting spot of the lost Cotopaxi,” explains the Science Channel, in its statement.
This information was also shared with Douglas Myers, the grandson of the Cotopaxi’s captain, Captain William J. Myers, at his home in Long Island, N.Y. “Myers agreed that the team had finally located his grandfather’s ship after being missing for almost 100 years,” the Science Channel said.
The Bermuda Triangle has long been a source of fascination. The body of water, infamous as a place where many vessels have sunk, stretches across a western part of the North Atlantic between Florida, Puerto Rico and Bermuda. The area, also known as the Devil’s Triangle, has claimed over 1,000 lives in the last 100 years, News.com.au reported in 2017.
In 2018 scientists in the U.K. noted that a natural “rogue wave” phenomenon could play a part in the Bermuda Triangle’s reputation. Busy maritime traffic in the area has also been cited as a key factor in its history.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Kobe Bryant granted teen’s dying wish, Iowa dad recalls

A father in Iowa recalled the time that Kobe Bryant gifted his cancer-stricken son a game-worn jersey just three months before the teen passed away .
Billy Thorington , whose son Cody Thorington was a huge fan of Kobe , told Ohio ’ s WHO-TV that his son was buried with the jersey that Kobe gave him in 2007 .
“ It was amazing .
It was really amazing for Cody .
They flew us down there and gave us a rental car everything , ” the dad recalled .
“ Kobe gave him his jersey that he wore that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put it in his casket so it ’ s with him.
” The father said the Make-A-Wish foundation arranged for him and his 13-year-old to attend a game in Los Angeles where Bryant scored 23 points .
The dad said the star gave his son a reprieve from his illness by being so kind .
“ Friendly , it was like he knew us , ” he said of Kobe .
“ His wife was there and all the cheerleaders .
Everybody was really friendly.
” Cody lost his battle against cancer just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those happy moments .
“ You look at those pictures right there he ’ s got a smile from ear to ear , ” the dad said .
“ I was really happy to see my kid being that happy .
It was like one of his dreams come true… .
he ’ s an amazing person .
He really is .
On and off the court.
” Bryant and his daughter Gianna were killed along with seven other people when the helicopter they were riding in crashed into a mountain near Calabasas @ @ @

A father in Iowa recalled the time that Kobe Bryant gifted his cancer-stricken son a game-worn jersey just three months before the teen passed away.
Billy Thorington, whose son Cody Thorington was a huge fan of Kobe, told Iowa’s WHO-TV that his son was buried with the jersey that Kobe gave him in 2007.
“It was amazing. It was really amazing for Cody. They flew us down there and gave us a rental car and everything,” the dad recalled.
“Kobe gave him his jersey that he wore that night. I folded it up and put it in his casket so it’s with him.”
The father said the Make-A-Wish Foundation arranged for him and his 13-year-old to attend a game in Los Angeles where Bryant scored 23 points.
The dad said the star gave his son a break from his illness by being so kind.
“Friendly, it was like he knew us,” he said of Kobe.
“His wife was there and all the cheerleaders. Everybody was really friendly.”
Cody lost his battle against cancer just three months later, but his father recalls those happy moments.
“You look at those pictures, right there he’s got a smile from ear to ear,” the dad said.
“I was really happy to see my kid being that happy. It was like one of his dreams come true. … [Kobe’s] an amazing person. He really is. On and off the court.”
Bryant and his daughter Gianna were killed along with seven other people when the helicopter they were riding in crashed into a mountain near Calabasas, California.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Man allegedly stabbed Brooklyn philanthropist 22 times, set house on fire

The man accused of killing a Brooklyn philanthropist last week allegedly stabbed him 22 times and then set his house on fire , prosecutors alleged at his arraignment Wednesday .
Dondre Richardson , 33 , was ordered held without bail at his arraignment on murder and arson charges for the slaying of L. Antonio Litman at his home on Adelphi Street in Fort Greene on Jan. 20 .
After knifing Litman to death , Richardson set the house on fire and left a bloody knife with his DNA on it at the scene , prosecutors said .
Richardson , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Island , was arrested by the NYPD ’ s warrant squad and brought in for questioning at Brooklyn ’ s 88 precinct on Tuesday .
During the questioning , he stripped naked and began urinating in the precinct , prosecutors said .
He had to be transferred to a hospital for psych evaluation after the outburst .
Richardson , a convicted sex offender , allegedly had a sexual relationship with Litman before the grisly slaying , sources previously told The Post .
Litman was found in the lobby of the building , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hope , when FDNY firefighters responded to the blaze that morning at 3:30 a.m. , authorities said .

The man accused of killing a Brooklyn philanthropist last week allegedly stabbed him 22 times and then set his house on fire, prosecutors alleged at his arraignment Wednesday.
Dondre Richardson, 33, was ordered held without bail at his arraignment on murder and arson charges for the slaying of L. Antonio Litman at his home on Adelphi Street in Fort Greene on Jan. 20.
After knifing Litman to death, Richardson set the house on fire and left a bloody knife with his DNA on it at the scene, prosecutors said.
Richardson, who lives in a homeless shelter on Wards Island, was arrested by the NYPD’s warrant squad and brought in for questioning at Brooklyn’s 88 precinct on Tuesday.
During the questioning, he stripped naked and began urinating in the precinct, prosecutors said. He had to be transferred to a hospital for psych evaluation after the outburst.
Richardson, a convicted sex offender, allegedly had a sexual relationship with Litman before the grisly slaying, sources previously told The Post.
Litman was found in the lobby of the building, which housed his charity Virginia’s House of Hope, when FDNY firefighters responded to the blaze that morning at 3:30 a.m., authorities said.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Portion of US border wall in California falls into Mexico amid high winds

A newly constructed portion of the US border wall tumbled into Mexico Wednesday afternoon amid high winds , a report @ @ @ @ @ wall broke free from their concrete foundation , which had yet to set , in @ @ @ @ @ Customs and Border Protection Agent Carlos Pitones told CNN .
The panels landed on trees @ @ @ @ @ Pitones said the panels couldn ’ t withstand the windy condition since the concrete had @ @ @ @ @ report said .
“ We are grateful there was no property damage or injuries , @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s unclear when wall construction in the area will resume .

A newly constructed portion of the US border wall tumbled into Mexico Wednesday afternoon amid high winds, a report said.
Panels from the wall broke free from their concrete foundation, which had yet to set, in Calexico, California, US Customs and Border Protection Agent Carlos Pitones told CNN.
The panels landed on trees and nobody was injured.
Pitones said the panels couldn’t withstand the windy condition since the concrete had yet to cure, the report said.
“We are grateful there was no property damage or injuries,” Pitones told the outlet.
It’s unclear when wall construction in the area will resume.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--American Sofia Kenin storms into Australian Open final

Not when she was twice a point from dropping the opening set of her first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open .
Not when she was twice a point from dropping the second set , either .
And the American is into her first major final at age 21 — beating the woman ranked No .
1 , Ash Barty , to get there .
Now Kenin will need to beat a former No .
1 , Garbiñe Muguruza , to grab the trophy .
Kenin saved a total of four set points to stop home hope Barty ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singles champion at Melbourne Park , pulling out a 7-6 ( 6 ) , 7-5 victory on a stiflingly hot Thursday .
“ I was telling myself : ‘ I believe in myself .
If I lose the set , I ’ m still going to come out and believe , ’ ” said the 14th-seeded Kenin , who never had been past the fourth round at a major .
“ Yeah , I really did a great job with it .
I didn ’ t give up.
” Muguruza fended off four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semifinal and wound up defeating No .
4 Simona Halep 7-6 ( 8 ) , 7-5 in a matchup of players who have won Wimbledon and the French Open but not the Australian Open .
It was a streaky contest : Muguruza led 5-3 in the first set before Halep took 15 of 17 points to earn a pair of set points .
Muguruza then took seven consecutive points .
And so on , until Halep put a shot in the net to relinquish that set , then smashed her racket and sat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I wasn ’ t thinking I was down , ” Muguruza said .
“ You keep going.
” Barty — who won the French Open last June , beating Kenin along the way — was hardly at her best Thursday , especially at the most crucial moments .
Maybe she was burdened by the task of trying to become the first Australian woman since 1980 to get to the final of the country ’ s Grand Slam .
“ Unfortunately , couldn ’ t quite scrap enough to get over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held her niece on her lap at the post-match news conference .
“ Just didn ’ t play the biggest points well enough to win.
” Instead , Kenin is the first American other than a Williams sister to reach the Australian Open final since Lindsay Davenport in 1995 .
And Kenin is the first American woman to beat the No .
1 player at any major since Serena topped Venus at Wimbledon in 2002 .
“ She has the ability to adapt , ” Barty said .
“ She ’ s extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Those inside the sport know .
But Kenin has been overshadowed by some of the many other American women making waves in recent years .
“ I mean , yeah , I know people haven ’ t really paid attention much to me in the past .
I had to establish myself , and I have , ” Kenin said .
“ Of course , now I ’ m getting the attention , which I like it .
Not going to lie.
” Kenin , who was born in Russia and moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onto the scene in 2019 by winning three singles titles , upsetting Serena Williams in the third round at Roland Garros , and soaring from No .
52 to No .
12 in the rankings .
She didn ’ t face a seeded player in this tournament until Thursday , but did eliminate 15-year-old sensation Coco Gauff in the fourth round .
Barty and Kenin stepped out in Rod Laver Arena in the early afternoon under a cloudless sky and a vibrant sun .
The temperature topped 100 Fahrenheit ( 38 Celsius ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 ( 10 to 15 ) degrees hotter than it ’ s been for much of a chillier-than-usual 1½ weeks so far at Melbourne Park .
Barty braced herself by wearing an ice towel around her neck at changeovers .
In addition to making it uncomfortable for players and fans alike , the conditions caused balls to zip through the air and fly off rackets , rendering it that much harder to control shots .
Add that to some jitters , and neither woman was at her best in the opening set .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not as reliable as it normally is .
Kenin ’ s movement and groundstrokes seemed to lack their usual verve .
It took Kenin 43 minutes to register just one forehand winner , while 11 of her initial 14 points resulted from unforced errors by Barty .
After one lost point , Kenin hit herself in the thigh .
On the next , she flubbed a high volley and dropped her racket to the ground .
Up in the stands , Kenin ’ s father , Alexander , who is also her coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hours later , he could smile as he looked back at the big win and ahead to what ’ s next .
“ The basic plan that we developed , we stuck to it , and it looked like it worked , ” Dad said .
Asked what he thought it will be like to see his daughter participate in her first Grand Slam final , he replied : “ Never been there , so I don ’ t know .
Let ’ s see.
” Barty had two chances to claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Same thing happened in the second .
Kenin now will climb into the top 10 of the rankings .
One more win , and she ’ ll achieve something even more significant : The right to call herself a Grand Slam champion .
“ She deserves that respect , ” Barty said , “ and she deserves the recognition .
”

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Sofia Kenin never flinched.
Not when she was twice a point from dropping the opening set of her first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open. Not when she was twice a point from dropping the second set, either.
And the American is into her first major final at age 21 — beating the woman ranked No. 1, Ash Barty, to get there. Now Kenin will need to beat a former No. 1, Garbiñe Muguruza, to grab the trophy.
Kenin saved a total of four set points to stop home hope Barty’s bid to give Australia a long-awaited singles champion at Melbourne Park, pulling out a 7-6 (6), 7-5 victory on a stiflingly hot Thursday.
“I was telling myself: ‘I believe in myself. If I lose the set, I’m still going to come out and believe,’” said the 14th-seeded Kenin, who never had been past the fourth round at a major. “Yeah, I really did a great job with it. I didn’t give up.”
Muguruza fended off four set points in the opener of her semifinal and wound up defeating No. 4 Simona Halep 7-6 (8), 7-5 in a matchup of players who have won Wimbledon and the French Open but not the Australian Open.
It was a streaky contest: Muguruza led 5-3 in the first set before Halep took 15 of 17 points to earn a pair of set points. Muguruza then took seven consecutive points. And so on, until Halep put a shot in the net to relinquish that set, then smashed her racket and sat on the sideline, shaking her head.
“I wasn’t thinking I was down,” Muguruza said. “You keep going.”
Barty — who won the French Open last June, beating Kenin along the way — was hardly at her best Thursday, especially at the most crucial moments. Maybe she was burdened by the task of trying to become the first Australian woman since 1980 to get to the final of the country’s Grand Slam.
“Unfortunately, couldn’t quite scrap enough to get over the line,” said Barty, who held her niece on her lap at the post-match news conference. “Just didn’t play the biggest points well enough to win.”
Instead, Kenin is the first American other than a Williams sister to reach the Australian Open final since Lindsay Davenport in 1995. And Kenin is the first American woman to beat the No. 1 player at any major since Serena topped Venus at Wimbledon in 2002.
“She has the ability to adapt,” Barty said. “She’s extremely confident at the moment, as well.”
Those inside the sport know. But Kenin has been overshadowed by some of the many other American women making waves in recent years.
“I mean, yeah, I know people haven’t really paid attention much to me in the past. I had to establish myself, and I have,” Kenin said. “Of course, now I’m getting the attention, which I like it. Not going to lie.”
Kenin, who was born in Russia and moved to Florida as a baby, burst onto the scene in 2019 by winning three singles titles, upsetting Serena Williams in the third round at Roland Garros, and soaring from No. 52 to No. 12 in the rankings.
She didn’t face a seeded player in this tournament until Thursday, but did eliminate 15-year-old sensation Coco Gauff in the fourth round.
Barty and Kenin stepped out in Rod Laver Arena in the early afternoon under a cloudless sky and a vibrant sun. The temperature topped 100 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) in the first set, 20 to 25 (10 to 15) degrees hotter than it’s been for much of a chillier-than-usual 1½ weeks so far at Melbourne Park.
Barty braced herself by wearing an ice towel around her neck at changeovers.
In addition to making it uncomfortable for players and fans alike, the conditions caused balls to zip through the air and fly off rackets, rendering it that much harder to control shots. Add that to some jitters, and neither woman was at her best in the opening set.
Barty’s one-handed slice backhand was not as reliable as it normally is. Kenin’s movement and groundstrokes seemed to lack their usual verve.
It took Kenin 43 minutes to register just one forehand winner, while 11 of her initial 14 points resulted from unforced errors by Barty.
After one lost point, Kenin hit herself in the thigh. On the next, she flubbed a high volley and dropped her racket to the ground. Up in the stands, Kenin’s father, Alexander, who is also her coach, put his hands on his head.
Hours later, he could smile as he looked back at the big win and ahead to what’s next.
“The basic plan that we developed, we stuck to it, and it looked like it worked,” Dad said.
Asked what he thought it will be like to see his daughter participate in her first Grand Slam final, he replied: “Never been there, so I don’t know. Let’s see.”
Barty had two chances to claim the first set but couldn’t. Same thing happened in the second.
Kenin now will climb into the top 10 of the rankings. One more win, and she’ll achieve something even more significant: The right to call herself a Grand Slam champion.
“She deserves that respect,” Barty said, “and she deserves the recognition.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Young fan’s selfie may be one of the last photos of Kobe Bryant

A young boy ’ s sneak selfie of Kobe Bryant at the former NBA star ’ s basketball academy in California may be one of the last photographs of Bryant before he was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday .
The boy , 13-year-old Brady Smigiel , took the photo of Bryant on Saturday at the Mamba Sports Academy , where Brady was playing in a tournament and Bryant was coaching his daughter Gianna ’ s team , the boy ’ s mother told The Post .
After Bryant wrapped up coaching the first game , Brady went up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a photo with him .
“ Kobe gave him knuckles , and Brady said ‘ he wasn ’ t in the mood to talk because they lost , ' ” Brady ’ s mother , Dionne Smigiel , said .
But as Bryant walked by him , Brady snapped a selfie and caught a profile view of the NBA star in the photograph .
Determined to get still a better photo , Brady waited until Gianna ’ s second game of the day ended and waited outside for Bryant and his daughter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He kind of stopped Kobe on his way out the door , and just said : ‘ Can I get a picture with you now ? '
” Dionne said .
“ Kobe said , ‘ Are you playing in the tournament ?
’ Brady said ‘ yeah.
’ He said , ‘ I ’ ll get you a pic tomorrow . '
” As he was talking to Bryant , Brady snapped another blurry photo of Bryant .
Both Brady and his twin brother Beau are huge fans of Bryant and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , their mother said .
Bryant and his daughter Gianna were killed along with seven other people when the helicopter they were riding in crashed into a mountain near Calabasas , California .

A young boy’s sneak selfie of Kobe Bryant at the former NBA star’s basketball academy in California may be one of the last photographs of Bryant before he was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
The boy, 13-year-old Brady Smigiel, took the photo of Bryant on Saturday at the Mamba Sports Academy, where Brady was playing in a tournament and Bryant was coaching his daughter Gianna’s team, the boy’s mother told The Post.
After Bryant wrapped up coaching the first game, Brady went up to the NBA legend and asked for a photo with him.
“Kobe gave him knuckles, and Brady said ‘he wasn’t in the mood to talk because they lost,'” said Brady’s mother, Dionne Smigiel.
But as Bryant walked by him, Brady snapped a selfie and caught a profile view of the NBA star in the photograph.
Determined to get a better photo, Brady waited until Gianna’s second game of the day ended and waited outside for Bryant and his daughter to walk out, his mother said.
“He kind of stopped Kobe on his way out the door, and just said: ‘Can I get a picture with you now?'” Dionne said.
“Kobe said, ‘Are you playing in the tournament?’ Brady said, ‘Yeah.’ He said, ‘I’ll get you a pic tomorrow.'”
As he was talking to Bryant, Brady snapped another blurry photo of Bryant.
Both Brady and his twin brother, Beau, are huge fans of Bryant and both “live and breathe” basketball, their mother said.
Bryant and his daughter Gianna were killed along with seven other people when the helicopter they were riding in crashed into a mountain near Calabasas, California.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Friars Club’s bar MIA until March, dining room out of commission for most of 2020

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens @ @ @ @ @ to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) The Friars are in deep @ @ @ @ @ iconic Club doesn ’ t expect its famed headquarters to be fully open again until @ @ @ @ @ after major flooding .
It says that a pipe burst at its 112-year-old “ Monastery @ @ @ @ @ it was closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day .
Now the club has told @ @ @ @ @ bar area won ’ t be back up and running again until the end of @ @ @ @ @ dining room won ’ t be restored for most of the year .
On the @ @ @ @ @ for members to use some of the facilities at the extremely fancy Core Club across @ @ @ @ @ s trying to figure out a similar arrangement with the Players Club in Gramercy Park @

The Friars are in deep trouble.
NYC’s iconic Club doesn’t expect its famed headquarters to be fully open again until the end of the summer after major flooding.
It says that a pipe burst at its 112-year-old “Monastery” on 55th Street while it was closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Now the club has told members that even the front bar area won’t be back up and running again until the end of March, and that the dining room won’t be restored for most of the year.
On the upside, it has arranged for members to use some of the facilities at the extremely fancy Core Club across the street and it’s trying to figure out a similar arrangement with the Players Club in Gramercy Park.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--More bad news for NYC’s housing market

More bad news for NYC’s housing market

Six months after progressive New York legislators rammed through radical new rent laws , sales of apartment buildings are plummeting @ @ @ @ @ of building sales citywide fell 40 percent in 2019 to $ 6.91 billion , the @ @ @ @ @ reports brokerage Ariel Property Advisors .
The price for rent-stabilized buildings fell 7 percent .
@ @ @ @ @ to severely limit landlords ’ ability to raise rents to cover the costs of unit @ @ @ @ @ “ The fact that there ’ s no correlation between the amount you put into @ @ @ @ @ of rent you can charge has completely shifted investment interest in rent-stabilized buildings , ” @ @ @ @ @ s president , told Bloomberg News .
This guarantees owners will put less money into @ @ @ @ @ upgrades and units going off the market .
Thank the Legislature and Gov .
Andrew @ @ @ @ @ ’ s housing crisis even worse .

Six months after progressive New York legislators rammed through radical new rent laws, sales of apartment buildings are plummeting.
The total dollar value of building sales citywide fell 40 percent in 2019 to $6.91 billion, the lowest total since 2011, reports brokerage Ariel Property Advisors. The price for rent-stabilized buildings fell 7 percent.
Blame state lawmakers’ move to severely limit landlords’ ability to raise rents to cover the costs of unit renovations and building improvements.
“The fact that there’s no correlation between the amount you put into a building and the amount of rent you can charge has completely shifted investment interest in rent-stabilized buildings,” Shimon Shkury, Ariel’s president, told Bloomberg News.
This guarantees owners will put less money into buildings — which means fewer upgrades and units going off the market.
Thank the Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo for making the city’s housing crisis even worse.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Attack of the literary terrorists on Oprah’s book club pick

Citing “ specific threats to booksellers and the author , ” Flatiron Books has canceled the remaining publicity tour for Jeanine Cummins ’ “ American Dirt ” — replacing the usual events with town halls where the author will meet with allies of the threat-makers .
Tapped by Oprah Winfrey for her book club , the novel is about a Mexican mother and son fleeing violence to the United States .
The threat-makers ’ central gripe : Cummins herself isn ’ t Mexican , indeed “ only ” has one Puerto Rican grandparent .
And while her husband immigrated illegally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All of which supposedly limits what Cummins can write about .
What a cramped view of human imagination and empathy .
Some critics complain that the publishing industry would rather support and publish a white writer rather than a Latino or Latina writer .
But book publishing may be the most PC industry outside of academia — witness Flatiron ’ s pathetic retreat .
These idiots are now pressing Oprah to reconsider her book club pick , and to start featuring more works by “ Latinx ” ( a ridiculous word ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caving — except that she now plans to host all sides in an episode of her “ Oprah ’ s Book Club ” show .
That ’ s sad , too — though it will give the critics a chance to prove how unhinged they really are .
Meanwhile , “ American Dirt ” is No .
1 on Amazon , so justice isn ’ t dead .

Citing “specific threats to booksellers and the author,” Flatiron Books has canceled the remaining publicity tour for Jeanine Cummins’ “American Dirt” — replacing the usual events with town halls where the author will meet with allies of the threat-makers.
How very sad.
Tapped by Oprah Winfrey for her book club, the novel is about a Mexican mother and son fleeing violence to the United States.
The threat-makers’ central gripe: Cummins herself isn’t Mexican, indeed “only” has one Puerto Rican grandparent. And while her husband immigrated illegally, he’s from Ireland.
All of which supposedly limits what Cummins can write about. What a cramped view of human imagination and empathy.
Some critics complain that the publishing industry would rather support and publish a white writer rather than a Latino or Latina writer. But book publishing may be the most PC industry outside of academia — witness Flatiron’s pathetic retreat.
These idiots are now pressing Oprah to reconsider her book club pick, and to start featuring more works by “Latinx” (a ridiculous word) and immigrant authors. She’s not caving — except that she now plans to host all sides in an episode of her “Oprah’s Book Club” show. That’s sad, too — though it will give the critics a chance to prove how unhinged they really are.
Meanwhile, “American Dirt” is No. 1 on Amazon, so justice isn’t dead.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--A year into federal consent decree, NYCHA may just be on the right track

Friday marks the one-year anniversary of the consent decree between the city and the feds aimed at fixing the New York City Housing Authority .
That makes it early days still — but US Housing Secretary Ben Carson is cautiously optimistic .
Carson told the The Post editorial board this week that the majority of NYCHA tenants should see “ big changes ” by the end of this year — meaning , among other things , faster and higher-quality repairs , especially for urgent issues — thanks to major management reforms finally in place .
The year brought the installation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NYCHA and the appointment of a new agency CEO , public-housing veteran Gregory Russ .
They in turn ( building in part on the work done by interim NYCHA head Stanley Brezenoff ) have instituted fundamental changes such as staffers assigned to a 24/7 line to handle emergency needs , a compliance department and a quality-assurance unit .
New action plans promise clear management improvements — especially on heat and hot-water issues — as managers strive to get a handle on such chronic issues as lead paint , toxic mold , elevator repairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city has committed $ 2.2 billion in funding over the next 10 years , while Gov .
Andrew Cuomo released $ 450 million in capital funds to fix elevators and replace boilers .
Yes , that ’ s a drop in the bucket when NYCHA faces an estimated $ 40 billion repair bill .
Then again , Carson believes that reforms can reduce that bill — pointing out that NYCHA has been spending $ 1,900 a unit simply to install energy-efficient lighting .
“ We must address the disease , not simply treat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That includes aggressive use of the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration program , an Obama-era initiative that shifts buildings to private management while doing major repairs .
It ’ s a step away from the traditional public-housing model that many resist as “ privatization ” — but residents of the Ocean Bay Apartments in Far Rockaway , one of the first major local projects to enter RAD , are pretty happy .
And new NYCHA chief Russ is a big RAD enthusiast .
Neither the feds nor the state will be rescuing NYCHA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to keep on innovating — and working with its unions to embrace those changes .
Bottom line : 2020 will tell if NYCHA ’ s truly on the path to major improvements — or whether still more radical change is needed .

Friday marks the one-year anniversary of the consent decree between the city and the feds aimed at fixing the New York City Housing Authority. That makes it early days still — but US Housing Secretary Ben Carson is cautiously optimistic.
Carson told the The Post editorial board this week that the majority of NYCHA tenants should see “big changes” by the end of this year — meaning, among other things, faster and higher-quality repairs, especially for urgent issues — thanks to major management reforms finally in place.
The year brought the installation of Bart Schwartz as federal monitor over NYCHA and the appointment of a new agency CEO, public-housing veteran Gregory Russ. They in turn (building in part on the work done by interim NYCHA head Stanley Brezenoff) have instituted fundamental changes such as staffers assigned to a 24/7 line to handle emergency needs, a compliance department and a quality-assurance unit.
New action plans promise clear management improvements — especially on heat and hot-water issues — as managers strive to get a handle on such chronic issues as lead paint, toxic mold, elevator repairs and rat infestation.
Plus, the city has committed $2.2 billion in funding over the next 10 years, while Gov. Andrew Cuomo released $450 million in capital funds to fix elevators and replace boilers.
Yes, that’s a drop in the bucket when NYCHA faces an estimated $40 billion repair bill. Then again, Carson believes that reforms can reduce that bill — pointing out that NYCHA has been spending $1,900 a unit simply to install energy-efficient lighting.
“We must address the disease, not simply treat the symptoms,” warns Dr. Carson.
That includes aggressive use of the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration program, an Obama-era initiative that shifts buildings to private management while doing major repairs. It’s a step away from the traditional public-housing model that many resist as “privatization” — but residents of the Ocean Bay Apartments in Far Rockaway, one of the first major local projects to enter RAD, are pretty happy. And new NYCHA chief Russ is a big RAD enthusiast.
Neither the feds nor the state will be rescuing NYCHA with bailouts anytime soon, so it has to keep on innovating — and working with its unions to embrace those changes.
Bottom line: 2020 will tell if NYCHA’s truly on the path to major improvements — or whether still more radical change is needed.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--NYC logs first cyclist death of 2020 — following a deadly 2019

A 41-year-old cyclist riding through Brooklyn was struck and killed by a box truck — becoming the first bicycle death @ @ @ @ @ a deadly 2019 , cops said .
The fatal accident occurred just after 2:45 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ pedal-pusher was hit by a commercial truck while riding south on Vandervoort Avenue in East @ @ @ @ @ .
The 2005 Isuzu stake bed truck ’ s 54-year-old driver smashed into the biker @ @ @ @ @ a garage near Rewe Street , according to police and photos from the scene .
@ @ @ @ @ Woodhull Medical Center , where he died , cops said .
The truck driver remained @ @ @ @ @ arrests or summonses have been issued , and the NYPD is investigating .
Thursday ’ @ @ @ @ @ believed to be the first of 2020 after a surge in cycling deaths last year @ @ @ @ @ NYPD reported 29 bicyclists killed , compared to just 10 the year prior .

A 41-year-old cyclist riding through Brooklyn was struck and killed by a box truck — becoming the first bicycle death of the new year after a deadly 2019, cops said.
The fatal accident occurred just after 2:45 p.m. Thursday, when the unidentified pedal-pusher was hit by a commercial truck while riding south on Vandervoort Avenue in East Williamsburg, according to police.
The 2005 Isuzu stake bed truck’s 54-year-old driver smashed into the biker as he was turning into a garage near Rewe Street, according to police and photos from the scene.
The bicyclist was rushed to Woodhull Medical Center, where he died, cops said.
The truck driver remained on the scene. No arrests or summonses have been issued, and the NYPD is investigating.
Thursday’s fatal bicycle strike is believed to be the first of 2020 after a surge in cycling deaths last year.
In 2019, the NYPD reported 29 bicyclists killed, compared to just 10 the year prior.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Mike Krzyzewski’s outburst influenced by emotion of Kobe Bryant’s death

Mike Krzyzewski ’ s recent outburst now has some added context .
On Tuesday night , Krzyzewski scolded Duke ’ s “ Cameron Crazies ” for a seemingly innocuous chant about Pittsburgh head coach Jeff Capel .
Fans told Capel , who served as a Duke assistant from 2011-2018 , to “ sit with us , ” ( an apparently common chant for ex-players ) and Coach K was none too pleased .
The Duke legend walked over to fans during halftime and passionately told them that Capel is “ one of us ” and yelled at them to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech for about 40-50 students the next day , according to a report from the Duke Chronicle , explaining that his reaction was partly influenced by the “ fragile emotional state ” caused by Kobe Bryant ’ s sudden death in a helicopter crash Sunday .
The report goes on to say that Coach K “ went into significant detail ” about his relationship with Bryant , whose 13-year-old daughter Gianna –as well as seven other passengers — also died in the tragic accident .
“ Today was about sort of clearing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if there was any air that needed to be cleared , ” said Ben Succop , the co-head line monitor of Duke ’ s tenting organization , Krzyzewskiville .
“ Just to kind of bury the issue and grow and move past it.
” During the meeting , which took place inside the Cameroon Indoor Stadium media room , Krzyzewski also explained to the students his close relationship with Capel — a Duke player from 1993-1997 — and even showed the group a video of past Cameron Crazies to inform their future behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game on Tuesday night , but stood by his belief that the chant was poorly timed .
“ I thought it was something personal , ” Krzyzewski told reporters after the game .
“ I apologize to the students for that .
I don ’ t apologize for the timing .
You shouldn ’ t say that in the middle of the first half of an ACC game .
“ It was a mistake on my part , but I ’ d rather make a mistake in protection of my guy .
@

Mike Krzyzewski’s recent outburst now has some added context.
On Tuesday night, Krzyzewski scolded Duke’s “Cameron Crazies” for a seemingly innocuous chant about Pittsburgh head coach Jeff Capel. Fans told Capel, who served as a Duke assistant from 2011-2018, to “sit with us,” (an apparently common chant for ex-players) and Coach K was none too pleased. The Duke legend walked over to fans during halftime and passionately told them that Capel is “one of us” and yelled at them to “shut up.”
Krzyzewski held a surprise speech for about 40-50 students the next day, according to a report from the Duke Chronicle, explaining that his reaction was partly influenced by the “fragile emotional state” caused by Kobe Bryant’s sudden death in a helicopter crash Sunday. The report goes on to say that Coach K “went into significant detail” about his relationship with Bryant, whose 13-year-old daughter Gianna –as well as seven other passengers — also died in the tragic accident.
“Today was about sort of clearing the air between Coach and the tenters, if there was any air that needed to be cleared,” said Ben Succop, the co-head line monitor of Duke’s tenting organization, Krzyzewskiville. “Just to kind of bury the issue and grow and move past it.”
During the meeting, which took place inside the Cameroon Indoor Stadium media room, Krzyzewski also explained to the students his close relationship with Capel — a Duke player from 1993-1997 — and even showed the group a video of past Cameron Crazies to inform their future behavior.
Krzyzewski apologized for his outburst after the game on Tuesday night, but stood by his belief that the chant was poorly timed.
“I thought it was something personal,” Krzyzewski told reporters after the game. “I apologize to the students for that. I don’t apologize for the timing. You shouldn’t say that in the middle of the first half of an ACC game.
“It was a mistake on my part, but I’d rather make a mistake in protection of my guy.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Adam Skelos wants to move from prison to halfway house

Daddy ’ s boy Adam Skelos is asking a judge to allow him to finish out his sentence in a halfway house — and he made the request all by himself , according to new court papers .
“ I am requesting a recommendation for nine to twelve months of placement so that I can rebuild my life , ” the now 37-year-old wrote Manhattan federal court Judge Kimba Wood in a letter made public Thursday .
Skelos has now served out more than a year of his four-year sentence for charges including conspiracy to commit extortion and solicitation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salaries from no-show jobs set up for him by his disgraced — and now estranged — father , former Republican state Sen. Dean Skelos .
The elder Skelos is serving out his own sentence for corruption .
It ’ s not clear why Skelos is asking to serve out his final months in “ a residential re-entry center or halfway house , ” as three pages of the document are sealed .
Wood has yet to indicate whether or not she ’ ll issue the recommendation to the Bureau of Prisons , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who ’ s currently locked up at FCI Danbury , is projected for release June 4 , 2021 .

Daddy’s boy Adam Skelos is asking a judge to allow him to finish out his sentence in a halfway house — and he made the request all by himself, according to new court papers.
“I am requesting a recommendation for nine to twelve months of placement so that I can rebuild my life,” the now 37-year-old wrote Manhattan federal court Judge Kimba Wood in a letter made public Thursday.
Skelos has now served out more than a year of his four-year sentence for charges including conspiracy to commit extortion and solicitation of bribes and gratuities.
He infamously reaped salaries from no-show jobs set up for him by his disgraced — and now estranged — father, former Republican state Sen. Dean Skelos. The elder Skelos is serving out his own sentence for corruption.
It’s not clear why Skelos is asking to serve out his final months in “a residential re-entry center or halfway house,” as three pages of the document are sealed.
Wood has yet to indicate whether or not she’ll issue the recommendation to the Bureau of Prisons, which will ultimately decide his placement.
Skelos, who’s currently locked up at FCI Danbury, is projected for release June 4, 2021.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Big cats prefer the warm, spicy scent of Calvin Klein’s Obsession cologne

What drives the felines wild ?
The intoxicating aroma of Calvin Klein ’ s Obsession , according to zookeepers in the UK .
A recent shortage of perfumes , which help to soothe the sometimes aggressive animals , has lead the Banham Zoo in Norfolk , England , to make a public plea for donations of scented sprays .
Zoo managers say their lions , tigers and leopards “ respond very positively to unique scents when sprayed in their enclosures.
” And while just about any fragrance will tickle their whiskers , the big cats of Banham have a particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason Calvin Klein perfume is a huge hit with all the big cats , ” animal manager Mike Woolham told the BBC .
Banham ’ s cats aren ’ t the only fierce felines with refined olfactory palettes .
Back in 2010 , the Bronx Zoo tested hundreds of fragrances and found that Obsession was the favorite among their cheetahs .
Last year , hunters used the same cologne to capture a human-hungry tigress in India .
And , at the nonprofit Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro , North Carolina , their tigers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CK ” smell , whereas leopards love lemon scent , and the ocelots go for Axe body spray , according to a 2018 AP report .
The musky Obsession , which debuted in 1985 , contains notes of citrus , bergamot , vanilla and sandalwood , among others fragrances , and has been referred to as “ sex in a bottle.
” According to experts , Obsession-obsessed cats are attracted to a commonly used pheromone called civetone .
Derived from the anal glands of the civet , a vaguely cat-like mammal native to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the olfactory chemical has been a crucial ingredient throughout the history of perfumery — though now a synthetic analog is used in the interest of animal welfare .

What drives the felines wild? The intoxicating aroma of Calvin Klein’s Obsession, according to zookeepers in the UK.
A recent shortage of perfumes, which help to soothe the sometimes aggressive animals, has lead the Banham Zoo in Norfolk, England, to make a public plea for donations of scented sprays. Zoo managers say their lions, tigers and leopards “respond very positively to unique scents when sprayed in their enclosures.”
And while just about any fragrance will tickle their whiskers, the big cats of Banham have a particular preference for Obsession: “For some reason Calvin Klein perfume is a huge hit with all the big cats,” animal manager Mike Woolham told the BBC.
Banham’s cats aren’t the only fierce felines with refined olfactory palettes. Back in 2010, the Bronx Zoo tested hundreds of fragrances and found that Obsession was the favorite among their cheetahs. Last year, hunters used the same cologne to capture a human-hungry tigress in India. And, at the nonprofit Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro, North Carolina, their tigers also tend to prefer the signature “CK” smell, whereas leopards love lemon scent, and the ocelots go for Axe body spray, according to a 2018 AP report.
The musky Obsession, which debuted in 1985, contains notes of citrus, bergamot, vanilla and sandalwood, among others fragrances, and has been referred to as “sex in a bottle.”
According to experts, Obsession-obsessed cats are attracted to a commonly used pheromone called civetone. Derived from the anal glands of the civet, a vaguely cat-like mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, Iberia and South Asia, the olfactory chemical has been a crucial ingredient throughout the history of perfumery — though now a synthetic analog is used in the interest of animal welfare.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Shania Twain met current husband after their spouses cheated — with each other

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Shania Twain has opened up about the circuitous route she and current husband Frédéric Thiébaud took to their now-nine-year marriage in a new interview with AARP ’ s magazine .
Twain , 54 , says things were set in motion in 2008 when her now-ex-husband , Robert “ Mutt ” Lange , was revealed to be having an affair with Frédéric ’ s then-wife , Marie-Anne Thiébaud — who happened to be Twain ’ s personal assistant and close friend .
Twain and Lange had been married @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the veteran music producer had been her co-writer since 1993 .
Frédéric , 49 , exposed the affair to Twain .
The singer says Marie-Anne had , in the past , assured her that it was “ absurd ” that Lange would cheat on her .
“ It ’ s twisted , ” Twain said , according to an excerpt of the interview obtained by People .
“ But so beautifully twisted.
” After Twain and Lange divorced , she says she went into a deep depression , during which she leaned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t really care if tomorrow came , ” she says .
The couple ’ s bond eventually turned romantic , and they got engaged in 2010 , marrying a year later .
Twain ’ s twisting personal life wasn ’ t the only problem she ’ s faced recently .
Diagnosed with a neurological larynx disorder called dysphonia in 2003 , she struggled to fix her singing voice , eventually discovering that the disease had its roots in Lyme disease .
In 2018 , she had Gore-Tex stabilizers surgically implanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2015 , Twain told Andy Cohen that she ’ d run into Marie-Anne since the ordeal .
“ I had a total panic attack , ” Twain said of the incident .
“ I just told her that she was a bad person—that ’ s all I could get out !
” The singer is currently in the midst of a Las Vegas residency at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino .

Man! We feel… confused.
Shania Twain has opened up about the circuitous route she and current husband Frédéric Thiébaud took to their now-nine-year marriage in a new interview with AARP’s magazine.
Twain, 54, says things were set in motion in 2008 when her now-ex-husband, Robert “Mutt” Lange, was revealed to be having an affair with Frédéric’s then-wife, Marie-Anne Thiébaud — who happened to be Twain’s personal assistant and close friend. Twain and Lange had been married for 14 years at that point, and the veteran music producer had been her co-writer since 1993.
Frédéric, 49, exposed the affair to Twain. The singer says Marie-Anne had, in the past, assured her that it was “absurd” that Lange would cheat on her. “It’s twisted,” Twain said, according to an excerpt of the interview obtained by People. “But so beautifully twisted.”
After Twain and Lange divorced, she says she went into a deep depression, during which she leaned on Frédéric. “There were days I didn’t really care if tomorrow came,” she says. The couple’s bond eventually turned romantic, and they got engaged in 2010, marrying a year later.
Twain’s twisting personal life wasn’t the only problem she’s faced recently. Diagnosed with a neurological larynx disorder called dysphonia in 2003, she struggled to fix her singing voice, eventually discovering that the disease had its roots in Lyme disease. In 2018, she had Gore-Tex stabilizers surgically implanted to aid her weakened vocal muscles.
In 2015, Twain told Andy Cohen that she’d run into Marie-Anne since the ordeal. “I had a total panic attack,” Twain said of the incident. “I just told her that she was a bad person—that’s all I could get out!”
The singer is currently in the midst of a Las Vegas residency at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Nebraska woman convicted for role in killings documented in Springsteen song seeks pardon

A woman convicted for her involvement in a string of Nebraska killings in the 1950s that left 11 dead , including her family members , with her then-boyfriend is seeking a pardon .
Caril Ann Clair , 76 , who was convicted under her maiden name of Caril Ann Fugate and was 14 at the time of the slayings , told the Omaha World-Herald that she ’ s seeking peace of mind as she ages .
Clair was a teenager when she accompanied her 19-year-old boyfriend , Charlie Starkweather , on a murder spree in 1957 and 1958 that left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead .
The killings were recounted in the Bruce Springsteen song “ Nebraska ” and the 1973 film “ Badlands ” starring Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen .
The crimes began in November 1957 , when Starkweather robbed and killed a 21-year-old gas station worker in Lincoln .
On Jan. 21 , 1958 , he went to his girlfriend ’ s house and killed her three family members after her mother and stepfather told him to stay away , authorities said .
Clair claimed Starkweather forced her at gunpoint to obey him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .
“ When I was 14 years old , I was abducted and held captive by Charlie Starkweather .
I was terrified and did whatever he wanted me to , ” Clair wrote in her pardon application , acknowledging that she was present when one of the victims was shot and that she did hold the money taken from him .
She spent 17 years in prison before her life sentence was reduced and she was paroled in 1976 .
Starkweather was executed by electric chair in 1959 after being convicted of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with 11 counts but went to trial for only one .
Clair applied for a pardon in 2017 but wasn ’ t scheduled for a hearing until next month , according to the newspaper .
In her application , she cited she ’ s had no arrests or convictions and has been employed at a hospital in Michigan , where she lives .
“ The idea that posterity has been made to believe that I knew about and/or witnessed the death of my beloved family and left with Starkweather willingly on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bear anymore , ” her application states .
“ Receiving a pardon may somehow alleviate this terrible burden.
” Nebraska ’ s Pardons Board has come under fire in recent years for only issuing 13 pardon hearings in the past three fiscal years , according to the Herald .
The board consist of Republican Gov .
Pete Ricketts , Attorney General Doug Peterson and Secretary of State Bob Evnen .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .

A woman convicted for her involvement in a string of Nebraska killings in the 1950s that left 11 dead, including her family members, with her then-boyfriend is seeking a pardon.
Caril Ann Clair, 76, who was convicted under her maiden name of Caril Ann Fugate and was 14 at the time of the slayings, told the Omaha World-Herald that she’s seeking peace of mind as she ages.
Clair was a teenager when she accompanied her 19-year-old boyfriend, Charlie Starkweather, on a murder spree in 1957 and 1958 that left her mother, stepfather and baby half-sister dead.
The killings were recounted in the Bruce Springsteen song “Nebraska” and the 1973 film “Badlands” starring Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen. The crimes began in November 1957, when Starkweather robbed and killed a 21-year-old gas station worker in Lincoln. On Jan. 21, 1958, he went to his girlfriend’s house and killed her three family members after her mother and stepfather told him to stay away, authorities said.
Clair claimed Starkweather forced her at gunpoint to obey him. They were captured in Wyoming eight days later.
“When I was 14 years old, I was abducted and held captive by Charlie Starkweather. I was terrified and did whatever he wanted me to,” Clair wrote in her pardon application, acknowledging that she was present when one of the victims was shot and that she did hold the money taken from him.
She spent 17 years in prison before her life sentence was reduced and she was paroled in 1976. Starkweather was executed by electric chair in 1959 after being convicted of one murder count. He was initially charged with 11 counts but went to trial for only one.
Clair applied for a pardon in 2017 but wasn’t scheduled for a hearing until next month, according to the newspaper. In her application, she cited she’s had no arrests or convictions and has been employed at a hospital in Michigan, where she lives.
“The idea that posterity has been made to believe that I knew about and/or witnessed the death of my beloved family and left with Starkweather willingly on a murder spree is too much for me to bear anymore,” her application states. “Receiving a pardon may somehow alleviate this terrible burden.”
Nebraska’s Pardons Board has come under fire in recent years for only issuing 13 pardon hearings in the past three fiscal years, according to the Herald. The board consist of Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, Attorney General Doug Peterson and Secretary of State Bob Evnen.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Greg Olsen mulling future with Panthers time over

The Greg Olsen Era in Carolina is coming to an end .
The Carolina Panthers announced an agreement with Olsen to part ways , and will make the three-time Pro Bowl tight end a free agent after Super Bowl 2020 .
“ The team and I are both on the same page that it is best we go in different directions for now , ” Olsen said in a release .
Olsen , 34 , has played 13 NFL season between the Chicago Bears and Panthers , but has considered retirement in recent weeks .
Agent Drew Rosenhaus said his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I will be in communication with other teams after the Super Bowl.
” If he doesn ’ t find any suitable NFL offers , the two-time All-Pro would be a major catch on TV .
He made an impressive addition to Fox ’ s booth during Carolina ’ s Week 7 bye , providing analysis on the network ’ s Giants-Cardinals coverage .
In October , The Post ’ s Andrew Marchand reported Olsen and Fox were expected to discuss a potential XFL analyst role .
It ’ s the latest personnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new coaching staff .
They saw linebacker Luke Kuechly retire , and have quarterback Cam Newton entering the final year of his contract .

The Greg Olsen Era in Carolina is coming to an end.
The Carolina Panthers announced an agreement with Olsen to part ways, and will make the three-time Pro Bowl tight end a free agent after Super Bowl 2020.
“The team and I are both on the same page that it is best we go in different directions for now,” Olsen said in a release.
Olsen, 34, has played 13 NFL season between the Chicago Bears and Panthers, but has considered retirement in recent weeks. Agent Drew Rosenhaus said his client “is still interested in playing and I will be in communication with other teams after the Super Bowl.”
If he doesn’t find any suitable NFL offers, the two-time All-Pro would be a major catch on TV. He made an impressive addition to Fox’s booth during Carolina’s Week 7 bye, providing analysis on the network’s Giants-Cardinals coverage.
In October, The Post’s Andrew Marchand reported Olsen and Fox were expected to discuss a potential XFL analyst role.
It’s the latest personnel change for the Panthers, who have a new coaching staff. They saw linebacker Luke Kuechly retire, and have quarterback Cam Newton entering the final year of his contract.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Eric Adams says he will carry his own gun if elected mayor

Forget about security detail — New York City ’ s next mayor could be carrying his own gun .
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams , a former cop , said Thursday that he ’ d pack heat if elected mayor in 2021 rather than waste taxpayer money by having his own security detail like Mayor Bill de Blasio and his predecessors .
“ Yes I will , number one , ” Adams told the FAQ NYC podcast when asked if he ’ d pack a firearm as mayor .
“ And number two , I won ’ t have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe , the mayor shouldn ’ t have a security detail with him .
He should be walking the street by himself.
” De Blasio ’ s security detail is provided by a dedicated unit of the NYPD that accompanies the mayor virtually everywhere — even when he travels overseas .
The NYPD has repeatedly refused to reveal how much taxpayers are spending for city police to protect Hizzoner and his family .
Adams also defended remarks he made last October encouraging off-duty cops to carry a gun to houses of worship in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Pittsburgh .
“ If we have police officers standing in front of churches , then we can ’ t say it ’ s wrong for a police officer who ’ s off duty to be inside churches with a gun , ” Adams said at the time .
“ If they ’ re leaving those firearms home , I now say to them : Stop leaving your firearm home .
Do as I do .
Bring your firearm to church.
” The beep , however , said he wasn ’ t packing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I rarely carry .
”

Forget about security detail — New York City’s next mayor could be carrying his own gun.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, a former cop, said Thursday that he’d pack heat if elected mayor in 2021 rather than waste taxpayer money by having his own security detail like Mayor Bill de Blasio and his predecessors.
“Yes I will, number one,” Adams told the FAQ NYC podcast when asked if he’d pack a firearm as mayor.
“And number two, I won’t have a security detail. If the city is safe, the mayor shouldn’t have a security detail with him. He should be walking the street by himself.”
De Blasio’s security detail is provided by a dedicated unit of the NYPD that accompanies the mayor virtually everywhere — even when he travels overseas. The NYPD has repeatedly refused to reveal how much taxpayers are spending for city police to protect Hizzoner and his family.
Adams also defended remarks he made last October encouraging off-duty cops to carry a gun to houses of worship in the wake of the horrific synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh.
“If we have police officers standing in front of churches, then we can’t say it’s wrong for a police officer who’s off duty to be inside churches with a gun,” Adams said at the time. “If they’re leaving those firearms home, I now say to them: Stop leaving your firearm home. Do as I do. Bring your firearm to church.”
The beep, however, said he wasn’t packing a gun during the podcast, insisting “I rarely carry.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Chinese residents face jail if they slam country’s coronavirus response

Coronavirus was declared an international public health emergency Thursday by ...

Speaking ill of Beijing’s response to the deadly coronavirus outbreak could land China residents in jail.
WeChat, the Chinese social media app, has warned its users that anyone who “spreads rumors” about the virus could be locked up for up to seven years.
Anyone who attempts to “disrupt social order” by posting information that doesn’t come from state-run media would face the penalty, the Jan. 25 alert said.
Police in the city of Tianjin this week detained a man who criticized how authorities were handling the outbreak in a WeChat group he shared with friends, Vice reported Thursday.
He was detained for 10 days for “maliciously publishing aggressive, insulting speech against medical personnel,” according to the website.
On Jan. 3, eight people in the city of Wuhan — where the flu-like illness originated — were arrested for allegedly “publishing or forwarding false information on the internet without verification,” AFP reported.
At least one of them was a doctor who had reported the existence of the new virus.
Wuhan authorities have been accused of initially covering up and ignoring the coronavirus. The mayor, Zhou Xianwang, offered to resign Monday after admitting the city government’s disclosure of information about the disease had been “unsatisfactory.”
After citizens ripped Wuhan officials for detaining the doctor, China’s highest court stepped in and reprimanded police for silencing whistleblowers, the Washington Post reported.
“Rumors stop when information is public,” the Supreme People’s Court said Tuesday on social media, as it urged Wuhan officials to learn a “profound lesson.”
But China’s censorship machine has been taking down any information Beijing deems to be a “rumor.”
On Wednesday, authorities ordered that an article that looked at how China’s economy would be affected by the World Health Organization declaring the virus a “global health emergency” be scrubbed from the internet, according to China Digital Times, a California-based monitoring group.
Examples of other censorship include posts by families of infected people looking for help, folks in quarantined cities documenting their day-to-day lives and those slamming the government’s handling of the crisis, according to Vice.
To counteract any criticism, state media have been publishing gushing reports on Beijing’s response.
“Public perception will be shaped by the propaganda machinery,” Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at SOAS University of London, told the Washington Post.
“That machinery is going into overdrive right now to protect [Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s] reputation,” said Tsang.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Fotis Dulos, accused in wife Jennifer’s murder, dead after suicide attempt

Fotis Dulos , the Connecticut man accused of killing his wife , Jennifer , died at Jacobi Medical Center Thursday , two days after a suicide attempt at his home .
His death was confirmed by his lawyer , Norm Pattis , who said outside the hospital that Dulos died at 5:32 p.m. His family plans to continue to fight his case , Pattis said .
“ His family came in from Greece and decided today to donate his organs so that he will live on in some form in the assistance that he can provide to others in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The family is adamant that his name be cleared , ” he added .
“ We intend to proceed on as if he were alive to vindicate him because we think he ’ s wrongfully accused .
We will be seeking the discovery that we were supposed to get just the other day .
So it ’ s been a truly horrific day for the family , filled with difficult decisions , medical tests and meeting the requirements to determine his death , ” Pattis said .
Dulos , a luxury-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murdering his estranged wife and mother of his five children , Jennifer Dulos .
The couple , who married in 2004 , were in the midst of a nasty divorce and custody battle when Jennifer , 50 , vanished after dropping her kids off at school May 24 , 2019 .
Initial reports on Tuesday said Dulos died of carbon monoxide poisoning , but cops later said he survived the attempt .
Before his suicide attempt on Tuesday , Dulos left behind a note saying he did not murder Jennifer , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was found Wednesday during the latest state police search of his Farmington property .
The search turned up no new clues to what happened to the still-missing mother of five , the Hartford Courant reported .

Fotis Dulos, the Connecticut man accused of killing his wife, Jennifer, died at Jacobi Medical Center Thursday, two days after a suicide attempt at his home.
His death was confirmed by his lawyer, Norm Pattis, who said outside the hospital that Dulos died at 5:32 p.m. His family plans to continue to fight his case, Pattis said.
“His family came in from Greece and decided today to donate his organs so that he will live on in some form in the assistance that he can provide to others in their own individual struggles,” Pattis said.
“The family is adamant that his name be cleared,” he added.
“We intend to proceed on as if he were alive to vindicate him because we think he’s wrongfully accused. We will be seeking the discovery that we were supposed to get just the other day. So it’s been a truly horrific day for the family, filled with difficult decisions, medical tests and meeting the requirements to determine his death,” Pattis said.
Dulos, a luxury-home builder, is charged with kidnapping and murdering his estranged wife and mother of his five children, Jennifer Dulos.
The couple, who married in 2004, were in the midst of a nasty divorce and custody battle when Jennifer, 50, vanished after dropping her kids off at school May 24, 2019.
Initial reports on Tuesday said Dulos died of carbon monoxide poisoning, but cops later said he survived the attempt.
Before his suicide attempt on Tuesday, Dulos left behind a note saying he did not murder Jennifer, according to reports.
The note proclaiming his innocence was found Wednesday during the latest state police search of his Farmington property.
The search turned up no new clues to what happened to the still-missing mother of five, the Hartford Courant reported.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Spotted Pig owner must pay $240K settlement to victims of sexual misconduct

Disgraced restaurateur Ken Friedman , who reportedly kept a “ rape room ” in his trendy gastropub , which closed this week , is personally on the hook for nearly $ 192,000 owed to 11 former employees with sexual misconduct and other claims .
But they probably won ’ t get much money from the other part of an October 2019 settlement with the state attorney general ’ s office that deals with future restaurant profits or the eatery ’ s sale as the business is virtually worthless and had been running in the red .
Attorney General Letitia James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friedman is personally liable for the settlement amount brokered last fall before the closure of his restaurant .
But Friedman told The Post he is “ on the verge of bankruptcy ” after pouring his “ family ’ s life savings ” of more than $ 500,000 into the restaurant to keep it going for the past two years .
Still , Friedman can ’ t duck by filing for bankruptcy or transferring any sale proceeds to friends or family , according to the agreement .
Friedman has already made a $ 48,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 240,000 required by the deal .
The next installment , another $ 48,000 , is due on July 1 and the remaining payments every six months .
“ His net worth is enough to cover the payments , that ’ s ultimately why we settled for the amount that we did , an AG spokeswoman .
James can haul Friedman to court if he doesn ’ t meet the future payment deadlines or violates any other part of the deal .
Still , the victims are unlikely to get more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the settlement — a promised 20 % of the restaurant ’ s profits or its sale .
That ’ s enough for at least one ex-employee .
“ We ’ re receiving a little bit of money , and I ’ m happy to move on , ” said Jamie Seet , a former Spotted Pig manager who is one of the 11 people involved in the settlement .
“ I will always have my wonderful and terrible memories of that place , but I ’ m just sad for friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Seet said .
She has said working for Friedman felt like being a “ battered wife ” as she was often on the receiving end of his screaming tirades , although she believes she was never sexually harassed because she is a lesbian .
Other accusers said Friedman and his celebrity chef buddy Mario Batali kept what they called a “ rape room ” on the restaurant ’ s third floor where they allegedly threw drug-fueled parties , preyed on women and engaged in public sex .
Meanwhile , attorney Kevin O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been able to collect on a $ 56,000 judgement against Friedman on behalf of his butcher clients who were never paid for meat sold to the restaurateur .
O ’ Donoghue added that the restaurant ’ s value is around $ 300,000– largely tied up in its liquor license and appliances like commercial refrigerators .
“ Realistically , I think these people are correct , they ’ re not going to see much of anything , ” from Spotted Pig ’ s sale , he said .
Friedman said he tried and failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years .
“ As has previously been made public , the Pig has been in very substantial debt , and been running in the red for a long time .
Its closing is the saddest thing I ’ ve had to face in my professional life .
I want to thank our loyal employees and devoted patrons , who have been like family , ” he said .
Someone did make off with at least one prized possession of the Spotted Pig — the $ 600 hog figurine that was hanging outside @ @ @ @ @ @

Disgraced restaurateur Ken Friedman, who reportedly kept a “rape room” in his trendy Spotted Pig gastropub, which closed this week, is personally on the hook for nearly $192,000 owed to 11 former employees with sexual misconduct and other claims.
But they probably won’t get much money from the other part of an October 2019 settlement with the state attorney general’s office that deals with future restaurant profits or the eatery’s sale as the business is virtually worthless and had been running in the red.
Attorney General Letitia James’ office confirmed to The Post that Friedman is personally liable for the settlement amount brokered last fall before the closure of his West Village restaurant.
But Friedman told The Post he is “on the verge of bankruptcy” after pouring his “family’s life savings” of more than $500,000 into the restaurant to keep it going for the past two years.
Still, Friedman can’t duck what’s owed by filing for bankruptcy or transferring any sale proceeds to friends or family, according to the agreement.
Friedman has already made a $48,000 payment from the total cash payment of $240,000 required by the deal. The next installment, another $48,000, is due on July 1 and the remaining payments every six months.
“His net worth is enough to cover the payments, that’s ultimately why we settled for the amount that we did,” an AG spokeswoman said. James can haul Friedman to court if he doesn’t meet the future payment deadlines or violates any other part of the deal.
Still, the victims are unlikely to get more than a few thousand dollars each from the other part of the settlement — a promised 20% of the restaurant’s profits or its sale.
That’s enough for at least one ex-employee.
“We’re receiving a little bit of money, and I’m happy to move on,” said Jamie Seet, a former Spotted Pig manager who is one of the 11 people involved in the settlement.
“I will always have my wonderful and terrible memories of that place, but I’m just sad for friends and colleagues who are unemployed now,” Seet said.
She has said working for Friedman felt like being a “battered wife” as she was often on the receiving end of his screaming tirades, although she believes she was never sexually harassed because she is a lesbian.
Other accusers said Friedman and his celebrity chef buddy Mario Batali kept what they called a “rape room” on the restaurant’s third floor where they allegedly threw drug-fueled parties, preyed on women and engaged in public sex.
Meanwhile, attorney Kevin O’Donoghue says he hasn’t been able to collect on a $56,000 judgement against Friedman on behalf of his butcher clients who were never paid for meat sold to the restaurateur.
“It seems like if there are assets they’re not easy to find,” he said.
O’Donoghue added that the restaurant’s value is around $300,000– largely tied up in its liquor license and appliances like commercial refrigerators.
“Realistically, I think these people are correct, they’re not going to see much of anything,” from Spotted Pig’s sale, he said.
Friedman said he tried and failed to sell the business over the past two years.
“As has previously been made public, the Pig has been in very substantial debt, and been running in the red for a long time. Its closing is the saddest thing I’ve had to face in my professional life. I want to thank our loyal employees and devoted patrons, who have been like family,” he said.
Someone did make off with at least one prized possession of the Spotted Pig — the $600 hog figurine that was hanging outside the eatery, police said.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--American Airlines pilots sue to halt China flights amid coronavirus crisis

DALLAS — The pilots ’ union at American Airlines sued on Thursday to stop the carrier from flying to China and told members not to operate flights there because of the spreading coronavirus outbreak .
The Allied Pilots Association , which represents American ’ s 15,000 pilots , asked a state district court in Dallas for an injunction to halt the flights .
The union cited declarations by international health experts that the virus is a public health emergency .
“ The safety and well-being of our crews and passengers must always be our highest priority — first , last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eric Ferguson said in a statement .
Ferguson noted that several international carriers have stopped flying to China .
Union leaders asked American ’ s management to do the same , he said , “ but to date they have not canceled any U.S.-China flights .
We are therefore compelled to seek injunctive relief.
” American did not immediately respond for comment .
Earlier this week , American announced that it will suspend flights between Los Angeles and both Beijing and Shanghai beginning Feb. 9 , while not changing the schedule of flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union is seeking to stop all the flights immediately .
Union spokesman Dennis Tajer said some pilots expressed concern about flying to China , but American didn ’ t force anyone to handle the flights .

DALLAS — The pilots’ union at American Airlines sued on Thursday to stop the carrier from flying to China and told members not to operate flights there because of the spreading coronavirus outbreak.
The Allied Pilots Association, which represents American’s 15,000 pilots, asked a state district court in Dallas for an injunction to halt the flights. The union cited declarations by international health experts that the virus is a public health emergency.
“The safety and well-being of our crews and passengers must always be our highest priority — first, last, and always,” union President Eric Ferguson said in a statement.
Ferguson noted that several international carriers have stopped flying to China. Union leaders asked American’s management to do the same, he said, “but to date they have not canceled any U.S.-China flights. We are therefore compelled to seek injunctive relief.”
American did not immediately respond for comment.
Earlier this week, American announced that it will suspend flights between Los Angeles and both Beijing and Shanghai beginning Feb. 9, while not changing the schedule of flights from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The union is seeking to stop all the flights immediately.
Union spokesman Dennis Tajer said some pilots expressed concern about flying to China, but American didn’t force anyone to handle the flights.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--IndyCar, NASCAR driver John Andretti dead at 56 after colon cancer battle

INDIANAPOLIS — John Andretti , a member of one of auto racing ’ s most famous families and the first driver to attempt the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR ’ s 600-mile race in North Carolina on the same day , has died .
He was 56 and had spent the last three years battling colon cancer .
Andretti Autosports , which is owned by Andretti ’ s cousin , Michael , announced the death Thursday .
Andretti ’ s cousin and uncle , Mario , were longtime fan favorites in the IndyCar Series and beyond .
But John Andretti developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part because he was the first driver to attempt the Memorial Day double — running in both the 500 and the 600-mile night race outside Charlotte , North Carolina .
Andretti made 49 consecutive IndyCar starts from 1990-92 before moving to NASCAR , where he started at least 29 races every season from 1994-2003 .
He won three times and helped raise money for Riley Children ’ s Hospital in Indianapolis through his initiative Race 4 Riley .
He was diagnosed with colon cancer in January 2017 .
Doctors later determined the disease @ @ @ @ @ @

INDIANAPOLIS — John Andretti, a member of one of auto racing’s most famous families and the first driver to attempt the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s 600-mile race in North Carolina on the same day, has died. He was 56 and had spent the last three years battling colon cancer.
Andretti Autosports, which is owned by Andretti’s cousin, Michael, announced the death Thursday.
Andretti’s cousin and uncle, Mario, were longtime fan favorites in the IndyCar Series and beyond.
But John Andretti developed his own fan base at Indy in part because he was the first driver to attempt the Memorial Day double — running in both the 500 and the 600-mile night race outside Charlotte, North Carolina.
Andretti made 49 consecutive IndyCar starts from 1990-92 before moving to NASCAR, where he started at least 29 races every season from 1994-2003. He won three times and helped raise money for Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis through his initiative Race 4 Riley.
He was diagnosed with colon cancer in January 2017. Doctors later determined the disease had spread to his liver.


newyorkpost--2020-01-30--Jennifer Lopez carries $4K crystal football clutch ahead of Super Bowl 2020

From Jennifer Lopez to Beyoncé , stars ca n't get enough of ...

That’s one blinged-out ball.
Jennifer Lopez kicked off her Super Bowl 2020 halftime promo duties on Thursday with an appearance at a press conference at the Hilton Miami Downtown and brought along an on-theme accessory for the occasion.
The pop icon, 50, looked white hot in a bustier top ($1,240) and matching high-waisted pants ($740) by Alaïa, along with sparkling Jimmy Choo pumps ($995) — but the pièce de résistance of her look was undoubtedly the Judith Leiber Couture crystal football clutch she carried upon arrival.
Of course, J.Lo wasn’t just toting the $3,995 standard-issue version of the style; hers was a custom creation adorned with “02.02.2020,” the date of the Big Game.
When it came time to take questions from the crowd, the star swapped the clutch for yet another Super Bowl-themed bedazzled cup, this one covered in clear and gold stones that perfectly matched her ensemble.
The “Let’s Get Loud” singer was joined at the press event by her co-headliner Shakira, who chose a far more casual getup: a vintage Guns N’ Roses T-shirt and distressed black denim.
The pair will take the stage at halftime on Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, where the Kansas City Chiefs will play the San Francisco 49ers.


newyorkpost--2020-02-05--Fat cat makes a break for it, gets stuck in fence

This cat needs to hit the gym .
Watch as a rather large feline is caught trying to sneak though @ @ @ @ @ , Maryland , backyard .
The hefty animal was trying to follow three of his @ @ @ @ @ getting stuck in the fence instead .

This cat needs to hit the gym. Watch as a rather large feline is caught trying to sneak though a fence in this Gaithersburg, Maryland, backyard. The hefty animal was trying to follow three of his buddies, but ended up getting stuck in the fence instead.
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newyorkpost--2020-02-05--Lady Gaga’s mystery man revealed

Lady Gaga’s mystery man revealed

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Lady Gaga and a mystery man make out in plain sight !
We give you the exclusive details on his identity .
It was a wild weekend in Miami .
Page Six has the behind the scenes look at the Super Bowl after parties , and Madonna is offering up her apartment to Harry and Meghan .
Find out more on “ We Hear.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instagram official And she thought she ’ d never love again .
Lady Gaga and her new boyfriend , who Page Six exclusively revealed is investor and entrepreneur Michael Polansky , are Instagram official after a PDA-packed weekend in Miami for the Super Bowl .
The “ Shallow ” singer , 33 , posted a photo of herself sitting on Polansky ’ s lap as they lounged on a yacht .
Gaga and Polansky were first spotted together on New Year ’ s Eve .
They then took their PDA to Florida where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balcony of her rented Miami mansion in the days before her pre-Super Bowl 2020 concert .
G-Eazy and Megan Thee Stallion get cozy at Super Bowl 2020 bash There may be a new Hollywood couple in town .
G-Eazy and Megan Thee Stallion were seen canoodling at the Maxim Big Game Experience bash late Saturday night in Miami , an insider told Page Six .
“ They were dancing together , having a great time and hanging throughout the night at table , ” the insider added .
The rapper , 30 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video to his Instagram story of himself kissing and snuggling up to the 24-year-old “ Hot Girl Summer ” rapper .
On Monday , he posted a photo of Megan captioned with four blue heart emojis .
Madonna offers to rent NYC apartment to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle If Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are looking to decamp to New York , Madonna is offering up her multimillion-dollar apartment — for a price .
The pop star posted a video on Instagram early Tuesday captioned , “ Do Megan and Prince Harry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park West ?
?
” In it , she disses their current home in Canada and talks up her $ 7.3 million Upper West Side co-op apartment .
“ Hey , Harry — don ’ t run off to Canada .
It ’ s boring there , ” she explains .
“ I ’ ll let them sublet my apartment on Central Park West.
” She then gave the couple a half-serious pitch on why they should live in her pad : “ It ’ s two-bedroom , it ’ s got the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … No , Buckingham Palace has got nothing on CPW.
” Catch up on all episodes of “ We Hear ” by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts .
New episodes come out every Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday .

Lady Gaga and a mystery man make out in plain sight! We give you the exclusive details on his identity.
It was a wild weekend in Miami. Page Six has the behind-the-scenes look at the Super Bowl afterparties, and Madonna is offering up her apartment to Prince Harry and Meghan. Find out more on “We Hear.”
Here’s a closer look at today’s stories:
Lady Gaga and boyfriend Michael Polansky are Instagram-official
And she thought she’d never love again.
Lady Gaga and her new boyfriend, who Page Six exclusively revealed is investor and entrepreneur Michael Polansky, are Instagram-official after a PDA-packed weekend in Miami for the Super Bowl. The “Shallow” singer, 33, posted a photo of herself sitting on Polansky’s lap as they lounged on a yacht.
Gaga and Polansky were first spotted together on New Year’s Eve. They then took their PDA to Florida, where they were seen making out on the balcony of her rented Miami mansion in the days before her pre-Super Bowl 2020 concert.
G-Eazy and Megan Thee Stallion get cozy at Super Bowl 2020 bash
There may be a new Hollywood couple in town.
G-Eazy and Megan Thee Stallion were seen canoodling at the Maxim Big Game Experience bash late Saturday in Miami, an insider told Page Six.
“They were dancing together, having a great time and hanging throughout the night at table,” the insider added.
The rapper, 30, later fueled dating rumors by posting a video to his Instagram story of himself kissing and snuggling up to the 24-year-old “Hot Girl Summer” rapper. On Monday, he posted a photo of Megan captioned with four blue heart emojis.
Madonna offers to rent NYC apartment to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
If Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are looking to decamp to New York, Madonna is offering up her multimillion-dollar apartment — for a price.
The pop star posted a video on Instagram early Tuesday captioned, “Do Megan and Prince Harry want to sublet my apartment on Central Park West??” In it, she disses their current home in Canada and talks up her $7.3 million Upper West Side co-op apartment.
“Hey, Harry — don’t run off to Canada. It’s boring there,” she explains. “I’ll let them sublet my apartment on Central Park West.” She then gave the couple a half-serious pitch on why they should live in her pad: “It’s two-bedroom, it’s got the best view of Manhattan. Incredible balcony … No, Buckingham Palace has got nothing on CPW.”
Catch up on all episodes of “We Hear” by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes come out every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.


newyorkpost--2020-02-05--Gory grades for Knicks owner James Dolan’s executive hires

There are no perfect solutions for the Knicks right now , ...

Since James Dolan took over ownership of the Knicks in 1999, six men have run the team’s basketball operations, including Steve Mills twice. Here’s the gory rundown:
Scott Layden (1999-2003)
After a surprise run to the NBA Finals under Jeff Van Gundy as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference in the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season (50 games), Layden was hired in August 1999 to replace interim GM Ed Tapscott, who had taken over after Ernie Grunfeld was fired in April. (Tapscott infamously drafted French first-round bust Frederic Weis that June.)
In the first year under Layden, a former Jazz executive, the Knicks made the Eastern Conference finals, but his tenure mostly is remembered for Van Gundy’s abrupt resignation, the late-career trade of Patrick Ewing to Seattle and cap-crippling deals for oft-injured forward Antonio McDyess and high-salaried guards Shandon Anderson and Howard Eisley.
Grade: D
Isiah Thomas (2003-2008)
The Hall of Fame guard with the Pistons, unfathomably made things worse upon taking over for the fired Layden in December 2003. Isiah traded away a series of high draft picks in deals for Stephon Marbury, Eddy Curry and others. He had just one playoff appearance to show for his tenure, a first-round sweep by the rival Nets in his first season.
Veteran coach Lenny Wilkens resigned midway through the 2004-05 campaign after just 82 games. Thomas hired Larry Brown, who also lasted one disastrous 23-59 season, second-worst in the league, before receiving an $18.5 million buyout. Thomas took over the reins as head coach in 2006, posting a record of 56-108 over two more disastrous years. He also cost the Garden millions when he was the subject of a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by former team executive Anucha Browne Sanders.
Grade: F
Donnie Walsh (2008-2011)
The former Pacers president was brought in next to attempt to clean up Isiah’s mess, firing Thomas at the conclusion of the 2007-08 season. Mike D’Antoni was hired as head coach, and Walsh took steps to finally get the Knicks under the salary cap.
He traded away Jamal Crawford, Zack Randolph, Tim Thomas and others — and also bought out Marbury — in moves that ultimately created enough space for the Knicks to sign a marquee free agent in the summer of 2010. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh spurned the Knicks to team up in Miami, though Amar’e Stoudemire was inked to a $100 million contract. Dolan commandeered 2011 trade talks for Carmelo Anthony from Walsh, however, prompting Walsh to resign at the end of 2010-11, albeit the first of three straight seasons the team reached the playoffs.
Grade: B
Glen Grunwald (2011-2013)
Coming off a 2011 playoff sweep by Boston, Grunwald acquired defensive center Tyson Chandler in a sign-and-trade. In an unheralded move, he also added Jeremy Lin, who briefly took the league by storm (i.e. Linsanity) in February 2012. D’Antoni resigned and was replaced by Mike Woodson in March, and the Knicks finished on an 18-6 kick before losing to Miami in the first round of the playoffs.
The next season, Grunwald surrounded Anthony with veterans such as Jason Kidd, Rasheed Wallace, Kenyon Martin and others, and the Knicks won 54 games and a first-round playoff series over Boston before losing to Indiana. The decision to trade the team’s 2016 first-round draft pick in a package for Toronto forward Andrea Bargnani didn’t go over as well, however, and Grunwald was gone by the start of the next season.
Grade: B-
Steve Mills (2013-14)
Mills, already the team president, also took over GM duties for the 2013-14 season, just two days before the start of training camp. But the Knicks slipped to 37-45 under Woodson, including an MSG-record 62-point game by Anthony in January, and missed the playoffs by one game.
Phil Jackson, the 11-time NBA champion as a coach with the Bulls and Lakers, was handed a five-year, $60 million deal by Dolan in March of that season to once again revamp the basketball operation, despite having no managerial experience, with Mills technically remaining as general manager.
Grade: C-
Phil Jackson (2014-17)
The Zen Master axed Woodson at the end of the season and brought in one of his former players, Derek Fisher, for his first coaching hire. Jackson’s first moves were to jettison Chandler and Raymond Felton in a summertime trade with Dallas, then J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert in another cost-cutting trade with Cleveland and finally a buyout of Stoudemire in February.
Fisher’s first year was a 17-65 calamity, though Jackson selected European big man Kristaps Porzingis with the fourth-overall pick in the draft. The Knicks re-signed Anthony to a five-year $120 million deal, but Fisher was fired without completing his second season and was replaced by interim coach Kurt Rambis followed by an equally uninspiring choice, Jeff Hornacek. Days after Jackson drafted guard Frank Ntilikina with the No. 8-overall pick in the 2017 draft, he was bought out of the final two years on his deal worth $24 million.
Grade: F
Mills, again (2017-20)
Mills reclaimed the presidency upon Jackson’s departure, and Scott Perry was hired as GM in 2017 after front-office stints with Orlando, Detroit and Sacramento. Before last year’s trade deadline, the duo dumped an injured (torn ACL) and unhappy Porzingis — along with the contracts of Tim Hardaway and Courtney Lee — in a cap-clearing deal with Dallas that also netted the Knicks two future first-round picks.
Still, following another 17-65 season, Dolan and the Knicks’ front office couldn’t convince any star free agents — Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving or Kawhi Leonard — to take its money. They instead pivoted to the next tiers of available players, signing seven veterans, including Julius Randle and Marcus Morris, to short-term deals. Knicks coach David Fizdale was fired in December, and replaced by G-League coach Mike Miller on an interim basis. With the team 15-36 overall this season, Mills also was axed Tuesday, two days before this year’s trade deadline.
Grade: D
For more on the Knicks, listen to the latest episode of the “Big Apple Buckets” podcast:


newyorkpost--2020-02-05--The key dates of the Mets-Steve Cohen saga

He ’ s only had eyes for the Mets .
As Steve Cohen ’ s ...

Steve Cohen’s $2.6 billion bid to buy the Mets is on life support — if it’s alive at all. It was just two months ago that talks of the deal became public. Here’s a look at the timeline:
2012: Cohen, a billionaire hedge fund manager who grew up a Mets fan on Long Island, becomes a minority owner in the team.
Dec. 4, 2019: The Mets release a statement acknowledging the Sterling Partners are negotiating to sell a majority stake in the team to Cohen. Under the agreement, Cohen (with an estimated net worth of $13.6 billion, according to Forbes), would receive up to 80 percent of the team. The deal would allow Fred Wilpon to remain as CEO and Jeff Wilpon as COO for five years.
Dec. 11, 2019: At the winter meetings in San Diego, commissioner Rob Manfred says the proper protocols have been followed by the Sterling Partners for a potential sale to Cohen. And Manfred says he doesn’t anticipate a power struggle to ensue.
“We have had situations where, particularly in path-to-control cases like this, where someone who owns more is not actually the control person for a period of time,” Manfred said. “Steve Cohen and Fred Wilpon have known each other for a long time. Steve has been an element in the club for a long time.
“I do not expect that there will be any governance issues associated with the plan that they have in place for the transition of the Mets. It’s a pretty standard-looking transaction in terms of path-to-control and transition.”
Dec. 23, 2019: Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson tells The Post that Cohen — with whom he had previous discussions about forming an ownership group — will take the Mets into another stratosphere.
“The Mets got involved with Bernie Madoff and had some financial troubles and if you are going to compete in New York, you’ve got to be able to write a big check,” Jackson said.
Tuesday: Cohen’s negotiations to buy the Mets appear dead or close to it. The Post reports Cohen is unhappy with the Wilpons for changing terms of the deal at a late stage.