newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Right-wing activist Laura Loomer wins Florida GOP race

The FBI has for the first time identified “ conspiracy theory-driven ...

Right-wing internet personality and commentator Laura Loomer has delivered a surprise upset in Florida’s GOP primary for the 21st Congressional District House seat.
Loomer, 27, who has been banned by Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for repeated instances of “hate speech,” could not take to social media to celebrate after beating five other candidates and securing over 42 percent of the vote.
A Twitter account that supports the young political hopeful quoted her as saying in a fundraising email that “Congress is about to get Loomered,” a reference to the former tag line featured in her viral internet content.
“I will have plenty of opportunities in the halls of Congress to confront The Squad members & call them out on their support 4 Communism & j1had1st alliances,” she added.
Loomer is also banned by the likes of CPAC, GoFundMe, Venmo, MGM Resorts, PayPal, Lyft, Uber and Uber Eats.
Previous 1 of 6 Next Advertisement Laura Loomer Allen Eyestone/The Palm Beach Post via ZUMA Wire Laura Loomer and Roger Stone Allen Eyestone/Palm Beach Post v Advertisement Laura Loomer with Milo Yiannopoulos Allen Eyestone/The Palm Beach Post via ZUMA Wire Laura Loomer Allen Eyestone/The Palm Beach Post via ZUMA Wire Advertisement
Florida’s 21st Congressional District includes Palm Beach County, where President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago is located. He did not endorse in the primary race, but congratulated Loomer on Twitter after her victory.
“Great going Laura. You have a great chance against a Pelosi puppet!” the commander-in-chief wrote Tuesday evening.
Despite Trump not hopping on board right away, Loomer still snagged the endorsement of fellow Floridian Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Republican Gaetz defended Loomer at a fundraiser earlier this month by saying, “When we find folks who they try to disappear or silence because they chose to speak out, we need to have their back! And that’s why I’m proud to endorse Laura Loomer for Congress,” according to Florida Politics.
Loomer will go on to face four-term Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.) in the largely blue district that the congresswoman carried with 60 percent of the vote in 2018.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Snowing cocoa? Lindt chocolate factory glitch dusts Swiss town

BERLIN ( AP ) — Residents of a Swiss town got a bit of a shock when it started snowing @ @ @ @ @ powder after the ventilation system at a chocolate factory malfunctioned .
The Lindt & Spruengli @ @ @ @ @ that there was a minor defect in the cooling ventilation for a line for roasted @ @ @ @ @ its factory in Olten , between Zurich and Basel .
The nibs , fragments of @ @ @ @ @ the basis of chocolate .
Combined with strong winds on Friday morning , the powder @ @ @ @ @ of the factory , leaving a fine cocoa dusting .
The company says one car @ @ @ @ @ that it has offered to pay for any cleaning needed — but hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ the offer .
Factory production was able to continue as normal and the company says @ @ @ @ @ to people or the environment .
The ventilation system has now been repaired .

BERLIN (AP) — Residents of a Swiss town got a bit of a shock when it started snowing particles of a fine cocoa powder after the ventilation system at a chocolate factory malfunctioned.
The Lindt & Spruengli company confirmed local reports Tuesday that there was a minor defect in the cooling ventilation for a line for roasted “cocoa nibs” in its factory in Olten, between Zurich and Basel.
The nibs, fragments of crushed cocoa beans, are the basis of chocolate.
Combined with strong winds on Friday morning, the powder spread around the immediate vicinity of the factory, leaving a fine cocoa dusting.
The company says one car was lightly coated, and that it has offered to pay for any cleaning needed — but hasn’t yet been taken up on the offer.
Factory production was able to continue as normal and the company says the particles were completely harmless to people or the environment.
The ventilation system has now been repaired.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Portland businesses fleeing downtown offices over nightly BLM riots

Large companies are fleeing offices in downtown Portland — because nightly Black Lives Matter riots are making the heart of the Oregon city a no-go area , according to a report .
“ Businesses are leaving , ” Andrew Hoan , the president and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance ( PBA ) , told KATU .
“ The financial consequences to the downtown corridor are a running calculation that is almost impossible to wrap your mind around , ” he said — with one company already saying the riots have cost $ 20 million in damage and lost business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of plywood .
You have graffiti .
You have an accumulation of damages that are un-repaired , an ongoing perception that coming downtown is not a safe place , ” Hoan said .
“ We need to start to turn the corner now , so that this sort of irreparable damage does not last , ” the business leader said .
Portland has seen regularly violence and destruction during 83 nights of consecutive protests , with Tuesday once again being declared a riot as a mob smashed its way into a government building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the companies to now largely evacuate , switching many of its 2,100 Portland employees from its downtown HQ to instead work at a site just outside the city , according to KGW .
“ Our downtown properties have sustained significant vandalism and a number of employees and contractors have been assaulted in recent months , ” the company ’ s senior spokesman , Bob Speltz , said .
Speltz told KGW that moving most of the employees away from downtown — with many already working remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current disruptions and unsafe conditions in the neighborhood.
” The insurance giant remains “ committed to the downtown core , ” Speltz said — “ assuming conditions in the neighborhood improve.
” A Subway franchise owner , Stacey Gibson , told KATU that everyone was “ concerned ” for safety and has had to hire extra people to try to keep staff safe .
“ We work very hard to build our businesses and be successful and employ people , and when they come in and destroy it by breaking the window and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones who have to pay for that , ” Gibson complained .
KATU said Mayor Ted Wheeler did not respond to its story about the businesses ’ complaints .

Large companies are fleeing offices in downtown Portland — because nightly Black Lives Matter riots are making the heart of the Oregon city a no-go area, according to a report.
“Businesses are leaving,” Andrew Hoan, president and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance (PBA), told KATU.
“The financial consequences to the downtown corridor are a running calculation that is almost impossible to wrap your mind around,” he said — with one company already saying the riots have cost $20 million in damage and lost business.
“You have blocks and blocks of plywood. You have graffiti. You have an accumulation of damages that are unrepaired, an ongoing perception that coming downtown is not a safe place,” Hoan said.
“We need to start to turn the corner now, so that this sort of irreparable damage does not last,” the business leader said.
Portland has seen regular violence and destruction during 83 consecutive nights of protests, with Tuesday once again being declared a riot as a mob smashed its way into a government building and set fires.
Standard Insurance is one of the companies to now largely evacuated, switching many of its 2,100 Portland employees from its downtown HQ to work at a site just outside the city, according to KGW.
“Our downtown properties have sustained significant vandalism and a number of employees and contractors have been assaulted in recent months,” said the company’s senior spokesman, Bob Speltz.
Previous 1 of 3 Next Advertisement Police officers in downtown Portland Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian via Portland police and protesters clash during a demonstration. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian via A Advertisement
Speltz told KGW that moving most of the employees away from downtown — with many already working remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic — was necessary because of the “current disruptions and unsafe conditions in the neighborhood.”
The insurance giant remains “committed to the downtown core,” Speltz said — “assuming conditions in the neighborhood improve.”
A Subway franchise owner, Stacey Gibson, told KATU that everyone was “concerned” for safety and has had to hire extra people to try to keep staff safe.
“We work very hard to build our businesses and be successful and employ people, and when they come in and destroy it by breaking the window and everything else, we’re the ones who have to pay for that,” Gibson complained.
KATU said Mayor Ted Wheeler did not respond to its story about the businesses’ complaints.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Kim Jong Un to convene key party meeting on ‘crucial’ issues

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday will open a key meeting of the ruling party for the first time in eight months to address issues of “ crucial significance ” — as the Hermit Kingdom grapples with a sanctions-ravaged economy , national security concerns and devastating floods , according to reports .
The Workers ’ Party ’ s powerful politburo will discuss issues of “ crucial significance in developing the Korean revolution and increasing the fighting efficiency of the party , ” according to the official KCNA news agency , Reuters reported .
Last year , Kim vowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country ’ s campaign to build a self-reliant economy amid tightening sanctions aimed at curbing its nuclear program .
Kim , whose reported health scare earlier this year raised questions about succession , faces wide-ranging difficulties , both at home and abroad , after floods wiped out farmland to deal another blow to the virus-hit economy .
The flooding has affected the Yongbyon nuclear facility , with waters reaching pump houses for mothballed reactors , the 38 North website reported based on an analysis of satellite images , Bloomberg News reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have stalled without him winning any sanctions relief , and the US and South Korea this week kicked off joint military exercises , according to the outlet .
“ The unusual succession of party meetings in recent months — and possibly even the lack of much North Korean activity on the foreign policy front of late , for example weapons testing — suggest the quarantine measures and the global pandemic have had serious ramifications for the economy and the people ’ s living standards , ” Rachel Minyoung Lee , a former US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told Bloomberg .
Pyongyang has boasted that the country doesn ’ t have any confirmed cases of the coronavirus — a claim doubted by American and Japanese officials .
Kim needs to revive the battered economy before the 75th anniversary of the ruling Workers ’ Party on Oct. 10 , Yang Moo-jin , a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul , told Bloomberg .
“ Kim may reshuffle his bureaucrats during the meeting in a bid to speed up the restoration of damages by the recent flood and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yang said .
“ The meeting is likely to emphasize issues surrounding internal politics , mainly economy .
”

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday will open a key meeting of the ruling party for the first time in eight months to address issues of “crucial significance” — as the Hermit Kingdom grapples with a sanctions-ravaged economy, national security concerns and devastating floods, according to reports.
The Workers’ Party’s powerful politburo will discuss issues of “crucial significance in developing the Korean revolution and increasing the fighting efficiency of the party,” according to the official KCNA news agency, Reuters reported.
Last year, Kim vowed to make a “frontal breakthrough” in the country’s campaign to build a self-reliant economy amid tightening sanctions aimed at curbing its nuclear program.
Kim, whose reported health scare earlier this year raised questions about succession, faces wide-ranging difficulties, both at home and abroad, after floods wiped out farmland to deal another blow to the virus-hit economy.
The flooding has affected the Yongbyon nuclear facility, with waters reaching pump houses for mothballed reactors, the 38 North website reported based on an analysis of satellite images, Bloomberg News reported.
His nuclear talks with President Trump have stalled without him winning any sanctions relief, and the US and South Korea this week kicked off joint military exercises, according to the outlet.
“The unusual succession of party meetings in recent months — and possibly even the lack of much North Korean activity on the foreign policy front of late, for example weapons testing — suggest the quarantine measures and the global pandemic have had serious ramifications for the economy and the people’s living standards,” Rachel Minyoung Lee, a former US government analyst specializing in the rogue regime, told Bloomberg.
Pyongyang has boasted that the country doesn’t have any confirmed cases of the coronavirus — a claim doubted by American and Japanese officials.
Kim needs to revive the battered economy before the 75th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party on Oct. 10, Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told Bloomberg.
“Kim may reshuffle his bureaucrats during the meeting in a bid to speed up the restoration of damages by the recent flood and COVID-19 before the October 10,” Yang said. “The meeting is likely to emphasize issues surrounding internal politics, mainly economy.”
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--The adorable moment a 10-week-old baby says, ‘I love you’

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A very impressive 10-week-old baby in New York stunned his parents when he said, “I love you.” Kesia Cameron was holding her son Roan, saying “I love you” to him, when Roan took over and repeated the sentence back. Watch the cute moment that even made his parents shout, “Oh my God!”


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Iowa State professor forced to change syllabus after banning criticism of BLM

An English professor at Iowa State University was forced to correct her syllabus after informing her students that they could not submit work that opposes Black Lives Matter , gay marriage , abortion and other social issues , according to a report .
Professor Chloe Clark had told her students that they could not “ choose any topic that takes at its base that one side doesn ’ t deserve the same basic human rights as you do ( ie : no arguments against gay marriage , abortion , Black Lives Matter , etc ) .
I take this seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She prefaced her English 250 class syllabus with “ GIANT WARNING.
” “ Any instance of othering that you participate in intentionally ( racism , sexism , ableism , homophobia , sorophobia , transphobia , classism , mocking of mental health issues , body shaming , etc ) in class are grounds for dismissal from the classroom , ” said the syllabus , a copy of which was obtained by Young America ’ s Foundation , a conservative youth organization .
The university said in a statement that the syllabus “ was inconsistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its commitment to the First Amendment rights of students.
” It added : “ After reviewing this issue with the faculty member , the syllabus has been corrected to ensure it is consistent with university policy .
Moreover , the faculty member is being provided additional information regarding the First Amendment policies of the university.
” The school also said it “ does not take disciplinary action against students based on the content or viewpoints expressed in their speech.
” A spokesman for the Young America ’ s Foundation said his group was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It is hopeful news to see a university take the side of the First Amendment and the free expression rights of its students—still , it is shameful that a faculty member ran so far afoul of basic educational practice and the Constitution that such a retraining of this kind is necessary , ” Spencer Brown told The College Fix .
“ Based on what we at YAF see and hear from our student activists , many administrators and professors could use a refresher on the First Amendment as the fall semester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has taught at the university since August 2019 , did not respond to emails from the news outlet seeking comment .

An English professor at Iowa State University was forced to correct her syllabus after informing her students that they could not submit work that opposes Black Lives Matter, gay marriage, abortion and other social issues, according to a report.
Professor Chloe Clark had told her students that they could not “choose any topic that takes at its base that one side doesn’t deserve the same basic human rights as you do (ie: no arguments against gay marriage, abortion, Black Lives Matter, etc). I take this seriously,” The College Fix reported.
She prefaced her English 250 class syllabus with “GIANT WARNING.”
“Any instance of othering that you participate in intentionally (racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, sorophobia, transphobia, classism, mocking of mental health issues, body shaming, etc) in class are grounds for dismissal from the classroom,” said the syllabus, a copy of which was obtained by Young America’s Foundation, a conservative youth organization.
The university said in a statement that the syllabus “was inconsistent with the university’s standards and its commitment to the First Amendment rights of students.”
It added: “After reviewing this issue with the faculty member, the syllabus has been corrected to ensure it is consistent with university policy. Moreover, the faculty member is being provided additional information regarding the First Amendment policies of the university.”
The school also said it “does not take disciplinary action against students based on the content or viewpoints expressed in their speech.”
A spokesman for Young America’s Foundation said his group was pleased the university sided with free speech.
“It is hopeful news to see a university take the side of the First Amendment and the free expression rights of its students — still, it is shameful that a faculty member ran so far afoul of basic educational practice and the Constitution that such a retraining of this kind is necessary,” Spencer Brown told The College Fix.
“Based on what we at YAF see and hear from our student activists, many administrators and professors could use a refresher on the First Amendment as the fall semester begins,” he added.
Clark, who has taught at the university since August 2019, did not respond to emails from the news outlet seeking comment.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Unbeaten Gerrit Cole believes he has more to give Yankees

Here is something that is sure to make opposing hitters groan .
Gerrit Cole and Aaron Boone believe the Yankees ’ ace can be better than he has been through the first five starts of his career in The Bronx .
Considering Cole is 4-0 with a 2.76 ERA , has allowed 20 hits and fanned 34 in 29¹/₃ innings and the Yankees are 5-0 in his starts , he has lived up to the very early portion of the nine-year deal for $ 324 million he signed last offseason .
Still , Cole ’ s quest to improve matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think there is room for improvement , still .
Fine-tuning at this point but we are always trying to get better , ’ ’ Cole said Tuesday , a day ahead of his start against the Rays at Yankee Stadium .
With his fastball pushing speed guns into the high 90s and the slider crisp enough to make J.D .
Martinez look ill this past weekend in Cole ’ s last start , Cole is looking to tighten up another area .
“ I guess command , ’ ’ Cole said when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could fine-tune .
“ I could be a little bit better inside and outside the zone when I want to .
I just feel eliminating some of the pitches that I wasn ’ t quite happy with .
There wasn ’ t a whole lot but there is a little bit of room there.
’ ’ Cole ’ s only no-decision in five outings came against the Rays at Tropicana Field in the first game of a doubleheader on Aug. 8 , which the Yankees won , 8-4 .
Cole went 4 ²/₃ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a two-run homer to highlight a three-run frame that cut the Yankees ’ lead to 5-3 .
Still , Cole fanned 10 and issued one walk .
According to Boone , Cole will be forever searching for avenues to improve because that is another tool to go with the high-octane fastball , knee-buckling slider and a thirst for information .
“ I think he is always digging and like we see with greatness all the time , you are never really satisfied , you are always trying to improve where you can on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the Yankees ’ 6-3 loss to the Rays .
“ And I think Gerrit is always diving into that.
’ ’ When you hand an athlete that much money you hope he delivers brilliance first , but secretly an owner wants a presence in the clubhouse , somebody who cares and is not afraid to help others .
According to Boone , Hal Steinbrenner got the entire package .
“ What is really showing up to me is , for being a superstar player in our game , how much he cares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their success and doing his part helping them be successful , ” Boone said .
“ He has been a really good teammate on top of obviously being a dominant pitcher.
’ ’ One who doesn ’ t remain married to the game plan in place before the first pitch is thrown .
“ I have played [ on teams ] with veteran lineups and listen to guys talk about switching the game plan in the middle of the game and try to get ahead of the opposition in terms of trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decipher some sort of approach , ’ ’ Cole said .
“ So , being aware of that , being aware not only an entire lineup but individual hitters and which direction they are going throughout the game is important .
I always find that information helps me make a more clear decision when push comes to shove and you need to pick one pitch or another.
’ ’ Cole has pushed and shoved hitters in five starts but believes there is more to come , which certainly isn ’ t music to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the 29-year-old right-hander has been everything Steinbrenner could have wished for when he wrote the check .
And if Cole and Boone are correct , there is more on the way .

Here is something that is sure to make opposing hitters groan.
Gerrit Cole and Aaron Boone believe the Yankees’ ace can be better than he has been through the first five starts of his career in The Bronx.
Considering Cole is 4-0 with a 2.76 ERA, has allowed 20 hits and fanned 34 in 29¹/₃ innings and the Yankees are 5-0 in his starts, he has lived up to the very early portion of the nine-year deal for $324 million he signed last offseason.
Still, Cole’s quest to improve matches his unquenchable thirst for information.
“I think there is room for improvement, still. Fine-tuning at this point but we are always trying to get better,’’ Cole said Tuesday, a day ahead of his start against the Rays at Yankee Stadium.
With his fastball pushing speed guns into the high 90s and the slider crisp enough to make J.D. Martinez look ill this past weekend in Cole’s last start, Cole is looking to tighten up another area.
“I guess command,’’ Cole said when asked if there was something particular he could fine-tune. “I could be a little bit better inside and outside the zone when I want to. I just feel eliminating some of the pitches that I wasn’t quite happy with. There wasn’t a whole lot but there is a little bit of room there.’’
Cole’s only no-decision in five outings came against the Rays at Tropicana Field in the first game of a doubleheader on Aug. 8, which the Yankees won, 8-4. Cole went 4 ²/₃ innings and exited after Jose Martinez hit a two-run homer to highlight a three-run frame that cut the Yankees’ lead to 5-3. Still, Cole fanned 10 and issued one walk.
According to Boone, Cole will be forever searching for avenues to improve because that is another tool to go with the high-octane fastball, knee-buckling slider and a thirst for information.
“I think he is always digging and like we see with greatness all the time, you are never really satisfied, you are always trying to improve where you can on the margins,’’ Boone said before the Yankees’ 6-3 loss to the Rays. “And I think Gerrit is always diving into that.’’
When you hand an athlete that much money you hope he delivers brilliance first, but secretly an owner wants a presence in the clubhouse, somebody who cares and is not afraid to help others. According to Boone, Hal Steinbrenner got the entire package.
“What is really showing up to me is, for being a superstar player in our game, how much he cares about the individuals on the team and their success and doing his part helping them be successful,” Boone said. “He has been a really good teammate on top of obviously being a dominant pitcher.’’
One who doesn’t remain married to the game plan in place before the first pitch is thrown.
“I have played [on teams] with veteran lineups and listen to guys talk about switching the game plan in the middle of the game and try to get ahead of the opposition in terms of trying to look for certain pitches or try to decipher some sort of approach,’’ Cole said. “So, being aware of that, being aware not only an entire lineup but individual hitters and which direction they are going throughout the game is important. I always find that information helps me make a more clear decision when push comes to shove and you need to pick one pitch or another.’’
Cole has pushed and shoved hitters in five starts but believes there is more to come, which certainly isn’t music to hitters’ ears because up to now, the 29-year-old right-hander has been everything Steinbrenner could have wished for when he wrote the check.
And if Cole and Boone are correct, there is more on the way.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Rays are now a super-annoying nemesis for Yankees

The pounding Masahiro Tanaka absorbed was fading into the comfortable ...

These Rays, these Rays, these Rays.
They’re the gum you can’t get off your shoe, the hiccup you can’t stop, the annoying high school classmate who tracks you down no matter how many times you change your number.
They’re the Yankees’ regular serving of humility, unprescribed and undesired.
There won’t be yearlong perfection at Yankee Stadium by its chief occupant, and it sure looks like there won’t be a cakewalk to the American League East crown. Not with the Rays around to wreak havoc. Their first 2020 visit to The Bronx produced a 6-3 victory over the Yankees on Tuesday night, ending their rivals’ six-game winning streak as well as a 10-0 start to the season at home. At 15-9, the Rays trail the Yankees (16-7) by a game and a half, two in the loss column, and they reside within creeping distance thanks primarily to their 4-1 record in head-to-head action.
“Beating the Yankees definitely feels good,” winning pitcher Blake Snell said. “Even without their stars in there, they’ve still got a great amount of talented guys. Beating the Yankees always feels great.”
Beating the Yankees, on the Rays’ part, provided fitting bookends to the Yankees’ recent dominance of the Braves (two straight wins) and Red Sox (four straight). Prior to Tuesday, the Yankees’ most recent defeat came on Aug. 9 — the last time they played the Rays.
This series opener provided one of the two defining characteristics from the Tropicana Field matchup earlier this month: Very strong pitching by the Rays, as former American League Cy Young Award winner Snell battled for five innings, allowing three runs, before a quartet of relievers clocked a shutout inning apiece.
Snell alluded to the Yankees not being at full strength; Giancarlo Stanton went down at the Trop, and Aaron Judge and DJ LeMahieu followed. Yet those major losses didn’t halt the Yankees from posting major wins … until they crossed paths with the Rays again.
That Masahiro Tanaka earned the loss, giving up six runs (five earned) in four-plus innings, added more shine to the Rays’ grins. Tanaka had posted a 1.64 ERA over 60 ¹/₃ innings in his prior nine starts against these guys.
“Masahiro is a guy that’s been really tough for us, and we adjusted a little bit,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. “We were ready for some off-speed pitches. Being ready for those off-speed pitches, handling them a little bit, maybe allowed Brandon to get a fastball that he maybe normally wouldn’t have gotten.”
That would be lefty-swinging Brandon Lowe, the reigning AL Player of the Week who crushed a Tanaka heater the other way for a three-run, third-inning homer that capped a four-run burst. Solo runs followed in the fourth and fifth, and the visitors made the empty Stadium seem even quieter.
“Playing with no fans, it definitely takes it away from them,” Snell said of the Yankees. “That’s definitely an advantage they have [normally], being able to play at home.” Although, to be fair, Snell missed the noise as well, compensating for the normal pregame hate by telling himself, as he warmed up in the bullpen, that he sucked.
“It was weird. It was quiet,” added Austin Meadows, who knocked out Tanaka with a fifth-inning solo homer. “I think it’s the weirdest [pandemic] atmosphere in general because it’s Yankee Stadium. It’s a sold-out crowd almost every game, and it’s empty.”
It was weird for these Yankees to lose at home. But then again, they hadn’t faced the Rays here yet.
“It’s a big win, for sure,” said Cash, whose team has now won 11 of 14. “We’re still behind them. They’ve got a ton of depth. We’re fortunate that we started off [the series] with a win. We’ll look to come back and put pressure on them tomorrow.”
The pressure doesn’t relent. Knowing that won’t make eradicating these perpetual low-payroll pests any easier for the Yankees.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Protesters burn government building during riot in Portland

Protesters in Portland marched to a government building on Tuesday night , smashing windows and setting an office ablaze in what authorities called a riot .
The demonstrators descended on the Multnomah Building , which houses county government operations , and hurled rocks through the front doors made of glass while setting fires outside the building , officials said .
Once a hole was punctured in the windows , protesters appeared to toss flaming materials inside the building — setting the office ablaze .
“ @ PortlandPolice has declared the gathering near the Multnomah Building a riot after individuals vandalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rocks and threw burning material into an office , ” read a tweet from the Multnomah County Sheriff ’ s Office .
After declaring the assembly unlawful , Portland cops asked all gathered to disperse .
The protesters appeared to be calling for the abolition of police and prisons .
Portland has seen an uptick in violence in recent weeks as protests against the police killing of George Floyd have devolved several times into violence and destruction .
It was the city ’ s 83rd straight night of unrest , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Black Lives Matter protesters forced a man to crash his truck , then punched and kicked him unconscious .
According to a witness , the victim had attempted to intervene in a mugging before he was pummeled .
Cops have identified the suspect in that disturbing crime .

Protesters in Portland marched to a government building Tuesday night, smashing windows and setting an office ablaze in what authorities called a riot.
The demonstrators descended on the Multnomah Building, which houses county government operations, and hurled rocks through the front glass doors while setting fires outside the building, officials said.
Once a hole was punctured in the windows, protesters appeared to toss flaming materials inside the building — setting the office ablaze.
“@PortlandPolice has declared the gathering near the Multnomah Building a riot after individuals vandalized, repeatedly smashed first floor windows with rocks and threw burning material into an office,” read a tweet from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
After declaring the assembly unlawful, Portland cops asked all gathered to disperse. The protesters appeared to be calling for the abolition of police and prisons.
Portland has seen an uptick in violence in recent weeks as protests against the police killing of George Floyd have descended several times into violence and destruction. It was the city’s 83rd straight night of unrest, according to the Oregonian.
On Sunday, a mob of Black Lives Matter protesters forced a man to crash his truck, then punched and kicked him unconscious.
According to a witness, the victim had attempted to intervene in a mugging before he was pummeled.
Cops have identified the suspect in that disturbing crime.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Amed Rosario finally giving Mets what he did last year

A missile of a home run to create needed breathing room .
A clutch , well-struck single to the opposite field .
This was the Amed Rosario the Mets saw so much of in the second half of last season .
For one night , he was back .
Rosario keyed the Mets ’ second straight win over the Marlins , an 8-3 rout in Miami , with two hits and three RBIs Tuesday night .
“ It ’ s good for him to build back-to-back games with a couple of hits , ” manager Luis Rojas said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still chased a few pitches tonight , but better — a lot better.
” He would ’ ve had even more production had the rocket in his second at-bat with two runners in scoring position not been hit directly at third baseman Brian Anderson .
As it was , it was a strong start in the right direction for the 24-year-old Rosario , who also had two hits and an RBI in Monday ’ s lopsided victory .
In the seventh inning , he turned on a Nick Vincent fastball and blasted his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 434-foot shot that provided the Mets with an insurance run .
And in the eighth with the bases loaded , he lined a Brad Boxberger fastball to right-center field to plate two runs .
“ Those are really good signs that ’ s he ’ s seeing the ball better , and he ’ s trusting [ himself ] more , ” Rojas said .
“ We got to build off of this , stay consistent.
” It has been a rough open to this shortened season for Rosario , who missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then three more last week with an illness .
Despite the impressive play in his place by Andres Gimenez , Rojas has said Rosario is his shortstop despite carrying an anemic .211/.211/.310 slash line and .521 OPS into play Tuesday night .
“ I feel like this season ’ s been tough .
But I ’ ve continued to work , ” Rosario said through a translator .
“ I ’ ve been keeping a positive attitude and I know eventually with the work I ’ ve been putting in the results would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entered the game with concerning numbers .
His chase percentage of 44.6 was way up and his exit velocity of 84.9 mph was down from a year ago , according to Statcast .
He still has yet to draw a walk this season .
He ’ s been trying to improve in those areas , and lately he ’ s noticed some improvements .
“ What I ’ ve been trying to do the last couple of days was shrink my strike zone so I can focus in on the pitches that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I ’ m just really trying to avoid chasing as many pitches as I have .
”

A missile of a home run to create needed breathing room. A clutch, well-struck single to the opposite field.
This was the Amed Rosario the Mets saw so much of in the second half of last season. For one night, he was back.
Rosario keyed the Mets’ second straight win over the Marlins, an 8-3 rout in Miami, with two hits and three RBIs Tuesday night.
“It’s good for him to build back-to-back games with a couple of hits,” manager Luis Rojas said. “His approach has gotten better. He still chased a few pitches tonight, but better — a lot better.”
He would’ve had even more production had the rocket in his second at-bat with two runners in scoring position not been hit directly at third baseman Brian Anderson. As it was, it was a strong start in the right direction for the 24-year-old Rosario, who also had two hits and an RBI in Monday’s lopsided victory.
In the seventh inning, he turned on a Nick Vincent fastball and blasted his second home run of the year, a 434-foot shot that provided the Mets with an insurance run. And in the eighth with the bases loaded, he lined a Brad Boxberger fastball to right-center field to plate two runs.
“Those are really good signs that’s he’s seeing the ball better, and he’s trusting [himself] more,” Rojas said. “We got to build off of this, stay consistent.”
It has been a rough open to this shortened season for Rosario, who missed two games with a left quad injury then three more last week with an illness. Despite the impressive play in his place by Andres Gimenez, Rojas has said Rosario is his shortstop despite carrying an anemic .211/.211/.310 slash line and .521 OPS into play Tuesday night.
“I feel like this season’s been tough. But I’ve continued to work,” Rosario said through a translator. “I’ve been keeping a positive attitude and I know eventually with the work I’ve been putting in the results would eventually come like today.”
Rosario had entered the game with concerning numbers. His chase percentage of 44.6 was way up and his exit velocity of 84.9 mph was down from a year ago, according to Statcast. He still has yet to draw a walk this season. He’s been trying to improve in those areas, and lately he’s noticed some improvements.
“What I’ve been trying to do the last couple of days was shrink my strike zone so I can focus in on the pitches that I can do damage with,” Rosario said. “I’m just really trying to avoid chasing as many pitches as I have.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Los Angeles considers cutting power to three notorious pandemic party houses

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic .
The city of Los Angeles is considering shutting off power to at least three houses that have hosted large gatherings in recent weeks , a move that would represent one of the strictest crackdowns on pandemic parties yet this year .
One of the locations in jeopardy of losing power is home to TikTok star Bryce Hall , according to the Los Angeles Times , which cited local officials .
He got a surprise visit this week from the LAPD when video surfaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of whom were not wearing masks , at the property to celebrate Hall ’ s birthday .
“ We ’ re keeping track of where these incidents occurred , ” LAPD spokesman Josh Rubenstein said .
At least 13 houses were cited this past weekend for hosting parties in spite of Mayor Eric Garcetti ’ s coronavirus-related social distancing orders , The Times reported .
City Hall responded to the explosion in parties by threatening to shut off repeat offenders ’ utilities as retribution for violating public health guidelines .
That announcement came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Mulholland Drive mansion party thrown for an NFL player .
As of Tuesday , none of the previously cited houses have lost power .
Critics have raised concerns over the concept of using citizens ’ utilities as police bargaining chips — but LAPD Chief Mark Moore sought to assure residents Tuesday that the tactic would only be used as a last resort for those with “ blatant disregard ” for the rules .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
The city of Los Angeles is considering shutting off power to at least three houses that have hosted large gatherings in recent weeks, a move that would represent one of the strictest crackdowns on pandemic parties yet this year.
One of the locations in jeopardy of losing power is home to TikTok star Bryce Hall, according to the Los Angeles Times, which cited local officials. He got a surprise visit this week from the LAPD when video surfaced showing throngs of guests, a majority of whom were not wearing masks, at the property to celebrate Hall’s birthday.
“We’re keeping track of where these incidents occurred,” LAPD spokesman Josh Rubenstein said.
At least 13 houses were cited this past weekend for hosting parties in spite of Mayor Eric Garcetti’s coronavirus-related social distancing orders, The Times reported. City Hall responded to the explosion in parties by threatening to shut off repeat offenders’ utilities as retribution for violating public health guidelines.
That announcement came on the heels of a shooting at a Mulholland Drive mansion party thrown for an NFL player.
As of Tuesday, none of the previously cited houses have lost power.
Critics have raised concerns over the concept of using citizens’ utilities as police bargaining chips — but LAPD Chief Mark Moore sought to assure residents Tuesday that the tactic would only be used as a last resort for those with “blatant disregard” for the rules.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Islanders’ Cal Clutterbuck exits with injury after low hit

The Islanders couldn ’ t finish off the series sweep for the ...

Cal Clutterbuck fell victim to a low hit from Radko Gudas along the boards late in the second period of the Islanders’ 3-2 loss to the Capitals in Game 4 Tuesday night and went to the locker room, where he remained for the rest of the game.
The fourth-line winger was making his way toward the offensive zone when Gudas came crashing into him along the boards. Clutterbuck was slow to get up after the hit and was not on the bench for the start of the third period.
Coach Barry Trotz said he should have more of an update on Clutterbuck on Wednesday.
“I’ll look at it again,” Trotz said on a Zoom call following the loss. “Anytime that you come low on a guy like that, that’s always a bit of an unwritten rule. But Cal could’ve gotten rid of the puck sooner, that’s for sure. We’ll have an update [Wednesday].”
The 32-year-old Clutterbuck finished Game 4 with 8:17 of ice time on 11 shifts. He was a plus-one with a hit in the loss, which forced a Game 5 on Thursday. Clutterbuck has registered one goal so far this postseason, contributing to the Isles’ 5-2 win over the Caps in Game 2.
The Islanders are 1-for-19 on the power play during the first-round series against the Capitals.
Going 0-for-5 on the man-advantage on Tuesday, the Islanders haven’t registered a power-play goal since Nick Leddy’s game-tying tally in their Game 2 win.
“We had a couple looks, we had the zone time but we need production out of it,” Trotz said. “Their penalty killers have held us pretty well off the score sheet for the most part in this series and we’ve got to find a way to find the back of the net on the power play. But I thought our power play was better today than it was the other day.”
The Islanders mustered 12 shots with the man-advantage Tuesday. They also negated two of their five power-play opportunities by getting called for penalties of their own, forcing them to settle for four-on-four play.
“We had looks tonight,” said Mathew Barzal, who notched a first-period goal. “I think we had five or six power plays tonight and we have to find a way to put one in the back of the net. We knew coming into the series that special teams was probably going to be a deciding factor in some games. Not that it was tonight, but for them to get that second goal that was huge for them.
“We had chances in the third and late in the second to put them away at 3-0, just couldn’t find it. We just got to make an adjustment. Their PK has done well with watching video obviously and taking away our options.”
Despite the loss, Trotz said he is likely going to wait and analyze the game tape before making any lineup decisions.
“I’m going to reassess it a little bit, we’re going to look at the tape, we’re going to look at where we are in terms of personnel,” he said.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Kamala Harris opens 2020 DNC by urging viewers to vote

Kamala Harris , set to formally accept the Democratic Party ’ s vice presidential nomination , kicked off Wednesday ’ s third night of the Democratic National Convention by urging supporters to vote — and offering guidance on how to ensure they can .
“ I know many of you plan to vote this year , but amidst the excitement and enthusiasm for this election , you ’ ve also heard about obstacles and misinformation and folks making it harder for you to cast your ballot , ” said the California senator who will give an acceptance speech later in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for nationwide mail-in balloting with the coronavirus still raging , President Trump has frequently spoken out about what he perceives as problems with the system ’ s security , speed and reliability .
At the center have been concerns of whether the cash-strapped USPS can handle a crush of ballots , with Democratic lawmakers summoning Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to testify on Capitol Hill .
Harris suggested that more was at work .
“ I think we need to ask ourselves why they don ’ t want us to vote ?
” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much effort to silence our voices ?
“ The answer is because when we vote , things change , ” she said .
“ When we vote , things get better.
” Harris urged supporters to text “ VOTE ” to the campaign for reminders on voting deadlines and how to make sure their ballots are counted .

Kamala Harris, set to formally accept the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nomination, kicked off Wednesday’s third night of the Democratic National Convention by urging supporters to vote — and offering guidance on how to ensure they can.
“I know many of you plan to vote this year, but amidst the excitement and enthusiasm for this election, you’ve also heard about obstacles and misinformation and folks making it harder for you to cast your ballot,” said the California senator who will give an acceptance speech later in the night.
As many have called for nationwide mail-in balloting with the coronavirus still raging, President Trump has frequently spoken out about what he perceives as problems with the system’s security, speed and reliability.
At the center have been concerns of whether the cash-strapped USPS can handle a crush of ballots, with Democratic lawmakers summoning Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to testify on Capitol Hill.
Harris suggested that more was at work.
“I think we need to ask ourselves why they don’t want us to vote?” she asked. “Why is there so much effort to silence our voices?
“The answer is because when we vote, things change,” she said. “When we vote, things get better.”
Harris urged supporters to text “VOTE” to the campaign for reminders on voting deadlines and how to make sure their ballots are counted.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Tracee Ellis Ross railed against being given ‘lady chores’ on ‘Blackish’

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 ) Tracee Ellis Ross says she @ @ @ @ @ ” character ’ s sexist chores .
“ What I did speak about .
.
@ @ @ @ @ am I carrying laundry ?
’ … I started calling them ‘ lady chores.
’ @ @ @ @ @ [ Anderson ] do the lady chore , ” she told the “ Can ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I believe every relationship is a negotiation between two people … [ and @ @ @ @ @ portray that on television , the more that that becomes the reality out in the @ @ @

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Tracee Ellis Ross says she railed at her “Blackish” character’s sexist chores.
“What I did speak about . . . was, ‘Why am I carrying laundry?’ … I started calling them ‘lady chores.’ … Can’t Anthony [Anderson] do the lady chore,” she told the “Can’t Stop Watching” podcast.
“I believe every relationship is a negotiation between two people … [and] the more that we portray that on television, the more that that becomes the reality out in the world.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--NYU students back early, tested for COVID-19 ahead of 14-day quarantine

New York University welcomed back students to its Manhattan campus on Wednesday — but , as per the school ’ s coronavirus safety plan , the scholars are required to get tested for the virus upon arrival .
A mix of international students and those coming from state-designated coronavirus hot-spots are arriving this week — two weeks earlier than usual to allow time for their mandatory 14-day quarantine , according to NYU Spokesman John Beckman .
“ This week marks the start of the measured , careful , gradual return of students to NYU ’ s campus , which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughtfully developed and extensive health and safety plan that stresses safety , academics , and flexibility , ” Beckman said in a Wednesday statement .
The early arrivals are only permitted to leave their dorm rooms for medical visits or to collect their three daily meals from the hallway .
In two weeks , students from the tri-state area will arrive on campus .
NYU , like most universities and colleges , nixed in-person classes last semester and switched to remote learning over coronavirus concerns .
The university in May indicated students would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whether NYU can successfully carry out in-person classes for the semester remains to be seen .
Other major universities across the country , including the University of Notre Dame and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill had their plans to hold in-person classes foiled after campus-linked coronavirus outbreaks .

New York University welcomed back students to its Manhattan campus on Wednesday — but, as per the school’s coronavirus safety plan, the scholars are required to get tested for the virus upon arrival.
A mix of international students and those coming from state-designated coronavirus hot-spots are arriving this week — two weeks earlier than usual to allow time for their mandatory 14-day quarantine, according to NYU Spokesman John Beckman.
“This week marks the start of the measured, careful, gradual return of students to NYU’s campus, which the University is doing in line with a thoughtfully developed and extensive health and safety plan that stresses safety, academics, and flexibility,” Beckman said in a Wednesday statement.
The early arrivals are only permitted to leave their dorm rooms for medical visits or to collect their three daily meals from the hallway.
In two weeks, students from the tri-state area will arrive on campus.
NYU, like most universities and colleges, nixed in-person classes last semester and switched to remote learning over coronavirus concerns.
The university in May indicated students would be able to come back this fall.
Whether NYU can successfully carry out in-person classes for the semester remains to be seen.
Other major universities across the country, including the University of Notre Dame and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill had their plans to hold in-person classes foiled after campus-linked coronavirus outbreaks.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Reds announcer Thom Brennaman uses homophobic slur, exits game

The longtime play-by-play man for the Cincinnati Reds was caught on a hot mic uttering a homophobic slur during a live broadcast Wednesday , according to video of the incident uploaded to social media .
“ One of the f-g capitals of the world , ” Thom Brennaman could be heard saying before introducing the Fox Sports Ohio TV broadcast between the Reds and Royals in Kansas City .
The 56-year-old later exited the second game of the scheduled doubleheader after videos of the slur made the rounds on social media .
“ I made a comment earlier tonight that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the air , that I am deeply ashamed of , ” Brennaman said during the fifth inning .
“ If I have hurt anyone out there , I can ’ t tell you how much I say from the bottom of my heart , I am so very , very sorry .
I pride myself and think of myself as a man of faith .
… I don ’ t know if I ’ ll be putting on this headset again .
I don ’ t know if It ’ ll be for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know if it ’ s going to be for my bosses at FOX , I want to apologize for the people that sign my paycheck — for the Reds , for FOX Sports Ohio , for the people I work with , for anybody I ’ ve offended tonight .
I can ’ t begin to tell you how deeply sorry I am .
That is not who I am , it never has been .
I ’ d like to thank that I have some people that could back that up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I beg for your forgiveness .
“ Jim Day will take you the rest of the way , ” Brennaman said , referring to another Fox Sports Ohio broadcaster .
It was unclear whether Brennaman was removed from the broadcast , or if he left on his own accord .
The Reds did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Brennaman is the son of Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman , and has been calling Reds game since 2006 .
The doubleheader marked Cincinnati ’ s first game back since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus last week , which caused three postponements .

Thom Brennaman, the longtime play-by-play man for the Cincinnati Reds, was suspended indefinitely Wednesday and acknowledged his career might be over after video showed him using a homophobic slur on a hot mic earlier in the day.
The 56-year-old Brennaman was pulled from the broadcast booth by the Reds after he said, “One of the f-g capitals of the world,” on the Fox Sports Ohio TV broadcast during the final inning of the first game of a scheduled doubleheader in Kansas City.
It was unclear what Brennaman was referring to. A few seconds passed before Brennaman, seemingly unaware his comment made the airwaves, recited a promo for the network’s pregame show.
Brennaman was removed from the second game in the fifth inning after videos of the incident made the rounds on social media, and issued an apology while looking directly into the camera for parts of it.
WARNING: This video contains graphic language
“I made a comment earlier tonight that, I guess, went out over the air, that I am deeply ashamed of,” Brennaman said before he exited the booth. “If I have hurt anyone out there, I can’t tell you how much I say from the bottom of my heart, I am so very, very sorry … I don’t know if I’ll be putting on this headset again. I don’t know if it’ll be for the Reds, I don’t know if it’s going to be for my bosses at Fox, I want to apologize to the people that sign my paycheck — for the Reds, for Fox Sports Ohio, for the people I work with, for anybody I’ve offended tonight … I beg for your forgiveness.”
Brennaman’s broadcast partner, Chris Welsh, showed him support and said, “You’re a good man, partner. Hang in there.”
Fox Sports broadcaster Jim Day took over the play-by-play duties for the rest of the game.
The Reds in a statement announced the suspension and said they were “devastated by the horrific, homophobic remark.”
The team said it would address the broadcast booth in the coming days.
MLB announcers this season are broadcasting road games remotely, usually from their home ballpark, due to coronavirus protocols. Brennaman and his team were working from Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
Later in the night, Reds pitcher Amir Garrett posted his support of the LBGTQ community on Twitter: “To the LGBTQ community just know I am with you, and whoever is against you, is against me. I’m sorry for what was said today.”
Brennaman is the son of Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman, and has been calling Reds game since 2006. Brennaman has also called NFL games for Fox.
The doubleheader marked Cincinnati’s first game back since an unidentified player tested positive for the coronavirus last week, which caused three postponements.
The Royals won the first game, 4-0, while the Reds won the nightcap, 5-0.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Ex-Giants QB Kyle Lauletta who was arrested getting Jets tryout

Kyle Lauletta will be back on New Jersey roads again , but it may not be for long .
The former Giants quarterback , who was cut by the team before the 2019 season , is getting a tryout with the Jets , according to the NFL ’ s transaction wire on Wednesday .
The Giants began to sour on Lauletta , a 2018 fourth-round draft pick out of Richmond , when he was arrested for pulling an illegal turn and nearly hitting a police officer with his car on Oct. 30 , 2018 .
The Giants fined him at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , Lauletta pleaded guilty to a disorderly persons offense stemming from the October arrest .
Lauletta also admitted guilt to tickets for an improper turn and disregarding an officer ’ s instructions , during the Hudson Court proceeding in Jersey City .
Another disorderly persons charge and an eluding police charge were dropped .
Though Lauletta is getting a tryout , it will be a tough climb for him to make the Jets .
Sam Darnold and Joe Flacco are the top quarterbacks on the depth chart .
Flacco , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Physically Unable to Perform list but is expected to be able to play a few weeks in the season .
James Morgan , whom the Jets selected in the fourth round of this year ’ s draft , David Fales and Mike White are the other quarterbacks on the roster .

Kyle Lauletta will be back on New Jersey roads again, but it may not be for long.
The former Giants quarterback, who was cut by the team before the 2019 season, is getting a tryout with the Jets, according to the NFL’s transaction wire on Wednesday.
The Giants began to sour on Lauletta, a 2018 fourth-round draft pick out of Richmond, when he was arrested for pulling an illegal turn and nearly hitting a police officer with his car on Oct. 30, 2018. The Giants fined him at the time.
On Jan. 15, 2019, Lauletta pleaded guilty to a disorderly persons offense stemming from the October arrest. Lauletta also admitted guilt to tickets for an improper turn and disregarding an officer’s instructions, during the Hudson Court proceeding in Jersey City. Another disorderly persons charge and an eluding police charge were dropped.
Though Lauletta is getting a tryout, it will be a tough climb for him to make the Jets.
Sam Darnold and Joe Flacco are the top quarterbacks on the depth chart. Flacco, who is recovering from neck surgery, is on the Physically Unable to Perform list but is expected to be able to play a few weeks in the season. James Morgan, whom the Jets selected in the fourth round of this year’s draft, David Fales and Mike White are the other quarterbacks on the roster.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Carole Baskin fears for big cats at shuttered ‘Tiger King’ zoo

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) “ Tiger King ” star Carole Baskin is roaring mad over what might happen to the big cats who were housed at Joe Exotic ’ s former Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park .
It has been closed after the USDA ’ s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service suspended the license of Jeff Lowe , who now operates the zoo .
“ Jeff … closing the GW Zoo to the public unfortunately does nothing to relieve the animals of the serious mistreatment documented in recent USDA inspections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e-mailed to Page Six .
“ Now that USDA will no longer inspect the facility , the animals are at even greater risk.
” Lowe ’ s zoo was formerly owned by Exotic .
Baskin was granted ownership of the land by a judge in June , and Lowe was given time to wind down operations .
The inspection found the cats were lacking in adequate veterinary care .
Lowe stated on Facebook : “ The animals are now in private hands and will remain in private hands.
” Meanwhile , Baskin is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would “ ban cub handling and phase out private ownership .
”

“Tiger King” star Carole Baskin is roaring mad over what might happen to the big cats who were housed at Joe Exotic’s former Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park.
It has been closed after the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service suspended the license of Jeff Lowe, who now operates the zoo. “Jeff … closing the GW Zoo to the public unfortunately does nothing to relieve the animals of the serious mistreatment documented in recent USDA inspections,” Baskin said in a statement e-mailed to Page Six.
“Now that USDA will no longer inspect the facility, the animals are at even greater risk.”
Lowe’s zoo was formerly owned by Exotic. Baskin was granted ownership of the land by a judge in June, and Lowe was given time to wind down operations. The inspection found the cats were lacking in adequate veterinary care. Lowe stated on Facebook: “The animals are now in private hands and will remain in private hands.”
Meanwhile, Baskin is attempting to push forward a bill that would “ban cub handling and phase out private ownership.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Nets lose another star as Joe Harris leaves bubble

Though many Nets fans are loudly pining for the team ...

The already decimated Brooklyn Nets didn’t just lose a game Wednesday, but also one of their Bubble Big 3 when Joe Harris left the NBA campus in Orlando.
Harris left the bubble due to a non-medical personal matter, with the Nets saying the status of his return will be updated as information becomes available.
Brooklyn fell 104-99 to defending champion Toronto in Wednesday’s Eastern Conference first-round Game 2.
Harris had 14 points and 15 rebounds against the Raptors on Wednesday — topping his career-high of a dozen boards set Jan. 6, 2018, against Boston. But with the Nets now down 2-0 in the series, the odds of seeing him again this season are slim.
The Nets will have to extend the series to either Game 6 or Game 7 for Harris to have any shot to return, quarantine and get back on the court, based on the circumstances of his departure, according to ESPN.
Harris had been playing exceptionally well and been a rock for the Nets, along with stalwarts Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen. He averaged 20 points on 62 percent shooting and 54.1 percent from 3-point range in the seeding games. And after having struggled mightily in last season’s first-round series loss to Philadelphia, Harris has acquitted himself well in these playoffs.
In two games against the defending champ’s league-leading defense, Harris has averaged 16.5 points on 52.2 percent shooting and 58.3 from deep.
Coming off a two-year, $16 million contract, Harris is expected to get a significant raise this offseason as an unrestricted free agent. The Nets are set to be well over the cap and just $2 million below the luxury tax even if they don’t retain Harris, but GM Sean Marks has said re-signing him is a top priority. If they don’t, they’ll only have about $5 million to replace him with.
Harris has put down roots in Brooklyn, staying in town throughout the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He spoke about how the worst part of the outbreak for him was his fear of infecting his ailing mother, who was staying with him.
“My mom [Alice] had been staying with me because she was diagnosed with cancer earlier in November, so she was doing a lot of her treatments here with Weill Cornell,” Harris said. “I was obviously worried to be around her when we’d initially come back from California, just given the uncertainties around corona and how it affects people with compromised immune systems.
“For me, that would definitely be the worst period. Thankfully she is doing well from a health standpoint right now, but that was my biggest concern, and the worst period for me was just having to worry about all that initially.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--MLB Network’s Cliff Floyd talks all things New York baseball

The J-Rod Mets may be getting closer to reality .
The ...

MLB Network analyst Cliff Floyd — who played 17 seasons in the majors, including four with the Mets — takes a swing at some Q&A with Post columnist Steve Serby.
Q: Can a healthy Aaron Judge be a threat to break the home run record in a normal season?
A: 100 percent … 100 percent. This right now is when you wish you had 162 games. He was going back to inside-outting the baseball and trying to drive it. Now he’s realizing that he’s getting results by pulling the baseball as he sees it off the pitcher’s hands. He’s recognizing the pitch out of the pitcher’s hand, he knows what they’re trying to do. I assume he’s watching film on what pitchers are trying to do in certain situations, and he’s just feeding off of it.
Q: Do you think we’ll see a .400 hitter this season?
A: All odds against him, but if anybody’s gonna do it, I’m telling you in a short season like this, I think Charlie Blackmon can do it. How he’s swinging the bat right now, and with a little bit of luck involved, yeah he can do it.
Q: What about DJ LeMahieu?
A: I’m a big fan of LeMahieu. … I wouldn’t put nothing past him, but I would do Blackmon over LeMahieu by a little bit, but I think LeMahieu’s gonna hit .370, .380.
Q: Tell me why Pete Alonso’s 2019 season was not a fluke.
A: The biggest thing you watch for is, are they a one-dimensional player, can they just pull the ball? Pete understands what he has to do. He won’t be just a pure pull homer-happy dude.
Q: Describe Gerrit Cole.
A: I think we’ll be talking about him at some point in Cooperstown when it’s all said and done. It could be power if he wants power, it can be finesse when he wants finesse. And that gives hitters headaches.
Q: Who would you rather hit against, Cole or Jacob deGrom?
A: Neither. But if I had to pick one, I would say Gerrit, because I think Gerrit’s gonna say, “Here. I think I can overpower you.” Jake is gonna be like, “I got everything in the kitchen sink just in case you think you could hit me.” Gerrit Cole’s gonna challenge you, and not to say Jake is not, ’cause Jake will too. But I think Jake is like, “I can make you look bad if I want or I could just throw this 99 mile an hour fastball on the black and you’re gonna sit down anyway.”
Q: David Peterson.
A: I love his stuff, I love his demeanor, he’s keeping good hitters off balance. You can see as he gets more confidence, he’ll be a better pitcher. Some people say, “Duh, well that makes sense.” No. Certain pitchers get more opportunities and then they showcase what they’re really about. I think he’s gonna get more opportunities and show he belongs where he’s at right now.
Q: If you could test your skills against any pitcher in MLB history, who would it be?
A: Bob Gibson. I sat next to him at an awards presentation in New York City, and he kept asking me before I got my award, “Hey, what award are you getting?” And I refused to tell him, ’cause I knew, when I told him what award I was getting, he was gonna make fun of me or throw a jab. I wasn’t getting MVP, I wasn’t getting Comeback Player of the Year. I was getting the Good Guy award. So when I finally told him, he went, “The Good Guy award? What the …?” When he was playing, it was like, “Look, you hit a ball, you better run, you hit a ball out of the ballpark, you better run faster.” There wasn’t nothing about good guy that played in Bob Gibson’s eyes. I just felt like his energy and everything he presented on the field, I would have just loved to just go against him and hopefully hit a bomb so I could see the reaction in the next at-bat, I guess.
Q: Describe your on-field mentality.
A: I tried to be as laid back as possible. I never was a dude that bat-flipped, my swing took me into like a dropped bat if I got you, but I never was that dude that was on the field trying to show up anybody. While I was in Florida, we had three beat writers and 8,000 fans. It was a different mentality. When I played in New York, we had 35,000 in a fan base that would crucify you if you can’t run to first base hard. I knew my lane.
Q: Describe the young Jose Reyes.
A: Fun-loving, loved the game, loved to smile, fast-twitch. I wish some of the little nagging things that bothered him didn’t bother him because you’d be talking about one of the best Mets to play.
Q: David Wright.
A: We had the best laughs going through the airport when I made him carry my bags and the TSA would see what was in my bag, and know that he didn’t use sporting wave grease for his hair (laugh). Just a true, true genuine … not only amazing dude but amazing ballplayer. He was the best until injuries derailed his career, but what a great dude to be around.
Q: No surprise to you that he became the captain.
A: No surprise. He was born to be that guy. You earn being the captain, and everybody knew who’s clubhouse it was.
Q: What was it like witnessing Carlos Beltran watch strike three against Adam Wainwright in Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS.
A: Well, I was first. I had a shot at the title. But you know what we didn’t know? We knew, but we didn’t have the information we have today. And that’s what makes Tony La Russa, in my opinion, the Hall of Fame manager he is. We thought, “Who the hell is Adam Wainwright?” Well, now we know today. We were searching over there in the dugout to find an out pitch and so on and so forth on the fly. I had a couple of pitches, [Beltran] had a couple of pitches … we just didn’t get it done.
Q: What did you think of Beltran losing the Mets’ managerial job?
A: I always knew Los to be a fighter, a grinder … never thought in a million years I would have my man associated with something as a leader of cheating [with the Astros], or one of the main guys. There’s always that saying. “You ain’t cheatin’, you ain’t trying,” but there’s a line that’s also crossed, and when you cross that, you have to swallow your pride and take that responsibility, and it stinks. … I knew he had all of the skill in the world to be able to see when a pitcher was tipping his pitches. I mean, he taught me, I knew. Him and Shawn Green and [Carlos] Delgado, they were great at it. If you’re gonna tip your pitches, we’re gonna blast you, that’s part of the game. You get your dream job and it’s taken away just like that, that sucks,
Q: Do you think there might be more repercussions for the Astros?
A: Fans were gonna destroy them everywhere they went. Unfortunate for everybody in the freakin’ world with this corona stuff, the freakin’ Astros got lucky. And then you see the situation that happened in Oakland with their hitting coach [Alex Cintron, suspended 20 games for his role in an Aug. 9 fight between the teams]. Why are you bringing attention to yourself when you need zero on you? That ticks me off. I just thought that was just stupidity.
Q: If you could pick the brain of any slugger in MLB history, who would it be?
A: I had the opportunity, and it wasn’t enough, near enough, to talk to Hammerin’ Hank [Aaron]. … Pedro Martinez used to always give me tips from a pitcher’s standpoint on what guys are trying to do to you on the mound. That’s what I think you would get from Hammerin’ Hank is just a different mindset on what you’re doing when you go from the on-deck circle to the box.
Q: What do you think of Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez bidding for the Mets?
A: In our world today, how we’re driven by celebrity status, I think it’d be pretty sick. … He made that bed for himself, he sued Major League Baseball — he had a lot going against him. He married the right girl. I think the one thing our world does and does consistently, if you accept responsibility, they’ll forgive your butt. You hear him now, and people like him, you hear good things about what A-Rod is doing. Good luck to them, hopefully it all works out. You can say A-Rod and J. Lo, but if you don’t have the money, you ain’t getting nothing.
Q: You think Mets fans would be thumbs-up to a power couple like that?
A: Yeah I do. I really think that where they are today and the situation that’s going on with going back to the [Bernie] Madoff and their association and all that crap, I think they’re just interested in ***** somebody ***** owning them. If you mention those two, I think it just adds to it.
Q: What do you think of Andres Gimenez?
A: I love everything about him. He has soft hands. The one thing I always say about youngsters who you see with soft hands and good feet is you can’t teach that, you can’t teach instincts. You either have it or you don’t. I want them to be chill a little bit on the fact that you’re comparing him ***** early ***** to Omar Vizquel.
Q: Any worry about Gleyber Torres at shortstop?
A: No. I’m not worried about him playing anywhere. Certain dudes you don’t worry about ’em, they’ll figure it out.
Q: Gary Sanchez?
A: He has that big leg kick and it’s a perfectionist type of swing, and when it’s off, it’s off. I’ve always said if you learn how to hit, you can always go in your back pocket and get that. He knows how to hit. It’s just he thinks he has to go deep. No you don’t. He can square up a ball and drive it to the right-center gap better than left-handed hitters. He should get back to that.
Q: Describe Robinson Cano.
A: The thing that’s always stood out with Robinson Cano to me is he can play till he’s 60, he seems to never put a lot of pressure on his body. His swing is not heavy, he’s smooth around second base, he does things that give him longevity.
Q: What is your best Mets moment?
A: Two outs, bottom of the 10th, I hit a foul-ball homer … and [three pitches later] Brendan Donnelly throws me a hanging split and I knocked the crap out of it for a walk-off [two-out, three-run home run, June 11, 2005, against the Angels].
Q: Describe Bobby Valentine.
A: (Laugh) Very witty. Beloved by Met fans, but I didn’t see eye-to-eye with Bobby and never played for him — but actually I did play for him in the All-Star Game, which he didn’t want me there but I end up eventually getting there. We had our run-ins, but at the same time, he’s gonna fight for his boys and I’m gonna fight for my pride.
Q: Joe Maddon.
A: I played for him one year. I needed to play for him 25. He brings something to the table that every player needs to understand and hear, and he keeps it simple. He goes, “Look, I got one message: run hard, play hard.” And that was it.
Q: Why does your idol Harold Baines a deserving Hall of Famer?
A: He was a superstar, he just didn’t say much.
Q: Describe your 1997 World Series championship with the Marlins.
A: We had one heartbeat. Jimmy Leyland was pushing all the right buttons.
Q: Which teams are the biggest threats to a Yankees-Dodgers World Series?
A: Obviously Tampa has a ton of pitching. Minnesota’s really good. Oakland to me, is a team that has the most depth.
Q: If you played today, what message would you give your teammates re: pandemic protocols?
A: Look, we got 60 games, and there are 2 ¹/₂ months, obviously we’re not gonna be around our family as much as we want to, but I think the biggest thing is, know what we’re fighting for together. Let’s build something, let’s build some camaraderie, where you’re feeling like everybody’s in the foxhole together. We’re going for one thing and that’s the “chip,” and if we’re not fighting for the chip, please speak up so we can get you up out of here. … Let’s be respectful of one another knowing that maybe some guys may got underlying conditions, maybe they don’t, but at the end of the day, we have to stand up together, we have to fight together and be accountable together. And if you can’t do that, I understand it and I’ll respect you for saying that you can’t do it, and we’ll figure out how to get you up out of here, the right way and in-house.
Q: What drives you?
A: I have three kids [Bria, 16, Tobias, 15 and Layla, 12] that motivate me to be better each day. They really make me understand my purpose. I don’t hold onto that negativity like I used to, I let everything go by the wayside. I just want to be able to smile one day and say I’ve done my job.
Q: Did you have the career you imagined?
A: It’s tough to answer that because I never thought I would play as long as I did. I know I could have been a helluva lot better if my body held up for sure.
Q: But you’re proud of the career you had?
A: Yeah. I can speak on adversity. I can speak on a lot of things that’s happened in my career because I dealt with them, I dealt with injuries, so I’m very easy on dudes when I talk about Byron Buxton per se and say, “Well, I need to see more of Byron.” I think that’s what people said about me. If there’s one thing you hear people say about me is, “I wish he didn’t get hurt as much.” I hope we’re not having that same conversation about Byron Buxton later on because that’s a talent I love to watch play.
Q: Three dinner guests?
A: Walter Payton, MJ [Michael Jordan], President Barack Obama.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: Every “Friday” movie.
Q: Favorite actor?
A: Denzel. [Washington]
Q: Favorite actress?
A: Halle Berry.
Q: Favorite singer/entertainer?
A: Michael Jackson.
Q: Favorite meal?
A: Steak, mashed potatoes, I might go green bean or salad, and I like water but I love wine better.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris headline DNC night three

The Democratic National Convention on Wednesday will feature speeches by former President Barack Obama , 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris .
The packed night of speeches will stream online beginning at 9 p.m. eastern time .
Most remarks won ’ t be delivered live due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Other prominent Democrats also will endorse the Democratic ticket led by former Vice President Joe Biden , including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords .
The night is an opportunity for Harris to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic voters .
Since her selection last week , Harris has been tightly controlled in media availabilities .
Biden , almost 78 , would be the oldest-ever president if he wins , heightening the importance of Harris ’ candidacy .
She is the first black and Asian-American vice presidential candidate of a major party and would be the first female vice president .
Obama and Clinton , meanwhile , will seek to rev up the base .
But they give Republicans an opportunity to heap scorn on familiar targets .
President Trump often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an interview last week that Obama and Biden “ got caught spying on my campaign ” during the FBI ’ s investigation of Russia ’ s role in the election .
On Monday , Trump blasted Clinton as “ a loser , but not a gracious one.
” Obama ’ s remarks will follow a widely acclaimed speech on Monday by former first lady Michelle Obama , who emotionally endorsed Biden and denounced Trump as a degrading influence on US society .
Silvia Sanchez , an illegal immigrant living in North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has a work permit and protection against deportation from Obama ’ s 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program .
Biden , who has kept a low profile ahead of his Thursday convention speech , will appear briefly in a clip about the economy .
Biden “ listens to , and engages with , union workers around how to build back better a new economy , ” a DNC release says .

The Democratic National Convention on Wednesday will feature speeches by former President Barack Obama, 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris.
The packed night of speeches will stream online beginning at 9 p.m. eastern time. Most remarks won’t be delivered live due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Other prominent Democrats also will endorse the Democratic ticket led by former Vice President Joe Biden, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords.
The night is an opportunity for Harris to try to define her biography and candidacy to Democratic voters. Since her selection last week, Harris has been tightly controlled in media availabilities.
Biden, almost 78, would be the oldest-ever president if he wins, heightening the importance of Harris’ candidacy. She is the first black and Asian-American vice presidential candidate of a major party and would be the first female vice president.
Obama and Clinton, meanwhile, will seek to rev up the base. But they give Republicans an opportunity to heap scorn on familiar targets.
President Trump often attacks his predecessor, telling The Post in an interview last week that Obama and Biden “got caught spying on my campaign” during the FBI’s investigation of Russia’s role in the election.
On Monday, Trump blasted Clinton as “a loser, but not a gracious one.”
Obama’s remarks will follow a widely acclaimed speech on Monday by former first lady Michelle Obama, who emotionally endorsed Biden and denounced Trump as a degrading influence on US society.
“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” actress Mariska Hargitay will make a cameo on Wednesday.
Silvia Sanchez, an illegal immigrant living in North Carolina, will appear with her daughter Jessica, who has a work permit and protection against deportation from Obama’s 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
Parkland, Fla., school shooting survivor Emma Gonzalez also will speak.
Biden, who has kept a low profile ahead of his Thursday convention speech, will appear briefly in a clip about the economy. Biden “listens to, and engages with, union workers around how to build back better a new economy,” a DNC release says.


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Bella Thorne joins OnlyFans, briefly crashes site

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 ) Former Disney star turned Pornhub @ @ @ @ @ adult site OnlyFans with the delightful bio line “ I ’ m your bitch.
” @ @ @ @ @ sure what she ’ s offering , but a subscription costs $ 102 for six @ @ @ @ @ even buy her gifts from her list , which includes a $ 99.99 dog bed @ @ @ @ @ three-bottle liquor dispenser and Christmas inflatables , including one of Santa Claus riding a polar @ @ @ @ @ crashed when the “ My Own Worst Enemy ” actress launched her page with a @ @ @ @ @ necklace spelling “ sex .
”

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Former Disney star-turned-Pornhub director Bella Thorne has joined adult site OnlyFans with the delightful bio line “I’m your bitch.”
We’re not exactly sure what she’s offering, but a subscription costs $102 for six months. Lucky fans can even buy her gifts from her list, which includes a $99.99 dog bed, a hammock, a three-bottle liquor dispenser and Christmas inflatables, including one of Santa Claus riding a polar bear.
The site briefly crashed when the “My Own Worst Enemy” actress launched her page with a bikini paired with a diamond-encrusted necklace spelling “sex.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Obama slams Trump as selfish and blames him for COVID-19 toll

Former President Barack Obama will accuse President Trump of not “ taking the job seriously ” and blame him for the coronavirus pandemic ’ s death toll during a Wednesday night speech at the Democratic National Convention .
Excerpts released ahead of the broadcast of Obama ’ s taped remarks reveal he will blast Trump as he seeks to rev up his winning 2008 and 2012 coalition of diverse and young voters .
Obama rarely attacks Trump so directly , and his speech is almost certain to attract a fierce rebuttal from the president , who routinely slams Obama for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I have sat in the Oval Office with both of the men who are running for president , ” Obama will say .
“ I did hope , for the sake of our country , that Donald Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously ; that he might come to feel the weight of the office and discover some reverence for the democracy that had been placed in his care .
But he never did.
” Obama will describe Trump as slothful and selfish .
“ He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work ; no interest in finding common ground ; no interest in using the awesome power of his office to help anyone but himself and his friends ; no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves , ” Obama will say .
“ Donald Trump hasn ’ t grown into the job because he can ’ t .
And the consequences of that failure are severe .
170,000 Americans dead .
Millions of jobs gone .
Our worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world badly diminished , and our democratic institutions threatened like never before.
” Obama will share a virtual stage on third night of the DNC with defeated 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden ’ s running mate Sen. Kamala Harris ( D-Calif. ) .
The former president will seek to boost Biden , his former vice president , as a “ friend ” and solid alternative to Trump .
“ Twelve years ago , when I began my search for a vice president , I didn ’ t know I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Obama will say .
“ Over eight years , Joe was the last one in the room whenever I faced a big decision .
He made me a better president .
He ’ s got the character and the experience to make us a better country .
”

Former President Barack Obama will accuse President Trump of not “taking the job seriously” and blame him for the coronavirus pandemic’s death toll during a Wednesday night speech at the Democratic National Convention.
Excerpts released ahead of the broadcast of Obama’s taped remarks reveal he will blast Trump as he seeks to rev up his winning 2008 and 2012 coalition of diverse and young voters.
Obama rarely attacks Trump so directly, and his speech is almost certain to attract a fierce rebuttal from the president, who routinely slams Obama for “spying” on his campaign.
“I have sat in the Oval Office with both of the men who are running for president,” Obama will say. “I did hope, for the sake of our country, that Donald Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously; that he might come to feel the weight of the office and discover some reverence for the democracy that had been placed in his care. But he never did.”
Obama will describe Trump as slothful and selfish.
“He’s shown no interest in putting in the work; no interest in finding common ground; no interest in using the awesome power of his office to help anyone but himself and his friends; no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves,” Obama will say.
“Donald Trump hasn’t grown into the job because he can’t. And the consequences of that failure are severe. 170,000 Americans dead. Millions of jobs gone. Our worst impulses unleashed, our proud reputation around the world badly diminished, and our democratic institutions threatened like never before.”
Obama will share a virtual stage on the third night of the DNC with defeated 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden’s running mate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.).
Even before Obama took the stage, Trump came out swinging against Obama and Biden at a White House briefing.
“President Obama did not do a good job… They did such a bad job that I stand before you as president,” Trump said.
The former president will seek to boost Biden, his former vice president, as a “friend” and solid alternative to Trump.
“Twelve years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I didn’t know I’d end up finding a brother,” Obama will say. “Over eight years, Joe was the last one in the room whenever I faced a big decision. He made me a better president. He’s got the character and the experience to make us a better country.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--‘The Vow’ gives horrific look inside the Nxivm sex cult that branded women

Getting branded by a sex cult is as excruciating as ...

For 20 years, thousands of eager adults signed up for personal and professional development classes through a little-known upstate New York company blandly called Executive Success Programs, or ESP.
Started in 1998, the lessons — beginning at five-day sessions — taught students to change habitual behaviors, reject needless fear and gain full control over their response to any situation. Empowering as that sounds, however, these teachings had a much more insidious goal.
In 2017, it was revealed that the workshops, operating near Albany under an umbrella group called Nxivm, were concealing a reprehensible sex cult. It was later alleged in high-profile criminal prosecutions of several Nxivm members that pretty young women were turned into slaves, made to eat restricted-calorie diets, forced into bed with the company’s founder and, most barbarically, branded on their pelvis with the perv’s initials.
The rise and fall of Nxivm is the subject of a captivating nine-part HBO documentary series, called “The Vow,” which starts Sunday night and exposes how one person’s charisma and calm-voiced coercion can destroy countless lives.
Nxivm was unlike any cult you’ve heard about before. For one, it was not a religion or a commune, but a reputable business, albeit an alleged pyramid scheme. Even now, it is repeatedly referred to by its defectors as “the company,” as though it offered health insurance rather than bunk science and PTSD. Bucking the usual cult cliches, Nxivm’s members were not financially struggling runaways, but millionaires, TV stars and even royalty. Seagram Company heiress Clare Bronfman reportedly bankrolled Nxivm to the tune of $150 million over 15 years.
And they were all in the snare of Keith Raniere, a short, bespectacled, Brooklyn-born man with a Jesus haircut and hypnotist’s voice. He called himself “Vanguard,” and everyone else had to as well. It’s creepy.
Filmmaker and former high-ranking member of ESP, Mark Vicente, whose wealth of archival footage makes the doc extraordinary, said of their strange first meeting, “There was part of me that was like, ‘This is the dude?’ ”
A pianist, judo master and self-styled scientist, Raniere, now 59, also enjoyed kissing everybody on the lips as a greeting.
“If this guy created all these things that are helping so many people, who cares about the kissing-on-the-lips thing?,” Bonnie Piesse, the actress who played young Aunt Beru in “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith,” said in the doc.
Women were especially transfixed by Raniere’s ideas and often fell in love with him. Early in the organization’s history, he was having sexual relationships with at least 12 female employees at once, according to a spurned lover in the documentary.
At their compound in Albany, the founder would host bizarre late-night volleyball games past 1 a.m., an odd obsession of his, and followers would flock to the gym to compete and ask him questions. As he rambles New Age gobbledygook, we see Nxivm members shower him in adoration in footage captured by Vicente.
These theories that so enamored the crowd — that pain could feel good, or that fear was a choice — would later be used to enforce sexual servitude.
Piesse, who was recruited by and later married Vicente, recorded a conversation between her and Raniere during a walk one evening. She was expressing to him her concerns about her job as a “proctor,” working 23-hour days for no money with little time to eat, leading her to nearly pass out during a Nxivm singing rehearsal.
“If you pass out, you pass out,” Raniere said. “I’ve done that. But when there are higher values, when you’re connecting with people, when you are serving humanity, which is serving your inner self? And that sort of servitude is not slavery.”
The leader said, “What are you scared of? What’s really gonna happen to you? I’m not going to put you in a chamber and torture you.”
Longtime members Piesse, Vicente and Sarah Edmondson unceremoniously left Nxivm in 2017. Their move was risky because the group is known for being highly litigious, breaking and entering into former employees’ homes and seeking revenge. But the departure was unavoidable after they made the disturbing discovery of a faction called DOS.
Nxivm contained many different specific entities. Jness was a subset meant to embolden powerful women, while the SOP (Society of Protectors) was a macho bunch of dudes building the leaders of tomorrow; Exo/eso was exercise- and arts-focused. Thousands of people took classes, and the most dedicated ascended the “stripe path,” a tiered, color-coded system of seniority determined by recruitment and dedication.
But DOS wasn’t mentioned on the group’s website or fliers.
Started by Raniere and “Smallville” actress Allison Mack, Dominus Obsequious Sororium was a horrific secret society of “masters” and “slaves,” in which one woman would recruit another woman and then have total control over everything she did, according to court papers. To join, which is described in audio recordings as a high honor, women needed to continuously provide “collateral” — usually nude photos and damaging information. Sometimes, they signed over the deed to their home.
Once the woman made the sacred vow, she was branded like cattle with a symbol combining Raniere and Mack’s initials. In Edmondson’s case, she was taken blindfolded to Mack’s house for the two-hour ritual, and then forced to watch her friends scream as their flesh was seared before her own torture.
“I was just thinking, ‘How the f–k am I gonna get out?,’ ” Edmondson said in the doc. “And they weren’t doing well. They were squirming, they were crying, they were twitching, they were sweating. And at one point Lauren [Salzman, daughter of Nxivm co-founder Nancy Salzman] pulled me aside and said, ‘You’re green [a level in the company]. You need to show them how to do this.’ ” Edmondson had to be the example, and choose to not feel fear.
‘I was just thinking, “How the f - - k am I gonna get out?”‘ - Sarah Edmondson
In the doc, viewers learn about “Readiness Drills,” in which a master texts her slave, “?” and then the slave must reply, “RM,” short for “Ready, Master,” within one minute. Before every meal, calories must be counted and approved by the master. And, in one of the sickest assignments, the women were tasked with seducing Raniere and having him take a nude photo to prove the encounter occurred.
All the while, they were forced to continue doing the day-to-day work of Nxivm for little to no money, and the perv-protecting organization kept teaching as if nothing was going on.
The group’s wrongdoings finally came to light in 2017, first by a blog called the Frank Report, run by Nxivm’s former publicist, Frank Parlato, and then in the New York Times, The Post and other publications. Although the efforts of Edmondson, Vicente and Piesse to expose the organization’s wrongdoings are heroic, this is where the series starts to lose steam.
It’s moving to witness actress Catherine Oxenberg work to rescue her brainwashed then 26-year-old daughter India, who was branded and made a slave, from the clutches of Nxivm, but we no longer get as many rare glimpses into the mysterious organization, which would collapse in 2019 after Raniere was found guilty of sex trafficking, forced labor and racketeering. Mack pleaded guilty to racketeering, while Bronfman, who bankrolled the group, pleaded guilty to harboring illegal aliens. Bronfman and Raniere both await sentencing.
Still, the elder Oxenberg gets the most memorable line in the show, when she is on the phone with her mother, Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia.
“Can you call Charles and get him in direct contact with the Dalai Lama?” Oxenberg said on the phone. “I want to tell [the Dalai Lama] that my daughter is being held as a sex slave to this organization that he received money from.”
“Who’s Charles?,” asked the producer.
“Prince Charles,” said Oxenberg. “He’s mom’s second cousin.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-19--Gov. Cuomo regrets not mandating masks for New Yorkers sooner

Albany lawmakers are pushing for an independent , bi-partisan commission that ...

Gov. Andrew Cuomo again justified his administration’s decision to stop counting as nursing home deaths the COVID-19 fatalities of residents who succumbed after being transferred to hospitals, but finally admitted at least one mistake he made during the coronavirus crisis.
“I was the first state in the nation to do masks, I should’ve done it earlier. I should’ve done masks earlier. That would’ve made a dramatic difference,” Cuomo told WAMC radio.
The three-term Democratic governor issued a statewide mask order on April 15 — 45 days after New York had its first confirmed coronavirus case and during a period when the state was experiencing more than 600 virus-related deaths a day.
Cuomo also admitted “we were wrong” to say that asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 can’t spread the killer bug.
“That was just wrong,” the governor said, adding, “We spent months saying you have to be sneezed or coughed on. That was just wrong.”
Cuomo said he has now done his own research and that articles in a medical journal dating back to January and February showed there was evidence of asymptomatic spread.
But, said Cuomo, “that’s not really a state function, that’s really a federal function…with the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention].”
“Most of these issues are not in control of the state, right. They mostly are federal cause this is a global pandemic issue,” he said.
There was a “whole litany” of errors made, according to Cuomo as he explained, “We were late in finding the virus here. We were wrong when we said it was asymptomatic, we were wrong when we said you can’t get re-infected. The collective — we made many mistakes.”
Meanwhile, Cuomo doubled down on his Health Department’s decision in early May to leave out the deaths of nursing home residents in hospitals in the official tally of nursing home deaths, which is now at least 6,400.
“The question is when a person goes from a nursing home to a hospital, and the person dies in the hospital that is now called a hospital death,” Cuomo said.
Cuomo added, “Some people say, ‘No, that should be counted as a nursing home death’ — well then you would have to reduce the hospital deaths and you are attributing a death to a nursing home when it didn’t occur in a nursing home, it occurred in a hospital.”
The governor continued, “If I’m a nursing home operator, I would say: don’t say that people died in my nursing home because they didn’t, they died in the hospital. And if the hospital did a better job, they wouldn’t have died. So why do I get blamed for the death when it didn’t happen in my nursing home?”
Cuomo said that it just “depends how you want to argue it.”
“If you died in a nursing home, it’s called a nursing home death. If you died in a hospital, it’s called a hospital death,” said Cuomo, who claimed that the state runs the risk of “double” counting deaths if they are not tallied that way.
The Cuomo administration has refused to divulge the number of how many nursing home residents were transferred to hospitals and died there, raising questions regarding the state’s official tally on COVID-19-related nursing home deaths.