newyorkpost--2020-10-09--What NBA title would mean for LeBron James’ legacy

Who is “ in trouble ” now ?
The Lakers took a commanding ...

LeBron James is the most successful closer in NBA history, and he and the Lakers can close out the Heat on Friday night in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Lakers star claims he doesn’t obsess over his legacy, but rest assured the rest of the sports world will.
There will be rankings and hot takes, comparisons to Michael Jordan and arguments about the GOAT. They’re inevitable, whether James and company eventually clinch the Lakers’ 17th title or suffer one of the worst collapses in history.
“This is the coolest franchise in the whole NBA,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. “There’s nothing like the L.A. Lakers. It’s been an honor to be a part of it. I hope to add to its history with one more win.”
Vogel was wearing a Lakers gold shirt that read “Leave A Legacy,” which is exactly what James is doing. While NBA icon Isiah Thomas called James the best player he ever has seen, the Lakers star isn’t caught up in that.
“The story will be told how it’s supposed to be told, and be written how it’s supposed to be written,” James said. “But I don’t live my life thinking about legacy. What I do off the floor is what means more to me than what I do on the floor.”
Just this week, James has been featured on a Wheaties box for the first time, along with students from his I PROMISE School.
“Seeing my kids on a Wheaties box was one of the best moments of my life,” James said. “Seeing my mom unveil the box back in my hometown of Akron, Ohio, was some of the best news, videos and pictures that I could ever get. The game of basketball will pass me by … so I can’t worry about that as far as on the floor. How I move, how I walk, what I preach, what I talk about, how I inspire the next generation is what matters to me the most.”
That legacy James is trying to leave isn’t just about scoring buckets, but also about impacting his franchise and his community.
The late Kobe Bryant’s fingerprints are still all over the Lakers, and they’re 4-0 wearing their Black Mamba uniforms, which they will don Friday.
“To close it out in his honor is something we look forward to — an insane amount of pressure for sure, but we don’t want to lose, we don’t want to let him down,” Anthony Davis said.
“We want to remain undefeated [in the jerseys]. But if we come in and do the things we’re supposed to do on both ends of the floor, then we can remain undefeated and close this thing out and make this moment even more special.”
James is 38-10 in closeout games, the best percentage in NBA history. He has won 17 of the last 28, bad news for Miami. More bad news: point guard Goran Dragic is still doubtful for the Heat with torn plantar fascia in his left foot.
“They’re writing us off, everybody’s doubting us,” Miami’s Bam Adebayo said, “but as long as the people in the locker room and our coaching staff have belief in us, that’s all that matters.”
“We don’t give a [expletive] what everybody else thinks. This is everything we wanted this year, an opportunity to fight for, compete for a title,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We’re here for a purpose; we’re trying to compete for a title. That hasn’t changed. And our players, our guys are the ones in this arena, marred by sweat, tears, blood. And that’s right where they’re meant to be.”
Winning that title will require taking three straight — and probably another superhuman effort from Jimmy Butler.
“I don’t think it’s pressure: I think it’s just win,” Butler said. “Ain’t nobody thinking about going home over here. … It’s not win or go home: It’s win or win.
“We have no choice. We can’t lose. We’ve got to win three straight.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Yankees’ lineup changes pay off big time

There were plenty of questions surrounding Jordan Montgomery entering his ...

Moving the sizzling Giancarlo Stanton up a notch from fifth to fourth in his Game 4 lineup wasn’t the only change Aaron Boone made from the Yankees’ Game 3 loss.
Brett Gardner went from eighth to sixth against right-hander Ryan Thompson, the Rays’ opener. Gio Urshela, who had two hits in 12 ALDS at-bats, dropped from sixth to eighth. Gardner was 2-for-6 in two ALDS appearances and batting .357 (5-for-14) in the postseason. Urshela was 5-for-21 (.238) in five postseason games.
“With Gardy moving up, obviously I love Gio hitting anywhere in the order from third, fifth, fourth, whatever. He is going to give you quality at-bats and usually comes up with clutch at-bats,’’ Boone said. “But [Thursday] with them going with the opener and you know how they will use their right and left-handed split guys, just creating a little bit of a split in our lineup with our two lefties giving us a little more balance there.’’
The move worked since Gardner went 2-for-3 and scored two runs in the Yankees’ 5-1 win that forced a winner-take-all Game 5 on Friday night at Petco Park in San Diego.
The switch-hitting Aaron Hicks (1-for-5) and Gardner were the only hitters in the Yankees’ starting lineup swinging from the left side against Thompson.
Despite the right-handed hitting Luke Voit having one hit in 11 ALDs at-bats, Boone wasn’t ready to shoehorn lefty-swinging Mike Ford into the lineup at first base. Infielder Tyler Wade hits from the left side but he wasn’t an option to start at second, third or short. Voit crushed a 453-foot homer for the game’s first run in the second inning.
Asked about a lack of balance in the lineup, Boone said his preference is to have good hitters over a balanced lineup.
“In a perfect world you would have this perfect balance, but I would rather have our hitters than just the sake of balance,’’ said Boone, who batted Hicks third. “Throughout the year I have tried to have three lefties in there at three, six, nine. In this case two. You do try to balance it out, especially when you know another team is trying to take advantage of some of their situational guys who are real good against righties or real good against lefties. Where you can you try to break that up a little bit, but when we are going well no matter who we are facing I feel we are the best offense in the game.’’
Boone didn’t gather his players for a talk before Game 4 of the ALDS on Thursday night. Instead, he dealt with them one-on-one.
“I talked to individuals but nothing that I will say as a group to the guys,’’ Boone explained.
After throwing 27 pitches in one inning of Game 2 on Wednesday night, Deivi Garcia was in the bullpen for Game 4 on Thursday.
“[Garcia] is down there for innings if we need it,’’ Boone said of the 21-year-old right-hander who wasn’t needed, but might be in Friday’s Game 5.
Garcia also figures to compete for a rotation spot next year when it is possible J.A. Happ, James Paxton and Masahiro Tanaka leave via free agency.
Hicks has reached base in 13 of 29 postseason plate appearances and is hitting .318 (7-for-22) in six games.
DJ LeMahieu went 2-for-4 and takes a 12-game hitting streak into Game 5. He has hit safely in 24 consecutive games against the Rays (regular and postseason), which is the longest current streak against a single opponent by an active player in the big leagues.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Jordan Montgomery’s ‘big-time’ Yankees outing quiets doubts

Well , sure .
Why not ?
The Yankees and the Rays seem ...

There were plenty of questions surrounding Jordan Montgomery entering his start in Thursday’s Game 4 of the ALDS.
It was the first time the left-hander had taken the mound in the postseason. And Montgomery hadn’t pitched since his final start of the regular season on Sept. 24.
Facing a team that knocked him out in the first inning on Sept. 2, Montgomery delivered just what the Yankees needed to prolong their season.
The 27-year-old allowed just one run in four innings — hardly the stuff of Andy Pettitte legend, but it’s 2020 and it was all the Yankees were looking for from Montgomery.
“That was a big-time outing,’’ Aaron Boone said. “He gave us just what we needed to get it to the back end of the pen and made some big pitches when he needed to most.”
Pitching with Kyle Higashioka behind the plate, Montgomery got a double play from Brandon Lowe in the first, cruised through the second before running into trouble in the third.
That’s when Montgomery allowed a leadoff walk to Willy Adames and a ground-rule double to Kevin Kiermaier. Montgomery came back to strike out Mike Zunino in a wild at-bat.
After he got ahead of Zunino 0-2, Montgomery threw three straight pitches in the dirt, all brilliantly blocked by Higashioka before Montgomery finally got Zunino swinging on a 3-2 breaking pitch.
“I wasn’t gonna leave one hanging and let him leave the park,’’ Montgomery said.
Yandy Diaz walked to load the bases and Lowe followed with a chopper to the right side of the infield that scored Adames on the forceout.
Boone kept Montgomery in the game to face the series’ — and maybe the world’s — hottest hitter in Randy Arozerana, and Montgomery got him to ground to third to preserve the one-run lead.
Montgomery remained in the game — no sure thing these days — and pitched around a leadoff single by Ji-Man Choi and a two-out walk to Adames to toss another scoreless inning.
“I would’ve loved for 30,000 fans to be in the stands, but with the season being on the line, this team’s got more fight,’’ Montgomery said.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Trump says he would ‘love’ to donate his plasma after COVID-19 battle

WASHINGTON — President Trump said Friday that he will donate convalescent plasma to other Americans battling the coronavirus after he developed antibodies to COVID-19 .
“ I will .
Nobody ’ s asked me that question , actually , but I will .
If that ’ s , if they want me to do it , I ’ d love to do it , ” the commander-in-chief said during a “ medical examination ” on Fox News on Friday evening .
The president made the remarks during a “ televisit ” of sorts with Dr. Mark Siegel , a Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tonight ” — his first on-camera interview since being hospitalized with the virus .
On Thursday evening , White House physician Dr. Sean Conley said the president had completed his treatment and cleared him to return to his public duties .
The commander-in-chief , eager to get back on the campaign trail , has since announced a “ law and order ” speech in front of a crowd on the White House South Lawn and a comeback rally in Florida .
In August , the White House announced an emergency authorization for convalescent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment which Trump dubbed a “ truly historic ” declaration .
The designation by the Food and Drug Administration will make it easier for COVID-19 patients to obtain the treatment which utilizes the antibody-rich blood plasma of those who have recovered from the virus .

WASHINGTON — President Trump said Friday that he will donate convalescent plasma to other Americans battling the coronavirus after he developed antibodies to COVID-19.
“I will. Nobody’s asked me that question, actually, but I will. If that’s, if they want me to do it, I’d love to do it,” the commander-in-chief said during a “medical examination” on Fox News on Friday evening.
The president made the remarks during a “televisit” of sorts with Dr. Mark Siegel, a Fox News contributor, on “Tucker Carlson Tonight” — his first on-camera interview since being hospitalized with the virus.
On Thursday evening, White House physician Dr. Sean Conley said the president had completed his treatment and cleared him to return to his public duties.
The commander-in-chief, eager to get back on the campaign trail, has since announced a “law and order” speech in front of a crowd on the White House South Lawn and a comeback rally in Florida.
In August, the White House announced an emergency authorization for convalescent plasma to be used as a coronavirus treatment which Trump dubbed a “truly historic” declaration.
The designation by the Food and Drug Administration will make it easier for COVID-19 patients to obtain the treatment which utilizes the antibody-rich blood plasma of those who have recovered from the virus.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Rivals ‘Access Hollywood’ and ‘E! News’ now forced to share studio in LA

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Two titans of celebrity news are now brewing their own gossip .
Page Six is told that the new iterations of “ Access Hollywood ” and “ E !
News , ” once fierce competitors , are being forced to share a studio in LA because of a massive restructuring of their parent company , NBCUniversal — with awkward consequences .
“ The E !
people consider themselves to be the cool , hip crowd ” who look down on “ Access ” as being something of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insider .
“ For example , you ’ d never see a [ story about far-from-trendy country star ] Garth Brooks on E !
, but ‘ Access ’ would lead with a Garth Brooks story.
” Meanwhile , we ’ re told that “ Access ” staffers consider themselves to have the more prestigious show — because it airs on broadcast network NBC , rather than cable channel E !
— and look down on the E !
staff as being small-time .
Plus , “ Access ” — formerly known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebranded in the wake of the infamous Billy Bush tape leak — has bigger stars , such as Mario Lopez , as hosts .
And now that they ’ ve been thrown together , we ’ re told it ’ s “ tense ” in the building as the two settle into a new pecking order .
The company has been integrating its various businesses and sharing some resources in the name of efficiency .
And during the corporate shake-up , “ E !
News ” was overhauled .
The long-running show launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Morning ” and “ In the Room.
” All three TV shows were canceled over the summer , reportedly mostly due to the pandemic ’ s economic havoc .
Other E !
entities “ Daily Pop ” and “ Nightly Pop ” remain on the air , with much of the “ E !
News ” team contributing — and sharing that LA studio space with “ Access.
” Meanwhile , “ E !
News ” alums Zuri Hall and Sibley Scoles have been shifted over to “ Access ” in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get back to us .

Two titans of celebrity news are now brewing their own gossip.
Page Six is told that the new iterations of “Access Hollywood” and “E! News,” once fierce competitors, are being forced to share a studio in LA because of a massive restructuring of their parent company, NBCUniversal — with awkward consequences.
“The E! people consider themselves to be the cool, hip crowd” who look down on “Access” as being something of a fusty relic, according to an insider. “For example, you’d never see a [story about far-from-trendy country star] Garth Brooks on E!, but ‘Access’ would lead with a Garth Brooks story.”
Meanwhile, we’re told that “Access” staffers consider themselves to have the more prestigious show — because it airs on broadcast network NBC, rather than cable channel E! — and look down on the E! staff as being small-time.
Plus, “Access” — formerly known as “Access Hollywood,” which was rebranded in the wake of the infamous Billy Bush tape leak — has bigger stars, such as Mario Lopez, as hosts.
And now that they’ve been thrown together, we’re told it’s “tense” in the building as the two settle into a new pecking order.
The company has been integrating its various businesses and sharing some resources in the name of efficiency. And during the corporate shake-up, “E! News” was overhauled. The long-running show launched multiple spinoffs, including “Pop of the Morning” and “In the Room.” All three TV shows were canceled over the summer, reportedly mostly due to the pandemic’s economic havoc.
Other E! entities “Daily Pop” and “Nightly Pop” remain on the air, with much of the “E! News” team contributing — and sharing that LA studio space with “Access.” Meanwhile, “E! News” alums Zuri Hall and Sibley Scoles have been shifted over to “Access” in recent years.
Reps for NBCUniversal didn’t get back to us.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--NYC, teachers union strike deal on $900M deferred payout

New York City and its teachers union struck a deal Friday to secure a $ 900 million back-pay payout the de Blasio administration had attempted to cancel just a day earlier .
The United Federation of Teachers and City Hall agreed to pay out half of the $ 900 million payment this fiscal year and the second half in the following fiscal year .
The union also extracted a pledge from the city to not layoff any teachers this year and cemented a previously agreed-upon 3 percent pay hike on May 14 , 2021 .
“ In addition , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the rest of the nation because of the pandemic ’ s damage to the economy , we were able to convince the arbitrator to add a no-layoff pledge and a guarantee that the teachers ’ next contractual raise — a 3 percent increase set for May — will not be challenged by the city , ” UFT President Michael Mulgrew said .
The de Blasio administration on Thursday had called off the massive payout , which was due this month .
It was the last in the series of five back pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 2011 — citing the ongoing financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan had written to the teachers union that the cancelled payment would help the city avoid potential layoffs .
Mayor de Blasio on Friday billed the agreement as a $ 450 million savings for the city .
“ The City faces the gravest fiscal crisis since 9/11 , but we will build on our record of strong financial management by making the tough decisions and sacrifices we need to keep the City running , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allows us to avoid laying off the teachers who ’ ve done so much for New York City ’ s schools and students .
But make no mistake , the need for the Federal and State governments to step up and provide us with aid is as pressing as ever .
”

New York City and its teachers union struck a deal Friday to secure a $900 million back-pay payout the de Blasio administration had attempted to cancel just a day earlier.
The United Federation of Teachers and City Hall agreed to pay out half of the $900 million payment this fiscal year and the second half in the following fiscal year.
The union also extracted a pledge from the city to not layoff any teachers this year and cemented a previously agreed-upon 3 percent pay hike on May 14, 2021.
“In addition, with teachers facing layoffs around New York State and the rest of the nation because of the pandemic’s damage to the economy, we were able to convince the arbitrator to add a no-layoff pledge and a guarantee that the teachers’ next contractual raise — a 3 percent increase set for May — will not be challenged by the city,” UFT President Michael Mulgrew said.
The de Blasio administration on Thursday had called off the massive payout, which was due this month.
It was the last in the series of five back pay payments stemming from union negotiations between 2009 and 2011 — citing the ongoing financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan had written to the teachers union that the cancelled payment would help the city avoid potential layoffs.
Mayor de Blasio on Friday billed the agreement as a $450 million savings for the city.
“The City faces the gravest fiscal crisis since 9/11, but we will build on our record of strong financial management by making the tough decisions and sacrifices we need to keep the City running,” de Blasio said.
“This agreement allows us to avoid laying off the teachers who’ve done so much for New York City’s schools and students. But make no mistake, the need for the Federal and State governments to step up and provide us with aid is as pressing as ever.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Master P to be honored at 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards

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 ) Percy “ Master P ” @ @ @ @ @ the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards .
The CEO of No Limit Records will receive @ @ @ @ @ award at the ceremony on Oct. 27 .
The New Orleans native launched a record @ @ @ @ @ in 1991 with $ 10,000 inherited from his grandfather .
This year , the show @ @ @ @ @ encouraging voter registration and greater access to polls .

Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Percy “Master P” Miller will be honored at the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards.
The CEO of No Limit Records will receive the I Am Hip Hop award at the ceremony on Oct. 27.
The New Orleans native launched a record store and then his label in 1991 with $10,000 inherited from his grandfather.
This year, the show will promote #ReclaimYourVote, encouraging voter registration and greater access to polls.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Andy Cohen says Eboni K. Williams is ‘no shrinking violet’

Bravo ’ s Andy Cohen says new “ Real Housewives of New York City ” star Eboni K. Williams is @ @ @ @ @ and will be able to hold her own .
“ She ’ s got a @ @ @ @ @ She ’ s incredibly smart .
She seems , from what I can tell , @ @ @ @ @ violet whatsoever , which is exactly what we would need for someone stepping into that @ @ @ @ @ , ” Cohen told John Hill ’ s SiriusXM show , “ The Feels.
” @ @ @ @ @ black cast-member on the show , he said the move was , “ Obviously a @ @ @ @ @ and that ’ s the understatement of the decade .
”

Bravo’s Andy Cohen says new “Real Housewives of New York City” star Eboni K. Williams is “no shrinking violet” and will be able to hold her own.
“She’s got a lot going on personally. She’s incredibly smart. She seems, from what I can tell, to be absolutely no shrinking violet whatsoever, which is exactly what we would need for someone stepping into that group of very dominating women,” Cohen told John Hill’s SiriusXM show, “The Feels.”
On Williams being the first black cast-member on the show, he said the move was, “Obviously a very long time coming, and that’s the understatement of the decade.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Trump undergoes ‘medical exam’ on Fox News in first televised interview

President Trump ’ s doctor on Thursday said that he ’ s likely to ...

WASHINGTON — President Trump underwent a “televisit” of sorts on Fox News on Friday evening, his first on-camera interview since being hospitalized with the coronavirus, and admitted he “didn’t feel like how the President of the United States should feel.”
The commander-in-chief was pressed on his experience with the virus during a taped “medical examination” with Dr. Mark Siegel, a Fox News contributor.
“What were your two most prominent symptoms?” Siegel asked the president.
“I didn’t feel strong, didn’t feel really strong. I didn’t have a problem with breathing, which a lot of people have, I didn’t have a problem with that,” Trump said of his hospitalization at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
“But I didn’t feel very strong, I didn’t feel very vital like the President of the United States should feel,” he went on.
It was the president’s first televised interview since being diagnosed with COVID-19 exactly one week ago.
Trump spoke for the first time in intimate detail about his four-day stay at Walter Reed and described having a “sore throat” and feeling fatigued. He credited early action with his speedy recovery.
The commander-in-chief said he was no longer taking any medication after being treated with an experimental cocktail of drugs like Regeneron which are not yet approved for widespread use, but vowed to make them available for the American people.
Siegel pressed the president on scans of his lungs performed by doctors — the results of which have never been released.
“They tested the lungs,” Trump said. They tested the lungs. They have incredible equipment at Walter Reed. In fact they said, ‘No, you can leave your jacket on.’ I said, ‘I’ll take it off anyway, if you want.’
“Initially it had some congestion in there but ultimately it tested good and with each day it got better,” he went on, without going into further detail.
On Thursday evening, White House physician Dr. Sean Conley said the president had completed his treatment and cleared him to return to his public duties.
The commander-in-chief, eager to get back on the campaign trail, has since announced a “law and order” speech in front of a crowd on the White House South Lawn and a comeback rally in Florida.
Siegel, 64, is an associate professor of medicine at the NYU Langone Medical Center and did not treat the president throughout his coronavirus ordeal.
The physician, who is a Fox News medical contributor, has also been criticized for his remarks on the pandemic after he claimed in March that there was “no reason to believe it’s actually more problematic or deadly than influenza.”
Siegel also called the World Health Organization — a UN body since condemned for failing to crack down on the origins of the plague in Wuhan, China — a bunch of “alarmists” and “saber rattlers.”
Siegel asked Trump where he thought he contracted the virus following a week of travel around the country. Earlier Friday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the head of the government’s coronavirus task force called the Rose Garden confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett as Trump’s Supreme Court nominee as a “super spreader event.”
“They had some big events at the White House. I’m not sure,” the president said.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Henrik Lundqvist ‘grateful’ for Rangers tenure but now looking to win with Capitals

Whether Henrik Lundqvist knew it or not , he was in ...

The decision was made with clear eyes and a full heart. That is very much why Henrik Lundqvist believes he can’t lose by moving to Washington following 15 glorious years in New York.
“In the springtime, it was a pretty tough time for me. I kind of saw where this was going a little bit, so I had time to reflect [during the pause] and think about a lot of different things and I reached a level of so much gratitude towards the Rangers,” Lundqvist said via Zoom after signing a one-year free agent contract with the Capitals worth $1.5 million. “And honestly, I feel like gratitude is the best feeling you can ever have and I appreciate everything they’ve done for me over the 15 years I’ve been there.
“They were ready to make a few moves and take the next step in their rebuild and moving on, and I had my time to deal with that and that was a big thing. I’m not going to lie, it was a really big thing for me to, you know, say goodbye because it was such a long relationship.”
The buyout that had been projected for months finally was made official on Sept. 30. Lundqvist was showered with adulation on social media after the official parting of the ways, which The King had known was coming since he spoke with Rangers president John Davidson when the team’s charter touched down following the flight home from Toronto, where the team had been eliminated by the Hurricanes in the qualifying round.
“When this happened last week, I was in a really good place because I had time to work on that,” Lundqvist said. “It also made it easier for me to really take in all the love and support I felt last week. I was kind of blown away by all the support I felt.
“And I was also ready for the next step because I realized how much I love the game, how much I love to compete. Then looking at the different options I had and how excited I got thinking about going to Washington, obviously it’s been an emotional week but there are exciting times ahead here.”
Lundqvist faced the Capitals in five different playoff series from 2009 through 2015. Washington took the first two. The Blueshirts won the final three matchups in 2012, 2013 and 2015, all in seven games. There is familiarity there. There is proximity to New York. There is a reasonable opportunity to win the Stanley Cup.
“For a few weeks now I’ve been doing my homework on all different options and scenarios for me and I have to say the Capitals check every box when it comes to a team that understands winning, great coaching staff and an opportunity to play some games were the main factors for me,” he said. “There are so many things that go into this decision, starting with the chance to win.
“At this point in my career, I want to have the chance to win.”
With the Capitals choosing to move on from their veteran Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Braden Holtby, who signed as a free agent with Vancouver, 23-year-old Ilya Samsonov is the putative No. 1. Lundqvist said he is prepared for whatever role he is assigned by incoming head coach Peter Laviolette.
“I’m just going to work as hard as I can and whatever my role will be, that’s up to the coaches,” the 38-year-old Swede said. “I know I have an opportunity to play if I do really well, but I also understand that Washington has a really young goalie in Samsonov, great goalie and played really well last year. I’m embracing the whole thing, coming there and trying to help and support him but obviously also to perform really well.
“Whatever my role will be, I’m ready for it.”
Lundqvist will be reunited with former Rangers mate Carl Hagelin and Team Sweden chum Niclas Backstrom. He will of course join forces with Alex Ovechkin, by whom he was beaten for 24 goals over his career, tied with Sidney Crosby for the most by an opponent. Now, Ovechkin will only get to score on him in practice, though Lundqvist said he told him by phone the other day, “No one-time drills.”
So the cord has been cut. Lundqvist is a Capital. Life goes on. It could even include a game in the wrong uniform at the Garden.
“Moving forward, I have not thought about that one game back,” he said. “It’s more [about] preparing for Chapter Two. It’s been a long Chapter One in New York that I will never forget and I am forever grateful for that.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Woman dies after being struck by marked NYPD cruiser in the Bronx

A 20-year-old woman has died four days after she was struck by a marked police car a short walk from @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
Sophia Gomez , of Pelham Parkway , was struck Monday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at Jacobi Hospital , where she had been transported for @ @ @ @ @ on video crash happened around 3:30 p.m near the intersection of Pelham Parkway South and @ @ @ @ @ pink running shoe was on the side of the road as police investigated the scene @ @ @ @ @ NYPD highway cruiser were responding with lights and sirens activated to a report of an @ @ @ @ @ after stopping a vehicle on the Throgs Neck Bridge , police said .
Further details @ @ @ @ @ immediately clear .
A police investigation into the crash is ongoing .

A 20-year-old woman has died four days after she was struck by a marked police car a short walk from her home in the Bronx, police said.
Sophia Gomez, of Pelham Parkway, was struck Monday afternoon and succumbed to her injuries Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at Jacobi Hospital, where she had been transported for her injuries.
The caught on video crash happened around 3:30 p.m near the intersection of Pelham Parkway South and Wallace Avenue.
A single pink running shoe was on the side of the road as police investigated the scene.
The officers in the NYPD highway cruiser were responding with lights and sirens activated to a report of an officer in need of assistance after stopping a vehicle on the Throgs Neck Bridge, police said.
Further details of the crash were not immediately clear.
A police investigation into the crash is ongoing.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--NY to deploy COVID-19 rapid test kits to local governments, hospitals upon request

ALBANY — The New York State Department of Health will provide 400,000 COVID-19 rapid test kits to local governments , hospitals and other health care providers across the state , Gov .
Cuomo announced Friday .
The agency is prioritizing so-called hotspot cluster zones — neighborhoods experiencing upticks in COVID-19 infection rates — including parts of Brooklyn and Queens , as well as Rockland , Orange and Broome counties .
Local governments must request the test kits , which can produce results within 15 minutes without the use of a lab .
“ These rapid test kits will allow health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and accurately determine COVID-19 ’ s spread , control outbreaks and keep families and communities safe , ” Cuomo said in a statement .
“ Further , the state is taking precautionary steps to ensure localities are providing rapid testing for schools that are nearby communities that have seen recent upticks in cases and are offering in-person instruction .
“ We will provide rapid test kits , as needed , free of charge to all localities to help them meet this new requirement , giving parents , teachers , and students confidence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Local governments must submit requests for the kits , according to the DOH .
Officials said public and private schools located in “ yellow ” zones may also request tests on an “ as needed basis ” to facilitate compliance with new DOH testing requirements mandating 20 percent of students , teachers and staffers to be tested once a week starting Friday , Oct. 16 .
Yellow zones are the least restrictive of the cluster containment zones announced by the governor on Tuesday .
More restrictive are “ orange ” and “ red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend large gatherings in religious institutions and non-essential businesses .
The state recorded a 1.1 percent statewide infection rate as of midnight , which reflects targeted and increased testing efforts in hotspot zones .

ALBANY — The New York State Department of Health will provide 400,000 COVID-19 rapid test kits to local governments, hospitals and other health care providers across the state, Gov. Cuomo announced Friday.
The agency is prioritizing so-called hotspot cluster zones — neighborhoods experiencing upticks in COVID-19 infection rates — including parts of Brooklyn and Queens, as well as Rockland, Orange and Broome counties.
Local governments must request the test kits, which can produce results within 15 minutes without the use of a lab.
“These rapid test kits will allow health care institutions throughout the state to quickly and accurately determine COVID-19’s spread, control outbreaks and keep families and communities safe,” Cuomo said in a statement.
“Further, the state is taking precautionary steps to ensure localities are providing rapid testing for schools that are nearby communities that have seen recent upticks in cases and are offering in-person instruction.
“We will provide rapid test kits, as needed, free of charge to all localities to help them meet this new requirement, giving parents, teachers, and students confidence in the safety of their educational experiences.”
Local governments must submit requests for the kits, according to the DOH.
Officials said public and private schools located in “yellow” zones may also request tests on an “as needed basis” to facilitate compliance with new DOH testing requirements mandating 20 percent of students, teachers and staffers to be tested once a week starting Friday, Oct. 16.
Yellow zones are the least restrictive of the cluster containment zones announced by the governor on Tuesday.
More restrictive are “orange” and “red” designations that limit the ability to attend large gatherings in religious institutions and non-essential businesses.
The state recorded a 1.1 percent statewide infection rate as of midnight, which reflects targeted and increased testing efforts in hotspot zones.
Hotspots independently recorded a cumulative positive infection rate of 5.4 percent.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Diabetes drug Metformin recalled due to high levels of cancer-causing agent

US health regulators are telling five drugmakers to recall their ...

The diabetes drug metformin hydrochloride has been recalled because it contains excess levels of a cancer-causing agent, the US Food and Drug Administration announced this week.
The drug’s manufacturer, Marksans Pharma Limited, has expanded a recall initially announced in June to now include an additional 76 unexpired lots of the medication.
The recalled drugs are marketed as “extended-release tablets” under the brand name Time-Cap Labs, Inc.
The drug helps lower the blood glucose levels of those with type 2 diabetes.
But the recalled product contained an unacceptably high level of N-Nitrosodimethylamine, which is considered a probable human carcinogen.
“Marksans performed N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) testing of unexpired identified marketed lots and observed that NDMA content in some lots is exceeding the acceptable Daily Intake Limit (ADI) of 96ng/day,” the FDA outlined in its announcement.
“Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, an additional 76 lots are being recalled.”
The recall applies to metformin tablets between 500 mg and 750 mg.
The 500 mg tablets are debossed with “101” on one side; the 750 mg tablets are debossed with “102” on one side, the agency said.
The FDA advises users to continue taking the recalled tablets until a medical professional provides a replacement or alternative treatment option.
“It could be dangerous for patients with type 2 diabetes to stop taking their metformin without first talking to their health care professional,” the FDA said in a statement.
Consumers “should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Jets’ coronavirus test a false positive, game with Cardinals still on

Le ’ Veon Bell ’ s chance at redemption could begin anew on Sunday ... .

Game on.
Friday’s presumptive positive COVID-19 test was nothing more than a false alarm as it turns out.
After an unnamed Jets player received a positive test, the team sent coaches and players home from their Florham Park, N.J., facility early in the day, casting doubt on the game against the Cardinals at MetLife Stadium going on as scheduled. But Friday night, the Jets announced that everyone had tested negative and the contest against the Cardinals would not be postponed.
“This evening, we received negative PCR COVID-19 test results for all players, coaches and personnel,” the team said in a statement. “Following a presumptive positive COVID-19 test and out of an abundance of caution to ensure everyone’s health and safety, we sent all players and personnel home this morning. We also initiated all NFL mandated protocols including player isolation, subsequent testing, and contact tracing.
“As we have thus far, we will continue to follow required health and safety protocols in the best interests of our coaches, players, staff and community. We look forward to our game this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.”
The Jets players and coaches conducted their team meetings virtually on Friday, but there was no practice. Joe Flacco will be making his first start as a Jet, replacing injured starter Sam Darnold (sprained AC joint in his right shoulder), and running back Le’Veon Bell is expected to return from a hamstring injury that cost him three games while on the Injured List as Gang Green hopes to earn its first victory of the season.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, did fly across the country early Friday evening in hope of the game being played on time. Cardinals general manager Steve Keim told Arizona Sports 98.7 FM he talked to Jets general manager Joe Douglas and owner Michael Bidwill had spoken to the NFL as the Jets awaited test results.
“As long as it follows all the protocols, I’m in favor of playing the game on time,” Keim said.
The virus has begun to create chaos in the league. The Titans-Steelers game last Sunday was postponed until Oct. 25 after a breakout within the Titans that has now risen to 23 players and staff members. The NFL is looking into whether Tennessee violated COVID-19 protocols. Titans insider Paul Kuharsky reported on Wednesday several players had an organized workout at a local high school last week when the team was supposed to be in quarantine.
The Patriots-Chiefs game was moved back from last Sunday to Monday after quarterback Cam Newton tested positive. On Wednesday, star cornerback Stephon Gilmore also tested positive for the virus. Already this week, two games have been moved back, the Titans-Bills until Tuesday and the Patriots-Broncos until Monday. The Bills-Chiefs contest, which was scheduled for this coming Thursday, is also being moved to Oct. 18, a Sunday, to give the team proper time to recover.
The Patriots and Titans have been able to practice all week, but neither had a new positive test on Friday, and as of now both are on track to play early next week. The Jets received similar good news and now Sunday’s game against the Cardinals remains on.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Democrats’ court-packing dreams are ‘utterly dangerous’

He ’ ll let you know his plan for the Supreme Court ...

Joe Biden says, “You’ll know my opinion on court-packing when the election is over.” To this point, Biden hasn’t offered any position on court-packing, one of the gravest threats to the constitutional order in modern American history. Whether he is too scared of offending a significant faction of his party or he believes it’s an idea worth considering, his silence is a reflection of a dangerous shift on the left.
Progressives, of course, have a point. If the Supreme Court adheres to even the most rudimentary constitutional limits on state power, rather than surrendering to the impulses of majoritarian politics, it’s going to be a huge impediment to their agenda. Indeed, they have the same motivation as President Franklin Roosevelt had when he attempted to expand the court in 1937: one-party rule.
FDR revived a Woodrow Wilson plan to arbitrarily place political allies into the courts, one for every judge over 70 years old, which would have meant 50 additional political allies on the federal bench and six additional Supreme Court justices.
Like today’s Democrats, he first softened up the public by attempting to delegitimize the court — claiming, for instance, that the justices were incompetent geriatric cases incapable of performing their duties. (It is somewhat ironic that the most reliably pro-New Deal justice at the time, Louis Brandeis, was the only octogenarian on the court.)
In those days, there were still enough politicians who valued the separation of powers to stop him. Of the 10 members of the Senate Judiciary Committee who signed a document opposing FDR’s scheme, seven were Democrats.
They didn’t merely maintain that FDR was wrong or misguided; they argued that the court-packing plan was an “utterly dangerous abandonment of constitutional principle,” a transparent scheme to punish justices whose opinions diverged from the executive branch and “an invasion of judicial power such as has never before been attempted in this country.”
If enacted, the senators wrote, court-packing would create a “vicious precedent which must necessarily undermine our system.” They concluded the plan “should be so emphatically rejected that its parallel will never again be presented to the free representatives of the free people of America.”
FDR, whose popularity would plummet to historic lows after the court-packing threat, ultimately went on to appoint eight justices and to largely have his way in fundamentally changing US governance. But he was prevented from destroying the court as an institution, and modern-day Democrats are now seeking to finish that job.
Today, every instance in which Democrats are denied a political victory is immediately transformed into a national “crisis” in which the public has “lost faith” in a system that worked perfectly fine when they were in power.
It’s not merely the progressive fringe that demands Democrats blow up the courts. It is the partisan, self-proclaimed defenders of “norms.” In The Atlantic, the nation’s leading periodical of intellectual anti-constitutionalism, Lawfare’s Quinta Jurecic and Susan Hennessey argue that “if Republicans continue the smash-and-grab approach to confirming Barrett,” court-packing “may be the only way for Democrats to save the court.”
The duly elected president and the duly elected Senate are observing the constitutionally stipulated guidelines for placing a highly qualified jurist on the court. Someone will need to do a better job of explaining how dismantling the court will “save” it.
Perhaps you nod along as Biden spuriously argues that Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination is nothing more than the exploitation of a “loophole” to undo the Affordable Care Act, ignoring the fact that we don’t know how she’ll rule on the Obamacare lawsuit.
But back here in the real world, we know that court-packing would be far more destructive to our political order than anything Donald Trump has done, Barrett’s nomination very much included.
The notion that the Senate shouldn’t confirm Trump’s nominee because Biden might win the election or Trump lost the “popular vote” is highly dubious. Justices do not need the consent of the majority, nor should they seek it.
As Clark Neily, vice president for criminal justice at the Cato Institute, noted, some of the court’s “most reviled cases” — Dred Scott (slavery), Plessy (separate-but-equal) — “involved acceding to democratically enacted policies. I can think of no higher compliment to pay a judge than to characterize her as antidemocratic.”
Twitter: @DavidHarsanyi


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Elon Musk’s ‘Starman’: a stunt that’s so worthwhile

The greatest road trip of all time just went past ...

“There’s a starman waiting in the sky. He’d like to come and meet us,” but he’s 37 million miles away and busy passing Mars.
It’s been nearly three years since Elon Musk launched a Falcon Heavy rocket into space carrying his own Tesla Roadster convertible. In the driver’s seat is the mannequin dubbed “Starman,” after the David Bowie song, wearing a spacesuit prototype designed by Musk’s company, SpaceX.
Eccentric and burning cash for an evocative stunt: That’s Musk, with more money than he can possibly spend on Earth.
Back at launch, the car’s stereo blasted Bowie’s “Life on Mars?” while the dashboard flashed “Don’t Panic” in a nod to “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
But Starman isn’t only a stunt. The craft will orbit the sun for tens of billions of years at about 13.5 miles per hour. So it will cross the orbits of Mars and Earth many times, and came within .05 astronomical units, or under 5 million miles, from the Red Planet’s surface this week.
This is significant progress toward NASA and Musk’s personal goal of collecting more info on Mars and eventually even colonizing it.
Getting a dummy millions of miles away doesn’t mean we’re that close to getting a human there, but counting coup this way is a fine sign we’re on our way.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Mourning Whitey Ford — a Yankee great and one of the fans

Whitey Ford , who pitched the Yankees to 11 American League ...

One of the greatest players ever to don pinstripes, and surely the greatest pitcher, Whitey Ford died Thursday night surrounded by family at his home in Lake Success, just days shy of his 92nd birthday, watching the Yankees beat Tampa to tie the playoff series.
The future Chairman of the Board grew up rooting for the Yanks, born in Manhattan and moving as a youngster to Astoria, where he developed his pitching chops playing for the 34th Street Boys sandlot team.
“I’m just a kid from Queens,” the lefty ace-of-aces told Post sports columnist Mike Vaccaro in 2005. “If I hadn’t had a break or two along the way, I’d have been the guy asking for autographs and pictures all these years.”
Instead, he became best buddies with fellow Yankee and man-about-town Mickey Mantle, and the pair entered the Hall of Fame together in 1974. (He didn’t live too crazily, though: Ford’s wife of 69 years, Joan, was at his side when he died.)
No. 16 spent his entire 16-year career in pinstripes, after being signed out of high school in 1947 for $7,000 and making his major-league debut in 1950.
His record of 236-106 makes him the Yankees’ all-time wins leader — despite losing two prime years, 1951 and ’52, in the Army during the Korean War. The 10-time All-Star was a member of six World Series championship teams and still holds key Fall Classic records, including wins (10), consecutive scoreless innings (33.0) and strikeouts (94).
Now he’s throwing fastballs up in the sandlot in the sky. RIP, Whitey Ford.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ ‘green new lies’

At Wednesday ’ s debate with Mike Pence , Kamala Harris echoed Joe Biden ’ s recent claim that he doesn ’ t back the Green New Deal or a ban on fracking .
Voters are right to doubt them ; both have long supported each of those extremist plans .
Biden ’ s website still labels the radical GND ( unveiled by Harris herself last year , as an original co-sponsor with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ) “ a crucial framework ” for addressing climate change .
The site demands “ greater ambition on an epic scale ” to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” And Biden has repeatedly vowed to “ get rid of fossil fuels.
” “ Would there be any place for fossil fuels , including coal and fracking , in a Biden administration ?
” he was asked last year .
“ No , ” he replied .
He ’ d “ make sure it ’ s eliminated.
” He ’ s even called for industry execs to be put “ in jail.
” But now the Democrats fear scaring off moderates in swing states like Pennsylvania where a lot of jobs depend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So Harris-Biden now pretend they oppose Harris-AOC ’ s multitrillion-dollar , economy-wrecking scheme and a fracking ban .
“ I don ’ t support the Green New Deal , ” Biden claimed in his debate with President Trump .
His plan , Biden insisted , is “ different.
” Technically , he ’ s right : It ’ s not called the GND , and it has other small changes .
But even left-leaning USA Today says his plan and the GND aren ’ t really “ too different.
” Likewise with fracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernie Sanders said , “ I ’ m talking about stopping fracking as soon as we possibly can , ” Biden chimed in : “ So am I , ” adding : “ No more , no new fracking.
” Harris was also emphatic : “ There ’ s no question I ’ m in favor of banning fracking , ” she said during the primaries .
Yet Wednesday she promised , “ Joe Biden will not ban fracking ” — and then changed the subject .
That drew a crisp barb from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad , actually , ” the left-winger scolded on Twitter .
Chill , Congresswoman .
Harris and Biden are in your corner , even though they won ’ t admit it .

At Wednesday’s debate with Mike Pence, Kamala Harris echoed Joe Biden’s recent claim that he doesn’t back the Green New Deal or a ban on fracking. Voters are right to doubt them; both have long supported each of those extremist plans.
Biden’s website still labels the radical GND (unveiled by Harris herself last year, as an original co-sponsor with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) “a crucial framework” for addressing climate change. The site demands “greater ambition on an epic scale” to meet the challenges. Yes, “epic.”
And Biden has repeatedly vowed to “get rid of fossil fuels.” “Would there be any place for fossil fuels, including coal and fracking, in a Biden administration?” he was asked last year. “No,” he replied. He’d “make sure it’s eliminated.” He’s even called for industry execs to be put “in jail.”
But now the Democrats fear scaring off moderates in swing states like Pennsylvania where a lot of jobs depend on fracking and the fossil-fuels industry. So Harris-Biden now pretend they oppose Harris-AOC’s multitrillion-dollar, economy-wrecking scheme and a fracking ban.
“I don’t support the Green New Deal,” Biden claimed in his debate with President Trump. His plan, Biden insisted, is “different.”
Technically, he’s right: It’s not called the GND, and it has other small changes. But even left-leaning USA Today says his plan and the GND aren’t really “too different.”
Likewise with fracking. In a March debate, when Bernie Sanders said, “I’m talking about stopping fracking as soon as we possibly can,” Biden chimed in: “So am I,” adding: “No more, no new fracking.”
Harris was also emphatic: “There’s no question I’m in favor of banning fracking,” she said during the primaries. Yet Wednesday she promised, “Joe Biden will not ban fracking” — and then changed the subject.
That drew a crisp barb from her pal AOC: “Fracking is bad, actually,” the left-winger scolded on Twitter. Chill, Congresswoman. Harris and Biden are in your corner, even though they won’t admit it.
Moderates, be warned.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Why singer Sade is the queen of quarantine and chill

Aretha may be the Queen of Soul , Madonna may be the Queen of Pop , Chaka may be the Queen of Funk and Dolly may be the Queen of Country .
But now I ’ m crowning Sade with her own royal title : Bow down to the Queen of Quarantine and Chill .
It ’ s been 10 years since Sade Adu — who doesn ’ t need a last name any more than Cher , Bono or Prince — released her last album with her namesake band , 2010 ’ s Grammy-winning “ Soldier of Love.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timeless torchiness as “ Paradise ” , “ The Sweetest Taboo ” and “ No Ordinary Love ” has been my smooth comforter during the quarantine .
Now , with the arrival of “ This Far ” — a career-spanning vinyl box set of all six of Sade ’ s studio albums — she is , to quote “ Your Love Is King ” , the ruler of my heart .
Yes , Sade is my boo .
How else to explain how she has wrapped me up in her tender , tranquilizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — but social distancing was blocking any of that madness .
Beyond the hits — which have aged like a fine Beaujolais — digging into the deep cuts from 1984 ’ s “ Diamond Life ” , 1985 ’ s “ Promise ” , 1988 ’ s “ Stronger Than Pride ” , 1992 ’ s “ Love Deluxe ” , 2000 ’ s “ Lovers Rock ” and “ Soldier of Live ” has been a soothing escape from the walls I ’ ve been climbing — and the craziness that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s “ I Will Be Your Friend ” and “ Sally ” on “ Diamond Life ” , “ Jezebel ” and “ Fear ” on “ Promise ” , “ Haunt Me ” and “ Keep Looking ” on “ Stronger Than Pride ” , “ I Couldn ’ t Love You More ” and “ Pearls ” on “ Love Deluxe.
” There are songs like these on every Sade album that are like Xanax for the soul and spirit .
Of course , it would be sweet to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , so let ’ s keep hope alive .
After all , she took 10 years between “ Lovers Rock ” and “ Soldier of Love ” , and eight years between “ Love Deluxe ” and “ Lovers Rock.
” Clearly , she likes to take her sweet time , and if anyone is allowed to move at her own chill pace amidst all the stresses of the world , it ’ s Sade .

Aretha may be the Queen of Soul, Madonna may be the Queen of Pop, Chaka may be the Queen of Funk and Dolly may be the Queen of Country.
But now I’m crowning Sade with her own royal title: Bow down to the Queen of Quarantine and Chill.
It’s been 10 years since Sade Adu — who doesn’t need a last name any more than Cher, Bono or Prince — released her last album with her namesake band, 2010’s Grammy-winning “Soldier of Love.” But the sultry soul-pop siren behind such timeless torchiness as “Paradise,” “The Sweetest Taboo” and “No Ordinary Love” has been my smooth comforter during the quarantine.
Now, with the arrival of “This Far” — a career-spanning vinyl box set of all six of Sade’s studio albums — she is, to quote “Your Love Is King,” the ruler of my heart.
Yes, Sade is my boo.
How else to explain how she has wrapped me up in her tender, tranquilizing embrace when I desperately needed a hug — but social distancing was blocking any of that madness.
Beyond the hits — which have aged like a fine Bordeaux — digging into the deep cuts from 1984’s “Diamond Life,” 1985’s “Promise,” 1988’s “Stronger Than Pride,” 1992’s “Love Deluxe,” 2000’s “Lovers Rock” and “Soldier of Love” has been a soothing escape from the walls I’ve been climbing — and the craziness that’s been lurking all around.
There’s “I Will Be Your Friend” and “Sally” on “Diamond Life,” “Jezebel” and “Fear” on “Promise,” “Haunt Me” and “Keep Looking” on “Stronger Than Pride,” “I Couldn’t Love You More” and “Pearls” on “Love Deluxe.” There are songs like these on every Sade album that are like Xanax for the soul and spirit.
Of course, it would be sweet to have some new Sade music after all these years, so let’s keep hope alive. After all, she took 10 years between “Lovers Rock” and “Soldier of Love,” and eight years between “Love Deluxe” and “Lovers Rock.”
Clearly, she likes to take her sweet time, and if anyone is allowed to move at her own chill pace amidst all the stresses of the world, it’s Sade.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--RIP, Mohammad Reza Shajarian — the voice of Free Iran

Iran said Saturday it had executed a wrestler accused of ...

Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Iran’s greatest living musician and artist, died in Tehran on Thursday at the age of 80, sparking sadness and anger among his fellow Iranians, including millions scattered across the globe.
The classical singer and maestro was more than a cultural icon and hero; he was the voice and soul of generations of Iranians, old and young, who have known nothing but tragedy and suffering since the 1979 revolution.
Shajarian’s passing not only elicited a nationwide outpouring of grief but also protests against a regime that forbade Shajarian from appearing on state television and media after he lent his support to the 2009 Green Revolution, an uprising that challenged the fraudulent re-election that year of reactionary President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Shajarian, though at times wishing to avoid the appearance of being “political,” had nevertheless become a symbol of national resistance against a tyrannical and joyless regime.
Born in 1940 to a religious family in the conservative city of Mashhad, Shajarian displayed innate talent from an early age, and his rousing vocals and traditional style of singing allowed him to thrive even under the Islamic Republic’s prohibitions on all non-classical music and instruments. He was particularly known for his Rabadan, a prayer song that marked the Iftar, the evening meal breaking the Muslim fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Initially a supporter of the 1979 revolution that overthrew the last shah, Shajarian was viewed by Iranian authorities as sufficiently trustworthy because of his traditional Iranian artistry and subdued politics. That is, until he criticized the regime for its brutal suppression of the 2009 uprising.
He was particularly incensed by Ahmadinejad’s labeling of millions of peaceful protesters as “dust and trash” and demanded that the state media refrain from broadcasting his voice during the crackdown.
Because of his criticism, Shajarian was permanently forbidden by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from national television and could only perform for compatriots outside of his homeland.
Yet his allure only grew as Iranians recognized him as their country’s greatest living artist and a national treasure equal to famed Iranian poets, such as Hafez and Ferdosi.
Shajarian was forced into political silence, but his voice remained an inspiration for millions of regime opponents seeking to rid themselves of the darkness enveloping their ancient land.
Since 2009, Iran has experienced two other major uprisings, including the 2019 revolt in which the regime slaughtered more than 1,500 citizens. Thousands of political prisoners remain jailed while dozens were sentenced to execution.
Navid Afkari, a young and promising wrestling champion, was the latest innocent executed to terrify the population into submission. Shajarian’s oppression and Afkari’s death are the work of a regime willing to sacrifice Iran’s national heroes for the sake of absolute power.
Yet nothing will quiet the voice of freedom in Iran. Thousands gathered at Shajarian’s hospital and broke out in song as his death was announced by his son Homayoun, himself an accomplished musician. He asked that his countrymen not make his father’s death a “political” event, yet everything is political under a totalitarian regime that demands obeisance in all matters.
It is no surprise that Shajarian’s death led Iranians to shame the state media for repressing Shajarian’s voice for so many years. Regime security forces flooded Tehran’s streets and beat mourners mercilessly.
Shajarian will be buried in the city of Tus alongside Ferdosi, who has lain there for a millennium. The singer will forever be known as an astounding and exemplary musical artist and a symbol of Iran’s ancient culture and civilization, which the Islamic Republic has tried to repress since the revolution.
But Shajarian will also be remembered as a symbol of the eternal human yearning for freedom and dignity. As his mourners shouted in Tehran’s streets, “the dictator [Khamenei] will die — Shajarian lives forever.”
Alireza Nader is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where he contributes to FDD’s Iran Program.
Twitter: @AlirezaNader


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Robinhood says some customer accounts may have become target of hackers

Fintech startup Robinhood said Friday some customers might have become a target of hackers because of their personal email accounts @ @ @ @ @ platform .
The issue did not occur from a breach in the firm ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the company said in a statement .
“ We ’ re actively working with those @ @ @ @ @ , ” Robinhood added .
Robinhood , which is credited with helping popularize trading among @ @ @ @ @ outages since March due to higher-than-usual traffic to its app from a recent upsurge in @ @ @ @ @ .
Last month , Reuters reported that the firm had increased its latest funding round @ @ @ @ @ million , giving it a valuation of $ 11.7 billion .

Fintech startup Robinhood said Friday some customers might have become a target of hackers because of their personal email accounts being compromised outside of its platform.
The issue did not occur from a breach in the firm’s systems, a spokesperson for the company said in a statement.
“We’re actively working with those impacted to secure their accounts,” Robinhood added.
Robinhood, which is credited with helping popularize trading among millennials, has seen multiple outages since March due to higher-than-usual traffic to its app from a recent upsurge in day trade by retail investors.
Last month, Reuters reported that the firm had increased its latest funding round from investors to $660 million, giving it a valuation of $11.7 billion.


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Hurricane Delta makes landfall in Louisiana

The Category 2 ‘ cane made landfall near the shore town of Creole at 7 p.m. Eastern time Friday , according to the National Huricane Center .
Delta is now lashing the coast with maximum sustained winds of up to 100 mph , the NHC said .
“ Please stay safe and vigilant , ” the state ’ s Gov .
John Bel Edwards tweeted , along with an aerial photo of the hurricane hitting the state .
Storm surges of what forecasters have called “ life threatening , ” heights were expected , and already measured at more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s central shore .
The eastern Texas coast was also expected to see surge damage .
Delta is continuing its north-eastern path across the center of Louisiana at around 14 miles per hour , the NHC said .
Water spouts , tornadoes and rainfalls of up to 10 inches were predicted to also plague the state into Saturday .
“ We just got lights back on like two weeks ago and then it ’ s evacuating again ?
” said Roslyn Kennedy after abandoning her house in Lake Charles , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hurricane Laura .
It ’ s the sixth time just this season that Louisiana has been threatened by a major storm or hurricane .
Some 12,000 evacuees were in shelters and rescue teams were standing by to help those who stayed behind , Louisiana officials said .
The Louisiana National Guard tweeted it had stockpiled 1.6 million meals , 1.5 million liters of water , 43,000 pounds of ice and 39,000 tarps .
The guard was prepared to respond with 2,590 guardsmen , 122 high water vehicles and additional helicopters and watercraft .

Hurricane Delta has blasted ashore in Louisiana.
The Category 2 ‘cane made landfall near the shore town of Creole at 7 p.m. Eastern time Friday, according to the National Huricane Center.
Delta is now lashing the coast with maximum sustained winds of up to 100 mph, the NHC said.
By midnight, nearly 500,000 were without power, Fox News in New Orleans reported.
In Louisiana, 360,104 customers suffered power outtages; in Texas, that number was 108,594, and in Mississippi, 7,320.
“Please stay safe and vigilant,” the state’s Gov. John Bel Edwards tweeted, along with an aerial photo of the hurricane hitting the state.
Storm surges of what forecasters have called “life threatening,” heights were expected, and already measured at more than eight feet above ground level along the state’s central shore.
The eastern Texas coast was also expected to see surge damage.
Delta is continuing its north-eastern path across the center of Louisiana at around 14 miles per hour, the NHC said.
Water spouts, tornadoes and rainfalls of up to 10 inches were predicted to also plague the state into Saturday.
“We just got lights back on like two weeks ago and then it’s evacuating again?” said Roslyn Kennedy after abandoning her house in Lake Charles, where 95 percent of homes were damaged by Hurricane Laura.
It’s the sixth time just this season that Louisiana has been threatened by a major storm or hurricane.
Some 12,000 evacuees were in shelters and rescue teams were standing by to help those who stayed behind, Louisiana officials said.
The Louisiana National Guard tweeted it had stockpiled 1.6 million meals, 1.5 million liters of water, 43,000 pounds of ice and 39,000 tarps.
The guard was prepared to respond with 2,590 guardsmen, 122 high water vehicles and additional helicopters and watercraft.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-10-09--Eddie Van Halen and his family endured ‘horrifying’ racism

Valerie Bertinelli continues to mourn the passing of her ex-husband ...

Legendary rock god Eddie Van Halen, who died Tuesday of throat cancer, was subjected to “horrifying” racism as a mixed-raced kid growing up in Holland and the U.S. and once said going to school was “absolutely frightening,” reports said Friday.
As fans across the world mourn his death, they’re also remembering past interviews the acclaimed guitarist and others gave about what it was like for Van Halen to be the son of Dutch and Indonesian immigrants and the discrimination they faced, NBC News reported.
“It was a big deal. Those homeboys grew up in a horrifying racist environment to where they actually had to leave the country,” former bandmate David Lee Roth said in a 2019 interview of the Van Halen brothers and their family’s decision to move from the Netherlands to the U.S. in 1962.
The Van Halen family matriarch Eugenia met her future husband Jan, who was a traveling musician, in Indonesia when it was still under Dutch rule and the couple later moved to the Netherlands where the future rock stars were born.
Eugenia was treated like a “second-class citizen” in the northern European country and the boys were referred to as “half-breeds,” according to Roth and an interview Van Halen gave in 2017 with music journalist Denise Quan for Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
In 1962, the family packed up for the U.S., traveling for nine days by boat, and eventually settled in the Pasadena, California area where their issues with discrimination and racism continued.
“Then they came to America and did not speak English as a first language in the early ’60s. Wow,” Roth said on the “WTF with Marc Maron” podcast.
“So that kind of sparking, that kind of stuff, that runs deep.”
Eugenia worked as a maid and Jan got a job as a janitor while maintaining a music career. They lived in a home shared with two other families and in an environment that wasn’t very welcoming to immigrants, Van Halen told Quan.
“We already went through that in Holland, you know, first day, first grade. Now, you’re in a whole other country where you can’t speak the language, and you know absolutely nothing about anything and it was beyond frightening,” he told the journalist.
“I don’t even know how to explain but I think it made us stronger because you had to be.”
At the time, Van Halen was around eight-years-old and in 1962, the school he attended was still segregated and because he couldn’t speak English yet, he was deemed a “minority” student and was bullied by white students.
“My first friends in America were black,” Van Halen said during the interview.
“It was actually the white people that were the bullies. They would tear up my homework and papers, make me eat playground sand, all those things, and the black kids stuck up for me.”
While his early years were painful, Van Halen said he was grateful to have the immigrant experience.
“Coming here with approximately $50 and a piano, not being able to speak the language, going through everything to get to where we are, if that’s not the American dream, I don’t know what is,” the guitarist said.


newyorkpost--2020-10-10--Clemson vs. Miami prediction, line: Tigers will win big

It would be fun if “ The U ” was truly back .
It would be a boon to the sport , dominated by a handful of programs , if any ACC team posed a threat to Clemson winning its sixth straight league crown .
Unfortunately , a prime-time TV slot can ’ t will such intrigue into existence .
Not beyond kickoff , anyway .
Because Clemson has lost only once in two-plus calendar years , an 18-point win over Virginia raised concerns for the nation ’ s top-ranked team .
History should help erase any doubts .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game in three years .
Trevor Lawrence hasn ’ t thrown an interception in 11 games .
Travis Etienne is the country ’ s most accomplished running back .
Dabo Swinney has two title rings .
Meanwhile , No .
7 Miami — which went 6-7 last season — is enjoying prime real estate in the polls because of a soft schedule and the temporary disappearance of the Big Ten .
Dual-threat D ’ Erik King has resuscitated the Hurricanes offense and will have his moments in the biggest game of a career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offense reliant on the run will be the latest to get smothered by Brent Venables ’ always reliable front seven .
Only once with Lawrence has Clemson won a non-playoff game by fewer than two touchdowns .
Don ’ t believe the hype .
Trust history .
Take the Tigers ( -14 ) .
Kyle Trask will remain in the Heisman conversation all season .
Gators tight end Kyle Pitts might be able to join , too , having already scored six touchdowns in two games .
But Florida — allowing an average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs balance if it is to contend for its first national championship since 2008 , when Tim Tebow ’ s teammates surrendered just 12.9 points per game .
This will be the second Red River Shootout in two decades in which neither team is ranked inside the top 20 .
“ Does it lose any luster ?
No , ” Texas coach Tom Herman said this week .
“ In my opinion , this is the best rivalry in college football.
” It is a rivalry which Oklahoma has owned recently , winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Though the Sooners just lost consecutive games for the first time since 1999 , the Longhorns — coming off a loss to TCU — have lost back-to-back games in each of Herman ’ s first three seasons in Austin .
Though the Tar Heels have failed to show they ’ re worthy of the No .
8 ranking , the Hokies have excelled despite being severely shorthanded by the coronavirus .
In addition to a defense , which registered seven sacks in last week ’ s win over Duke , Kansas transfer Khalil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rushing yards per game and 12 yards per carry .
Tiger Stadium has decided to stop wellness checks for the 25,000-plus fans allowed to attend games and begin selling alcohol again .
I ’ m sure everything will be fine .
I keep hearing someone say the virus is just going to disappear .
The Vols ’ eight-game win streak is the best in the nation , but no victories have come against ranked teams .
Now that former walk-on Stetson Bennett has improbably proven to be a strong fit under center for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ defense — allowing the second-fewest yards per play in the nation ( 3.8 ) — can dominate without the season resting solely on its shoulders .
The Cyclones are coming off of their first home win over Oklahoma in 60 years .
I ’ m thinking the team that looked past its season opener against Louisiana-Lafayette will handle its high as well as a college freshman .
After three years and 20 losses , the Hogs have finally won a conference game .
Up next ?
An opponent which has won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 193-36 .
Though Pitt ’ s pass rush remains among the nation ’ s best , its secondary hasn ’ t helped much , allowing 336 passing yards and four touchdowns in a loss to N.C. State .
Notre Dame transfer Phil Jurkovec should shine here , having completed better than 68 percent of his passes this year while throwing for at least 300 yards in both of BC ’ s ACC games .
“ It really bothers me that we ’ ve based everything that whether our league is good or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas are good , ” TCU coach Gary Patterson said this week .
“ To be honest with you , we have a lot of good football teams and we always have had a lot of good football teams.
” Well , then Kansas State is getting way too many points .
Nick Saban is 20-0 against his former assistants .
Few of his working relationships ended as poorly as that with new Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin , who has spent the past few years mocking his former boss online .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the score against his former assistant , whose high-scoring offense will break out every trick up Kiffin ’ s sleeve .
Fun fact : In their only head-to-head matchup , Kiffin ’ s 7-6 Tennessee team was a blocked field goal short of taking down eventual undefeated national champion Alabama on the road .
To be a contrarian is to be OK with potentially looking really stupid sometimes .
Like , this time .
Sure , the Seminoles could lose by 40 , but new quarterback Jordan Travis may be just what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abysmal to below-average .
On to more important matters : Somehow , I ’ d forgotten Mike Leach made a cameo on Season 4 of “ Friday Night Lights.
” Somehow , the clip of him playing a deranged fan telling Coach Taylor to find his “ inner-pirate ” has just 64,042 views on YouTube .
You ’ re welcome .
Best bets : Oklahoma , Georgia , Boston College This season ( best bets ) : 34-23 ( 6-6 ) 2014-19 record : 772-756-13

It would be fun if “The U” was truly back. It would be a boon to the sport, dominated by a handful of programs, if any ACC team posed a threat to Clemson winning its sixth straight league crown.
Unfortunately, a prime-time TV slot can’t will such intrigue into existence. Not beyond kickoff, anyway.
Because Clemson has lost only once in two-plus calendar years, an 18-point win over Virginia raised concerns for the nation’s top-ranked team. History should help erase any doubts.
The Tigers haven’t lost an ACC game in three years. Trevor Lawrence hasn’t thrown an interception in 11 games. Travis Etienne is the country’s most accomplished running back. Dabo Swinney has two title rings.
Meanwhile, No. 7 Miami — which went 6-7 last season — is enjoying prime real estate in the polls because of a soft schedule and the temporary disappearance of the Big Ten. Dual-threat D’Erik King has resuscitated the Hurricanes offense and will have his moments in the biggest game of a career spent outside the spotlight, but an offense reliant on the run will be the latest to get smothered by Brent Venables’ always reliable front seven.
Only once with Lawrence has Clemson won a non-playoff game by fewer than two touchdowns. Don’t believe the hype. Trust history. Take the Tigers (-14).
(Home team in CAPS.)
TEXAS A&M AGGIES (+6.5) over Florida Gators
Kyle Trask will remain in the Heisman conversation all season. Gators tight end Kyle Pitts might be able to join, too, having already scored six touchdowns in two games. But Florida — allowing an average of 29.5 points through two games — needs balance if it is to contend for its first national championship since 2008, when Tim Tebow’s teammates surrendered just 12.9 points per game.
Oklahoma Sooners (-2.5) over Texas Longhorns
at Cotton Bowl, Dallas
This will be the second Red River Shootout in two decades in which neither team is ranked inside the top 20. “Does it lose any luster? No,” Texas coach Tom Herman said this week. “In my opinion, this is the best rivalry in college football.” It is a rivalry which Oklahoma has owned recently, winning four of the past five meetings. Though the Sooners just lost consecutive games for the first time since 1999, the Longhorns — coming off a loss to TCU — have lost back-to-back games in each of Herman’s first three seasons in Austin.
Virginia Tech Cavaliers (+5) over NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS
Though the Tar Heels have failed to show they’re worthy of the No. 8 ranking, the Hokies have excelled despite being severely shorthanded by the coronavirus. In addition to a defense, which registered seven sacks in last week’s win over Duke, Kansas transfer Khalil Herbert is leading the nation with 156 rushing yards per game and 12 yards per carry.
Missouri Tigers (+20.5) over LSU TIGERS
Tiger Stadium has decided to stop wellness checks for the 25,000-plus fans allowed to attend games and begin selling alcohol again. I’m sure everything will be fine. I keep hearing someone say the virus is just going to disappear.
GEORGIA BULLDOGS (-12) over Tennessee Volunteers
The Vols’ eight-game win streak is the best in the nation, but no victories have come against ranked teams. Now that former walk-on Stetson Bennett has improbably proven to be a strong fit under center for No. 3 Georgia, the Bulldogs’ defense — allowing the second-fewest yards per play in the nation (3.8) — can dominate without the season resting solely on its shoulders.
Texas Tech Red Raiders (+12.5) over IOWA STATE CYCLONES
The Cyclones are coming off of their first home win over Oklahoma in 60 years. I’m thinking the team that looked past its season opener against Louisiana-Lafayette will handle its high as well as a college freshman.
AUBURN TIGERS (-14) over Arkansas Razorbacks
After three years and 20 losses, the Hogs have finally won a conference game. Up next? An opponent which has won the previous four meetings by a total score of 193-36.
BOSTON COLLEGE EAGLES (+5) over Pittsburgh Panther
Though Pitt’s pass rush remains among the nation’s best, its secondary hasn’t helped much, allowing 336 passing yards and four touchdowns in a loss to N.C. State. Notre Dame transfer Phil Jurkovec should shine here, having completed better than 68 percent of his passes this year while throwing for at least 300 yards in both of BC’s ACC games.
Kansas State Wildcats (+9) over TCU HORNED FROGS
“It really bothers me that we’ve based everything that whether our league is good or bad or not on whether Oklahoma and Texas are good,” TCU coach Gary Patterson said this week. “To be honest with you, we have a lot of good football teams and we always have had a lot of good football teams.” Well, then Kansas State is getting way too many points.
OLE MISS REBELS (+24) over Alabama Crimson Tide
Nick Saban is 20-0 against his former assistants. Few of his working relationships ended as poorly as that with new Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, who has spent the past few years mocking his former boss online. But Saban may not be able to run up the score against his former assistant, whose high-scoring offense will break out every trick up Kiffin’s sleeve. Fun fact: In their only head-to-head matchup, Kiffin’s 7-6 Tennessee team was a blocked field goal short of taking down eventual undefeated national champion Alabama on the road.
Florida State Seminoles (+20.5) over NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
To be a contrarian is to be OK with potentially looking really stupid sometimes. Like, this time. Sure, the Seminoles could lose by 40, but new quarterback Jordan Travis may be just what the former juggernaut needs to transform from abysmal to below-average.
KENTUCKY WILDCATS (-1.5) over Mississippi State Bulldogs
On to more important matters: Somehow, I’d forgotten Mike Leach made a cameo on Season 4 of “Friday Night Lights.” Somehow, the clip of him playing a deranged fan telling Coach Taylor to find his “inner-pirate” has just 64,042 views on YouTube. You’re welcome.
Best bets: Oklahoma, Georgia, Boston College
This season (best bets): 34-23 (6-6)
2014-19 record: 772-756-13


newyorkpost--2020-10-10--Aaron Boone chooses Mike Ford over Gary Sanchez in key spot

This time , there was nothing nefarious lurking around the batter ’ s ...

In the top of the eighth inning, with the Yankees desperate for a run to keep their season going, Aaron Boone went to Mike Ford, who hadn’t gotten a hit since August.
With the score tied in Game 5 of the ALDS, which the Yankees went on to lose, 2-1, to the Rays, Boone went to the lefty-swinging Ford to pinch-hit for Kyle Higashioka — which also meant the Yankees would be without Higashioka behind the plate.
Ford whiffed when he looked at a close pitch after working a full count. The Yankees failed to score and then Aroldis Chapman, who struck out the only batter he faced while pitching to Higashioka — Brandon Lowe — allowed a go-ahead homer to Mike Brosseau with the forgotten man, Gary Sanchez, catching.
“It was definitely a tough decision,’’ Boone said of hitting Ford for Higashioka. “But in that spot, leading off the eighth inning, [Tampa Bay right-hander Diego] Castillo is tough on everyone, obviously, but as tough as he is on righties, I felt like we needed on-base presence there.”
Ford took strike three, although he thought it was low.
“I thought he worked a great at-bat,’’ Boone said of Ford, whose last hit came on Aug. 31 before he went 0-for-19 with three walks to finish the regular season.
“He almost got us rolling there,’’ Boone said. “It was definitely a tough call, but I think one I had to make.”
Though Sanchez has had his difficulties behind the plate, Chapman has typically thrown well to Sanchez and that was especially true this season. In Chapman’s brief regular season, he faced 20 batters with Sanchez behind the plate and only one got a hit — while 13 struck out.
The battery was not as successful on Friday and it resulted in another devastating finish for Chapman and the Yankees — and the end of a lost season for Sanchez, as he started just two playoff games and went 1-for-8 with four strikeouts and found his starting job very much in doubt.


newyorkpost--2020-10-10--Ryan Lewis emerging as force in Giants’ secondary

By force of habit , Ryan Lewis is still living out of his suitcase .
Playing for eight NFL teams in four seasons with stints lasting as short as two weeks offers a lesson , but Lewis can earn the right to unpack Sunday if he is able to stabilize a major weakness for the Giants .
He likely will be the third different starter in five games at No .
2 cornerback — tested early and often by the Cowboys ’ top-ranked passing attack .
“ Being a defensive back in the NFL is no walk in the park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ One wrong step left or right , and you could get beat .
You have to have a short memory .
You can ’ t stop until the game is over .
You can give up a couple deep balls and have the game-winning pick at the end .
It ’ s all about your being your biggest fan and staying in it.
” Cut by Washington on Sept. 5 , Lewis joined the Giants ’ practice squad on Sept. 8 , was elevated to the active roster Sept. 19 , debuted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snaps for benched starter Isaac Yiadom last Sunday .
The rapid ascension is the intersection of team need and familiarity because Lewis first learned a variant of this defense with the Patriots in 2017 and then played under Giants coordinator Patrick Graham when the two were with the Dolphins last season .
“ I ’ ve always seen myself as a man-to-man corner , ” Lewis said .
“ I feel comfortable pressing [ receivers ] .
They keep the schemes real simple here so guys can learn quickly and execute .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years now , and it will allow me to just go out there and just play and not think too much.
” Lewis is the son of former Seahawks and Chiefs scouting executive Will Lewis , the nephew of former Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis ( 2004-06 ) and the cousin of “ Monday Night Football ” analyst Louis Riddick — the runner-up to be Giants general manager in 2018 .
That ’ s a lot of NFL knowledge in one family .
“ My dad was [ Riddick ’ s ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little bit of that same role for me , ” Lewis said .
“ He ’ s very insightful on things to do in the league and how you can separate yourself from the competition .
But I ’ ve always been a sponge toward my dad .
I even did a business-class project on how he does his job .
It ’ s something I definitely want to do when I ’ m done playing.
” First things first : The Cowboys are averaging 407.8 passing yards per game and have three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lamb and Michael Gallup .
Dak Prescott has a 100.5 passer rating in eight career games against the Giants .
It ’ s a lot to ask of even an experienced cornerback .
“ RyLew has been a hard worker since he got here , ” safety Jabrill Peppers said .
“ He knows the nature of this league , and he honed in on his technique and fundamentals .
We saw it in practice , so I ’ m happy that , when he got his number called , he performed.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be ideal to settle on one cornerback ( rather than a rotation ) playing opposite James Bradberry .
The ship appears to have sailed for season-opening starter Corey Ballentine .
“ Ryan showed a lot of positive things in terms of how he played on outside routes , ” coach Joe Judge said .
“ We have to keep putting him in positions where he can really use his speed and some of his instincts to make plays for us.
” Lewis ’ instincts should tell him to keep doing whatever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ ve gotten real comfortable living out of my suitcase , and my girlfriend doesn ’ t like that , ” he joked .
“ It ’ s been a different type of career , but I ’ m living out my dream .
If this is how it is , then looking back it ’ s going to be a crazy story .
“ As soon as I got here , my focus was on helping the team win .
I ’ ve been staying at home , grinding , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is over , I ’ ll unpack that suitcase .
”

By force of habit, Ryan Lewis is still living out of his suitcase.
Playing for eight NFL teams in four seasons with stints lasting as short as two weeks offers a lesson, but Lewis can earn the right to unpack Sunday if he is able to stabilize a major weakness for the Giants. He likely will be the third different starter in five games at No. 2 cornerback — tested early and often by the Cowboys’ top-ranked passing attack.
“Being a defensive back in the NFL is no walk in the park,” Lewis told The Post. “One wrong step left or right, and you could get beat. You have to have a short memory. You can’t stop until the game is over. You can give up a couple deep balls and have the game-winning pick at the end. It’s all about your being your biggest fan and staying in it.”
Cut by Washington on Sept. 5, Lewis joined the Giants’ practice squad on Sept. 8, was elevated to the active roster Sept. 19, debuted Sept. 27 and took more than 42 snaps for benched starter Isaac Yiadom last Sunday.
The rapid ascension is the intersection of team need and familiarity because Lewis first learned a variant of this defense with the Patriots in 2017 and then played under Giants coordinator Patrick Graham when the two were with the Dolphins last season.
“I’ve always seen myself as a man-to-man corner,” Lewis said. “I feel comfortable pressing [receivers]. They keep the schemes real simple here so guys can learn quickly and execute. I’ve studied this defense inside-out for three years now, and it will allow me to just go out there and just play and not think too much.”
Lewis is the son of former Seahawks and Chiefs scouting executive Will Lewis, the nephew of former Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis (2004-06) and the cousin of “Monday Night Football” analyst Louis Riddick — the runner-up to be Giants general manager in 2018. That’s a lot of NFL knowledge in one family.
“My dad was [Riddick’s] mentor and Louis has taken on a little bit of that same role for me,” Lewis said. “He’s very insightful on things to do in the league and how you can separate yourself from the competition. But I’ve always been a sponge toward my dad. I even did a business-class project on how he does his job. It’s something I definitely want to do when I’m done playing.”
First things first: The Cowboys are averaging 407.8 passing yards per game and have three game-breaking receivers in Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. Dak Prescott has a 100.5 passer rating in eight career games against the Giants.
It’s a lot to ask of even an experienced cornerback.
“RyLew has been a hard worker since he got here,” safety Jabrill Peppers said. “He knows the nature of this league, and he honed in on his technique and fundamentals. We saw it in practice, so I’m happy that, when he got his number called, he performed.”
Giants defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson says it would be ideal to settle on one cornerback (rather than a rotation) playing opposite James Bradberry. The ship appears to have sailed for season-opening starter Corey Ballentine.
“Ryan showed a lot of positive things in terms of how he played on outside routes,” coach Joe Judge said. “We have to keep putting him in positions where he can really use his speed and some of his instincts to make plays for us.”
Lewis’ instincts should tell him to keep doing whatever he’s doing right now.
“I’ve gotten real comfortable living out of my suitcase, and my girlfriend doesn’t like that,” he joked. “It’s been a different type of career, but I’m living out my dream. If this is how it is, then looking back it’s going to be a crazy story.
“As soon as I got here, my focus was on helping the team win. I’ve been staying at home, grinding, watching film. Maybe when the season is over, I’ll unpack that suitcase.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-10--Yankees’ Gerrit Cole shows why he’s an ace, but it wasn’t enough

Masahiro Tanaka ’ s seven-year contract has run out and so has ...

Gerrit Cole showed he could pitch on three days’ rest, but now he’ll have to wait much longer for his next start.
The right-hander was excellent for most of his outing in Game 5 of the ALDS against the Rays, but it wasn’t enough. Aroldis Chapman allowed a go-ahead homer to Mike Brosseau in the bottom of the eighth inning, and the Yankees’ season came to a halt in a 2-1 loss at Petco Park in San Diego.
Cole gave up just one run in 5 ¹/₃ innings. He walked two, struck out nine and allowed only one hit — a solo homer to Austin Meadows with two outs in the bottom of the fifth.
Aaron Judge looked to have a chance to catch the ball, but as he jumped, he hit his head on a padded overhang on the outfield wall and barely got off the ground.
Cole finished the inning and came out for the sixth. Randy Arozarena immediately pounced on a pitch and sent it to deep left, but Brett Gardner robbed Arozarena of a homer and kept the game tied.
“Of course [I] wanted to get deeper and leaving with the game tied doesn’t feel as good as leaving with the lead,’’ Cole said. “Gosh, how many times did I pitch against these guys this year, six or seven? It’s like on a tape recorder with these guys. It’s tough as s–t. It was a good fight. It sucks losing.”
It was actually Cole’s fifth start against the Rays this season and his most effective.
Cole was removed in favor of Zack Britton, as Aaron Boone went to the back end of his bullpen with one out in the sixth and it didn’t work out.
The Yankees couldn’t have asked much more of Cole, though, who fought through a first inning in which he loaded the bases by walking two batters and hitting another before striking out Joey Wendle looking to end the threat — although he needed 25 pitches to do it.
Cole was overpowering for the next three innings and while he didn’t go as deep into the game as the Yankees might have hoped, he kept the Rays down. And unlike in most of his previous starts, the offense didn’t provide much support. The Yankees were limited to a solo homer by Judge to lead off the top of the fourth.
“I’m so proud of [Cole’s] effort,’’ Boone said. “That was a championship, special player effort to get into trouble in the first inning and rack up pitches and make huge pitches to get out of it.”
Before the game, Boone had no doubt Cole would not be overwhelmed by the situation or the pressure.
“Gerrit Cole’s an animal,’’ Boone said. “I’m telling you, he can’t wait to get out there tonight. Whatever happens tonight, he is absolutely cut out for this. I think he envisioned pitching in this type of game, no doubt about it.”
Just one with a different ending.


newyorkpost--2020-10-10--Yankees’ Aroldis Chapman feels ‘terrible’ after another playoff disaster

SAN DIEGO — First “ New York , New York ” played over ...

Aroldis Chapman’s grin came back for another October disaster.
A year after giving up a walk-off home run to Jose Altuve to end the ALCS, Chapman gave up an eighth-inning home run to Mike Brosseau to hand the Yankees a crushing 2-1 loss to the Rays in Game 5 of the ALDS on Friday at Petco Park in San Diego.
“I feel terrible,” Chapman said through an interpreter. “As the closer of this team, it’s part of my responsibility to go into a game where it’s either we’re going to win or we’re going to lose. It’s going to happen both ways. It’s tough, but I do have a tough mind and we gotta put it aside and keep moving forward.”
Brosseau, who was nearly hit in the head by a 101-mph fastball from Chapman on Sept. 1, battled Friday for a 10-pitch at-bat. After fouling off four pitches and working the count full, he finally unloaded on Chapman’s 100-mph fastball that caught too much of the plate and landed just beyond the wall in left field to break the 1-1 tie with one out in the eighth.
“It was a great at-bat,” Aaron Boone said. “I feel like Chappy is throwing the ball right now, for the last three weeks really, maybe as good as any time that I’ve been here. I feel like he’s that locked in right now and Brosseau just pulled off a great at-bat and that’s the beauty sometimes of sports.”
Chapman, who said the September incident with Brosseau was not on his mind, was left grinning on the mound, much the way he was last October in Houston.
Boone called on Chapman early Friday night, bringing him in to relieve Zack Britton with two outs in the seventh inning. The Yankees closer had thrown 23 pitches Thursday night in his first appearance of the series to close out a 5-1 win.
“I was going to go with him as long as he was efficient,” Boone said. “If he was real efficient, he would have had a chance to finish the game.”
The home run ended a tumultuous year for Chapman, who had his season delayed after testing positive for COVID-19 during the Yankees’ spring training 2.0. He made his debut on Aug. 17 and after a shaky start, looked to have found his groove entering the playoffs.
But for the second straight October, the Yankees were left with an empty feeling after an opponent took Chapman deep to end their year.
“That’s tough, I could see it in his face,” Gerrit Cole said. “He was able to bounce back from last year, he’ll bounce back from this year.”


newyorkpost--2020-10-10--Yankees’ Aaron Boone doesn’t ‘regret’ opening with Deivi Garcia in Game 2

The Yankees are going home early, but Aaron Boone insists it is not because of the controversial pitching plan they used for Game 2 of the ALDS.
Shortly after the season ended with a 2-1 loss to the Rays on Friday night in San Diego, Boone defended the team’s decision to use Deivi Garcia as an opener followed by J.A. Happ in Tuesday’s Game 2 loss.
“I don’t regret Game 2,” Boone said. “I’m sure there’ll be people who take it to, ‘If we just started a guy and went with him, we win the game.’ That’s kind of ridiculous.
“All over the league, things like this are done and done really effectively, and we’ve done them really effectively.”
But in the biggest moment, holding a 1-0 series lead, the Yankees did not do it effectively. The 21-year-old Garcia gave up a solo home run in the first inning before Happ was tagged for four earned runs in 2 ²/₃ innings of the 7-5 loss. It was a move that sparked plenty of backlash outside the organization.
“I dissect everything, usually on a nightly basis, and will certainly look back and reflect on things,” Boone said. “But I don’t have that many regrets.”
The decision to go with the opener — a move that has become more popular around the league in recent years after the Rays started the trend — pushed Masahiro Tanaka back to Game 3, and he struggled in an 8-4 loss. Jordan Montgomery was then forced to start Game 4 and came up with a gutsy effort to help secure a 5-1 win that set up Friday’s do-or-die Game 5.
The Yankees still had their $324 million arm — Gerrit Cole — on the mound Friday, and he delivered 5 ¹/₃ innings of one-run baseball before Aroldis Chapman gave up the game-winning home run in the eighth inning.
“It was just a great back-and-forth series with another great team that has a chance to go win a world championship,” Boone said. “It came down to basically the last inning of the series. I don’t think anyone’s surprised by that necessarily. We came up short.”