newyorkpost--2020-11-18--NHL angers players with shocking attempt to renegotiate CBA

The NHL is seeking financial concessions in the form of ...

Contract renegotiation has been forbidden under the NHL CBA since adoption of the hard cap in 2005. That is one of the core tenets of the unyielding system.
Except, apparently, when it comes to renegotiating the CBA itself. Because just four months after agreeing to a six-year extension in early July, the NHL is requesting the NHLPA revisit critical areas in the CBA as a prelude to opening the 2020-21 season, The Post has learned.
The union held a virtual executive board meeting Wednesday afternoon during which team player reps were informed by union leadership that the league is asking the players to defer an additional 13 to 16 percent of base compensation for the season on top of the 10-percent deferral that was originally negotiated in July.
The request delivered from Gary Bettman to Don Fehr was accompanied by league “liquidity” concerns, according to multiple sources that included one person on the conference call. But the request for additional deferral is not the only concession the NHL is seeking from the players.
Indeed, the parties originally agreed to cap escrow at 20 percent for this upcoming season; between 14 and 18 percent (based on HRR) for 2021-22; at 10 percent for 2022-23; and at 6 percent for each of the final three seasons of the deal.
But now, the NHL is asking that the union agree to increase the escrow cap to perhaps as much as 9.5 percent for those final three years of the CBA.
Understand: Four months after negotiating a six-year deal in the midst of this ongoing pandemic that took into account potential economic distress created by the pandemic, the NHL is claiming it cannot live by the deal. It is impossible to cite a precedent in pro sport labor law history. The NHL is asking for a do-over.
We are told that the requests to renegotiate deferrals and the escrow cap annoyed, if not angered, the union membership participating on the call. At the same time, the NHL requests were not delivered in the form of an ultimatum. The union is likely to identify issues, perhaps systemic issues, it would like reopened in a renegotiation. The original 10-percent deferral is due back to the players without interest in three equal, annual installments beginning in October 2022. Perhaps the PA could negotiate for the full 23-percent deferral to accrue interest.
The Post has learned that a preliminary 60-game schedule was delivered to the league and to the PA for review within the last 48 hours. Sources report that there has been ongoing dialogue and progress between the league and the union regarding the 2020-21 format, schedule and health protocols, and that neither side believes the NHL’s Jan. 1 targeted puck drop is yet threatened by the CBA-related talks.
We’ll see.


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--ESPN’s NBA Draft broadcast doesn’t have a chance against Adrian Wojnarowski

If you don ’ t want to know , don ’ t look at his Twitter .
During Wednesday night ’ s 2020 NBA Draft , ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski continued his tradition of spoiling picks on his Twitter feed , sometimes beating his own network ’ s broadcast by two picks .
For example , Wojnarowski announced Detroit would be picking Killian Hayes at No .
7 before the No .
6 pick was officially announced .
He did the same with LaMelo Ball at No .
3 to Charlotte , tipping it off even before James Wiseman was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Golden State .
Though ESPN has instructed its reporters not to tip off picks in the past , Wojnarowski has often ignored that advice in order to compete with rival newsbreaker Shams Charania of The Athletic .
As analysts Jay Williams and Jay Bilas debated who would be best for the Knicks to select at No .
8 on the braodcast , Wojnarowski had long since spoiled the news .
This year he ’ s continued to find creative ways to tip-toe the line with his draft reports , writing that Detroit was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 and that Charlotte was “ focused ” on Ball at No .
3 .

If you don’t want to know, don’t look at his Twitter.
During Wednesday night’s 2020 NBA Draft, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski continued his tradition of spoiling picks on his Twitter feed, sometimes beating his own network’s broadcast by two picks.
For example, Wojnarowski announced Detroit would be picking Killian Hayes at No. 7 before the No. 6 pick was officially announced. He did the same with LaMelo Ball at No. 3 to Charlotte, tipping it off even before James Wiseman was formally announced at No. 2 to Golden State.
Though ESPN has instructed its reporters not to tip off picks in the past, Wojnarowski has often ignored that advice in order to compete with rival newsbreaker Shams Charania of The Athletic.
As analysts Jay Williams and Jay Bilas debated who would be best for the Knicks to select at No. 8 on the braodcast, Wojnarowski had long since spoiled the news.
This year he’s continued to find creative ways to tip-toe the line with his draft reports, writing that Detroit was “targeting” Hayes at No. 7 and that Charlotte was “focused” on Ball at No. 3.


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Cuomo to forgo his $25,000 raise through executive order

ALBANY — If I ’ m going down , you ’ re coming with me !
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo declared he will forgo his anticipated $ 25,000 raise slated for Jan. 2021 , but so will other top politicians and state officials in light of the Empire State ’ s staggering $ 63 billion deficit .
Cuomo is owed an extra $ 25,000 at the start of the new year by law , which would transform him into the nation ’ s highest paid governor — raking in a whopping $ 250,000 annually .
Instead , Cuomo promised to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteered to slash salary increases also expected by Lieutenant Gov .
Kathy Hochul , Attorney General Letitia James and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and a slew of agency commissioners .
“ I ’ m gon na ask them to defer their raises and not take a raise given the overall financial picture for the same rationale that we didn ’ t do a raise , ” Cuomo told reporters during a Wednesday press conference in Albany .
“ I understand there ’ s a disconnect in the law , but I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the other electeds not to take a raise this year and then I ’ ll do an [ executive order ] to that effect — because it ’ s the same rationale now as not giving a raise to the other people , ” he added , referring to a new report released by a state panel charged with setting salary increases for state officials earlier this week that put the kibosh on raises for state judges as well as the Legislature ’ s 213 state Senators and Assemblymembers .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little complicated .
The judges and the legislators don ’ t get a legal raise — technically , the four statewides do , and the commissioners do , ” he explained .
The two groups ’ raises are separated by differences in state law — Cuomo , Hochul , James , Dinapoli and the agency commissioners ’ raises are triggered by a joint resolution voted on by the state Legislature .
But the lawmakers abdicated their own salary hikes to the whim of the Commission on Legislative , Judicial and Executive Compensation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll on state coffers — bleeding $ 14 billion heading into the 2021 state budget cycle and culminating to a total $ 30 billion in 2022 .
Other losses include New York City , the embattled MTA and Port Authority — bringing state losses over a four year period to roughly $ 63 billion .
Cuomo however will be making extra cash this year however — under the deal for his new book “ American Crisis ” released last month .
It ’ s yet unclear how much he ’ ll be making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have repeatedly told reporters the number will be in the governor ’ s next campaign filing reports .
But Cuomo has said vaguely that a portion will be donated to a coronavirus-related entity .

ALBANY — If I’m going down, you’re coming with me!
Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared he will forgo his anticipated $25,000 raise slated for Jan. 2021, but so will other top politicians and state officials in light of the Empire State’s staggering $63 billion revenue shortfall.
Cuomo is owed an extra $25,000 at the start of the new year by law, which would transform him into the nation’s highest paid governor — raking in a whopping $250,000 annually.
Instead, Cuomo promised to give up his raise — and also volunteered to slash salary increases also expected by Lieutenant Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and a slew of agency commissioners.
“I’m gonna ask them to defer their raises and not take a raise given the overall financial picture for the same rationale that we didn’t do a raise,” Cuomo told reporters during a Wednesday press conference in Albany.
“I understand there’s a disconnect in the law, but I’m going to ask the commissioners, myself, the other electeds not to take a raise this year and then I’ll do an [executive order] to that effect — because it’s the same rationale now as not giving a raise to the other people,” he added, referring to a new report released by a state panel charged with setting salary increases for state officials earlier this week that put the kibosh on raises for state judges as well as the Legislature’s 213 state Senators and Assemblymembers.
“The way it works I think is a little complicated. The judges and the legislators don’t get a legal raise — technically, the four statewides do, and the commissioners do,” he explained.
The two groups’ raises are separated by differences in state law — Cuomo, Hochul, James, Dinapoli and the agency commissioners’ raises are triggered by a joint resolution voted on by the state Legislature. But the lawmakers abdicated their own salary hikes to the whim of the Commission on Legislative, Judicial and Executive Compensation.
The coronavirus pandemic has taken a major toll on state coffers — bleeding $14 billion heading into the 2021 state budget cycle and culminating to a total $30 billion in 2022. Other losses include New York City, the embattled MTA and Port Authority — bringing the state’s revenue shortfall over a four year period to roughly $63 billion.
Cuomo however will be making extra cash this year however — under the deal for his new book “American Crisis” released last month.
It’s yet unclear how much he’ll be making, as Cuomo himself and his office have repeatedly told reporters the number will be in the governor’s next campaign filing reports.
But Cuomo has said vaguely that a portion will be donated to a coronavirus-related entity.


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Trump campaign lawyer under protection following ‘threats of harm’

One of President Trump ’ s campaign lawyers in Pennsylvania was placed under official protection following threats against her , according to court papers filed Wednesday evening .
Philadelphia lawyer Linda Kerns “ has been the subject of threats of harm , to the point at which the involvement of police and US Marshals has been necessary to provide for her safety , ” the filing says .
The stunning revelation came two days after Kerns , a solo practitioner , sought sanctions against a lawyer from the firm representing Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar for leaving her an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kerns also said in court papers Monday that she ’ d “ been subjected to continuous harassment in the form of abusive emails , phone calls , physical and economic threats , and even accusations of treason — all for representing the President of the United States ’ campaign in this litigation.
” Later Monday , Kerns sought permission to quit the case , in which Trump ’ s campaign is challenging his projected loss to Joe Biden in the crucial Keystone State .
The move came after Williamsport , Penn.
, @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the firm of Porter , Wright , Morris & Arthur to withdraw from the case after it came under attack by the anti-Trump group The Lincoln Project .
Brann also let two Texas lawyers who were subsequently hired by Trump ’ s campaign withdraw on Monday , just hours after they officially joined the case .

One of President Trump’s campaign lawyers in Pennsylvania was placed under official protection following threats against her, according to court papers filed Wednesday evening.
Philadelphia lawyer Linda Kerns “has been the subject of threats of harm, to the point at which the involvement of police and US Marshals has been necessary to provide for her safety,” the filing says.
The stunning revelation came two days after Kerns, a solo practitioner, sought sanctions against a lawyer from the firm representing Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar for leaving her an “abusive voicemail” on Saturday night.
Kerns also said in court papers Monday that she’d “been subjected to continuous harassment in the form of abusive emails, phone calls, physical and economic threats, and even accusations of treason — all for representing the President of the United States’ campaign in this litigation.”
Later Monday, Kerns sought permission to quit the case, in which Trump’s campaign is challenging his projected loss to Joe Biden in the crucial Keystone State.
The move came after Williamsport, Pa., federal Judge Matthew Brann on Friday allowed the firm of Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur to withdraw from the case after the firm came under attack by the anti-Trump group The Lincoln Project.
Brann also let two Texas lawyers who were subsequently hired by Trump’s campaign withdraw on Monday, just hours after they officially joined the case.
Kerns didn’t immediately return an email seeking comment.


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Knicks take Obi Toppin with No. 8 pick in 2020 NBA Draft

His mother , Roni Toppin , described the season as “ unimaginable ” and ...

A teary Brooklyn homecoming took place Wednesday in the NBA draft.
Obi Toppin is a Knick.
Dayton’s 6-foot-9 scoring forward fell to No. 8 on Wednesday night, and Knicks president Leon Rose pounced on the National College Player of the Year, whom he nearly traded up to get.
The Post reported in Wednesday’s editions the speculation that Toppin, who was long expected to be taken at No. 5 by the Cavaliers, could fall to 8.
And Cleveland obliged by taking Auburn small forward Isaac Okoro. That set the stage for the Flyers forward to drop to the Knicks.
After the selection, Toppin was in tears and got choked up as he was interviewed by ESPN.
“I’m from New York, that’s why it’s important, I’m not going to take it for granted,” Toppin said through tears. “It’s amazing.
“I had the God-given blessing to be No. 8, and go to my hometown, which was New York,’’ he said later on Zoom. “Me being in this position is a blessing.”
Toppin’s lone weakness is his fire on the defensive end, and the Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau is a defensive coach.
“I learned a lot about Coach through this pandemic,’’ Toppin said of Thibodeau. “I understand he’s a defensive coach, and that’s one of my biggest things I need to work on. He’s going to make sure that I lock in and make sure that I become great one day. I feel like if I get that defensive scheme down, I’m going to be a really good player one day, a really great player one day.’’
The Knicks had two other selections on the night. After two separate swaps, with the Jazz and the Timberwolves, they turned the 27th and 38th selections into the 25th and 33rd. The Knicks are believed to have also given cash to the Timberwolves.
With the 25th pick, they were able to add a Kentucky point guard Immanuel Quickley, who is an excellent 3-point shooter (42.8 percent). The Knicks then traded the 33rd pick when their target, Duke center Vernon Carey Jr., went off the board at 32. The Knicks picked, then dealt, University of Minnesota big man Daniel Oturu to the Clippers, getting a 2023 second-round pick in return, via the Pistons.
The 22-year-old Toppin is a Creative Artists Agency client, and Rose had hoped all along he would fall. Rose used to run CAA, and Toppin has been working out with Rose’s first client, Rick Brunson, in South Jersey. Toppin has been compared to Shawn Marion and Amar’e Stoudemire, for his explosiveness.
NBA Draft Tracker: Picks and analysis
In a statement, Rose said: “As one of the highest ranked players on our draft board, Obi was someone we really coveted. He’s an explosive athlete and one of the most dynamic players in college basketball. Just as importantly, he’s also a high character individual with a tremendous work ethic. We look forward to a bright future with him and are excited to bring a native New Yorker home to The Garden.”
Toppin plays the same position as current Knick Julius Randle, who never formed a great chemistry with swingman RJ Barrett.
“I feel like me and RJ are going to be a great duo,’’ Toppin said. “RJ having the IQ and skills he has, I feel like we’re going to be a very dynamic duo in the NBA, and we’re going prove that this year or this upcoming season.”
During the pandemic, Toppin said he watched a lot of Anthony Davis and Stoudemire.
“I try to mimic my game after Anthony Davis and he has a lot of tools on the offensive and defensive side,’’ Toppin said on a Zoom call. “I’ll have to work a lot on the defensive to be as efficient as Anthony Davis is. But I feel offensively I study what he does and I watch a lot of his film.’’
Toppin’s career has been a rags-to-riches story — a late bloomer who grew 8 inches from his junior year of high school until freshman year of college.
Toppin became the most exciting player in college basketball and led small-school Dayton to a No. 3 ranking as he won player of the year awards. He didn’t have a single scholarship offer coming out of Ossining High School in Westchester County.
According to sources, the Knicks talked to the Cavaliers about swapping the eighth and fifth picks by dangling their newly acquired 23rd selection. But Rose held firm.
With point guard Killian Hayes off the board after Detroit took him at No. 7, taking Toppin was a no-brainer for the Knicks. For months, Toppin was penciled in at No. 5, with speculation Cleveland was planning to keep the Dayton forward in Ohio. But he’s coming home instead.


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Lebron James taps Diddy protégée Dia Simms for new booze line

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 ) Lebron James has invested in @ @ @ @ @ brand , and the woman behind Diddy ’ s billion-dollar booze business has been tapped @ @ @ @ @ Simms — the music mogul ’ s former protégée who spent more than 15 years @ @ @ @ @ is the new CEO of the James-backed Lobos 1707 line , according to a press @ @ @ @ @ us James invested in the brand with partner Maverick Carter because of its commitment to @ @ @ @ @ Six reported that Simms left Diddy ’ s company last year to enter the cannabis @ @ @ @ @ now gone back to the booze biz .
Fellow hoopers Anthony Davis and Draymond Green @ @ @ @ @ company , which had a debut profile in WSJ .
Magazine Wednesday .

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)
LeBron James has invested in a new tequila and mezcal brand, and the woman behind Diddy’s billion-dollar booze business has been tapped to run it.
Dia Simms — the music mogul’s former protégée who spent more than 15 years helping him build Cîroc — is the new CEO of the James-backed Lobos 1707 line, according to a press release.
An insider told us James invested in the brand with partner Maverick Carter because of its commitment to “diverse leadership.”
Page Six reported that Simms left Diddy’s company last year to enter the cannabis industry, but she has now gone back to the booze biz.
Fellow hoopers Anthony Davis and Draymond Green are also investors in the company, which had a debut profile in WSJ. Magazine Wednesday.


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Samoa braces for first possible COVID-19 case

The small island nation of Samoa has had its first brush with coronavirus since the pandemic started after a sailor on the island tested positive .
The unidentified man , who arrived in Samoa from New Zealand last Friday , tested positive Tuesday night , the New Zealand Herald reported .
A second test came back negative Wednesday morning , but authorities are still treating it as the first positive case on the island .
The sailor has been in isolation since arriving in the country .
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi spoke of the confirmed case in a television @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AFP reported .
“ We now have one case and will be added to the countries of the world that have the coronavirus , ” he said .
The island nation , along with other Pacific islands including the Solomon Islands and the Marshall Islands , had not registered a positive case for months as countries across the globe have been ravaged by the pandemic .
They ’ ve now all had confirmed cases , but have avoided community spread of the virus .
The island territories and nations Kiribati , Micronesia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still believed to be coronavirus free , the AFP reported .

The small island nation of Samoa has had its first brush with coronavirus since the pandemic started after a sailor on the island tested positive.
The unidentified man, who arrived in Samoa from New Zealand last Friday, tested positive Tuesday night, the New Zealand Herald reported. A second test came back negative Wednesday morning, but authorities are still treating it as the first positive case on the island.
The sailor has been in isolation since arriving in the country.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi spoke of the confirmed case in a television address on Thursday local time, the AFP reported.
“We now have one case and will be added to the countries of the world that have the coronavirus,” he said.
The island nation, along with other Pacific islands including the Solomon Islands and the Marshall Islands, had not registered a positive case for months as countries across the globe have been ravaged by the pandemic.
They’ve now all had confirmed cases, but have avoided community spread of the virus.
The island territories and nations Kiribati, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Tonga and Tuvalu are still believed to be coronavirus free, the AFP reported.


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs getting death threats over election results

Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs is catching so much ...

Arizona’s top elections official on Wednesday said she’s received “ongoing and escalating” threats of violence in the aftermath of Joe Biden’s win over President Trump in the 2020 race.
Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, criticized the Trump administration and other Republicans, for spreading “misinformation” about the election that she said has prompted the threats.
“There are those, including the president, members of Congress and their elected officials, who are perpetuating misinformation and are encouraging others to distrust the election results in a manner that violates the oath of office they took,” Hobbs said in a statement.
“It is well past time that they stop. Their words and actions have consequences.”
Hobbs recently received a death threat that was posted to the conservative social media site Parler, which read, “Let’s burn her house down and kill her family and teach these fraudsters a lesson,” her office said.
Her home address and personal information as well as her son’s cellphone number were also posted on Parler, Hobbs told NBC affiliate 12 News in Phoenix.
On Tuesday evening, a group of protesters showed up to Hobbs’ Phoenix home, chanting, “We are watching you” and “We want an audit,” according to surveillance footage obtained by local outlets.
In her statement, Hobbs vowed that the “continued intimidation tactics will not prevent me from performing the duties I swore an oath to do.”
The threats against Hobbs began escalating last week after a 2017 tweet of hers resurfaced. In the tweet, Hobbs accused Trump of being “more interested in pandering to his neo-nazi base than being @POTUS for all Americans” referring to his response on the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Hobbs defended the tweet saying, “I was not targeting every single Trump supporter. It was clearly geared toward people who supported the actions at this rally.”
Hobbs said she had been “prepared” to receive threats, writing Wednesday that “I have been a social worker for many years and can anticipate this reaction when certain people feel powerless and angry.”
“They are a symptom of a deeper problem in our state and country — the consistent and systematic undermining of trust in each other and our democratic process.”
Hobbs also blasted Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey saying his “deafening silence has contributed to the growing unrest,” as she called on him to “stand up for truth.”
On Wednesday, Ducey denounced the threats against Hobbs, calling them “completely unacceptable,” and saying that his administration “will do whatever it takes to protect Secretary Hobbs,” the Arizona Republic reported.
But he didn’t tamp down unfounded claims of voter fraud, saying instead that “there are questions and those questions should be answered.”
Arizona — which picked a Democratic presidential candidate this election for the first time since 1996 — is one of several states where Republicans have attempted legal action to challenge the results.
The state GOP party has filed a legal challenge seeking a new hand-count of a sampling of ballots in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, and a court order prohibiting the county from certifying election results until its case is decided by a judge.
Hobbs’ lawyers said in a filing that the true intent behind the case was “delay — not the adjudication of good faith claims.”
The certification is expected on Thursday or Friday, ahead of the Nov. 23 deadline for counties to approve election results.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Gov. Cuomo can’t get sheriffs to enforce 10-person cap on Thanksgiving dinner

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic .
ALBANY — Gov .
Andrew Cuomo is having a hard time getting sheriffs across the state on board with enforcing his 10-person limit on Thanksgiving dinners — his latest effort to suppress the Empire State ’ s rising coronavirus rate .
“ I don ’ t believe as a law enforcement officer you have a right to pick and choose what laws you will enforce , ” Cuomo told reporters Wednesday during an Albany-based press conference .
But a slew of upstate sheriffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be checking up on gatherings come Turkey Day , arguing limited resources and other public safety priorities trump “ counting cars ” in driveways and “ investigating ” how much turkey and dressing a household may purchase .
The third-term Democrat mimicked the defying cops : “ ‘ Well I don ’ t believe in that law and therefore I won ’ t enforce it.
’ ” “ That is frankly frightening to me as an individual , frightening to democracy , it ’ s arrogant and a violation of constitutional duty .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I swear to uphold the laws that I agree with .
I didn ’ t say that , ” he continued .
“ ‘ If I don ’ t agree with a law , then I ’ m not gon na enforce that law.
’ No .
Doesn ’ t matter what my opinion is , I ’ m a law enforcement officer .
I enforce the laws .
I don ’ t get to pick and choose.
” The move has ruffled the likes of politicians as well , including Staten Island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted last week he ’ s already planning on having a party with over 10 guests — daring a crackdown .
Even New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio admitted his own NYPD has too much on their plate to creep on individual parties , arguing he will be focusing on an educational campaign so New Yorkers can make informed decisions on their own .
However , the Mayor said busting up bigger pow-wows and gatherings fall under the purview of the NYC Sheriff ’ s Office , staffed at 150 members .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions over the last several weeks , as New York ’ s infection rate has crept up past 3 percent , hospitalization totals have surpassed 2,000 individuals and additional “ micro-cluster ” infection hotspots have spread from the five boroughs to parts of Upstate .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
ALBANY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo is having a hard time getting sheriffs across the state on board with enforcing his 10-person limit on Thanksgiving dinners — his latest effort to suppress the Empire State’s rising coronavirus rate.
“I don’t believe as a law enforcement officer you have a right to pick and choose what laws you will enforce,” Cuomo told reporters Wednesday during an Albany-based press conference.
But a slew of upstate sheriffs have already declared they won’t be checking up on gatherings come Turkey Day, arguing limited resources and other public safety priorities trump “counting cars” in driveways and “investigating” how much turkey and dressing a household may purchase.
The third-term Democrat mimicked the defying cops: “‘Well I don’t believe in that law and therefore I won’t enforce it.’”
“That is frankly frightening to me as an individual, frightening to democracy, it’s arrogant and a violation of constitutional duty. “I didn’t say: I swear to uphold the laws that I agree with. I didn’t say that,” he continued.
“‘If I don’t agree with a law, then I’m not gonna enforce that law.’ No. Doesn’t matter what my opinion is, I’m a law enforcement officer. I enforce the laws. I don’t get to pick and choose.”
The move has ruffled the likes of politicians as well, including Staten Island Republican City Councilman Joe Borelli, who tweeted last week he’s already planning on having a party with over 10 guests — daring a crackdown.
Even New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio admitted his own NYPD has too much on their plate to creep on individual parties, arguing he will be focusing on an educational campaign so New Yorkers can make informed decisions on their own.
However, the Mayor said busting up bigger pow-wows and gatherings fall under the purview of the NYC Sheriff’s Office, staffed at 150 members.
State officials have announced ramped up COVID-19 restrictions over the last several weeks, as New York’s infection rate has crept up past 3 percent, hospitalization totals have surpassed 2,000 individuals and additional “micro-cluster” infection hotspots have spread from the five boroughs to parts of Upstate.


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Adam Gase addresses tanking talk swirling around Jets

Jets fans are dreaming of the No .
1 pick in next spring ’ s draft , but the Jets themselves are not ready to tank for Trevor , or anyone else .
“ That ’ s something that — nobody ’ s talked about that , ” head coach Adam Gase said Wednesday .
The Jets dumped another veteran this week , releasing cornerback Pierre Desir on Tuesday .
He is the latest veteran to be cut or traded by the team in recent weeks , joining Le ’ Veon Bell , Steve McLendon and Avery Williamson .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention toward developing their younger players , which might make it look like they have given up on the season .
But Gase and his players insist they are not thinking about Clemson ’ s star quarterback , Trevor Lawrence .
They want to win a game , they hope this Sunday against the Chargers .
“ We ’ re not really looking at the draft .
We just want to win one game , ” rookie tackle Mekhi Becton said .
“ That ’ s all of our mindset right now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we get the first pick .
We ’ re not worried about that as players .
We just want to go out there and win.
” Outside of the Jets organization , many fans want to see the team play well but lose , like they did against the Patriots in their most recent game .
The organization has made a decision to play its younger players .
There are four potential rookie starters this week against the Chargers — Becton , wide receiver Denzel Mims , cornerback Bryce Hall and safety Ashtyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you count punter Braden Mann .
There are two more rookies with large roles off the bench : running back La ’ Mical Perine and linebacker Bryce Huff .
That kind of youth movement could raise speculation the Jets have packed it in for 2020 and are turning their attention toward 2021 .
“ We can ’ t worry about what anybody else thinks , ” Gase said .
“ We know we ’ re trying to get guys better that are here and we ’ re trying to figure out ways to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about 2021 .
He almost certainly will be fired after this season if the Jets do not turn things around over the final seven weeks .
He said he is trying to put together the best game plan to win each week and does not see playing younger guys as a detriment .
“ Some of these guys that are really young , they ’ re fun to coach because these guys , they ’ re all ears , they ’ re trying to do everything possible to put themselves and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Gase said .
“ Last year was a good example of having success with some of these guys that a lot of people didn ’ t think were very good , and we were able to win some games because of it .
We ’ ve just got to keep getting these guys better and find a way to win it at the end of game .
When we get to the fourth quarter and it ’ s a close game , let ’ s go win one of these things.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was terrible against the Patriots , clears the way for Hall , the team ’ s fifth-round pick , to start and play more .
Going to the younger players is the smart decision , if not the one that will result in the most wins in 2020 .
“ We ’ re just trying to play young guys , we ’ re trying to get guys experience , we ’ re trying to make sure that we get guys out there and compete , ” Gase said .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that I especially saw on Monday night , I mean these guys you watch these guys come off the field , whatever they have , they ’ re giving it .
We ’ ve just got to figure out a way to finish these games to where we ’ re winning the game , we ’ ve got one more point than the other side .
”

Jets fans are dreaming of the No. 1 pick in next spring’s draft, but the Jets themselves are not ready to tank for Trevor, or anyone else.
“That’s something that — nobody’s talked about that,” head coach Adam Gase said Wednesday.
The Jets dumped another veteran this week, releasing cornerback Pierre Desir on Tuesday. He is the latest veteran to be cut or traded by the team in recent weeks, joining Le’Veon Bell, Steve McLendon and Avery Williamson.
At 0-9, the Jets are turning their attention toward developing their younger players, which might make it look like they have given up on the season. But Gase and his players insist they are not thinking about Clemson’s star quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. They want to win a game, they hope this Sunday against the Chargers.
“We’re not really looking at the draft. We just want to win one game,” rookie tackle Mekhi Becton said. “That’s all of our mindset right now. We’re not caring about if we get the first pick. We’re not worried about that as players. We just want to go out there and win.”
Outside of the Jets organization, many fans want to see the team play well but lose, like they did against the Patriots in their most recent game.
The organization has made a decision to play its younger players. There are four potential rookie starters this week against the Chargers — Becton, wide receiver Denzel Mims, cornerback Bryce Hall and safety Ashtyn Davis. It’s five if you count punter Braden Mann. There are two more rookies with large roles off the bench: running back La’Mical Perine and linebacker Bryce Huff.
That kind of youth movement could raise speculation the Jets have packed it in for 2020 and are turning their attention toward 2021.
“We can’t worry about what anybody else thinks,” Gase said. “We know we’re trying to get guys better that are here and we’re trying to figure out ways to win games.”
Gase can’t think about 2021. He almost certainly will be fired after this season if the Jets do not turn things around over the final seven weeks. He said he is trying to put together the best game plan to win each week and does not see playing younger guys as a detriment.
“Some of these guys that are really young, they’re fun to coach because these guys, they’re all ears, they’re trying to do everything possible to put themselves and the team in the best position possible,” Gase said. “Last year was a good example of having success with some of these guys that a lot of people didn’t think were very good, and we were able to win some games because of it. We’ve just got to keep getting these guys better and find a way to win it at the end of game. When we get to the fourth quarter and it’s a close game, let’s go win one of these things.”
The decision to move on from Desir, who was terrible against the Patriots, clears the way for Hall, the team’s fifth-round pick, to start and play more. Going to the younger players is the smart decision, if not the one that will result in the most wins in 2020.
“We’re just trying to play young guys, we’re trying to get guys experience, we’re trying to make sure that we get guys out there and compete,” Gase said. “That’s one thing that I can say that I especially saw on Monday night, I mean these guys you watch these guys come off the field, whatever they have, they’re giving it. We’ve just got to figure out a way to finish these games to where we’re winning the game, we’ve got one more point than the other side.”


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Blood, puke, brazen sex: This Metro-North conductor has seen it all

Fisticuffs , drunks throwing up , not-so-sneaky sex and the ritual scalping of rule-breakers on the quiet car — Metro-North conductor Michael Shaw saw it all during his 36 years working the New Haven line into Grand Central Terminal .
Nonetheless , the wise-cracking 55-year-old , who retired in September , was devoted to the passengers he got to know so well during the typical two-hour journey between the two cities .
“ There ’ s a special bond among commuters and conductors on Metro-North , ” he told The Post .
“ It ’ s not like the subway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a million different people every day .
“ Instead , you can ride the same train for five years , sit next to the same person every day and banter with the regular employees .
After a while , you become friends.
” Now Shaw is celebrating his affection for his former job with the publication of a hilarious , frequently touching memoir called : “ My Rail Life : Stories of a Railroad Conductor.
” In it , the North Haven , Connecticut resident explains how he followed in the footsteps of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by starting first as a porter at the age of 18 in 1984 and then being promoted to the ticket-collecting position eight months later .
In total , six of Robert ’ s eight children wound up working for Metro-North at various times .
“ The railroad is in our blood , ” said Shaw .
“ I couldn ’ t imagine having any other career.
” He was fairly green in the beginning : getting stations mixed up and mispronouncing stops such as Mamaroneck .
But his confidence grew at a similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks into the job , he took revenge on a drunken male model who boarded the train without a ticket or cash , then mocked Shaw for earning “ pennies ” while he pocketed “ millions.
” After the scofflaw kicked off his pricey brogues and passed out , an angry Shaw quietly picked up one of the shoes , walked back to his train cab and hurled it out of the window .
“ I ’ d never done anything like this before or after that day , ” he assured readers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved passengers .
One Monday morning , Shaw broke up a fight between a diminutive attorney and a burly businessman , both in their 40s .
The pair — who habitually sat in the same seats — had gotten into a steaming row after the lawyer rested her injured , cast-encased foot on his chosen seat .
“ There were plenty of other places to sit and the man was rude , but he wasn ’ t wrong to tell her to remove her foot , ” recalled the conductor .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big guy in the face .
There was blood pouring down his nose and his glasses were broke.
” Transit cops arrived and each party pressed charges .
Meanwhile , to keep up morale and entertain , Shaw used the public address system to make witty announcements .
On the day Pope Francis visited New York in 2015 , he rewrote the lyrics to “ Hallelujah ” with a Metro-North theme .
Other times , he launched a contest asking commuters to wear clothes in the same color as the new monthly pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under his arm — “ A young man got on at Bridgeport with a joey , ” he explained — and insisted that a railway-obsessed boy with autism take over the microphone to list the stations .
“ The delight on his face spoke volumes , ” said Shaw .
But his well-meaning nature got him into trouble in 2014 .
On a freezing cold Friday afternoon , he mistakenly told folks waiting on packed platforms not to worry because there was another train right behind .
And so on the following Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letters on passengers ’ seats .
The very personal mea culpa made headlines , but incensed his bosses .
He escaped disciplinary action on that occasion but wasn ’ t as fortunate two years later when , as president of the Association of Commuter Rail Employees Local 1 , he was suspended for 60 days .
According to Shaw , his offense was sending an off-color text to a trainer administering a test for prospective conductors , jokingly asking for the answers .
“ It was a huge mistake that I was very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The irrepressible Shaw soon bounced back .
He returned to his gig advising over-amorous lovers to “ put your clothes back on , ” policing the quiet car and placing bets with other staff over which plastered passenger staggering toward the train would puke first .
Although he retired to spend more time with his wife , Tina , 52 , and daughters , Chelsea , 28 , and 26-year-old Caitlyn , he misses the daily routine , much like the hordes of commuters who no longer travel into Manhattan because of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friendship I found on the New Haven line , ” concluded Shaw .
“ As soon as things settle down , New Yorkers need to get back on their trains .
”

Fisticuffs, drunks throwing up, not-so-sneaky sex and the ritual scalping of rule-breakers on the quiet car — Metro-North conductor Michael Shaw saw it all during his 36 years working the New Haven line into Grand Central Terminal.
Nonetheless, the wise-cracking 55-year-old, who retired in September, was devoted to the passengers he got to know so well during the typical two-hour journey between the two cities.
“There’s a special bond among commuters and conductors on Metro-North,” he told The Post. “It’s not like the subway, where you’re traveling with a million different people every day.
“Instead, you can ride the same train for five years, sit next to the same person every day and banter with the regular employees. After a while, you become friends.”
Now Shaw is celebrating his affection for his former job with the publication of a hilarious, frequently touching memoir called: “My Rail Life: Stories of a Railroad Conductor.”
In it, the North Haven, Connecticut resident explains how he followed in the footsteps of his late conductor father, Robert, by starting first as a porter at the age of 18 in 1984 and then being promoted to the ticket-collecting position eight months later. In total, six of Robert’s eight children wound up working for Metro-North at various times.
“The railroad is in our blood,” said Shaw. “I couldn’t imagine having any other career.”
He was fairly green in the beginning: getting stations mixed up and mispronouncing stops such as Mamaroneck. But his confidence grew at a similar rate to his trademark mischief-making.
Three weeks into the job, he took revenge on a drunken male model who boarded the train without a ticket or cash, then mocked Shaw for earning “pennies” while he pocketed “millions.”
After the scofflaw kicked off his pricey brogues and passed out, an angry Shaw quietly picked up one of the shoes, walked back to his train cab and hurled it out of the window. “I’d never done anything like this before or after that day,” he assured readers of his self-published book.
Most altercations involved passengers. One Monday morning, Shaw broke up a fight between a diminutive attorney and a burly businessman, both in their 40s. The pair — who habitually sat in the same seats — had gotten into a steaming row after the lawyer rested her injured, cast-encased foot on his chosen seat.
“There were plenty of other places to sit and the man was rude, but he wasn’t wrong to tell her to remove her foot,” recalled the conductor. “The tiny attorney jumped up and punched the big guy in the face. There was blood pouring down his nose and his glasses were broke.” Transit cops arrived and each party pressed charges.
‘I couldn’t imagine having any other career.’
Meanwhile, to keep up morale and entertain, Shaw used the public address system to make witty announcements. On the day Pope Francis visited New York in 2015, he rewrote the lyrics to “Hallelujah” with a Metro-North theme.
Other times, he launched a contest asking commuters to wear clothes in the same color as the new monthly pass, punched tickets with a baby kangaroo under his arm — “A young man got on at Bridgeport with a joey,” he explained — and insisted that a railway-obsessed boy with autism take over the microphone to list the stations. “The delight on his face spoke volumes,” said Shaw.
But his well-meaning nature got him into trouble in 2014. On a freezing cold Friday afternoon, he mistakenly told folks waiting on packed platforms not to worry because there was another train right behind. And so on the following Monday, the then-48-year-old placed 500 unauthorized apology letters on passengers’ seats.
The very personal mea culpa made headlines, but incensed his bosses. He escaped disciplinary action on that occasion but wasn’t as fortunate two years later when, as president of the Association of Commuter Rail Employees Local 1, he was suspended for 60 days. According to Shaw, his offense was sending an off-color text to a trainer administering a test for prospective conductors, jokingly asking for the answers.
“It was a huge mistake that I was very embarrassed by,” he admitted.
The irrepressible Shaw soon bounced back. He returned to his gig advising over-amorous lovers to “put your clothes back on,” policing the quiet car and placing bets with other staff over which plastered passenger staggering toward the train would puke first.
Although he retired to spend more time with his wife, Tina, 52, and daughters, Chelsea, 28, and 26-year-old Caitlyn, he misses the daily routine, much like the hordes of commuters who no longer travel into Manhattan because of COVID-19.
“Nothing beats the camaraderie and friendship I found on the New Haven line,” concluded Shaw. “As soon as things settle down, New Yorkers need to get back on their trains.”


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--COVID-19 stricken mom gives birth to premature twins while in coma

A English woman gave birth to premature twins while in a coma with the coronavirus , a report said .
Perpetual Uke delivered the babies — a boy and a girl — via caesarean section on April 10 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham , Sky News reported .
The twins were just 26 weeks old and each weighed under two pounds .
Just weeks earlier , Uke was admitted to the hospital , hooked up to a ventilator and placed in an induced coma .
“ By the time I woke up , I was so disorientated , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought I ’ d lost my pregnancy because I couldn ’ t see my bump any more .
I was really worried.
” The babies , named Palmer and Pascal , were cared for in the hospital ’ s neonatal intensive unit — and their mother spent 16 days in critical care before seeing them .
“ They were so tiny they didn ’ t look like my older kids , I couldn ’ t touch them , I felt so emotional , ” she told the outlet .
Uke ’ s husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotions the day his wife gave birth .
“ I had mixed feelings when the twins were brought out ” , he said .
“ My wife was still in a coma , sick , I couldn ’ t talk to her .
I was happy the twins were delivered but the thing is , is my wife coming home ?
” Perpetual and her twins were eventually released from the hospital and the mother said they are doing “ wonderfully .
”

A English woman gave birth to premature twins while in a coma with the coronavirus, a report said.
Perpetual Uke delivered the babies — a boy and a girl — via caesarean section on April 10 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Sky News reported. The twins were just 26 weeks old and each weighed under two pounds.
Just weeks earlier, Uke was admitted to the hospital, hooked up to a ventilator and placed in an induced coma.
“By the time I woke up, I was so disorientated,” the mother told the outlet. “I thought I’d lost my pregnancy because I couldn’t see my bump any more. I was really worried.”
The babies, named Palmer and Pascal, were cared for in the hospital’s neonatal intensive unit — and their mother spent 16 days in critical care before seeing them.
“They were so tiny they didn’t look like my older kids, I couldn’t touch them, I felt so emotional,” she told the outlet.
Uke’s husband, Matthew Uke, recalled the mixed emotions the day his wife gave birth.
“I had mixed feelings when the twins were brought out”, he said. “My wife was still in a coma, sick, I couldn’t talk to her. I was happy the twins were delivered but the thing is, is my wife coming home?”
Perpetual and her twins were eventually released from the hospital and the mother said they are doing “wonderfully.”


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Nets likely will need third team to complete James Harden deal

The Nets and Rockets are seemingly playing a game of ...

The Nets might not have enough to land James Harden. But the question is: Do they have enough to get what it takes to land him?
As the feeling in NBA circles grows the Nets will be able to retain free agent Joe Harris, questions abound regarding whether they can trade directly for Harden. With the Rockets believed to be demanding a star in any deal, the Nets could (and most likely would) consider bringing in a third team.
Despite Harden’s clear intention of leaving Houston, and preference for coming to Brooklyn, the Rockets are signaling publicly they don’t plan to trade him — and signaling privately that if they do, it won’t be for anything less than a replacement face of the franchise.
“We’re willing to get uncomfortable,” a Rockets source told ESPN, pushing the narrative that Houston would rather go into the season with Harden and Russell Westbrook on the roster rather than trade them on the cheap.
Still, that’s unlikely to deter Nets general manager Sean Marks, even if he has no All-Stars — such as Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons, or Boston’s Kemba Walker and Gordon Hayward — to offer.
Marks does have the leverage of knowing Harden has zeroed in on Brooklyn, and has the support of Kevin Durant. And Marks has a bunch of assets — such as Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince — as well as all his first-round picks. Even if the Nets can’t fill Houston’s requirements, they could form a package to reroute the kind of star who will.
Acquiring Harden wouldn’t be easy, and isn’t likely to be quick. And if it eventually happens, it certainly won’t be cheap either, in terms of assets or finances.
While Harris is an unrestricted free agent, the feeling around in the NBA is the former 3-point shooting champ will stay put. A deal in the $12 million range annually is expected to hit the Nets with a luxury tax bill in the neighborhood of $50 million. But the numbers the Nets could end up looking at to get Harden and keep Harris make that neighborhood look poor.
A Harris contract at $18 million would require $82 million in luxury tax, according to ex-Nets assistant general manager Bobby Marks, now ESPN’s cap guru. He said adding Harden could bloat that tax to a mind-bending $148 million, and opined the Nets could become the first $300 million team in NBA history.
“This is the current team, where we stand with Brooklyn. We have Joe Harris in here; he’s not going anywhere,” Bobby Marks said on ESPN, adding “If they get James Harden in a trade and sign Joe Harris, say, to an $18 million contract, your tax bill goes from $82 million to $148 million.”
The Nets have been intent on re-signing Harris, understanding that agent Mark Bartelstein will get him a raise on his $7.7 million salary.
“Priority No. 1. It’s that simple, yeah,” Sean Marks told YES Network. “Signing him and seeing him with this group will certainly be a priority for us.”
It’s easy to see why. Harris’ 43.9 percent shooting from deep since 2017-18 is second only to that of Seth Curry (minimum of 100 attempts, according to Elias Sports Bureau). Fortunately for the Nets, Harris has said his preference is to re-sign with Brooklyn and play with Durant and Kyrie Irving.
“Definitely. Why wouldn’t you?” Harris said. “Those are guys I’ve gotten close with now that I’ve been with them this past year. They’re obviously incredible players. You see what they’re able to do when they are healthy and playing. I don’t think there’s anybody in the NBA who wouldn’t want to play with those guys.”


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Timberwolves select Anthony Edwards with No. 1 pick in 2020 NBA Draft

Anthony Edwards doesn ’ t love basketball .
It doesn ’ t matter — not to the Timberwolves .
Despite his eyebrow-raising comments to ESPN that football is his first love and basketball is just his job , Minnesota still selected the 6-foot-5 shooting guard No .
1 overall in Wednesday night ’ s virtual NBA Draft , pairing him with All-Stars Karl-Anthony Towns and D ’ Angelo Russell .
Edwards , a one-and-done star out of Georgia who averaged 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds , said he ’ s not really into watching basketball .
“ But don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my No .
1 because I feel like it ’ s going to get me through a lot of the stuff I need to get through , ” said Edwards , who has drawn comparisons to Dwyane Wade .
“ And it ’ s what I do .
It ’ s a job .
I feel like I ’ m working right now .
I love it.
” Edwards was followed by 7-foot-1 center James Wiseman going second to the Warriors .
Wiseman , who was considered the top prospect in his class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in only three games for Memphis due to a eligibility dispute with the NBA .
In those games , he averaged 19.7 points , 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game , showing his immense potential , albeit in a tiny sample size .
The first two picks weren ’ t major surprises .
There was some question if it would be Edwards or point guard LaMelo Ball No .
1 , but the expectation was that Wiseman would go second to the Warriors unless they traded the pick , giving them a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a void in the paint .
There were reports Golden State was talking to the Bulls about swapping picks and landing forward Wendell Carter Jr. , but in the end , the Warriors stayed put and opted for Wiseman .
The rest of the draft was expected to be wild , littered with trades and unexpected selections .
A few hours before the draft even began , there was a deal , ESPN reported , with the 76ers sending Al Horford and his onerous contract , the rights to Serbian point guard Vasilije @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a second rounder in this year ’ s draft to the Thunder for sharpshooter Danny Green and wing Terrance Ferguson .
Then , 45 minutes before the draft began , the Rockets dealt the 16th overall pick and wing Trevor Ariza to the Pistons for a future first round pick to clear salary-cap space to use their mid-level exception in free agency , according to ESPN .
As part of the deal , Houston also acquired a second round pick from the Pistons , who now own a pair of first round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The buildup to this draft was unique , without an NCAA Tournament , a true combine or in-facility workouts due to the pandemic .
It was pushed back five months .
Everything about it was different , from the virtual setting to the aftermath .
Players have to report to training camp in two weeks .
There is no Summer League .
Each team was given 10 individual player workouts to attend , where it was allowed to send up to three executives , but they were controlled by agents .
Teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aforementioned workouts .
A large majority of the prospects hadn ’ t played in a game since early March , creating an ample amount of mystery considering how long they have been idle .
“ It should lead to a lot more misses , ” one veteran NBA scout said .
“ There are guys that are going to walk into training camp and be a totally different guy that who you thought you drafted.
” The lack of in-person evaluations created uncertainty leading up to the draft .
There was such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the top of the first round .
The chance for players to separate themselves was taken away .
That also fed into the idea that this draft has depth .
While lacking stars , several scouts and analysts believe it is flooded with rotational pieces , players that can develop into role players , but may never be All-Stars .
“ I think there ’ s a lot of value further down in this draft that ’ s going to prove out over the long run , ” ESPN college basketball and @ @ @ @ @

Anthony Edwards doesn’t love basketball. It doesn’t matter — not to the Timberwolves.
Despite his eyebrow-raising comments to ESPN that football is his first love and basketball is just his job, Minnesota still selected the 6-foot-5 shooting guard No. 1 overall in Wednesday night’s virtual NBA Draft, pairing him with All-Stars Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell.
Edwards, a one-and-done star out of Georgia who averaged 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds, said he’s not really into watching basketball.
“But don’t get me wrong, basketball is my No. 1 because I feel like it’s going to get me through a lot of the stuff I need to get through,” said Edwards, who has drawn comparisons to Dwyane Wade. “And it’s what I do. It’s a job. I feel like I’m working right now. I love it.”
Edwards was followed by 7-foot-1 center James Wiseman going second to the Warriors. Wiseman, who was considered the top prospect in his class at this time last year, appeared in only three games for Memphis due to a eligibility dispute with the NBA. In those games, he averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game, showing his immense potential, albeit in a tiny sample size.
The first two picks weren’t major surprises. There was some question if it would be Edwards or point guard LaMelo Ball No. 1, but the expectation was that Wiseman would go second to the Warriors unless they traded the pick, giving them a rim protector and above-the-rim finisher to fill a void in the paint.
There were reports Golden State was talking to the Bulls about swapping picks and landing forward Wendell Carter Jr., but in the end, the Warriors stayed put and opted for Wiseman.
The rest of the draft was expected to be wild, littered with trades and unexpected selections. A few hours before the draft even began, there was a deal, ESPN reported, with the 76ers sending Al Horford and his onerous contract, the rights to Serbian point guard Vasilije Micic, a 2025 first round pick and a second rounder in this year’s draft to the Thunder for sharpshooter Danny Green and wing Terrance Ferguson.
Then, 45 minutes before the draft began, the Rockets dealt the 16th overall pick and wing Trevor Ariza to the Pistons for a future first round pick to clear salary-cap space to use their mid-level exception in free agency, according to ESPN. As part of the deal, Houston also acquired a second round pick from the Pistons, who now own a pair of first round picks, Nos. 7 and 16.
The buildup to this draft was unique, without an NCAA Tournament, a true combine or in-facility workouts due to the pandemic. It was pushed back five months. Everything about it was different, from the virtual setting to the aftermath. Players have to report to training camp in two weeks. There is no Summer League.
Each team was given 10 individual player workouts to attend, where it was allowed to send up to three executives, but they were controlled by agents. Teams were not allowed to dictate anything for the aforementioned workouts. A large majority of the prospects hadn’t played in a game since early March, creating an ample amount of mystery considering how long they have been idle.
NBA Draft Tracker: Picks and analysis
“It should lead to a lot more misses,” one veteran NBA scout said. “There are guys that are going to walk into training camp and be a totally different guy that who you thought you drafted.”
The lack of in-person evaluations created uncertainty leading up to the draft. There was such a negligible difference between prospects after getting through the top of the first round. The chance for players to separate themselves was taken away.
That also fed into the idea that this draft has depth. While lacking stars, several scouts and analysts believe it is flooded with rotational pieces, players that can develop into role players, but may never be All-Stars.
“I think there’s a lot of value further down in this draft that’s going to prove out over the long run,” ESPN college basketball and draft analyst Jay Bilas said


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Delaware teen allegedly beaten to death by ex-boyfriend, classmate

Al Horford ’ s career in Philadelphia lasted just one season , but ...

A second suspect has been charged in the murder of a 17-year-old Delaware teen who was lured into the woods and beaten to death last month, prosecutors said.
Annika Stalczynski, 17, was arrested Monday after investigators found she conspired with Noah Sharp to ambush and kill Madison Sparrow, the Delaware Attorney’s General Office said.
Stalczynski was Sparrow’s classmate when they both attended Newark Charter High School, the Delaware News Journal reported.
Sparrow’s parents reported her missing on Oct. 5. Three days later, cops arrested Sharp, Sparrow’s ex-boyfriend.
Richard Prestidge, Sparrow’s father, mourned the loss of his daughter and described her to the outlet as “wise beyond her years.”
Sharp, 19, admitted to police that he killed his ex-girlfriend by beating her with a baseball bat and then dumped her body in a wooded area along Interstate 95, court documents obtained by the Delaware News Journal say.
A motive for Sparrow’s murder remains unclear, but Sharp allegedly said he and Stalczynski planned the killing. The relationship between Sharp and Stalczynski is also unknown.
Stalczynski and Sharp have been charged with first degree murder, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony and first-degree conspiracy.
They were both being held on $1,021,000 bail.


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Dustin Johnson hits the beach with Paulina Gretzky after Masters victory

Schiff announced last week that he 'd tested positive for the ...

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)
2020 Masters champ Dustin Johnson celebrated the historic win this week with fiancée Paulina Gretzky on the beaches of St. Barts.
Johnson, 36, was seen basking in his victory on Nikki Beach with 31-year-old Gretzky by his side. The beauty donned a barely-there bikini and a bejeweled see-through cover-up for the occasion.
Gretzky was also right behind Johnson during his Masters win, where she greeted her longtime love on the course for a sweet embrace.
“My mom is crying for sure,” Gretzky was heard telling Johnson in a video posted on Twitter.
Engaged since 2013, the pro golfer and the model have appeared inseparable since facing speculation about their breakup in 2018, which prompted a statement from Johnson.
Previous 1 of 10 Next Advertisement Paulina Gretzky SplashNews.com Paulina Gretzky SplashNews.com Advertisement Dustin Johnson and Paulina Gretzky SplashNews.com Paulina Gretzky SplashNews.com Dustin Johnson and Paulina Gretzky SplashNews.com Advertisement Paulina Gretzky SplashNews.com Paulina Gretzky and Dustin Johnson SplashNews.com Advertisement
“Every relationship goes through its ups and downs, but most importantly, we love each other very much and are committed to being a family. Thank you for your love and support,” he said.
As Johnson continues to build his legacy on the green, the stunning Gretzky is clearly his No. 1 fan, followed in short order by their children, 5-year-old Tatum and 3-year-old River.


newyorkpost--2020-11-18--Anna Horford slams salty 76ers fans after trade: ‘F—k off’

Daryl Morey has begun to shake up the 76ers .
Before ...

Al Horford’s career in Philadelphia lasted just one season, but it may have been one season too long, at least for members of his family.
Soon after Horford was reportedly traded with draft picks to the Thunder on Wednesday night, his sister, Anna, took some parting shots at 76ers fans on the way out.
“Pretending to fw Philly was EXHAUSTING. The most miserable fans in the NBA,” Anna tweeted, along with screenshots of tweets sent to her by fans that called her vile names in the aftermath of the trade.
Anna Horford later posted an audio message in which she said, “”Some of you guys were cool, but to the rest, f–k off.”
“Philly hated us because we never hated on Boston,” Anna wrote in a separate tweet, referencing Al’s three seasons with the Celtics.
“Thank god Al is out of Philly lmao,” Josh Horford, Al’s brother, also tweeted Wednesday night.
After leaving the Celtics, Horford signed a four-year, $109 million contract with the 76ers but it did not go as planned. In his one season in Philadelphia, the former All-Star center averaged 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and four assists per game. He never seemed to find his role as the 76ers crashed and burned with a first-round playoff exit.


newyorkpost--2020-11-19--US workers file 742,000 new jobless claims as COVID-19 surge continues

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic .
NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
Some 742,000 Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as a surge in coronavirus infections threatened to shut down businesses again , the feds said Thursday .
The latest batch of initial jobless claims brought the seasonally adjusted total filed during the coronavirus pandemic to roughly 68.1 million — equivalent to more than 42 percent of the nation ’ s workforce .
The first increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came as some cities and states imposed new lockdown measures to combat the record-setting resurgence of COVID-19 .
Last week ’ s total from the US Department of Labor came in well above economists ’ expectations for 705,000 claims , according to Wrightson ICAP .
“ Finding a job could be challenging as a number of states reimpose virus-related restrictions , ” Bloomberg economist Eliza Winger said in a commentary .
“ Businesses could face more near-term disruptions and lower demand due to the lapse in fiscal aid and a reduction in consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consecutive week in which new jobless claims have remained above the pre-pandemic record of 695,000 as well as the Great Recession ’ s weekly peak of 665,000 .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
Some 742,000 Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as a surge in coronavirus infections threatened to shut down businesses again, the feds said Thursday.
The latest batch of initial jobless claims brought the seasonally adjusted total filed during the coronavirus pandemic to roughly 68.1 million — equivalent to more than 42 percent of the nation’s workforce.
The first increase in new filings in about a month came as some cities and states brought back lockdown measures to combat the record-setting resurgence of COVID-19. Last week’s total from the US Department of Labor came in well above economists’ expectations for 705,000 claims, according to Wrightson ICAP.
“While the development of effective vaccines has provided a glimmer of hope, Americans relying on jobless benefits still face tremendous darkness ahead unless Congress acts,” said Andrew Stettner, an unemployment insurance expert and senior fellow at the Century Foundation.
Last week was the 35th consecutive week in which new jobless claims have remained above the pre-pandemic record of 695,000. Continuing claims, which measure ongoing unemployment on a one-week lag, dropped for the eighth consecutive week to about 6.3 million, finally falling below their Great Recession peak of roughly 6.6 million.
But experts say that decline at least partly has to do with jobless workers exhausting their standard 26 weeks of benefits and going onto a federal program providing 13 additional weeks. Nearly 4.4 million people were getting those extended benefits in the week ending Oct. 31, up from about 4.1 million the prior week, the feds said.
That Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program is due to expire at the end of the year, which could leave many workers teetering on a fiscal cliff while the pandemic rages.
“Spiking cases and expired benefits are ingredients for a vicious cycle where Americans are pushed back into the workforce when the virus is already widespread,” said Daniel Zhao, senior economist at Glassdoor. “The combined health and economic crises could echo some of the harsh impacts felt in the spring rather than the steady recovery seen over the summer.”


newyorkpost--2020-11-19--Raiders place seven more players on COVID-19 list as chaos continues

Las Vegas offensive tackle Trent Brown is expected to be ...

The Las Vegas Raiders have placed seven more players on the COVID-19 list as “high risk” close contacts with teammate Clelin Ferrell after he tested positive for the coronavirus.
Ferrell, a starting defensive end, was placed on the list Tuesday following his positive test, along with defensive back Lamarcus Joyner. Safety Johnathan Abram, defensive tackle Maliek Collins, defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, defensive lineman David Irving, cornerback Isaiah Johnson, defensive end Arden Key and defensive tackle Kendal Vickers were added to the list on Wednesday after contact tracing.
If those players all keep testing negative and have no symptoms they will be able to return to play Sunday night at home against Kansas City, even though they will miss the week of practice.
“We practiced today and we’ll be ready for the game on Sunday,” coach Jon Gruden told Kansas City writers during a conference call after the news came out. “It’s what you have to do. Everybody has to adapt to a lot of things in every phase of life. We had to go through some things before. We’ll be there on Sunday and we’ll be prepared.”
The Raiders went through this last month after right tackle Trent Brown tested positive. Four other starting offensive lineman missed practice, but were able to return to the team the morning of a 45-20 loss to Tampa Bay. Abram missed the game because his five-day window ran until Monday that week.
Brown was activated from the COVID-19 list on Oct. 30 in time to play at Cleveland two days later. But a pregame IV mishap sent him to the hospital and he was later placed back on the COVID-19 list when he developed symptoms of the coronavirus.
Starting linebacker Cory Littleton was placed on the list following a positive test last week and remains sidelined.
That leaves the Raiders with six defensive starters currently on the COVID-19 list for the Raiders (6-3) in advance of their game against Patrick Mahomes and the high-powered Chiefs (8-1).
The Raiders, their players and Gruden have already been fined more than $1,215,000 and docked a sixth-round draft pick for violations of the COVID-19 protocols.
The team was docked $500,000 and the pick and Gruden fined $150,000 for not following protocols related to Brown’s positive test last month.
Gruden was fined $100,000 and the team docked $250,000 after the coach didn’t wear his mask properly during a Week 2 win over New Orleans. The team also was fined $50,000 for allowing an unauthorized employee in the locker room after the game.
Tight end Darren Waller was fined $30,000 and nine teammates, including quarterback Derek Carr, were fined $15,000 for attending an indoor charity event held by Waller’s foundation that violated local coronavirus protocols. Players were seen at the event not wearing masks or social distancing


newyorkpost--2020-11-19--Michigan GOP again reverses course on certifying Wayne County election results

Two members of a four-person board in Wayne County , Michigan , tasked with certifying election results have reversed course again following their initial refusal , and then acquiescence to certify results amid accusations of political motivations and racism by Democrats .
Monica Palmer and William Hartmann , the two Republicans on the four-member board of canvassers , originally offered no explanation for why they changed course , but abruptly did Tuesday evening hours after voting against certification of the results .
By Wednesday night , Palmer and Hartmann had signed onto affidavits alleging that they had been pressured to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Democrats would agree to an audit in Detriot , according to the Washington Post , which has reviewed the documents .
“ I rescind my prior vote .
I fully believe the Wayne County vote should not be certified , ” Palmer wrote in an affidavit .
Hartmann , according to the paper , signed a similar affidavit .
Prior to signing the document , Palmer told the paper in an interview that she and Hartmann had been concerned about the number of precincts that were not in “ balance , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not match the number of voters who signed in at the polls .
She had also argued this during Tuesday ’ s meeting .
“ If you don ’ t have an accurate list of voters to start with , how are you supposed to know what list to tabulate from ?
We can ’ t have a tradition of having these unbalanced precincts , ” she said during the Tuesday Zoom call .
Later on , she suggested a willingness to certifying results for jurisdictions besides Detroit .
The offer , coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results , was panned by Democrats statewide .
“ In refusing to approve the results of the election in Wayne County , the two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers have placed partisan politics above their legal duty to certify the election results , ” Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement following the decision .
About two hours before , the two had been lambasted in a heated Zoom call after the board , made up of two Democrats and two Republicans , reached a 2-2 deadlock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praised the effort in a tweet , writing , “ Having courage is a beautiful thing .
The USA stands proud !
” Wayne County is a Democratic stronghold , and President-elect Joe Biden carried it by a greater than 2-to-1 margin .
He also won the state of Michigan by 146,000 votes .
After Tuesday ’ s Zoom call technically concluded and the deadlock was announced on certifying the results , it was opened up to the public for comment , and attendees were quick to voice their frustration .
Ned Staebler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watcher in the county , decried both Palmer and Hartmann as racist .
“ The Trump stain , the stain of racism that you , William Hartmann and Monica Palmer , have covered yourself in , is going to follow you throughout history , ” Staebler said , not mincing words when it came to his views on their decision .
“ You will forever be known in southeastern Michigan as two racists who did something so unprecedented that they disenfranchised hundreds of thousands of black voters in the city of Detroit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he continued , going on to note that the two had no qualms about certifying results in a nearby city that was 95 percent white .
The Rev .
Wendell Anthony , a prominent local pastor who leads the Detroit NAACP branch , decried the two and their actions as a “ disgrace.
” “ You have extracted a Black city out of a county and said the only ones that are at fault is the city of Detroit , where 80 % of the people who reside here are African Americans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , his voice rising .
Palmer called the experience “ heartbreaking , ” telling the paper , “ I sat in that chair for two hours listening to people attack me ” as a racist , while adding that her intentions were the opposite .
Jonathan Kinloch , one of the two Democrats on the panel , argued during Tuesday ’ s meeting that the discrepancies were caused by “ human error , ” and went on to call it “ reckless and irresponsible ” to not certify the results .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his GOP colleague had no reason to feel misled , saying that the two had discussed the matter on Tuesday and Wednesday and that she understood they needed to write a letter to formally request an audit .
Palmer put it differently in her interview , saying that while there “ wasn ’ t mob rule , ” there was certainly pressure to certify , which she says she didn ’ t succumb to .
She only went forward , she argued , because of the promised audit .

President Trump called one of the two GOP members of a four-person board in Wayne County, Michigan, tasked with certifying election results who again reversed course following their initial refusal, and then acquiescence, to certify results.
“I did receive a call from President Trump, late Tuesday evening, after the meeting. He was checking in to make sure I was safe after hearing the threats and doxing that had occurred,” Monica Palmer, one of the two Republicans on the board, told the Washington Post Thursday.
Discussing her conversation with the commander-in-chief, Palmer told the paper that they spoke for about two minutes, during which time he did not make her feel pressured to change her vote.
“His concern was about my safety and that was really touching. He is a really busy guy and to have his concern about my safety was appreciated,” the Republican board member told the outlet.
When asked if they discussed the presidential vote count, Palmer said she was unsure, citing the craziness of the moment.
“It’s hard for me to describe. There was a lot of adrenaline and stress going on. There were general comments about different states but we really didn’t discuss the details of the certification,” she remarked.
Still, she stood by the merits of the call, praising the president and noting, “It was not pressure. It was genuine concern for my safety.”
Palmer and William Hartmann, the two Republicans on the four-member board of canvassers, originally offered no explanation for why they changed course, but abruptly did so Tuesday evening hours after voting against certification of the results.
By Wednesday night, Palmer and Hartmann had signed onto affidavits alleging that they had been pressured to certify the results under a false promise that Democrats would agree to an audit in Detroit, according to the Washington Post, which has reviewed the documents.
“I rescind my prior vote. I fully believe the Wayne County vote should not be certified,” Palmer wrote in an affidavit. Hartmann, according to the paper, signed a similar affidavit.
Prior to signing the document, Palmer told the paper in an interview that she and Hartmann had been concerned about the number of precincts that were not in “balance,” meaning the number of votes tabulated did not match the number of voters who signed in at the polls.
She had also argued this during Tuesday’s meeting.
“If you don’t have an accurate list of voters to start with, how are you supposed to know what list to tabulate from? We can’t have a tradition of having these unbalanced precincts,” she said during the Tuesday Zoom call.
Later on, she suggested a willingness to certify results for jurisdictions besides Detroit. The offer, coming after her refusal to certify the other results, was panned by Democrats statewide.
“In refusing to approve the results of the election in Wayne County, the two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers have placed partisan politics above their legal duty to certify the election results,” Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement following the decision.
About two hours before, the two had been lambasted in a heated Zoom call after the board, made up of two Democrats and two Republicans, reached a 2-2 deadlock on certifying the results.
President Trump praised the effort in a tweet, writing, “Having courage is a beautiful thing. The USA stands proud!”
Wayne County is a Democratic stronghold, and President-elect Joe Biden carried it by a greater than 2-to-1 margin. He also won the state of Michigan by 146,000 votes.
After Tuesday’s Zoom call technically concluded and the deadlock was announced on certifying the results, it was opened up to the public for comment, and attendees were quick to voice their frustration.
Ned Staebler, a Michigan business owner and poll watcher in the county, decried both Palmer and Hartmann as racist.
“The Trump stain, the stain of racism that you, William Hartmann and Monica Palmer, have covered yourself in, is going to follow you throughout history,” Staebler said, not mincing words when it came to his views on their decision.
“You will forever be known in southeastern Michigan as two racists who did something so unprecedented that they disenfranchised hundreds of thousands of black voters in the city of Detroit, because they were ordered to,” he continued, going on to note that the two had no qualms about certifying results in a nearby city that was 95 percent white.
Previous 1 of 3 Next Advertisement Votes are counted at the TCF Center in Detroit, Michigan. REUTERS Election workers check the tapes from the voting machines at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement
The Rev. Wendell Anthony, a prominent local pastor who leads the Detroit NAACP branch, decried the two and their actions as a “disgrace.”
“You have extracted a black city out of a county and said the only ones that are at fault is the city of Detroit, where 80% of the people who reside here are African Americans. Shame on you!” the reverend said, his voice rising.
Palmer called the experience “heartbreaking,” telling the paper, “I sat in that chair for two hours listening to people attack me” as a racist, while adding that her intentions were the opposite.
Jonathan Kinloch, one of the two Democrats on the panel, argued during Tuesday’s meeting that the discrepancies were caused by “human error,” and went on to call it “reckless and irresponsible” to not certify the results.
Speaking to the newspaper, he argued that his GOP colleague had no reason to feel misled, saying that the two had discussed the matter Tuesday and Wednesday and that she understood they needed to write a letter to formally request an audit.
Palmer put it differently in her interview, saying that while there “wasn’t mob rule,” there was certainly pressure to certify, to which she says she didn’t succumb.
She only went forward, she argued, because of the promised audit.
As she wrote in her affidavit, “I voted not to certify, and I still believe this vote should not be certified. Until these questions are addressed, I remain opposed to certification of the Wayne County results.”
She went on to express how she felt about being slammed for her stance on certifying, writing, “After the vote, my Democratic colleagues chided me and Mr. Hartmann for voting not to certify.”
After that, she explained, “the public comment period began and dozens of people made personal remarks against me and Mr. Hartmann. The comments made accusations of racism and threatened me and members of my family. The public comment continued for over two hours and I felt pressured to continue the meeting without a break.”


newyorkpost--2020-11-19--The Queen Dissing Her Own Kids Is ‘The Crown’ at Its Most Savage

To be a fan of The Crown is to be a fan of sass .
Every time the Queen cuts in with an expertly timed “ Oh really ?
” or Princess Margaret arches an eyebrow , you know someone is feeling shame and that they deserve it .
But nothing in The Crown ‘ s previous three seasons could have prepared us for the brutality that goes down in “ Favorites.
” While in the middle of one of her audiences with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ( Gillian Anderson ) , Queen Elizabeth ( Olivia Colman ) is confronted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After Thatcher carelessly calls her missing son her “ favorite , ” the Queen realizes she ’ s never thought of her children in terms of favorites .
There are a million and one reasons why the Queen should dismiss yet another one of Thatcher ’ s intense oddities , but this time she doesn ’ t .
After a brief conversation with her husband Prince Phillip ( Tobias Menzies ) , the Queen sets out to do what she previously thought was impossible .
She sets out to pick a favorite child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through different lunches between the Queen and her children , though none of them are particularly pleasant .
The locations and children may change , but the Queen ’ s conversations remain the same .
Each member of the Royal Family seems hellbent on complaining about some new injustice , completely disregarding the fortune that surrounds them as well as their duty to their country .
For her youngest , Prince Edward ( Angus Imrie ) , those complaints revolve around how the palace ’ s poached salmon is too predictable , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20,000 pound trust is too meager .
For the headstrong Princess Anne ( Erin Doherty ) , it ’ s that the press is too judgmental to her and too nice to Princess Diana ( Emma Corrin ) and that her affair partner is being taken away .
For Prince Andrew ( Tom Byrne ) , it ’ s his distance from the throne and that his mother refuses to hand him special treatment .
And Prince Charles ( Josh O ’ Connor ) may have the most frustrating complaint of the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manor , surrounded by plans for gardens that are meant to reflect his likeness , he has nothing positive to say .
Instead , he spends much of his lunch with his mother complaining about how annoying it is to deal with his pregnant wife ’ s depression .
With each and every meeting you can see the Queen ’ s smile tighten and her eyes become colder .
The Queen summons each of her children to figure out who ’ s her favorite and walks away choosing none of them .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sweeping disapproval is so sweet you can taste the tea .
It ’ s also a savagery that ’ s well-earned .
As is often the case when it comes to The Crown , Queen Elizabeth is right .
Peter Morgan ’ s drama has always taken great care to articulate the sense of duty and respect the Queen has for her role in history .
The first two seasons of the series were almost entirely devoted to Elizabeth the person packing up her emotions and humanity to become something more : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that is the cost that comes with her privileged lifestyle and her title .
To see respect for the UK so flippantly ignored by her children is as shocking as it is hurtful .
Conversely , that makes her quiet scorn all the more delightful .
“ The conclusion that I ’ ve come to is that it ’ s our children who are lost , not the Prime Minister ’ s .
Each in their own deserts , ” Queen Elizabeth tells Prince Phillip at the end of the episode .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is short-lived as she comes to see her children ’ s failings as her own .
As she admits to her husband that she didn ’ t know how to hold her own children during bath time , you can see her taking the blame for every entitled comment and whining complaint .
Prince Phillip quickly corrects her , reminding her that it ’ s no longer her job to parent her adult children and that she has a country to run .
But for one brief , glorious moment the full range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there , told through Olivia Colman ’ s once-in-a-lifetime expressions .
And it is glorious .

To be a fan of The Crown is to be a fan of sass. Every time the Queen cuts in with an expertly timed “Oh really?” or Princess Margaret arches an eyebrow, you know someone is feeling shame and that they deserve it. But nothing in The Crown‘s previous three seasons could have prepared us for the brutality that goes down in “Favorites.”
While in the middle of one of her audiences with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (Gillian Anderson), Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman) is confronted with an idea that haunts her. After Thatcher carelessly calls her missing son her “favorite,” the Queen realizes she’s never thought of her children in terms of favorites. There are a million and one reasons why the Queen should dismiss yet another one of Thatcher’s intense oddities, but this time she doesn’t. After a brief conversation with her husband Prince Phillip (Tobias Menzies), the Queen sets out to do what she previously thought was impossible. She sets out to pick a favorite child.
The rest of the episode flits through different lunches between the Queen and her children, though none of them are particularly pleasant. The locations and children may change, but the Queen’s conversations remain the same. Each member of the Royal Family seems hellbent on complaining about some new injustice, completely disregarding the fortune that surrounds them as well as their duty to their country. For her youngest, Prince Edward (Angus Imrie), those complaints revolve around how the palace’s poached salmon is too predictable, his classmates are too mean, and his 20,000 pound trust is too meager. For the headstrong Princess Anne (Erin Doherty), it’s that the press is too judgmental to her and too nice to Princess Diana (Emma Corrin) and that her affair partner is being taken away. For Prince Andrew (Tom Byrne), it’s his distance from the throne and that his mother refuses to hand him special treatment. And Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor) may have the most frustrating complaint of the entire season. As he surveys his ideal manor, surrounded by plans for gardens that are meant to reflect his likeness, he has nothing positive to say. Instead, he spends much of his lunch with his mother complaining about how annoying it is to deal with his pregnant wife’s depression.
With each and every meeting you can see the Queen’s smile tighten and her eyes become colder. The Queen summons each of her children to figure out who’s her favorite and walks away choosing none of them. They’re all disappointments. That sort of sweeping disapproval is so sweet you can taste the tea.
It’s also a savagery that’s well-earned. As is often the case when it comes to The Crown, Queen Elizabeth is right. Peter Morgan’s drama has always taken great care to articulate the sense of duty and respect the Queen has for her role in history. The first two seasons of the series were almost entirely devoted to Elizabeth the person packing up her emotions and humanity to become something more: Elizabeth the Queen. For Queen Elizabeth, that is the cost that comes with her privileged lifestyle and her title. To see respect for the UK so flippantly ignored by her children is as shocking as it is hurtful. Conversely, that makes her quiet scorn all the more delightful.
“The conclusion that I’ve come to is that it’s our children who are lost, not the Prime Minister’s. Each in their own deserts,” Queen Elizabeth tells Prince Phillip at the end of the episode.
Sadly, the Queen’s rage is short-lived as she comes to see her children’s failings as her own. As she admits to her husband that she didn’t know how to hold her own children during bath time, you can see her taking the blame for every entitled comment and whining complaint. Prince Phillip quickly corrects her, reminding her that it’s no longer her job to parent her adult children and that she has a country to run. But for one brief, glorious moment the full range of the Queen’s disgust is there, told through Olivia Colman’s once-in-a-lifetime expressions. And it is glorious.
Watch The Crown on Netflix


newyorkpost--2020-11-19--Harvard graduate students start petition to ban Trump officials from school

A former spokesman for Barack Obama ’ s presidential campaign has been ...

A group of Harvard University students circulated a petition aimed at keeping Trump administration officials from teaching, attending or speaking at the Ivy League school — but not everyone was on board with their “progressive” agenda, according to a report.
The petition, drafted last week by students at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, got a less than enthusiastic reception by those attending the Kennedy School of Government and the Business School, Fox Business reported.
Sources with direct knowledge of the matter told the outlet that petition organizers later changed the wording in the petition to say that Team Trump officials should be held “accountable” before they set foot in the prestigious institution.
The change in the language in the documents was likely the result of the opposition to the original, the people told the network.
The Kennedy School’s student council struck down the petition, people with direct knowledge of the matter told Fox Business.
“A few other conservative students and I made the point we can’t just target Republicans, that isn’t what the Kennedy School stands for,” Carter Estes, a Kennedy School student, told the outlet.
“Harvard has hosted a number of controversial guests over the years like a fellow from the Palestine Liberation Organization, so we should make broadly applicable guidelines that apply to every speaker, not single out Trump appointees,” added Estes, a member of a Republican student group and student government.
One student who signed the petition said in a group chat reviewed by Fox Business that Trump officials “should be shunned by all policy schools.”
Meanwhile, students at the Harvard Medical School and the Divinity School reportedly have approved the petition in its latest form.
Harvard told Fox Business that it was “aware of this student petition. Beyond that we have no comment.”
The petitions are an outgrowth of efforts by far-left progressives like “Squad” member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to urge businesses and universities to blacklist anyone who worked in the Trump administration, according to the report.
For the Harvard petition to be implemented, the various student councils need to vote on the measure, which would go before school administrators including Harvard University president Lawrence Bacow, who decides whether it becomes policy, the network reported.
Alan Dershowitz, a Felix Frankfurter professor of law, emeritus, at Harvard, told Fox Business that the petition is part of an alarming trend at schools where administrators give in to students.
“I will challenge any ban that may be enacted by asking to speak at the school. I will not kowtow to this new McCarthyism,” he said, adding that if the petition becomes policy, he’ll represent pro bono any Trump official seeking to set foot at Harvard.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, a Harvard Law grad, said she hoped school administrators rebuke the movement.
“Academic communities should be bastions of free speech. I will happily walk back on campus and challenge this,” she said.


newyorkpost--2020-11-19--Firefighters, tenants injured in fire inside Upper West Side building

`` It was great to see the family , '' she says .

A fire broke out inside a 16-story Upper West Side apartment building early Thursday, injuring seven tenants and five firefighters, the FDNY said.
The blaze began around 5:50 a.m. on the third floor of 98 Riverside Drive, near West 81st Street — and firefighters had the flames under control by about 7:10 a.m.
The civilians and firefighters were both taken to local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation