newyorkpost--2020-12-12--There’s finally a pet insurance company looking out for your furry friends

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NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
Many of us picked up new skills and habits in quarantine , from endlessly scrolling through TikTok videos to joining the legions of people who can now make sourdough bread .
And while some of us might have a new hobby or even a passion project , some of us were lucky enough to adopt a new furry friend .
With all of us spending more time at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no better time to be a pet parent and take care of all the training ( and cuddling ) they require .
But if there ’ s one thing your cat or dog needs that you shouldn ’ t compromise on , it ’ s pet insurance — to get the coverage your pet actually needs , check out Lemonade .
Lemonade pet insurance was carefully developed in collaboration with lots of excited pet parents and a world-famous vet — in short , people who are experts in what fluffy friends need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term and are familiar with the things that can just pop up ( e.g.
, your dog deciding that your sock would make a great afternoon snack ) .
Anyone who has had the pleasure of owning a cat or dog before knows that the costs of taking care of one responsibly can really add up .
In an effort to do what ’ s best for your furry companion ( and take care of your own finances while you ’ re at it ) , it ’ s important to rely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the essentials ( and then some ) .
Lemonade covers important ( and expensive ) diagnostic tests , like x-rays , MRIs , lab work , CT scans , and more .
Your dog or cat is also insured for outpatient , specialty , and emergency care , hospitalization , and surgery — as well as any injections and prescription medications .
That ’ s for something unexpected like an accident or poisoning occurs , and if your pet gets sick with diseases , like cancer , heart disease , arthritis , hip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s even an optional wellness package with massive savings on tests , vaccines , and other essential care .
Unlike other pet insurance , which can require tedious paperwork , you can sign up for Lemonade pet insurance in just seconds .
The experience is entirely digital and hassle-free , runs on Lemonade ’ s powerful AI — and you can get your claims processed and paid in just minutes .
That ’ s why Lemonade has earned rave reviews from users , earning 4.9 stars on the App Store and 4.5 stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pet insurance starting as low as $ 10/month , with a 10 % discount if your home or renters insurance is also through Lemonade .
Get some peace of mind that your pet is properly insured : check out Lemonade to see their prices today .

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store, from our partner StackCommerce. NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
Many of us picked up new skills and habits in quarantine, from endlessly scrolling through TikTok videos to joining the legions of people who can now make sourdough bread. And while some of us might have a new hobby or even a passion project, some of us were lucky enough to adopt a new furry friend. With all of us spending more time at home than ever, there’s truly no better time to be a pet parent and take care of all the training (and cuddling) they require.
But if there’s one thing your cat or dog needs that you shouldn’t compromise on, it’s pet insurance — to get the coverage your pet actually needs, check out Lemonade. Lemonade pet insurance was carefully developed in collaboration with lots of excited pet parents and a world-famous vet — in short, people who are experts in what fluffy friends need to stay healthy and happy for the long term and are familiar with the things that can just pop up (e.g., your dog deciding that your sock would make a great afternoon snack).
Anyone who has had the pleasure of owning a cat or dog before knows that the costs of taking care of one responsibly can really add up. In an effort to do what’s best for your furry companion (and take care of your own finances while you’re at it), it’s important to rely on a pet insurance service that covers all the essentials (and then some).
Lemonade covers important (and expensive) diagnostic tests, like x-rays, MRIs, lab work, CT scans, and more. Your dog or cat is also insured for outpatient, specialty, and emergency care, hospitalization, and surgery — as well as any injections and prescription medications. That’s for something unexpected like an accident or poisoning occurs, and if your pet gets sick with diseases, like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and more. There’s even an optional wellness package with massive savings on tests, vaccines, and other essential care.
Unlike other pet insurance, which can require tedious paperwork, you can sign up for Lemonade pet insurance in just seconds. The experience is entirely digital and hassle-free, runs on Lemonade’s powerful AI — and you can get your claims processed and paid in just minutes. That’s why Lemonade has earned rave reviews from users, earning 4.9 stars on the App Store and 4.5 stars on Google Play.
You can get pet insurance starting as low as $10/month, with a 10% discount if your home or renters insurance is also through Lemonade. Get some peace of mind that your pet is properly insured: check out Lemonade to see their prices today.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--College football predictions: Stop ignoring Coastal Carolina

This decision will fuel conspiracy theories that the Big Ten ...

In a sports world that bears little resemblance to the one we took for granted, it seemed as if the chaos would produce unusual championship chases. Yet rarely have so many sports seasons ended so predictably.
LeBron James and the top-seeded Lakers didn’t play for nearly five months, moved to a bubble and won the title they were favored to claim. The Lightning were co-favorites when they entered isolation in Canada and seized the Stanley Cup, one year after their record-setting season ended in a first-round sweep. Major League Baseball expanded its playoff by six teams, yet the top-seeded Dodgers finally lived up to their talent and took the World Series crown.
College football will be no different.
Alabama is again the country’s top-ranked team. Notre Dame looks like a lock for another playoff berth. Clemson is one win from a sixth straight playoff. Ohio State will almost certainly be back again, too, following the Big Ten’s bending of its rules to get the Buckeyes to the league title game.
For the first time, there probably will be no first-time playoff participant. And it won’t be the last time.
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One of the sport’s biggest problems has again been highlighted in this strange season. More than ever, playoff expansion is needed because of imbalanced schedules. It is needed because the Group of Five is no closer to earning a varsity letter.
It isn’t just that it’s stale to see the same teams in the playoff every year. It’s embarrassing that the sport pretends the championship is open to all, but remains rigged by an elitist, close-minded committee, which has two-loss Iowa State at No. 7, ahead of undefeated Cincinnati (No. 8) and one-loss Louisiana-Lafayette (No. 19), even though the Cajuns convincingly won at Iowa State and suffered their lone loss by three points to undefeated Coastal Carolina.
You’re familiar with the Chanticleers (10-0) by now, right? They just won the most entertaining game of the season, when they beat undefeated BYU on just a few days’ notice. They are now No. 13 in the nation, behind three two-loss teams.
Such special seasons have been ignored too many times. Since BYU’s 1984 national title, eight teams outside of power conferences have completed undefeated seasons. Who knows how many might have pulled an all-time stunner? Opportunity is all that was necessary to make legends of Buster Douglas, Joe Namath, Rulon Gardner, March Madness Cinderellas and the Miracle on Ice U.S. hockey team.
Grayson McCall and no. 13 Coastal Carolina have something special going on AP Photo
College football could be so much more, if it included just a few more. Instead, Coastal Carolina (-13.5) simply has a blowout of Troy to look forward to.
MARYLAND (-8) over Rutgers
First-year starter Taulia Tagovailoa looked like his older brother in two contests. In two other starts, he looked like he awoke to a pop quiz. The latter performances came against defenses in the top 20 nationally. Rutgers hasn’t filled that bill in eight years.
COLORADO (-1.5) over Utah:
The Utes have won three straight meetings by at least 21 points. The difference this year? Jarek Broussard, who has started his career by rushing for more than 183 yards per game — second-best in the nation — in Colorado’s 4-0 start.
ARKANSAS (+32) over Alabama
The last time the Crimson Tide had a letdown-lookahead spot — in between wins over Texas A&M and Georgia — they allowed the most yards in program history. The Hogs just happen to be catching the nation’s top team at the right time to stay within four touchdowns, kicking off after the revenge game against LSU and before the SEC Championship.
MISSOURI (+13.5) over Georgia
Is the committee keeping Kirby Smart in the top 10 out of habit? Does it know the Bulldogs’ three-year reign atop the SEC East is over? How else can it be explained that Georgia’s two losses, and six wins over teams with a combined record of 18-36, add up to the No. 9 ranking?
NORTHWESTERN (-14.5) over Illinois
In 2018, the Bears’ Matt Nagy was named the NFL Coach of the Year. Now, Pat Fitzgerald is being reported as Chicago’s potential replacement for Nagy. But why would the Northwestern alum ever leave? Fitzgerald has one of the best jobs in the country — earning millions of dollars to exceed moderate expectations, while enjoying maximum job security.
Why would Pat Fitzgerald ever leave Northwestern? AP Photo
ARMY (-5.5) over Navy
Malcolm Perry rushed for 304 yards last year to end the Black Knights’ three-game win streak in the series. Even if he were back, the Midshipmen might not have enough, with their 111th-ranked rushing defense tasked with slowing the nation’s third-best run game.
North Carolina (+3.5) over MIAMI
Before beating down Duke (2-8), the Hurricanes had won their previous three games by a total of nine points. The ACC made it clear how it felt about Miami when it granted Clemson and Notre Dame the week off to rest up for the league title game.
IOWA (-1.5) over Wisconsin
Graham Mertz should have opted out after Week 1. After one touchdown pass and four interceptions in his past two games, the Badgers freshman will look the part again against another top-20 defense.
OREGON (-5.5) over Washington
Example No. 781 why divisions are obsolete. If USC and Colorado both finish undefeated, the Buffaloes will be left out of the Pac-12 title game because of fewer games played. The unranked winner of this game, meanwhile, will be assured a spot in the championship. It’s remarkable how many institutions of higher learning collaborate to keep such stupid ideas in place.
FLORIDA (-22) over LSU
Would you like to laugh? Before the season began, LSU’s first-year starting quarterback, Myles Brennan, was given better odds to win the Heisman Trophy than Florida’s Kyle Trask. Thank you. I’ll be here all column.
Usc (-3.5) over UCLA
The Trojans are coming off their best outing of the season, annihilating Washington State, 38-13, to secure their first four-game win streak since 2017. The craziest part of this absurd season may be Trojans coach Clay Helton sliding off the hot seat.
San Diego State (+16.5) over BYU
The Cougars were forced to cobble together one of the softest schedules in the country to save their season. Against the first legit defense it faced, BYU was held 30 points below its season average. Now, the nation’s third-ranked defense comes to Provo.
Best bets: North Carolina, Army, Iowa
This season (best bets): 101-86-2 (18-20-1)
2014-19 Record: 772-756-13


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Stillwater’ On Apple TV+, An Animated Family Show About Three Kids And Their

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Stillwater’ On Apple TV+, An Animated Family Show About Three Kids And Their Wise Panda Neighbor

Parents hate most kids ’ programs these days .
They ’ re noisy , repetitive and annoying .
Some are so hyper that they amp kids up instead of helping them unwind .
But there ’ s a genre of “ gentle ” kids shows out there that parents find a welcoming oasis in the sea of noise .
A new entry in that genre is so calm , it ’ s actually Zen .
Read on for more .
STILLWATER : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT ?
Opening Shot : A fly lands on a leaf , then we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yard .
The Gist : Stillwater ( James Sie ) is a giant panda who likes to be very still , quiet and by himself .
He pursues things like painting or sitting out in a summer rain .
His next door neighbors are three kids — Addy ( Eva Ariel Binder ) , Michael ( Tucker Chandler ) and Karl ( Judah Mackey ) — who often come to him for advice .
The advice he gives is often in the form of parables , which we see in hand-drawn animation sequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Stillwater and his neighbors ) .
Each episode consists of two stories .
In the first episode , Karl makes a rocket ship that he thinks can fly into space .
While Addy supports his dreams and loves the details Karl put inside , Michael makes a point of saying that the cardboard-and-tape vehicle will never fly .
When Karl tells Stillwater about the rocket , Stillwater tells a story about a man who wanted to capture the sunlight as it went down behind the trees of his village .
His fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he kept building a tower so high that he was able to see above the trees and capture more sunlight .
Then Stillwater helps Karl imagine the rocket can fly .
In the second story , Michael is bummed because a summer rain has cancelled his baseball game .
He thinks the rain “ ruins everything , ” but he sees Stillwater sitting in it , with no jacket or umbrella .
Stillwater tells Michael he enjoys a summer rain , and tells the tale of a rabbit who planted a garden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were nearby .
She had them removed , but found that her fruit and vegetable plants didn ’ t produce like they did when the bees were there to pollinate them .
Michael appreciates the rain more after that , knowing it ’ s there to make everything green and lush .
What Shows Will It Remind You Of ?
Not as much in plot , but Stillwater has the same gentle tone of animated series like Tumble Leaf .
It makes Daniel Tiger ’ s Neighborhood seem hyper by comparison .
Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn off its logic circuits when you watch Stillwater , based on books by John J Muth ( Zen Shorts , Zen Ties , Zen Ghosts , Zen Socks and Zen Happiness ) .
Adapted by Rob Hoegee ( Thunderbirds Are Go ) , the show keeps things simple , which is why logic goes out the window .
A big talking panda lives next two three kids who seemingly don ’ t have parents .
Yes , it makes perfect sense in kids ’ cartoon land .
Anyway , there really is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kids coming to Stillwater for advice and Stillwater telling them a parable .
It imparts the same Zen messages the books did ; don ’ t sweat the small stuff , enjoy life as a series of experiences , be in the moment .
The animation , both CGI and hand-drawn , is quite good , though ; you can see a lot of detail like hair and fur texture in the animation , and the hand-drawn parables are detailed and stylistic , utilizing Eastern-style brushstrokes .
What Stillwater excels at is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t ever give into the temptation to pump in more upbeat music or introduce a ton of characters into Stillwater ’ s world .
It does what it ’ s meant to do : Teach lessons to kids and try to get them to sit still and relax .
Given how restless kids are during these pandemic times , a show like Stillwater arrives at the perfect time .
What Age Group Is This For ?
: This show is for all ages , despite its TV-Y7 rating .
Parting Shot : At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael takes off his raincoat and sits with Stillwater as he watches his little brother Karl splash through muddy puddles .
Sleeper Star : As we said , the animation on Stillwater is quite detailed and deliberate for an animated TV series , even in what many consider a golden era of TV animation .
Most Pilot-y Line : Every once in awhile , you ’ re reminded that this giant talking panda lives next two three kids who don ’ t find it strange in the least .
Then you realize you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intended audience .
Our Call : STREAM IT .
Stillwater is a nice Zen alternative to the noisy and grating kids ’ shows out there .
If you ’ ve got a kid who doesn ’ t mind calm TV , this will give both of you a break for 25 minutes .
Joel Keller ( @ joelkeller ) writes about food , entertainment , parenting and tech , but he doesn ’ t kid himself : he ’ s a TV junkie .
His writing has appeared in the New York Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VanityFair.com , Fast Company and elsewhere .

Parents hate most kids’ programs these days. They’re noisy, repetitive and annoying. Some are so hyper that they amp kids up instead of helping them unwind. But there’s a genre of “gentle” kids shows out there that parents find a welcoming oasis in the sea of noise. A new entry in that genre is so calm, it’s actually Zen. Read on for more.
STILLWATER: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
Opening Shot: A fly lands on a leaf, then we see it flying around a very peaceful yard.
The Gist: Stillwater (James Sie) is a giant panda who likes to be very still, quiet and by himself. He pursues things like painting or sitting out in a summer rain. His next door neighbors are three kids — Addy (Eva Ariel Binder), Michael (Tucker Chandler) and Karl (Judah Mackey) — who often come to him for advice. The advice he gives is often in the form of parables, which we see in hand-drawn animation sequences (as opposed to the CGI animation of Stillwater and his neighbors).
Each episode consists of two stories. In the first episode, Karl makes a rocket ship that he thinks can fly into space. While Addy supports his dreams and loves the details Karl put inside, Michael makes a point of saying that the cardboard-and-tape vehicle will never fly. When Karl tells Stillwater about the rocket, Stillwater tells a story about a man who wanted to capture the sunlight as it went down behind the trees of his village. His fellow villagers thought that was impossible, but he kept building a tower so high that he was able to see above the trees and capture more sunlight. Then Stillwater helps Karl imagine the rocket can fly.
In the second story, Michael is bummed because a summer rain has cancelled his baseball game. He thinks the rain “ruins everything,” but he sees Stillwater sitting in it, with no jacket or umbrella. Stillwater tells Michael he enjoys a summer rain, and tells the tale of a rabbit who planted a garden, but was bothered by the bees that were nearby. She had them removed, but found that her fruit and vegetable plants didn’t produce like they did when the bees were there to pollinate them. Michael appreciates the rain more after that, knowing it’s there to make everything green and lush.
What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Not as much in plot, but Stillwater has the same gentle tone of animated series like Tumble Leaf. It makes Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood seem hyper by comparison.
Our Take: Your adult brain needs to turn off its logic circuits when you watch Stillwater, based on books by John J Muth (Zen Shorts, Zen Ties, Zen Ghosts, Zen Socks and Zen Happiness). Adapted by Rob Hoegee (Thunderbirds Are Go), the show keeps things simple, which is why logic goes out the window. A big talking panda lives next two three kids who seemingly don’t have parents. Yes, it makes perfect sense in kids’ cartoon land.
Anyway, there really is no action in these episodes, just the kids coming to Stillwater for advice and Stillwater telling them a parable. It imparts the same Zen messages the books did; don’t sweat the small stuff, enjoy life as a series of experiences, be in the moment.
The animation, both CGI and hand-drawn, is quite good, though; you can see a lot of detail like hair and fur texture in the animation, and the hand-drawn parables are detailed and stylistic, utilizing Eastern-style brushstrokes.
What Stillwater excels at is its utter calmness. It doesn’t ever give into the temptation to pump in more upbeat music or introduce a ton of characters into Stillwater’s world. It does what it’s meant to do: Teach lessons to kids and try to get them to sit still and relax. Given how restless kids are during these pandemic times, a show like Stillwater arrives at the perfect time.
What Age Group Is This For?: This show is for all ages, despite its TV-Y7 rating.
Parting Shot: At the end of the rain episode, Michael takes off his raincoat and sits with Stillwater as he watches his little brother Karl splash through muddy puddles.
Sleeper Star: As we said, the animation on Stillwater is quite detailed and deliberate for an animated TV series, even in what many consider a golden era of TV animation.
Most Pilot-y Line: Every once in awhile, you’re reminded that this giant talking panda lives next two three kids who don’t find it strange in the least. Then you realize you’re not the show’s intended audience.
Our Call: STREAM IT. Stillwater is a nice Zen alternative to the noisy and grating kids’ shows out there. If you’ve got a kid who doesn’t mind calm TV, this will give both of you a break for 25 minutes.
Joel Keller (@joelkeller) writes about food, entertainment, parenting and tech, but he doesn’t kid himself: he’s a TV junkie. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Slate, Salon, RollingStone.com, VanityFair.com, Fast Company and elsewhere.
Stream Stillwater On Apple TV+


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--Los Angeles Times columnist urges senator Dianne Feinstein to resign

Los Angeles Times columnist Erika Smith is urging Sen. Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. , to resign so that California Gov .
Gavin Newsom can appoint a “ Black or Latino ” Democrat in her place .
Feinstein was hit with a damning report from The New Yorker that alleged accusations of her “ cognitive decline , ” which followed severe backlash she received from the left for the hug she gave her colleague , Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , after the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett .
In a piece published in Feinstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Smith suggested that Newsom should be filling two vacant Senate seats instead of just the one replacing Vice President-elect Kamala Harris , which means he can appoint both a Black and Latino to the Senate instead of sacrificing one for the other .
“ Representation does matter , and the more I listen to Black and Latino leaders demand it on behalf of a state that is becoming more diverse every year , the less I understand why our senior senator is still in office , blocking progress , ” Smith wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feinstein is the oldest member of the U.S. Senate , a member of the Silent Generation in a state dominated by people under 40 .
She is a wealthy woman in a state overrun with poverty , and the homelessness that too often accompanies it.
” The columnist explained , “ Given all of this , it would make perfect sense for Feinstein to be selfless and retire early with California ’ s gratitude for a distinguished career .
Now is absolutely the time to be an ally to communities of color and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values of this state .
For to adequately address the many long-standing , race-based disparities in everything from healthcare to housing , California needs a Black senator and a Latino senator.
” While her current term doesn ’ t end until 2025 , Feinstein has already signaled that she will step down as the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee .

Los Angeles Times columnist Erika Smith is urging Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., to resign so that California Gov. Gavin Newsom can appoint a “Black or Latino” Democrat in her place.
Feinstein was hit with a damning report from The New Yorker that alleged accusations of her “cognitive decline,” which followed severe backlash she received from the left for the hug she gave her colleague, Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., after the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
In a piece published in Feinstein’s home state paper on Thursday, Smith suggested that Newsom should be filling two vacant Senate seats instead of just the one replacing Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, which means he can appoint both a Black and Latino to the Senate instead of sacrificing one for the other.
“Representation does matter, and the more I listen to Black and Latino leaders demand it on behalf of a state that is becoming more diverse every year, the less I understand why our senior senator is still in office, blocking progress,” Smith wrote. “At 87 years old, Feinstein is the oldest member of the U.S. Senate, a member of the Silent Generation in a state dominated by people under 40. She is a wealthy woman in a state overrun with poverty, and the homelessness that too often accompanies it.”
The columnist explained, “Given all of this, it would make perfect sense for Feinstein to be selfless and retire early with California’s gratitude for a distinguished career. Now is absolutely the time to be an ally to communities of color and let another younger lawmaker represent the evolving values of this state. For to adequately address the many long-standing, race-based disparities in everything from healthcare to housing, California needs a Black senator and a Latino senator.”
While her current term doesn’t end until 2025, Feinstein has already signaled that she will step down as the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--Jets, Giants will want to keep eye on North Carolina linebacker Chazz Surratt

For all intents and purposes , the final weekend of college football ’ s regular season has arrived .
Conference championships are set to be played next week , along with a handful of makeup games from the season that came with all the challenges of playing amid a pandemic .
But Saturday offers one last day of a fairly full slate of games and a final chance to see many NFL prospects before they are drafted next April .
While the Jets ’ and Giants ’ drafting position remains to be determined over the final four weeks of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a look at three college games to keep an eye on and the prospects in them who could potentially be of interest over the next few months leading up to the draft .
No .
17 North Carolina at No .
10 Miami , 3:30 p.m. , ABC Who said UNC was just a basketball school ?
The Tar Heels have some intriguing prospects who could add to their alumni in the NFL , led by quarterback-turned-linebacker Chazz Surratt .
In two seasons playing defense , the athletic 6-foot-2 , 225-pounder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 12.5 sacks .
They also have a talented wide receiver duo in Dazz Newsome and Dyami Brown .
We ’ ve mentioned Miami pass rushers Quincy Roche and Jaelan Phillips here in the past , but another Hurricane to watch is rising safety Bubba Bolden .
The Jets have been hurting at cornerback this season — could Cal ’ s Camryn Bynum be of help ?
The 6-foot corner is a four-year starter and a two-year captain who offers physicality and has been graded highly each year by Pro Football Focus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington State has a massive anchor on its offensive line in tackle Abraham Lucas .
The 6-foot-7 , 328-pound redshirt junior has had plenty of reps in pass protection and could also be a mid-round pick .
LSU ’ s top contributions to the 2021 draft will likely be a pair of wide receivers — Ja ’ Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr. — but they have both opted out at this point .
That turns the spotlight onto outside linebacker Jabril Cox and safety JaCoby Stevens .
Florida ’ s prospect pool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but they also have a pair of interesting wide receivers in Trevon Grimes and Kadarius Toney .

For all intents and purposes, the final weekend of college football’s regular season has arrived.
Conference championships are set to be played next week, along with a handful of makeup games from the season that came with all the challenges of playing amid a pandemic. But Saturday offers one last day of a fairly full slate of games and a final chance to see many NFL prospects before they are drafted next April.
While the Jets’ and Giants’ drafting position remains to be determined over the final four weeks of the NFL’s regular season, here’s a look at three college games to keep an eye on and the prospects in them who could potentially be of interest over the next few months leading up to the draft.
No. 17 North Carolina at No. 10 Miami, 3:30 p.m., ABC
Who said UNC was just a basketball school? The Tar Heels have some intriguing prospects who could add to their alumni in the NFL, led by quarterback-turned-linebacker Chazz Surratt. In two seasons playing defense, the athletic 6-foot-2, 225-pounder has piled up 22.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks. They also have a talented wide receiver duo in Dazz Newsome and Dyami Brown.
We’ve mentioned Miami pass rushers Quincy Roche and Jaelan Phillips here in the past, but another Hurricane to watch is rising safety Bubba Bolden.
California at Washington St, 4 p.m., Fox
The Jets have been hurting at cornerback this season — could Cal’s Camryn Bynum be of help? The 6-foot corner is a four-year starter and a two-year captain who offers physicality and has been graded highly each year by Pro Football Focus. He projects as a mid-round pick.
Washington State has a massive anchor on its offensive line in tackle Abraham Lucas. The 6-foot-7, 328-pound redshirt junior has had plenty of reps in pass protection and could also be a mid-round pick.
Cal’s Camryn Bynum nearly intercepts the pass intended for Oregon’s Kris Hutson on Dec. 5, 2020. AP
LSU at No. 6 Florida, 7 p.m., ESPN
LSU’s top contributions to the 2021 draft will likely be a pair of wide receivers — Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr. — but they have both opted out at this point. That turns the spotlight onto outside linebacker Jabril Cox and safety JaCoby Stevens.
Florida’s prospect pool is headlined by tight end Kyle Pitts, but they also have a pair of interesting wide receivers in Trevon Grimes and Kadarius Toney.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--Man struck and killed in NYC, driver flees

Retail giant Walmart plans to administer coronavirus vaccines following approval from the U.S. Food ...

A man walking across the street in Manhattan early Saturday was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver who then crashed and fled on foot, authorities said.
The NYPD was still looking for the driver two hours later.
The victim had been crossing at 110th Street and 3rd Avenue in East Harlem when a white sedan lost control and plowed into him at around 12:30 a.m., police said.
The victim, a Hispanic male, died at the scene. His identity was not immediately released by police.
The driver kept going — but the sedan overturned at 115th Street and 3rd Avenue and the driver abandoned the car, cops said.
The driver then fled on foot in an unknown direction. Police were initially left unable to describe the driver at all, even by gender.
One shaken witness who’d been stopped at a light on 3rd Avenue said he saw the driver speeding through traffic and striking the victim. The force of being struck severed one of the victim’s legs, he said.
“I thought it was a garbage bag because the way he hit it like a bunch of stuff started flying everywhere,” said the witness, who asked to be identified only as “Lamont.”
“Obviously, it wasn’t a garbage bag; it was a human being.”
“We’re going to find him,” NYPD spokesman Sgt. Brendan Ryan told The Post. “We always get our man.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--Walmart to give COVID-19 vaccine following FDA approval

Retail giant Walmart plans to administer coronavirus vaccines following approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration , the company announced this week .
It plans to enter into agreements with the federal government to distribute the vaccine upon its approval , Walmart Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tom Van Gilder said in a news release .
Walmart is preparing some 5,000 of its Walmart and Sam ’ s Club pharmacies to receive the doses when available ; “ including making sure we have freezers in all our pharmacies , as well as dry ice to handle any requirements for storing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the statement .
The retailer is also “ entering into agreements with states to be able to support vaccinations where needed , whether that is in our pharmacies or long-term care facilities where the states determine they need our help.
” Health care workers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities have been recommended by an independent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) advisory panel to receive the vaccine first , with many states expected to follow these recommendations .
“ The federal government will allocate the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who should receive the first doses of the vaccine and when .
Walmart will not have any say in who can receive the vaccine , but we are ready to support states once they do , ” the company said .
The U.S. government has agreed to buy some 100 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine , the first to seek emergency approval from the FDA .
An FDA advisory panel voted Thursday to endorse the jab , clearing the way for FDA leaders to authorize emergency mass distribution amid an ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other pharmacies across the country , including CVS Health Corp and Walgreens Boot Alliance , have entered into similar agreements with the U.S. government to distribute the vaccine .

Retail giant Walmart plans to administer coronavirus vaccines following approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the company announced this week.
It plans to enter into agreements with the federal government to distribute the vaccine upon its approval, Walmart Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tom Van Gilder said in a news release.
Walmart is preparing some 5,000 of its Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies to receive the doses when available; “including making sure we have freezers in all our pharmacies, as well as dry ice to handle any requirements for storing the vaccine,” Van Gilder said in the statement.
The retailer is also “entering into agreements with states to be able to support vaccinations where needed, whether that is in our pharmacies or long-term care facilities where the states determine they need our help.”
Health care workers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities have been recommended by an independent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel to receive the vaccine first, with many states expected to follow these recommendations.
“The federal government will allocate the vaccine to states, and states will determine who should receive the first doses of the vaccine and when. Walmart will not have any say in who can receive the vaccine, but we are ready to support states once they do,” the company said.
The U.S. government has agreed to buy some 100 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, the first to seek emergency approval from the FDA. An FDA advisory panel voted Thursday to endorse the jab, clearing the way for FDA leaders to authorize emergency mass distribution amid an ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases across the country.
That FDA approval came Friday night.
Other pharmacies across the country, including CVS Health Corp and Walgreens Boot Alliance, have entered into similar agreements with the U.S. government to distribute the vaccine.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--Allison Mack files for divorce from wife Nicki Clyne

They survived NXIVM — but now their marriage is on the rocks Allison Mack , the disgraced former “ Smallville ” star who ’ s been charged for her role in the NXIVM sex cult , has reportedly filed for divorce from her wife , a fellow actress who was also in the cult .
Mack filed for divorce from “ Battlestar Galactica ” actress Nicki Clyne in Orange County , Calif. Friday , TMZ first reported .
The two had married in 2017 .
The 38-year-old Mack made headlines when she pled guilty in April 2019 to racketeering and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced labor .
Prosecutors alleged Mack was a high ranking member of the group DOS and recruited women as “ sex slaves ” for NXIVM founder Keith Raniere , who was sentenced to 120 years in prison for sex-trafficking women in October .
Mack faces up to 40 years in prison .
Her sentencing was postponed last year and a new date hasn ’ t been set .
Clyne , 37 , who was not charged in the scheme , revealed in court papers in October that she had been Raniere ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
A staunch Raniere supporter , she insisted in the court papers that NXIVM was merely “ a group of women who sought guidance from a trusted and intelligent man , and created a secret sorority for women that implemented some somewhat unconventional practices in the pursuit of growth and personal freedom.
” Those unconventional practices included members being forcibly branded with Raniere ’ s initials , federal prosecutors charged .
Some women in the group were also made to wear fake cow udders on their bare breasts in acts of ritual @ @ @ @ @

They survived NXIVM — but now their marriage is on the rocks
Allison Mack, the disgraced former “Smallville” star who’s been charged for her role in the NXIVM sex cult, has reportedly filed for divorce from her wife, a fellow actress who was also in the cult.
Mack filed for divorce from “Battlestar Galactica” actress Nicki Clyne in Orange County, Calif. Friday, TMZ first reported.
The two had married in 2017.
The 38-year-old Mack made headlines when she pled guilty in April 2019 to racketeering and racketeering conspiracy charges, including extortion and forced labor.
Prosecutors alleged Mack was a high ranking member of the group DOS and recruited women as “sex slaves” for NXIVM founder Keith Raniere, who was sentenced to 120 years in prison for sex-trafficking women in October.
Mack faces up to 40 years in prison. Her sentencing was postponed last year and a new date hasn’t been set.
Clyne, 37, who was not charged in the scheme, revealed in court papers in October that she had been Raniere’s “partner” for more than ten years.
A staunch Raniere supporter, she insisted in the court papers that NXIVM was merely “a group of women who sought guidance from a trusted and intelligent man, and created a secret sorority for women that implemented some somewhat unconventional practices in the pursuit of growth and personal freedom.”
Those unconventional practices included members being forcibly branded with Raniere’s initials, federal prosecutors charged.
Some women in the group were also made to wear fake cow udders on their bare breasts in acts of ritual humiliation, prosecutors said.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--How Operation Warp Speed delivered a COVID vaccine in record time: Azar

As we enter this winter , we face alarming trends in the spread of COVID-19 around the country , but even in this challenging time , we have so much reason for hope .
On Friday , the Food and Drug Administration authorized the first COVID-19 vaccine in the United States , and Operation Warp Speed ( OWS ) and its private sector partners immediately began shipping vaccines to sites designated by states and other public health jurisdictions .
With about 3 million doses on the way , this means that health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coming days .
Americans who may fall into these categories—the exact allocations are done by states and public health jurisdictions—can find out more about where they will receive a vaccine from their state or local governments , such as through the state ’ s COVID-19 webpage .
This spring , experts predicted that a vaccine was at least a year or year and a half away .
Yet , within a year , we have one vaccine authorized , millions of doses being shipped , and another vaccine under review by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the experts ’ expectations not by luck , but because of deliberate planning by President Trump ’ s administration through Operation Warp Speed ( OWS ) .
American researchers and partners around the world began research and development on COVID-19 vaccines back in January .
Work on the Moderna vaccine began the morning after the viral sequence was shared by Chinese researchers .
While this work progressed , the Trump administration identified the potential challenges that could slow access to vaccines .
First , vaccines are complex and scaling up manufacturing takes time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines to every American is an unprecedented logistical project .
Back in April , with the president ’ s support , I started working with the Department of Health and Human Services ’ scientific leaders and our colleagues across the administration to tackle these problems , recruiting world-class leaders to execute on OWS ’ s bold goals .
First , beginning production as soon as possible would accelerate the process without compromising safety or efficacy .
Vaccines are one of the most complex products made by modern industry , some are grown in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
Drugmakers almost never invest in large-scale manufacturing upfront , lest the investment go to waste if a drug isn ’ t approved .
To solve these challenges , we enlisted Moncef Slaoui , a scientist who has led the development of numerous major vaccines .
Together , we built a portfolio of promising candidates , investing more than $ 10 billion to give companies confidence , and worked closely with them to ensure they had what they needed to begin manufacturing .
HHS has deep experience working with researchers and innovators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this scale required enlisting expert drug makers and another government partner : the Department of Defense .
Every day , the Pentagon ensures that manufacturing supplies go where they need to go , including between private-sector companies , so that the guns , bullets , food and everything else the military needs are produced and shipped where they need to go .
DOD uniformed and civilian experts have now done the same thing for vaccine manufacturing , through the Defense Production Act and other informal actions to prioritize supplies .
When one manufacturer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bioreactor online , for instance , OWS staff ensured that the parts maker prioritized the order .
Second , safe and effective vaccines are only as good as the plan we have for distributing and administering them .
Coordinating with public health authorities and private sector partners would require the finest logistics experts in the world .
When I met with the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs back in April , they immediately had a name for just such an expert : Gen. Gustave Perna , who runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Working with the private sector , on the same evening of the authorization , we began shipping vaccines to administration sites in all 50 states and other public-health jurisdictions .
Through a military-style battle rhythm , OWS has been working to mitigate potential problems and setbacks , planning with a precision that marks the U.S. military .
Americans can have confidence that these vaccines are safe and effective because they ’ ve gone through an incredibly rigorous process .
OWS vaccines are proceeding through the typical three phases of clinical trials .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an independent data safety and monitoring board , which makes its own statistical assessments , and then by the drug maker .
The data is then submitted to the FDA , which publicly consults with its outside panel of vaccine experts .
Then , FDA ’ s career scientists review the data and the experts ’ recommendations , and make a final decision—as they now have with Pfizer ’ s vaccine .
It ’ s the same process Americans know and trust for any other drug authorized or approved by the FDA .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the public servants who have made this progress possible , and to every American who ’ s sacrificed to get us to this point .
Soon enough , it will be time for each of us to do our part and encourage our family and friends to go out and get a safe and effective vaccine—as I plan to do the first day I can .
Operation Warp Speed will go down as one of the great scientific achievements in our country ’ s history , and it offers all the more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re making now to slow the spread of the virus .
As Americans get vaccinated , we need to continue taking steps like washing our hands , social distancing , and wearing face masks to protect ourselves , our loved ones , and our communities .

As we enter this winter, we face alarming trends in the spread of COVID-19 around the country, but even in this challenging time, we have so much reason for hope.
On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration authorized the first COVID-19 vaccine in the United States, and Operation Warp Speed (OWS) and its private sector partners immediately began shipping vaccines to sites designated by states and other public health jurisdictions.
With about 3 million doses on the way, this means that health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities across America will begin receiving vaccines in the coming days.
Americans who may fall into these categories—the exact allocations are done by states and public health jurisdictions—can find out more about where they will receive a vaccine from their state or local governments, such as through the state’s COVID-19 webpage.
This spring, experts predicted that a vaccine was at least a year or year and a half away. Yet, within a year, we have one vaccine authorized, millions of doses being shipped, and another vaccine under review by the FDA.
We’ll easily beat the experts’ expectations not by luck, but because of deliberate planning by President Trump’s administration through Operation Warp Speed (OWS).
American researchers and partners around the world began research and development on COVID-19 vaccines back in January.
Work on the Moderna vaccine began the morning after the viral sequence was shared by Chinese researchers. While this work progressed, the Trump administration identified the potential challenges that could slow access to vaccines.
REUTERS/Brian Snyder
First, vaccines are complex and scaling up manufacturing takes time.
Second, rapidly distributing and administering vaccines to every American is an unprecedented logistical project.
Back in April, with the president’s support, I started working with the Department of Health and Human Services’ scientific leaders and our colleagues across the administration to tackle these problems, recruiting world-class leaders to execute on OWS’s bold goals.
First, beginning production as soon as possible would accelerate the process without compromising safety or efficacy. Vaccines are one of the most complex products made by modern industry, some are grown in chicken eggs or with other specialized living media. Drugmakers almost never invest in large-scale manufacturing upfront, lest the investment go to waste if a drug isn’t approved.
To solve these challenges, we enlisted Moncef Slaoui, a scientist who has led the development of numerous major vaccines.
Together, we built a portfolio of promising candidates, investing more than $10 billion to give companies confidence, and worked closely with them to ensure they had what they needed to begin manufacturing.
HHS has deep experience working with researchers and innovators, but supporting a manufacturing endeavor of this scale required enlisting expert drug makers and another government partner: the Department of Defense.
Every day, the Pentagon ensures that manufacturing supplies go where they need to go, including between private-sector companies, so that the guns, bullets, food and everything else the military needs are produced and shipped where they need to go.
DOD uniformed and civilian experts have now done the same thing for vaccine manufacturing, through the Defense Production Act and other informal actions to prioritize supplies. When one manufacturer needed particular parts to bring a new bioreactor online, for instance, OWS staff ensured that the parts maker prioritized the order.
Second, safe and effective vaccines are only as good as the plan we have for distributing and administering them. Coordinating with public health authorities and private sector partners would require the finest logistics experts in the world.
Nurses check the dose amount of the Pfizer/BioNTech covid-19 vaccine PA Images/Sipa USA
When I met with the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs back in April, they immediately had a name for just such an expert: Gen. Gustave Perna, who runs the U.S. Army’s logistics command.
Working with the private sector, on the same evening of the authorization, we began shipping vaccines to administration sites in all 50 states and other public-health jurisdictions. Through a military-style battle rhythm, OWS has been working to mitigate potential problems and setbacks, planning with a precision that marks the U.S. military.
Americans can have confidence that these vaccines are safe and effective because they’ve gone through an incredibly rigorous process.
OWS vaccines are proceeding through the typical three phases of clinical trials. Then, trial data is reviewed by an independent data safety and monitoring board, which makes its own statistical assessments, and then by the drug maker.
The data is then submitted to the FDA, which publicly consults with its outside panel of vaccine experts. Then, FDA’s career scientists review the data and the experts’ recommendations, and make a final decision—as they now have with Pfizer’s vaccine. It’s the same process Americans know and trust for any other drug authorized or approved by the FDA.
We all owe a debt of gratitude to the public servants who have made this progress possible, and to every American who’s sacrificed to get us to this point.
Soon enough, it will be time for each of us to do our part and encourage our family and friends to go out and get a safe and effective vaccine—as I plan to do the first day I can.
Operation Warp Speed will go down as one of the great scientific achievements in our country’s history, and it offers all the more encouragement to double down on the sacrifices we’re making now to slow the spread of the virus. As Americans get vaccinated, we need to continue taking steps like washing our hands, social distancing, and wearing face masks to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--Man arrested for fatally shooting Tennessee nurse on her way to work

Authorities arrested a 21-year-old man Friday for the shooting murder of a Tennessee nurse who was killed on her way to work last week .
SWAT officers handcuffed Devaunte Hill at his East Nashville apartment at around 6:15 a.m. for allegedly shooting Caitlyn Kaufman as she drove on Interstate 440 on her way to work on Dec. 3 , Metro Nashville police said .
Kaufman , 26 , who worked at St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville , was inexplicably struck in the shoulder by a single bullet at around 6 p.m. She died at the scene , police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glad there ’ s been an arrest in her daughter ’ s case .
“ I ’ m so relieved , ” Kaufman , told The Tennessean Friday .
“ A part of me is so relieved they got him .
I just get chills every time I think about it.
” Cops said there ’ s no relation between Kaufman and Hill .
The break in the case came Thursday when a tipster identified Hill as a suspect , and provided information about the whereabouts of the gun that was used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say there may be additional arrests .
The authorities have not revealed a motive for the shooting .
Hill has been charged with criminal homicide , and is being held at the Nashville Downtown Detention Center without bond .

Authorities arrested a 21-year-old man Friday for the shooting murder of a Tennessee nurse who was killed on her way to work last week.
SWAT officers handcuffed Devaunte Hill at his East Nashville apartment at around 6:15 a.m. for allegedly shooting Caitlyn Kaufman as she drove on Interstate 440 on her way to work on Dec. 3, Metro Nashville police said.
Kaufman, 26, who worked at St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, was inexplicably struck in the shoulder by a single bullet at around 6 p.m. She died at the scene, police said.
Diane Kaufman said she’s glad there’s been an arrest in her daughter’s case.
“I’m so relieved,” Kaufman, told The Tennessean Friday. “A part of me is so relieved they got him. I just get chills every time I think about it.”
Cops said there’s no relation between Kaufman and Hill.
The break in the case came Thursday when a tipster identified Hill as a suspect, and provided information about the whereabouts of the gun that was used to kill Kaufman, police said.
Police say there may be additional arrests. The authorities have not revealed a motive for the shooting.
Hill has been charged with criminal homicide, and is being held at the Nashville Downtown Detention Center without bond.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--‘Cheer’ star Jerry Harris faces new sexual misconduct charges

Prosecutors on Friday filed new charges against “ Cheer ” star Jerry Harris , alleging that he enticed minors into @ @ @ @ @ and had sex with his victims at cheerleading competitions .
The additional seven charges stem @ @ @ @ @ accuse Harris , 21 , a fixture in Netflix ’ s docuseries “ Cheer , @ @ @ @ @ for his pleasure , USA Today reported .
In September , the FBI raided Harris @ @ @ @ @ arrested him on federal child porn charges .
His arrest came after two brothers sued @ @ @ @ @ occurred for over a year when they were 13 and Harris was 19 .
Court @ @ @ @ @ Florida for the sole purpose of engaging in sexual acts with an underage boy .

Prosecutors on Friday filed new charges against “Cheer” star Jerry Harris, alleging that he enticed minors into sending him explicit photos — and had sex with his victims at cheerleading competitions.
The additional seven charges stem from four new victims who accuse Harris, 21, a fixture in Netflix’s docuseries “Cheer,” of sexually exploiting them for his pleasure, USA Today reported.
In September, the FBI raided Harris’ home in Naperville and arrested him on federal child porn charges. His arrest came after two brothers sued him for sexual harassment that occurred for over a year when they were 13 and Harris was 19.
Court documents say Harris traveled to Florida for the sole purpose of engaging in sexual acts with an underage boy.
Harris remains in federal custody awaiting trial.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--Tom Thibodeau already looks like a big Knicks upgrade

Tom Thibodeau was back on the sidelines for the first time in nearly two years — even if it was preseason and against one of the league ’ s dregs , the Pistons .
But it didn ’ t feel the same to Thibodeau at an empty Little Caesars Arena in Detroit .
“ I don ’ t know if it ’ s like riding a bike , ’ ’ Thibodeau said after his Knicks held off a late Pistons charge to win their preseason opener 90-84 .
“ You ’ re in an NBA arena with no fans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ great .
Just to be out there in a game situation was great , but I think it also is a reminder like of how serious the COVID thing is when you ’ re looking out and you don ’ t see any fans.
’ ’ All the safety protocols didn ’ t stop Thibodeau from removing his mask once so his rant at a referee could be heard more clearly .
Thibodeau will soon get used to lack of crowds as the Knicks continue a four-game preseason schedule with another tilt in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn more then about these Knicks , who have been discarded as starless afterthoughts in the Eastern Conference .
Yet on Friday , the Knicks showed how much coaching can really matter .
They played a spirited brand of defense that hasn ’ t been seen from the Knicks since … well , since Thibodeau was an assistant coach with Jeff Van Gundy in the late 1990s .
The opponent was only the woebegone Pistons , but it was a refreshing change watching the Knicks rebound well , guard the 3-point line and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 turnovers .
Yes , the biggest upgrade to the franchise this offseason , after a quiet free agency , is probably the coach .
There still were bright signs , even if Thibodeau kept his rotation to just 11 men with rookie guard Immanuel Quickley , the Knicks ’ other first-round pick , surprisingly not even getting off the pine .
Rookie lottery pick Obi Toppin , the Knicks ’ second-most important addition , put forth a solid first half with nine of his 11 points , scoring in all ways , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditioning , grace and speed .
Toppin , coming off the bench , seemed comfortable , even if he forced some passes in the second half , when the Pistons , who passed him up in the draft , put more focus on shutting him down .
A great sign was fellow power forward Julius Randle taking Toppin under his wing and lecturing him on two occasions , once after he bought a pump fake from Blake Griffin at the 3-point line .
They play the same position and they didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he told me as soon as I came to the timeout he was like , ‘ That ’ s what he does every time , ’ ’ ’ Toppin said .
“ I knew for the next time I was guarding him not to jump on that pump fake.
’ ’ As for the other young guns , 2018 lottery pick , Kevin Knox , also off the bench , wasn ’ t making his open shots often enough , but he looked good in transition and moving the ball .
Knox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In fact , 2019 lottery pick , RJ Barrett and Knox combined to go 0-for-7 from outside the 3-point stripe .
No , it doesn ’ t look like Leon Rose has turned these Knicks into a good 3-point shooting team — they went 4-for-22 in the preseason opener .
Dennis Smith Jr. ( four turnovers ) was still sloppy and Frank Ntilikina was very fine on defense , but not really forcing the issue offensively , per usual .
That ’ s why Thibodeau is surely going to turn to Quickley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being hailed by the coach as one of the NBA ’ s top marksman .
With Thibodeau , a strong defensive center tag team of Nerlens Noel and Mitchell Robinson and a couple of late clutch shots from Randle , the Knicks looked like they should at least be competitive — and not blown out like as many times as they were under David Fizdale and even Mike Miller .
Even if there are no fans to watch in person .

Tom Thibodeau was back on the sidelines for the first time in nearly two years — even if it was preseason and against one of the league’s dregs, the Pistons.
But it didn’t feel the same to Thibodeau at an empty Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
“I don’t know if it’s like riding a bike,’’ Thibodeau said after his Knicks held off a late Pistons charge to win their preseason opener 90-84. “You’re in an NBA arena with no fans. It was strange, but it was great. Just to be out there in a game situation was great, but I think it also is a reminder like of how serious the COVID thing is when you’re looking out and you don’t see any fans.’’
All the safety protocols didn’t stop Thibodeau from removing his mask once so his rant at a referee could be heard more clearly.
Thibodeau will soon get used to lack of crowds as the Knicks continue a four-game preseason schedule with another tilt in Detroit on Sunday.
Perhaps we will learn more then about these Knicks, who have been discarded as starless afterthoughts in the Eastern Conference.
Yet on Friday, the Knicks showed how much coaching can really matter. They played a spirited brand of defense that hasn’t been seen from the Knicks since … well, since Thibodeau was an assistant coach with Jeff Van Gundy in the late 1990s.
The opponent was only the woebegone Pistons, but it was a refreshing change watching the Knicks rebound well, guard the 3-point line and disrupt passes on the way to forcing 22 turnovers.
Tom Thibodeau AP
Yes, the biggest upgrade to the franchise this offseason, after a quiet free agency, is probably the coach.
There still were bright signs, even if Thibodeau kept his rotation to just 11 men with rookie guard Immanuel Quickley, the Knicks’ other first-round pick, surprisingly not even getting off the pine.
Rookie lottery pick Obi Toppin, the Knicks’ second-most important addition, put forth a solid first half with nine of his 11 points, scoring in all ways, including a transition dunk that showed his conditioning, grace and speed.
Toppin, coming off the bench, seemed comfortable, even if he forced some passes in the second half, when the Pistons, who passed him up in the draft, put more focus on shutting him down.
A great sign was fellow power forward Julius Randle taking Toppin under his wing and lecturing him on two occasions, once after he bought a pump fake from Blake Griffin at the 3-point line. They play the same position and they didn’t share the floor once.
“Jules, he told me as soon as I came to the timeout he was like, ‘That’s what he does every time,’ ’’ Toppin said. “I knew for the next time I was guarding him not to jump on that pump fake.’’
As for the other young guns, 2018 lottery pick, Kevin Knox, also off the bench, wasn’t making his open shots often enough, but he looked good in transition and moving the ball. Knox was 2-for-6 — 0-for-3 from 3-point range.
In fact, 2019 lottery pick, RJ Barrett and Knox combined to go 0-for-7 from outside the 3-point stripe. No, it doesn’t look like Leon Rose has turned these Knicks into a good 3-point shooting team — they went 4-for-22 in the preseason opener. Dennis Smith Jr. (four turnovers) was still sloppy and Frank Ntilikina was very fine on defense, but not really forcing the issue offensively, per usual.
That’s why Thibodeau is surely going to turn to Quickley on Sunday as he’s already being hailed by the coach as one of the NBA’s top marksman.
With Thibodeau, a strong defensive center tag team of Nerlens Noel and Mitchell Robinson and a couple of late clutch shots from Randle, the Knicks looked like they should at least be competitive — and not blown out like as many times as they were under David Fizdale and even Mike Miller.
Even if there are no fans to watch in person.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--Protesters hurl eggs as South Korea releases child rapist

Angry protesters threw eggs and shouted insults as one of South Korea ’ s most notorious child predators was released from a prison in southern Seoul on Saturday at the end of a 12-year term .
Law enforcement authorities strapped the 69-year-old Cho Doo-soon with an electronic anklet and escorted him to his home in nearby Ansan , where authorities have added and upgraded security cameras and vowed around-the-clock monitoring for a man residents still see as a risk to their community .
Cho was convicted of kidnaping and raping an 8-year-old girl at a church bathroom in Ansan in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her with severe , lasting injuries .
The case shocked and horrified the nation and prompted an outpouring of public sympathy for the girl , which inspired a 2013 hit movie titled “ Hope.
” Around a million people since 2017 signed multiple online petitions to the president opposing Cho ’ s release , which had been dreaded by residents in Ansan for years .
Dozens of protesters , holding signs that read “ Cho Doo-soon to hell ” and shouting slogans calling for his castration or execution , rallied for hours in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a heavy police presence .
Officers dispersed some protesters who temporarily blocked a pathway to the prison by lying down and locking arms , which appeared to delay Cho ’ s release by around half an hour .
Demonstrators threw eggs and other objects as a van , carrying Cho and flanked by officers , rolled out of the prison ’ s gate at around 6:45 a.m .
The gray-haired Cho , wearing a ballcap and a white face mask , later arrived at a probation office in Ansan amid a barrage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ device .
He didn ’ t answer reporters ’ questions on whether he repented but bowed twice before being escorted home .
In a media briefing earlier Saturday , probation officer Ko Jeong-dae said Cho told officials that he “ committed a crime that would anger both gods and human beings , ” a phrase used to refer to unpardonable atrocity .
Ko also cited Cho as saying he has reflected on his crime and offered an apology to the victim .
The Justice Ministry had rejected an earlier plea by Ansan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolated at a “ protection ” facility once his prison term ended .
The ministry said it decided to transport Cho in a government vehicle because allowing him to use his own car or public transport could risk “ physical clashes ” with other citizens .
Online message boards and social media have been flowing with comments threatening him with punishment .
“ Nearly everyone I know was busy searching the internet to figure out the location of his house and I did too , ” said Lee Do-hyung , a coffee shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around that prison didn ’ t change him , and that he was still a violent man .
You don ’ t want that man walking on the streets and couples with parents are particularly concerned.
” J.A .
Nah , an office worker in Ansan , said , “ I think I ’ ll tremble with fright about encountering him anytime and anywhere if he lives close to me.
” “ I hope he ’ ll now live as a normal citizen who doesn ’ t harm others , but I still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
To ease public anxiety , authorities have recently stepped up patrols and security postures around Cho ’ s neighborhood .
Ansan ’ s city government said in a statement that a team of 12 security guards — formerly special forces ’ soldiers or martial arts specialists — have been put on shifts patrolling the area around Cho ’ s house 24 hours a day .
Officials are also adding 20 more security cameras as well as new streetlights .
Mo Youngshin , a police officer in Ansan , said dozens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each day .
He said police and the Justice Ministry had recently staged a joint training on swiftly mobilizing their staff to respond if Cho commits a crime .
The victim ’ s family told local media last month they plan to move away from Ansan because of Cho ’ s return .
The father told TV channel JTBC that his daughter “ burst into tears ” about Cho ’ s planned return to Ansan .
“ It was the first time that happened since she was attacked 12 years ago .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the man , whose name and face weren ’ t revealed .
Despite widespread concerns , some residents cautiously questioned whether the current level of patrols , public hatred and media frenzy are too much as Cho had completed his sentence .
Ansan ’ s city government has also recently requested media agencies not to film and interview residents without permission , citing privacy issues and possible negative effects on house prices and child education .

Angry protesters threw eggs and shouted insults as one of South Korea’s most notorious child predators was released from a prison in southern Seoul on Saturday at the end of a 12-year term.
Law enforcement authorities strapped the 69-year-old Cho Doo-soon with an electronic anklet and escorted him to his home in nearby Ansan, where authorities have added and upgraded security cameras and vowed around-the-clock monitoring for a man residents still see as a risk to their community.
Cho was convicted of kidnaping and raping an 8-year-old girl at a church bathroom in Ansan in 2008 in a brutal attack that left her with severe, lasting injuries. The case shocked and horrified the nation and prompted an outpouring of public sympathy for the girl, which inspired a 2013 hit movie titled “Hope.”
Around a million people since 2017 signed multiple online petitions to the president opposing Cho’s release, which had been dreaded by residents in Ansan for years.
Dozens of protesters, holding signs that read “Cho Doo-soon to hell” and shouting slogans calling for his castration or execution, rallied for hours in front of the prison early Saturday amid a heavy police presence. Officers dispersed some protesters who temporarily blocked a pathway to the prison by lying down and locking arms, which appeared to delay Cho’s release by around half an hour.
Demonstrators threw eggs and other objects as a van, carrying Cho and flanked by officers, rolled out of the prison’s gate at around 6:45 a.m.
The gray-haired Cho, wearing a ballcap and a white face mask, later arrived at a probation office in Ansan amid a barrage of camera flashes as officials registered his tracking device. He didn’t answer reporters’ questions on whether he repented but bowed twice before being escorted home.
In a media briefing earlier Saturday, probation officer Ko Jeong-dae said Cho told officials that he “committed a crime that would anger both gods and human beings,” a phrase used to refer to unpardonable atrocity. Ko also cited Cho as saying he has reflected on his crime and offered an apology to the victim.
Protesters lie down on the road to oppose the release of Cho Doo-soon in front of a prison in Seoul, South Korea. AP
The Justice Ministry had rejected an earlier plea by Ansan’s mayor for Cho to be kept isolated at a “protection” facility once his prison term ended. The ministry said it decided to transport Cho in a government vehicle because allowing him to use his own car or public transport could risk “physical clashes” with other citizens. Online message boards and social media have been flowing with comments threatening him with punishment.
“Nearly everyone I know was busy searching the internet to figure out the location of his house and I did too,” said Lee Do-hyung, a coffee shop employee. “There are talks going around that prison didn’t change him, and that he was still a violent man. You don’t want that man walking on the streets and couples with parents are particularly concerned.”
J.A. Nah, an office worker in Ansan, said, “I think I’ll tremble with fright about encountering him anytime and anywhere if he lives close to me.”
“I hope he’ll now live as a normal citizen who doesn’t harm others, but I still have fears about him,” she said.
To ease public anxiety, authorities have recently stepped up patrols and security postures around Cho’s neighborhood.
Ansan’s city government said in a statement that a team of 12 security guards — formerly special forces’ soldiers or martial arts specialists — have been put on shifts patrolling the area around Cho’s house 24 hours a day. Officials are also adding 20 more security cameras as well as new streetlights.
Mo Youngshin, a police officer in Ansan, said dozens of officers will be separately patrolling the neighborhood each day. He said police and the Justice Ministry had recently staged a joint training on swiftly mobilizing their staff to respond if Cho commits a crime.
The victim’s family told local media last month they plan to move away from Ansan because of Cho’s return.
The father told TV channel JTBC that his daughter “burst into tears” about Cho’s planned return to Ansan. “It was the first time that happened since she was attacked 12 years ago. We all cried with her,” said the man, whose name and face weren’t revealed.
Despite widespread concerns, some residents cautiously questioned whether the current level of patrols, public hatred and media frenzy are too much as Cho had completed his sentence.
Ansan’s city government has also recently requested media agencies not to film and interview residents without permission, citing privacy issues and possible negative effects on house prices and child education.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--Cardinals’ Chase Edmonds wants to  build off uncanny New York success

The only healthy outside linebacker of the top four on ...

Something about New York brings out the touchdowns in Chase Edmonds.
Sure, there’s a Patriot League-record 74 touchdowns scored during four years at Fordham. But how does the Cardinals’ third-year running back explain the disproportionate ratio of four touchdowns in two games visiting MetLife Stadium — including one against the Jets just two months ago — and seven in the other 39 games of his NFL career?
“I get a little more jacked up and a little more energized just because it feels good to be back in New York,” Edmonds said. “Knowing that I have good family and friends around the area gives me a little more juice when I get up in the morning. As far as having good performances there, that’s just how the games worked out. I look forward to trying to build on it.”
Edmonds’ latest homecoming — albeit in front of empty seats rather than with his parents in the stands, as they were to celebrate his breakout three-touchdown performance against the Giants last season — is Sunday.
Chase Edmonds stiff arms Stephon Gilmore. Getty Images
This time, however, the 5-foot-9, 210-pound Edmonds is not returning as an unknown backup to Kenyan Drake but rather as a game-breaker: His 42 receptions are tied for sixth among NFL running backs.
“Whether running the ball, catching the ball or on kickoff returns, you put the ball in his hands and this guy can make plays for you,” Giants coach Joe Judge said.
“He understands how to attack your defender’s leverage and create space, either cut back across their face or cut away from them. This guy is definitely someone we’ve focused on throughout the week in preparation of knowing where he is, knowing what they do with him in the game, and identifying who’s going to be matched up with him in certain packages.”
To understand how Edmonds became one of the league’s best third-down backs, look at Fordham on days when the backup running backs were in special teams meetings or drills and the starter was becoming well-rounded.
“Part of his football knowledge came from being in the quarterback meeting rooms,” Fordham assistant coach Shane Fogarty told The Post. “That half-hour a day, and the time he spent listening to the wide receivers coach during practices and taking reps with them started his development. Most of the NFL teams who came in to look at him worked him out at running back and then would have him do a lot of pass-catching stuff.”
Fogarty served up information on pass protection and defensive schematics and Edmonds consumed it with a fervor.
“Coming in my rookie year, the offensive linemen always said I was pretty good at blitz pick-up,” Edmonds said. “That comes from my preparation at Fordham. Both my running back coaches were former college quarterbacks. It was all about safety rotation and what the defense is trying to do to you in certain looks. It really helped in my adjustment coming to the NFL.”
Edmonds was the 2014 Jerry Rice Award winner as the top FCS rookie and finished his career with the fifth-most career rushing yards (5,862) at that level of the NCAA. That number and his draft position — fourth-round pick — would’ve been higher if not for a senior year cut short by missing four games with injuries.
“No matter who we played, he was probably the best player on the field — and he took that to heart,” Fogarty said.
“He smiles all the time now, but he played angry. Everyone had said, ‘You are small and you are at Fordham.’ Even when he was successful and it was the opposite — when he could’ve sat back — he still built that into his mind and that’s why he worked so hard. He had bigger goals to achieve.”
And he’s achieving them in familiar territory.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--An entire region in California is out of ICU beds as COVID-19 surges

A 12-county region in California is out of ICU-bed capacity as a second wave of COVID-19 ravages the state ’ s rural Central Valley .
San Joaquin County , an agriculture hub where the majority of fruits and vegetables in the US are grown , has been hit particularly hard in recent weeks .
ICU capacity at all seven hospitals in the county stood at 100 percent on Saturday , the highest rate anywhere in California , according to the state ’ s Department of Public Health .
A team of 17 nurses is expected to arrive Monday at one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICU area where it plans to take in coronavirus patients from San Joaquin County ’ s six other overflowing hospitals .
Many of the patients are Latino farm workers .
A doctor at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial hospital in Lodi , which is about 100 miles east of San Francisco , said that during the first COVID wave in the spring , 75 percent of patients were Latino .
The hospital investigated the trend and found COVID warnings were not reaching many in the community , because of a lack of trust in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We don ’ t have the same culture and the rigidity around following the guidance here than , for example , San Francisco [ has ] .
We need to educate , educate , as much as we can so we can get some relief , ” Dr. Patricia Iris said .
An ideological divide also exists between Lodi ’ s English-speaking locals and the state ’ s liberal government leaders .
Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom implemented a 21-day stay-at-home order last week — prompting an outcry from San Joaquin businesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lodi Chamber of Commerce , signed a letter urging Newsom to let businesses stay open .
“ There ’ s just no rhyme or reason to some of these things and certainly no data , ” Patrick said .
At least one restaurant , Denis ’ Country Kitchen , has stayed open despite the mandate .

A 12-county region in California is out of ICU-bed capacity as a second wave of COVID-19 ravages the state’s rural Central Valley.
San Joaquin County, an agriculture hub where the majority of fruits and vegetables in the US are grown, has been hit particularly hard in recent weeks.
ICU capacity at all seven hospitals in the county stood at 100 percent on Saturday, the highest rate anywhere in California, according to the state’s Department of Public Health.
A team of 17 nurses is expected to arrive Monday at one local hospital that has built a second ICU area where it plans to take in coronavirus patients from San Joaquin County’s six other overflowing hospitals.
Many of the patients are Latino farm workers.
A doctor at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial hospital in Lodi, which is about 100 miles east of San Francisco, said that during the first COVID wave in the spring, 75 percent of patients were Latino.
The hospital investigated the trend and found COVID warnings were not reaching many in the community, because of a lack of trust in the hospital staff and government.
“We don’t have the same culture and the rigidity around following the guidance here than, for example, San Francisco [has]. We need to educate, educate, as much as we can so we can get some relief,” Dr. Patricia Iris said.
An ideological divide also exists between Lodi’s English-speaking locals and the state’s liberal government leaders.
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom implemented a 21-day stay-at-home order last week — prompting an outcry from San Joaquin businesses.
Pat Patrick, president and CEO of the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, signed a letter urging Newsom to let businesses stay open.
“There’s just no rhyme or reason to some of these things and certainly no data,” Patrick said.
At least one restaurant, Denis’ Country Kitchen, has stayed open despite the mandate.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--America needs Joe Biden to face the grim facts about China

Joe Biden ’ s not in the White House yet , but Beijing is already targeting his circle — even those close to them .
Let ’ s hope that pushes the next president to rethink his out-of-date approach to the Communist colossus .
China plays a long game , as the tale of accused spy Fang Fang shows .
The young woman targeted up-and-coming politicians , and she had an eye for talent : Now-House Intelligence Committee member Eric Swalwell ( D-Calif. ) became one of her marks when he was a lowly city councilman .
So Beijing ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team is “ on steroids , ” says top US counter-intelligence official William Evanina : “ We ’ re starting to see that play across the country to not only the folks starting in the new administration , but those who are around those folks in the new administration.
” “ If I could communicate one thing to the American people , ” Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe wrote in The Wall Street Journal , “ it is that the People ’ s Republic of China poses the greatest threat to .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ World War II.
” Does Biden recognize that threat ?
“ China is going to eat our lunch ?
Come on , man , ” he famously said last year .
“ They ’ re not competition for us.
” And he seems no more concerned now .
He told The New York Times ’ Tom Friedman , “ In my view , we don ’ t have ” the leverage to deal with China .
“ We must prepare to meet the challenges of the future , not keep fighting the wars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in The Atlantic .
China didn ’ t make his list of those challenges .
And Jake Sullivan , tapped to be national security adviser , said Biden told him to “ reimagine national security ” to include “ the pandemic , the economic crisis , the climate crisis , technological disruptions , threats to democracy , racial injustice and inequality in all forms.
” Oy .
It ’ s not just Team Trump sounding alarms .
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned last week that Europe and America must work together to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise of China , ” telling Politico , Beijing ’ s ascendancy “ is really changing the security environment we face.
” Cai Xia , a former Communist Party insider , says in Foreign Affairs that President Xi Jinping ’ s “ regime has degenerated further into a political oligarchy bent on holding on to power through brutality and ruthlessness , ” growing “ even more repressive and dictatorial.
” She ’ s in exile , afraid for her life .
One Biden adviser gets it : Gen. Stanley McChrystal said China ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed the dynamic , ” adding it ’ s possible Beijing could attack democratic Taiwan .
“ Biden ’ s First Foreign-Policy Crisis Is Already Here ” warns Tanner Greer in Foreign Policy : Beijing ’ s retaliating against Australia for its moves to “ publicize Chinese cyberattacks ” and “ condemn Party concentration camps and crackdowns in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.
” These threats “ can not go unanswered by the United States , ” Greer warns .
Pray that Biden is using his transition to catch up on these realities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the test .

Joe Biden’s not in the White House yet, but Beijing is already targeting his circle — even those close to them. Let’s hope that pushes the next president to rethink his out-of-date approach to the Communist colossus.
China plays a long game, as the tale of accused spy Fang Fang shows. The young woman targeted up-and-coming politicians, and she had an eye for talent: Now-House Intelligence Committee member Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) became one of her marks when he was a lowly city councilman.
So Beijing’s drive to influence Biden’s team is “on steroids,” says top US counter-intelligence official William Evanina: “We’re starting to see that play across the country to not only the folks starting in the new administration, but those who are around those folks in the new administration.”
“If I could communicate one thing to the American people,” Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe wrote in The Wall Street Journal, “it is that the People’s Republic of China poses the greatest threat to . . . democracy and freedom world-wide since World War II.”
Does Biden recognize that threat? “China is going to eat our lunch? Come on, man,” he famously said last year. “They’re not competition for us.” And he seems no more concerned now. He told The New York Times’ Tom Friedman, “In my view, we don’t have” the leverage to deal with China.
“We must prepare to meet the challenges of the future, not keep fighting the wars of the past,” Biden wrote in The Atlantic. China didn’t make his list of those challenges. And Jake Sullivan, tapped to be national security adviser, said Biden told him to “reimagine national security” to include “the pandemic, the economic crisis, the climate crisis, technological disruptions, threats to democracy, racial injustice and inequality in all forms.” Oy.
It’s not just Team Trump sounding alarms. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned last week that Europe and America must work together to confront “serious challenges related to the rise of China,” telling Politico, Beijing’s ascendancy “is really changing the security environment we face.”
Cai Xia, a former Communist Party insider, says in Foreign Affairs that President Xi Jinping’s “regime has degenerated further into a political oligarchy bent on holding on to power through brutality and ruthlessness,” growing “even more repressive and dictatorial.” She’s in exile, afraid for her life.
One Biden adviser gets it: Gen. Stanley McChrystal said China’s recent military-technology gains have “essentially changed the dynamic,” adding it’s possible Beijing could attack democratic Taiwan.
“Biden’s First Foreign-Policy Crisis Is Already Here” warns Tanner Greer in Foreign Policy: Beijing’s retaliating against Australia for its moves to “publicize Chinese cyberattacks” and “condemn Party concentration camps and crackdowns in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.” These threats “cannot go unanswered by the United States,” Greer warns.
Pray that Biden is using his transition to catch up on these realities, because foreign competitors always put new presidents to the test.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--Steve Nash isn’t dealing with Kyrie Irving’s media saga

The shock-and-awe news came thundering out of Brooklyn like a ...

Nets coach Steve Nash has not talked to Kyrie Irving about refusing to fulfill his media requirements — and it doesn’t sound as if he plans to.
Irving, who has refused to talk to the press so far in training camp, and the Nets were fined $25,000 Thursday by the NBA for repeated violations of the league’s media policy. Irving doubled down on social media, dismissively referring to the fine using air quotes and suggesting the media were pawns of the league.
A day before his first preseason game as a coach, Nash was asked if he’d spoken to Irving about his boycott and comments — and if he hadn’t, why not?
“I haven’t addressed it with him thus far. That’s a good question,” said Nash, who proceeded to give an insight into why not.
“He’s been unbelievable in camp. He’s been playing at an extremely high level. He’s been a leader. So, while he may not be in your guys’ good books right now, he’s in my good book. So, I’m enjoying coaching him. He’s been unbelievable. But if he seeks my thoughts or wants to discuss it, I’m happy to discuss it with him. But I have not had that conversation with him.”
The Nets host the Wizards in Sunday’s preseason opener, and Nash already has said Irving is expected to start. But when asked what Irving’s complaint was, or when the Nets expected their point guard to resume fulfilling his media requirements, Nash said he had no clue.
Kyrie Irving and Steve Nash AP, Getty Images
“To be honest, I’m trying to learn my position as well right now,” Nash said. “So I’m definitely focusing in on our process here of implementing all of our schemes, sets, scenarios, starting to schedule those things out, hitting the film every day. So I haven’t gotten into the off-the-court stuff yet. So I apologize if I can’t give you a better answer.”
After a combative relationship with the press in Boston, Irving hasn’t had a conversation with the media covering the Nets since February, when his season was cut short after just 20 games by a shoulder injury that required surgery.
Irving did appear on Kevin Durant’s “The ETCs” podcast, praising the Nets star as the first teammate in whom he had felt confidence to hit a last-second shot. When many called that comment a slight of LeBron James, Irving took to Instagram and called that a “false narrative” for a “clickbait society.” He followed that up by ripping the media in his last tweet on Oct. 1.
Now comes his boycott. Irving released a statement via a spokesperson and followed that up with an Instagram Story in which he said, “I do not talk to Pawns. My attention is worth more.”
Irving’s spokesperson told The Post that Irving still plans to talk to traditional media, but offered no timeline as to when.
Nash asked again if it was fair to say he had no idea what set Irving off or when he’d speak, and the Nets coach confirmed “that is accurate.”
Caris LeVert, who is day-to-day with a patellar contusion, will sit out Sunday. Spencer Dinwiddie will start in his place. “We’re just going to be really cautious because it’s preseason,” Nas saidh. … DeAndre Jordan will get the nod at center.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--NYPD captures suspected serial burglar on jewelry store roof

An alleged serial robber ’ s latest heist was foiled early Saturday by the NYPD ’ s Special Ops team — which caught the dramatic rooftop-arrest on a night-vision cam attached to a police helicopter , cops said .
Police were called to 756 Allerton Ave. in the Bronx around 4:30 a.m. after the perp set off an alarm system for one of the jewelry stores located inside the building , police said .
There , they found Francisco Barrera , 31 , on the roof , and called in the department ’ s Emergency Service Unit to come retrieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the early-morning arrest taken from the sky shows Barrera crouching on the roof as two cops approach with a ladder .
One of them appears to gesture toward Barrera like he ’ s giving him an order .
Barrera then slowly walks to the edge of the roof with his arms up , as four more cops creep into the frame , with their hands at their waistband holsters .
Barrera is then surrounded by the officers as he descends the ladder , and the video cuts off .
“ While you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again led ESU members to a location in the @ NYPD49Pct where a perp wanted for an attempted Burglary of a jewelry store was hiding , ” the department ’ s Special Ops team Tweeted .
His rap sheet street dates to at least 2009 , cops said .

An alleged serial robber’s latest heist was foiled early Saturday by the NYPD’s Special Ops team — which caught the dramatic rooftop-arrest on a night-vision cam attached to a police helicopter, cops said.
Police were called to 756 Allerton Ave. in the Bronx around 4:30 a.m. after the perp set off an alarm system for one of the jewelry stores located inside the building, police said.
There, they found Francisco Barrera, 31, on the roof, and called in the department’s Emergency Service Unit to come retrieve him, according to police.
Video of the early-morning arrest taken from the sky shows Barrera crouching on the roof as two cops approach with a ladder. One of them appears to gesture toward Barrera like he’s giving him an order.
Barrera then slowly walks to the edge of the roof with his arms up, as four more cops creep into the frame, with their hands at their waistband holsters.
Barrera is then surrounded by the officers as he descends the ladder, and the video cuts off.
“While you were sleeping, #Aviation pilots once again led ESU members to a location in the @NYPD49Pct where a perp wanted for an attempted Burglary of a jewelry store was hiding,” the department’s Special Ops team Tweeted.
His rap sheet street dates to at least 2009, cops said.


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--Most NYC perps arrested on gun charges soon walk free — even when they re-offend

Nearly 90 percent of suspects arrested on gun charges this ...

In the wake of Police Commissioner Dermot Shea’s remarks last week on the drastic jump in shootings across the city, we asked the NYPD for information to flesh out what we’re calling “the revolving door” — gun perps who’ve been apprehended, but then released thanks to ill-conceived criminal-justice reforms. That info certainly shows a real problem.
As of last week, the NYPD had arrested 3,765 individuals on gun charges in 2020; just 450 are in city or state custody — that is, in jail or prison. That means 88 percent of those at least caught with an illegal gun are now back on the streets.
And of those 3,765, at least 247 were either re- arrested for a different crime within 60 days of the initial arrest or are being sought for re-arrest. (Another 24 are being sought for police interviews as people at the scene or in the know about a new crime within that two-month period.)
Of those 247 alleged re-offenders, only 32 are in custody. In other words, 215 accused gun criminals are walking the streets despite being caught twice within two months; 3,315 are free despite being caught at least once.
Reformers might say: Only 7 percent of offenders were re-arrested for new crimes; that doesn’t justify locking up 100 percent. But that 7 percent were only those who got caught; there’s an excellent chance that many others managed to get away (so far, at least) with follow-up crimes.
Nor is anyone proposing jailing all these perps. But better-written laws would allow the courts to remand more of them — especially the serial offenders. Yet New York’s “no-bail” law, even after a few fixes, still gives judges zero discretion to remand most suspects even when they believe he or she poses a clear threat to public safety.
Even when bail is required, a host of activist nonprofits now help all defendants post it. Oh, and the “Raise the Age” law ensures that cases involving anyone 18 or under will almost always go to Family Court, not Criminal Court.
The bottom line: There’s no single cause turning so many New York neighborhoods into shooting galleries; it’s the fruit of a whole series of reforms — changes in the laws, in the attitudes of judges and prosecutors and even in police tactics — over the past decade. In all the reform, the “pendulum” has clearly swung too far, even though the “advocates” want to push it even further. The question is: How much worse will things get before the public insists on pushing it back the other way?


newyorkpost--2020-12-12--Daniel Jones likely returning with Giants living on the edge

Each year , Justin Pugh says , the strong emotions fade just ...

The formula has been identified, and my, oh my, how razor-thin it appears to be.
When a team scores 23, 22, 27 and 17 points in a four-game stretch, the results often are not easy on the eyes. Averaging barely more than 20 points is usually not enough for prolonged success. It is not a recipe to cook up much that is palatable in the standings.
In that same span, the Giants allowed 20, 21, 17 and 12 points. Four games, 89 points scored, 70 points given up. The results — four consecutive victories — are dreamy for the Giants. The lack of any significant margin for error — every game is close, low scoring and down-to-the-wire — seems nightmarish for a first-year head coach, as every move he takes, every decision he makes can tilt the arrow toward a win or a loss.
“Nope,’’ Joe Judge said. “Nope. Whatever it is. Our goal is to keep this thing close and win in critical situations. I see an improvement from our team throughout the season on that. We’ll do whatever it takes to win, however we have to play. I don’t care if we have to hand the ball off 100 times, throw it 100 times, we have to blitz every player or play nothing but 10 guys back in coverage. Whatever it’s going to take each game, we’ll do.’’
Life on the edge leaves the Giants (5-7) holding a tiebreaker lead on Washington for first place in the NFC East. Just like the games they play, the Giants have no wiggle room in their division as they head for the home stretch, which is why Sunday’s game with the sagging, but dangerous Cardinals (6-6) at MetLife Stadium is the start of a four-game fight to the finish.
Daniel Jones N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg
After proving to Judge he could protect himself, barring any setback Daniel Jones will return from a strained right hamstring, which checked out well on Saturday. They are so confident, the team did not activate a third QB, going with just Jones and backup Colt McCoy. Jones missed last week’s 17-12 upset of Seattle — behind McCoy, a pounding running game and more of the now-routine superb defensive machinations of coordinator Patrick Graham.
In their 1-7 start, the Giants allowed 24.9 points in game. In their four-game winning streak, the points allowed have dwindled to 16.5 per game.
Graham has at his disposal a few prescient veterans capable of high-level espionage and adjustments. Blake Martinez — questionable with lower back issue but the team is optimistic he will play — at inside linebacker and Logan Ryan at free safety are extensions of their coordinator, and up front Dalvin Tomlinson is another player capable of reading and reacting to situations as they happen on the field.
“They do a great job of disguising their coverages snap in and snap out and have a great scheme,’’ Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said. “When you watch the tape, especially the last four weeks when you’re doing your breakdown, there hasn’t been much success of people doing anything.’’
Last week, safety Jabrill Peppers dropped Russell Wilson for an 8-yard sack on the first play of the second quarter and it was a blend of smarts and skill that got it done. Ryan noticed Peppers often lined up as if he were about to come on a blitz, but then backed off, fearing the offense had detected he was about to apply pressure.
“I told him, ‘You do so much fake blitzing and bluffing, just line up in the blitz. … They’re not going to believe if you just line up that you’re actually coming, because who would do that?’ ’’ Ryan said. “And he lined up and he went and he destroyed everybody in the backfield and it worked out. And he was like, ‘Man, you’re a genius.’ Sometimes, if you’re going to play poker and bluff, sometimes you’ve got to actually have the cards, sometimes you’ve got to show what you have.’’
The Giants never show all they have. Their defense is playing well enough to get them into the playoffs. Until the offense picks up the pace, though, every game will be a struggle.