newyorkpost--2020-12-09--No drinking for two months after COVID-19 vaccine, Russia tells citizens

Russian officials are warning citizens to avoid alcohol for two months after receiving the country ’ s COVID-19 vaccine — tough-to-swallow news for one of the world ’ s heaviest drinking countries .
The warning came from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova , who said in an interview that Russians will have to observe extra precautions during the 42 days it takes for the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine to become effective .
“ [ Russians ] will have to refrain from visiting crowded places , wear face masks , use sanitizers , minimize contacts and refrain from drinking alcohol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told TASS News Agency .
Anna Popova , the head of Rospotrebnadzor , Russia ’ s consumer safety watchdog , echoed the sentiments in an interview with Radio Komsomolskaya Pravda , as reported in the Moscow Times .
“ It ’ s a strain on the body .
If we want to stay healthy and have a strong immune response , don ’ t drink alcohol , ” she said .
According to the World Health Organization , Russia is the fourth largest consumer of alcohol per person in the world .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year , according to the agency .
Russia ’ s efforts to vaccinate its population began in earnest over the weekend in Moscow .
Health authorities in the country estimate that 100,000 people have already been inoculated .
“ By the end of the week , all regions of the country will join this campaign , ” Golikova said .
Russian health officials say the Sputnik V vaccine is over 90-percent effective , but reports say that medical workers who have taken the shot have come down with COVID-19 .
Russian President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Western experts have expressed skepticism at the speed at which the purported vaccine was developed and Russia hasn ’ t provided any data to back up their claims for the shot .
There have been 2.4 million coronavirus cases recorded in Russia , as well as over 42,000 deaths from the disease .

Russian officials are warning citizens to avoid alcohol for two months after receiving the country’s COVID-19 vaccine — tough-to-swallow news for one of the world’s heaviest-drinking countries.
The warning came from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova, who said in an interview that Russians will have to observe extra precautions during the 42 days it takes for the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine to become effective.
“[Russians] will have to refrain from visiting crowded places, wear face masks, use sanitizers, minimize contacts and refrain from drinking alcohol or taking immunosuppressant drugs,” Golikova told TASS News Agency.
Anna Popova, the head of Rospotrebnadzor, Russia’s consumer safety watchdog, echoed the sentiments in an interview with Radio Komsomolskaya Pravda, as reported in the Moscow Times.
“It’s a strain on the body. If we want to stay healthy and have a strong immune response, don’t drink alcohol,” she said.
According to the World Health Organization, Russia is the fourth-largest consumer of alcohol per person in the world. The average Russian consumes 15.1 liters (almost 4 gallons) of alcohol a year, according to the agency.
Russia’s efforts to vaccinate its population began in earnest over the weekend in Moscow. Health authorities in the country estimate that 100,000 people have already been inoculated.
“By the end of the week, all regions of the country will join this campaign,” Golikova said.
Russian health officials say the Sputnik V vaccine is over 90 percent effective, but reports say medical workers who have taken the shot have come down with COVID-19. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly refused to take it.
Western experts have expressed skepticism at the speed at which the purported vaccine was developed and Russia hasn’t provided any data to back up its claims for the shot.
Russia has recorded 2.4 million coronavirus cases, as well as over 42,000 deaths from the disease.


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--‘Cruise to nowhere’ cut short as passenger tests positive for COVID-19

A passenger onboard a Royal Caribbean “ cruise to nowhere ” has been diagnosed with the coronavirus , prompting the vessel to return early to Singapore on Wednesday .
Royal Carribbean said in a statement that a guest on the Quantum of the Seas ship “ tested positive for coronavirus after checking in with our medical team.
” “ We identified and isolated all guests and crew who had close contact with this guest , and each of those individuals have subsequently tested negative for the virus , ” it said .
The ship returned to port in accordance with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave after a review of contact tracing is completed , it said .
Singapore recently began a “ safe cruising ” pilot program allowing cruise ships to make round trips to Singapore with no port of call in between .
Strict safety measures were imposed , including reducing capacity by half and pre-boarding testing for passengers .
Royal Caribbean is one of two operators licensed to run such trips .
The Singapore Straits Times reported that the patient on the Quantum of the Seas was an 83-year-old Singaporean .
It said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,148 crew members on board , returned on the third day of a four-day trip .
Annie Chang , director of the cruise at the Singapore Tourism Board , was quoted by the Straits Times as saying that the passenger had tested negative for COVID-19 before boarding .
When he reported to the online medical team with diarrhea , he was tested again and found to be positive , she said .
All leisure activities ceased immediately , passengers were asked to stay in their cabins and emergency response plans were activated including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracing and deep cleaning of the ship , she added .
Calls and emails to the Singapore Tourism Board went unanswered .
Royal Caribbean said it had worked with the Singapore government to develop a thorough testing and monitoring system .
“ That we were able to quickly identify this single case and take immediate action is a sign that the system is working as it was designed to do , ” it added .
Singapore , a small but wealthy city-state in Southeast Asia , has reported 58,285 coronavirus cases since the @ @ @ @ @ @

A passenger onboard a Royal Caribbean “cruise to nowhere” has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, prompting the vessel to return early to Singapore on Wednesday.
Royal Carribbean said in a statement that a guest on the Quantum of the Seas ship “tested positive for coronavirus after checking in with our medical team.”
“We identified and isolated all guests and crew who had close contact with this guest, and each of those individuals have subsequently tested negative for the virus,” it said.
The ship returned to port in accordance with government protocols, and will allow guests to leave after a review of contact tracing is completed, it said.
Singapore recently began a “safe cruising” pilot program allowing cruise ships to make round trips to Singapore with no port of call in between. Strict safety measures were imposed, including reducing capacity by half and pre-boarding testing for passengers. Royal Caribbean is one of two operators licensed to run such trips.
The Singapore Straits Times reported that the patient on the Quantum of the Seas was an 83-year-old Singaporean. It said the vessel, which has 1,680 guests and 1,148 crew members on board, returned on the third day of a four-day trip.
Annie Chang, director of the cruise at the Singapore Tourism Board, was quoted by the Straits Times as saying that the passenger had tested negative for COVID-19 before boarding. When he reported to the online medical team with diarrhea, he was tested again and found to be positive, she said.
All leisure activities ceased immediately, passengers were asked to stay in their cabins and emergency response plans were activated including immediate isolation of close contacts, contact tracing and deep cleaning of the ship, she added.
Calls and emails to the Singapore Tourism Board went unanswered.
Royal Caribbean said it had worked with the Singapore government to develop a thorough testing and monitoring system.
“That we were able to quickly identify this single case and take immediate action is a sign that the system is working as it was designed to do,” it added.
Singapore, a small but wealthy city-state in Southeast Asia, has reported 58,285 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began with 29 deaths.


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--New York Democrats mull legalizing weed, taxing the rich amid COVID money crunch

September was another record-breaking month for sports betting in New ...

New York State Assembly Democrats are mulling an array of new and higher taxes on the rich as well as legalization of mobile sports betting and marijuana to address a fiscal crisis fueled by the coronavirus pandemic.
The lawmakers discussed raising taxes to close a projected massive budget deficit next year during a grim, private remote meeting held all-day on Wednesday.
“If there was an idea to raise money, it was discussed today,” Assembly Education Committee Chairman Michael Benedetto (D-Bronx) told The Post afterward “Everything was discussed at great length.”
Benedetto said “it’s a given” that “we’re going to be billions of dollars short” in revenue to balance the 2021-2022 state budget — and that lawmakers will have to approve difficult tax hikes, spending cuts or both.
The tax talk session comes as the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America is waging a phone banking campaign urging voters to pressure their state representatives to back taxing the rich as an alternative to spending cuts for the needy.
Benedetto said while the lame-duck Congress — or president-elect Joe Biden and the new Congress — might cough up some funds to aid cash-starved state and local governments, it’s unlikely it will be enough to cover Albany’s massive hole.
“It was a very sober meeting. There’s going to be more sober meetings. It’s heavy stuff,” Benedetto said.
The lawmakers discussed raising the income tax rates on billionaires and millionaires and imposing a stock transfer tax and a pied-a-terre tax on second homes, among other potential measures to raise billions of dollars in additional revenue.
Currently, sports betting in New York is only permitted in person at a handful of upstate casinos. After years of inaction, Assembly Democrats are talking more seriously about approving mobile sports betting, which has been a economic bonanza in neighboring New Jersey. Yankees president Randy Levine is among those calling for mobile sports betting.
Democrats who control the Assembly are more open to tax hikes than spending cuts to education, health care and social services — particularly in the middle of a pandemic-fueled recession.
The talk of tax hikes are preliminary and the budget must be negotiated with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the Democratic-run Senate and Assembly.
During a remote press briefing Wednesday, Cuomo said tax hikes and spending cuts — including layoffs of government workers — will be necessary and painful medicine if Washington doesn’t come to the rescue with a bailout package.
“If we do not get federal funding, the consequences are going to be devastating to this state, and the families and governments within the state. You can see the layoff of several thousand government workers unless the federal government is truly responsible and accountable, and really gives New York the funding it deserves,” Cuomo said.
“You’ll see tax increases….you could see dramatic tax increases that would hurt families and hurt the economy.”
Cuomo also has said the time has come to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. The state would taxes the sales of weed and charge licensing fees to pot providers.
Meanwhile more than 30 liberal state lawmakers — including a class of newly elected Democratic Socialists — will participate in a press conference Thursday pushing for Albany to approve $35 billion in “wealth taxes” on billionaires and millionaires.


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--The best IT Cosmetics gifts you can buy at Ulta

NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
If you ’ re searching for a gift for the beauty lover in your life , then Ulta ’ s selection of IT Cosmetics goodies is a great place to start .
With the brand offering everything from lipsticks to moisturizers , you won ’ t have a problem finding a standout gifting option .
And with prices starting as low as $ 12 , you can pick up tons of great finds while keeping your holiday shopping budget intact .
Whether your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liner or upgrade their skincare , IT Cosmetics has what they need .
They can treat their skin with this Bye Bye Lines serum or add a pop of color to their beauty looks with this Pillow Lips matte lipstick .
And this Celebrate Confidence in Your Skincare set is a definite must-have .
To give you some more inspiration , we ’ ve chosen a few of our favorite gift ideas from the popular beauty brand .
And we know your giftee will love them all .
This serum will assist them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hydrating their skin .
And they can even use it as a primer for their makeup to achieve a dewy look .
Price : $ 58.00 This gentle cleanser will keep their skin healthy and free of oil , dirt and makeup .
Price : $ 12.50 With its 12 matte and radiant eyeshadows and gorgeous ombré blush , this palette will be an instant hint .
Price : $ 18.97 They can bring some stunning eye looks to life with this shadow palette that is also formulated to treat their skin with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and green tea .
Price : $ 26.00 This rounded and tapered brush is extremely soft and is just what they need for applying loose and pressed powders .
Price : $ 48.00 Formulated with ingredients like peony extract , aloe leaf juice and squalane , this moisturizer includes rosy tone pigments to make the skin look more vibrant while offering a boost of hydration .
Price : $ 49.00 If your giftee can never have enough lipsticks , then snag one of these gorgeous matte shades for their collection .
Price : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show off some fab cat-eye looks with this liquid eyeliner pen .
Price : $ 24.00 Your Skin But Better Setting Spray + Hydrating Mist They can extend the wear of their makeup with this multitasking setting spray that includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract .
Price : $ 28.00 This cream , which you can use on bare skin or wear under foundation , will color correct their skin while combatting dryness and irritation .
Price : $ 34.00 This epic skincare kit includes a full sized Confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Confidence in a Cleanser , travel sized Confidence in Your Beauty Sleep night cream and deluxe Confidence in an Eye Cream .
Price : $ 55.00 The No .
50 serum is a beloved IT item , with it working as both a hydrating primer and serum .
Price : $ 48.00 Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare This lightweight foundation will provide them medium coverage and a glowing finish thanks to micro-fine pearl powder .
Price : $ 39.50 Snag this foundation to keep their skin looking like perfection with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peptides and antioxidants .
Price : $ 36.00 They can take their lashes to dramatic new heights with this volumizing mascara .
Price : $ 25.00

NY Post may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase.
If you’re searching for a gift for the beauty lover in your life, then Ulta’s selection of IT Cosmetics goodies is a great place to start.
With the brand offering everything from lipsticks to moisturizers, you won’t have a problem finding a standout gifting option.
And with prices starting as low as $12, you can pick up tons of great finds while keeping your holiday shopping budget intact.
Whether your giftee is looking to perfect their winged liner or upgrade their skincare, IT Cosmetics has what they need.
They can treat their skin with this Bye Bye Lines serum or add a pop of color to their beauty looks with this Pillow Lips matte lipstick.
And this Celebrate Confidence in Your Skincare set is a definite must-have.
To give you some more inspiration, we’ve chosen a few of our favorite gift ideas from the popular beauty brand.
And we know your giftee will love them all.
Ulta Beauty
This serum will assist them in combating fine lines and wrinkles and hydrating their skin. And they can even use it as a primer for their makeup to achieve a dewy look.
Price: $ 58.00
Ulta Beauty
This gentle cleanser will keep their skin healthy and free of oil, dirt and makeup.
Price: $ 12.50
Ulta Beauty
With its 12 matte and radiant eyeshadows and gorgeous ombré blush, this palette will be an instant hint.
Price: $ 18.97
Ulta Beauty
They can bring some stunning eye looks to life with this shadow palette that is also formulated to treat their skin with ingredients like as hydrolyzed collagen, acai and green tea.
Price: $26.00
Ulta Beauty
This rounded and tapered brush is extremely soft and is just what they need for applying loose and pressed powders.
Price: $48.00
Ulta Beauty
Formulated with ingredients like peony extract, aloe leaf juice and squalane, this moisturizer includes rosy tone pigments to make the skin look more vibrant while offering a boost of hydration.
Price: $ 49.00
Ulta Beauty
If your giftee can never have enough lipsticks, then snag one of these gorgeous matte shades for their collection.
Price: $24.00
Ulta Beauty
Give them the perfect tool to show off some fab cat-eye looks with this liquid eyeliner pen.
Price: $24.00
buy now
Ulta Beauty
They can extend the wear of their makeup with this multitasking setting spray that includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract.
Price: $28.00
Ulta Beauty
This cream, which you can use on bare skin or wear under foundation, will color correct their skin while combatting dryness and irritation.
Price: $34.00
Ulta Beauty
This epic skincare kit includes a full sized Confidence in a Cream moisturizer, travel sized Confidence in a Cleanser, travel sized Confidence in Your Beauty Sleep night cream and deluxe Confidence in an Eye Cream.
Price: $55.00
Ulta Beauty
The No. 50 serum is a beloved IT item, with it working as both a hydrating primer and serum.
Price: $48.00
Ulta Beauty
This lightweight foundation will provide them medium coverage and a glowing finish thanks to micro-fine pearl powder.
Price: $39.50
Ulta Beauty
Snag this foundation to keep their skin looking like perfection with the help of ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, peptides and antioxidants.
Price: $36.00
Ulta Beauty
They can take their lashes to dramatic new heights with this volumizing mascara.
Price: $25.00


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--Popular travel destination Lake Tahoe closing to tourists amid COVID-19 surge

A popular vacation destination is shutting down to travelers through Christmas amid rising COVID-19 hospitalizations .
Lake Tahoe vacation travel will be banned starting Friday , the San Francisco Chronicle reported .
The ban will be in place for at least three weeks , meaning travelers will have to stay away from the popular ski destination over Christmas and through the end of the year .
“ Unfortunately , yet again , Tahoe is closed , ” Chris Fiore , South Lake Tahoe communications manager , told the Chronicle .
“ If we can get things under control in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just in time for New Year ’ s. ” The travel ban follows a regional stay-home order issued by Gov .
Gavin Newsom .
Carla Hass , communications director for El Dorado County , said in a written statement that the region has less than 15 % of staffed ICU beds available as a result of rising COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions .
“ Our hospitals have begun using overflow areas and utilizing additional respiratory , ICU and emergency room staff , including those from the National Guard , to meet the needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The stay-home order tells state residents to remain at home as much as possible and avoid non-essential travel in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 .
Outdoor recreation facilities can open only for facilitating physically distanced exercise .
Restaurants are open only for takeout or delivery .
Hotels must be ready to provide accommodations for essential workers .
Attractions like museums , movie theaters , wineries and breweries must close .
Anyone arriving in California should self-quarantine for 14 days , according to the travel advisory .
California has issued stay-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or about 77 % of the state .
Hass said Lake Tahoe area officials were anticipating the stay-home order and were prepared for it .
“ Whatever one ’ s personal opinion may be about the state ’ s authority to apply industry and personal restrictions , it ’ s indisputable that we are in a new wave of serious cases of COVID-19 and it is having an impact on our health care delivery systems , ” Hass said .
Lake Tahoe sits on the California-Nevada border and California ’ s order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side .
However , Nevada officials have also added coronavirus-related restrictions on restaurants , retailers and other businesses .

A popular vacation destination is shutting down to travelers through Christmas amid rising COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Lake Tahoe vacation travel will be banned starting Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The ban will be in place for at least three weeks, meaning travelers will have to stay away from the popular ski destination over Christmas and through the end of the year.
“Unfortunately, yet again, Tahoe is closed,” Chris Fiore, South Lake Tahoe communications manager, told the Chronicle. “If we can get things under control in the next three weeks, we can reopen just in time for New Year’s.”
The travel ban follows a regional stay-home order issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Carla Hass, communications director for El Dorado County, said in a written statement that the region has less than 15% of staffed ICU beds available as a result of rising COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions.
“Our hospitals have begun using overflow areas and utilizing additional respiratory, ICU and emergency room staff, including those from the National Guard, to meet the needs of our communities,” Hass said.
The stay-home order tells state residents to remain at home as much as possible and avoid non-essential travel in order to curb the spread of COVID-19. Outdoor recreation facilities can open only for facilitating physically distanced exercise. Restaurants are open only for takeout or delivery. Hotels must be ready to provide accommodations for essential workers. Attractions like museums, movie theaters, wineries and breweries must close.
Anyone arriving in California should self-quarantine for 14 days, according to the travel advisory.
California has issued stay-home orders for three regions covering 36 counties, or about 77% of the state.
Hass said Lake Tahoe area officials were anticipating the stay-home order and were prepared for it.
“Whatever one’s personal opinion may be about the state’s authority to apply industry and personal restrictions, it’s indisputable that we are in a new wave of serious cases of COVID-19 and it is having an impact on our health care delivery systems,” Hass said.
Lake Tahoe sits on the California-Nevada border and California’s order doesn’t apply to the Nevada side. However, Nevada officials have also added coronavirus-related restrictions on restaurants, retailers and other businesses.


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--Steve Nash doesn’t want Nets to trade Spencer Dinwiddie

It takes a lot to strike the loquacious Spencer Dinwiddie ...

Amid trade speculation, Spencer Dinwiddie received a glowing endorsement from his new Nets coach Steve Nash.
Though rumors of Rockets star James Harden wanting out of Houston — and having a preference for Brooklyn — continue to run rampant, it’s likely that Dinwiddie would have to be on the table if such negotiations ever came to fruition. And considering Dinwiddie could exercise his player option to become a free agent at the end of this season, the 27-year-old is someone the Nets have to be wary of.
Nevertheless, Nash believes the versatility Dinwiddie brings to the Nets is too valuable to give away.
“I’m heavy voting towards not trading Spencer, and I think the front office feels the same way,” Nash said on a Zoom call Wednesday. “It’s a unique situation because he’s a free agent at the end of the year, but we all love him, and we know it’d be very difficult to do better than Spencer in a trade.”
Dinwiddie was expected to play a sixth-man role last season, but instead he enjoyed a career year as a starter in wake of significant injuries to Kyrie Irving and Caris LeVert. He averaged roughly 21 points and seven assists per game, while also becoming one of the notable personalities in the league with his plan to turn part of his contract into a digital investment vehicle.
Spencer Dinwiddie AP
“He’s an outstanding basketball player, high IQ, has a good feel for the game,” Nash said. “He’s an outstanding athlete, and he’s skilled. He’s a big point guard who can play off the ball, can play multiple positions, can make plays for his teammates and can score. So you’ve seen it in the past. He’s played heavy loads for this team, so he gives us a lot of versatility.
“There’s a lot of gaps to fill around Kevin [Durant] and Ky, and he can fill a number of them — whether he’s creating plays for them or whether he’s spotting up or he’s taking on defensive assignments. It’s a joy to have a player like that with that much talent and versatility in our lineup. So I love him, and I just want to try to maximize his usage.”
It’s a possibility the Nets are simply looking to up Dinwiddie’s trade value. High praise from a Hall of Fame point guard can easily do that.
But the reality for Dinwiddie is that between Irving’s return from his pesky shoulder injury, Durant’s return from his Achilles tendon surgery and LeVert’s continued rise to stardom, his role with the team will likely diminish.
Nash doesn’t have a set-in-stone lineup yet but said the coaching staff has experimented with several different combinations to invoke a competitive balance throughout the team.
“I couldn’t tell you what’s going to happen to the rotations yet, there’s a lot of competition for spots and minutes which is a positive as well,” he said. “It’s tough on a coach but it’s positive for our group and program. They’re gaining connectivity which I always preach that familiarity that chemistry’s coming, and so that’s something where I’ll say a few days in I’ve been really positive and excited about it.”
In light of the NBA announcing that its dress code would be more casual this season, Nash said he expects to go with the polo look going forward.
“I’m clearly not a fashionista,” Nash said. “I’m not a big polo guy because I feel like my dad, but I’m sure I’ll be in polos most of the time because I think the league’s going casual. I don’t think there will be a lot of sports coats.
“I think once they made it casual it will be a precedence to all be in the same ballpark, not one team in suits, the other team business casual. I imagine wearing that casual outfit. I have no idea how it’s gonna come off, but I suppose we’ll be comfortable.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--James Harden needs six straight negative COVID-19 tests before he can practice

James Harden is angling to force his way out of ...

James Harden, who is considered to be looking to force his way out of Houston and onto the Brooklyn Nets, can’t start practicing until next week at the earliest.
The Rockets star must have six consecutive negative COVID-19 tests before the NBA will clear him to practice with the Rockets, according to an ESPN report Wednesday. Harden — an eight-time All-Star — underwent his first coronavirus test Tuesday, the day he reported to the Toyota Center and two days after Houston held its first team practice.
If Harden tests negative on the multiple COVID-19 tests, the first day he could be cleared to practice is Monday.
The Rockets said they are not sure when Harden can practice again after his mini-holdout because they are awaiting word from the NBA regarding the COVID-19 protocols.
“We’re just trying to iron all that stuff out right now,” first-year Rockets coach Stephen Silas told ESPN. “I wish I had a good answer for you. I wish I had a better answer for you when it comes to all that, but I don’t.”
James Harden AP
Complicating matters is the fact that Harden did not follow the NBA’s protocols before he reported to the team. The league required players to have three consecutive negative tests before entering team facilities for individual workouts before training camp. Other than reporting for testing and workouts, players had to quarantine, except for essential activities such as food shopping.
Nevertheless, Harden did not follow the league’s protocols, opting to work out separately at the University of Houston, according to ESPN. He also violated the league’s social-event protocols when he attended rapper Lil Baby’s birthday party in Atlanta over the weekend before spending a few nights in Las Vegas.
“It’s really hard to kind of put a finger on what the protocol looks like at this point just because of how the timing is,” said Silas. “It’s not the same timing that everybody else had, right? As far as when he can start doing individual workouts, when he can join the team, when he can practice, we’re working with the NBA, trying to figure out exactly when that is.
“But as far as I know right now, there isn’t a clear plan as far as what that looks like, just because it’s outside of the way that we were doing it with the original group.”
During his holdout, Harden and Silas did not have any communication. They had a brief interaction Wednesday, according to Silas.
“I said hello to him,” Silas said.


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--Marcus Maye showed his leadership after Jets’ crushing Raiders loss

No one around the Jets could have ever imagined on ...

They came in together, one in the first round and the other in the second.
They figured to be the foundation of the Jets defense for a decade, hopefully the start of something special.
The Jets raised eyebrows around the league — something they often do for the wrong reasons — by using their first- and second-round draft picks on safeties. But Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye were the top two players on the Jets draft board and the Jets stayed true to their board.
Four years later, Adams, the Jets’ first-round pick in that 2017 draft, is playing in Seattle, having been traded in the summer after whining his way out of town in a self-manufactured contract dispute he made very public.
Maye, the second-rounder in 2017, is still on the Jets, a defensive captain playing in the final year of his contract.
The two safeties will be on opposite sides of the field Sunday when the 0-12 Jets play the 8-4 Seahawks in Seattle.
The Jets don’t miss Adams and his diva-like distractions. And, for as explosive a player as Adams is, with 7.5 sacks in eight games this season, an argument can be made that Maye is actually the better all-around safety of the two because he’s far better in coverage and can rush the passer.
You can make an even stronger argument that Maye is a better leader than Adams ever was. There was a lot of eye-rolling inside the Jets locker room when Adams was drawing attention to himself. There’s nothing but respect inside that room for Maye.
Marcus Maye Getty Images
Adams, dating back to his college days at LSU, always was the alpha dog. He sold himself as the brash, vocal leader who was going to change the Jets’ culture. He didn’t. He actually left it in a worse place than it was before he arrived.
Maye is quieter by nature, never drawing attention to himself and rustling the waves of controversy.
Until Sunday.
Minutes after the Jets’ crushing 31-28 loss to the Raiders, a game they’d just blown when defensive coordinator Gregg Williams inexplicably called a “Cover Zero’’ defense with the Raiders at the Jets’ 46-yard line, trailing by four points with no remaining timeouts and 13 seconds left, Maye stood before reporters on a postgame Zoom call and called out Williams for the irresponsible call he sent in.
Maye spoke in even tones, not ranting like Adams would, and calmly stated what everyone already knew: That Williams could have sent in a “better call’’ to “help us out’’ and put the players in better position to succeed.
During his four-and-a-half-minute interview, Maye made eight references to the curious call. In other words: He made his point.
Of course, he was mad the team lost a game it seemingly had earned victory in after 11 consecutive losses. But more importantly, Maye was protecting a teammate, undrafted rookie cornerback Lamar Jackson, who was beaten by Raiders receiver Henry Ruggs III on the game-winning touchdown pass.
And that enhanced his cachet inside the Jets locker room as a proper leader.
From afar, a former teammate and friend of Maye’s dating back to their high school days in Florida took notice and said he wasn’t surprised by how he handled the untenable situation on Sunday.
“He’s one of those guys that works hard and doesn’t talk much, but he will speak up if he feels like he has to,’’ former Jets defensive lineman and current Giant Leonard Williams told The Post Wednesday. “I think it’s even more powerful sometimes when you hear something from a guy that doesn’t talk much. You know he means it.’’
Maye’s play on the field and his leadership off of it should push Joe Douglas to re-sign him and make sure he’s part of the building blocks to the future the Jets GM is trying to construct.
As long as Maye isn’t looking for top-tier money ($12 million or more a year), the Jets should re-sign him at a reasonable price (somewhere just south of $10 million per).
There are, after all, a scant few players on this roster who qualify as building blocks, beginning with left tackle Mekhi Becton, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and receiver Denzel Mims. Maye should remain with those players as a part of the solution.
You can’t get rid of everybody, and Maye’s play this season — he currently grades out as the fourth-rated safety in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus — warrants him remaining a Jet.
His one interception, two forced fumbles, two sacks and 61 tackles make Maye one of the few bright spots in a very dark Jets season. And his leadership, as evidenced by how he handled Sunday, should not be overlooked.
The Jets need more of that, not less.


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--‘Marquis Who’s Who’ list says scammers are targeting members in COVID era

The publisher of “ Who ’ s Who in America ” claims that scammers have been targeting the notable names on its lists to clean out their bank accounts in a con .
When Erica Lee became CEO of the company behind “ Who ’ s Who in America ” — plus 23 other titles such as “ Who ’ s Who of Professional Women ” — she says she uncovered an outfit that was fraudulently targeting listees and contacted federal authorities .
“ People thought they were us , ” Lee , the first woman CEO of Marquis Who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told Page Six .
She said the scammers would tell their marks over the phone that they were from the publisher ’ s “ shipping department ” and get them to send checks with the aim of stealing bank information .
The New York Times called Marquis Who ’ s Who “ a librarian ’ s Vanity Fair ” in a 2005 piece that wondered how its “ familiar two-volume ‘ big red book ’ ” could remain relevant in the Internet era .
One way of late has been to launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which includes a partnership with Star Jones .
But another issue surrounding the books is that the term “ Who ’ s Who ” is in the public domain and can ’ t be copyrighted .
There are other , smaller directories that also use the moniker and are legit .
There has also been plenty of online debate over the “ Who ’ s Who ” lists today .
Lee says of the scammers who claim to be associated with Marquis , “ They ’ ll shut one company down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After the first company was caught in 2018 , a new crop , she said , has been using recent online press releases originally created by Marquis in pitches to listees to get their credit card info .
“ They read the exact content that we created , ” Lee said .
Federal investigators are now looking into the latest scammers as well , she said .
The members can be convenient targets , Lee added , because in many cases , “ They are preying on the elderly … you have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Marquis Who ’ s Who .
… They ’ re looking at these people as victims.
” One listee who alerted Marquis Who ’ s Who to the recent fishy calls is a former Virginia attorney general who was contacted .
He has filled out an affidavit for Marquis Who ’ s Who , and is helping them look into the matter .
Marquis has also sent a letter to members , telling them to be wary of scammers .

The publisher of “Who’s Who in America” claims that scammers have been targeting the notable names on its lists to clean out their bank accounts in a con.
When Erica Lee became CEO of the company behind “Who’s Who in America” — plus 23 other titles such as “Who’s Who of Professional Women” — she says she uncovered an outfit that was fraudulently targeting listees and contacted federal authorities.
“People thought they were us,” Lee, the first woman CEO of Marquis Who’s Who in its 120 years, told Page Six. She said the scammers would tell their marks over the phone that they were from the publisher’s “shipping department” and get them to send checks with the aim of stealing bank information.
The New York Times called Marquis Who’s Who “a librarian’s Vanity Fair” in a 2005 piece that wondered how its “familiar two-volume ‘big red book’” could remain relevant in the Internet era. One way of late has been to launch a personal branding operation for its members, which includes a partnership with Star Jones.
But another issue surrounding the books is that the term “Who’s Who” is in the public domain and can’t be copyrighted. There are other, smaller directories that also use the moniker and are legit. There has also been plenty of online debate over the “Who’s Who” lists today.
Erica Lee Courtesy photo
Lee says of the scammers who claim to be associated with Marquis, “They’ll shut one company down, and start right back up again.” After the first company was caught in 2018, a new crop, she said, has been using recent online press releases originally created by Marquis in pitches to listees to get their credit card info. “They read the exact content that we created,” Lee said.
Federal investigators are now looking into the latest scammers as well, she said.
The members can be convenient targets, Lee added, because in many cases, “They are preying on the elderly … you have to be at a certain level to be in Marquis Who’s Who. … They’re looking at these people as victims.”
One listee who alerted Marquis Who’s Who to the recent fishy calls is a former Virginia attorney general who was contacted. He has filled out an affidavit for Marquis Who’s Who, and is helping them look into the matter.
Marquis has also sent a letter to members, telling them to be wary of scammers.


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--Mets continue talks with free agent catcher James McCann

The Mets ’ search for a starting catcher was pointing toward James McCann on Wednesday , as team officials continued dialogue with the free-agent backstop ’ s camp .
But amid reports a deal was close , an industry source cautioned it was “ premature ” to assume McCann was headed to Queens .
The 30-year-old McCann is regarded as the second-best catcher on the free-agent market , behind only J.T .
Realmuto .
The Athletic reported that any deal between McCann and the Mets would likely be for four years .
McCann slashed .289/.360/.536 with seven homers and 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White Sox , where he shared playing time with Yasmani Grandal .
A year earlier McCann was selected to the American League All-Star team .
Realmuto , 29 , owns a better track record from his years with the Marlins and Phillies , but will also likely command a deal longer in length than McCann , in the ballpark of nine figures or above .
And there is always a level of concern in allocating huge resources on a catcher , given the grind of the position .
Projections in the industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that pays him in the neighborhood of $ 10 million to $ 12 million annually .
McCann ’ s attributes include a strong defensive presence — he was plus-5 in runs saved last season , which tied for fourth in the major leagues .
He also possesses a strong throwing arm and has become well-regarded for pitch framing , after developing under catching instructor Jerry Narron last season .
The need for a catcher comes after the Mets declined the 2021 options on Wilson Ramos and Robinson Chirinos , leaving Tomas Nido as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with significant experience .
Choosing McCann over Realmuto would presumably leave Mets president Sandy Alderson with the financial flexibility to add multiple big pieces ( perhaps George Springer and Trevor Bauer ) to a team that has glaring needs other than catcher .
The Mets are seen as the favorites throughout the industry to sign Springer , the top outfielder on the market .
Springer would provide the team with a defensive upgrade in center field to Brandon Nimmo and also add a much-needed righty bat to the lineup .
Bauer , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Reds , would complement Jacob deGrom to give the Mets a dynamic 1-2 punch atop their rotation .
Alderson last week addressed the bullpen , adding right-hander Trevor May on a two-year deal worth $ 15.5 million .
The Mets extended invitations to four teams as part of the new minor league alignment that will begin in 2021 .
Syracuse ( Triple-A ) , Binghamton ( Double-A ) , Brooklyn ( High-A ) and St. Lucie ( Low-A ) have all been selected by the Mets .
Eliminated were affiliations with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League Mets , in addition to teams in the Dominican Republic .

The Mets’ search for a starting catcher was pointing toward James McCann on Wednesday, as team officials continued dialogue with the free-agent backstop’s camp.
But amid reports a deal was close, an industry source cautioned it was “premature” to assume McCann was headed to Queens.
The 30-year-old McCann is regarded as the second-best catcher on the free-agent market, behind only J.T. Realmuto. The Athletic reported that any deal between McCann and the Mets would likely be for four years.
McCann slashed .289/.360/.536 with seven homers and 15 RBIs in 31 games last season for the White Sox, where he shared playing time with Yasmani Grandal. A year earlier McCann was selected to the American League All-Star team.
Realmuto, 29, owns a better track record from his years with the Marlins and Phillies, but will also likely command a deal longer in length than McCann, in the ballpark of nine figures or above. And there is always a level of concern in allocating huge resources on a catcher, given the grind of the position. Projections in the industry are that McCann will garner a deal that pays him in the neighborhood of $10 million to $12 million annually.
James McCann Getty Images
McCann’s attributes include a strong defensive presence — he was plus-5 in runs saved last season, which tied for fourth in the major leagues. He also possesses a strong throwing arm and has become well-regarded for pitch framing, after developing under catching instructor Jerry Narron last season.
The need for a catcher comes after the Mets declined the 2021 options on Wilson Ramos and Robinson Chirinos, leaving Tomas Nido as the only catcher on the 40-man roster with significant experience.
Choosing McCann over Realmuto would presumably leave Mets president Sandy Alderson with the financial flexibility to add multiple big pieces (perhaps George Springer and Trevor Bauer) to a team that has glaring needs other than catcher.
The Mets are seen as the favorites throughout the industry to sign Springer, the top outfielder on the market. Springer would provide the team with a defensive upgrade in center field to Brandon Nimmo and also add a much-needed righty bat to the lineup.
Bauer, who won the National League Cy Young Award with the Reds, would complement Jacob deGrom to give the Mets a dynamic 1-2 punch atop their rotation.
Alderson last week addressed the bullpen, adding right-hander Trevor May on a two-year deal worth $15.5 million.
The Mets extended invitations to four teams as part of the new minor league alignment that will begin in 2021. Syracuse (Triple-A), Binghamton (Double-A), Brooklyn (High-A) and St. Lucie (Low-A) have all been selected by the Mets.
Eliminated were affiliations with Columbia, Kingsport and the Gulf Coast League Mets, in addition to teams in the Dominican Republic.


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--Rich Miami parents losing minds over Ivanka and Jared’s school choice

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Spoiler alert : If you ’ re a rich Miami parent and you just got a text message , it ’ s about where Ivanka Trump ’ s kids are going to go to school .
We ’ re told that after Page Six revealed that Trump and husband Jared Kushner bought land on exclusive Indian Creek and plan to move their family there after they leave Washington DC , locals are frantically working up Robert Mueller-esque theories about the subject .
“ The closest good Jewish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Lehrman , which is about 5 minutes away .
Otherwise , Ransom Everglades , which would be far for them , Miami Country Day — which is about 15 minutes — and Cushman are all very good private schools , ” a Miami parent on the social scene told us at breakneck speed .
“ Pinecrest is a very good school , but super far .
If they are going Jewish and plan to in the meantime rent or live in that area near where they are building the house , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a note of — somewhat spoilsport — caution .
“ The thing is , they bought a plot of land and building a mansion on Indian Creek is no small job — the houses are enormous .
How long does it take to build a house from scratch ?
So who knows when they ’ d actually be in that house.
” They added , “ I must have gotten 10 texts [ about this ] yesterday.
” Trump , 39 , and Kushner , 39 , have three young children .

Spoiler alert: If you’re a rich Miami parent and you just got a text message, it’s about where Ivanka Trump’s kids are going to go to school.
We’re told that after Page Six revealed that Trump and husband Jared Kushner bought land on exclusive Indian Creek and plan to move their family there after they leave Washington, DC, locals are frantically working up Robert Mueller-esque theories about the subject.
“The closest good Jewish school to where they bought their land is Lehrman, which is about 5 minutes away. Otherwise, Ransom Everglades, which would be far for them, Miami Country Day — which is about 15 minutes — and Cushman are all very good private schools,” a Miami parent on the social scene told us at breakneck speed. “Pinecrest is a very good school, but super far. If they are going Jewish and plan to in the meantime rent or live in that area near where they are building the house, I bet Lehrman.”
Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump Getty Images
However, they sounded a note of — somewhat spoilsport — caution.
“The thing is, they bought a plot of land and building a mansion on Indian Creek is no small job — the houses are enormous. How long does it take to build a house from scratch? So who knows when they’d actually be in that house.”
They added, “I must have gotten 10 texts [about this] yesterday.”
Trump and Kushner, both 39, have three young children.


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--Anne Frank memorial in Idaho vandalized with swastika stickers

Idaho police are investigating an Anne Frank memorial that was vandalized with swastika stickers on Tuesday .
The Wassmuth Center @ @ @ @ @ posted photos to Facebook saying the memorials had been plastered with the hateful stickers .
@ @ @ @ @ statue of Frank holding her diary — on which a sticker with a large black @ @ @ @ @ “ We are everywhere ” had been posted .
The diary is where Frank had @ @ @ @ @ and her family hid from Nazis in Amsterdam before they were captured in 1944 and @ @ @ @ @ Another photo shows the memorial called “ The Spiral of Justice ” featuring the same @ @ @ @ @ makes this event actually so sad was the blatancy where they were placed , how @ @ @ @ @ message they were proclaiming , ” said Dan Prinzing , the executive director of the @ @ @ @ @ .
The incident is under investigation , and police have reached out to the Anti-Defamation @ @ @ @ @ records anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S .

Idaho police are investigating an Anne Frank memorial that was vandalized with swastika stickers on Tuesday.
The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights in Boise posted photos to Facebook saying the memorials had been plastered with the hateful stickers.
One photo shows a life-sized statue of Frank holding her diary — on which a sticker with a large black swastika and the phrase, “We are everywhere” had been posted.
The diary is where Frank had documented her life while she and her family hid from Nazis in Amsterdam before they were captured in 1944 and imprisoned in concentration camps.
Another photo shows the memorial called “The Spiral of Justice” featuring the same swastika sticker.
“What makes this event actually so sad was the blatancy where they were placed, how they were placed and the message they were proclaiming,” said Dan Prinzing, the executive director of the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights.
The incident is under investigation, and police have reached out to the Anti-Defamation League, an organization that records anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--Feast your eyes on Gwen Stefani’s cat-centric Christmas romper

Heather Rae Young hit the streets of Los Angeles with ...

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Watch out Taylor Swift, there’s a new celebrity working the cat/Christmas angle.
Newly engaged and apparently ageless musical icon Gwen Stefani was snapped en route to a studio in Santa Monica, California, Wednesday wearing a romper that nails the Swiftian sweet spot right between “cats” and “Christmas.”
Unfortunately, the 51-year-old “Voice” judge did not offer a left-hand-forward view of the 6- to 10-carat stone she received from fellow judge and country music star Blake Shelton in October.
The longtime pair will exchange vows sometime in early 2021 at a chapel Shelton, 44, built on the grounds of his Oklahoma ranch, a source told Us Weekly.
What with Swift’s cat-themed Christmas card also going out this week, it appears as though the felines have an early lead over dogs this holiday season. Page Six will keep our eyes out.


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--Five auto body shops accused of sledgehammering cars in  insurance scheme

Four auto body shops in Westchester and one in the Bronx are accused of operating an insurance fraud scheme that @ @ @ @ @ sledgehammers to increase their billing amount .
Nine people arrested in the probe — dubbed @ @ @ @ @ with enterprise corruption after getting caught on surveillance video purposefully wrecking the vehicles and falsifying @ @ @ @ @ County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino , Jr. announced Wednesday .
The defendants would either enhance @ @ @ @ @ undamaged ones to up their billings while keeping the repair cost low , prosecutors said @ @ @ @ @ be charged the higher amount and the defendants would pocket the difference .
One of @ @ @ @ @ the scheme included whacking insured cars with sledgehammers to make it appear the vehicle was @ @ @ @ @ Four of the suspects were charged last week , while the other five were busted @ @ @ @ @ released without bail at their arraignments on charges including enterprise corruption and grand larceny .

Four auto body shops in Westchester and one in the Bronx are accused of operating an insurance fraud scheme that involved intentionally damaging cars with sledgehammers to increase their billing amount.
Nine people arrested in the probe — dubbed Operation Sledgehammer — were charged with enterprise corruption after getting caught on surveillance video purposefully wrecking the vehicles and falsifying the insurance claims, Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, Jr. announced Wednesday.
The defendants would either enhance damage to cars or destruct undamaged ones to up their billings while keeping the repair cost low, prosecutors said.
The car owner would be charged the higher amount and the defendants would pocket the difference.
One of the several techniques used in the scheme included whacking insured cars with sledgehammers to make it appear the vehicle was involved in a collision.
Four of the suspects were charged last week, while the other five were busted Tuesday. They were all released without bail at their arraignments on charges including enterprise corruption and grand larceny.


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--Heather Rae Young goes wedding dress shopping with Chrishell Stause

It ’ s been just over two months since Ellen DeGeneres returned ...

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Heather Rae Young hit the streets of Los Angeles with good friend, Chrishell Stause, to shop for a wedding gown, as the “Selling Sunset” star is set to wed “Flip or Flop’s” Tarek El Moussa.
The gorgeous twosome took over the Galia Lahav Haute Couture showroom Wednesday, as Young tried on a short white number that was met with a smile by Stause, who was sure to document the moment on her phone.
Young and El Moussa got engaged on the one-year anniversary of their first meeting. El Moussa, 38, apparently popped the question during a boat trip to Catalina Island near LA. He told People they “love to be on the boat together.”
“She said yes!” he posted on Instagram, adding that Young, 32, will be, “Flipping her last name.”
He reportedly gave her an eight-carat emerald-cut diamond ring.
Back in October, Young shared that their wedding will probably take place in summer 2021, saying, “We have dates on hold.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--James McCann a better Mets fit than JT Realmuto if he’s part of bigger plan: Sherman

It ’ s not just Steve Cohen ’ s billions that are making a ...

When the Astros gave Charlie Morton a two-year, $14 million free agent pact following the 2016 season there was industry surprise. He had just turned 33 and was 46-71 with a 4.54 ERA.
Houston officials, though, saw underlying skills — namely spin rate — that if properly channeled would produce a quality starter.
Eleven months later, Morton followed his best season by closing World Series Game 7 with four innings of brilliant relief as the Astros won their first-ever title.
That sent a copycat industry hunting for the next Morton and the Cubs bestowed a three-year, $38 million deal on Tyler Chatwood, his career 40-46, 4.31 ERA ledger and his high spin rate. By August 2018, Chatwood was out of the rotation en route to a 5.30 ERA in a now-completed deal that was mostly a Chicago disaster.
So what the Mets must determine is whether James McCann is the catching equivalent of Morton or Chatwood. Because if you like McCann, you are not basing it on his career, but on the past two seasons — in one of which he was the backup during a pandemic-shortened schedule — and the underlying numbers off his bat on offense and framing the ball on defense.
Neither the Mets nor McCann’s representatives acknowledged a deal was close. But pretty much every agent (not McCann’s) and team executive (not from the Mets) said they expect the Mets to ultimately sign McCann for four years in the $36 million-$48 million range.
James McCann Bill Kostroun
If so, McCann would fall into a realm similar to Trevor May, who the Mets just handed a two-year, $15 million contract based mainly on the past two years and the underlying data that suggests still more room to his ceiling. For the Mets, this would be trying to deepen the roster with upside plays while pursuing one (or more) from the Trevor Bauer/DJ LeMahieu/George Springer upper-tier collection.
It also would mean not signing J.T. Realmuto from that elite group. Realmuto probably desires a length of contract and dollar figure that could be uncomfortable when you consider the dangers of catching, that he turns 30 in March, that he has finished the past two seasons injured and that only Yadier Molina has squatted more in major league games the past six years.
But Realmuto has a track record that McCann doesn’t. No projections of excellence are necessary; no wonder if his skills will hold up through a heavy workload. Over the past four seasons, Realmuto has a major league-best for a catcher 16.7 Wins Above Replacement (Fangraphs). Yasmani Grandal is next at 15.6. A distant third is Tyler Flowers at 9.5. McCann is 17th at 3.9 — or less than Realmuto had in each of the last three full major league seasons (2017-19).
After five blah Tiger seasons, McCann was a 2019 All-Star with the White Sox. Yet, Chicago still invested four years at $73 million to make Grandal its No. 1 catcher in 2020.
After the 2018 season, the Mets offered Grandal four years at $60 million. Grandal thought he was worth more. The Mets, after failing to land Realmuto in a trade, signed Wilson Ramos for two years at $19 million. That offseason Grandal never could find a market on a long deal that he found suitable and wound up on a one-year, $18.25 million accord with Milwaukee.
Realmuto now — like Grandal then — might not find his upper market if the Mets go with McCann and the Phillies actually are not spending much this offseason. Thus, if a team waits, like with Grandal/Brewers, you might get a deal. The Mets — then under Brodie Van Wagenen and the Wilpons — did not want to wait and ended up with the far inferior Ramos. What will the regime of Sandy Alderson and Steve Cohen do — go with McCann or spurn him and see what happens if you wait out Realmuto, with the danger of ending up with neither?
The Ramos signing turned Travis d’Arnaud into first a Mets backup and then a released player. The Dodgers, Rays and Braves — organizations expert in finding hidden value — were the next to enlist d’Arnaud. The Rays and Braves received fantastic results. More than ever with how much information overload there is, catchers are late developing. And if you can see those underlying skills, then you can enact the kind of two-year, $16 million pact with d’Arnaud that so far has been incredibly team friendly.
Those underlying possibilities exist with McCann, who at 30 is the same age as d’Arnaud last offseason when he signed his Braves deal. McCann appears to be a player who can take newer training methods and concepts and apply them. He has hit the ball with greater exit velocity the past two years and greater line-drive frequency. Analytically, he went from a career poor pitch framer to excellent in 2020. But does that skill have as much to do with catching someone with precision like Jacob deGrom or someone spraying the ball around like Jeurys Familia? Plus, sometime during a four-year contract, MLB very well may go to robot ball-strike calls at which time framing a pitch becomes an irrelevant skill.
Also, McCann is likely looking at a term twice as long as d’Arnaud and a dollar figure more than twice as much. Can he handle a 120-game, No. 1 starter catching burden without devaluing his output like Realmuto does? Or do the Mets have to trade for someone like Cincinnati’s Tucker Barnhart or sign Flowers to form, say, a 90-game/70-game platoon to derive the best out of McCann and the overall catching results. That would still cost way less than Realmuto but — again — come without Realmuto’s pedigree.
All of this might reveal itself best in a mosaic with the offseason complete if the Mets have May and McCann, but also have added Springer, a quality starter and another good reliever. For McCann looks much better as part of an overall plan to upgrade talent then if you are just debating him versus Realmuto.


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--Monolith mania! More mysterious objects pop up around the world

More and more of the mysterious silver structures — spotted in Utah and Romania and even on the Isle of Wight — have been cropping up around the world .
In recent days , sightings were reported in the Netherlands and in Colombia — as well as across the U.S. Video obtained by Storyful showed a rowdy crowd — apparently fed-up with the mystifying , mutiplying metal objects — toppling one that had appeared in a San Diego parking lot on Tuesday .
The group of six pulled the sculpture out of the ground and carried it off as onlookers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the clip shows .
The San Diego Police Department said the gang then loaded the monolith into a truck and took off , local TV station KNSD reported .
That California monolith was one of several that materialized in the Golden State .
The first was spotted atop a mountain in Atascadero last week , before a twin structure popped up in the city ’ s Stadium Park , The Tribune reported .
Both of those objects were later removed .
Another of the three-sided steel sculptures appeared in Canyon Country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few hours away , in Joshua Tree , according to the Los Angeles Daily News .
There was also a sighting this week in snowy Colorado , at Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs , local outlet KKCO reported .
While most of the monoliths have been between 7 and 10-feet tall , a smaller , 3-foot structure emerged on Dec. 3 in downtown Fayetteville , North Carolina , according to The Fayetteville Observer .
Meanwhile , a candy shop in Pittsburgh even commissioned one of the objects — a 10-foot tall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheet metal — to place outside the store last week .
The owner of Grandpa Joe ’ s Candy Shop , Christopher Beers , freely admitted to the gimmick , which he said was a way to remind people to support small businesses .
The monoliths stirred worldwide speculation when they began appearing in mid-November — with theories about their origins ranging from a marketing ploy to extraterrestrials .
A small community of “ stunt artists ” known as The Most Famous Artist claimed credit for at least the Utah sculpture — which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s founder , Matty Mo , previously told The Post that the idea behind the work had been to “ start a global phenomenon.
” “ I ’ d say mission accomplished , ” he said .
“ I hope every city gets a monolith .
It brings people together and spreads joy .
”

It’s monolith mania.
More and more of the mysterious silver structures — spotted in Utah and Romania and even on the Isle of Wight — have been cropping up around the world.
In recent days, sightings were reported in the Netherlands and in Colombia — as well as across the U.S.
Video obtained by Storyful showed a rowdy crowd — apparently fed-up with the mystifying, mutiplying metal objects — toppling one that had appeared in a San Diego parking lot on Tuesday.
The group of six pulled the sculpture out of the ground and carried it off as onlookers cheered “They got the monolith!,” the clip shows.
The San Diego Police Department said the gang then loaded the monolith into a truck and took off, local TV station KNSD reported.
That California monolith was one of several that materialized in the Golden State.
The first was spotted atop a mountain in Atascadero last week, before a twin structure popped up in the city’s Stadium Park, The Tribune reported. Both of those objects were later removed.
Another of the three-sided steel sculptures appeared in Canyon Country Park in Santa Clarita, and a few hours away, in Joshua Tree, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
There was also a sighting this week in snowy Colorado, at Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs, local outlet KKCO reported.
While most of the monoliths have been between 7 and 10-feet tall, a smaller, 3-foot structure emerged on Dec. 3 in downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina, according to The Fayetteville Observer.
Meanwhile, a candy shop in Pittsburgh even commissioned one of the objects — a 10-foot tall, 24-inch wide triangle of plywood covered in sheet metal — to place outside the store last week.
The owner of Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, Christopher Beers, freely admitted to the gimmick, which he said was a way to remind people to support small businesses.
The monoliths stirred worldwide speculation when they began appearing in mid-November — with theories about their origins ranging from a marketing ploy to extraterrestrials.
A small community of “stunt artists” known as The Most Famous Artist claimed credit for at least the Utah sculpture — which was later dismantled.
The collective’s founder, Matty Mo, previously told The Post that the idea behind the work had been to “start a global phenomenon.”
“I’d say mission accomplished,” he said. “I hope every city gets a monolith. It brings people together and spreads joy.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--SCOTUS proves that all the left’s ‘Trump pawns’ noise was utter bull

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed Team Trump ’ s effort to dispute the outcome of the election in Pennsylvania with a single dry sentence : “ The application for injunctive relief presented to Justice Alito and by him referred to the court is denied.
” In doing so , the high court didn ’ t just crush whatever delusional hopes might have remained among the president ’ s fan base .
The court — or , more specifically , the three new conservative justices President Trump nominated — was also unrolling its collective middle finger at those pundits and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past few years with their expressions of contempt about the honesty and integrity of the institution .
Consider the kinds of implicit slurs that were casually hurled at the jurists recently elevated to the high court — the idea that either their feelings of personal gratitude at the honor Trump had bestowed on them would outweigh their obligation to their oath to uphold the Constitution or they had accepted a nomination as a quid pro quo .
On Oct. 29 , Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware declared that newly confirmed Justice Amy Coney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all election-related matters because Trump had pushed Barrett ’ s nomination through in record time “ so she could help him with the election.
” A day earlier , the court had heard arguments relating to the conduct of the election in Wisconsin .
Justice Brett Kavanaugh , Trump ’ s 2018 nominee , had relied on Supreme Court precedent — in the case that ended the 2000 election — in his judgment about the time table on which absentee ballots could be collected and counted .
For Democrats , wrote Greg Stohr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump-appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh bordered on catastrophic.
” Stohr went on to say that “ Trump could need the support of all three of his appointed justices to overturn election results that seem to favor Biden , ” and that Kavanaugh ’ s opinion suggested he might be ready to do so .
Trump ’ s first pick , Neil Gorsuch , was also the subject of panting hysteria on the part of Ian Millhiser of Vox .
Gorsuch ’ s crime was in stating that the word “ legislature ” in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a state legislature — rather than to “ whatever the valid lawmaking process is within that state.
” Apparently , Gorsuch was doing so in order to set the stage for overturning the election results : “ Based on Gorsuch ’ s reasoning .
.
.
it ’ s clear that both he and Kavanaugh believe the Supreme Court of the United States may overrule a state supreme court , at least when the federal justices disagree with the state supreme court ’ s approach to election law.
” These attacks on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over again , and in each case , the appointments themselves were characterized from the get-go as a way for Trump to protect himself in case of future political or legal trouble .
The fact that their lifetime appointments were designed specifically to shield them from transactional politics meant absolutely nothing to the critics in question , who — in the fashion of all negative partisanship in our disheartening time — believe that anyone who disagrees with them substantively is nothing more than a corrupt , careerist monster .
So now that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s bizarre post-election Hail Mary play to retain his office , will the three justices get an apology ?
Yeah , right .
Check out Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo , saying they would have been up for anything if Trump had just done better in the election : “ Four Justices ( prior to Barrett being confirmed , now likely five ) showed they were willing to concoct new legal theories and even routinely overrule state courts in their interpretation of their own laws to promote restrictive voting measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican candidates .
The simple truth is that Donald Trump didn ’ t do his part .
It wasn ’ t close.
” The simple truth is that they did what the law demanded .
They found exactly what the liberal justices found when some baseless litigation was tossed before them in a sputtering and comically incompetent challenge to a Pennsylvania election in which Joe Biden prevailed by 81,000 votes .
They acted in accord with the noble oaths they took to uphold the Constitution .
Sorry , hysterics and haters .

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed Team Trump’s effort to dispute the outcome of the election in Pennsylvania with a single dry sentence: “The application for injunctive relief presented to Justice Alito and by him referred to the court is denied.” In doing so, the high court didn’t just crush whatever delusional hopes might have remained among the president’s fan base. The court — or, more specifically, the three new conservative justices President Trump nominated — was also unrolling its collective middle finger at those pundits and politicians who have shamed themselves over the past few years with their expressions of contempt about the honesty and integrity of the institution.
Consider the kinds of implicit slurs that were casually hurled at the jurists recently elevated to the high court — the idea that either their feelings of personal gratitude at the honor Trump had bestowed on them would outweigh their obligation to their oath to uphold the Constitution or they had accepted a nomination as a quid pro quo.
On Oct. 29, Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware declared that newly confirmed Justice Amy Coney Barrett simply had to recuse herself in all election-related matters because Trump had pushed Barrett’s nomination through in record time “so she could help him with the election.”
A day earlier, the court had heard arguments relating to the conduct of the election in Wisconsin. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s 2018 nominee, had relied on Supreme Court precedent — in the case that ended the 2000 election — in his judgment about the time table on which absentee ballots could be collected and counted.
For Democrats, wrote Greg Stohr of Bloomberg, “an opinion by Trump-appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh bordered on catastrophic.” Stohr went on to say that “Trump could need the support of all three of his appointed justices to overturn election results that seem to favor Biden,” and that Kavanaugh’s opinion suggested he might be ready to do so.
Trump’s first pick, Neil Gorsuch, was also the subject of panting hysteria on the part of Ian Millhiser of Vox. Gorsuch’s crime was in stating that the word “legislature” in the Constitution refers to, you know, a state legislature — rather than to “whatever the valid lawmaking process is within that state.”
Apparently, Gorsuch was doing so in order to set the stage for overturning the election results: “Based on Gorsuch’s reasoning . . . it’s clear that both he and Kavanaugh believe the Supreme Court of the United States may overrule a state supreme court, at least when the federal justices disagree with the state supreme court’s approach to election law.”
These attacks on the three Trump-appointed justices were echoed over and over again, and in each case, the appointments themselves were characterized from the get-go as a way for Trump to protect himself in case of future political or legal trouble.
The fact that their lifetime appointments were designed specifically to shield them from transactional politics meant absolutely nothing to the critics in question, who — in the fashion of all negative partisanship in our disheartening time — believe that anyone who disagrees with them substantively is nothing more than a corrupt, careerist monster.
So now that the Supremes have effectively put an end to Trump’s bizarre post-election Hail Mary play to retain his office, will the three justices get an apology?
Yeah, right. Check out Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo, saying they would have been up for anything if Trump had just done better in the election: “Four Justices (prior to Barrett being confirmed, now likely five) showed they were willing to concoct new legal theories and even routinely overrule state courts in their interpretation of their own laws to promote restrictive voting measures and specifically to assist Donald Trump and Republican candidates. The simple truth is that Donald Trump didn’t do his part. It wasn’t close.”
The simple truth is that they did what the law demanded. They found exactly what the liberal justices found when some baseless litigation was tossed before them in a sputtering and comically incompetent challenge to a Pennsylvania election in which Joe Biden prevailed by 81,000 votes.
They acted in accord with the noble oaths they took to uphold the Constitution. Sorry, hysterics and haters.
jpodhoretz@gmail.com


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--Disney Reportedly Plans to Release ‘Pinocchio’ on Disney+, Will Keep ‘Black Widow’ in Theaters

Ahead of tomorrow ’ s Disney investor presentation , the New York Times reports that the company is gearing up for some major releases on Disney+ .
Teasing “ Tom Hanks as Geppetto in a live-action Pinocchio , and Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell in a live-action Peter Pan & Wendy ” plus “ Footage from new Marvel projects and “ A star-studded prequel to The Lion King , ” the outlet gave a sneak peek at what to expect for the fate of Disney ’ s upcoming projects .
Most notable are the releases heading to Disney+ that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s four hour event .
The Times reports that like Pixar ’ s Soul , upcoming Disney releases Peter Pan & Wendy and Pinocchio are expected to premiere on Disney+ and skip theaters altogether .
And unlike Mulan , both of the films will premiere on Disney+ with no additional cost to subscribers .
When Mulan was released in September , it came with a $ 30 premier access fee , but the film recently dropped its paywall and became available to all Disney+ members .
Other highly anticipated Disney releases , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will premiere in theaters .
And despite streaming rumors circling the film for months , Marvel ’ s Black Widow will still premiere in theaters for its set date of May 2021 , according to sources with knowledge of tomorrow ’ s presentation .
Tomorrow , Disney will reportedly discuss “ an evolving approach to movie distribution.
” There ’ s plenty of Disney+ movie news , but the streamer is also preparing to release some TV projects , which they ’ ll be discussing during tomorrow ’ s event .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Hooch series and Willow series , as well as eight Marvel TV series featuring characters like She-Hulk and Loki .
While Disney is plotting multiple different release plans for its projects , unlike Warner Bros. , which is sending all of its 2021 films to HBO Max and theaters , the Times reports that there ’ s one mission in mind for next year ’ s plans .
“ All will ultimately serve one goal , which is strengthening Disney+ , the company ’ s flagship streaming service .
”

Ahead of tomorrow’s Disney investor presentation, the New York Times reports that the company is gearing up for some major releases on Disney+. Teasing “Tom Hanks as Geppetto in a live-action Pinocchio, and Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell in a live-action Peter Pan & Wendy” plus “Footage from new Marvel projects and “A star-studded prequel to The Lion King,” the outlet gave a sneak peek at what to expect for the fate of Disney’s upcoming projects.
Most notable are the releases heading to Disney+ that are expected to be announced during tomorrow’s four hour event. The Times reports that like Pixar’s Soul, upcoming Disney releases Peter Pan & Wendy and Pinocchio are expected to premiere on Disney+ and skip theaters altogether. And unlike Mulan, both of the films will premiere on Disney+ with no additional cost to subscribers. When Mulan was released in September, it came with a $30 premier access fee, but the film recently dropped its paywall and became available to all Disney+ members.
Other highly anticipated Disney releases, like Barry Jenkins’ The Lion King movie, will premiere in theaters. And despite streaming rumors circling the film for months, Marvel’s Black Widow will still premiere in theaters for its set date of May 2021, according to sources with knowledge of tomorrow’s presentation. Tomorrow, Disney will reportedly discuss “an evolving approach to movie distribution.”
There’s plenty of Disney+ movie news, but the streamer is also preparing to release some TV projects, which they’ll be discussing during tomorrow’s event. In the works right now are a Turner and Hooch series and Willow series, as well as eight Marvel TV series featuring characters like She-Hulk and Loki.
While Disney is plotting multiple different release plans for its projects, unlike Warner Bros., which is sending all of its 2021 films to HBO Max and theaters, the Times reports that there’s one mission in mind for next year’s plans. “All will ultimately serve one goal, which is strengthening Disney+, the company’s flagship streaming service.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--‘No bail’ just part of it: LA’s new DA totally eviscerating basic law

Los Angeles ’ newly elected district attorney , George Gascon , has a plan for ensuring compliance with the county ’ s draconian stay-at-home orders : make the city so dangerous that Angelenos will be terrified to step outside .
Gascon belongs to a wave of well-funded left-wing prosecutors who have come to office promising to eliminate racial disparities in the criminal-justice system .
They are doing so by eliminating key components of the criminal-justice system itself .
Gascon ’ s office will no longer prosecute a wide range of misdemeanor offenses .
Trespass .
Los Angeles streets , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already overrun by squalid encampments .
Business owners who have managed so far to survive the lockdown regularly have to sweep vagrants off their property in the morning , along with feces and drug paraphernalia .
The vagrant won ’ t leave ?
Don ’ t bother calling the police .
Any arrest an officer makes will simply be dismissed .
If a homeowner sees a vagrant climbing the fence to his house , he will have to deal with it himself .
l Driving without a license or driving with a suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and possibly killed by a drunk driver or by someone who just can ’ t operate a car just went up , in a sop to the illegal-immigrant lobby .
Disturbing the peace .
Los Angeles has seen a spate of shootings at rowdy illegal house parties .
Too bad if such a party breaks out on your block .
Just hope that no one feels dissed and pulls a gun .
Public intoxication and loitering to commit prostitution .
These activities are the prelude to greater problems , as law-abiding residents of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister of an assassinated Chicago cop warned in The Chicago Sun-Times this summer that illegal drug and alcohol use on residential streets easily escalates into fatal shootings , because the perpetrators “ think no one cares.
” Ending such low-level public-order enforcement has long been a goal of anti-cop activists , who allege that it is racist .
But polls consistently show support for such “ broken-windows ” policing in minority neighborhoods .
Gascon ’ s most stunning exemption from prosecution is the directive not to charge suspects with resisting arrest .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attempted assassination of two Los Angeles sheriffs deputies on Sept. 12 .
The suspect , long-time felon Deonte Murray , walked up to the deputies ’ parked squad car and shot them both in the head as they sat inside .
 Bystanders cheered ; anti-cop protesters continued the celebration later at the hospital where the deputies were on life support .
Since the summer , officers across the country have been shot at , assaulted with lethal projectiles , firebombed and run over .
That open season on cops will only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declaration that officers ’ authority may be resisted with impunity — a declaration that strikes at the heart of civilization itself .
Gascon undoubtedly subscribes to the false idea that blacks are under lethal threat from police shootings .
The vast majority of police shootings , however , could be eliminated tomorrow , if all suspects complied with officers ’ commands .
Resisting arrest is the biggest predictor of officer use of force .
Decriminalizing such resistance is a recipe for more police shootings , of black as well as of white suspects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also eliminating cash bail for most crimes and is ending sentence enhancements for repeat offenders and gang members .
After California Gov .
Gavin Newsom eliminated cash bail earlier this year for COVID purposes , car jackings , shootings and homicides spiked up .
The state abandoned its no-bail policy , and Los Angeles County voted in November to continue requiring bail .
Gascon has other ideas .
As for repeat offenders and gangbangers , they now have little incentive to go clean .
The Los Angeles City Council recently cut $ 150 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest spike in homicides in the city in 10 years and a 32 percent increase in shootings .
Gascon asks his doubters to close their eyes and imagine an ideal safe neighborhood “ with parks , playgrounds and .
.
.
kids playing.
” Heather Mac Donald is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of “ The War on Cops .
”

Los Angeles’ newly elected district attorney, George Gascon, has a plan for ensuring compliance with the county’s draconian stay-at-home orders: make the city so dangerous that Angelenos will be terrified to step outside.
Gascon belongs to a wave of well-funded left-wing prosecutors who have come to office promising to eliminate racial disparities in the criminal-justice system. They are doing so by eliminating key components of the criminal-justice system itself. Gascon’s office will no longer prosecute a wide range of misdemeanor offenses.
They include:
Trespass. Los Angeles streets, in all but its wealthiest neighborhoods, are already overrun by squalid encampments. Business owners who have managed so far to survive the lockdown regularly have to sweep vagrants off their property in the morning, along with feces and drug paraphernalia. The vagrant won’t leave? Don’t bother calling the police. Any arrest an officer makes will simply be dismissed. If a homeowner sees a vagrant climbing the fence to his house, he will have to deal with it himself.
Driving without a license or driving with a suspended license. The risk of being hit and possibly killed by a drunk driver or by someone who just can’t operate a car just went up, in a sop to the illegal-immigrant lobby.
Disturbing the peace. Los Angeles has seen a spate of shootings at rowdy illegal house parties. Too bad if such a party breaks out on your block. Just hope that no one feels dissed and pulls a gun.
Public intoxication and loitering to commit prostitution. These activities are the prelude to greater problems, as law-abiding residents of high-crime communities know too well. The sister of an assassinated Chicago cop warned in The Chicago Sun-Times this summer that illegal drug and alcohol use on residential streets easily escalates into fatal shootings, because the perpetrators “think no one cares.”
Ending such low-level public-order enforcement has long been a goal of anti-cop activists, who allege that it is racist. But polls consistently show support for such “broken-windows” policing in minority neighborhoods.
Gascon’s most stunning exemption from prosecution is the directive not to charge suspects with resisting arrest.
This carve-out is particularly unfathomable in light of the attempted assassination of two Los Angeles sheriffs deputies on Sept. 12. The suspect, long-time felon Deonte Murray, walked up to the deputies’ parked squad car and shot them both in the head as they sat inside.
Bystanders cheered; anti-cop protesters continued the celebration later at the hospital where the deputies were on life support. Since the summer, officers across the country have been shot at, assaulted with lethal projectiles, firebombed and run over. That open season on cops will only get worse in Los Angeles with this declaration that officers’ authority may be resisted with impunity — a declaration that strikes at the heart of civilization itself. Gascon undoubtedly subscribes to the false idea that blacks are under lethal threat from police shootings.
The vast majority of police shootings, however, could be eliminated tomorrow, if all suspects complied with officers’ commands. Resisting arrest is the biggest predictor of officer use of force. Decriminalizing such resistance is a recipe for more police shootings, of black as well as of white suspects. Los Angeles’ new DA is also eliminating cash bail for most crimes and is ending sentence enhancements for repeat offenders and gang members.
After California Gov. Gavin Newsom eliminated cash bail earlier this year for COVID purposes, car jackings, shootings and homicides spiked up. The state abandoned its no-bail policy, and Los Angeles County voted in November to continue requiring bail. Gascon has other ideas. As for repeat offenders and gangbangers, they now have little incentive to go clean.
The Los Angeles City Council recently cut $150 million from the LAPD budget, despite the largest spike in homicides in the city in 10 years and a 32 percent increase in shootings. Gascon asks his doubters to close their eyes and imagine an ideal safe neighborhood “with parks, playgrounds and . . . kids playing.”
Dream on.
Heather Mac Donald is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of “The War on Cops.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--Connecticut is first state to require that schools offer black and Latino studies

Connecticut on Wednesday announced it has become the first U.S. state to require that high schools offer an elective course @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Increasing the diversity of what we teach is critical to providing students with @ @ @ @ @ we are as a society and where we are going , ” Gov .
Lamont @ @ @ @ @ the requirement .
The course is the result of a state law signed last year @ @ @ @ @ a better understanding of how African American , black , Latino and Puerto Rican populations @ @ @ @ @ ’ s history .
Last week , the Connecticut State Board of Education approved the @ @ @ @ @ be provided next school year — and by fall 2022 , high schools will be @ @ @ @ @ “ Adding this course in our high schools will be an enormous benefit not only @ @ @ @ @ students , but to students of all backgrounds because everyone can benefit from these studies @ @ @ @ @

Connecticut on Wednesday announced it has become the first U.S. state to require that high schools offer an elective course on black and Latino studies.
“Increasing the diversity of what we teach is critical to providing students with a better understanding of who we are as a society and where we are going,” Gov. Lamont said in a statement announcing the requirement.
The course is the result of a state law signed last year which aims to give students a better understanding of how African American, black, Latino and Puerto Rican populations have contributed to the nation’s history.
Last week, the Connecticut State Board of Education approved the curriculum.
The course can be provided next school year — and by fall 2022, high schools will be required to offer it.
“Adding this course in our high schools will be an enormous benefit not only to our Black and Latino students, but to students of all backgrounds because everyone can benefit from these studies,” Lamont said.


newyorkpost--2020-12-09--Feds probing fatal police shooting of black man in Ohio

A black man carrying sandwiches was shot and killed on his grandmother ’ s doorstep last week by a sheriff ’ s deputy , and now his death is being investigated by federal authorities as a homicide , officials said .
Franklin County sheriff ’ s deputy Jason Meade was working with the U.S.
Marshal ’ s fugitive task force looking for violent offenders when he opened fire on Casey Christopher Goodson Jr. , 23 , as he was entering his home in Columbus Friday , Columbus police said .
Columbus police had said earlier that Goodson was carrying a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 year veteran in the force , had recovered it at the scene .
Meanwhile , U.S .
Marshal Peter Tobin said at a press conference Friday that Meade reported Goodson was drove by and waved a gun at him .
Goodson ’ s family didn ’ t confirm whether he was carrying a gun or not when he was shot .
But Walton + Brown LLP , the law firm representing Goodson ’ s family painted a different picture , saying he picked up Subway sandwiches on his way home from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his 72-year-old grandmother and two toddlers .
His family watched in horror as Goodson fell to the ground and the sandwiches laid next to him in a pool of his blood , the firm said .
Tamala Payne called her son ’ s death “ senseless ” and said couldn ’ t understand why he was killed .
“ This was senseless .
My son would not have harmed a fly .
If my son was given a command , he would have listened , ” the grieving mother told CNN on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abiding citizen .
Everything he did was legal .
My son was murdered and there ’ s no way around it .
He deserves justice.
” The incident began when Meade reported seeing a man with a gun , and encountered Goodson .
The two men exchanged words before Meade shot and killed Goodson , police said , adding that Goodson wasn ’ t the man the deputy was looking for during the investigation .
Columbus police said there were no witnesses to the shooting and no body cam footage because Franklin County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sean Walton , the family ’ s attorney , said the allegation that Goodson was waving a gun is outrageous .
“ It doesn ’ t make sense , ” he told NBC News on Monday .
“ Who drives down the street waving a gun out of the window ?
This isn ’ t a music video .
This is real life.
” He added that Goodson was licensed to carry a gun and Ohio doesn ’ t prohibit the open carrying of firearms .
Meade has been placed on paid administrative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Columbus Dispatch .
The U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for the Southern District of Ohio announced Tuesday it has opened a civil rights investigation into Goodson ’ s death and is working the FBI and Columbus police .
Columbus police is conducting a separate investigation where homicide detectives will turn over evidence to the Franklin County prosecutor who will then present to the grand jury , which will determine if the shooting was justified .

A black man carrying sandwiches was shot and killed on his grandmother’s doorstep last week by a sheriff’s deputy, and now his death is being investigated by federal authorities as a homicide, officials said.
Franklin County sheriff’s deputy Jason Meade was working with the U.S. Marshal’s fugitive task force looking for violent offenders when he opened fire on Casey Christopher Goodson Jr., 23, as he was entering his grandmother’s home in Columbus Friday, Columbus police said.
Columbus police had said earlier that Goodson was carrying a gun, and that Meade, a 17 year veteran in the force, had recovered it at the scene.
Meanwhile, U.S. Marshal Peter Tobin said at a press conference Friday that Meade reported Goodson drove by and waved a gun at him.
Goodson’s family didn’t confirm whether he was carrying a gun or not when he was shot.
But Walton + Brown LLP, the law firm representing Goodson’s family painted a different picture, saying he picked up Subway sandwiches on his way home from the dentist and was gunned down in front of his 72-year-old grandmother and two toddlers.
His family watched in horror as Goodson fell to the ground and the sandwiches lay next to him in a pool of his blood, the firm said.
Tamala Payne called her son’s death “senseless” and said couldn’t understand why he was killed.
“This was senseless. My son would not have harmed a fly. If my son was given a command, he would have listened,” the grieving mother told CNN on Tuesday. “He was a law abiding citizen. Everything he did was legal. My son was murdered and there’s no way around it. He deserves justice.”
The incident began when Meade reported seeing a man with a gun, and encountered Goodson. The two men exchanged words before Meade shot and killed Goodson, police said, adding that Goodson wasn’t the man the deputy was looking for during the investigation.
Columbus police said there were no witnesses to the shooting and no body cam footage because Franklin County deputies aren’t issued cameras.
Sean Walton, the family’s attorney, said the allegation that Goodson was waving a gun is outrageous.
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“It doesn’t make sense,” he told NBC News on Monday. “Who drives down the street waving a gun out of the window? This isn’t a music video. This is real life.”
He added that Goodson was licensed to carry a gun and Ohio doesn’t prohibit the open carrying of firearms.
Meade has been placed on paid administrative leave pending and investigation, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio announced Tuesday it has opened a civil rights investigation into Goodson’s death and is working the FBI and Columbus police.
Columbus police is conducting a separate investigation where homicide detectives will turn over evidence to the Franklin County prosecutor who will then present to the grand jury, which will determine if the shooting was justified.