newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Massive East Village building fire spreads to nearby church

A massive blaze raced through a vacant East Village building early Saturday before spreading to a nearby church , the @ @ @ @ @ firefighters are navigating heavy rains as they battle the five-alarm fire that broke out just @ @ @ @ @ vacant building on East 7th Street .
FDNY officials said the flames began on the @ @ @ @ @ building and spread to the Middle Collegiate Church at 112 Second Avenue .
The roof @ @ @ @ @ Revival-style Reformed Church was engulfed a little more than an hour after the fire erupted @ @ @ @ @ there are no injuries reported , ” an FDNY spokesman said .
The church , @ @ @ @ @ co-affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the Reformed Church in America , according @ @ @ @

A fast-moving inferno gutted an over century-old church in the East Village on Saturday, a “devastating” loss to both worshippers and neighbors who revered the historic neighborhood institution.
The fire began as a steady rain fell just before 4:50 a.m., on the first floor of a vacant five-story building on East 7th Street, spreading to the Middle Collegiate Church on Second ave. — which houses New York’s Liberty Bell, and whose congregation dates back to the 1600s, officials said.
About 200 fire fighters responded to the blaze within three minutes, according to FDNY Assistant Chief John Hodgens.
“On arrival, we had heavy fire showing from the corner building on East 7th Street. … We knew this was going to be a big operation. We had all our units in position and we quickly were able to contain it to that area.”
A little more than an hour after the fire began, the roof of the Gothic Revival-style church was engulfed. It took nearly eight hours to extinguish the fire, officials said.
“It’s horribly devastating,” said executive minister Amanda Ashcroft. “This has been a year already with racial inequity, economic inequity, a global pandemic and now our church is burning, it’s horrible.”
She continued: “We know that God is with us, that God did not start this fire, this is not part of God’s plan.”
A massive blaze that started in a vacant East Village building spread to a nearby church today. Seth Gottfried
Four fire fighters suffered minor injuries, said Hodgens, who described the damaged buildings as “total losses.”
There was no indication yet as to what started the blaze. Fire officials said the vacant building at 50 East 7th Street had previously caught fire in February.
The East Village church — which had been in two other Manhattan locations since 1729 — was built in 1892. Its congregation of the Collegiate Churches of New York dates to the Dutch settlement of the region in the 1620s.
“I believe we will bounce back, but it’s not going to be easy,” said Tom Smucker, 74, who has been worshipping there for 35 years, and called the fire “an absolute tragedy” even more so as the sanctuary was only renovated less than 15 years ago.
The church’s tower is home to New York’s Liberty Bell, which tolled for the birth of the nation in 1776, and more recently sounds in remembrance of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
“Our sanctuary has been gutted. We are emotionally gutted,”
Rev. Jacqui Lewis, the church’s senior pastor, told The Post she’s unsure yet about whether the bell endured.
“The bell tower and the steeple are still up, but we have no idea about the status of the bell,” Lewis said. “We are hoping we are able to save the bell.”
Seth Gottfried
The building’s Tiffany stained glass windows however, were destroyed, she added.
The church is co-affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the Reformed Church in America, according to its website.
Over the past few years, the Reformed Protestant church — where “texting is allowed, brunch replaces stale doughnuts after the service and all are welcome ” has attracted a younger, hipper crowd, The Post reported in 2017.
Seth Gottfried
“A church is not just a building, but still, the foundation — who we are as a community — is that building. So to watch it literally gutted is devastating,” said a 44-year-old church member who joined in 2016.
Mayor de Blasio vowed that the city will “do whatever we can to help Middle Collegiate rebuild.”
Church officials have already started to raise money to do just that.
“One thing we know about God is that God works in mysterious ways, and we know that the rebuilding is going to look a lot different than anybody thinks,” Ashcroft said. “We’re going to figure out how to continue to be a church, how to continue to do our love work and our justice work in a meaningful way.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Why inbound marketers need to add this lead tracking and management platform to their workflow

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store , from our partner StackCommerce .
NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
In this modern age of marketing , data is king .
Especially during times of uncertainty , business leaders look to customer data to spot patterns in their target market .
Customer data helps you understand behavior within the context of economic , cultural , and lifestyle changes .
And even in a pre- or post-pandemic world , the more insights you can glean about your customer and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more your lead generation efforts can be tailored to your ideal customer .
That translates to higher conversions , better leads , and an influx of revenue .
For companies that rely on inbound leads to sustain growth and boost their success , it ’ s important to not overlook the growth opportunities that come with connecting data from calls , form submissions , and texts .
CallRail was designed with this intention in mind .
To help businesses uncover the insights behind every customer interaction — online and offline — to generate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more predictability .
This is done through four unique product offerings : Lead Center , Form Tracking , Conversation Intelligence , and Call Tracking .
Together , these tools allow small business owners to understand their buyers ’ needs , fine-tune their marketing mix , follow up effectively , and gain actionable insights from every call along the path to purchase .
Call Tracking and Conversation Intelligence give businesses in-depth information about the people who call your business .
With Call Tracking , you can tie phone calls to individual ads , keywords @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clearer understanding of which campaigns led to the most fruitful leads .
Conversation Intelligence goes further , transcribing your calls and analyzing its contents with Artificial Intelligence .
This technology then aggregates information based on keywords of your choosing ( such as “ issue ” or “ appointment ” ) and turns the data into easy-to-understand visualizations .
Moreover , it gives business leaders the insights they need to improve training with their call center teams , train staff members , and improve their overall service .
Additionally , Form Tracking can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to every form submission , and Lead Center makes sure leads are not slipping through the cracks by giving small businesses a single inbox to manage all their leads .
It does this by connecting all calls , texts , and form submissions in one inbox , increasing response rates , and revenue .
Lead Center also has virtual phone capabilities that allow sales reps to take and make calls and texts through the software or on the go via the Lead Center mobile app .
As a result , small businesses can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money while providing a better customer experience .
CallRail is easy to use and integrates smoothly with a company ’ s existing workflow .
Small businesses that use all of the products together have everything they need in one place , with no need for multiple tools .
CallRail ’ s latest research report shows that call volume has risen 35 % since the start of the pandemic .
So for small businesses looking to get more from their marketing dollars , it ’ s definitely worth checking out the easy to implement @ @ @ @ @

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store, from our partner StackCommerce. NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
In this modern age of marketing, data is king. Especially during times of uncertainty, business leaders look to customer data to spot patterns in their target market. Customer data helps you understand behavior within the context of economic, cultural, and lifestyle changes. And even in a pre- or post-pandemic world, the more insights you can glean about your customer and their overall experience with your business, the more your lead generation efforts can be tailored to your ideal customer. That translates to higher conversions, better leads, and an influx of revenue.
For companies that rely on inbound leads to sustain growth and boost their success, it’s important to not overlook the growth opportunities that come with connecting data from calls, form submissions, and texts. CallRail was designed with this intention in mind. To help businesses uncover the insights behind every customer interaction — online and offline — to generate leads, revenue, and ROI with more predictability.
This is done through four unique product offerings: Lead Center, Form Tracking, Conversation Intelligence, and Call Tracking. Together, these tools allow small business owners to understand their buyers’ needs, fine-tune their marketing mix, follow up effectively, and gain actionable insights from every call along the path to purchase.
Call Tracking and Conversation Intelligence give businesses in-depth information about the people who call your business. With Call Tracking, you can tie phone calls to individual ads, keywords, or marketing campaigns, giving you a clearer understanding of which campaigns led to the most fruitful leads. Conversation Intelligence goes further, transcribing your calls and analyzing its contents with Artificial Intelligence. This technology then aggregates information based on keywords of your choosing (such as “issue” or “appointment”) and turns the data into easy-to-understand visualizations. Moreover, it gives business leaders the insights they need to improve training with their call center teams, train staff members, and improve their overall service.
Additionally, Form Tracking can connect ads, campaigns, and keywords to every form submission, and Lead Center makes sure leads are not slipping through the cracks by giving small businesses a single inbox to manage all their leads. It does this by connecting all calls, texts, and form submissions in one inbox, increasing response rates, and revenue. Lead Center also has virtual phone capabilities that allow sales reps to take and make calls and texts through the software or on the go via the Lead Center mobile app. As a result, small businesses can consolidate more modes of communication to save money while providing a better customer experience.
CallRail is easy to use and integrates smoothly with a company’s existing workflow. Small businesses that use all of the products together have everything they need in one place, with no need for multiple tools.
CallRail’s latest research report shows that call volume has risen 35% since the start of the pandemic. So for small businesses looking to get more from their marketing dollars, it’s definitely worth checking out the easy to implement and affordable tool today.


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--College football predictions: Auburn will dash Texas A&M title hopes

The prospect of two teams from the same conference advancing to the same playoff loomed from the very start of this era .
It was inevitable .
Just a couple years earlier , the SEC monopolized the national title game .
And naturally , the SEC broke through first , with Alabama and Georgia playing in the national title game three years ago .
The possibility of the four spots being taken by just two conferences never came to mind .
Now , it ’ s pretty close to coming to fruition .
It could happen because Notre Dame entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ACC , because Clemson will be the clear favorite to win the upcoming rematch with Trevor Lawrence in action .
It could happen because no Big 12 team has fewer than two losses , because the Pac-12 doesn ’ t have a team that ’ s played more than three times or is ranked inside the top 20 .
It could happen because the committee remains elitist , undervaluing every undefeated Group of Five team ( Cincinnati , BYU , Coastal Carolina , Marshall ) because of lesser strength of schedule , largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control .
It could happen because of a technicality , because of a late Big Ten start and a COVID-19 outbreak , which could result in No .
4 Ohio State playing too few games to be eligible for its league title game and/or be considered for the playoff .
A conference championship isn ’ t a prerequisite for a playoff berth — Ohio State and Alabama have both bucked that notion in the past — and avoiding a title game can actually be advantageous .
While No .
6 Florida is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
1 Alabama in the SEC Championship , No .
5 Texas A & M will avoid that landmine , sit at home and count on being handed a controversial gift .
The groundwork was laid Tuesday night , as committee chair Gary Barta revealed Texas A & M was considered for the No .
4 ranking .
“ At the end of the day , the committee decided that Ohio State was a better team , ” Barta said .
Ohio State is the better team .
Cincinnati is a more deserving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the underwhelming Aggies , who ’ ve beaten just one ranked team and rarely looked worthy of a playoff berth .
Despite a soft closing schedule , Texas A & M could still slip up .
Don ’ t be surprised if AUBURN ( +6 ) simplifies the situation by taking down the Aggies , just as they ’ ve done the past three years .
The Buckeyes have won the past three meetings by an average of 29.7 points and need a dominant showing even more this year , given their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this historically bad season — which includes trips to Clemson and North Carolina — the Orange have not suffered a beating of more than 30 points .
The Irish may be the No .
2 team in the country , but they ’ re also the team that struggled to find interest against Duke , Florida State , Louisville and Georgia Tech .
Michael Penix Jr. ’ s season-ending injury lowers Indiana ’ s offensive ceiling , but the Hoosiers defense — recording a nation-best 2.7 interceptions per game — could end the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Badgers .
If Indiana could fluster Heisman contender Justin Fields , Wisconsin freshman Graham Mertz is in trouble .
After completing 20 of 21 passes with five touchdowns in his debut , Mertz completed 55.5 percent of his passes in the next two games , with three interceptions .
For obvious reasons , this ranks among the worst seasons in the sport ’ s history .
But the fact that one of the most compelling games of the year can be booked a few days prior to kickoff is as remarkable as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against a more impressive undefeated opponent , Coastal is too balanced to get blown out .
The Vols have lost five straight , failing to cover the spread each time .
The Gators have won five straight games by an average of 22.6 points and have won their past two meetings with Tennessee by a total of 57 points .
Contrarianism isn ’ t always attractive .
More than half of the Cyclones ’ games have been decided by seven points or less .
The underrated Mountaineers and their seventh-ranked defense will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five of their past six games .
In the shadow of Northwestern and Indiana ’ s surprise seasons , the Hawkeyes have quietly won four straight games by an average of 24 points .
And put me down for some side action : Sarah Fuller will score at least two points .
Of course Trevor Lawrence threw for 403 yards in his first game in more than a month .
The country ’ s best player will make the most of his time left at college .
The fun stops next year in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrap Clemson and Notre Dame ’ s respective postponed games rescheduled for next week , giving the Irish a spot in the conference title game .
The one-loss Hurricanes — who haven ’ t won a game by double-digits since Oct. 17 — have virtually no hope of getting to the ACC Championship , needing Clemson to fall to Virginia Tech .
The Bears have taken a predictable step back from last year ’ s surprise 11-win season , but former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda has the 2-5 team playing hard .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Baylor has yet to lose a game by more than 11 points this season .
Since 2003 , only one game in the rivalry has been decided by more than 24 points .
Strangely , it came just two years ago , when the Crimson Tide shut out Joe Burrow in a 29-0 win .
One year later , he ended LSU ’ s eight-year losing streak to Alabama and completed one of the greatest seasons in the sport ’ s history .
The future isn ’ t as obvious as it @ @

The prospect of two teams from the same conference advancing to the same playoff loomed from the very start of this era. It was inevitable. Just a couple years earlier, the SEC monopolized the national title game. And naturally, the SEC broke through first, with Alabama and Georgia playing in the national title game three years ago.
The possibility of the four spots being taken by just two conferences never came to mind. Now, it’s pretty close to coming to fruition.
It could happen because Notre Dame entered an awkward, one-year marriage with the ACC, because Clemson will be the clear favorite to win the upcoming rematch with Trevor Lawrence in action. It could happen because no Big 12 team has fewer than two losses, because the Pac-12 doesn’t have a team that’s played more than three times or is ranked inside the top 20.
It could happen because the committee remains elitist, undervaluing every undefeated Group of Five team (Cincinnati, BYU, Coastal Carolina, Marshall) because of lesser strength of schedule, largely out of each respective program’s control.
It could happen because of a technicality, because of a late Big Ten start and a COVID-19 outbreak, which could result in No. 4 Ohio State playing too few games to be eligible for its league title game and/or be considered for the playoff.
A conference championship isn’t a prerequisite for a playoff berth — Ohio State and Alabama have both bucked that notion in the past — and avoiding a title game can actually be advantageous. While No. 6 Florida is likely to see its hopes die against No. 1 Alabama in the SEC Championship, No. 5 Texas A&M will avoid that landmine, sit at home and count on being handed a controversial gift.
The groundwork was laid Tuesday night, as committee chair Gary Barta revealed Texas A&M was considered for the No. 4 ranking.
“At the end of the day, the committee decided that Ohio State was a better team,” Barta said.
Ohio State is the better team. Cincinnati is a more deserving team. Even BYU would probably take down the underwhelming Aggies, who’ve beaten just one ranked team and rarely looked worthy of a playoff berth.
Despite a soft closing schedule, Texas A&M could still slip up. Don’t be surprised if AUBURN (+6) simplifies the situation by taking down the Aggies, just as they’ve done the past three years.
Ohio State (-21.5) over MICHIGAN STATE
The Buckeyes have won the past three meetings by an average of 29.7 points and need a dominant showing even more this year, given their suddenly shaky playoff standing.
Syracuse (+33.5) over NOTRE DAME
Even in this historically bad season — which includes trips to Clemson and North Carolina — the Orange have not suffered a beating of more than 30 points. The Irish may be the No. 2 team in the country, but they’re also the team that struggled to find interest against Duke, Florida State, Louisville and Georgia Tech.
Notre Dame, led by quarterback Ian Book, won’t cover vs. Syracuse. AP
Indiana (+14.5) over WISCONSIN
Michael Penix Jr.’s season-ending injury lowers Indiana’s offensive ceiling, but the Hoosiers defense — recording a nation-best 2.7 interceptions per game — could end the program’s 10-game losing streak to the Badgers. If Indiana could fluster Heisman contender Justin Fields, Wisconsin freshman Graham Mertz is in trouble. After completing 20 of 21 passes with five touchdowns in his debut, Mertz completed 55.5 percent of his passes in the next two games, with three interceptions.
COASTAL CAROLINA (+10) over Byu:
For obvious reasons, this ranks among the worst seasons in the sport’s history. But the fact that one of the most compelling games of the year can be booked a few days prior to kickoff is as remarkable as the Chanticleers’ 9-0 start. Even against a more impressive undefeated opponent, Coastal is too balanced to get blown out.
TENNESSEE (+17.5) over Florida
The Vols have lost five straight, failing to cover the spread each time. The Gators have won five straight games by an average of 22.6 points and have won their past two meetings with Tennessee by a total of 57 points. Contrarianism isn’t always attractive.
West Virginia (+7) over IOWA STATE
More than half of the Cyclones’ games have been decided by seven points or less. The underrated Mountaineers and their seventh-ranked defense will make Iowa State sweat again, having covered five of their past six games.
Iowa (-13.5) over ILLINOIS
In the shadow of Northwestern and Indiana’s surprise seasons, the Hawkeyes have quietly won four straight games by an average of 24 points.
Vanderbilt (+35.5) over GEORGIA
And put me down for some side action: Sarah Fuller will score at least two points.
Clemson (-21.5) over VIRGINIA TECH
Of course Trevor Lawrence threw for 403 yards in his first game in more than a month. The country’s best player will make the most of his time left at college. The fun stops next year in Florham Park.
DUKE (+15.5) over Miami
The ACC decided to scrap Clemson and Notre Dame’s respective postponed games rescheduled for next week, giving the Irish a spot in the conference title game. The one-loss Hurricanes — who haven’t won a game by double-digits since Oct. 17 — have virtually no hope of getting to the ACC Championship, needing Clemson to fall to Virginia Tech.
Baylor (+21.5) over OKLAHOMA
The Bears have taken a predictable step back from last year’s surprise 11-win season, but former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda has the 2-5 team playing hard. Despite meetings with Iowa State and Texas, Baylor has yet to lose a game by more than 11 points this season.
LSU (+28.5) over Alabama
Since 2003, only one game in the rivalry has been decided by more than 24 points. Strangely, it came just two years ago, when the Crimson Tide shut out Joe Burrow in a 29-0 win. One year later, he ended LSU’s eight-year losing streak to Alabama and completed one of the greatest seasons in the sport’s history. The future isn’t as obvious as it seems.
Best bets: Ohio State, Iowa, Indiana
This season (best bets): 90-82-2 (15-20-1)
2014-19 record: 772-756-13


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Stevie Nicks in $100M publishing rights deal with Primary Wave Music

Stevie Nicks has parted ways with a majority of her music publishing rights .
The 72-year-old musical superstar — known for her solo work as well as her performances with Fleetwood Mac — sold the rights to Primary Wave Music , which announced the deal in a news release Friday .
Citing people familiar with the transaction , the Wall Street Journal reported the sale was made to the tune of $ 100 million , giving the company an 80 % stake in the rights .
Included in the deal are the rights to hits such as “ Edge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Stand Back , ” “ Rihannon ” and “ Dreams.
” The purchase also gives Primary Wave the rights to Nicks ’ name and likeness , and the singer will be allowed to sign new songwriters to a joint venture .
“ To say we ’ re excited to welcome the incredible Stevie Nicks to the Primary Wave family would be a dramatic understatement , ” CEO and founder Larry Mestel said .
“ If Primary Wave were starting our company today , Stevie Nicks would be one of the shining pillars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added : “ She is a groundbreaking artist , and the longevity of her iconic career comes from writing songs , instantly recognizable and critically acclaimed , that stand the test of time.
” Nicks recently saw a surge in revived popularity alongside her Fleetwood Mac bandmates when “ Dreams ” reentered the Billboard charts following a viral TikTok video featuring a man skateboarding and lipsyncing to the tune .
Originally released in 1977 , “ Dreams ” was featured on the iconic album “ Rumours.
” The record as a whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top 10 chart this year , 43 years after its release .
Nicks is also the only woman to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — once as a member of Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and again in 2019 as a solo artist .

Stevie Nicks has parted ways with a majority of her music publishing rights.
The 72-year-old musical superstar — known for her solo work as well as her performances with Fleetwood Mac — sold the rights to Primary Wave Music, which announced the deal in a news release Friday.
Citing people familiar with the transaction, the Wall Street Journal reported the sale was made to the tune of $100 million, giving the company an 80% stake in the rights.
Included in the deal are the rights to hits such as “Edge of Seventeen,” “Landslide,” “Stand Back,” “Rihannon” and “Dreams.”
The purchase also gives Primary Wave the rights to Nicks’ name and likeness, and the singer will be allowed to sign new songwriters to a joint venture.
“To say we’re excited to welcome the incredible Stevie Nicks to the Primary Wave family would be a dramatic understatement,” CEO and founder Larry Mestel said. “If Primary Wave were starting our company today, Stevie Nicks would be one of the shining pillars, a true legend among legends.”
He added: “She is a groundbreaking artist, and the longevity of her iconic career comes from writing songs, instantly recognizable and critically acclaimed, that stand the test of time.”
Nicks recently saw a surge in revived popularity alongside her Fleetwood Mac bandmates when “Dreams” reentered the Billboard charts following a viral TikTok video featuring a man skateboarding and lipsyncing to the tune.
Originally released in 1977, “Dreams” was featured on the iconic album “Rumours.” The record as a whole also rose in popularity and hit the top 10 chart this year, 43 years after its release.
Nicks is also the only woman to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — once as a member of Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and again in 2019 as a solo artist.


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Giants’ Daniel Jones practices but unlikely to play vs. Seahawks

He remains unlikely to play Sunday .
That ’ s the bad news .
Call it a mixed bag for the Giants , who in all probability won ’ t have their starting quarterback under center Sunday afternoon in Seattle but very well might only lose him to a strained hamstring for just this one game .
During the portion of practice open to the media on Friday , Jones didn ’ t do much .
He mostly stood and watched while the Big Blue first team offense got its work in .
He was still listed as a limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Seahawks .
“ We ’ ll see how he does in practice [ Friday ] and after our flight , ” coach Joe Judge said over Zoom , prior to practice .
If the second-year quarterback can ’ t go , Colt McCoy will be under center .
After Jones got hurt in last Sunday ’ s victory over the Washington Football Team , the Giants ’ third straight win .
McCoy took over in the third quarter and completed 6 of 10 passes for 31 yards .
Much more production will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seahawks .
The 34-year-old McCoy has received a majority of the first-team snaps this week in practice while practice-squad quarterback Clayton Thorsen has received some .
The plan is to bring former Giants quarterback Alex Tanney , a backup with the team from 2018-19 who was released in September , to Seattle as well in case he is needed .
McCoy , in his 11th year in the league , is likely to make his 29th career start and first since Oct. 6 , 2019 against the Patriots , as a member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s had a good week of practice , ” Judge said .
“ He ’ s working hard .
Colt ’ s got a lot of experience .
He doesn ’ t really miss a beat .
He gets in there , it ’ s like riding a bike for this guy .
He gets in there and he competes .
Everything is very , very competitive with Colt.
” Jones was on the practice field on Thursday after working inside with trainers on Wednesday .
Judge could be seen closely monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throw passes .
It went well enough to where Jones was allowed to do more on Friday .
“ I thought he threw the ball well , ” Judge said of Jones ’ Thursday workout .
“ Obviously , we didn ’ t want to go ahead and open him up too much , really being just a couple of days into kind of moving around .
But he threw the ball well .
I saw a lot of good velocity and very good accuracy .
“ We talked in terms of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movements .
But look , I think this guy is doing everything he can to get on the field .
”

Daniel Jones practiced on Friday. That’s the good news.
He remains unlikely to play Sunday. That’s the bad news.
Call it a mixed bag for the Giants, who in all probability won’t have their starting quarterback under center Sunday afternoon in Seattle but very well might only lose him to a strained hamstring for just this one game.
During the portion of practice open to the media on Friday, Jones didn’t do much. He mostly stood and watched while the Big Blue first team offense got its work in. He was still listed as a limited participant and classified as doubtful to face the Seahawks.
“We’ll see how he does in practice [Friday] and after our flight,” coach Joe Judge said over Zoom, prior to practice.
If the second-year quarterback can’t go, Colt McCoy will be under center. After Jones got hurt in last Sunday’s victory over the Washington Football Team, the Giants’ third straight win. McCoy took over in the third quarter and completed 6 of 10 passes for 31 yards. Much more production will obviously be needed to upset the favored Seahawks.
Daniel Jones N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg
The 34-year-old McCoy has received a majority of the first-team snaps this week in practice while practice-squad quarterback Clayton Thorsen has received some. The plan is to bring former Giants quarterback Alex Tanney, a backup with the team from 2018-19 who was released in September, to Seattle as well in case he is needed.
McCoy, in his 11th year in the league, is likely to make his 29th career start and first since Oct. 6, 2019 against the Patriots, as a member of the Washington Football Team.
“Colt’s had a good week of practice,” Judge said. “He’s working hard. Colt’s got a lot of experience. He doesn’t really miss a beat. He gets in there, it’s like riding a bike for this guy. He gets in there and he competes. Everything is very, very competitive with Colt.”
Jones was on the practice field on Thursday after working inside with trainers on Wednesday. Judge could be seen closely monitoring him, watching Jones drop back and throw passes. It went well enough to where Jones was allowed to do more on Friday.
“I thought he threw the ball well,” Judge said of Jones’ Thursday workout. “Obviously, we didn’t want to go ahead and open him up too much, really being just a couple of days into kind of moving around. But he threw the ball well. I saw a lot of good velocity and very good accuracy.
“We talked in terms of how he felt on different things, different movements. But look, I think this guy is doing everything he can to get on the field.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Frank Ntilikina still searching for role at key Knicks juncture

Another Knicks training camp is set to get underway this ...

The day before last season ended early for the Knicks because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Frank Ntilikina ran roughshod over the Wizards.
In continuing a spurt of lively point-guard play, Ntilikina posted his career-high in points and became the youngest Knick to post a 20-point, 10-assist game in a win.
The next night, in Atlanta, the season was postponed — and their 2017 lottery pick never got to build on that outing and cement his place as a Knick. Based on their record, they weren’t invited to the Orlando restart.
On Dec. 21, the Knicks will face the deadline to give Ntilikina a rookie-contract extension and there’s no evidence they will do so.
Expected to be a restricted free agent in 2021, Ntilikina stands a chance of being dealt at the trade deadline in March.
Regarding his contract, Ntilikina said, “The business part is going to take care of itself. I’m here to get better every day, to get this team better.’’
Frank Ntilikina Corey Sipkin
Knicks president Leon Rose is his former agent, but Ntilikina dumped Rose for French rep Bouna Ndiaye. Rose, who took over on March 1, missed out on seeing whether Ntilikina would continue to rise.
“It was really disappointing,’’ Ntilikina said of the season’s abrupt finish. “The end of last season really motivated me a lot. I saw improvements. When you work really hard every day just to improve, it’s really motivating when you see those improvements, when you feel that on the court. It just gave me so much energy for the future.”
Now the 6-foot-5 Ntilikina faces a hodgepodge battle for the starting point-guard job. Elfrid Payton was re-signed, Austin Rivers was brought in and Dennis Smith Jr. still is here.
Most likely, because of his defensive gifts, defensive-minded coach Tom Thibodeau will find a niche for Ntilikina off the bench, perhaps off the ball.
“It’s part of the game,’’ Ntilikina said of the playing-time battle. “We have a lot of guards on this team, a lot of competitors, which is going to bring the best out of the team. We’re going to compete hard for minutes and the coach is going to decide what he wants to do. We have trust in him. He knows what he’s doing. He knows his job. So he’s going to put the best players together on the court.’’
There were rumors on social media this summer about Ntilikina being traded after he had taken his Knicks bio off his accounts.
“I heard about it. It’s been a while — a really long time,’’ Ntilikina said. “I don’t know. I’m here. I’m happy to be a Knick. I’m working every day to represent this team the best I can. And I’m really happy to be here.”
If Ntilikina continues to improve his ball-handing — as he did late last season — and gets a little more efficient on his 3-point shot, he can still be a keeper. His career 3-point percentage is just 31.1, but he’s always had nice form.
Back and forth to France amid the pandemic, the 22-year-old said he worked “on everything” in the offseason.
“At the end of last season it allowed to be more comfortable on the court,’’ Ntilikina said. “Of course [I worked on] my defense, but also offensively being a better player, being able to score and give my teammates a lot of options. That’s why I felt really more comfortable at the end of last season and that’s what I’m trying to work on and keep improving.’’
In his fourth NBA season, Ntilikina has yet to be on a winner. And there’s been dire forecasts about the 2020-21 club.
“About these predictions, they’re predictions,’’ Ntilikina said. “We don’t really care about what people say. We don’t really care about predictions or statistics. What we want to do is get better every day, get better as a team and just complete our goals.”
Two new French point guards were drafted into the NBA — Killian Hayes and Theo Maledon. As expected, the Pistons scooped up Hayes at No. 7 and Ntilikina will face the American-born, French-raised guard in the first two preseason games Dec. 11 and Dec. 13.
Meanwhile, Maledon, considered a late first-round pick, fell to the second round. The Knicks had a chance to take Maledon at No. 33 but traded the pick for a 2023 second-rounder.
“If they’re here, it’s for a reason,’’ Ntilikina said. “For everybody to make it here, it means you’re talented. The following part depends on you and how hard you work. And these guys are hard workers. I wish them the best things.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Jordan Jenkins perseveres through Jets’ massive losing

Jordan Jenkins is the longest-tenured player on the Jets , which ...

Losing seasons expose the weak as much as they identify the strong.
Jordan Jenkins?
He’s strong.
The Jets’ 26-year-old linebacker, stunningly the longest-tenured player on the roster as he readies to play his 72nd game with the team Sunday against the Raiders at MetLife Stadium, embodies what a pro is supposed to embody.
Jenkins is always available, he plays hurt, he’s the same person every day. And he never complains. Even when his team is 0-11. Even when, after winning 40 and losing 13 in four years of college at Georgia, he’s 21-54 with the Jets.
Five years into his NFL career and Jenkins has never experienced a single winning season. And that’s a shame, because this is a player who deserves more, deserves better than that based on his commitment and production.
Jenkins probably should have missed games earlier this season with a shoulder injury. He did not. He played on, the injury curtailing his production for a couple of weeks.
What drives him at 0-11 with little hope on the horizon and with five games remaining on his contract before he faces free-agency uncertainty?
Jordan Jenkins (48) and Quinnen Williams Getty Images
“Honestly, it’s a pride thing to me,’’ Jenkins told The Post. “It’s something I grew up with my dad [Ronald] in the Army for 22 years. I had that military upbringing and I was taught that no matter what you do, if you’re going to do something, you commit to it and don’t ever have any regrets about it.
“If you’re going to say you’re a man, you’ve got to go out there and do what a man does: That’s to continue on and no matter what happens, you’ve got to fight through this stuff. I play hurt until something’s broken.’’
His coach, Adam Gase, was quick to concur when asked on Friday about Jenkins.
“I’m not sure I’ve been around many players that are tougher — just flat-out tougher — than him,’’ Gase said. “You saw the guy earlier in the season with his shoulder out of place and he pops it back in, comes off for like a play and runs back out there. The guy is an absolute beast as far as his mindset of not wanting to come out of games, constantly just being that guy to rely on.
“When things get really, really tough, he’s a guy you can turn to and you know he’s going to be standing right next to you.’’
When most players, with a half-torn shoulder and in the midst of an historic losing season, would opt to shut it down, Jenkins has powered on.
“That guy is old-school,’’ Gase said. “You’re going to have to saw off a limb for him not to be out there. It’s how he grew up. It’s how he was raised. If you know his background, it’s who he is. When you dig into his background, it all makes sense why he is who he is.’’
Jenkins has never been in the military, as his dad was from 1985 to 2007 when he retired as a Master Sergeant. But he lives his life in military values, something that makes his father proud.
“It’s definitely been taxing on him,’’ Ronald Jenkins told The Post on Friday. “Nobody wants to lose. It wears on him and it wears on us. Even as parents, the losing is brutal on all of us. And, when you’ve come from winning programs every place you’ve been to like Jordan has, and now you’re fighting not to tie the NFL record of zero wins, it’s frustrating.’’
Jordan speaks to his father usually after games. And his father’s message always is the same.
“You’ve just got to keep fighting through it,’’ Ronald Jenkins said. “You can only do your part — be a leader and try to motivate your teammates. But you can’t play offense, you can’t play other positions that are not your own. You’ve just got to keep doing things the right way.’’
Say whatever you want about Jenkins — who entered this season with 15 sacks in the previous two seasons (eight last season and seven in 2018) and has two sacks, a forced fumble, six quarterback hits and 28 tackles this season — but he does things the right way.
Jenkins, a free agent after last season, had offers to play elsewhere, but none of them blew him away. So, he took less money ($1.5 million) to return to the Jets. Does he want to be back with the Jets for a sixth season?
“I try not to think about all the contract stuff,’’ Jenkins said. “You never want to leave. You get comfortable being with one team.’’
Jenkins, as an Army kid, was born Houston, moved to South Carolina, then to Alaska, then to California, to Washington and finally to Georgia. So, it would make sense that he’d prefer to stay in one place.
“He’d love to win in New York,’’ Ronald Jenkins said.
Jordan Jenkins, perhaps more than anyone on the Jets roster, deserves to win in New York.


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Fantasy football: Players to start, sit for NFL Week 13

Eight minutes into his first group media interview of the ...

The Post’s Drew Loftis evaluates all the relevant fantasy football news ahead of Week 13 of the 2020 NFL season.
Big Weeks
Baker Mayfield QB, Browns, at Titans (FD $7,100/DK $5,300)
He found the connection with Jarvis Landry last week that we had been waiting for since Odell Beckham Jr. went down. The Titans rank in the bottom five against opposing fantasy QBs. Mayfield can be a decent streaming or bye-week option.
Miles Sanders RB, Eagles, at Packers (FD $7,200/DK $6,700)
He has been a disappointment this season, but you can’t ignore this matchup — the Packers have one of the worst defenses against fantasy RBs. Green Bay has allowed at least 25 PPR points to fantasy RBs in every game but two this season.
Brandin Cooks WR, Texans, vs. Colts (FD $6,500/DK $5,600)
With no Will Fuller, expect a heavy dose of targets for Cooks. We feel comfortable with the added volume even in a tough matchup vs. Indianapolis.
Jordan Reed TE, 49ers, vs. Bills (FD $5,000/DK $3,200)
At such a thin position, this dive isn’t as deep as it might seem, despite just seven total grabs in the past three games. Improvement by Buffalo defending tight ends in recent weeks largely came against teams that don’t really use the tight end.
Jordan Reed Getty Images
Small Weaks
Matt Ryan QB, Falcons, vs. Saints (FD $7,400/DK $5,600)
Since Week 3, he has averaged just 15.6 fantasy points per game — more than two points fewer than an “average” fantasy QB. Against the same team that harassed him into a single-digit fantasy outing two weeks ago.
Ezekiel Elliott RB, Cowboys, at Ravens (not available in DFS)
Four of his past five games have produced single-digit fantasy outings. He hasn’t scored more than 20 since Week 5. Now, here comes the stingiest fantasy run defense in the league. If you have an alternative, use him.
Wayne Gallman RB, Giants, at Seahawks (FD $6,100/DK $5,600)
This appears to be a favorable matchup. But Gallman is very TD dependent, and those TDs require the Giants to be within 1-2 yards of the end zone. We don’t trust such an unlikely run of opportunities to continue, and Colt McCoy at QB does Gallman no favors, either.
Wayne Gallman Getty Images
Logan Thomas TE, Washington, at Steelers (FD $5,300/DK $3,400)
The Steelers have allowed exactly one passing TD to a tight end all season, way back in Week 2. We don’t anticipate Thomas being the one who solves the Pittsburgh tight end riddle.
Fantasy Insanity Daily Duel
Site: FanDuel
Slate: main (11 games)
Entry: $10
Pot: $60K
Top prize: $6K
Drew’s Crew
QB: Aaron Rodgers (GB, vs. Phi) $8,500
RB: Devontae Booker (LV, at NYJ) $6,000
RB: Frank Gore (NYJ, vs. LV) $5,300
WR: Tyler Lockett (Sea, vs. NYG) $7,900
WR: Keke Coutee (Hou, vs. Ind) $4,800
WR: Davante Adams (GB, vs. Phi) $9,500
TE: Darren Waller (LV, at NYJ) $7,000
Flex: David Montgomery (Chi, vs. Det) $6,200
DEF: Seahawks (Sea, vs. NYG) $4,700
Wilk’s Warriors
QB: Kirk Cousins (Min, vs. Jac) $7,300
RB: Frank Gore (NYJ, vs. LV) $5,300
RB: David Montgomery (Chi. vs. Det) $6,200
WR: Robert Woods (LAR, at Ari) $7,100
WR: Keke Coutee (Hou, vs. Ind) $4,800
WR: Justin Jefferson (Min, vs. Jac) $7,700
TE: Darren Waller (LV, at NYJ) $7,000
Flex: Derrick Henry (Ten, vs. Cle) $6,200
DEF: Raiders (LV, at NYJ) $4,400
Season risked: $105
Won: Drew $100; Jarad $75


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Biden officially secures enough electors to become president

California certified its presidential election Friday and appointed 55 electors pledged to vote for Democrat Joe Biden , officially handing him the Electoral College majority needed to win the White House .
Secretary of State Alex Padilla ’ s formal approval of Biden ’ s win in the state brought his tally of pledged electors so far to 279 , according to a tally by The Associated Press .
That ’ s just over the 270 threshold for victory .
These steps in the election are often ignored formalities .
But the hidden mechanics of electing a U.S. president have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump continues to deny Biden ’ s victory and pursues increasingly specious legal strategies aimed at overturning the results before they are finalized .
Although it ’ s been apparent for weeks that Biden won the presidential election , his accrual of more than 270 electors is the first step toward the White House , said Edward B. Foley , a law professor at Ohio State University .
“ It is a legal milestone and the first milestone that has that status , ” Foley said .
“ Everything prior to that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The electors named Friday will meet Dec. 14 , along with counterparts in each state , to formally vote for the next president .
Most states have laws binding their electors to the winner of the popular vote in their state , measures that were upheld by a Supreme Court decision this year .
There have been no suggestions that any of Biden ’ s pledged electors would contemplate not voting for him .
Results of the Electoral College vote are due to be received , and typically approved , by Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ object to accepting the electors ’ votes , it would be almost impossible for Biden to be blocked at that point .
The Democratic-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate would both vote separately to resolve any disputes .
One already has arisen from Pennsylvania , where 75 Republican lawmakers signed a statement on Friday urging Congress to block the state ’ s electoral votes from being cast for Biden .
But the state ’ s Republican U.S. senator , Pat Toomey , said soon afterward that he would not be objecting to Pennsylvania ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulty in trying to change the election results through Congress .
“ As a practical matter , we know that Joe Biden is going to be inaugurated on Jan. 20 , ” Foley said .
That was clear in the days after the election , when the count of mail ballots gradually made clear that Biden had won victories in enough states to win the Electoral College .
It became even more apparent in late November , when every swing state won by Biden certified him as the winner of its elections and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump has fruitlessly tried to stop those states from certifying Biden as the winner and appointing electors for the former vice president .
He made no effort in deeply Democratic California , the most populous state in the nation and the trove of its largest number of electoral votes .
Three more states won by Biden — Colorado , Hawaii and New Jersey — have not yet certified their results .
When they do , Biden will have 306 Electoral College votes to Trump ’ s 232 .
Trump and his allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to overturn the results in the swing states Biden won — mainly Arizona , Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin .
More than 30 have been rejected or dropped , according to an AP tally .
Trump and his allies have also raised the far-fetched notion that Republican state legislatures in those states could appoint a rival set of electors pledged to Trump .
But state Republican leaders have rejected that approach , and it would likely be futile in any case .
According to federal law , both chambers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a competing slate of electors .
If they don ’ t , the electors appointed by the states ’ governors — all pledged to Biden in these cases — must be used .
The last remaining move to block the election would be the quixotic effort to vote down the electors in Congress .
This tactic has been tried — a handful of congressional Democrats in 2000 , 2004 and 2016 objected to officially making both George W. Bush and Trump president .
But the numbers were not enough to block the two @ @ @ @ @

California certified its presidential election Friday and appointed 55 electors pledged to vote for Democrat Joe Biden, officially handing him the Electoral College majority needed to win the White House.
Secretary of State Alex Padilla’s formal approval of Biden’s win in the state brought his tally of pledged electors so far to 279, according to a tally by The Associated Press. That’s just over the 270 threshold for victory.
These steps in the election are often ignored formalities. But the hidden mechanics of electing a U.S. president have drawn new scrutiny this year as President Donald Trump continues to deny Biden’s victory and pursues increasingly specious legal strategies aimed at overturning the results before they are finalized.
Although it’s been apparent for weeks that Biden won the presidential election, his accrual of more than 270 electors is the first step toward the White House, said Edward B. Foley, a law professor at Ohio State University.
“It is a legal milestone and the first milestone that has that status,” Foley said. “Everything prior to that was premised on what we call projections.”
The electors named Friday will meet Dec. 14, along with counterparts in each state, to formally vote for the next president. Most states have laws binding their electors to the winner of the popular vote in their state, measures that were upheld by a Supreme Court decision this year. There have been no suggestions that any of Biden’s pledged electors would contemplate not voting for him.
Results of the Electoral College vote are due to be received, and typically approved, by Congress on Jan. 6. Although lawmakers can object to accepting the electors’ votes, it would be almost impossible for Biden to be blocked at that point.
As states continue to certify results of the 2020 presidential election ahead of a Dec. 14 meeting of electors, California’s 55 electoral votes put Democrat Joe Biden past the 270 needed to win the race.
AP
The Democratic-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate would both vote separately to resolve any disputes. One already has arisen from Pennsylvania, where 75 Republican lawmakers signed a statement on Friday urging Congress to block the state’s electoral votes from being cast for Biden. But the state’s Republican U.S. senator, Pat Toomey, said soon afterward that he would not be objecting to Pennsylvania’s slate of electors, underscoring the difficulty in trying to change the election results through Congress.
“As a practical matter, we know that Joe Biden is going to be inaugurated on Jan. 20,” Foley said.
That was clear in the days after the election, when the count of mail ballots gradually made clear that Biden had won victories in enough states to win the Electoral College. It became even more apparent in late November, when every swing state won by Biden certified him as the winner of its elections and appointed his electors to the Electoral College. Trump has fruitlessly tried to stop those states from certifying Biden as the winner and appointing electors for the former vice president.
He made no effort in deeply Democratic California, the most populous state in the nation and the trove of its largest number of electoral votes. Three more states won by Biden — Colorado, Hawaii and New Jersey — have not yet certified their results. When they do, Biden will have 306 Electoral College votes to Trump’s 232.
Trump and his allies have brought at least 50 legal cases trying to overturn the results in the swing states Biden won — mainly Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. More than 30 have been rejected or dropped, according to an AP tally.
Trump and his allies have also raised the far-fetched notion that Republican state legislatures in those states could appoint a rival set of electors pledged to Trump.
But state Republican leaders have rejected that approach, and it would likely be futile in any case. According to federal law, both chambers of Congress would need to vote to accept a competing slate of electors. If they don’t, the electors appointed by the states’ governors — all pledged to Biden in these cases — must be used.
The last remaining move to block the election would be the quixotic effort to vote down the electors in Congress.
This tactic has been tried — a handful of congressional Democrats in 2000, 2004 and 2016 objected to officially making both George W. Bush and Trump president. But the numbers were not enough to block the two men from taking office.


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Nets will be on national TV 19 times in first half of season

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

In just the latest example of how times are changing in Brooklyn, the Nets will be on national television more in just the first half of this shortened season than they have been in general manager Sean Marks’ entire tenure.
With the NBA announcing part of its 2020-21 schedule Friday, the Nets are slated to be on national TV a staggering 19 times. They made 12 appearances all of last season, and just one each in 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17, the latter being Marks’ first full season in charge.
The league’s biggest dates are opening night, Christmas and Martin Luther King Day, and the Nets will be high profile in all three. Already slated to have a Kevin Durant rematch with visiting Golden State on opening night and Kyrie Irving returning to Boston on Christmas, Brooklyn will now host the Milwaukee Bucks at 7:30 p.m. in an MLK Day TNT tripleheader on Jan. 18.
Durant makes his return to Golden State on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
“It’s exciting. Throw us right into the familiarity with [Durant], but also with teams that are expected to be at the top of each conference, or the Eastern Conference. And then, we kind of get a good gauge of where we are right out the gate,” Warriors star Steph Curry said of the opening night matchup against Durant.
Kevin Durant Getty Images
Steve Nash and Mike D’Antoni perfected the frenetic Seven Seconds Or Less attack in Phoenix that revolutionized NBA offense. Back together in Brooklyn — albeit with Nash now in charge — they’re trying to go even faster.
“Oh, man it’s going to be exciting,” Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot said Friday. “We did have some thoughts about that. It’s going to be a very fast pace: Run the floor, play really fast, I believe shoot 3s, get to the rim, get fouled, play in the first quarter of the 24-second [clock]. So yeah, it’s very, very high pace, very high pace.”
So, Six Seconds Or Less is officially a thing.
In addition to pace, another thing the coaching staff is stressing is improved defense, as Nash tried to mold Luwawu-Cabarrot into a 3-and-D prototype.
“Get better in defense,” Luwawu-Cabarrot said of Nash’s orders. “Stay ready, stay focused every single day, get better in defense, be ready to guard the best guys across the basket — and that’s what I’m going to do. We haven’t talked much about what’s going to happen in the upcoming season, but he did talk about that.”
Irving declined to meet with the media. Instead, the NBPA vice president released a statement via a publicist that read in part: “Instead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to ensure that my message is conveyed properly.
“I am committed to show up to work everyday, ready to have fun, compete, perform, and win championships alongside my teammates and colleagues in the Nets organization. My goal this season is to let my work on and off the court speak for itself.”
When reached by The Post, Irving’s publicist couldn’t give a timeline for when he’d start fulfilling his media requirements, but added “he will use this type of correspondence as a way to effectively and efficiently share his thoughts directly to you and the media that covers him on a regular basis.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Jewel penned letter to pal  Tony Hsieh before his death

Singer Jewel penned a letter to ex-Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh three months before his death to express her concerns over his drug use , according to a report .
In August , Jewel visited her longtime friend in Park City , Utah , but suddenly cut her trip short after only a day , and sent him the letter days later , Forbes reported Friday .
“ I am going to be blunt , ” Jewel wrote in the letter obtained by the magazine .
“ I need to tell you that I don ’ t think you are well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think you are taking too many drugs that cause you to disassociate.
” “ The people you are surrounding yourself with are either ignorant or willing to be complicit in you killing yourself , ” the Grammy nominated singer continued .
Jewel ’ s main concern was that Hsieh would be remembered for using drugs instead of his technological accomplishments .
“ If the world could see how you are living , they would not see you as a tech visionary , they would see you as a drug addicted man who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That ’ s not how you should go down or be known.
” Hsieh died on Nov. 27 from smoke inhalation after he was pulled from a house fire in Connecticut a week earlier .
He was 46 .

Singer Jewel penned a letter to ex-Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh three months before his death to express her concerns over his drug use, according to a report.
In August, Jewel visited her longtime friend in Park City, Utah, but suddenly cut her trip short after only a day, and sent him the letter days later, Forbes reported Friday.
“I am going to be blunt,” Jewel wrote in the letter obtained by the magazine. “I need to tell you that I don’t think you are well and in your right mind. I think you are taking too many drugs that cause you to disassociate.”
“The people you are surrounding yourself with are either ignorant or willing to be complicit in you killing yourself,” the Grammy nominated singer continued.
Jewel’s main concern was that Hsieh would be remembered for using drugs instead of his technological accomplishments.
“If the world could see how you are living, they would not see you as a tech visionary, they would see you as a drug addicted man who is a cliché,” she wrote. “That’s not how you should go down or be known.”
Hsieh died on Nov. 27 from smoke inhalation after he was pulled from a house fire in Connecticut a week earlier. He was 46.


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--‘Autonomous zone’ NYC bar reopens despite COVID-19 restrictions

A Staten Island bar that has declared itself a COVID-19 restriction “ autonomous zone ” was back open for two hours on Friday night , in continued defiance of its suspended liquor license and despite one of its owners ’ arrest just three days prior .
Dozens of customers crammed into Mac ’ s Public House before it shut back down for the night at 10 p.m. , flouting state restrictions against serving customers indoors .
“ We tried to sit down and be diplomatic with city and state officials ; we had a meeting with the sheriff today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oliya Scootercaster as bargoers shuffled in and out .
“ It did not go well .
They ’ re just showing they ’ re not willing to work with us , ” said Presti , who was arrested Tuesday .
“ We have to get our livelihoods back .
And we ’ ll see where that goes .
We haven ’ t been able to pay the utilities , ” he added .
“ Just everything ’ s piling up .
We ’ re just scraping by.
” City Department of Buildings vacate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the door on Friday night .

A Staten Island bar that has declared itself a COVID-19 restriction “autonomous zone” was back open for two hours on Friday night, in continued defiance of its suspended liquor license and despite one of its owners’ arrest just three days prior.
Dozens of customers crammed into Mac’s Public House before it shut back down for the night at 10 p.m., flouting state restrictions against serving customers indoors.
“We tried to sit down and be diplomatic with city and state officials; we had a meeting with the sheriff today,” co-owner Danny Presti told freelance reporter Oliya Scootercaster as bargoers shuffled in and out.
“It did not go well. They’re just showing they’re not willing to work with us,” said Presti, who was arrested Tuesday.
“We have to get our livelihoods back. And we’ll see where that goes. We haven’t been able to pay the utilities,” he added. “Just everything’s piling up. We’re just scraping by.”
City Department of Buildings vacate orders from Tuesday were still taped to the door on Friday night.


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Iowa NFL draft prospects could entice Giants and Jets

There ’ s only five more — either weeks of misery , for a Jets fan , or games to make a playoff chase , for a Giants fan .
That means there ’ s even less time left on the college football schedule , which is already nearing bowl season with conference championships two weeks away .
But Saturday still features a full slate of games —COVID-19-related postponements notwithstanding — meaning another chance to see prospects who could be on the Jets or Giants ’ radars for next April ’ s NFL draft .
Here ’ s a look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye on : The Hawkeyes send plenty of talent to the NFL every year and look poised to do so again , starting on their offensive line .
They also have a pair of potential wide receiver targets in Brandon Smith and Ihmir Smith-Marsette .
Those receivers should have a good test going against Illinois cornerback Nate Hobbs , who had seven passes defended last season .
This game came together late , but it puts a pair of undefeated teams with prospects that may be getting overlooked back in the spotlight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stock explode this season , so much so that a recent mock draft by The Athletic had him going No .
2 overall .
If the Jets slip , could he be an option ?
The Cougars also have a strong offensive line prospect in left tackle Brady Christensen .
Coastal Carolina edge rusher Tarron Jackson , who has 8.5 sacks , 12.5 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles , could be a late-round sleeper .
Could there be more where Daniel Jones came from ?
The Giants made Jones one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Duke in 2019 , but edge rusher Chris Rumph II could be the Blue Devils ’ next early-round pick in April .
The 6-4 , 235-pound redshirt junior has eight sacks in nine games and profiles as an outside linebacker at the next level .
The Hurricanes have a pair of potential pass rushers in Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche , but also have one of the top-rated tight ends , Brevin Jordan .

There’s only five more — either weeks of misery, for a Jets fan, or games to make a playoff chase, for a Giants fan.
That means there’s even less time left on the college football schedule, which is already nearing bowl season with conference championships two weeks away. But Saturday still features a full slate of games —COVID-19-related postponements notwithstanding — meaning another chance to see prospects who could be on the Jets or Giants’ radars for next April’s NFL draft. Here’s a look at three more games to keep an eye on:
No. 24 Iowa at Illinois 3:30 p.m., FS1
The Hawkeyes send plenty of talent to the NFL every year and look poised to do so again, starting on their offensive line.
Tackle Alaric Jackson (6-foot-6, 315 pounds) is a strong pass blocker and center Tyler Linderbaum (6-3, 289) offers athleticism inside.
They also have a pair of potential wide receiver targets in Brandon Smith and Ihmir Smith-Marsette.
Alaric Jackson AP
Those receivers should have a good test going against Illinois cornerback Nate Hobbs, who had seven passes defended last season.
No. 8 BYU at Coastal Carolina, 5:30 p.m., ESPNU
This game came together late, but it puts a pair of undefeated teams with prospects that may be getting overlooked back in the spotlight. BYU quarterback Zach Wilson has seen his stock explode this season, so much so that a recent mock draft by The Athletic had him going No. 2 overall. If the Jets slip, could he be an option? The Cougars also have a strong offensive line prospect in left tackle Brady Christensen.
Coastal Carolina edge rusher Tarron Jackson, who has 8.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles, could be a late-round sleeper.
No. 9 Miami at Duke, 8 p.m., ACC Network
Could there be more where Daniel Jones came from? The Giants made Jones one of the highest-drafted players ever to come out of Duke in 2019, but edge rusher Chris Rumph II could be the Blue Devils’ next early-round pick in April. The 6-4, 235-pound redshirt junior has eight sacks in nine games and profiles as an outside linebacker at the next level.
The Hurricanes have a pair of potential pass rushers in Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche, but also have one of the top-rated tight ends, Brevin Jordan.


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--California dad arrested after his kids were found decapitated

Two children were found decapitated in their home early Friday , and their father has been arrested on suspicion of their grisly murders , authorities said .
Los Angeles County firefighters responded to a home in Lancaster before 8 a.m. on a report of a possible gas leak and found the headless bodies of a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl , the Los Angeles Times reported .
Police arrested the father , Maurice Taylor Sr. , on suspicion of killing his children .
He ’ s being held on a $ 2 million bond .
Taylor was described as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtually taught his clients from home because of the pandemic .
One of Taylor ’ s clients told the Times she knew something was wrong when he failed to send a Zoom link for a scheduled session .
“ I knew they weren ’ t out of town , ” the client said .
“ They didn ’ t have money to travel.
” Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris believes the economy , school closures and being stuck at home may have created a stressful environment for the family .
“ The social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been shredded , and we are starting to see the aftermath , ” Parris told the Times .
“ What I ’ m seeing is more and more people feeling desperate , and that can only have one result .
”

Two children were found decapitated in their home early Friday, and their father has been arrested on suspicion of their grisly murders, authorities said.
Los Angeles County firefighters responded to a home in Lancaster before 8 a.m. on a report of a possible gas leak and found the headless bodies of a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Police arrested the father, Maurice Taylor Sr., on suspicion of killing his children. He’s being held on a $2 million bond.
Taylor was described as a “mellow” personal trainer who virtually taught his clients from home because of the pandemic.
One of Taylor’s clients told the Times she knew something was wrong when he failed to send a Zoom link for a scheduled session.
“I knew they weren’t out of town,” the client said. “They didn’t have money to travel.”
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris believes the economy, school closures and being stuck at home may have created a stressful environment for the family.
“The social fabric of the country and the world has been shredded, and we are starting to see the aftermath,” Parris told the Times.
“What I’m seeing is more and more people feeling desperate, and that can only have one result.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Fantasy football: Take a look at receiver Henry Ruggs

Don ’ t do it .
We know you ’ re going to be tempted , ...

For the majority of fantasy football leagues, the regular season ends here in Week 13. Whether you have a playoff berth locked in or you’re fighting for one, this week should be considered a must-win. As such, every point counts, and having a dead spot in your lineup could make or break your season.
Since there is only one Travis Kelce, chances are your tight end spot has been dead for much of the season. You’re certainly not finding help for that position this week, so your focus needs to be on your third wideout or flex, depending on roster requirements. Find the right low-end wideout, and you can shock the league.
When people think about the rookie wide receivers this year, they turn to Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb and Tee Higgins. All three have either met or exceeded expectations, but none are likely available to you. But if you check in on the availability of Henry Ruggs, there is a good chance he is available.
Ruggs may only be averaging three targets per game this season, but he and Derek Carr have started to really connect over the last few games, and Carr seems to be looking for him more and more downfield. His seven catches on 10 targets over the last three games makes you feel the breakout is coming, and with a matchup against the hapless Jets, Ruggs has a very strong chance to break for a long touchdown this week. It also helps that Nelson Agholor is banged up, which should mean more targets for the rookie.
If Ruggs isn’t available, check out Seattle’s David Moore. Everyone focuses so much on DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, they forget Moore has five touchdowns this season. Moore faces a soft Giants secondary that ranks dead last against the opposition’s third receiving option. He’s locked down nine red-zone targets this season, and Isaac Yiadom, who will be covering him, allows the 10th-most fantasy points per route in the league.
We see Hail Marys thrown all the time in desperate situations. Why should fantasy be any different? Take that long shot downfield, and see if you can catch the rest of your league sleeping.


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Astronauts grow radishes aboard the International Space Station

Astronaut Kate Rubins harvested 20 radishes aboard the International Space Station on Monday — taking one giant step toward zero-gravity farming .
The out-of-this-world radishes join a long list of produce that astronauts have managed to grow aboard the ISS .
The current list includes red romaine lettuce , green lettuce , Chinese cabbage , lentils and mustard according to CNN .
“ I ’ ve worked on APH since the beginning , and each new crop that we ’ re able to grow brings me great joy because what we learn from will help NASA send astronauts to Mars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nicole Dufour , the Advanced Plant Habitat program manager at Kennedy Space Center said in a press release .
The purpose behind being able to grow food in space is to be able to send astronauts into space on long journeys to either the moon or Mars without having to worry about a limited supply of food .
Back on Earth , scientists are growing radishes of their own to compare nutrient and mineral levels when the astronauts return home .
“ Radishes provide great research possibilities by virtue of their sensitive bulb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project Karl Hasenstein said .

Astronaut Kate Rubins harvested 20 radishes aboard the International Space Station on Monday — taking one giant step toward zero-gravity farming.
The out-of-this-world radishes join a long list of produce that astronauts have managed to grow aboard the ISS.
The current list includes red romaine lettuce, green lettuce, Chinese cabbage, lentils and mustard according to CNN.
“I’ve worked on APH since the beginning, and each new crop that we’re able to grow brings me great joy because what we learn from will help NASA send astronauts to Mars and bring them back safely,” Nicole Dufour, the Advanced Plant Habitat program manager at Kennedy Space Center said in a press release.
The purpose behind being able to grow food in space is to be able to send astronauts into space on long journeys to either the moon or Mars without having to worry about a limited supply of food.
Back on Earth, scientists are growing radishes of their own to compare nutrient and mineral levels when the astronauts return home.
“Radishes provide great research possibilities by virtue of their sensitive bulb formation,” principal investigator on the project Karl Hasenstein said.


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Spencer Dinwiddie nonplussed about role on star-studded roster

This isn ’ t just a huge season for Nets center Jarrett ...

It takes a lot to strike the loquacious Spencer Dinwiddie speechless, but even he was caught off-guard by reports that he wanted out of Brooklyn. He laughed them off, calling the idea dumb – and saying the fact he took less to remain a Net proves just how silly it is.
“That’s funny. That’s a fair question, I guess. Once again, all the reports, I don’t know anybody that take less than market value to stay on a team that wants to be traded,” Dinwiddie said Friday via Zoom. “That would be bad for business right? That would kind of be really dumb.”
People can call Dinwiddie many things, but dumb isn’t one. Not the guy with the 1,400 SAT that got recruited by Harvard.
Though Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen have all had their names tossed into offseason trade rumors, it’s the former’s ability to opt-out after this season that has him viewed by many as the most likely to be moved.
Spencer Dinwiddie AP
But Dinwiddie cites the hometown discount he gave Brooklyn on the three-year, $34 million extension he signed Dec. 2018 as evidence he’s happy with the Nets and whatever role they put him in. If that’s averaging career-highs of 20.6 points and seven assists before his last season was cut short by COVID-19, so be it. If it’s playing a Draymond Green-style stopper this coming year, fine.
“My role is my role,” Dinwiddie shrugged. “You try to do the best you can in every situation that you’re in.
“Last year, it turned into 20-7. This year, whether it’s sixth man, seventh man, Draymond, whatever you want to call it – we win a championship, that’s good for business. Taking something less than market value to be somewhere you don’t want to be? Bad for business. So we’re trying to make every move, good for business. That’s what we want to do.”
Of course, the Nets will do the same. GM Sean Marks has had to make tough decisions before in building the Nets into a contender, and he’s liable to make more. He’s told his players as much.
“Spencer and I have an open relationship. He can come and talk to me about whatever he wants,” Marks said after the NBA Draft when asked if he’d discussed the trade rumors with Dinwiddie. “That’s part of the business when you have to navigate a roster and personalities.”
Those conversations might take a different tone with Dinwiddie than your average player. He’s representing himself after parting ways with his agent, although he downplayed that oddity during the season and said he’s not in contact with any other interested teams.
“That’s like tampering or something, isn’t it?” Dinwiddie said. “People don’t have my number like that. My number isn’t just floating around out there.
“My decisions are my own. I’m looking forward to anything that comes next. Remember, this year – the next 6, 8 months, however long this season lasts – there’s not really much to do on that front. It’s going to be much more interesting in the summer. That’s more a time for that conversation; right now it’s all about maximizing the 72 games and trying to win a championship with this group we’ve got.”
The return of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving puts Brooklyn in position to do so. Dinwiddie said both have looked back to their old selves, and the rest of the Nets must adjust to playing off the ball more to fit with two of the NBA’s best scorers.
“Just look at KD and Kyrie and they’re going to be ball-dominant; you’ve got to know that,” said Dinwiddie. “One’s the greatest scorer of all-time. You’ve got to really recognize that and get the ball where it needs to go. So you know everybody else needs to process and act accordingly, and then do what’s best to help the team win.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Nashville nurse fatally shot on way to work

A Tennessee nurse was shot and killed while driving to work on Thursday night , authorities said .
Caitlyn Marie @ @ @ @ @ en route to St. Thomas West Hospital when gunfire struck her Mazda SUV on Interstate @ @ @ @ @ , the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said in a statement .
Kaufman pulled over on @ @ @ @ @ after she was shot .
An officer on patrol approached the nurse ’ s car @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
The officer called for back up , but Kaufman died at @ @ @ @ @ have been arrested .
The investigation is ongoing .

A Tennessee nurse was shot and killed while driving to work on Thursday night, authorities said.
Caitlyn Marie Kaufman, 26, was en route to St. Thomas West Hospital when gunfire struck her Mazda SUV on Interstate 440 at around 6:30 p.m., the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said in a statement.
Kaufman pulled over on the side of a road after she was shot. An officer on patrol approached the nurse’s car and found she was wounded, police said.
The officer called for back up, but Kaufman died at the scene.
No suspects have been arrested. The investigation is ongoing.


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Yankees’ Gio Urshela has surgery to remove bone spur

After battling through a bone spur in his elbow during the latter part of last season , Gio Urshela underwent surgery Friday to remove the spur , the Yankees announced .
The procedure went “ as expected , ” according to the team , and is expected to sideline him for three months , which means Urshela should be back at some point during spring training — provided it starts on time .
Friday ’ s surgery was performed by team physician Chris Ahmad at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital .
Urshela spent time on the injured list in September due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making a diving play .
He returned for the stretch run and the postseason , but it was believed he might need a procedure during the offseason to fix the issue .
The 29-year-old took over for the injured Miguel Andujar as the Yankees starting third baseman in 2019 and emerged as one of their most consistent offensive threats to go with a solid glove defensively .
He played so well that Andujar never got his everyday spot back , leaving Andujar ’ s future with the Yankees in doubt , as Urshela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortened regular season .
The Yankees ’ infield for 2021 is uncertain at this point , with DJ LeMahieu a free agent and the team not completely sold on Gleyber Torres as the everyday shortstop .
But as long as Urshela is healthy , he should be the regular third baseman .

After battling through a bone spur in his elbow during the latter part of last season, Gio Urshela underwent surgery Friday to remove the spur, the Yankees announced.
The procedure went “as expected,” according to the team, and is expected to sideline him for three months, which means Urshela should be back at some point during spring training — provided it starts on time. Friday’s surgery was performed by team physician Chris Ahmad at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
Urshela spent time on the injured list in September due to the bone spur, after aggravating the injury making a diving play. He returned for the stretch run and the postseason, but it was believed he might need a procedure during the offseason to fix the issue.
The 29-year-old took over for the injured Miguel Andujar as the Yankees starting third baseman in 2019 and emerged as one of their most consistent offensive threats to go with a solid glove defensively. He played so well that Andujar never got his everyday spot back, leaving Andujar’s future with the Yankees in doubt, as Urshela played well again last year during the shortened regular season.
The Yankees’ infield for 2021 is uncertain at this point, with DJ LeMahieu a free agent and the team not completely sold on Gleyber Torres as the everyday shortstop. But as long as Urshela is healthy, he should be the regular third baseman.


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Firefighters rescue dog from icy North Dakota river

Dramatic video shows the moment two North Dakota firefighters rescue a dog that was stranded on an icy river on @ @ @ @ @ firefighters wearing protective gear got into the ice-cold river and made their way to rescue @ @ @ @ @ Labrador that was shivering on an ice floe some 30 feet from shore , video @ @ @ @ @ One of the firefighters had a rope tied around his waist and can be seen @ @ @ @ @ both were pulled back to safety .
A Cass County Sheriff ’ s deputy found @ @ @ @ @ s number on her collar and called to let them know their pup had been @ @ @ @ @ was quite grateful , ” Deputy Craig Keller told KVRR .
“ The dog seemed @ @ @ @ @ back with its owner as well .
”

Dramatic video shows the moment two North Dakota firefighters rescue a dog that was stranded on an icy river on Wednesday.
Two West Fargo firefighters wearing protective gear got into the ice-cold river and made their way to rescue Lola, a female chocolate Labrador that was shivering on an ice floe some 30 feet from shore, video obtained by KVRR shows.
One of the firefighters had a rope tied around his waist and can be seen grabbing the dog before they both were pulled back to safety.
A Cass County Sheriff’s deputy found Lola’s owner’s number on her collar and called to let them know their pup had been rescued.
“The owner was quite grateful,” Deputy Craig Keller told KVRR. “The dog seemed to be happy to be back with its owner as well.”


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--President Trump urges Georgia to turn out for Senate runoff election

President Trump delivered his first stump speech since Election Day Saturday night , telling an enthusiastic Georgia crowd that the 2020 election was “ rigged , ” including in the Peach State — but that they still need to save the Senate by voting in droves in next month ’ s critical runoff election .
Still not conceding that he has lost to Joe Biden , Trump insisted that both the national contest and the upcoming runoff have fallen prey to unspecified , but massive , vote thievery .
“ If I lost , I ’ d be a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd of thousands as he stumped for Republican Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler before an outdoor crowd of thousands on the tarmac of an airport in Valdosta .
The pair are fighting to hold onto their seats in a double-barrel runoff on Jan. 5 that will decide which party controls the upper chamber .
“ But you can ’ t ever accept when they steal and rig and rob — and now they ’ re trying to steal these two important seats , these two seats in Georgia , ” Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know the Democrats are planning to cheat , ” Trump told rallygoers , who chanted “ Stop the steal !
” in agreement .
Still , “ If you don ’ t vote , the socialists and the communists win , ” Trump told the crowd .
“ We can fight for the presidency , and we can fight for these two great Senators , and we can do it at the same time , ” he said .
Trump again riffed against the “ fake news ” media , as is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN for avoiding stories about the contents of an abandoned laptop that showed Biden ’ s son , Hunter , promising his father ’ s involvement in business deals in China and Ukraine .
“ It ’ s hard to have a scandal if they won ’ t talk about it , ” he said of “ Big Tech ” and “ the fake news media.
” “ Other than The New York Post ” and Fox News , “ most of the press , it was suppressed , ” he said of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter what , they wouldn ’ t talk about it .
But I have to give a lot of credit to Col Allan and The New York Post , ” he said , name-checking the paper ’ s former editor-in-chief and consultant .
If Purdue and Loeffler , both incumbents , lose to Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff , the Republicans will lose their slim majority and the Senate will be evenly split , 50-50 , between Democrats and Republicans .
That would hand de facto control to the Democrats , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote in deadlocks as president of the Senate .
But the runoff elections have been complicated by Trump ’ s loss in the Peach State last month — and his subsequent claims of widespread voter fraud .
On Saturday , just hours before he headed to a rally , Trump slammed Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp and called the Republican ’ s political loyalties into question in a tweet that demanded “ a simple signature verification ” to keep the president ’ s recount efforts alive .
“ If we win Georgia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump wrote .

President Trump delivered his first stump speech since Election Day Saturday night, telling an enthusiastic Georgia crowd that the 2020 election was “rigged,” including in the Peach State — but that they still need to save the Senate by voting in droves in next month’s critical runoff election.
Still not conceding that he has lost to Joe Biden, Trump insisted that both the national contest and the upcoming runoff have fallen prey to unspecified, but massive, vote thievery.
“If I lost, I’d be a very gracious loser,” Trump told the crowd of thousands as he stumped for Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler before an outdoor crowd of thousands on the tarmac of an airport in Valdosta.
The pair are fighting to hold onto their seats in a double-barrel runoff on Jan. 5 that will decide which party controls the upper chamber.
“But you can’t ever accept when they steal and rig and rob — and now they’re trying to steal these two important seats, these two seats in Georgia,” Trump said of the two candidates.
“We know the Democrats are planning to cheat,” Trump told rallygoers, who chanted “Stop the steal!” in agreement.
Still, “If you don’t vote, the socialists and the communists win,” Trump told the crowd.
“We can fight for the presidency, and we can fight for these two great Senators, and we can do it at the same time,” he said.
Trump again riffed against the “fake news” media, as is customary at his rallies, singling out CNN for avoiding stories about the contents of an abandoned laptop that showed Biden’s son, Hunter, promising his father’s involvement in business deals in China and Ukraine.
“It’s hard to have a scandal if they won’t talk about it,” he said of “Big Tech” and “the fake news media.”
First Lady Melania Trump made a rare appearance at the president’s side Saturday night, after being largely absent from campaign rallies.
“President Trump continues to fight for you every single day,” she told the crowd after walking onstage with her husband.
“Do not let your voices be silenced. We must keep our seats in the Senate. It is more important than ever that you exercise your right as an American citizen and vote.”
If Purdue and Loeffler, both incumbents, lose to Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, the Republicans will lose their slim majority and the Senate will be evenly split, 50-50, between Democrats and Republicans.
That would hand de facto control to the Democrats, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris having the deciding vote in deadlocks as president of the Senate.
But the runoff elections have been complicated by Trump’s loss in the Peach State last month — and his subsequent claims of widespread voter fraud.
On Saturday, just hours before he headed to a rally, Trump slammed Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and called the Republican’s political loyalties into question in a tweet that demanded “a simple signature verification” to keep the president’s recount efforts alive.
“If we win Georgia, everything else falls in place!” Trump wrote.


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Jet exec busted in NYC sex trafficking probe was known pedophile, neighbors claim

Paul Alexander , 57 , was arrested last week as part of ...

Khristina Narizhnaya, Elizabeth Elizalde

Neighbors of the convicted sex offender who was arrested in the Bronx Thursday say he was a known pedophile and alleged they regularly saw him bringing young girls back to his apartment.
Paul Alexander, 57, the CEO of a small, Bronx-based charter jet company, was arrested this week on charges he trafficked girls as young as 12 years old.
The arrest was the result of a joint investigation by the state prosecutor’s office called “Operation Mile High” — a nod to his job as CEO of Central Jet Charter, New York Attorney General Letitia James said Saturday.
Alexander had no remorse for his young victims, and would charge older men to have sex with them, the AG’s office said.
He allegedly charged an undercover agent $300 for sex with two young victims, ages 14 and 12, with each girl earning a third of the take, according to a criminal complaint.
The undercover investigator was told to give the kids alcohol before doing the deed, according to the complaint.
Paul Alexander Facebook
Neighbor Dan Santiago, 26, told The Post he would see groups of young girls and men coming in and out of Alexander’s apartment in their building in Fordham Heights.
“I would always see him with little girls up there,” he alleged. “It was never one person coming out of the apartment, it was always like a group. I found that suspicious. He was doing something up there for sure.”
Alexander was arraigned Saturday in Bronx County Criminal Court on multiple counts of child sex trafficking charges.
Another neighbor, who lives below Alexander, said the apartment was always noisy and that she even warned him to stay away from her daughters.
“He has never messed with me or with my daughters. He would make so much noise. I took a bat and went upstairs and told him, ‘Come here, if you ever touch one of my daughters … I will kill you right here in this building,’” the woman said in Spanish.
“No, no. It wasn’t like that,” she said Alexander told her.
The woman, who didn’t want to be named, was relieved Alexander was behind bars and hoped he wouldn’t harm any more young girls.
“They need to take him away from here. We don’t people like that here” the woman said. “Children live here, and I have to take care of my daughters.”
A woman who opened the door of Alexander’s apartment claiming to be his roommate said she didn’t see anything suspicious because she was never home.
Other neighbors recalled seeing Alexander wandering around a school in Fordham Heights.
“He stays by the McDonald’s, [on Fordham Road] that’s where he finds them. That’s where he would pick up those kids,” said a neighbor who lives on the first floor. “There is a high school around there, he would go there and be waiting on them.”
Neighbors recalled seeing the girls wearing skimpy clothing and claimed they looked younger than 18.
“They had on little sports bras, little shorts,” recalled another female neighbor. “I’m so glad he’s gone. He has like a creepy vibe, like he’s a villain.”
Additional reporting by Georgett Roberts


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--Dionne Warwick’s tweet exchange with Chance the Rapper goes viral

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Legendary singer Dionne Warwick had some deep thoughts for a younger generation of entertainers , much to the delight of her fans , who had her trending on Twitter Saturday evening .
“ Hi , @ chancetherapper .
If you are very obviously a rapper why did you put it in your stage name ?
I can not stop thinking about this , ” Warwick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stunned Chance quickly replied , “ Sorry I ’ m still freaking out that u know who I am .
This is amazing !
” “ I will be whatever you wan na call me Ms Warwick .
God bless you , ” he added , along with two heart emojis .
But the “ That ’ s What Friends Are For , ” crooner wasn ’ t ready to stop there .
“ I am now Dionne the Singer , ” she quipped , before replying to Chance to say , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re THE rapper .
Let ’ s rap together .
I ’ ll message you.
” She tweeted that “ Holy , ” by “ Justin the Bieber ” and Chance the Rapper “ is one of my favorite songs right now.
” “ The Weeknd is next .
Why ?
It ’ s not even spelled correctly ?
@ theweeknd , ” she continued .
“ If you have ‘ The ’ in your name i ’ m coming for you .
I need answers today.
” But then , Ms. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am going to watch Lucifer now .
Bye !
” she tweeted .

Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Legendary singer Dionne Warwick had some deep thoughts for a younger generation of entertainers, much to the delight of her fans, who had her trending on Twitter Saturday evening.
“Hi, @chancetherapper. If you are very obviously a rapper why did you put it in your stage name? I cannot stop thinking about this,” Warwick tweeted at the famous rapper.
A stunned Chance quickly replied, “Sorry I’m still freaking out that u know who I am. This is amazing!”
“I will be whatever you wanna call me Ms Warwick. God bless you,” he added, along with two heart emojis.
But the “That’s What Friends Are For,” crooner wasn’t ready to stop there.
“I am now Dionne the Singer,” she quipped, before replying to Chance to say, “Of course I know you. You’re THE rapper. Let’s rap together. I’ll message you.”
She tweeted that “Holy,” by “Justin the Bieber” and Chance the Rapper “is one of my favorite songs right now.”
“The Weeknd is next. Why? It’s not even spelled correctly? @theweeknd,” she continued.
“If you have ‘The’ in your name i’m coming for you. I need answers today.”
But then, Ms. Warwick was done.
“Okay, I am going to watch Lucifer now. Bye!” she tweeted.


newyorkpost--2020-12-05--US Marshal released from hospital after Bronx gun battle

A deputy U.S .
Marshals shot during a gun battle in the Bronx received a hero ’ s welcome Saturday @ @ @ @ @ the hospital .
Dozens of masked colleagues applauded as the officer was wheeled out of @ @ @ @ @ waiting car .
The marshal , along with a colleague , was part of the @ @ @ @ @ Task Force team executing a warrant at 4085 Ely Ave. in Wakefield around 5:30 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ .
The marshals were trying to bring in Andre Sterling , 35 , who was @ @ @ @ @ a Massachusetts state trooper in the hand and torso during a recent traffic stop .
@ @ @ @ @ the leg , while the other was struck in the arm .
Sterling was killed @

A deputy U.S. Marshals shot during a gun battle in the Bronx received a hero’s welcome Saturday as he was released from the hospital.
Dozens of masked colleagues applauded as the officer was wheeled out of Jacobi Hospital and into a waiting car.
The marshal, along with a colleague, was part of the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force team executing a warrant at 4085 Ely Ave. in Wakefield around 5:30 a.m. Friday when bullets started flying.
The marshals were trying to bring in Andre Sterling, 35, who was accused of opening fire on a Massachusetts state trooper in the hand and torso during a recent traffic stop.
One marshal was hit in the leg, while the other was struck in the arm. Sterling was killed.