thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Kiszla: Wade Davis turns Rockies’ hot start into hot mess. Colorado needs a new closer.

The empty ballpark , no fans allowed due to the pandemic , was so quiet you could hear Wade Davis ’ heart break .
He ’ s finished as the Rockies ’ closer .
Davis turned Colorado ’ s red-hot start to this strange Major League Baseball season into a hot mess , surrendering two homers and four runs in the ninth inning , as San Diego rallied to beat the Rockies 8-7 .
Get well soon , Scott Oberg .
This team needs a new closer .
For anybody who loves baseball , watching Davis suffer in silence was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always been a part of my DNA .
It runs through my bloodstream , ” Rich Cowden said .
“ I dream of hot dogs and $ 14 beers.
” He ’ s a 50-year-old Rockies fan who already knows where he wants his ashes buried when his time on Earth is up : Coors Field .
“ I miss the fans being there , ” Blackmon said prior to the strangest home opener in Rockies ’ history .
Fitting for a year when a pandemic has turned everything comfortable and familiar into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this game was played on the final day of July , in a ballpark often as awkwardly quiet as an elevator shared by two strangers .
“ At the same time , it ’ s a very intimate game now .
I can tell Nolan , ‘ Hey , great job !
’ when he makes a good play .
And he can hear me .
That ’ s really weird to happen , ” said Blackmon , who hammered a home run into the ballpark ’ s empty second deck in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s just you and your teammates .
You feel like you ’ re playing for your teammates a lot more.
” With MVP pop in the bat of Trevor Story , whose homer staked Colorado to a 5-4 lead in the seventh inning , the Rockies have a legit chance to make the expanded eight-team National League playoff field , provided they dump Davis as the closer and the virus doesn ’ t ruin the season .
Barely more than a week into the schedule and the pandemic has already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Commissioner Rob Manfred knows if the game doesn ’ t get its health act together , he ’ s going to have to shut it down .
“ That ’ s a concern of mine , ” Blackmon admitted .
“ I really want to play baseball.
” What a bummer it would be for Colorado manager Bud Black to finally be blessed with a solid starting rotation , only to have it be all for naught because dancing on the outside of a bubble proves too slippery for MLB .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rockies fans who despise Dodger blue if COVID-19 shut down the sport with their Boys from LoDo in the heat of a playoff chase ?
“ The possibility this game might be dangled in front of me for a precious few days or weeks , then yanked out from under us , hurts , ” said Cowden , who watched Rockies starter Jon Gray on television from his home in Thornton .
“ It hurts , not only for what losing these games would mean to me as a fan , but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation and how we could ’ ve done so much more against the coronavirus , if only to get the Boys of Summer back on the field and in our lives when we need them most.
” Enjoy every home run a Rockies slugger sends rattling among empty seats in Coors Field .
To paraphrase broadcaster Drew Goodman , take a good look at this season , because you might not see it for long .
Baseball feels as precious as a prayer for life to again be filled with all the little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus came knocking .

The empty ballpark, no fans allowed due to the pandemic, was so quiet you could hear Wade Davis’ heart break. He’s finished as the Rockies’ closer.
Davis turned Colorado’s red-hot start to this strange Major League Baseball season into a hot mess, surrendering two homers and four runs in the ninth inning, as San Diego rallied to beat the Rockies 8-7.
Get well soon, Scott Oberg. This team needs a new closer. For anybody who loves baseball, watching Davis suffer in silence was painful to watch.
“Baseball has always been a part of my DNA. It runs through my bloodstream,” Rich Cowden said. “I dream of hot dogs and $14 beers.”
He’s a 50-year-old Rockies fan who already knows where he wants his ashes buried when his time on Earth is up: Coors Field.
“I miss the fans being there,” Blackmon said prior to the strangest home opener in Rockies’ history. Fitting for a year when a pandemic has turned everything comfortable and familiar into a stress test of the absurd, this game was played on the final day of July, in a ballpark often as awkwardly quiet as an elevator shared by two strangers.
“At the same time, it’s a very intimate game now. I can tell Nolan, ‘Hey, great job!’ when he makes a good play. And he can hear me. That’s really weird to happen,” said Blackmon, who hammered a home run into the ballpark’s empty second deck in the first inning. “In a way, it’s just you and your teammates. You feel like you’re playing for your teammates a lot more.”
With MVP pop in the bat of Trevor Story, whose homer staked Colorado to a 5-4 lead in the seventh inning, the Rockies have a legit chance to make the expanded eight-team National League playoff field, provided they dump Davis as the closer and the virus doesn’t ruin the season.
Barely more than a week into the schedule and the pandemic has already touched six teams and postponed 30 games. Commissioner Rob Manfred knows if the game doesn’t get its health act together, he’s going to have to shut it down.
“That’s a concern of mine,” Blackmon admitted. “I really want to play baseball.”
What a bummer it would be for Colorado manager Bud Black to finally be blessed with a solid starting rotation, only to have it be all for naught because dancing on the outside of a bubble proves too slippery for MLB. How deep would the psychological scars be for Rockies fans who despise Dodger blue if COVID-19 shut down the sport with their Boys from LoDo in the heat of a playoff chase?
“The possibility this game might be dangled in front of me for a precious few days or weeks, then yanked out from under us, hurts,” said Cowden, who watched Rockies starter Jon Gray on television from his home in Thornton.
“It hurts, not only for what losing these games would mean to me as a fan, but also what it would mean to our great nation and how we could’ve done so much more against the coronavirus, if only to get the Boys of Summer back on the field and in our lives when we need them most.”
Enjoy every home run a Rockies slugger sends rattling among empty seats in Coors Field. To paraphrase broadcaster Drew Goodman, take a good look at this season, because you might not see it for long.
Baseball feels as precious as a prayer for life to again be filled with all the little magic we took for granted before the virus came knocking.


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Wade Davis shelled in ninth as Rockies see opening day lead slip away

Since way back in spring training , the Rockies insisted that veteran right-hander Wade Davis still had the right stuff to be their closer .
They might want to rethink that .
Soon .
The San Diego Padres hit two home runs and scored four runs off Davis in the ninth to beat the Rockies 8-7 , spoiling the home opener on a perfect Friday night at Coors Field .
The Padres improved to 6-2 while Colorado slipped to 4-2 and saw its four-game winning streak halted .
When manager Bud Black was asked how short the leash was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 60 games this year , Black replied : “ It was a tough night for both closers .
We are six games into the season and we are going to continue to watch all of our players .
We are going to critique all of them on how they are throwing the ball.
” Colorado was one out away from victory when Fernando Tatis Jr. ripped a solo home run to left off Davis , tying the game at 5-all .
Davis , 34 , is trying to put the nightmare of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which he posted an 11.10 ERA and 2.014 WHIP in 29 games at Coors Field .
He hasn ’ t woken up yet .
Trent Grisham walked and so did Manny Machado , setting up Tommy Pham ’ s game-winning , three-run homer .
Black said that Davis ’ “ stuff was fine and he got to two outs.
” But Black acknowledged that Davis missed with his fastball on key pitches .
“ Overall , his stuff was the same as it was in Texas , ” Black said , referencing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series vs. the Rangers .
The Rockies did not go down quietly in their last at-bat as San Diego closer Kirby Yates imploded .
A one-out single by David Dahl , a two-out RBI single by Charlie Blackmon , another single by Nolan Arenado and consecutive walks by Daniel Murphy and Ryan McMahon cut San Diego ’ s lead to 8-7 .
Yates , having walked in a run , got the hook and was replaced by lefty Drew Pomeranz , the former Rockie .
Pinch-hitter Chris Owings worked the count to 2-2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rally .
Rockies all-star shortstop Trevor Story made a rare but costly error in the sixth inning Friday night , whiffing on a potential double-play grounder .
So what did Story do ?
He turned the page , naturally , making a brilliant throw to first from his butt in the top of the seventh inning , and then swatting the go-ahead solo homer in the bottom of the frame off lefty Matt Strahm .
Story ’ s homer , his third of the young season , put the Rockies in front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only Rockie to deliver a key hit .
It took Matt Kemp a single swing to make himself at home at Coors Field while wearing a Rockies uniform .
The veteran slugger laced a pinch-hit double to left in the sixth , scoring McMahon and Sam Hilliard for a 4-3 Colorado lead .
The Rockies , for the most part , had played crisp , clean baseball in the first five games of the season , but that changed in the unsightly sixth inning that led to three Padres runs .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Grisham and bloop single by Machado cut Colorado ’ s lead to 2-1 .
Starter Jon Gray looked like he would escape with minimal damage when Pham hit a hard chopper to Story for a possible double play .
But Story fanned on the ball allowing Grisham to score .
Then Machado scored on Gray ’ s wild pitch and San Diego suddenly had a 3-2 lead .
Until the messy sixth , Gray was rockin ’ steady , having giving up just two hits and escaping one jam .
Cronenworth ripped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third but Gray induced Fernando Tatis Jr. to chop out to short , ending the threat .
Over 5 2/3 innings , Gray gave up three runs ( two earned ) on four hits .
Overall , Gray was happy with how he pitched but did say , “ I guess I didn ’ t shut the door.
” Blackmon ’ s first home run of the season put Colorado ahead 2-0 in the first .
He took a long moment before he stepped into the batter ’ s box to let his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artificial crowd finishing the song off with “ Tonight !
” Then Blackmon got down to business and blasted Garrett Richards ’ 1-1 slider 446 feet and into the second deck above right field .

Since way back in spring training, the Rockies insisted that veteran right-hander Wade Davis still had the right stuff to be their closer.
They might want to rethink that. Soon.
The San Diego Padres hit two home runs and scored four runs off Davis in the ninth to beat the Rockies 8-7, spoiling the home opener on a perfect Friday night at Coors Field. The Padres improved to 6-2 while Colorado slipped to 4-2 and saw its four-game winning streak halted.
When manager Bud Black was asked how short the leash was on Davis, given that the season is only 60 games this year, Black replied: “It was a tough night for both closers. We are six games into the season and we are going to continue to watch all of our players. We are going to critique all of them on how they are throwing the ball.”
Colorado was one out away from victory when Fernando Tatis Jr. ripped a solo home run to left off Davis, tying the game at 5-all. Davis, 34, is trying to put the nightmare of 2019 behind him; a season in which he posted an 11.10 ERA and 2.014 WHIP in 29 games at Coors Field.
He hasn’t woken up yet. Trent Grisham walked and so did Manny Machado, setting up Tommy Pham’s game-winning, three-run homer.
Black said that Davis’ “stuff was fine and he got to two outs.” But Black acknowledged that Davis missed with his fastball on key pitches.
“Overall, his stuff was the same as it was in Texas,” Black said, referencing the two saves Davis notched in the opening series vs. the Rangers.
The Rockies did not go down quietly in their last at-bat as San Diego closer Kirby Yates imploded. A one-out single by David Dahl, a two-out RBI single by Charlie Blackmon, another single by Nolan Arenado and consecutive walks by Daniel Murphy and Ryan McMahon cut San Diego’s lead to 8-7.
Yates, having walked in a run, got the hook and was replaced by lefty Drew Pomeranz, the former Rockie. Pinch-hitter Chris Owings worked the count to 2-2 before flying out to center to end the rally.
It was a strange, see-saw game.
Rockies all-star shortstop Trevor Story made a rare but costly error in the sixth inning Friday night, whiffing on a potential double-play grounder. So what did Story do? He turned the page, naturally, making a brilliant throw to first from his butt in the top of the seventh inning, and then swatting the go-ahead solo homer in the bottom of the frame off lefty Matt Strahm.
Story’s homer, his third of the young season, put the Rockies in front, 5-4.
Story wasn’t the only Rockie to deliver a key hit. It took Matt Kemp a single swing to make himself at home at Coors Field while wearing a Rockies uniform. The veteran slugger laced a pinch-hit double to left in the sixth, scoring McMahon and Sam Hilliard for a 4-3 Colorado lead.
The Rockies, for the most part, had played crisp, clean baseball in the first five games of the season, but that changed in the unsightly sixth inning that led to three Padres runs. A leadoff single by Jake Cronenworth, walk by Grisham and bloop single by Machado cut Colorado’s lead to 2-1.
Starter Jon Gray looked like he would escape with minimal damage when Pham hit a hard chopper to Story for a possible double play. But Story fanned on the ball allowing Grisham to score. Then Machado scored on Gray’s wild pitch and San Diego suddenly had a 3-2 lead.
Until the messy sixth, Gray was rockin’ steady, having giving up just two hits and escaping one jam. Cronenworth ripped a two-out triple to right-center in the third but Gray induced Fernando Tatis Jr. to chop out to short, ending the threat. Over 5 2/3 innings, Gray gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits.
Overall, Gray was happy with how he pitched but did say, “I guess I didn’t shut the door.”
Blackmon’s first home run of the season put Colorado ahead 2-0 in the first. He took a long moment before he stepped into the batter’s box to let his walk-up song play out, with the artificial crowd finishing the song off with “Tonight!” Then Blackmon got down to business and blasted Garrett Richards’ 1-1 slider 446 feet and into the second deck above right field.


thedenverpost--2020-08-02--Bud Black isn’t ready to officially remove Wade Davis as Rockies’ closer, but Jairo Diaz is a likely

Bud Black isn’t ready to officially remove Wade Davis as Rockies’ closer, but Jairo Diaz is a likely candidate to replace him

After Wade Davis ’ four-run implosion cost the Rockies a victory in the home opener , manager Bud Black isn ’ t ready to officially remove the right-hander from the closer role .
“ In looking at video ( Friday ) night and this morning , he missed with a couple fastballs ( up in the zone ) , ” Black said Saturday .
“ Against good hitters , that ’ s going to cost you .
And then there ’ s the bad walk to ( Trent ) Grissom with two outs in a tight game — that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ ll see where this goes.
” Black ’ s ambiguity six games into the season , and one game into the team ’ s opening homestand , comes as he doesn ’ t have another sure option to immediately take over for Davis as closer .
Davis converted his first two save opportunities this year , both in Texas , but his continued struggles at Coors Field ( 11.10 ERA last year ) are a red flag .
Right-hander Scott Oberg , the bullpen ’ s most reliable arm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projected to likely be the opening day closer , has been on the injured list since the season started with a lower-back strain .
He threw live batting practice Thursday and another simulated session Saturday — which ended prematurely — and Black offered no immediate timetable for Oberg ’ s return .
The manager also noted Oberg wouldn ’ t immediately slide into the closer role when he comes off the IL .
“ I would guess that , when he gets activated , there will be a couple games where he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Black said .
“ He hasn ’ t pitched a whole lot , or even had the competitiveness of an exhibition game .
We ’ ll cross that bridge when we get there as far as his health.
” As for as other realistic options to take over for Davis , who Black said was rested Saturday due to Friday ’ s pitch count , right-hander Jairo Diaz tops the list .
He had five saves , and three blown , in 2019 , and has walked a tight-rope to toss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entering Saturday .
“ He ’ s wiggled out of some jams , for sure , ” Black said .
“ In Texas he got out of a bases loaded situation , in Oakland he got out of a second and third situation , ( Friday ) night he wiggled out of one .
He ’ s making a critical pitch at the right time.
” So will Diaz take over for Davis as the Rockies ’ closer , until Oberg is healthy and back in back-end bullpen shape ?
Black didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carlos Estevez could also be another leading candidate should Black decide to replace Davis soon .
“ ( Diaz ) is already pitching late in the game — we saw him pitch the ninth inning last year and get some saves — and the start of last season in Albuquerque we pitched him as the closer in Triple-A , ” Black said .
“ He responded and pitched very well.
” Senzatela got off to a solid start in 2020 in Texas , getting the win while allowing six hits and two runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to truly find his rhythm at Coors Field since debuting in 2017 , as he has a 5.46 ERA in 41 games in LoDo .
However , he is 4-0 with a 3.60 ERA in six games ( three starts ) against the Padres in Denver .
Meanwhile , Davies allowed three runs in five innings in his season debut against the Giants last week , and he ’ s held Colorado ’ s lineup to one home run in 96 career at-bats .
Trending : The Rockies lead MLB in fewest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had pauses in their schedules ) , with 17 runs allowed through their first six games .
At issue : Outfielder Raimel Tapia , who DH ’ d on Friday and did not start on Saturday , is off to a slow start amid the 60-game sprint .
Entering Saturday , he was batting .154 ( 2-for-13 ) with seven strikeouts .
Monday : Giants RHP Johnny Cueto ( 0-0 , 5.87 ) at Rockies RHP German Marquez ( 1-1 , 1.54 ) , 6:40 p.m. , ATTRM Tuesday : Giants RHP Kevin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rockies TBD , 6:40 p.m. , ATTRM Wednesday : Giants TBD at Rockies RHP Jon Gray ( 0-0 , 2.61 ) , 6:40 p.m. , ATTRM

After Wade Davis’ four-run implosion cost the Rockies a victory in the home opener, manager Bud Black isn’t ready to officially remove the right-hander from the closer role.
“In looking at video (Friday) night and this morning, he missed with a couple fastballs (up in the zone),” Black said Saturday. “Against good hitters, that’s going to cost you. And then there’s the bad walk to (Trent) Grissom with two outs in a tight game — that’s not something Wade wanted to do.
“We’ll see where this goes.”
Black’s ambiguity six games into the season, and one game into the team’s opening homestand, comes as he doesn’t have another sure option to immediately take over for Davis as closer. Davis converted his first two save opportunities this year, both in Texas, but his continued struggles at Coors Field (11.10 ERA last year) are a red flag.
Right-hander Scott Oberg, the bullpen’s most reliable arm last year and a veteran who was projected to likely be the opening day closer, has been on the injured list since the season started with a lower-back strain. He threw live batting practice Thursday and another simulated session Saturday — which ended prematurely — and Black offered no immediate timetable for Oberg’s return.
The manager also noted Oberg wouldn’t immediately slide into the closer role when he comes off the IL.
“I would guess that, when he gets activated, there will be a couple games where he’s inserted just to get him going,” Black said. “He hasn’t pitched a whole lot, or even had the competitiveness of an exhibition game. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there as far as his health.”
As for as other realistic options to take over for Davis, who Black said was rested Saturday due to Friday’s pitch count, right-hander Jairo Diaz tops the list. He had five saves, and three blown, in 2019, and has walked a tight-rope to toss a scoreless inning in four separate games entering Saturday.
“He’s wiggled out of some jams, for sure,” Black said. “In Texas he got out of a bases loaded situation, in Oakland he got out of a second and third situation, (Friday) night he wiggled out of one. He’s making a critical pitch at the right time.”
So will Diaz take over for Davis as the Rockies’ closer, until Oberg is healthy and back in back-end bullpen shape? Black didn’t rule the possibility out. Right-hander Carlos Estevez could also be another leading candidate should Black decide to replace Davis soon.
“(Diaz) is already pitching late in the game — we saw him pitch the ninth inning last year and get some saves — and the start of last season in Albuquerque we pitched him as the closer in Triple-A,” Black said. “He responded and pitched very well.”
On Deck
Padres RHP Zach Davies (1-0, 3.60) at Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (1-0, 3.60)
1:10 p.m. Sunday, Coors Field
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM
Senzatela got off to a solid start in 2020 in Texas, getting the win while allowing six hits and two runs over five innings. He’s yet to truly find his rhythm at Coors Field since debuting in 2017, as he has a 5.46 ERA in 41 games in LoDo. However, he is 4-0 with a 3.60 ERA in six games (three starts) against the Padres in Denver. Meanwhile, Davies allowed three runs in five innings in his season debut against the Giants last week, and he’s held Colorado’s lineup to one home run in 96 career at-bats.
Trending: The Rockies lead MLB in fewest runs allowed (excluding teams that have had pauses in their schedules), with 17 runs allowed through their first six games.
At issue: Outfielder Raimel Tapia, who DH’d on Friday and did not start on Saturday, is off to a slow start amid the 60-game sprint. Entering Saturday, he was batting .154 (2-for-13) with seven strikeouts.
Pitching probables
Monday: Giants RHP Johnny Cueto (0-0, 5.87) at Rockies RHP German Marquez (1-1, 1.54), 6:40 p.m., ATTRM
Tuesday: Giants RHP Kevin Gausman (0-0, 5.40) at Rockies TBD, 6:40 p.m., ATTRM
Wednesday: Giants TBD at Rockies RHP Jon Gray (0-0, 2.61), 6:40 p.m., ATTRM


thedenverpost--2020-08-02--Kiszla: NBA championship dreams of reeling Nuggets in danger of being wrecked by coronavirus

If you find the wayward Denver Nuggets , could you please return them to coach Michael Malone ?
This team is an unrecognizable mess , so lost star center Nikola Jokic is at a loss for words about how to get back that winning swagger , which fell victim to the pandemic and has yet to recover .
“ I always talk about not making excuses , but … ” Malone said Saturday , before unloading harsh truths about how the coronavirus could wreck players ’ championship dreams .
The Nuggets have been reeling from COVID-19 challenges ever since health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month and put a team now beset with injuries to three key starters behind the eight ball .
“ Our facility was shut down because of the numerous COVID cases that we had within our travel party .
So there was no ramp-up to getting on that plane ( to the NBA bubble ) on July 7 , ” Malone said .
“ When we did get on that plane July 7 , we were out eight , 10 guys .
And so you ’ re waiting on those guys to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been … not a smooth training camp , because of a lack of bodies .
You can ’ t prepare for that .
I can ’ t control coronavirus .
I can ’ t control the injuries .
They are what they are.
” During a dispiriting 125-105 loss to Miami , the Nuggets looked more like Bo Peep ’ s lost sheep than NBA thoroughbreds primed for a championship run .
Injured starters Jamal Murray , Gary Harris and Will Barton were notable and troubling absences .
But the woes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit harder by COVID complications than any league contender go much deeper .
“ I saw a lot of guys out there not playing hard .
Whether you have guys out from injury or coronavirus , that ’ s unacceptable , ” said Malone , offering a brutally honest assessment of his disjointed squad .
“ If you turn the ball over and walk down the floor because you ’ re feeling sorry for yourself that does not sit well with me .
I like guys who play hard .
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and no matter what ’ s going on , find a way to give great effort .
We need to find those guys.
” Denver played its first competitive game since March 11 and was neither competitive defensively nor competent handling the basketball during a wretched second half in which Miami outscored the Nuggets by 21 points and toyed with their damaged confidence .
“ I ’ m not really down or tripping about it , ” insisted pointed guard Monte Morris , who started in place of Murray , sidelined by an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the thing : Is it safe to take the word of these Nuggets , whose sneakers aren ’ t sturdy or reliable enough to walk their brash talk ?
With the team ’ s first playoff game in this strange season a little more than two weeks away , the frustration roiling inside Malone was as obvious as the icy glance he gave Michael Porter Jr. when benching the young forward for defensive lapses in the third quarter , when Miami put a 38-22 hurting on Denver .
“ It ’ s definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m trying to take a deep breath , take a step back and understand where we ’ re at .
We ’ re behind everybody right now , which is understandable .
But there ’ s also a competitive side of me that wants guys to go out there and play hard.
” The coach ’ s harsh assessment is a blanket indictment of players who came back from the virus-imposed break unprepared to make a championship run.How does a team take a 142-day break between games , only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it left the court in March ?
Whether you want to curse the bad luck of illness and injury , or are more critically inclined to question the carelessness Jokic exhibited during his trip to Europe during a global pandemic and the inexcusable absence of veteran Paul Millsap from a mandatory COVID-19 test while in the NBA bubble , Denver is in a tough spot now .
The Nuggets have no established playing rotation , an unforgiving schedule ahead and expectations weighing heavy on a team that could easily stumble to sixth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We can not think about the playoffs , ” said Jokic , too concerned with the urgent need to rediscover a formula for winning basketball .
Sometime during the 142 days of their virus-forced hiatus from game action , somewhere between Serbia and Orlando , the Nuggets lost what allowed them to build a 43-22 record before the virus shut down the season more than four months ago .
After leading Denver in points ( 19 ) , rebounds ( seven ) and assists ( six ) against the Heat , Jokic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a postgame video conference .
I asked him what ’ s the biggest difference between the Nuggets of March 11 and today , as well as what it will take for them to get back on track .
Joker shook his head and did not speak for one , two , nearly three awkward seconds .
His emotions hidden behind the mask , it was impossible to ascertain for certain if Jokic was searching for elusive answers or was afraid to tell the whole truth : Denver is an ailing , unfocused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well in the next two weeks , but better grow up fast .
What do sports philosophers like to say about tough times ?
While the Nuggets like to believe they ’ re building something great , if they can ’ t get their act together , the NBA playoffs will mercilessly reveal this team ’ s character flaws .

If you find the wayward Denver Nuggets, could you please return them to coach Michael Malone? This team is an unrecognizable mess, so lost star center Nikola Jokic is at a loss for words about how to get back that winning swagger, which fell victim to the pandemic and has yet to recover.
“I always talk about not making excuses, but …” Malone said Saturday, before unloading harsh truths about how the coronavirus could wreck players’ championship dreams.
The Nuggets have been reeling from COVID-19 challenges ever since health concerns hit them hard more than a month ago and put a team now beset with injuries to three key starters behind the eight ball.
“Our facility was shut down because of the numerous COVID cases that we had within our travel party. So there was no ramp-up to getting on that plane (to the NBA bubble) on July 7,” Malone said. “When we did get on that plane July 7, we were out eight, 10 guys. And so you’re waiting on those guys to get down here slowly but surely. It’s been … not a smooth training camp, because of a lack of bodies. You can’t prepare for that. I can’t control coronavirus. I can’t control the injuries. They are what they are.”
During a dispiriting 125-105 loss to Miami, the Nuggets looked more like Bo Peep’s lost sheep than NBA thoroughbreds primed for a championship run. Injured starters Jamal Murray, Gary Harris and Will Barton were notable and troubling absences. But the woes of a team whose mojo has been hit harder by COVID complications than any league contender go much deeper.
“I saw a lot of guys out there not playing hard. Whether you have guys out from injury or coronavirus, that’s unacceptable,” said Malone, offering a brutally honest assessment of his disjointed squad.
“If you turn the ball over and walk down the floor because you’re feeling sorry for yourself that does not sit well with me. I like guys who play hard. I’m attracted to guys who go out there and no matter what’s going on, find a way to give great effort. We need to find those guys.”
Denver played its first competitive game since March 11 and was neither competitive defensively nor competent handling the basketball during a wretched second half in which Miami outscored the Nuggets by 21 points and toyed with their damaged confidence.
“I’m not really down or tripping about it,” insisted pointed guard Monte Morris, who started in place of Murray, sidelined by an ailing hamstring.
But here’s the thing: Is it safe to take the word of these Nuggets, whose sneakers aren’t sturdy or reliable enough to walk their brash talk?
With the team’s first playoff game in this strange season a little more than two weeks away, the frustration roiling inside Malone was as obvious as the icy glance he gave Michael Porter Jr. when benching the young forward for defensive lapses in the third quarter, when Miami put a 38-22 hurting on Denver.
“It’s definitely testing my patience,” Malone said. “I’m trying to take a deep breath, take a step back and understand where we’re at. We’re behind everybody right now, which is understandable. But there’s also a competitive side of me that wants guys to go out there and play hard.”
The coach’s harsh assessment is a blanket indictment of players who came back from the virus-imposed break unprepared to make a championship run. How does a team take a 142-day break between games, only to return in far worse shape than when it left the court in March?
Whether you want to curse the bad luck of illness and injury, or are more critically inclined to question the carelessness Jokic exhibited during his trip to Europe during a global pandemic and the inexcusable absence of veteran Paul Millsap from a mandatory COVID-19 test while in the NBA bubble, Denver is in a tough spot now. The Nuggets have no established playing rotation, an unforgiving schedule ahead and expectations weighing heavy on a team that could easily stumble to sixth place in the rugged Western Conference.
“We cannot think about the playoffs,” said Jokic, too concerned with the urgent need to rediscover a formula for winning basketball.
Sometime during the 142 days of their virus-forced hiatus from game action, somewhere between Serbia and Orlando, the Nuggets lost what allowed them to build a 43-22 record before the virus shut down the season more than four months ago.
After leading Denver in points (19), rebounds (seven) and assists (six) against the Heat, Jokic donned a protective mask and sat down for a postgame video conference. I asked him what’s the biggest difference between the Nuggets of March 11 and today, as well as what it will take for them to get back on track.
Joker shook his head and did not speak for one, two, nearly three awkward seconds.
His emotions hidden behind the mask, it was impossible to ascertain for certain if Jokic was searching for elusive answers or was afraid to tell the whole truth: Denver is an ailing, unfocused team that not only has to get well in the next two weeks, but better grow up fast.
What do sports philosophers like to say about tough times? While the Nuggets like to believe they’re building something great, if they can’t get their act together, the NBA playoffs will mercilessly reveal this team’s character flaws.


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Chargers’ Joey Bosa signs $135 million contract extension

COSTA MESA , Calif. — Joey Bosa has become the NFL ’ s highest-paid defensive player after signing a five-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday .
Bosa and the Chargers reached agreement on a new deal Tuesday night .
The five-year extension is worth $ 135 million , which includes $ 78 million guaranteed at signing and $ 102 million overall .
The deal eclipses the five-year , $ 125-million extension that Cleveland ’ s Myles Garrett signed two weeks ago .
That contract included $ 100 million guaranteed for Garrett , a defensive end who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 6-foot-5 , 280-pound Bosa is going into his fifth season .
He was the third overall pick in the 2016 draft and has been selected to two Pro Bowls .
He tied for second in the AFC last season with 11 1/2 sacks and has double-digit sacks in three of his four seasons .
He was third among defensive ends and second in the AFC with 60 tackles , including 16 for loss .
Bosa also had 25 quarterback hits and forced a fumble .
Last year , Bosa became the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to record three straight multi-sack games .

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Joey Bosa has become the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player after signing a five-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday.
Bosa and the Chargers reached agreement on a new deal Tuesday night.
The five-year extension is worth $135 million, which includes $78 million guaranteed at signing and $102 million overall. The deal eclipses the five-year, $125-million extension that Cleveland’s Myles Garrett signed two weeks ago. That contract included $100 million guaranteed for Garrett, a defensive end who was the top pick in 2017.
The 6-foot-5, 280-pound Bosa is going into his fifth season. He was the third overall pick in the 2016 draft and has been selected to two Pro Bowls. He tied for second in the AFC last season with 11 1/2 sacks and has double-digit sacks in three of his four seasons. He was third among defensive ends and second in the AFC with 60 tackles, including 16 for loss. Bosa also had 25 quarterback hits and forced a fumble.
Last year, Bosa became the first Chargers player since Kevin Burnett in 2010 to record three straight multi-sack games.


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Avalanche and St. Louis Blues collide in Edmonton for series rubber match

The long-overdue rubber match between the Avalanche and St. Louis Blues has arrived .
These teams were originally scheduled to meet April 4 in Denver on the last day of the regular season .
They will now meet Sunday afternoon in Edmonton , the hub city for the Western Conference playoffs .
The season series is tied 2-2 , with each team winning twice at home .
In addition to bragging rights , Sunday ’ s game will help determine the top four seeds in the conference when the traditional 16-team , best-of-seven tournament begins Aug. 11 .
The Avs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars , have a qualifying-round bye while they play against each other for seeding .
When the NHL paused the season March 12 , the Blues ( 42-19-10 ) and Avalanche ( 42-20-8 ) stood first and second in the conference , with the Avs just a point behind and a game in hand .
“ We ’ ve gotten better at playing the Blues over the last couple seasons and if we play the way we ’ re capable of , we ’ re confident that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach Jared Bednar said on a Zoom call after practice Saturday .
“ The Blues are the defending champs , they ’ re a real experienced team , a big-bodied team that plays the right way and make it tough on you in all areas .
The way we look at it is , we ’ re going to have to be on top of our game and willing to check and play with some intensity and physicality .
And we ’ re going to have to make some plays to win a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s good to get playing a meaningful game against such a good opponent because we ’ re hoping that ’ s going to drag the best out of our players coming out of camp.
” Bednar declined to identify his roster or announce a starting goalie against the Blues .
But he said everyone is available to play — including defenseman Sam Girard , who missed Tuesday ’ s practice and did not play in the 3-2 exhibition win against Minnesota on Wednesday .

The long-overdue rubber match between the Avalanche and St. Louis Blues has arrived.
These teams were originally scheduled to meet April 4 in Denver on the last day of the regular season. They will now meet Sunday afternoon in Edmonton, the hub city for the Western Conference playoffs.
The season series is tied 2-2, with each team winning twice at home. In addition to bragging rights, Sunday’s game will help determine the top four seeds in the conference when the traditional 16-team, best-of-seven tournament begins Aug. 11. The Avs and Blues, as well as the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars, have a qualifying-round bye while they play against each other for seeding.
When the NHL paused the season March 12, the Blues (42-19-10) and Avalanche (42-20-8) stood first and second in the conference, with the Avs just a point behind and a game in hand.
“We’ve gotten better at playing the Blues over the last couple seasons and if we play the way we’re capable of, we’re confident that we can win hockey games,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said on a Zoom call after practice Saturday. “The Blues are the defending champs, they’re a real experienced team, a big-bodied team that plays the right way and make it tough on you in all areas. The way we look at it is, we’re going to have to be on top of our game and willing to check and play with some intensity and physicality. And we’re going to have to make some plays to win a hockey game.”
He added: “It’s good to get playing a meaningful game against such a good opponent because we’re hoping that’s going to drag the best out of our players coming out of camp.”
Bednar declined to identify his roster or announce a starting goalie against the Blues. But he said everyone is available to play — including defenseman Sam Girard, who missed Tuesday’s practice and did not play in the 3-2 exhibition win against Minnesota on Wednesday.
St. Louis Blues vs. Avalanche
When: Sunday, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Rogers Place, Edmonton
TV: ALT


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Avalanche in Edmonton: 5 things to watch in round-robin play

The Avalanche has a bye for the NHL ’ s qualifying round and begins a three-game round-robin set for seeding Sunday against the St. Louis Blues in Edmonton , the Western Conference hub .
The Avs also play at Rogers Place against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday and the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday .
Here are five things to watch as Colorado opens what it hopes is a long stay in central Alberta : The projected lineup .
This is unofficial and based on a Zoom call Saturday with Avalanche coach Jared Bednar , who said all his players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Nathan MacKinnon , Mikko Rantanen , Gabe Landeskog , Nazem Kadri , Valeri Nichushkin , Vladislav Namestnikov , J.T .
Compher , Joonas Donskoi , Matt Nieto , Pierre , Edouard Bellemare , Matt Calvert .
Defense : Ryan Graves , Cale Makar , Sam Girard , Erik Johnson , Nikita Zadorov , Ian Cole .
Goaltenders : Philipp Grubauer , Pavel Francouz .
Road confidence .
The Avs led the league with 24 road wins during the shortened regular season and each game in Edmonton will feel like an away game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best team in the league outside their home city they will have a real shot at winning the Stanley Cup .
Momentum .
The Avs are among eight teams not playing for their lives in the first 10 days of the 24-team tournament .
They are assured of playing in the traditional 16-team first round but can only play three games before then , while their first-round opponent could play as many as five .
So Colorado needs to find its game quickly during the seeding round , and be prepared for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after winning a five-game series .
Goaltending .
Grubauer and Francouz are expected to share the net in all three games , meaning they might split one of them .
Bednar has said he ’ ll begin the 16-team tournament with the goalie he has most confidence with at the time and based on results from the round-robin .
The power play .
With all hands on deck , the Avs will present two very dangerous power-play units , and superstar MacKinnon might play on both at times .
The Avs can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but a 25 percent power play augments that effort .

The Avalanche has a bye for the NHL’s qualifying round and begins a three-game round-robin set for seeding Sunday against the St. Louis Blues in Edmonton, the Western Conference hub. The Avs also play at Rogers Place against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday and the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.
Here are five things to watch as Colorado opens what it hopes is a long stay in central Alberta:
The projected lineup. This is unofficial and based on a Zoom call Saturday with Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, who said all his players are available. Forwards: Andre Burakovsky, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Gabe Landeskog, Nazem Kadri, Valeri Nichushkin, Vladislav Namestnikov, J.T. Compher, Joonas Donskoi, Matt Nieto, Pierre, Edouard Bellemare, Matt Calvert. Defense: Ryan Graves, Cale Makar, Sam Girard, Erik Johnson, Nikita Zadorov, Ian Cole. Goaltenders: Philipp Grubauer, Pavel Francouz.
Road confidence. The Avs led the league with 24 road wins during the shortened regular season and each game in Edmonton will feel like an away game. If they continue to play like the best team in the league outside their home city they will have a real shot at winning the Stanley Cup.
Momentum. The Avs are among eight teams not playing for their lives in the first 10 days of the 24-team tournament. They are assured of playing in the traditional 16-team first round but can only play three games before then, while their first-round opponent could play as many as five. So Colorado needs to find its game quickly during the seeding round, and be prepared for a team that’s feeling good after winning a five-game series.
Goaltending. Grubauer and Francouz are expected to share the net in all three games, meaning they might split one of them. Bednar has said he’ll begin the 16-team tournament with the goalie he has most confidence with at the time and based on results from the round-robin.
The power play. With all hands on deck, the Avs will present two very dangerous power-play units, and superstar MacKinnon might play on both at times. The Avs can be an elite scoring team at even strength, but a 25 percent power play augments that effort.


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Nuggets coach Michael Malone sought permission from Elijah McClain’s family for shirts

No matter the frustration Nuggets coach Michael Malone might feel over his team ’ s extensive injury list , he ’ s determined not to let this moment pass .
While sitting in his room in Orlando , an idea dawned on Malone .
He wanted to honor the life of Elijah McClain , the 23-year-old Black man from Aurora who died after an encounter with police last fall .
McClain was restrained in a chokehold and later injected with ketamine by paramedics .
Malone contacted Mari Newman , the attorney for the McClain family , and asked how they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shirts in McClain ’ s honor .
“ We wanted to make sure we weren ’ t doing anything the family wasn ’ t comfortable with , ” said Malone , who wore the shirt for his pre- and postgame news conferences Saturday and also knelt , with his team , during the national anthem .
“ And thankfully , Mari told me that when she spoke to Elijah ’ s mom , she was moved , she was emotional and she was fully supportive of us continuing to find a way , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to make sure no one ’ s forgetting about Elijah McClain ’ s name , what happened to him and the demand for justice in his case.
” Even after dropping Saturday ’ s game to Miami 125-105 , Malone was thoughtful in his responses .
On several occasions , Malone has opened news conferences by reading from the Equal Justice Initiative calendar , which documents instances of racial injustice from the day ’ s date .
When Congressman John Lewis died , he encouraged his players to watch the documentary “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting for racial equality .
And as games start , it was perhaps more important for Malone to be proactive in the conversation .
The shirts for McClain were about recognizing racial injustice in the Nuggets ’ own state .
“ I ’ ve been led to believe that the NBA is allowing people to use this forum down here , ” Malone said .
“ It ’ s not just about a return to play , it ’ s also about making sure we keep the conversation on racism , police brutality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is an example of us taking it upon ourselves to keep light on our conversations in our backyard .
That ’ s as simple as it gets.
” Nuggets players Monte Morris and Torrey Craig were both appreciative of the gesture and valued highlighting the inequities in Colorado .
“ Everybody ’ s happy basketball ’ s back , but we ’ re playing really for the things that ’ s going on in this world , ” Morris said .
“ I think that should be the biggest focus .
Coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognition that Denver may not be where we grew up at but it ’ s our hometown right now and that ’ s who we play for .
”

No matter the frustration Nuggets coach Michael Malone might feel over his team’s extensive injury list, he’s determined not to let this moment pass.
While sitting in his room in Orlando, an idea dawned on Malone. He wanted to honor the life of Elijah McClain, the 23-year-old Black man from Aurora who died after an encounter with police last fall. McClain was restrained in a chokehold and later injected with ketamine by paramedics.
Malone contacted Mari Newman, the attorney for the McClain family, and asked how they’d feel if the Nuggets wore shirts in McClain’s honor.
“We wanted to make sure we weren’t doing anything the family wasn’t comfortable with,” said Malone, who wore the shirt for his pre- and postgame news conferences Saturday and also knelt, with his team, during the national anthem. “And thankfully, Mari told me that when she spoke to Elijah’s mom, she was moved, she was emotional and she was fully supportive of us continuing to find a way, in this platform, in this bubble, to make sure no one’s forgetting about Elijah McClain’s name, what happened to him and the demand for justice in his case.”
Michael Malone’s attire this morning. pic.twitter.com/Pj2OPEAe32 — Mike Singer (@msinger) August 1, 2020
Even after dropping Saturday’s game to Miami 125-105, Malone was thoughtful in his responses.
On several occasions, Malone has opened news conferences by reading from the Equal Justice Initiative calendar, which documents instances of racial injustice from the day’s date. When Congressman John Lewis died, he encouraged his players to watch the documentary “Good Trouble” about his life spent fighting for racial equality. And as games start, it was perhaps more important for Malone to be proactive in the conversation. The shirts for McClain were about recognizing racial injustice in the Nuggets’ own state.
“I’ve been led to believe that the NBA is allowing people to use this forum down here,” Malone said. “It’s not just about a return to play, it’s also about making sure we keep the conversation on racism, police brutality and all those other things, and this is an example of us taking it upon ourselves to keep light on our conversations in our backyard. That’s as simple as it gets.”
Nuggets players Monte Morris and Torrey Craig were both appreciative of the gesture and valued highlighting the inequities in Colorado.
“Everybody’s happy basketball’s back, but we’re playing really for the things that’s going on in this world,” Morris said. “I think that should be the biggest focus. Coach had those shirts for us, just recognition that Denver may not be where we grew up at but it’s our hometown right now and that’s who we play for.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Negotiators report progress in coronavirus relief talks

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — Lawmakers reported progress on a huge coronavirus relief bill Saturday , as political pressure mounts to restore an expired $ 600-per-week supplemental unemployment benefit and send funding to help schools reopen .
“ This was the longest meeting we ’ ve had and it was more productive than the other meetings , ” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , who was part of the rare weekend session .
“ We ’ re not close yet , but it was a productive discussion — now each side knows where they ’ re at.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi , D-Calif. , after meeting for three hours with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows .
The Democratic leaders are eager for an expansive agreement , as are President Donald Trump and top Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky .
But perhaps one half of Senate Republicans , mostly conservatives and those not facing difficult races this fall , are likely to oppose any deal .
Prior talks had yielded little progress and Saturday ’ s cautious optimism was a break from gloomy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration is willing to extend the newly expired $ 600 jobless benefit , at least in the short term , but is balking at other Democratic demands like aid for state and local governments , food stamp increases , and assistance to renters and homeowners .
Pelosi mentioned food aid and funding for voting by mail after the negotiating session was over .
She and Schumer appeared more upbeat than they have after earlier meetings .
“ We have to get rid of this virus so that we can open our economy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so in a way that does not give a cut in benefits to American workers , ” Pelosi said .
Mnuchin said restoring the $ 600 supplemental jobless benefit is critically important to Trump .
“ We ’ re still a long ways apart and I don ’ t want to suggest that a deal is imminent because it is not , ” Meadows said afterward .
“ There are still substantial differences , but we did make good progress.
” The additional jobless benefit officially lapsed on Friday , and Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extend it without securing other relief priorities .
Whatever unemployment aid negotiators agree on will be made retroactive — but antiquated state systems are likely to take weeks to restore the benefits .
Republicans in the Senate had been fighting to trim back the $ 600 benefit , saying it must be slashed so that people don ’ t make more in unemployment than they would if they returned to work .
But their resolve weakened as the benefit expired , and Trump abruptly undercut their position by signaling he wants to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Friday , Trump used Twitter to explicitly endorse extending the $ 600 payment and to criticize Schumer .
Washington ’ s top power players agree that Congress must pass further relief in the coming days and weeks .
At stake beyond the $ 600 per week jobless benefit is a fresh $ 1,200 direct payment to most Americans , and hundreds of billions of dollars in other aid to states , businesses and the poor , among other elements .
Democrats hold a strong negotiating hand — exploiting GOP divisions — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trove of votes .
The COVID package will be the fifth legislative response to the pandemic and could well be the last one before the November election .
The only other must-pass legislation on the agenda is a stopgap spending measure that should advance in September .
Since May , Republicans controlling the Senate had kept the relief negotiations on “ pause ” in a strategy aimed at reducing its price tag .
But as the pandemic surged back over the summer — and as fractures inside the GOP have eroded the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some greater flexibility .
Even with signs of progress in the talks , the list of items to negotiate remains daunting .
McConnell ’ s must-have item is a liability shield from lawsuits for businesses , schools , and charities that reopen as the pandemic goes on .
The GOP ’ s business allies are strong backers but the nation ’ s trial lawyers retain considerable clout in opposition .
A compromise is probably a challenging but necessary part of a final deal .
Among the priorities for Democrats is a boost in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 billion for agribusinesses but no increase for food stamp benefits in their $ 1 trillion proposal .
Meadows played a role in killing an increase in food aid during talks on the $ 2 trillion relief bill in March , but Pelosi appears determined .
The food stamp increases , many economists say , provide an immediate injection of demand into the economy in addition to combating growing poverty .
Food aid was the first item Pelosi mentioned in a letter to fellow Democrats apprising them of the progress .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because of what is at stake .
Millions of children are food insecure , millions of families are at risk of eviction , and for the nineteenth straight week , over 1 million Americans applied for unemployment insurance , ” Pelosi said .

By ANDREW TAYLOR
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers reported progress on a huge coronavirus relief bill Saturday, as political pressure mounts to restore an expired $600-per-week supplemental unemployment benefit and send funding to help schools reopen.
“This was the longest meeting we’ve had and it was more productive than the other meetings,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who was part of the rare weekend session. “We’re not close yet, but it was a productive discussion — now each side knows where they’re at.”
Schumer spoke alongside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., after meeting for three hours with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.
The Democratic leaders are eager for an expansive agreement, as are President Donald Trump and top Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. But perhaps one half of Senate Republicans, mostly conservatives and those not facing difficult races this fall, are likely to oppose any deal.
Prior talks had yielded little progress and Saturday’s cautious optimism was a break from gloomy private assessments among GOP negotiators. The administration is willing to extend the newly expired $600 jobless benefit, at least in the short term, but is balking at other Democratic demands like aid for state and local governments, food stamp increases, and assistance to renters and homeowners.
Pelosi mentioned food aid and funding for voting by mail after the negotiating session was over. She and Schumer appeared more upbeat than they have after earlier meetings.
“We have to get rid of this virus so that we can open our economy, safely open our schools, and to do so in a way that does not give a cut in benefits to American workers,” Pelosi said.
Mnuchin said restoring the $600 supplemental jobless benefit is critically important to Trump.
“We’re still a long ways apart and I don’t want to suggest that a deal is imminent because it is not,” Meadows said afterward. “There are still substantial differences, but we did make good progress.”
The additional jobless benefit officially lapsed on Friday, and Democrats have made clear that they will not extend it without securing other relief priorities. Whatever unemployment aid negotiators agree on will be made retroactive — but antiquated state systems are likely to take weeks to restore the benefits.
Republicans in the Senate had been fighting to trim back the $600 benefit, saying it must be slashed so that people don’t make more in unemployment than they would if they returned to work. But their resolve weakened as the benefit expired, and Trump abruptly undercut their position by signaling he wants to keep the full $600 for now.
On Friday, Trump used Twitter to explicitly endorse extending the $600 payment and to criticize Schumer.
Washington’s top power players agree that Congress must pass further relief in the coming days and weeks. At stake beyond the $600 per week jobless benefit is a fresh $1,200 direct payment to most Americans, and hundreds of billions of dollars in other aid to states, businesses and the poor, among other elements.
Democrats hold a strong negotiating hand — exploiting GOP divisions — and they are expected to deliver a necessary trove of votes.
The COVID package will be the fifth legislative response to the pandemic and could well be the last one before the November election. The only other must-pass legislation on the agenda is a stopgap spending measure that should advance in September.
Since May, Republicans controlling the Senate had kept the relief negotiations on “pause” in a strategy aimed at reducing its price tag. But as the pandemic surged back over the summer — and as fractures inside the GOP have eroded the party’s negotiating position — Republicans displayed some greater flexibility.
Even with signs of progress in the talks, the list of items to negotiate remains daunting.
McConnell’s must-have item is a liability shield from lawsuits for businesses, schools, and charities that reopen as the pandemic goes on. The GOP’s business allies are strong backers but the nation’s trial lawyers retain considerable clout in opposition. A compromise is probably a challenging but necessary part of a final deal.
Among the priorities for Democrats is a boost in food stamp benefits. Republicans added $20 billion for agribusinesses but no increase for food stamp benefits in their $1 trillion proposal. Meadows played a role in killing an increase in food aid during talks on the $2 trillion relief bill in March, but Pelosi appears determined. The food stamp increases, many economists say, provide an immediate injection of demand into the economy in addition to combating growing poverty.
Food aid was the first item Pelosi mentioned in a letter to fellow Democrats apprising them of the progress.
“This is a very different kind of negotiation, because of what is at stake. Millions of children are food insecure, millions of families are at risk of eviction, and for the nineteenth straight week, over 1 million Americans applied for unemployment insurance,” Pelosi said.


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Police investigating homicide in Aurora

Police investigating homicide in Aurora

Aurora police are investigating a shooting Saturday afternoon that left one person dead .
Authorities found an adult male deceased @ @ @ @ @ Beeler Street , police tweeted .
No suspect information was immediately available .
Beeler Street @ @ @ @ @ unknown amount of time , police said .
Anyone with information is asked to Crime @ @ @ @ @ .

Aurora police are investigating a shooting Saturday afternoon that left one person dead.
Authorities found an adult male deceased in the 1700 block of Beeler Street, police tweeted.
No suspect information was immediately available. Beeler Street will stay closed for an unknown amount of time, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP or 303-627-3100.


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Meet the Asian mud dauber, Colorado’s newest non-native hunter wasp now eating spiders in your garde

Meet the Asian mud dauber, Colorado’s newest non-native hunter wasp now eating spiders in your garden

I take the darting and buzzing of flying insects in my garden almost for granted .
I have a general idea of what is out there and what they are doing , and I am happy they are part of the summer landscape .
The most recognizable ones like honeybees , bumblebees , ladybugs and butterflies are the easiest to spot , so are the common pests that wreak havoc on many of my favorite plants .
But what about finding a new insect that hasn ’ t been part of the regular crowd of pollen seekers and plant chewers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in my garden , and here ’ s my story .
First some background .
Colorado has the distinction of being the first state in the country to find and identify another non-native insect — the Asian mud dauber .
When I found it , I had no idea it was a newbie to the state and America .
Other non-native , plant-destroying pests like Japanese beetle and Emerald Ash borer first arrived in America from their native regions and then populated the eastern and mid-western parts of the United States before making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dauber , which I first found in my landscape in 2016 , is native to Asia , India , Pakistan and Nepal and since the 1970s has been established in parts of Europe and more recently Quebec , Ohio and Michigan .
It is a hunting wasp , not at all like familiar social wasps we know — yellowjackets , paper wasps and hornets that build wasp colonies to raise their young .
Hunting wasps , including the Asian mud dauber , are like many other established hunting wasps in Colorado .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works alone to build solitary nests somewhere in the yard , under or above ground , near and on structures .
After building the nest they search for specific insects to paralyze and return to their nest to feed to their developing larvae , also called grubs .
Hunting wasps may look fearsome , yet they rarely sting — unless of course you try to catch one and hold it in your hand .
The Asian mud dauber ( Sceliphron curvatum ) was first found in Colorado in El Paso County in 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heidi .
How exactly they arrived in Colorado is anyone ’ s guess — packing material , shared plant material or hitchhiking in a car ?
I am the second person to find them in Colorado and they are now in several counties .
Eric Eaton , a Colorado Springs resident and author of “ The Kaufman Field Guide of North American Insects ” , said that finding the Asian mud dauber was happenstance by his wife and that any gardener who wishes to “ observe and record ” insects in their garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new .
You simply need to be the first person , at the right time , in the right place , and have some curiosity .
The Asian mud dauber is a relative to the Colorado well-established black-and-yellow mud dauber ( Sceliphron caementarium ) and blue mud dauber ( Chalybion californicum ) .
All three can be up to an inch or more in length and share a similar body shape , very unmistakable if you see one .
They have a narrow body plus an extremely thin petiole ( waist ) between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coincide with their coloring , except for the Asian mud dauber , which is dark , brown-black with brown-reddish legs and yellow or orange-yellow bands .
The females of all three types do the heavy lifting in making mud homes for their progeny .
The differences between the three is where they make their nests ( location , location , location ) with some variations in construction methods .
The blue mud dauber , the prettiest of the three , with her blue-black sheen , takes an easy path — she does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she seeks existing abandoned mud nests and takes them over .
She is more of a renter than a builder .
Another difference between the three is the type of insect each mud dauber targets to provision the nests — any backyard-sleuth entomologists out there might find this the most interesting habit of mud daubers .
They seek out spiders as insect prey .
Not just any spider , each type of mud dauber has their own special list of spiders to pursue .
Once the mud cells are built or found they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other areas in the landscape .
The female mud dauber knows just how to approach the spider she wants and when found gives it a paralyzing sting .
The stunned spider , and many more that will fill up the cocoon nest , are brought back to await the final pièce de résistance from the female mud dauber .
She lays one single egg on top of the mass of spider prey , for future sustenance once the egg grows to the next stage — a hungry larva , or grub .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the female mud dauber seals the cell with one last dab of mud .
The developing larva will feed on the spiders until it pupates and emerges as an adult .
This is the part where you want to know if the spiders are alive after being stung , hauled from their locale , given a helicopter ride followed by being stuffed and trapped in a mud structure only to be eaten by a developing grub .
The short answer , yes .
If the Asian mud dauber is like the black-and-yellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second generation in one summer .
Late summer larvae will hold in place ( diapause ) in the cocoon until next summer when they will pupate and begin the cycle again .
The more common black-and-yellow mud dauber ’ s nests are more like mud condominiums with several cells built closely together , then mudded over for a consistent plaster look .
These can be found under eaves , in corners of buildings , places that remain dry , so the condo is kept intact .
Again , the blue mud dauber will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cells originally built by the black-and-yellow mud dauber and possibly the Asian mud dauber .
Her favorite spiders to add to her mud queue are western widow and comb-footed spiders .
She knows exactly how to lure them from their web or simply pluck them straight out .
Fast forward to our house in August 2016 .
While I was cleaning windows , I was surprised to find stacked ( up and down ) and consecutive ( across the top ) rows of cylindrical mud cocoons attached to the inner frame channels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find a dead gnat or two , not Asian mud daubers .
I did some research for identification and reached out to a few people , but they were not confirmed as Asian mud daubers until 2018 by Whitney Cranshaw , Ph.D. , an entomologist at CSU .
Next trip to Denver he stopped by to examine and dissect some of the cocoons and check out the type of spiders they most preferred as prey .
He found jumping spiders , prowling and running crab spiders .
These types of spiders are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed to web-building spiders .
Great , so now I know what these mud cells are in our windows , what ’ s next ?
Will they be back next year and the next ?
Will they make nests elsewhere on or near our house ?
Answers — yes , they ’ ll be back next year and the next ; yes , they can find other hidden , often tucked away places to build nests .
One year we found them in the garage on the underneath frame of our patio furniture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her garden shed under a shelf .
The Asian mud dauber ’ s arrival to Colorado shouldn ’ t be a big deal , they are not displacing other common mud daubers and there are plenty of spiders to go around in landscapes .
Spiders are beneficial in their own right — eating earwigs , flies and mosquitoes .
Asian mud daubers won ’ t harm us , however , their mud nests may leave remnants on surfaces when removed .
I guess I can ’ t blame them for tying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our windows , every summer !
?
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I take the darting and buzzing of flying insects in my garden almost for granted. I have a general idea of what is out there and what they are doing, and I am happy they are part of the summer landscape. The most recognizable ones like honeybees, bumblebees, ladybugs and butterflies are the easiest to spot, so are the common pests that wreak havoc on many of my favorite plants. But what about finding a new insect that hasn’t been part of the regular crowd of pollen seekers and plant chewers? It happened not too long ago in my garden, and here’s my story. First some background.
Colorado has the distinction of being the first state in the country to find and identify another non-native insect — the Asian mud dauber. When I found it, I had no idea it was a newbie to the state and America. Other non-native, plant-destroying pests like Japanese beetle and Emerald Ash borer first arrived in America from their native regions and then populated the eastern and mid-western parts of the United States before making it to Colorado.
The Asian mud dauber, which I first found in my landscape in 2016, is native to Asia, India, Pakistan and Nepal and since the 1970s has been established in parts of Europe and more recently Quebec, Ohio and Michigan. It is a hunting wasp, not at all like familiar social wasps we know — yellowjackets, paper wasps and hornets that build wasp colonies to raise their young.
Hunting wasps, including the Asian mud dauber, are like many other established hunting wasps in Colorado. They share the same behaviors where the female works alone to build solitary nests somewhere in the yard, under or above ground, near and on structures. After building the nest they search for specific insects to paralyze and return to their nest to feed to their developing larvae, also called grubs. Hunting wasps may look fearsome, yet they rarely sting — unless of course you try to catch one and hold it in your hand.
The Asian mud dauber (Sceliphron curvatum) was first found in Colorado in El Paso County in 2014 by Eric Eaton’s wife, Heidi. How exactly they arrived in Colorado is anyone’s guess — packing material, shared plant material or hitchhiking in a car? I am the second person to find them in Colorado and they are now in several counties.
Eric Eaton, a Colorado Springs resident and author of “The Kaufman Field Guide of North American Insects”, said that finding the Asian mud dauber was happenstance by his wife and that any gardener who wishes to “observe and record” insects in their garden could be the first to find something new. You simply need to be the first person, at the right time, in the right place, and have some curiosity.
The Asian mud dauber is a relative to the Colorado well-established black-and-yellow mud dauber (Sceliphron caementarium) and blue mud dauber (Chalybion californicum). All three can be up to an inch or more in length and share a similar body shape, very unmistakable if you see one. They have a narrow body plus an extremely thin petiole (waist) between the thorax and abdomen. Their names coincide with their coloring, except for the Asian mud dauber, which is dark, brown-black with brown-reddish legs and yellow or orange-yellow bands.
The females of all three types do the heavy lifting in making mud homes for their progeny. The differences between the three is where they make their nests (location, location, location) with some variations in construction methods. The blue mud dauber, the prettiest of the three, with her blue-black sheen, takes an easy path — she does not build new mud nests or cells, she seeks existing abandoned mud nests and takes them over. She is more of a renter than a builder. Another difference between the three is the type of insect each mud dauber targets to provision the nests — any backyard-sleuth entomologists out there might find this the most interesting habit of mud daubers. They seek out spiders as insect prey. Not just any spider, each type of mud dauber has their own special list of spiders to pursue.
Once the mud cells are built or found they hunt live spiders found outside around plants and other areas in the landscape. The female mud dauber knows just how to approach the spider she wants and when found gives it a paralyzing sting. The stunned spider, and many more that will fill up the cocoon nest, are brought back to await the final pièce de résistance from the female mud dauber. She lays one single egg on top of the mass of spider prey, for future sustenance once the egg grows to the next stage — a hungry larva, or grub.
Before flying off to start another build, the female mud dauber seals the cell with one last dab of mud. The developing larva will feed on the spiders until it pupates and emerges as an adult. This is the part where you want to know if the spiders are alive after being stung, hauled from their locale, given a helicopter ride followed by being stuffed and trapped in a mud structure only to be eaten by a developing grub. The short answer, yes.
If the Asian mud dauber is like the black-and-yellow mud dauber then it will produce a second generation in one summer. Late summer larvae will hold in place (diapause) in the cocoon until next summer when they will pupate and begin the cycle again.
The more common black-and-yellow mud dauber’s nests are more like mud condominiums with several cells built closely together, then mudded over for a consistent plaster look. These can be found under eaves, in corners of buildings, places that remain dry, so the condo is kept intact. Again, the blue mud dauber will fill her nests with spiders in stolen cells originally built by the black-and-yellow mud dauber and possibly the Asian mud dauber. Her favorite spiders to add to her mud queue are western widow and comb-footed spiders. She knows exactly how to lure them from their web or simply pluck them straight out.
Fast forward to our house in August 2016. While I was cleaning windows, I was surprised to find stacked (up and down) and consecutive (across the top) rows of cylindrical mud cocoons attached to the inner frame channels of our hinge-styled windows. I was expecting to find a dead gnat or two, not Asian mud daubers. I did some research for identification and reached out to a few people, but they were not confirmed as Asian mud daubers until 2018 by Whitney Cranshaw, Ph.D., an entomologist at CSU.
Next trip to Denver he stopped by to examine and dissect some of the cocoons and check out the type of spiders they most preferred as prey. He found jumping spiders, prowling and running crab spiders.
These types of spiders are found crawling around and on plants as opposed to web-building spiders.
Great, so now I know what these mud cells are in our windows, what’s next? Will they be back next year and the next? Will they make nests elsewhere on or near our house? Answers — yes, they’ll be back next year and the next; yes, they can find other hidden, often tucked away places to build nests. One year we found them in the garage on the underneath frame of our patio furniture. A friend of mine found some in her garden shed under a shelf.
The Asian mud dauber’s arrival to Colorado shouldn’t be a big deal, they are not displacing other common mud daubers and there are plenty of spiders to go around in landscapes.
Spiders are beneficial in their own right — eating earwigs, flies and mosquitoes. Asian mud daubers won’t harm us, however, their mud nests may leave remnants on surfaces when removed.
I guess I can’t blame them for tying to raise their family, but really, in our windows, every summer!?
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Mountain bikers dodge gunfire in Steamboat Springs during “harrowing” encounter with men shooting gu

Mountain bikers dodge gunfire in Steamboat Springs during “harrowing” encounter with men shooting guns

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS – Two mountain bikers became the unsuspecting victims of gunfire while riding Wednesday along a trail on Buffalo Pass outside of Steamboat Springs .
It was just before 7:20 p.m. when Cole Sibelius and his friend Riley Schumm heard the loud crack of bullets as they rode Flash of Gold , a popular biking and hiking trail .
Afraid for their lives , they immediately ducked for cover .
Schumm hid behind a rock , and Sibelius found a large enough pine tree to use for protection .
After the shooting stopped , the two bikers returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There , they met with a deputy to recount their side of the story .
Initially , the deputy did not seem to understand the danger they were in , Sibelius said .
The deputy had spoken with the shooters at the scene but did not issue any citations .
After the two bikers explained what happened , the deputy issued court summons to three out-of-state men for the alleged prohibited use of a weapon .
Lt. Ryan Adrian with the Sheriff ’ s Office did not respond directly to the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deputies who responded .
Deputies found three handguns at the scene , which were legal and therefore not confiscated .
According to that report , it appeared the three men firing the weapons had been drinking that night .
Read more about the incident in our partner paper Steamboat Pilot & Today .
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter , The Adventurist , to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox .

By Derek Maiolo, Steamboat Pilot & Today
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS – Two mountain bikers became the unsuspecting victims of gunfire while riding Wednesday along a trail on Buffalo Pass outside of Steamboat Springs.
It was just before 7:20 p.m. when Cole Sibelius and his friend Riley Schumm heard the loud crack of bullets as they rode Flash of Gold, a popular biking and hiking trail. Afraid for their lives, they immediately ducked for cover. Schumm hid behind a rock, and Sibelius found a large enough pine tree to use for protection.
After the shooting stopped, the two bikers returned to the trailhead near the Dry Lake Campground. There, they met with a deputy to recount their side of the story. Initially, the deputy did not seem to understand the danger they were in, Sibelius said. The deputy had spoken with the shooters at the scene but did not issue any citations.
After the two bikers explained what happened, the deputy issued court summons to three out-of-state men for the alleged prohibited use of a weapon. Lt. Ryan Adrian with the Sheriff’s Office did not respond directly to the incident but explained the crime report written by the deputies who responded.
Deputies found three handguns at the scene, which were legal and therefore not confiscated. According to that report, it appeared the three men firing the weapons had been drinking that night.
Read more about the incident in our partner paper Steamboat Pilot & Today.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-08-02--Letters: Simply asking a reasonable question about abortion (8/2/20)

I would like to set the record straight on the late-term abortion restriction on the ballot in November .
Ian Silverii parrots the talking points of abortion extremists , which does a disservice to Colorado voters .
From its inception , Democrats , independents , and Republicans have been involved with and supported the initiative .
This is reflected in the 153,204 valid signatures collected by the petitioners , despite the challenge of a global pandemic .
I am a member of a progressive group of Democrats that helped conceive of and successfully promote the initiative .
The initiative is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy to enforce .
The initiative restricts abortion after 22 weeks , except if the woman ’ s life is in jeopardy .
This gestational age was chosen because there is a broad support in the United States for restrictions of late-term abortions .
A 22-week old fetus is biologically indistinguishable from a baby born at 22 weeks gestation .
If a baby can survive outside the womb with medical intervention , it is cruel and unjust to be able to kill her in the womb .
In the tragic circumstance of rape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months to pursue abortion if that is her choice .
Prenatal screening for chromosomal fetal abnormalities occurs in the first trimester .
Later screening for structural fetal abnormalities can be completed by 18-20 weeks — before the 22-week gestational age called for in the initiative .
This is a common-sense initiative that should appeal to all Coloradans .
I was dismayed to learn that , despite my best efforts , I am actually sneaky , deceptive , disgusting , craven , intellectually dishonest , oppressive and even diabolical ( some words used in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s stereotypical language flies in the face of his own progressive values .
Demeaning people with whom he disagrees is an example of what is not working in today ’ s divided culture .
It seems to me those from the pro-life camp have every reason to wonder if broad access to abortion is morally effective to empower women .
I have been surprised that there is not more internal criticism of abortion from the left .
The party that typically stands up for the oppressed does an about-face with abortion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our hands off their bodies , I think , “ How about keeping your hands off that baby.
” The legality and availability of abortion are probably thorny issues about which we simply need to keep talking .
Wanting the discussion to end with our solution in place is probably not going to happen and perhaps should not happen in a pluralistic society .
To humanize the discussion , we will benefit from seeking friends with differences and learning to speak civilly about critical topics .
Perhaps then , we could make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our democracy healthy and strong .
Not all ranchers are opposed to wolf restoration Coverage of ranching and land management issues often implies that ranchers are mostly right-wing extremists with knee-jerk opposition to any public involvement in public lands or wildlife issues , or policies to improve land health or restore a degree of wildness to our western landscapes .
That ’ s certainly the impression I got from the article profiling an arch-conservative rancher ’ s opposition to wolf recovery in Western Colorado .
But I know better , because I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Counties , and I ’ ve worked with ranchers around the West , including some in the Northern Rockies who have learned to coexist with wolves and grizzly bears .
Western ranching is undergoing a cultural shift , with a new generation that sees itself as practitioners of regenerative agriculture more than as commodity producers .
Yet those with the biggest hats and buckles speak the loudest , taking advantage of our community ’ s outsized influence on public policy .
The opinions of the gentleman featured in the story , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promoted as representative of the ranching community .
A recent survey by Colorado State University found that 70 % of Coloradans who identified as ranchers , and nearly 80 % of Western Slope residents , support wolf restoration .
We are going to have wolves , so let ’ s focus on doing it right .
Ranchers ’ land ethic expanding to include the full suite of native wildlife will be the real story .
I have been ranching for more than 35 years .
Should I be concerned about another apex predator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Sure , these animals are my livelihood , but I know it will make me a better rancher because it will make me more diligent , observant and aware of my place in this world and how I interact in this natural environment .
Wolves belong to Colorado .
Colorado belongs to the wolves .
We eliminated them because of self-serving interests .
It ’ s time to expand our thinking and awareness about what is best for this planet , which is what ’ s best for humanity .
The coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaves us with a lesson .
Learn to cohabit or nature will find extreme ways to reclaim its space .
Think about it .
Giving the wolves a better place to thrive and coexist with us is just a small step toward a larger , global responsibility we have to this planet , ourselves and our children .
How to help Denver ’ s homeless Krista Kafer ’ s recent article on homeless encampments continues her pattern of being long on complaining but short on understanding or solutions .
Homelessness is a problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to have .
The effect of the pandemic on shutting down many jobs will only make it worse .
Homelessness is in fact baked into the U.S. economic model wherein the rich get richer and the poor get poorer .
People encamping in highly visible government property is in many ways similar to an infant making a disturbance when in distress .
Homeless people are unhappy with their plight and want people to know it .
The system is rigged against them and they want to create a disturbance to change it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a solution to the problem of public spaces encampment and people sleeping in their cars on public streets .
The city should acquire a multi-story open sided parking garage specifically and totally devoted to homeless camping and car camping .
Alternate parking spaces could be kept empty to provide 6 feet of social distancing .
It should be near bus and light rail service .
Security , facilities , trash pickup , mailing addresses , occupant organization community betterment activities , transition out of homelessness services , families vs singles , and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a problem of our society that we will continue to have for decades .
We need give up on the idea of quick fixes to try to eliminate it , but rather plan for the long term where we provide respect and a stable location so people can focus on training and employment rather than the fear of having to move it or lose it camping .
Kafer ’ s commentary is exactly right .
I have lived in downtown Denver for 30 years and this is by far the worst I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more like inner city dump sites now .
I understand that we must find a better solution for the truly homeless people .
Unfortunately at this point it has become its own sub-culture , much like the 60 ’ s with the “ flower ” children .
The people that work and live downtown have rights as well .
We should be able to walk through Denver without having to try to plot a course that does not take us through mountains of trash and to feel safe where we live .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Redskins name is gone , so why are Savages still here ?
” July 26 sports commentary It seems that Sean Keeler wants to be righteous and jump on the cancel culture bandwagon .
This rush to change mascot names relating to American Indians that is following on the Black Lives Matter phenomenon is something that owners and fans should not get coerced into .
For one thing , I believe many American natives view the mascot names as an honor not a disparagement .
The term savage may be harsh but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depict that tribes such as the Apache , Comanche , and Kiowa who fought savagely to maintain their way of life .
From my research the term redskins came not from a characterization of American Indians ’ skin color but rather from red body paint that Indians in northeastern North America wore .
If I were a person involved with the situation in Lamar , I certainly would not rush into any hasty decisions , especially at the behest of The Denver Post telling small-town Coloradans what ’ s what .
The controversy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ Savages ” could be resolved by not changing the mascot name , but by changing the artwork and who they are portraying as vicious .
If the symbols and icons represented were of Colonel Chivington and his men of the Colorado Militia , with images of them killing women , children , old men , and taking trophies of their victims at nearby Sand Creek , then that would more accurately represent history .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or mail .

Simply asking a reasonable question about abortion
Re: “Supreme Court, abortion loom large in Nov. election,” July 26 commentary
I would like to set the record straight on the late-term abortion restriction on the ballot in November. Ian Silverii parrots the talking points of abortion extremists, which does a disservice to Colorado voters.
From its inception, Democrats, independents, and Republicans have been involved with and supported the initiative. This is reflected in the 153,204 valid signatures collected by the petitioners, despite the challenge of a global pandemic. I am a member of a progressive group of Democrats that helped conceive of and successfully promote the initiative.
The initiative is hardly “arbitrary” and it is easy to enforce. The initiative restricts abortion after 22 weeks, except if the woman’s life is in jeopardy. This gestational age was chosen because there is a broad support in the United States for restrictions of late-term abortions. A 22-week old fetus is biologically indistinguishable from a baby born at 22 weeks gestation. If a baby can survive outside the womb with medical intervention, it is cruel and unjust to be able to kill her in the womb.
In the tragic circumstance of rape or incest, a woman has five months to pursue abortion if that is her choice. Prenatal screening for chromosomal fetal abnormalities occurs in the first trimester. Later screening for structural fetal abnormalities can be completed by 18-20 weeks — before the 22-week gestational age called for in the initiative.
This is a common-sense initiative that should appeal to all Coloradans.
Thomas J. Perille, Englewood
I was dismayed to learn that, despite my best efforts, I am actually sneaky, deceptive, disgusting, craven, intellectually dishonest, oppressive and even diabolical (some words used in reference to Proposition 115). Silverii’s stereotypical language flies in the face of his own progressive values. Demeaning people with whom he disagrees is an example of what is not working in today’s divided culture. It seems to me those from the pro-life camp have every reason to wonder if broad access to abortion is morally effective to empower women. I have been surprised that there is not more internal criticism of abortion from the left. The party that typically stands up for the oppressed does an about-face with abortion. When Democratic women advise us to keep our hands off their bodies, I think, “How about keeping your hands off that baby.” The legality and availability of abortion are probably thorny issues about which we simply need to keep talking. Wanting the discussion to end with our solution in place is probably not going to happen and perhaps should not happen in a pluralistic society. To humanize the discussion, we will benefit from seeking friends with differences and learning to speak civilly about critical topics. Perhaps then, we could make the policy compromises that work best and keep our democracy healthy and strong.
Russell A. Thye, Loveland
Not all ranchers are opposed to wolf restoration
Re: “Wary ranchers fear ballot issue,” July 26 news story
Coverage of ranching and land management issues often implies that ranchers are mostly right-wing extremists with knee-jerk opposition to any public involvement in public lands or wildlife issues, or policies to improve land health or restore a degree of wildness to our western landscapes. That’s certainly the impression I got from the article profiling an arch-conservative rancher’s opposition to wolf recovery in Western Colorado.
But I know better, because I’ve run cattle in Montrose and Gunnison Counties, and I’ve worked with ranchers around the West, including some in the Northern Rockies who have learned to coexist with wolves and grizzly bears. Western ranching is undergoing a cultural shift, with a new generation that sees itself as practitioners of regenerative agriculture more than as commodity producers.
Yet those with the biggest hats and buckles speak the loudest, taking advantage of our community’s outsized influence on public policy. The opinions of the gentleman featured in the story, a former county commissioner, shouldn’t be promoted as representative of the ranching community.
A recent survey by Colorado State University found that 70% of Coloradans who identified as ranchers, and nearly 80% of Western Slope residents, support wolf restoration. We are going to have wolves, so let’s focus on doing it right. Ranchers’ land ethic expanding to include the full suite of native wildlife will be the real story.
Matt Barnes, Dolores
I have been ranching for more than 35 years. Should I be concerned about another apex predator that could cause harm to my animals? Sure, these animals are my livelihood, but I know it will make me a better rancher because it will make me more diligent, observant and aware of my place in this world and how I interact in this natural environment.
Wolves belong to Colorado. Colorado belongs to the wolves. We eliminated them because of self-serving interests. It’s time to expand our thinking and awareness about what is best for this planet, which is what’s best for humanity.
The coronavirus pandemic is a wake-up call and it leaves us with a lesson. Learn to cohabit or nature will find extreme ways to reclaim its space. Think about it. Giving the wolves a better place to thrive and coexist with us is just a small step toward a larger, global responsibility we have to this planet, ourselves and our children.
John D. Longhill, Silverthorne
How to help Denver’s homeless
Re: “Homeless encampments near Capitol, Morey must go,” July 26 commentary
Krista Kafer’s recent article on homeless encampments continues her pattern of being long on complaining but short on understanding or solutions. Homelessness is a problem Colorado has had for decades and will continue to have. The effect of the pandemic on shutting down many jobs will only make it worse. Homelessness is in fact baked into the U.S. economic model wherein the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. People encamping in highly visible government property is in many ways similar to an infant making a disturbance when in distress. Homeless people are unhappy with their plight and want people to know it. The system is rigged against them and they want to create a disturbance to change it.
All that said, I have a solution to the problem of public spaces encampment and people sleeping in their cars on public streets. The city should acquire a multi-story open sided parking garage specifically and totally devoted to homeless camping and car camping. Alternate parking spaces could be kept empty to provide 6 feet of social distancing. It should be near bus and light rail service. Security, facilities, trash pickup, mailing addresses, occupant organization community betterment activities, transition out of homelessness services, families vs singles, and other details can be worked out. Homelessness is a problem of our society that we will continue to have for decades. We need give up on the idea of quick fixes to try to eliminate it, but rather plan for the long term where we provide respect and a stable location so people can focus on training and employment rather than the fear of having to move it or lose it camping.
Edward C Krug, Lakewood
Kafer’s commentary is exactly right. I have lived in downtown Denver for 30 years and this is by far the worst I have ever seen. The encampments are more like inner city dump sites now. I understand that we must find a better solution for the truly homeless people. Unfortunately at this point it has become its own sub-culture, much like the 60’s with the “flower” children. The people that work and live downtown have rights as well. We should be able to walk through Denver without having to try to plot a course that does not take us through mountains of trash and to feel safe where we live.
Brent McVeigh, Denver
What “savage” could mean
Re: “Redskins name is gone, so why are Savages still here?” July 26 sports commentary
It seems that Sean Keeler wants to be righteous and jump on the cancel culture bandwagon. This rush to change mascot names relating to American Indians that is following on the Black Lives Matter phenomenon is something that owners and fans should not get coerced into. For one thing, I believe many American natives view the mascot names as an honor not a disparagement. The term savage may be harsh but on the other hand, it may depict that tribes such as the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa who fought savagely to maintain their way of life. From my research the term redskins came not from a characterization of American Indians’ skin color but rather from red body paint that Indians in northeastern North America wore. If I were a person involved with the situation in Lamar, I certainly would not rush into any hasty decisions, especially at the behest of The Denver Post telling small-town Coloradans what’s what.
Steve Lloyd, Cheyenne
The controversy over Lamar High Schools’ mascot name of “Savages” could be resolved by not changing the mascot name, but by changing the artwork and who they are portraying as vicious. If the symbols and icons represented were of Colonel Chivington and his men of the Colorado Militia, with images of them killing women, children, old men, and taking trophies of their victims at nearby Sand Creek, then that would more accurately represent history.
Mike Thomas, Pueblo
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.