mercurynews--2020-01-28--Horoscopes Jan. 28, 2020: Elijah Wood, pull yourself together

Happy Birthday : Take a deep breath , and pull yourself together .
Stay ahead of any competition you meet by being fully prepared .
Don ’ t lose sight of your objective .
You will reach your destination , regardless of the obstacles you encounter along the way .
Persistence will be necessary if you want to stay in control .
Caution should be maintained this year .
Your numbers are 3 , 17 , 20 , 26 , 38 , 42 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Speed things up if you think it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take shortcuts .
Someone will deceive you regarding a rule or regulation you should be aware of before you commit to a project or proposal .
Practice moderation .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Take a step back if uncertainty prevails .
Go over details , dissect opportunities and make decisions based on what you discover .
Observation and intuitive insight will help you make the best decision .
Refuse to let someone push you one way or another .
4 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and don ’ t trust anyone who is hovering over you or being too complimentary .
You ’ ll be disappointed if you leave essential details in someone else ’ s hands .
Take control , and speak your mind .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : How you handle the people you work alongside will make a difference .
If you are generous with your compliments , offer solid suggestions and put in extra and unexpected details , you will surpass your expectations .
Romance is in the stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 ) : Question everyone and everything .
Gather facts , and put in the energy required to go the extra mile .
How you handle situations , people and projects will make a difference .
An unexpected change will put you on the spot .
Don ’ t wait ; act quickly .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Interact with people who have something interesting to offer .
Someone you encounter will spark your interest and prompt you to make changes to the way you live or do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will improve your life .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Think before you act .
A misleading situation , coupled with someone hustling you , will push you in a direction you shouldn ’ t head .
Be aware of the changes taking place around you , and consider if you want to be a part of what ’ s going on .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : You ’ ll get a different perspective on life , where you want to go next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next chapter of your life .
If you ’ re going to find peace and happiness , live your dream , not someone else ’ s .
Spiritual growth is encouraged .
5 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Make decisions that fit into your schedule , and consider your plans .
If you let someone tempt you with something that sounds too good to be valid , you will be disappointed in the outcome .
Refuse to let anyone take advantage of you .
2 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , money matters and any health and physical concerns you might have .
A positive change should include a healthier lifestyle .
Let what ’ s happened help you choose a better future .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Follow through with your plans , regardless of what others do or say .
Consider your options if boredom is troubling you .
Look at ways to diversify , and you will find something that makes you feel excited and alive .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caution and be responsible for your actions .
You ’ ll have to make decisions that can lead to trouble or a truce .
Play fair , do your best and stand up for those who can ’ t .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are competitive , disciplined and resourceful .
You are confident and original .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Ariel Winter, 22; Elijah Wood, 39; Sarah McLachlan, 52; Frank Darabont, 61.
Happy Birthday: Take a deep breath, and pull yourself together. Stay ahead of any competition you meet by being fully prepared. Don’t lose sight of your objective. You will reach your destination, regardless of the obstacles you encounter along the way. Persistence will be necessary if you want to stay in control. Caution should be maintained this year. Your numbers are 3, 17, 20, 26, 38, 42, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Speed things up if you think it will help, but don’t take shortcuts. Someone will deceive you regarding a rule or regulation you should be aware of before you commit to a project or proposal. Practice moderation. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take a step back if uncertainty prevails. Go over details, dissect opportunities and make decisions based on what you discover. Observation and intuitive insight will help you make the best decision. Refuse to let someone push you one way or another. 4 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Speak up, do your own thing and don’t trust anyone who is hovering over you or being too complimentary. You’ll be disappointed if you leave essential details in someone else’s hands. Take control, and speak your mind. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): How you handle the people you work alongside will make a difference. If you are generous with your compliments, offer solid suggestions and put in extra and unexpected details, you will surpass your expectations. Romance is in the stars. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Question everyone and everything. Gather facts, and put in the energy required to go the extra mile. How you handle situations, people and projects will make a difference. An unexpected change will put you on the spot. Don’t wait; act quickly. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Interact with people who have something interesting to offer. Someone you encounter will spark your interest and prompt you to make changes to the way you live or do things. Romance is in the stars and will improve your life. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Think before you act. A misleading situation, coupled with someone hustling you, will push you in a direction you shouldn’t head. Be aware of the changes taking place around you, and consider if you want to be a part of what’s going on. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’ll get a different perspective on life, where you want to go next and how you see yourself spending the next chapter of your life. If you’re going to find peace and happiness, live your dream, not someone else’s. Spiritual growth is encouraged. 5 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Make decisions that fit into your schedule, and consider your plans. If you let someone tempt you with something that sounds too good to be valid, you will be disappointed in the outcome. Refuse to let anyone take advantage of you. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Go over your papers, money matters and any health and physical concerns you might have. A positive change should include a healthier lifestyle. Let what’s happened help you choose a better future. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Follow through with your plans, regardless of what others do or say. Consider your options if boredom is troubling you. Look at ways to diversify, and you will find something that makes you feel excited and alive. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Stay calm, approach situations with caution and be responsible for your actions. You’ll have to make decisions that can lead to trouble or a truce. Play fair, do your best and stand up for those who can’t. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are competitive, disciplined and resourceful. You are confident and original.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-01-28--Ask Amy: This great guy tried to kill himself. Do I pretend I don’t know?

DEAR AMY : I work at a small law firm where we are treated more as family than employees .
One of our hardest-working , most dedicated , and passionate employees tried to kill himself a few days ago .
We are all saddened by the news , relieved that he wasn ’ t successful , and shocked because we had no idea he was suffering .
His job here is secure , and hopefully he will be coming back .
My question is selfish .
What do I say to him the next time we meet ?
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to be respectful of his privacy , but I also want to let him know he is valued .
Should I just pretend that nothing happened ?
• Ask Amy : We ’ re the same age but she treats me like a child • Ask Amy : She says she gets to pick where I ’ ll die • Ask Amy : I ’ m still upset by my houseguests ’ overheard gossip • Ask Amy : My boyfriend is interfering with my social media presence • Ask Amy : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site if they don ’ t want to date ?
DEAR WALKER : If your colleague returns to work , I assume that he will feel more on a tightrope than anyone .
He might be most relieved to be greeted with a sincere : “ Wow , we missed you .
Welcome back , pal .
I ’ m so happy you ’ re here.
” After a mental health crisis , people feel on stage .
It can be a relief to step back into the world and reintegrate into life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns .
You want to be the person who doesn ’ t dwell on his personal drama — the person who will allow him to move forward , without a lot of prurient curiosity or judgment attached .
Of course , if he initiates a conversation about his challenges , listen sympathetically , don ’ t offer up any comparisons to other people or situations , don ’ t pile on any advice , and simply — accept him as he is .
DEAR AMY : Several months ago , my personal physician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absent from the office for three months .
I saw one of her partners several times in the interim , but all my inquiries about the health of my personal MD were met by shrugged shoulders — no one in the office seemed to know what was wrong or when or if my doctor would return .
Apparently , she is now back .
I realize that the doctor has a right to privacy .
But the abrupt nature of her departure , and the strange silence within the office as to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have been suffering from a mental health condition or perhaps drug or alcohol addiction .
Obviously , this is all speculation on my part , but I would have thought if she had a serious illness — even cancer — that this information would have been shared with her patients .
Should I continue to entrust my care to her ?
I don ’ t want to judge her , but at the same time , I want a physician who is mentally astute .
I know mental health and substance abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the relapse rate is high .
Should I come right out and ask her ?
DEAR CONCERNED : Trust your physician .
If you trusted her before , you should trust her now .
She might have been absent due to a family obligation .
Cancer , depression , alcoholism — or any physical , mental or emotional malady you could imagine — is treatable .
Furthermore , your assumption that a person can not competently work despite grappling with illness ( or after recovery ) is flawed .
If your physician is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back at work .
The only real issue ( in my mind ) would be if she had been suspended for legal or professional reasons .
You can check on any possible suspensions or disciplinary actions by going to your state ’ s Health Department website and following the link for the Office of Professional Medical Conduct .
If you continue to be curious about your doctor ’ s absence , you should ask .
Whether she chooses to disclose the reason behind her absence , she should offer you reassurance that her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The letter from “ Buzz Killed in Boston ” brought back a memory .
I was a teen and was in the shop owned by a couple .
The woman ’ s mother had recently died , and I expressed my sympathy .
She then related the entire sequence of events , beginning to end , of her mom ’ s last moments .
I listened … it lasted for at least 20 minutes .
I then gave her a hug and repeated my comment .
About 10 years later , home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the street downtown .
She gave me a hug , and said , “ I have never forgotten how you patiently listened to me back then as I unloaded on you .
Thank you for that.
” Sometimes , a sympathetic ear is all one needs to make it one more day .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: I work at a small law firm where we are treated more as family than employees. One of our hardest-working, most dedicated, and passionate employees tried to kill himself a few days ago.
We are all saddened by the news, relieved that he wasn’t successful, and shocked because we had no idea he was suffering.
His job here is secure, and hopefully he will be coming back.
My question is selfish. What do I say to him the next time we meet? We are friendly, but not exactly close. I want to be respectful of his privacy, but I also want to let him know he is valued. Should I just pretend that nothing happened?
Tightrope Walker
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy DEAR WALKER: If your colleague returns to work, I assume that he will feel more on a tightrope than anyone. He might be most relieved to be greeted with a sincere: “Wow, we missed you. Welcome back, pal. I’m so happy you’re here.”
After a mental health crisis, people feel on stage. It can be a relief to step back into the world and reintegrate into life’s more normal rhythms and quotidian concerns.
You want to be the person who doesn’t dwell on his personal drama — the person who will allow him to move forward, without a lot of prurient curiosity or judgment attached.
Of course, if he initiates a conversation about his challenges, listen sympathetically, don’t offer up any comparisons to other people or situations, don’t pile on any advice, and simply — accept him as he is.
DEAR AMY: Several months ago, my personal physician abruptly canceled all her appointments and was absent from the office for three months.
I saw one of her partners several times in the interim, but all my inquiries about the health of my personal MD were met by shrugged shoulders — no one in the office seemed to know what was wrong or when or if my doctor would return. Apparently, she is now back.
I realize that the doctor has a right to privacy. But the abrupt nature of her departure, and the strange silence within the office as to the cause, makes me suspect that she may have been suffering from a mental health condition or perhaps drug or alcohol addiction. Obviously, this is all speculation on my part, but I would have thought if she had a serious illness — even cancer — that this information would have been shared with her patients.
Should I continue to entrust my care to her? I don’t want to judge her, but at the same time, I want a physician who is mentally astute. I know mental health and substance abuse conditions are treatable and I also know the relapse rate is high. Should I come right out and ask her?
Concerned Patient
DEAR CONCERNED: Trust your physician. If you trusted her before, you should trust her now. She might have been absent due to a family obligation. Cancer, depression, alcoholism — or any physical, mental or emotional malady you could imagine — is treatable. Furthermore, your assumption that a person cannot competently work despite grappling with illness (or after recovery) is flawed.
If your physician is back at work, then she is back at work. The only real issue (in my mind) would be if she had been suspended for legal or professional reasons. You can check on any possible suspensions or disciplinary actions by going to your state’s Health Department website and following the link for the Office of Professional Medical Conduct.
If you continue to be curious about your doctor’s absence, you should ask. Whether she chooses to disclose the reason behind her absence, she should offer you reassurance that her abilities are not diminished.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: The letter from “Buzz Killed in Boston” brought back a memory.
I was a teen and was in the shop owned by a couple. The woman’s mother had recently died, and I expressed my sympathy.
She then related the entire sequence of events, beginning to end, of her mom’s last moments. I listened … it lasted for at least 20 minutes. I then gave her a hug and repeated my comment.
About 10 years later, home for a visit, I met her on the street downtown. She gave me a hug, and said, “I have never forgotten how you patiently listened to me back then as I unloaded on you. Thank you for that.”
Sometimes, a sympathetic ear is all one needs to make it one more day.
No Regrets
DEAR NO REGRETS: Exactly.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-01-28--Letter: Stop cars running this Oakland light before someone dies

Does a pedestrian have to get killed before the city of Oakland addresses vehicles routinely running the red light at Lakeshore Avenue and Hanover Avenue ?
This intersection seems to have an abnormally long length and , with the crosswalk located at the north end of the intersection , it ’ s especially dangerous .
In addition , due to its central location on Lake Merritt and with this area being a popular place for families with children and pets to cross the street , the intersection becomes an even bigger public safety issue .
One solution is implementing red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , red light violations decreased by 40 % after red light cameras were installed .
• Letter : This is why Highway 1 needs a bike lane — on both sides • Letter : REI it is not the enemy regarding bikes in open spaces While we debate installing red light cameras , increasing the time between the red light and the walk sign would have an immediate effect on public safety .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to @ @

Install red-light cameras
for pedestrian safety
Does a pedestrian have to get killed before the city of Oakland addresses vehicles routinely running the red light at Lakeshore Avenue and Hanover Avenue?
This intersection seems to have an abnormally long length and, with the crosswalk located at the north end of the intersection, it’s especially dangerous.
In addition, due to its central location on Lake Merritt and with this area being a popular place for families with children and pets to cross the street, the intersection becomes an even bigger public safety issue.
One solution is implementing red light cameras. In two studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, red light violations decreased by 40% after red light cameras were installed.
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Craig Duckworth
Oakland
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-01-28--Letter: This is why Highway 1 needs a bike lane — on both sides

Highway 1 needs a bike lane on both sides Recently , we took a trip down the coast from San @ @ @ @ @ What should have been an idyllic drive was a harrowing experience , due to numerous @ @ @ @ @ .
These folks were merrily pedaling along , drifting into the traffic lanes and causing @ @ @ @ @ , often on blind curves , to avoid contact .
• Letter : Stop cars @ @ @ @ @ someone dies • Letter : REI it is not the enemy regarding bikes in open @ @ @ @ @ and the rudeness , it struck me that there is no earthly reason a bike @ @ @ @ @ built , on both sides of Highway 1 , to separate motorists from cyclists .
@ @ @ @ @ s just common sense Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more @ @ @ @

Highway 1 needs a bike
lane on both sides
Recently, we took a trip down the coast from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. What should have been an idyllic drive was a harrowing experience, due to numerous bicyclists riding along the highway.
These folks were merrily pedaling along, drifting into the traffic lanes and causing motorists to cross the median, often on blind curves, to avoid contact.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps Aside from the hazards and the rudeness, it struck me that there is no earthly reason a bike lane couldn’t be built, on both sides of Highway 1, to separate motorists from cyclists. Seems to me it’s just common sense
George Mathews
Antioch
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-01-28--Harriette Cole: I can’t afford to live ‘like an American’

DEAR HARRIETTE : I am an immigrant , and I have lived in this country for more than 20 years ; in fact , I am now an American citizen .
My problem is that as much as I want to visit my family in my home country , it is so expensive that I can go only every few years .
I save as much and spend as little as possible here , but my expenses are considerable .
Also , because I live in the United States , my family assumes that I am rich .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even though I don ’ t work there , and when I come home , I am expected to bring lots of gifts and money to give to everyone .
They don ’ t have any idea of what it costs to take care of just one person in the U.S .
They expect me to be able to take care of all of them — parents , siblings , cousins , aunts and uncles .
I can ’ t afford it .
How can I get them to understand ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my sister what I hear from her child ?
• Harriette Cole : I cringe when I think what a rotten wife I was • Harriette Cole : Should I tell her where I saw her underage kid ?
• Harriette Cole : The look she gave me makes me want to change DEAR ACROSS THE SEA : The biggest challenge you are facing is cultural .
Your family in your native home do not have a point of reference for what it means to afford a life in the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ live up to their expectations .
Unfortunately , your efforts have helped to reinforce their belief that you can afford it all .
The only way that they are going to be able to accept your reality is for you to accept it .
What ’ s more important : showering them with gifts and money , or seeing them ?
Evaluate that .
Sometimes the resources may be more important .
But other times , being in each other ’ s company is way more valuable .
You decide , and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you visit next , you will not be able to bring the bounty of items that usually come with you .
When you come with less , they may be disappointed at first , but they will come to accept the new reality .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I was just feeling pretty low , thinking about all of the things that aren ’ t going so well in my life right now .
I am getting older , fatter and broker than ever .
I am so worried that I won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself when I should be retiring .
I was getting kind of panicky the other day , and then I got the sweetest message from an old friend who wrote to say that I inspire him .
What ?
That was the kindest thing , but also unbelievable .
I feel like such a failure , and here he is singing my praises .
He really lifted my spirits .
I ’ m afraid that this good feeling won ’ t last .
What can I do to stay positive ?
DEAR FEELING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell my sisters and me to count our blessings , especially when we were feeling down .
She would urge us to write down what is good about our lives , from the tiniest things to bigger ones .
The list can include waking up in the morning , having food to eat , having a job , having loved ones or having the choice to rethink how you will spend the day .
Make your list , and allow it make you smile .
Then offer service .
Do something for someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your heart will warm .
Also , attend to your life .
Work on the things that need fixing so that you can improve your circumstances .
Don ’ t give up .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am an immigrant, and I have lived in this country for more than 20 years; in fact, I am now an American citizen.
My problem is that as much as I want to visit my family in my home country, it is so expensive that I can go only every few years. I save as much and spend as little as possible here, but my expenses are considerable.
Also, because I live in the United States, my family assumes that I am rich. I am expected to pay for the family homestead, even though I don’t work there, and when I come home, I am expected to bring lots of gifts and money to give to everyone.
They don’t have any idea of what it costs to take care of just one person in the U.S. They expect me to be able to take care of all of them — parents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles.
I can’t afford it. How can I get them to understand?
Across the Sea
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success DEAR ACROSS THE SEA: The biggest challenge you are facing is cultural. Your family in your native home do not have a point of reference for what it means to afford a life in the United States. You have been working very hard to live up to their expectations. Unfortunately, your efforts have helped to reinforce their belief that you can afford it all.
The only way that they are going to be able to accept your reality is for you to accept it. What’s more important: showering them with gifts and money, or seeing them? Evaluate that.
Sometimes the resources may be more important. But other times, being in each other’s company is way more valuable. You decide, and then make it clear to them that when you visit next, you will not be able to bring the bounty of items that usually come with you. When you come with less, they may be disappointed at first, but they will come to accept the new reality.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I was just feeling pretty low, thinking about all of the things that aren’t going so well in my life right now. I am getting older, fatter and broker than ever. I am so worried that I won’t have the resources to take care of myself when I should be retiring.
I was getting kind of panicky the other day, and then I got the sweetest message from an old friend who wrote to say that I inspire him. What? That was the kindest thing, but also unbelievable.
I feel like such a failure, and here he is singing my praises. He really lifted my spirits.
I’m afraid that this good feeling won’t last. What can I do to stay positive?
Feeling Down
DEAR FEELING DOWN: My mother always used to tell my sisters and me to count our blessings, especially when we were feeling down. She would urge us to write down what is good about our lives, from the tiniest things to bigger ones.
The list can include waking up in the morning, having food to eat, having a job, having loved ones or having the choice to rethink how you will spend the day. Make your list, and allow it make you smile.
Then offer service. Do something for someone who needs more than you, and your heart will warm. Also, attend to your life. Work on the things that need fixing so that you can improve your circumstances. Don’t give up.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-01-28--Miss Manners: I’m ready to boycott the wedding because of what the bride did to me

DEAR MISS MANNERS : My husband ’ s good friend is getting married to someone I have never been comfortable with ; something about her did not feel right .
When the invitation was received , my first and last name were spelled wrong , while my husband ’ s were not .
My husband got upset and emailed his friend , who responded , “ Not my lane.
” There have been a few emails back and forth , with the last one offering to resend the invitation .
At this point , I am not wanting to attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intentional .
Has this gone too far ?
Am I being too sensitive ?
Does the Big Day trump courtesy and etiquette ?
GENTLE READER : Are you spoiling for a fight ?
Call her naive , but Miss Manners has a hard time imagining any bride chortling as she deliberately misspells a guest ’ s name , thinking , “ That ’ ll show her what I think of her.
” • Miss Manners : I find it excruciating to get stuck talking with the wives • Miss Manners : The rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Miss Manners : These strangers are offended that I won ’ t tell all • Miss Manners : These two types of customers demand special treatment from me • Miss Manners : My personal time is precious , and these old friends don ’ t make the cut For that matter , your letter contained a misspelling and a missing apostrophe , which Miss Manners kindly supplied .
But now you are worrying her : Had you put them there in order to insult her ?
It is unpleasant to have one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are often shockingly careless about their guest lists .
But while having a Big Day is no excuse , it is hard to interpret extending a wedding invitation as a hostile act worthy of destroying a friendship .
However , your husband might try pleading having had a Bad Day to excuse his quibbling to his friend .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : What are my polite options when two people on either side of my seat lean across me and talk to each other for an extended conversation ?
( I am the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other . )
This has happened on airplanes , at children ’ s programs and at the opera .
I ’ d like to be friendly , but often one person holds my arm back to keep me out of their way !
I object to the touching , and also , of course , to the assumption that I don ’ t exist or don ’ t matter .
I ’ ve pulled out a book and positioned it strategically on a plane , to some effect , but this isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply endure until they are finished ?
GENTLE READER : Offer to change seats .
This is more likely to be accepted in theaters than on airplanes , where no one wants the middle seat .
But if you stand up and move into the aisle when you offer , Miss Manners would think they would find it awkward not to accept .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : I ’ ve seen two professional orchestral conductors wearing a white cummerbund with the white tie and tails of a man ’ s formal evening suit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer the proper garment to wear with this suit ?
Fortunately , conductors have their back turned to us most of the time .
GENTLE READER : Fortunately .
You are correct , but Miss Manners has seen worse on podiums , where a male desire to mess with formality has spread from the red carpet .
A charitable explanation would be that the waistcoat somehow restricts those wildly waving arms .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband’s good friend is getting married to someone I have never been comfortable with; something about her did not feel right. When the invitation was received, my first and last name were spelled wrong, while my husband’s were not.
My husband got upset and emailed his friend, who responded, “Not my lane.” There have been a few emails back and forth, with the last one offering to resend the invitation.
At this point, I am not wanting to attend the wedding because I feel this was intentional. Has this gone too far? Am I being too sensitive? Does the Big Day trump courtesy and etiquette?
GENTLE READER: Are you spoiling for a fight?
Call her naive, but Miss Manners has a hard time imagining any bride chortling as she deliberately misspells a guest’s name, thinking, “That’ll show her what I think of her.”
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It is unpleasant to have one’s name misspelled, and people are often shockingly careless about their guest lists. But while having a Big Day is no excuse, it is hard to interpret extending a wedding invitation as a hostile act worthy of destroying a friendship. However, your husband might try pleading having had a Bad Day to excuse his quibbling to his friend.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: What are my polite options when two people on either side of my seat lean across me and talk to each other for an extended conversation? (I am the stranger; they seem to know each other.) This has happened on airplanes, at children’s programs and at the opera.
I’d like to be friendly, but often one person holds my arm back to keep me out of their way! I object to the touching, and also, of course, to the assumption that I don’t exist or don’t matter. I’ve pulled out a book and positioned it strategically on a plane, to some effect, but this isn’t appropriate at performances. Must I simply endure until they are finished?
GENTLE READER: Offer to change seats. This is more likely to be accepted in theaters than on airplanes, where no one wants the middle seat. But if you stand up and move into the aisle when you offer, Miss Manners would think they would find it awkward not to accept.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’ve seen two professional orchestral conductors wearing a white cummerbund with the white tie and tails of a man’s formal evening suit. Is the white pique waistcoat no longer the proper garment to wear with this suit? Fortunately, conductors have their back turned to us most of the time.
Want Miss Manners delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
GENTLE READER: Fortunately. You are correct, but Miss Manners has seen worse on podiums, where a male desire to mess with formality has spread from the red carpet. A charitable explanation would be that the waistcoat somehow restricts those wildly waving arms.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-01-29--Redwood City: First cannabis delivery opens, offers white-glove service

REDWOOD CITY — Promising white-glove service for cannabis delivery in most parts of the San Francisco Peninsula , Juva Delivery opened Tuesday as the first licensed cannabis delivery company in the city .
The delivery service joins a small list of cannabis delivery services that serve Peninsula cities and will offer service from San Bruno down to Mountain View in what has long been a cannabis desert for legal consumers .
“ Our Redwood City location will provide cannabis consumers on the Peninsula a personal and elevated customer experience , delivered by a staff trained in the science of cannabis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chloupek .
“ Santa Clara County , San Mateo County , and Redwood City , in particular , supported the vote for cannabis legalization in 2016 .
Eventually , we hope that we will be able to offer our California customers suffering from ailments like cancer , PTSD , and chronic pain opportunities to participate in patient-reported studies about the efficacy of the products we will create at our research and manufacturing facility.
” Along with offering special white-glove service across the greater parts of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties , Juva @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events with the local community .
According to Weedmaps.com — a website that aggregates pick-up and delivery cannabis services across the Bay Area — there are no cannabis dispensaries between San Jose and Pacifica and few delivery services .
The company said in a statement that it hopes the new service out of Redwood City will “ bring legal cannabis delivery to an underserviced area where surrounding cities have banned commercial cannabis activity .
”

REDWOOD CITY — Promising white-glove service for cannabis delivery in most parts of the San Francisco Peninsula, Juva Delivery opened Tuesday as the first licensed cannabis delivery company in the city.
The delivery service joins a small list of cannabis delivery services that serve Peninsula cities and will offer service from San Bruno down to Mountain View in what has long been a cannabis desert for legal consumers.
“Our Redwood City location will provide cannabis consumers on the Peninsula a personal and elevated customer experience, delivered by a staff trained in the science of cannabis,” said Juva Life CEO Doug Chloupek. “Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, and Redwood City, in particular, supported the vote for cannabis legalization in 2016. Eventually, we hope that we will be able to offer our California customers suffering from ailments like cancer, PTSD, and chronic pain opportunities to participate in patient-reported studies about the efficacy of the products we will create at our research and manufacturing facility.”
Along with offering special white-glove service across the greater parts of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, Juva will also offer complimentary consultations and unique events with the local community.
According to Weedmaps.com — a website that aggregates pick-up and delivery cannabis services across the Bay Area — there are no cannabis dispensaries between San Jose and Pacifica and few delivery services.
The company said in a statement that it hopes the new service out of Redwood City will “bring legal cannabis delivery to an underserviced area where surrounding cities have banned commercial cannabis activity.”


mercurynews--2020-01-28--The next Kyle Shanahan operates in the shadows for the 49ers

MIAMI — George Kittle , the best tight end in the NFL , is due for a new contract from the 49ers , and in those negotiations , he can ask for anything he wants .
The most money for a tight end in NFL history ?
It ’ s his .
Long terms ?
Even with his injury history , the 49ers would give it to him .
Kittle is just that good , and just that vital to the 49ers , who will play in Super Bowl LIV on Sunday .
But Tuesday , Kittle suggested that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract negotiations to keep an assistant coach around the 49ers .
Those around the 49ers know that San Francisco run-game coordinator Mike McDaniel is the next Kyle Shanahan .
And if the rest of the NFL doesn ’ t already know , they ’ ll come to the realization soon .
Whether the 49ers win or lose the Super Bowl , expect San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh , the runner-up for the Cleveland Browns ’ job , to interview for open NFL head coaching jobs around the league this time next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the 36-year-old McDaniel is also drawing plenty of outside interest too — if not as a head coach , then certainly as an offensive coordinator .
That is , unless Kittle can stop it .
“ I want to put him in my contract , ” Kittle said .
“ You can ’ t poach him .
I want him to be with me the rest of my career.
” • Bill Belichick believed in Jimmy G to win Super Bowl , so Troy Aikman does , too • The moment Richard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genius • Which 49ers can strike it rich like past Super Bowl heroes ?
• Deion ’ s tall tale : Sanders says 49ers never offered him a contract after Super Bowl XXIX • Super Saturday : 49ers ’ John Lynch could taste victory before his team does The 49ers ’ dynamic , definition-defying run game has been the identity of the San Francisco ’ s offense this year — the team has picked up 71 percent of their yards rushing this postseason — and suffice it to say that the team ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical part of that success .
“ We obviously see and hear and know what kind of a wizard Kyle is , but Mike McDaniel is right there with him , ” 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk told me Monday .
“ He does all his work behind the scenes… He does so much for this offense and is just so innovative in what we do.
” McDaniel isn ’ t a commanding presence at first glance .
Far from it , in fact .
He ’ s thin and under 5-foot-10 , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some height .
He was the only 49ers ’ assistant coach I spotted at Monday ’ s Opening Night that wasn ’ t wearing a team-issued sweatshirt , opting instead for a tan ( taupe ) hoodie .
He wanted to lay low .
But when he starts talking — always deliberately and in an unmistakeable Colorado accent — it ’ s understandable why so many of his players through the years rave about him ; why they believe that he ’ ll be calling the shots for a team of his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Jimmy G to win Super Bowl , so Troy Aikman does , too • The moment Richard Sherman realized Kyle Shanahan was an offensive genius • Which 49ers can strike it rich like past Super Bowl heroes ?
• Deion ’ s tall tale : Sanders says 49ers never offered him a contract after Super Bowl XXIX • Super Saturday : 49ers ’ John Lynch could taste victory before his team does Legend has it that McDaniel is a member of MENSA and that he had a study on molecular biology published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fifth grade .
We can confirm that he ’ s a Yale grad who has been Shanahan ’ s right-hand man at nearly every stop of the 49ers ’ head coach ’ s journey to San Francisco and Super Bowl LIV .
He was there in Houston .
He was there in Washington .
He followed Shanahan to Cleveland and Atlanta and then came to San Francisco when Shanahan was hired as the Niners ’ head coach in 2017 .
As such , as several players said , he has become an extension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go-to sounding board for game plan ideas , and a next-level offensive innovator .
“ He ’ s really , really instrumental in our offense as far as game planning , ” Joe Staley said Monday .
“ He ’ s very , very special as a coordinator and run-game designer for our football team.
” Yes , Shanahan calls the plays , but “ the Mikes ” — McDaniel and passing-game coordinator Mike LaFleur — are the ones who script them for the Niners .
There are head coaches in the NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I played one season under Mike , and if [ teams ] want an ‘ offensive guru , ’ I ’ d bet every dollar in my account that no other candidate understands offensive football the way he does , ” former Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins tweeted last January .
“ EVERY .
DOLLAR.
” “ He does everything .
man .
I come to Mike for everything in the book , ” Juszczyk said .
“ I am surprised [ he hasn ’ t been hired away from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter trying to steal him .
Shout out to Andrew Hawkins always trying to get him to Cleveland .
And I say ‘ not so fast… this guy can ’ t go anywhere.
’ ” McDaniel seems like an obvious hire for a team looking to revitalize their offense , right ?
If only it were that simple .
• Bill Belichick believed in Jimmy G to win Super Bowl , so Troy Aikman does , too • The moment Richard Sherman realized Kyle Shanahan was an offensive genius • Which 49ers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowl heroes ?
• Deion ’ s tall tale : Sanders says 49ers never offered him a contract after Super Bowl XXIX • Super Saturday : 49ers ’ John Lynch could taste victory before his team does Shanahan ’ s impact on McDaniel goes well beyond the X ’ s and O ’ s .
McDaniels ’ alcohol problems — which led to his ouster from his first NFL job in Houston and threatened to derail the second chance , provided by Shanahan , in the pair ’ s three stops following , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stint in 2016 .
Shanahan stayed loyal to him and he , in turn , has remained loyal to Shanahan , who despises losing assistant coaches , though won ’ t stand in the way of a big promotion .
“ Being a head coach and being an offensive play-caller is a dream of mine , ” McDaniel said .
“ Quite honestly , I haven ’ t even though about it for a second because I feel so fortunate to be in the situation I ’ m in.
” “ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that I work in a specific phase , I want to do the best I possibly can for the team , for the guy that ’ s made my career.
” And while most coaches in his position would say that they are “ their own man ” with bold new evolutions to their boss ’ ideas , McDaniel has no problem with those who say he ’ s an extension of Shanahan .
“ Philosophically , I ’ d say we ’ re in-step , ” McDaniel told me Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality control at his first position job , and every job that he ’ s had , I ’ ve been in-step.
” “ I think we all do our best to see the game the way he does , because if we do that , we ’ re probably moving in the right direction.
” At some point , hiring McDaniel away from the 49ers might be simple .
His brilliance and unquestioned successes will surely soon override his past issues and his lack of physical “ presence ” Perhaps that moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when McDaniel will allow himself to think about outside opportunities .
The Browns and Eagles have both been linked with him in their offseason .
For now , though , the man who would be the smartest guy in most every other coach ’ s room in the NFL ( no one would dare say if that ’ s the case in Santa Clara ) — an indispensable part of Shanahan ’ s staff — is waiting his turn , more than happy with his station .
“ I ’ ve been trained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all time , ” McDaniel said .
“ I feel Jedi — I haven ’ t thought about it for a second .
”

MIAMI — George Kittle, the best tight end in the NFL, is due for a new contract from the 49ers, and in those negotiations, he can ask for anything he wants.
The most money for a tight end in NFL history? It’s his.
Long terms? Even with his injury history, the 49ers would give it to him.
Kittle is just that good, and just that vital to the 49ers, who will play in Super Bowl LIV on Sunday.
But Tuesday, Kittle suggested that he would use his immense leverage in any contract negotiations to keep an assistant coach around the 49ers.
Those around the 49ers know that San Francisco run-game coordinator Mike McDaniel is the next Kyle Shanahan.
And if the rest of the NFL doesn’t already know, they’ll come to the realization soon.
Whether the 49ers win or lose the Super Bowl, expect San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the runner-up for the Cleveland Browns’ job, to interview for open NFL head coaching jobs around the league this time next year.
And don’t be shocked if the 36-year-old McDaniel is also drawing plenty of outside interest too — if not as a head coach, then certainly as an offensive coordinator.
That is, unless Kittle can stop it.
“I want to put him in my contract,” Kittle said. “You can’t poach him. I want him to be with me the rest of my career.”
The 49ers’ dynamic, definition-defying run game has been the identity of the San Francisco’s offense this year — the team has picked up 71 percent of their yards rushing this postseason — and suffice it to say that the team’s the run-game coordinator has been a critical part of that success.
“We obviously see and hear and know what kind of a wizard Kyle is, but Mike McDaniel is right there with him,” 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk told me Monday. “He does all his work behind the scenes… He does so much for this offense and is just so innovative in what we do.”
McDaniel isn’t a commanding presence at first glance. Far from it, in fact. He’s thin and under 5-foot-10, though his trucker-style cap can make up for some height. He was the only 49ers’ assistant coach I spotted at Monday’s Opening Night that wasn’t wearing a team-issued sweatshirt, opting instead for a tan (taupe) hoodie. He wanted to lay low.
But when he starts talking — always deliberately and in an unmistakeable Colorado accent — it’s understandable why so many of his players through the years rave about him; why they believe that he’ll be calling the shots for a team of his own someday soon.
Legend has it that McDaniel is a member of MENSA and that he had a study on molecular biology published in Popular Science when he was in fifth grade. We can confirm that he’s a Yale grad who has been Shanahan’s right-hand man at nearly every stop of the 49ers’ head coach’s journey to San Francisco and Super Bowl LIV.
He was there in Houston. He was there in Washington. He followed Shanahan to Cleveland and Atlanta and then came to San Francisco when Shanahan was hired as the Niners’ head coach in 2017.
As such, as several players said, he has become an extension of the 49ers’ head coach, go-to sounding board for game plan ideas, and a next-level offensive innovator.
“He’s really, really instrumental in our offense as far as game planning,” Joe Staley said Monday. “He’s very, very special as a coordinator and run-game designer for our football team.”
Yes, Shanahan calls the plays, but “the Mikes” — McDaniel and passing-game coordinator Mike LaFleur — are the ones who script them for the Niners. There are head coaches in the NFL who have done less before being hired.
“I played one season under Mike, and if [teams] want an ‘offensive guru,’ I’d bet every dollar in my account that no other candidate understands offensive football the way he does,” former Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins tweeted last January. “EVERY. DOLLAR.”
“He does everything. man. I come to Mike for everything in the book,” Juszczyk said. “I am surprised [he hasn’t been hired away from the 49ers]. I always see people on Twitter trying to steal him. Shout out to Andrew Hawkins always trying to get him to Cleveland. And I say ‘not so fast… this guy can’t go anywhere.’”
McDaniel seems like an obvious hire for a team looking to revitalize their offense, right?
If only it were that simple.
Shanahan’s impact on McDaniel goes well beyond the X’s and O’s. McDaniels’ alcohol problems — which led to his ouster from his first NFL job in Houston and threatened to derail the second chance, provided by Shanahan, in the pair’s three stops following, have been nipped after a Falcons-sponsored rehab stint in 2016. Shanahan stayed loyal to him and he, in turn, has remained loyal to Shanahan, who despises losing assistant coaches, though won’t stand in the way of a big promotion.
“Being a head coach and being an offensive play-caller is a dream of mine,” McDaniel said. “Quite honestly, I haven’t even though about it for a second because I feel so fortunate to be in the situation I’m in.”
“It’s a special team. And the fact that I work in a specific phase, I want to do the best I possibly can for the team, for the guy that’s made my career.”
And while most coaches in his position would say that they are “their own man” with bold new evolutions to their boss’ ideas, McDaniel has no problem with those who say he’s an extension of Shanahan.
“Philosophically, I’d say we’re in-step,” McDaniel told me Monday. “ I was with him as a quality control at his first position job, and every job that he’s had, I’ve been in-step.”
“I think we all do our best to see the game the way he does, because if we do that, we’re probably moving in the right direction.”
At some point, hiring McDaniel away from the 49ers might be simple. His brilliance and unquestioned successes will surely soon override his past issues and his lack of physical “presence”
Perhaps that moment will come after the Super Bowl, when McDaniel will allow himself to think about outside opportunities. The Browns and Eagles have both been linked with him in their offseason.
For now, though, the man who would be the smartest guy in most every other coach’s room in the NFL (no one would dare say if that’s the case in Santa Clara) — an indispensable part of Shanahan’s staff — is waiting his turn, more than happy with his station.
“I’ve been trained by the most OCD, extreme guy of all time,” McDaniel said. “I feel Jedi — I haven’t thought about it for a second.”


mercurynews--2020-01-28--Source: McConnell doesn’t have votes to block witnesses

WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told senators privately Tuesday he does not yet have the votes to block @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s impeachment trial .
That ’ s according to a Republican familiar with @ @ @ @ @ senators and granted anonymity to discuss it .
McConnell convened the meeting shortly after Trump @ @ @ @ @ its closing arguments in the trial .
At this point , the GOP leader faces @ @ @ @ @ .
But there are still several days before any potential witness vote would be taken @ @ @ @ @ more witnesses would need 51 votes to pass .
With a 53-seat majority , Republicans @ @ @ @ @ three Republicans to prevent more debate over witnesses .

By Lisa Mascaro | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told senators privately Tuesday he does not yet have the votes to block new witnesses in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial.
That’s according to a Republican familiar with a closed-door meeting of GOP senators and granted anonymity to discuss it.
McConnell convened the meeting shortly after Trump’s legal team made its closing arguments in the trial.
At this point, the GOP leader faces a handful of potential defections. But there are still several days before any potential witness vote would be taken.
A decision to call more witnesses would need 51 votes to pass. With a 53-seat majority, Republicans can only afford to lose three Republicans to prevent more debate over witnesses.


mercurynews--2020-01-28--Trump lawyers conclude defense, argue against calling Bolton

By Eric Tucker , Zeke Miller and Lisa Mascaro | Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump ’ s legal team argued forcefully against the relevance of testimony from Trump ’ s former national security adviser John Bolton on Tuesday as they concluded their defense and the Senate braced for debate on whether to summon Bolton and other witnesses into the impeachment trial .
The New York Times is reporting Tuesday afternoon that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell does not have enough votes to block Democrats from calling witnesses .
“ This should end now , as quickly as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared , capping a defense presentation that painted Trump as a victim and took dismissive swipes at Bolton , the potential witness who has scrambled Republican hopes for a swift end to the trial .
A day after the defense team largely brushed past Bolton , attorney Jay Sekulow addressed the controversy head-on by dismissing his manuscript — said to contradict a key defense argument about Trump ’ s dealings with Ukraine — as “ inadmissible.
” The argument was meant to preempt calls from Democrats for witnesses including Bolton , who writes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him he wanted to withhold military aid from Ukraine until it helped with investigations into Democratic rival Joe Biden .
“ It is not a game of leaks and unsourced manuscripts , ” Sekulow said .
The argument built on a separate one Monday night from Trump attorney Alan Dershowitz , who said that nothing in the manuscript — even if true — rises to the level of an impeachable offense .
Sekulow also sought to undermine the credibility of Bolton ’ s book by noting that Attorney General William Barr has disputed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The legal team also delved into areas that Democrats see as outside the scope of impeachment , chastising former FBI Director James Comey and seizing on surveillance errors the FBI has acknowledged making in its Russian election interference probe .
Trump ’ s attorneys argued that the Founding Fathers took care to make sure that impeachment was narrowly defined , with offenses clearly enumerated .
“ The bar for impeachment can not be set this low , ” Sekulow said .
“ Danger .
Danger .
Danger .
These articles must be rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands it.
” While scoffing at the manuscript , Trump and the Republicans have strongly resisted summoning Bolton to testify in person about what he saw and heard as Trump ’ s top national security adviser .
Senate Republicans spent two days behind closed doors discussing ideas to satisfy those who want to hear more testimony without prolonging the proceedings -or jeopardizing the president ’ s expected acquittal .
The ideas appear to be losing steam as quickly as they emerge .
One Republican , Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma , was floating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to subpoena Bolton ’ s book manuscript so senators can see the evidence themselves — in private .
However , Chuck Schumer , the Senate ’ s top Democrat , called the proposal , which would keep Bolton out of public testimony , “ absurd.
” “ We ’ re not bargaining with them .
We want four witnesses , and four sets of documents , then the truth will come out , ” Schumer said .
Other Republicans including Sen. Pat Toomey want reciprocity — bring in Bolton or another Democratic witness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side .
Some Republicans want to hear from the Bidens .
McConnell gathered GOP senators again late Tuesday to consider next steps .
The Republican leader is encouraging senators not to become tangled in such questions that could delay things .
He wants a quick finish without new witnesses or testimony .
“ One thing about Mitch McConnell — he does not panic , ” said Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota .
The case now moves toward written questions , with senators on both sides getting 16 hours to pose queries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to hold a vote on whether or not to hear from any witnesses .
Republicans are being warned that even if they agree to call Bolton to testify or try to access his manuscript , the White House will block him , beginning a weeks-long court battle over executive privilege and national security .
That leaves the few senators , including Sen. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts , Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska , who have expressed a desire to hear new testimony without strong backing .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his manuscript on their own time .
“ I don ’ t know that the manuscript would make any difference in the outcome of the trial , ” said Roy Blunt of Missouri , a member of GOP leadership .
And some said they simply don ’ t trust Bolton ’ s word .
Rand Paul of Kentucky called Bolton “ disgruntled ” ‘ and seeking to make money off his time at the White house .
John Kelly , Trump ’ s former White House chief of staff , told an audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes Bolton .
It ’ s a view shared by the GOP chairman of the Homeland Security Committee , Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said he called Bolton on Jan. 7 and asked him to voluntarily appear .
White House officials privately acknowledge that they are essentially powerless to block the book ’ s publication , but could sue after the fact if they believe it violated the confidentiality agreement Bolton signed against disclosing classified information .
Senate Republicans were to meet behind closed doors to consider next steps .
Trump is charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s leader to help investigate Biden at the same time his administration was withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in security aid .
A second charge accuses Trump of obstructing Congress in its probe .
Trump and his lawyers have argued repeatedly that Democrats are using impeachment to try to undo the results of the last presidential election and drive Trump from office .
On Tuesday , as he was resting his case , Cipollone played video clips from House Democrats during the presidential impeachment of Bill Clinton — including several who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial — in an attempt to depict them as hypocritical for sounding the alarm then about the partisan dangers of impeachment .
“ What they are asking you do is to throw out a successful president on the eve of an election , with no basis , and in violation of the Constitution , ” Cipollone said .
“ Why not trust the American people with this decision ?
Why tear up their ballots ?
” • Impeachment trial : Kamala Harris says she ’ d oppose compromise calling Bolton and Biden to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one day miss our constitutional republic • Letter : Who ’ s actually responsible for this ‘ show trial ’ ?
Democrats , meanwhile , say Trump ’ s refusal to allow administration officials to testify only reinforces that the White House is hiding evidence .
The White House has had Bolton ’ s manuscript for about a month , according to a letter from Bolton ’ s attorney .
No matter the vote on witness , acquittal still seems likely given that Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate and conviction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to data compiled by C-SPAN , the House managers used just under 22 of their 24 hours over three days , while the White House team used almost 12 hours , or half their time .
Associated Press writers Alan Fram , Mary Clare Jalonick , Andrew Taylor , Matthew Daly , Laurie Kellman and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report .

By Eric Tucker, Zeke Miller and Lisa Mascaro | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s legal team argued forcefully against the relevance of testimony from Trump’s former national security adviser John Bolton on Tuesday as they concluded their defense and the Senate braced for debate on whether to summon Bolton and other witnesses into the impeachment trial.
The New York Times is reporting Tuesday afternoon that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell does not have enough votes to block Democrats from calling witnesses.
“This should end now, as quickly as possible,” White House counsel Pat Cipollone declared, capping a defense presentation that painted Trump as a victim and took dismissive swipes at Bolton, the potential witness who has scrambled Republican hopes for a swift end to the trial.
A day after the defense team largely brushed past Bolton, attorney Jay Sekulow addressed the controversy head-on by dismissing his manuscript — said to contradict a key defense argument about Trump’s dealings with Ukraine — as “inadmissible.” The argument was meant to preempt calls from Democrats for witnesses including Bolton, who writes in a forthcoming book that Trump told him he wanted to withhold military aid from Ukraine until it helped with investigations into Democratic rival Joe Biden.
“It is not a game of leaks and unsourced manuscripts,” Sekulow said.
The argument built on a separate one Monday night from Trump attorney Alan Dershowitz, who said that nothing in the manuscript — even if true — rises to the level of an impeachable offense. Sekulow also sought to undermine the credibility of Bolton’s book by noting that Attorney General William Barr has disputed comments attributed to him by Bolton.
The legal team also delved into areas that Democrats see as outside the scope of impeachment, chastising former FBI Director James Comey and seizing on surveillance errors the FBI has acknowledged making in its Russian election interference probe.
Trump’s attorneys argued that the Founding Fathers took care to make sure that impeachment was narrowly defined, with offenses clearly enumerated.
“The bar for impeachment cannot be set this low,” Sekulow said. “Danger. Danger. Danger. These articles must be rejected. The Constitution requires it. Justice demands it.”
While scoffing at the manuscript, Trump and the Republicans have strongly resisted summoning Bolton to testify in person about what he saw and heard as Trump’s top national security adviser.
Senate Republicans spent two days behind closed doors discussing ideas to satisfy those who want to hear more testimony without prolonging the proceedings -or jeopardizing the president’s expected acquittal.
The ideas appear to be losing steam as quickly as they emerge.
One Republican, Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, was floating an idea backed by Sen. Lindsey Graham to subpoena Bolton’s book manuscript so senators can see the evidence themselves — in private.
However, Chuck Schumer, the Senate’s top Democrat, called the proposal, which would keep Bolton out of public testimony, “absurd.”
“We’re not bargaining with them. We want four witnesses, and four sets of documents, then the truth will come out,” Schumer said.
Other Republicans including Sen. Pat Toomey want reciprocity — bring in Bolton or another Democratic witness in exchange for one from the GOP side. Some Republicans want to hear from the Bidens.
McConnell gathered GOP senators again late Tuesday to consider next steps. The Republican leader is encouraging senators not to become tangled in such questions that could delay things. He wants a quick finish without new witnesses or testimony.
“One thing about Mitch McConnell — he does not panic,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota.
The case now moves toward written questions, with senators on both sides getting 16 hours to pose queries. By late in the week, they are expected to hold a vote on whether or not to hear from any witnesses.
Republicans are being warned that even if they agree to call Bolton to testify or try to access his manuscript, the White House will block him, beginning a weeks-long court battle over executive privilege and national security. That leaves the few senators, including Sen. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who have expressed a desire to hear new testimony without strong backing.
Some Republicans say they are happy to read his manuscript on their own time.
“I don’t know that the manuscript would make any difference in the outcome of the trial,” said Roy Blunt of Missouri, a member of GOP leadership. And some said they simply don’t trust Bolton’s word. Rand Paul of Kentucky called Bolton “disgruntled”‘ and seeking to make money off his time at the White house.
John Kelly, Trump’s former White House chief of staff, told an audience in Sarasota, Florida, that he believes Bolton.
It’s a view shared by the GOP chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said he called Bolton on Jan. 7 and asked him to voluntarily appear.
White House officials privately acknowledge that they are essentially powerless to block the book’s publication, but could sue after the fact if they believe it violated the confidentiality agreement Bolton signed against disclosing classified information.
Senate Republicans were to meet behind closed doors to consider next steps.
Trump is charged with abusing his presidential power by asking Ukraine’s leader to help investigate Biden at the same time his administration was withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in security aid. A second charge accuses Trump of obstructing Congress in its probe.
Trump and his lawyers have argued repeatedly that Democrats are using impeachment to try to undo the results of the last presidential election and drive Trump from office.
On Tuesday, as he was resting his case, Cipollone played video clips from House Democrats during the presidential impeachment of Bill Clinton — including several who are now managers of the Trump impeachment trial — in an attempt to depict them as hypocritical for sounding the alarm then about the partisan dangers of impeachment.
“What they are asking you do is to throw out a successful president on the eve of an election, with no basis, and in violation of the Constitution,” Cipollone said. “Why not trust the American people with this decision? Why tear up their ballots?”
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No matter the vote on witness, acquittal still seems likely given that Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate and conviction would require a two-thirds majority.
According to data compiled by C-SPAN, the House managers used just under 22 of their 24 hours over three days, while the White House team used almost 12 hours, or half their time.
Associated Press writers Alan Fram, Mary Clare Jalonick, Andrew Taylor, Matthew Daly, Laurie Kellman and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-01-28--Bill Belichick believed in Jimmy G to win Super Bowl, so Troy Aikman does, too

Click here if you ’ re having trouble viewing the video on your mobile device .
MIAMI — Jimmy Garoppolo ’ s teammates spent the aftermath of their NFC Championship teasing their starting quarterback .
Is your arm sore ?
Yeah , real sore , Garoppolo joked back .
He did , after all , attempt a taxing eight passes in the blowout win over Green Bay .
The disrespect toward Garoppolo is teetering on becoming a trope .
His teammates were kidding , but it ’ s real outside the 49ers locker room .
That ’ s the reputation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a backseat on a team ’ s Super Bowl run .
Don ’ t count Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman among the haters .
Aikman will be the color commentator alongside Joe Buck for Sunday ’ s game , and he expects Garoppolo to surprise .
“ I understand what happens when you only throw the ball eight times , ” Aikman said on Tuesday .
“ I really believe if he ’ s needed that he ’ s certainly capable of playing at a really high level .
I really think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much bigger impact on this game than what he had the first two.
” Aikman ’ s respect for Garoppolo predates even Garoppolo ’ s tenure with the 49ers .
When Garoppolo was still backing up Tom Brady in New England , Aikman reached out to Patriots coach Bill Belichick .
Belichick told him that if something were to happen to Brady , he was confident the Patriots could win with Garoppolo .
“ And when Bill Belichick says win , that doesn ’ t mean win Week 3 , ” Aikman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I thought it spoke volumes for the respect that he had for him.
” So much respect that , as the story goes , Belichick and the Patriots approached the 49ers about acquiring him for just a single second-round pick .
Belichick respected Kyle Shanahan ’ s ability to groom quarterbacks and wanted a good landing spot for the soon-to-be free agent .
• The moment Richard Sherman realized Kyle Shanahan was an offensive genius • Which 49ers can strike it rich like past Super Bowl heroes ?
• Deion ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered him a contract after Super Bowl XXIX • Super Saturday : 49ers ’ John Lynch could taste victory before his team does And now , three years later , here is Garoppolo .
Not with the Patriots , but with Shanahan and the 49ers , in a position to win it all .
Although he ’ s been quiet in the two games preceding the Super Bowl , it was in the final two weeks of the regular season that Garoppolo cemented Aikman ’ s respect .
“ I know there have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made throws and you say , ‘ Wow , what was that ?
’ ” Aikman said .
“ But I also know when he got my attention and proved to me he could get it done on a big stage was in New Orleans , those last two road games .
In New Orleans , very meaningful game , he plays great , brings them back and they win the game .
Then that Week 17 game at Seattle , really hostile place , tough place to play , could ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
5 seed if they lose that game and he played exceptionally well in that game , too .
”

Click here if you’re having trouble viewing the video on your mobile device.
MIAMI — Jimmy Garoppolo’s teammates spent the aftermath of their NFC Championship teasing their starting quarterback. Is your arm sore? Yeah, real sore, Garoppolo joked back.
He did, after all, attempt a taxing eight passes in the blowout win over Green Bay.
The disrespect toward Garoppolo is teetering on becoming a trope. His teammates were kidding, but it’s real outside the 49ers locker room. That’s the reputation that comes for a quarterback who takes a backseat on a team’s Super Bowl run.
Don’t count Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman among the haters. Aikman will be the color commentator alongside Joe Buck for Sunday’s game, and he expects Garoppolo to surprise.
“I understand what happens when you only throw the ball eight times,” Aikman said on Tuesday. “I really believe if he’s needed that he’s certainly capable of playing at a really high level. I really think he’s going to have a much bigger impact on this game than what he had the first two.”
Aikman’s respect for Garoppolo predates even Garoppolo’s tenure with the 49ers.
When Garoppolo was still backing up Tom Brady in New England, Aikman reached out to Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Belichick told him that if something were to happen to Brady, he was confident the Patriots could win with Garoppolo.
“And when Bill Belichick says win, that doesn’t mean win Week 3,” Aikman said. “That means win it all. I thought it spoke volumes for the respect that he had for him.”
So much respect that, as the story goes, Belichick and the Patriots approached the 49ers about acquiring him for just a single second-round pick. Belichick respected Kyle Shanahan’s ability to groom quarterbacks and wanted a good landing spot for the soon-to-be free agent.
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Although he’s been quiet in the two games preceding the Super Bowl, it was in the final two weeks of the regular season that Garoppolo cemented Aikman’s respect.
“I know there have been those moments where he’s made throws and you say, ‘Wow, what was that?’” Aikman said. “But I also know when he got my attention and proved to me he could get it done on a big stage was in New Orleans, those last two road games. In New Orleans, very meaningful game, he plays great, brings them back and they win the game. Then that Week 17 game at Seattle, really hostile place, tough place to play, could’ve gone all the way to a No. 5 seed if they lose that game and he played exceptionally well in that game, too.”


mercurynews--2020-01-28--The moment Richard Sherman realized Kyle Shanahan was an offensive genius

MIAMI — Kyle Shanahan scoffed at the notion that he is an offensive guru .
But 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman knew as much even before Shanahan took over the 49ers — and long before he and Sherman teamed up to bring them to the Super Bowl .
It dates back to two matchups between the Seahawks and Falcons during the 2016 season .
The teams met for the first time in a thrilling Week 4 game in Seattle .
The Seahawks prevailed thanks to some fourth-quarter Russell Wilson magic .
But Shanahan ’ s offense left the Seattle defense stupefied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concepts that we had never seen , ” Sherman said .
“ He had broken a few of our rules .
He fundamentally broke our defense .
Or we fundamentally changed it after that game because the rules he broke were rules that nobody had ever broken before.
” The 24 points and 362 yards were the most Seattle ’ s renowned “ Legion of Boom ” defense had allowed up to that point that season .
It set up a rematch three months later in Atlanta that would ultimately prove to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Super Bowl .
But one play in particular during that NFC divisional game stunned Sherman .
It left the Seahawks defense without any answers .
Toward the end of the first half , the Falcons were holding a 12-10 lead and trying to mount one final scoring drive before the break .
Matt Ryan had taken Atlanta all the way from its own goal line to inside the Seattle red zone .
The clock ticked under 1 minute , and the Falcons called timeout .
Out of the huddle , Shanahan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sherman had never seen before .
Shanahan sent one receiver on a “ go ” route and his tight end into the flat .
Tevin Coleman , then the Falcons ’ running back , rolled out of the backfield and past Seattle ’ s linebackers .
Then past Seattle ’ s secondary .
By the time he was in the end zone , he was wide open .
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It was a concept called an outside vertical threat .
“ ( It ’ s ) a normal concept you get against a cover three , but he ran it in a way that was so unique we had never seen it before , ” Sherman said .
He went back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hey , uh , what should we do about this play ?
Uh , we don ’ t have an answer , they responded .
“ I ’ ve never heard a coach say that .
I ’ ve never heard anybody say that , ” Sherman said .
“ There was really no answer for what he had designed and how he designed it .
”

MIAMI — Kyle Shanahan scoffed at the notion that he is an offensive guru.
But 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman knew as much even before Shanahan took over the 49ers — and long before he and Sherman teamed up to bring them to the Super Bowl.
It dates back to two matchups between the Seahawks and Falcons during the 2016 season.
The teams met for the first time in a thrilling Week 4 game in Seattle. The Seahawks prevailed thanks to some fourth-quarter Russell Wilson magic. But Shanahan’s offense left the Seattle defense stupefied.
“He had drawn up some concepts that we had never seen,” Sherman said. “He had broken a few of our rules. He fundamentally broke our defense. Or we fundamentally changed it after that game because the rules he broke were rules that nobody had ever broken before.”
The 24 points and 362 yards were the most Seattle’s renowned “Legion of Boom” defense had allowed up to that point that season. It set up a rematch three months later in Atlanta that would ultimately prove to be the Falcons’ penultimate step to the Super Bowl.
But one play in particular during that NFC divisional game stunned Sherman. It left the Seahawks defense without any answers.
Toward the end of the first half, the Falcons were holding a 12-10 lead and trying to mount one final scoring drive before the break. Matt Ryan had taken Atlanta all the way from its own goal line to inside the Seattle red zone. The clock ticked under 1 minute, and the Falcons called timeout.
Out of the huddle, Shanahan’s offense ran a version of a play Sherman had never seen before.
Shanahan sent one receiver on a “go” route and his tight end into the flat. Tevin Coleman, then the Falcons’ running back, rolled out of the backfield and past Seattle’s linebackers. Then past Seattle’s secondary. By the time he was in the end zone, he was wide open.
It was a concept called an outside vertical threat.
“(It’s) a normal concept you get against a cover three, but he ran it in a way that was so unique we had never seen it before,” Sherman said.
He went back to the Seahawks sideline and asked the coaches, Hey, uh, what should we do about this play?
Uh, we don’t have an answer, they responded.
“I’ve never heard a coach say that. I’ve never heard anybody say that,” Sherman said. “There was really no answer for what he had designed and how he designed it.”


mercurynews--2020-01-28--Erik Karlsson recalls 2015 surge with the Hamburglar; Do the Sharks have their own super-sized run l

Erik Karlsson recalls 2015 surge with the Hamburglar; Do the Sharks have their own super-sized run left?

SAN JOSE — Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson can remember most of the details as he thinks back to the remarkable post-all star game run the Ottawa Senators went on in 2015 .
That Ottawa team had Mark Stone and Kyle Turris as their top scorers , but also an unknown goalie in Andrew Hammond , a.k.a .
“ The Hamburglar , ” who would become the talk of the NHL .
With Karlsson on his way to winning his second Norris Trophy , the Senators did just enough over the final two months of the season to squeak into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like that we ’ re going to need , ” Karlsson said of the Sharks ’ present-day predicament .
“ I don ’ t think we ’ re completely in the situation that we were in at that time .
We don ’ t need that kind of a heroic performance from anybody in here.
” No one ’ s kidding themselves about the Sharks ’ remote chances of making the playoffs this season .
They entered Tuesday in 13th place in the Western Conference , nine points back of the second wild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Feb. 24 NHL trade deadline , where the Sharks are expected to be sellers , is looming , and they ’ ll likely have to spend all or most of that time between now and then without injured captain Logan Couture .
For complete Sharks coverage follow us on Flipboard .
Hope and belief are all the Sharks have right now .
But that may been all the Senators possessed five years ago , as well .
The Senators were coming off a 6-3 loss to Carolina on Feb. 16 , 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22-23-10 .
Not only were they 10 points back of a playoff spot and in 11th place in the Eastern Conference , but both of their top two goalies — Robin Lehner and Craig Anderson — were injured .
Hammond had come on in relief of Lehner against the Hurricanes and stopped three of five shots in just over one period .
He was a relative unknown who had just turned 27 and had played in only one other NHL game .
“ Hamburglar came in , kind of out of nowhere , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew about him was that he was a great guy , a fun guy to be around .
Didn ’ t know much else.
” Hammond would get the start , the first of his NHL career , against the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 18 .
He wore a mask with the McDonald ’ s character Hamburglar painted on one side , getting the nickname from a teammate at Bowling Green for he way he was always “ eating up pucks.
” Karlsson recalled before that game that Hammond , “ had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t having a particularly good year , so we were preparing for the worst.
” Hammond , though , made 29 saves in the first two periods and finished with 42 in a 4-2 Senators win .
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news , commentary and conversation .
From there , the Senators , riding the hot hand in Hammond , took off .
Hammond started 23 of Ottawa ’ s final 27 games , going an unreal 20-1-2 in the process with a .943 save percentage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ secure a playoff spot in their regular season finale , Hammond stopped 34 of 35 shots in a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers .
Ottawa finished with a 43-26-13 record , good enough for the first wild card spot in the East .
“ He made about 10 or 15 unbelievable saves and we won that game ( against Montreal ) , and that ’ s kind of how it went the rest of the way , ” Karlsson said .
“ We won every game 2-1 .
We probably created three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two of them and he didn ’ t let in any goals .
He made some spectacular saves.
” The Sharks , like Karlsson said , aren ’ t going to rely on one player , or one goalie , to carry them the rest of the way .
Interim coach Bob Boughner will start Martin Jones in net Wednesday for the Sharks in their game with the Vancouver Canucks .
He plans on using both goalies on more of a rotating basis than he did before the NHL all-star break , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Jan. 2-18 .
The Sharks finish their homestand Saturday against Tampa Bay .
For the rest of February , they play eight of 12 games on the road .
Of all the Sharks games remaining between now and the end of February , eight are against teams that were in a playoff spot as of Tuesday morning .
Realistically , the Sharks need to earn at least 44 points , and possibly more , in their last 31 games to have a shot at making the playoffs .
It ’ s an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But at least Karlsson can say he ’ s been there before and come out on the right side .
• Thornton , Marleau say they ’ re not thinking about possibility of being traded , playing elsewhere • Tomas Hertl steals the show at NHL All-Star Game , but why wasn ’ t he MVP ?
“ We need to find a way to win games even when we ’ re not playing our best , ” said Karlsson , now the Sharks ’ leader with 37 points .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think we can do it again .
We just have to find a way to get that good feeling back more than once in a while .
“ There should be no lack of motivation from anybody in here right now , coming back from the break .
We have 31 games left .
We know what we have to do to give ourselves a chance , and then get some luck from other teams .
The most important part is we need to take care of our business.
” NOTES : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make any lineup changes Wednesday , staying with the same group — with the exception of Jones — that came away with a 4-2 win over Anaheim on Monday .

SAN JOSE — Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson can remember most of the details as he thinks back to the remarkable post-all star game run the Ottawa Senators went on in 2015.
That Ottawa team had Mark Stone and Kyle Turris as their top scorers, but also an unknown goalie in Andrew Hammond, a.k.a. “The Hamburglar,” who would become the talk of the NHL. With Karlsson on his way to winning his second Norris Trophy, the Senators did just enough over the final two months of the season to squeak into the playoffs.
“It’s something like that we’re going to need,” Karlsson said of the Sharks’ present-day predicament. “I don’t think we’re completely in the situation that we were in at that time. We don’t need that kind of a heroic performance from anybody in here.”
No one’s kidding themselves about the Sharks’ remote chances of making the playoffs this season. They entered Tuesday in 13th place in the Western Conference, nine points back of the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.
The Feb. 24 NHL trade deadline, where the Sharks are expected to be sellers, is looming, and they’ll likely have to spend all or most of that time between now and then without injured captain Logan Couture.
For complete Sharks coverage
follow us on Flipboard.
Hope and belief are all the Sharks have right now. But that may been all the Senators possessed five years ago, as well.
The Senators were coming off a 6-3 loss to Carolina on Feb. 16, 2015, dropping their record to a pedestrian 22-23-10. Not only were they 10 points back of a playoff spot and in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, but both of their top two goalies — Robin Lehner and Craig Anderson — were injured.
Hammond had come on in relief of Lehner against the Hurricanes and stopped three of five shots in just over one period. He was a relative unknown who had just turned 27 and had played in only one other NHL game.
“Hamburglar came in, kind of out of nowhere,” Karlsson said. “All we knew about him was that he was a great guy, a fun guy to be around. Didn’t know much else.”
Hammond would get the start, the first of his NHL career, against the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 18. He wore a mask with the McDonald’s character Hamburglar painted on one side, getting the nickname from a teammate at Bowling Green for he way he was always “eating up pucks.”
Karlsson recalled before that game that Hammond, “had a shaky warm up and we weren’t having a particularly good year, so we were preparing for the worst.”
Hammond, though, made 29 saves in the first two periods and finished with 42 in a 4-2 Senators win.
Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news, commentary and conversation.
From there, the Senators, riding the hot hand in Hammond, took off. Hammond started 23 of Ottawa’s final 27 games, going an unreal 20-1-2 in the process with a .943 save percentage.
With the Senators needing one point to secure a playoff spot in their regular season finale, Hammond stopped 34 of 35 shots in a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Ottawa finished with a 43-26-13 record, good enough for the first wild card spot in the East.
“He made about 10 or 15 unbelievable saves and we won that game (against Montreal), and that’s kind of how it went the rest of the way,” Karlsson said. “We won every game 2-1. We probably created three or four scoring chances, scored on two of them and he didn’t let in any goals. He made some spectacular saves.”
The Sharks, like Karlsson said, aren’t going to rely on one player, or one goalie, to carry them the rest of the way.
Interim coach Bob Boughner will start Martin Jones in net Wednesday for the Sharks in their game with the Vancouver Canucks. He plans on using both goalies on more of a rotating basis than he did before the NHL all-star break, when Aaron Dell started seven of nine games from Jan. 2-18.
The Sharks finish their homestand Saturday against Tampa Bay. For the rest of February, they play eight of 12 games on the road. Of all the Sharks games remaining between now and the end of February, eight are against teams that were in a playoff spot as of Tuesday morning.
Realistically, the Sharks need to earn at least 44 points, and possibly more, in their last 31 games to have a shot at making the playoffs.
It’s an unfavorable situation, to be sure. But at least Karlsson can say he’s been there before and come out on the right side.
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“There should be no lack of motivation from anybody in here right now, coming back from the break. We have 31 games left. We know what we have to do to give ourselves a chance, and then get some luck from other teams. The most important part is we need to take care of our business.”
NOTES: The Sharks aren’t planning to make any lineup changes Wednesday, staying with the same group — with the exception of Jones — that came away with a 4-2 win over Anaheim on Monday.


mercurynews--2020-01-28--Facebook VP of engineering Jay Parikh is leaving the company

SAN FRANCISCO – Facebook ’ s vice president of engineering , Jay Parikh , said in a post on the @ @ @ @ @ he was planning to leave the company , marking the exit of another key executive @ @ @ @ @ departures last year .
“ I ’ ll be focused on the transition for the @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have any immediate plans thereafter , ” wrote Parikh , who has @ @ @ @ @ 2009 .

SAN FRANCISCO – Facebook’s vice president of engineering, Jay Parikh, said in a post on the social network on Tuesday that he was planning to leave the company, marking the exit of another key executive following a string of high-profile departures last year.
“I’ll be focused on the transition for the next few months. I don’t have any immediate plans thereafter,” wrote Parikh, who has been with the company since 2009.