mercurynews--2020-09-05--Whicker: Will one Churchill Downs upset lead to another?

John Rebenstorf was the radio play-by-play man for Cal State Fullerton and UCLA .
He used to speak of Tracy Murray draining buckets from the “ parking lot.
” He would have enjoyed Churchill Downs on Friday .
As Gamine and Swiss Skydiver prepared to stage a private duel at the Kentucky Oaks , Shedaresthedevil jumped the fence .
“ Ride to win the race , ” trainer Brad Cox told jockey Flaurent Giroux .
“ If she runs third , it ’ s a victory.
” Running first was a victory , too .
Shedaresthedevil exposed Gamine ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eighth and never gave in to Swiss Skydiver ’ s rush , winning by a length and a half .
The 15-to-1 shot set a race record by doing it in 1:48.2 .
In doing so , she gave hope to the 15 colts who are supposed to be wallpaper for Tiz the Law in Saturday ’ s Kentucky Derby .
Staton Flurry , the principal owner , admitted he wouldn ’ t have believed this outcome in the spring .
“ Swiss Skydiver beat us by 13 lengths in the Fantasy Stakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fillies had four extra months to grow and get healthy , and Shedaresthedevil had won the Indiana Oaks coming in .
She also won at Churchill Downs on June 5 .
“ We ’ ve dodged the tougher races , that was the plan , ” Flurry said .
“ We haven ’ t been knocking heads with the best horses.
” “ We wanted to come here with some juice left in the lemon , ” Cox said .
“ I felt like we hadn ’ t squeezed her too much .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grade I stakes , there ’ s no pressure .
Some handicappers really liked her , coming in .
I hope she rewarded them in a big way.
” Flurry knows about parking lots .
His family owns most of the lots that surround Oaklawn Park in Arkansas .
When he got out of college and began building an operation , a friend told him Cox was the next up-and-coming trainer .
They got together , and their first claim won his second race .
“ It ’ s all been downhill from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a rivalry was interrupted , if not ruined , before it began .
Gamine , the $ 1.8 million filly who won the Acorn at Belmont Park by several city blocks , had run more than a mile just once in four races .
In that one , she barely held off Speech .
In this one , she had the lead from the beginning , running the half-mile in a dawdling 47.92 .
The pressure from Shedaresthedevil drained her battery .
“ The winner just latched onto her , ” trainer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought , on the turn for home , she would come up with the afterburners .
But they weren ’ t there .
She might have been a little confused .
You could tell she was a tired horse.
” Swiss Skydiver , like Shedaresthedevil , is a daughter of Daredevil .
She had to work to get free of the rail but was in prime position at the top of the stretch .
“ She was comfortable where she was at , ” jockey Tyler Gaffalione said .
“ She had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We were just second-best today.
” The other Sure Thing at Churchill this weekend is Tiz the Law , particularly since Art Collector and King Guillermo were scratched this week .
By post time Saturday , he might be as low as 3-to-5 , and the California trio of Authentic , Honor A.P .
and Thousand Words might be in the 8-to-1 range .
Fortunately , Shedaresthedevil was there to remind us to hold our horses .
Kenny McPeek , who trains Swiss Skydiver , is among the unsold .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” McPeek said earlier this week .
“ He ’ s pretty darn impressive , but he ’ s not a given .
He didn ’ t run that well at Churchill last year.
” That was in the Kentucky Jockey Gold Cup , when Tiz the Law was third to Silver Prospector .
He is undefeated since , and all his Beyer Speed Figures have been at least 100 .
It is difficult to throw away tickets on Honor A.P.
, who was considered Tiz the Law ’ s equal before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Shared Belief Stakes at Del Mar .
That race was only a mile and 1/16 , as opposed to a mile and a quarter Saturday .
Beginning in 1980 , the Derby favorite lost 20 consecutive times .
A points system for Derby hopefuls has returned some normalcy , but it ’ s still a demolition derby , with all the predictability of 52-card pickup .
“ We ’ ll just pretend this day didn ’ t happen , ” Baffert said , as he prepared to walk toward parking lots that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than they appear .

John Rebenstorf was the radio play-by-play man for Cal State Fullerton and UCLA. He used to speak of Tracy Murray draining buckets from the “parking lot.”
He would have enjoyed Churchill Downs on Friday.
As Gamine and Swiss Skydiver prepared to stage a private duel at the Kentucky Oaks, Shedaresthedevil jumped the fence.
“Ride to win the race,” trainer Brad Cox told jockey Flaurent Giroux. “If she runs third, it’s a victory.”
Running first was a victory, too.
Shedaresthedevil exposed Gamine’s distaste for running a mile and an eighth and never gave in to Swiss Skydiver’s rush, winning by a length and a half.
The 15-to-1 shot set a race record by doing it in 1:48.2. In doing so, she gave hope to the 15 colts who are supposed to be wallpaper for Tiz the Law in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
Staton Flurry, the principal owner, admitted he wouldn’t have believed this outcome in the spring. “Swiss Skydiver beat us by 13 lengths in the Fantasy Stakes,” Flurry said.
But 3-year-old fillies had four extra months to grow and get healthy, and Shedaresthedevil had won the Indiana Oaks coming in. She also won at Churchill Downs on June 5.
“We’ve dodged the tougher races, that was the plan,” Flurry said. “We haven’t been knocking heads with the best horses.”
“We wanted to come here with some juice left in the lemon,” Cox said. “I felt like we hadn’t squeezed her too much. When you’re 15-1 in a Grade I stakes, there’s no pressure. Some handicappers really liked her, coming in. I hope she rewarded them in a big way.”
Flurry knows about parking lots. His family owns most of the lots that surround Oaklawn Park in Arkansas. When he got out of college and began building an operation, a friend told him Cox was the next up-and-coming trainer. They got together, and their first claim won his second race.
“It’s all been downhill from there,” Flurry said.
Meanwhile, a rivalry was interrupted, if not ruined, before it began.
Gamine, the $1.8 million filly who won the Acorn at Belmont Park by several city blocks, had run more than a mile just once in four races. In that one, she barely held off Speech. In this one, she had the lead from the beginning, running the half-mile in a dawdling 47.92. The pressure from Shedaresthedevil drained her battery.
“The winner just latched onto her,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “I really thought, on the turn for home, she would come up with the afterburners. But they weren’t there. She might have been a little confused. You could tell she was a tired horse.”
Swiss Skydiver, like Shedaresthedevil, is a daughter of Daredevil. She had to work to get free of the rail but was in prime position at the top of the stretch.
“She was comfortable where she was at,” jockey Tyler Gaffalione said. “She had a quarter of a mile to get there. We were just second-best today.”
The other Sure Thing at Churchill this weekend is Tiz the Law, particularly since Art Collector and King Guillermo were scratched this week. By post time Saturday, he might be as low as 3-to-5, and the California trio of Authentic, Honor A.P. and Thousand Words might be in the 8-to-1 range. Fortunately, Shedaresthedevil was there to remind us to hold our horses.
Kenny McPeek, who trains Swiss Skydiver, is among the unsold.
“I think the Derby is still wide open,” McPeek said earlier this week. “He’s pretty darn impressive, but he’s not a given. He didn’t run that well at Churchill last year.”
That was in the Kentucky Jockey Gold Cup, when Tiz the Law was third to Silver Prospector. He is undefeated since, and all his Beyer Speed Figures have been at least 100.
It is difficult to throw away tickets on Honor A.P., who was considered Tiz the Law’s equal before he finished second to Thousand Words in the Shared Belief Stakes at Del Mar. That race was only a mile and 1/16, as opposed to a mile and a quarter Saturday.
Beginning in 1980, the Derby favorite lost 20 consecutive times. A points system for Derby hopefuls has returned some normalcy, but it’s still a demolition derby, with all the predictability of 52-card pickup.
“We’ll just pretend this day didn’t happen,” Baffert said, as he prepared to walk toward parking lots that, even when empty, are closer than they appear.


mercurynews--2020-09-05--Biden confirms he’s been tested for coronavirus

By Bill Barrow and Will Weissert | Associated Press WILMINGTON , Del .
— Joe Biden said Friday that he ’ s been tested at least once for the COVID-19 virus and promised he will be tested regularly during his general election campaign against President Donald Trump .
The Democratic presidential nominee told reporters of his testing protocol during a wide-ranging news conference in which he blasted Trump for downplaying the coronavirus and thus ensuring that it will continue to kill Americans and ravage the economy .
For much of the summer , Biden ’ s advisers deflected questions about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested himself as he anchored his campaign almost exclusively from his Delaware home , traveling sparingly as a precaution .
“ They ’ re going to do it on a regular basis , ” Biden said of the testing .
He noted that the Secret Service agents assigned to protect him and “ everyone ” else who comes into his home is tested already .
Biden said he didn ’ t know specifically when his next test would be .
“ I just , ‘ yes , sir , ’ show up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I imagine it ’ ll be sometime this week , but it will be a regular basis.
” Biden and Trump offer voters a sharp contrast on the pandemic and its economic fallout .
In the Oval Office on Friday , Trump hailed a new jobs report and repeated his optimism that a COVID-19 vaccine could be available even before the Nov. 3 election .
Hours later , during a fundraiser , Biden said , “ I hope like hell they have a vaccine , ” but questioned Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ ve got to make sure they ’ re not just hyping … that they actually finish all the testing , ” Biden said , adding that Trump ’ s public questioning of scientists and medical experts will reduce confidence in a vaccine whenever it comes online .
Further , the former vice president questioned how well the administration is planning for distribution , given the White House ’ s rocky distribution of COVID-19 tests and protective equipment .
“ Discovery of a safe vaccine isn ’ t enough , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from approval to injection is a long road.
” Biden said Trump ’ s statements about an impending vaccine and the August unemployment rate ( it fell to 8.4 % from 10.2 % in July ) still underplays the severity of coronavirus and its full effects on the economy , especially the working class .
“ We can ’ t deal with an economic crisis until you beat the pandemic , ” Biden said .
“ It ’ s almost like he doesn ’ t care , doesn ’ t affect him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or his class of friends.
” The gulf between the two rivals extends even to masks .
• Coronavirus : What ’ s open in the Bay Area ?
Tracking counties ’ progress in California ’ s tiered reopening system • New book explores the concept of home , family and place • Virus model : US could see 400K+ dead by Jan. 1 • A coronavirus vaccine by Election Day ?
Probably not .
Here ’ s why Defying public health experts ’ guidance on social distancing , Trump has resumed regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd airplane hangars , most of them without masks .
The president , who doesn ’ t wear a mask regularly himself , has mocked Biden for covering his face as infectious disease experts advise .
“ Did you ever see a man that likes a mask as much as him ?
” Trump asked a rally crowd Thursday night in Pennsylvania .
He added : “ You know what , it gives him a feeling of security .
If I were a psychiatrist — right ?
I ’ d say , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Biden smiled widely Friday when asked about the president ’ s remarks .
“ I ’ m a smart fella .
I listen to scientists , ” Biden said , before turning serious .
“ This is not a game .
Life and death .
Life and death .
… It ’ s hard to respond to something so idiotic .
”

By Bill Barrow and Will Weissert | Associated Press
WILMINGTON, Del. — Joe Biden said Friday that he’s been tested at least once for the COVID-19 virus and promised he will be tested regularly during his general election campaign against President Donald Trump.
The Democratic presidential nominee told reporters of his testing protocol during a wide-ranging news conference in which he blasted Trump for downplaying the coronavirus and thus ensuring that it will continue to kill Americans and ravage the economy.
For much of the summer, Biden’s advisers deflected questions about whether the former vice president was being tested himself as he anchored his campaign almost exclusively from his Delaware home, traveling sparingly as a precaution.
“They’re going to do it on a regular basis,” Biden said of the testing.
He noted that the Secret Service agents assigned to protect him and “everyone” else who comes into his home is tested already. Biden said he didn’t know specifically when his next test would be.
“I just, ‘yes, sir,’ show up and put my head back,” Biden said. “I imagine it’ll be sometime this week, but it will be a regular basis.”
Biden and Trump offer voters a sharp contrast on the pandemic and its economic fallout.
In the Oval Office on Friday, Trump hailed a new jobs report and repeated his optimism that a COVID-19 vaccine could be available even before the Nov. 3 election.
Hours later, during a fundraiser, Biden said, “I hope like hell they have a vaccine,” but questioned Trump’s timeline and ability to distribute it. “We’ve got to make sure they’re not just hyping … that they actually finish all the testing,” Biden said, adding that Trump’s public questioning of scientists and medical experts will reduce confidence in a vaccine whenever it comes online.
“People don’t trust a damn thing he says,” Biden quipped.
Further, the former vice president questioned how well the administration is planning for distribution, given the White House’s rocky distribution of COVID-19 tests and protective equipment. “Discovery of a safe vaccine isn’t enough,” Biden said. “The road from approval to injection is a long road.”
Biden said Trump’s statements about an impending vaccine and the August unemployment rate (it fell to 8.4% from 10.2% in July) still underplays the severity of coronavirus and its full effects on the economy, especially the working class.
“We can’t deal with an economic crisis until you beat the pandemic,” Biden said. “It’s almost like he doesn’t care, doesn’t affect him, because it doesn’t affect him or his class of friends.”
The gulf between the two rivals extends even to masks.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms National News | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Defying public health experts’ guidance on social distancing, Trump has resumed regular campaign travel to events where his supporters crowd airplane hangars, most of them without masks. The president, who doesn’t wear a mask regularly himself, has mocked Biden for covering his face as infectious disease experts advise.
“Did you ever see a man that likes a mask as much as him?” Trump asked a rally crowd Thursday night in Pennsylvania. He added: “You know what, it gives him a feeling of security. If I were a psychiatrist — right? I’d say, this guy’s got some big issues.”
Biden smiled widely Friday when asked about the president’s remarks. “I’m a smart fella. I listen to scientists,” Biden said, before turning serious. “This is not a game. Life and death. Life and death. … It’s hard to respond to something so idiotic.”
Barrow reported from Atlanta.


mercurynews--2020-09-05--Editorial: Joe Biden will heal and unite our country

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations .
Get editorials , opinion columns , letters to the editor and more in your inbox weekday mornings .
Sign up for the Bay Area Opinion newsletter .
It ’ s time to heal and work to unite the country .
To stem the spread of the coronavirus , rebuild the economy , honestly confront racial and economic inequality , aggressively address climate change and reestablish the nation as a respected world leader .
For that , the United States needs a president who will put the country ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in science .
Who cares about people of all economic and racial backgrounds .
Who has a history of reaching across the political aisle rather than demonizing those who disagree with him .
He ’ s the candidate who wears a mask and recognizes that the pandemic will not magically disappear , supports the House extension of full unemployment benefit subsidies as the country faces massive unemployment , selected the first woman of color as a vice-presidential candidate for a major party and has a plan to reduce , not increase , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s the candidate who distinguishes between those legitimately protesting racial injustice and those who are simply looting — and doesn ’ t try to conflate the two to foment strife for political ends nor disseminate discredited conspiracy theories to sow division .
Biden wasn ’ t everyone ’ s first choice .
Among the Democratic primary candidates , he wasn ’ t ours .
But he is a hard-working , caring and empathetic leader — attributes that help make him a far superior choice to President Donald Trump .
Whichever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who will be 78 , or Trump , 74 — will be the oldest person to start a presidential term .
So the vice-presidential candidates matter , too .
Oakland-born Sen. Kamala Harris probably would not have been our top choice during the March primary had she made it that far .
We tepidly backed her when she ran successfully in 2016 to represent California in the Senate .
Since then , California ’ s former attorney general has proven to be a liberal , but cautious , senator and more moderate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have enabled her to pierce evasive opponents .
Her counterpart , Vice President Mike Pence , has been an enabler of the Trump presidency .
As the leader of the White House Coronavirus Task Force , Pence pushed for reopening the economy by falsely claiming the nation had adequate testing supplies .
To bolster the president ’ s narrative of dangers in U.S. cities , Pence tried to link the killing of a federal security officer to racial justice demonstrations in Oakland , even though the man charged had expressed allegiance to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what a Trump presidency is like .
That ’ s why politicians as diverse as U.S. senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren on the left and Republicans including retired Gen. Colin Powell , former Ohio Gov .
John Kasich and former California gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman all support Biden .
That ’ s why more than 70 of the nation ’ s most senior Republican national security officials and former members of Congress say they will vote for Biden .
In a joint statement , they said , “ Trump has demonstrated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead this nation and has engaged in corrupt behavior that renders him unfit to serve as President.
” They ’ re right .
For those who insist on a candidate perfectly aligned with their personal politics , it ’ s important to remember the wide policy gulfs between the candidates .
And it ’ s important to remember the stakes — starting with the future of our democracy .
Biden calls for increased access to mail-in balloting so voters don ’ t have to choose during a pandemic between their health and exercising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one calling for strengthening the postal service so it can handle the additional load .
Trump , in contrast , is trying to dismantle it , makes false claims of voter fraud to suppress turnout , tries to undermine the census count to diminish the political strength of poor people and immigrants , and uses military deployment of chemical spray and rubber bullets to part peacefully assembled protesters so he can pose for a photo op .
Since the last election It ’ s stunning to think about what we have witnessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment not because there was any doubt he sought political favors from Ukraine in exchange for taxpayer-funded international aid but because Senate Republicans didn ’ t consider those actions an impeachable offense .
The United States became the world leader in coronavirus cases and deaths .
Rather than address the crisis of protective equipment and testing supplies , Trump recommends debunked remedies and ignores his top medical advisers .
He obsesses with turning around the collapsing economy to boost his reelection prospects while ignoring that an economic recovery hinges on controlling COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump continues to undermine efforts to provide medical coverage to all Americans .
While Biden seeks to strengthen Obamacare , Trump keeps trying to dismantle it and replace it with … well , after four years , we still don ’ t know what he wants to replace it with .
The Trump administration spent billions of dollars of military funds to build a border wall — for some reason Mexico never paid for it .
Thousands of immigrant children were separated from their parents .
And the president continues to defy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals that protects young immigrants brought to the country illegally as children .
Trump has eviscerated foreign policy successes of the Obama-Biden administration .
He is pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord .
He withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and is now so isolated that last month he could muster only one vote of support at the United Nations Security Council for extending an arms embargo on Iran .
Rather than strengthening ties with our European allies , Trump bullies them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States out of the World Health Organization .
He ’ s cozied up to Vladimir Putin and , despite overwhelming evidence that Russia tried to influence the 2016 elections , still considers the inquiry into the allegations a “ Witch Hunt Hoax.
” And he abandoned the Kurds in northern Syria , our key ally in the fight against ISIS .
Despite his false claim that “ There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea , ” Trump struck out in his quest for a deal with Kim Jong Un @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his weapons capability again .
And relations with China , the world ’ s second-largest economy , are at their lowest point in decades .
We can — and we must — do better .
Trump says , “ This is the most important election in the history of our country.
” Biden says , “ We ’ re in a battle for the soul of our nation.
” They ’ re both right .
But while Trump uses his words to divide the country , Biden ’ s language is aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lashes out at Democrats and the party ’ s mayors and falsely tries to portray Biden as a socialist , the former vice president is calling for the nation to rise above the partisanship .
• Our election endorsements for the Nov. 3 races and ballot measures “ We can choose the path of becoming angrier , less hopeful and more divided .
A path of shadow and suspicion , ” Biden said in his nomination acceptance speech last month .
“ Or we can choose a different path , and together , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reborn , to unite .
A path of hope and light.
” Biden , who served 36 years in the U.S. Senate and eight as vice president , has a well-deserved reputation for working on bipartisan deals , like his 1994 Violence Against Women Act , which reframed the nation ’ s approach to domestic violence , and his shepherding and overseeing of the 2009 economic recovery act that was key to the country ’ s recovery from the Great Recession .
“ While I ’ ll be a Democratic candidate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Biden promised .
“ I ’ ll work hard for those who didn ’ t support me , as hard for them as I did for those who did vote for me.
” That ’ s what we would expect from either a Republican or Democratic president .
Unfortunately , that ’ s not what we ’ ve seen with the current administration .

Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations.
It’s time to heal and work to unite the country. To stem the spread of the coronavirus, rebuild the economy, honestly confront racial and economic inequality, aggressively address climate change and reestablish the nation as a respected world leader.
For that, the United States needs a president who will put the country ahead of personal and political self-interests. Who believes in science. Who cares about people of all economic and racial backgrounds. Who has a history of reaching across the political aisle rather than demonizing those who disagree with him.
It’s time to elect Joe Biden.
He’s the candidate who wears a mask and recognizes that the pandemic will not magically disappear, supports the House extension of full unemployment benefit subsidies as the country faces massive unemployment, selected the first woman of color as a vice-presidential candidate for a major party and has a plan to reduce, not increase, the nation’s use of fossil fuels.
He’s the candidate who distinguishes between those legitimately protesting racial injustice and those who are simply looting — and doesn’t try to conflate the two to foment strife for political ends nor disseminate discredited conspiracy theories to sow division.
Biden wasn’t everyone’s first choice. Among the Democratic primary candidates, he wasn’t ours. But he is a hard-working, caring and empathetic leader — attributes that help make him a far superior choice to President Donald Trump.
Remember the stakes
Whichever candidate wins on Inauguration Day — Biden, who will be 78, or Trump, 74 — will be the oldest person to start a presidential term. So the vice-presidential candidates matter, too.
Oakland-born Sen. Kamala Harris probably would not have been our top choice during the March primary had she made it that far. We tepidly backed her when she ran successfully in 2016 to represent California in the Senate. Since then, California’s former attorney general has proven to be a liberal, but cautious, senator and more moderate and incremental presidential candidate whose prosecutorial skills have enabled her to pierce evasive opponents.
Her counterpart, Vice President Mike Pence, has been an enabler of the Trump presidency. As the leader of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Pence pushed for reopening the economy by falsely claiming the nation had adequate testing supplies. To bolster the president’s narrative of dangers in U.S. cities, Pence tried to link the killing of a federal security officer to racial justice demonstrations in Oakland, even though the man charged had expressed allegiance to a right-wing extremist group.
We now know what a Trump presidency is like. That’s why politicians as diverse as U.S. senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren on the left and Republicans including retired Gen. Colin Powell, former Ohio Gov. John Kasich and former California gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman all support Biden.
That’s why more than 70 of the nation’s most senior Republican national security officials and former members of Congress say they will vote for Biden. In a joint statement, they said, “Trump has demonstrated that he lacks the character and competence to lead this nation and has engaged in corrupt behavior that renders him unfit to serve as President.” They’re right.
For those who insist on a candidate perfectly aligned with their personal politics, it’s important to remember the wide policy gulfs between the candidates. And it’s important to remember the stakes — starting with the future of our democracy.
Biden calls for increased access to mail-in balloting so voters don’t have to choose during a pandemic between their health and exercising their constitutional right. He’s the one calling for strengthening the postal service so it can handle the additional load.
Trump, in contrast, is trying to dismantle it, makes false claims of voter fraud to suppress turnout, tries to undermine the census count to diminish the political strength of poor people and immigrants, and uses military deployment of chemical spray and rubber bullets to part peacefully assembled protesters so he can pose for a photo op.
Since the last election
It’s stunning to think about what we have witnessed since the last election. Trump survived impeachment not because there was any doubt he sought political favors from Ukraine in exchange for taxpayer-funded international aid but because Senate Republicans didn’t consider those actions an impeachable offense.
The United States became the world leader in coronavirus cases and deaths. Rather than address the crisis of protective equipment and testing supplies, Trump recommends debunked remedies and ignores his top medical advisers. He obsesses with turning around the collapsing economy to boost his reelection prospects while ignoring that an economic recovery hinges on controlling COVID-19.
Meanwhile, during a national health crisis, Trump continues to undermine efforts to provide medical coverage to all Americans. While Biden seeks to strengthen Obamacare, Trump keeps trying to dismantle it and replace it with … well, after four years, we still don’t know what he wants to replace it with.
The Trump administration spent billions of dollars of military funds to build a border wall — for some reason Mexico never paid for it. Thousands of immigrant children were separated from their parents. And the president continues to defy the courts as he freezes a program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals that protects young immigrants brought to the country illegally as children.
Trump has eviscerated foreign policy successes of the Obama-Biden administration. He is pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord. He withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and is now so isolated that last month he could muster only one vote of support at the United Nations Security Council for extending an arms embargo on Iran.
Rather than strengthening ties with our European allies, Trump bullies them. During a pandemic, he pulled the United States out of the World Health Organization. He’s cozied up to Vladimir Putin and, despite overwhelming evidence that Russia tried to influence the 2016 elections, still considers the inquiry into the allegations a “Witch Hunt Hoax.” And he abandoned the Kurds in northern Syria, our key ally in the fight against ISIS.
Despite his false claim that “There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea,” Trump struck out in his quest for a deal with Kim Jong Un, who appears to be ramping up his weapons capability again. And relations with China, the world’s second-largest economy, are at their lowest point in decades.
‘A different path’
We can — and we must — do better.
Trump says, “This is the most important election in the history of our country.”
Biden says, “We’re in a battle for the soul of our nation.”
They’re both right. But while Trump uses his words to divide the country, Biden’s language is aimed at bringing us back together.
While Trump lashes out at Democrats and the party’s mayors and falsely tries to portray Biden as a socialist, the former vice president is calling for the nation to rise above the partisanship.
“We can choose the path of becoming angrier, less hopeful and more divided. A path of shadow and suspicion,” Biden said in his nomination acceptance speech last month. “Or we can choose a different path, and together, take this chance to heal, to be reborn, to unite. A path of hope and light.”
Biden, who served 36 years in the U.S. Senate and eight as vice president, has a well-deserved reputation for working on bipartisan deals, like his 1994 Violence Against Women Act, which reframed the nation’s approach to domestic violence, and his shepherding and overseeing of the 2009 economic recovery act that was key to the country’s recovery from the Great Recession.
“While I’ll be a Democratic candidate, I will be an American president,” Biden promised. “I’ll work hard for those who didn’t support me, as hard for them as I did for those who did vote for me.”
That’s what we would expect from either a Republican or Democratic president. Unfortunately, that’s not what we’ve seen with the current administration.
This nation deserves better.


mercurynews--2020-09-05--Word Game: Sept. 5, 2020

Word Game: Sept. 5, 2020

Can you find 52 or more words in GRAPNEL ?
The list will be published Monday .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — GRAPNEL (GRAPNEL: GRAP-nel: A small anchor for small vessels.)
Average mark 41 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 52 or more words in GRAPNEL? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — CURLICUES circle circus cire cleric clue cries cruel cruise
cruse cure curie curl curlicue curse ulcer uric user relic rice rile rise rule ruse lice lieu
lire lucre lues lure isle ecru sire slice slicer slier slue sluice slur suer sure
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


Bridge: Sept. 5, 2020

When you become declarer at a suit contract — especially at the level of game or slam where you won ’ t ( I hope ) have many losers — begin your planning by counting your losers .
If you have too many , look for a way to avoid one .
In today ’ s deal , North-South have a routine Stayman auction to four spades , and West leads the jack of hearts .
South counts four losers , one in each suit .
He can ’ t help losing a diamond and the black-suit aces , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from dummy by setting up a second club winner .
South can ’ t afford to start the trumps at the second trick .
East will take his ace and return a heart , setting up a heart trick for the defense before declarer has arranged his discard .
At Trick Two , South leads a club to dummy ’ s queen , winning , and then returns a club to his ten and West ’ s ace .
South wins the next heart and discards dummy ’ s last heart on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced his losers to three , he can start the trumps safely .
You hold : S 7 3 2 H J 10 9 2 D Q 10 C A 7 6 2 .
The dealer , at your left , opens one club .
Your partner doubles , you bid one heart and he raises to two hearts .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Partner ’ s raise promises about 17 points .
He couldn ’ t raise you with fewer points since your response promised no strength at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ wasted ” king , you would pass , but the ace is a working card .
If you trust partner , bid three hearts .

When you become declarer at a suit contract — especially at the level of game or slam where you won’t (I hope) have many losers — begin your planning by counting your losers. If you have too many, look for a way to avoid one.
In today’s deal, North-South have a routine Stayman auction to four spades, and West leads the jack of hearts. South counts four losers, one in each suit. He can’t help losing a diamond and the black-suit aces, but he can hope to discard a heart from dummy by setting up a second club winner.
SECOND TRICK
South can’t afford to start the trumps at the second trick. East will take his ace and return a heart, setting up a heart trick for the defense before declarer has arranged his discard.
At Trick Two, South leads a club to dummy’s queen, winning, and then returns a club to his ten and West’s ace. South wins the next heart and discards dummy’s last heart on the king of clubs. Then, having reduced his losers to three, he can start the trumps safely.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 7 3 2 H J 10 9 2 D Q 10 C A 7 6 2. The dealer, at your left, opens one club. Your partner doubles, you bid one heart and he raises to two hearts. What do you say?
ANSWER: Partner’s raise promises about 17 points. He couldn’t raise you with fewer points since your response promised no strength at all. If your ace of clubs were the “wasted” king, you would pass, but the ace is a working card. If you trust partner, bid three hearts.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K 9 8 4
H 7 4 3
D A 5 3 2
C Q 5
WEST
S 7 3 2
H J 10 9 2
D Q 10
C A 7 6 2
EAST
S A 5
H Q 8 6
D J 9 8 7
C J 9 8 4
SOUTH
S Q J 10 6
H A K 5
D K 6 4
C K 10 3
South West North East
1 NT Pass 2 C Pass
2 S Pass 3 S Pass
4 S All Pass
Opening lead — H J
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-09-05--Horoscopes Sept. 5, 2020: Kat Graham and Rose McGowan share advice

Happy Birthday : Take a break from situations that are stagnant , and pour your energy into something tangible .
Productivity is the name of the game , and wasting time on something that ’ s inert will lead to little satisfaction or gain .
Size up your situation , and turn your attention toward making changes that buy you more time and freedom to do as you please .
Your numbers are 8 , 13 , 22 , 25 , 31 , 36 , 43 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Listen carefully , ask questions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your facts verified .
Jumping into a contract , investment or diagnostic suggestion too quickly will lead to complications .
Channel your energy into evaluating your relationships with those making recommendations .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Someone will disclose a secret you shared if you have a falling out .
Focus on keeping the peace and maintaining good relationships with anyone privy to too much personal information .
Anger will only make matters worse .
Strive for peace and ease stress .
3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure you know exactly what ’ s going on and how best to handle people who may try to manipulate you or a situation that involves you .
Knowledge is the key to eliminating interference and maintaining peace of mind .
4 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Put more time and effort into the projects that mean the most to you .
Work alongside those who have as much to offer as you do .
Be specific regarding how you delegate your time , services or cash .
Take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Focus on whatever will bring the highest return .
Your enthusiasm will encourage others to help you reach your goal .
Fix up your surroundings to suit your needs .
Having a designated space for something you want to pursue is favored .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Set goals and follow through .
Don ’ t let emotions lead to impulsive actions .
Rational decisions based on facts , moderation and practical applications will help you access your destination .
Romance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Keep your opinions to yourself .
Problems will mount at home if you or someone close to you overreacts .
Keep situations in perspective , and avoid getting into joint ventures with anyone who may take advantage of you .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : If you want things to change , take the steps that will help you reach your objective .
Stop dreaming and talking about your plans , and concentrate on living the life you crave .
Too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to criticism .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Put more effort into your surroundings .
Set a strict budget , and proceed with your plans .
Make changes that will encourage you to stay home more and incorporate hobbies that will hold your interest and promote building more significant knowledge and skills .
5 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Listen to complaints before you proceed with your plans .
A compromise now will ward off interference when it ’ s even more inconvenient .
Pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be willing to cooperate when necessary .
Romance is encouraged .
2 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Consider what you ’ ve done in the past , your current means of earning a living and what you see yourself doing as you move forward .
It ’ s time to invest more in yourself and the direction you see yourself heading .
4 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : A change looks promising .
Consider who you enjoy being with , and make plans to do something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know each other and work toward a common goal or interest you share .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are enthusiastic , imaginative and persistent .
You are smart and optimistic .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kat Graham, 31; Rose McGowan, 47; Michael Keaton, 69; Raquel Welch, 80.
Happy Birthday: Take a break from situations that are stagnant, and pour your energy into something tangible. Productivity is the name of the game, and wasting time on something that’s inert will lead to little satisfaction or gain. Size up your situation, and turn your attention toward making changes that buy you more time and freedom to do as you please. Your numbers are 8, 13, 22, 25, 31, 36, 43.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Listen carefully, ask questions and come to decisions once you have all your facts verified. Jumping into a contract, investment or diagnostic suggestion too quickly will lead to complications. Channel your energy into evaluating your relationships with those making recommendations. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Someone will disclose a secret you shared if you have a falling out. Focus on keeping the peace and maintaining good relationships with anyone privy to too much personal information. Anger will only make matters worse. Strive for peace and ease stress. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Do your due diligence to ensure you know exactly what’s going on and how best to handle people who may try to manipulate you or a situation that involves you. Knowledge is the key to eliminating interference and maintaining peace of mind. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put more time and effort into the projects that mean the most to you. Work alongside those who have as much to offer as you do. Be specific regarding how you delegate your time, services or cash. Take care of your health. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Focus on whatever will bring the highest return. Your enthusiasm will encourage others to help you reach your goal. Fix up your surroundings to suit your needs. Having a designated space for something you want to pursue is favored. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Set goals and follow through. Don’t let emotions lead to impulsive actions. Rational decisions based on facts, moderation and practical applications will help you access your destination. Romance will enhance your personal life. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Keep your opinions to yourself. Problems will mount at home if you or someone close to you overreacts. Keep situations in perspective, and avoid getting into joint ventures with anyone who may take advantage of you. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If you want things to change, take the steps that will help you reach your objective. Stop dreaming and talking about your plans, and concentrate on living the life you crave. Too much talk and too little action will lead to criticism. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Put more effort into your surroundings. Set a strict budget, and proceed with your plans. Make changes that will encourage you to stay home more and incorporate hobbies that will hold your interest and promote building more significant knowledge and skills. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Listen to complaints before you proceed with your plans. A compromise now will ward off interference when it’s even more inconvenient. Pay closer attention to meaningful relationships, and be willing to cooperate when necessary. Romance is encouraged. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Consider what you’ve done in the past, your current means of earning a living and what you see yourself doing as you move forward. It’s time to invest more in yourself and the direction you see yourself heading. 4 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A change looks promising. Consider who you enjoy being with, and make plans to do something that will give you more time to get to know each other and work toward a common goal or interest you share. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are enthusiastic, imaginative and persistent. You are smart and optimistic.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-09-05--Ask Amy: I want to hike alone, and she’s not going to be happy about it

Dear Amy : I ’ m in my mid-20s .
I recently moved 1,000 miles away from home to Colorado for a job .
Despite knowing no one here and going through a break-up shortly before the move , I don ’ t really feel lonely .
Even during the pandemic , I have stayed fairly active .
My co-worker , “ Kendall ” started her job around the same time I did and immediately latched on to me .
It ’ s nice to spend time with her , but I still very much like my alone time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ times a week .
I usually accept once a week out of pity , and also because we are among the few females in a male-dominated workforce .
I hate hiking and doing outdoorsy things with her because she brings her ill-behaved dog .
She ’ s a high-energy dog , and Kendall is not an experienced owner .
I know from experience that this dog needs firm and friendly training .
• Ask Amy : Did he think he could get away with it because of his mask ?
• Ask Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how toxic they are ?
• Ask Amy : This secret ripped our family apart and destroyed an old woman ’ s life • Ask Amy : My stepmom dropped a bombshell while we were camping • Ask Amy : Because of a Christmas card , I stand to inherit a big estate I ’ ve hiked with Kendall and her dog several times and it ’ s a circus every time .
Honestly , I ’ m surprised one of them hasn ’ t gotten hurt .
I ’ m trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I don ’ t want to invite her , but if she finds out I went alone she will literally whine to me at work .
Bottom line , how do I nicely tell Kendall to discipline her dog ( or leave her at home ) ?
How do I say that sometimes I want to do things by myself ?
I Like Being Alone Dear Alone : It is possible to maintain a nice working relationship with a fellow female employee without going on pity dates .
And yes , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to “ firm and friendly ” training .
There are two impediments to you enjoying Kendall ’ s company : Kendall ’ s dog , and the fact that you often just want to do things by yourself .
Talk to her !
Say , “ I enjoy hanging out with you but honestly , I also need more time to myself .
I appreciate you asking , but I hope you won ’ t take it personally when I don ’ t accept an invitation.
” “ The second thing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go hiking with your dog anymore .
She ’ s a great dog , but I think she needs some professional training .
I really believe it is unsafe to hike with her , so I ’ m not going to do it.
” Dear Amy : My husband and I have been married for over 20 years .
Recently we were watching TV , and the husband in the TV show was asked what kind of wife he had .
His reply was : “ A very , very lucky one.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of wife he had .
He replied , “ Human.
” What kind of reply was that ?
Couldn ’ t he have replied “ lucky , ” or some other compliment ?
Is my marriage in trouble ?
Or over ?
I was beyond hurt .
Dear Devastated : Your husband ’ s comment was failed and thoughtless , but unless there are other things going on , being devastated by it seems out of proportion .
Let ’ s recap : The line , “ What kind of wife do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of those unfunny passively insulting comments that pop up in bad sitcoms .
You seem to interpret this as high praise , but I ’ d emphasize that the “ lucky wife ” is actually a reference to how awesome the husband is .
You made a “ bid ” to your husband .
I assume that you wanted him to look you in the eyes and say , “ I ’ m the lucky one , ” or extend a proportional and loving bid to you .
He didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He didn ’ t read the room .
Maybe he misses all the bids .
But the way to respond is to talk about it .
If you often feel overall devalued by large or small things he does ( or doesn ’ t do ) , you two should make a good-faith effort to reset your relationship .
Twenty years is a long time .
Your question is proof of how many opportunities we all have to respond with kindness , good humor , and love .
It is actually so easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hope you will point this out to your husband .
Dear Amy : You helped to spread misinformation in your reply to “ What Pandemic ?
!
” who was worried about attending a class reunion .
You said that the virus was not spread using shared utensils , and that is not true !
Dear Upset : Although I noted that the virus does not seem to easily spread through touching objects , according to the CDC , people should limit their contact with commonly touched items , including utensils .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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’m in my mid-20s. I recently moved 1,000 miles away from home to Colorado for a job. Despite knowing no one here and going through a break-up shortly before the move, I don’t really feel lonely. Even during the pandemic, I have stayed fairly active.
My co-worker, “Kendall” started her job around the same time I did and immediately latched on to me. It’s nice to spend time with her, but I still very much like my alone time.
She invites me to hang out several times a week. I usually accept once a week out of pity, and also because we are among the few females in a male-dominated workforce.
I hate hiking and doing outdoorsy things with her because she brings her ill-behaved dog. She’s a high-energy dog, and Kendall is not an experienced owner. I know from experience that this dog needs firm and friendly training.
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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 I’ve hiked with Kendall and her dog several times and it’s a circus every time. Honestly, I’m surprised one of them hasn’t gotten hurt.
I’m trying to plan day trips to nearby national parks. I don’t want to invite her, but if she finds out I went alone she will literally whine to me at work.
Bottom line, how do I nicely tell Kendall to discipline her dog (or leave her at home)? How do I say that sometimes I want to do things by myself?
I Like Being Alone
Dear Alone: It is possible to maintain a nice working relationship with a fellow female employee without going on pity dates. And yes, people and dogs are different, but both respond to “firm and friendly” training.
There are two impediments to you enjoying Kendall’s company: Kendall’s dog, and the fact that you often just want to do things by yourself.
Talk to her! Say, “I enjoy hanging out with you but honestly, I also need more time to myself. I appreciate you asking, but I hope you won’t take it personally when I don’t accept an invitation.”
“The second thing is different: I don’t want to go hiking with your dog anymore. She’s a great dog, but I think she needs some professional training. I really believe it is unsafe to hike with her, so I’m not going to do it.”
Dear Amy: My husband and I have been married for over 20 years.
Recently we were watching TV, and the husband in the TV show was asked what kind of wife he had. His reply was: “A very, very lucky one.”
I asked my husband what kind of wife he had. He replied, “Human.”
What kind of reply was that? Couldn’t he have replied “lucky,” or some other compliment?
Is my marriage in trouble? Or over? I was beyond hurt.
Devastated
Dear Devastated: Your husband’s comment was failed and thoughtless, but unless there are other things going on, being devastated by it seems out of proportion.
Let’s recap: The line, “What kind of wife do you have? A lucky one” is one of those unfunny passively insulting comments that pop up in bad sitcoms. You seem to interpret this as high praise, but I’d emphasize that the “lucky wife” is actually a reference to how awesome the husband is.
You made a “bid” to your husband. I assume that you wanted him to look you in the eyes and say, “I’m the lucky one,” or extend a proportional and loving bid to you.
He didn’t do that. He messed up. He didn’t read the room.
Maybe he misses all the bids. But the way to respond is to talk about it. If you often feel overall devalued by large or small things he does (or doesn’t do), you two should make a good-faith effort to reset your relationship.
Twenty years is a long time. Your question is proof of how many opportunities we all have to respond with kindness, good humor, and love. It is actually so easy to make another person feel good. I hope you will point this out to your husband.
Dear Amy: You helped to spread misinformation in your reply to “What Pandemic?!” who was worried about attending a class reunion. You said that the virus was not spread using shared utensils, and that is not true!
Upset
Dear Upset: Although I noted that the virus does not seem to easily spread through touching objects, according to the CDC, people should limit their contact with commonly touched items, including utensils. That is the advice to follow.
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--2020-09-05--Harriette Cole: My best friend acts like she’s my kid

DEAR HARRIETTE : I am newly married and living in a new home , and I just had a baby .
Life is fantastic .
I am grateful .
My best friend , however , is now the “ messy auntie.
” She shows up at my house at all hours , never wants to help with the baby but wants to play with him .
She eats and drinks all of our food and never cleans up .
She has really bought into the whole idea of playing with the baby and returning it to the mommy when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help , but she just creates an inconvenience for me when she tells me to take a break , but my break always gets interrupted .
I love my best friend , but now that I ’ m a mom , it is like she wants to be my kid , too .
She has never been so carefree before .
She ’ s taking control of my new home and family .
My husband kicks her out for me , but I do not have the heart to tell her how exhausted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not want to be a bad friend and start ignoring her calls and dodging her , but I don ’ t know what to say either .
DEAR MESSY AUNTIE : Your job is to put your foot down with your friend and educate her .
Chances are , she doesn ’ t know how to be helpful .
• Harriette Cole : Her birthday gift to me was cheap and thoughtless • Harriette Cole : I feel evil for saying these things about my neighbor , but I ’ m desperate • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the last minute , and I ’ m panicking • Harriette Cole : I ’ m the boss ’ son , and I want them to stop whispering about me • Harriette Cole : My workplace reopened , but nobody told me You need to tell her how her behavior is negatively impacting you , your family and your life .
Tell her you love her and need her to support in specific ways .
The clearer you are , the more likely your best friend will fall in line .
DEAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandchildren .
Our grandmother passed away last month , and her will left everything to her eldest daughter , my mother .
My mother has Alzheimer ’ s disease , and I have fiduciary duty over her accounts .
All of my family — aunts , uncles and cousins — have been coming at me to split up my grandmother ’ s money and give it to everyone since my mom isn ’ t going to do anything with it .
Since my mother is unable to make a decision as to what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have decided to leave it in an account or invest it into a CD .
I announced this news to the family , hoping that everyone would leave me alone , but it made the situation worse .
Some have confided their problems to me , while others ( with whom I have not had a close relationship before ) are being really nice to me , and the rest are threatening to take me to court .
They seem to think that I am planning to keep the money for myself after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on my mind is losing my mother .
All I can do is cry .
Death and money have divided my family , and all I want to do is run away and never talk to them again — but that will only confirm their accusations against me and land me in court .
Should I just give them the money and let them devour each other over it ?
I never had a lot of money to begin with , and it doesn ’ t seem worth it to me now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney who specializes in handling wills and family estates .
Learn your legal rights and ask for recommendations for how to handle matters as thoughtfully as possible .
While you may be under no obligation to share any resources with the family , think about what your mother might have done if she were of sound mind .
Sharing something with your family members will go a long way toward family unity .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am newly married and living in a new home, and I just had a baby. Life is fantastic. I am grateful. My best friend, however, is now the “messy auntie.”
She shows up at my house at all hours, never wants to help with the baby but wants to play with him. She eats and drinks all of our food and never cleans up. She has really bought into the whole idea of playing with the baby and returning it to the mommy when it cries. She says she comes to help, but she just creates an inconvenience for me when she tells me to take a break, but my break always gets interrupted.
I love my best friend, but now that I’m a mom, it is like she wants to be my kid, too. She has never been so carefree before. She’s taking control of my new home and family.
My husband kicks her out for me, but I do not have the heart to tell her how exhausted she is making me. I do not want to be a bad friend and start ignoring her calls and dodging her, but I don’t know what to say either.
Messy Auntie
DEAR MESSY AUNTIE: Your job is to put your foot down with your friend and educate her. Chances are, she doesn’t know how to be helpful.
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DEAR HARRIETTE: I am one of 10 grandchildren. Our grandmother passed away last month, and her will left everything to her eldest daughter, my mother. My mother has Alzheimer’s disease, and I have fiduciary duty over her accounts. All of my family — aunts, uncles and cousins — have been coming at me to split up my grandmother’s money and give it to everyone since my mom isn’t going to do anything with it.
Since my mother is unable to make a decision as to what to do with the money, I have decided to leave it in an account or invest it into a CD. I announced this news to the family, hoping that everyone would leave me alone, but it made the situation worse. Some have confided their problems to me, while others (with whom I have not had a close relationship before) are being really nice to me, and the rest are threatening to take me to court. They seem to think that I am planning to keep the money for myself after my mother dies. The last thing on my mind is losing my mother.
All I can do is cry. Death and money have divided my family, and all I want to do is run away and never talk to them again — but that will only confirm their accusations against me and land me in court. Should I just give them the money and let them devour each other over it? I never had a lot of money to begin with, and it doesn’t seem worth it to me now.
Family Odds
DEAR FAMILY ODDS: Consult with an attorney who specializes in handling wills and family estates. Learn your legal rights and ask for recommendations for how to handle matters as thoughtfully as possible. While you may be under no obligation to share any resources with the family, think about what your mother might have done if she were of sound mind. Sharing something with your family members will go a long way toward family unity.
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--2020-09-05--Miss Manners: She gave us diapers to use as napkins. What could I have said?

DEAR MISS MANNERS : Last week , I visited my brother and his wife .
They have two boys , aged 10 and 13 .
They kindly bought everyone dinner — pizza and wings , nothing formal or fancy .
Just a nice little family get-together with the kids .
My sister-in-law , instead of providing us all with paper napkins , gave everyone either a washcloth or a clean , but formerly used , cloth diaper .
And I didn ’ t even get my own cloth diaper — I had to share one with my son ( also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if she wants to save paper , and fine if she wants to use these for napkins when company is not present — but even for an informal meal such as this , was her choice of napkins inappropriate ?
My mother has bought them lovely cloth napkins in the past , but they never get used .
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How do we word the announcement ?
I really didn ’ t want to wipe my mouth with a cloth diaper .
What should my appropriate response have been ?
And how can I avoid this in the future ?
GENTLE READER : Bring your sister-in-law a hostess present : more napkins .
“ I noticed that you ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought you might like these.
” Miss Manners suggests that you then quickly distribute them before your hostess has the chance to protest .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : What do I say to my son , who didn ’ t acknowledge my birthday ?
Mind you , I walk his dog every day !
GENTLE READER : Attach a balloon to the dog with a note that reads , “ Wish your mother a happy birthday.
” DEAR MISS MANNERS : I am not good at winding spaghetti on a fork .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a fork when eating it ?
GENTLE READER : How discreetly ?
Cutting spaghetti can lead to other problems , like wandering pieces of different lengths that stick out and don ’ t quite adhere to the fork .
Instead , Miss Manners suggests that you use this time of minimal socialization to practice winding small amounts at a time .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : When , if ever , is it appropriate to inquire into the unelaborated use of “ we ” in conversation ?
What if “ we ” has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaker ?
I gather that such usage by an acquaintance ( and on more than one occasion , a longtime colleague ) is usually meant to conceal details , but not hide the existence of a close personal relationship , particularly when the speaker is not certain the liaison would be acceptable to the hearer .
Since I would only inquire in order to make the conversation friendlier or our acquaintance closer — for example , inviting “ them ” to a cocktail party or encouraging the speaker to be more expansive about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just taken — could I ask about “ we ” ?
Depending on the circumstances , would it be acceptable to ask something like , “ Are you traveling with a friend ?
” or “ You just mentioned ‘ we ’ — do you have a partner ?
” GENTLE READER : Certainly .
Or a coy , “ Who is this ‘ we ’ of which you speak ?
” if you know the person well .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Last week, I visited my brother and his wife. They have two boys, aged 10 and 13. They kindly bought everyone dinner — pizza and wings, nothing formal or fancy. Just a nice little family get-together with the kids.
My sister-in-law, instead of providing us all with paper napkins, gave everyone either a washcloth or a clean, but formerly used, cloth diaper. And I didn’t even get my own cloth diaper — I had to share one with my son (also 10)!
It’s fine if she wants to save paper, and fine if she wants to use these for napkins when company is not present — but even for an informal meal such as this, was her choice of napkins inappropriate?
My mother has bought them lovely cloth napkins in the past, but they never get used.
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GENTLE READER: Bring your sister-in-law a hostess present: more napkins. “I noticed that you ran out of napkins last time, so I thought you might like these.” Miss Manners suggests that you then quickly distribute them before your hostess has the chance to protest.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: What do I say to my son, who didn’t acknowledge my birthday? Mind you, I walk his dog every day!
GENTLE READER: Attach a balloon to the dog with a note that reads, “Wish your mother a happy birthday.”
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am not good at winding spaghetti on a fork. Is it gauche to discreetly cut it with a fork when eating it?
GENTLE READER: How discreetly? Cutting spaghetti can lead to other problems, like wandering pieces of different lengths that stick out and don’t quite adhere to the fork. Instead, Miss Manners suggests that you use this time of minimal socialization to practice winding small amounts at a time.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: When, if ever, is it appropriate to inquire into the unelaborated use of “we” in conversation?
What if “we” has been invoked multiple times by the same speaker?
I gather that such usage by an acquaintance (and on more than one occasion, a longtime colleague) is usually meant to conceal details, but not hide the existence of a close personal relationship, particularly when the speaker is not certain the liaison would be acceptable to the hearer.
Since I would only inquire in order to make the conversation friendlier or our acquaintance closer — for example, inviting “them” to a cocktail party or encouraging the speaker to be more expansive about the trip “they’ve” just taken — could I ask about “we”? Depending on the circumstances, would it be acceptable to ask something like, “Are you traveling with a friend?” or “You just mentioned ‘we’ — do you have a partner?”
GENTLE READER: Certainly. Or a coy, “Who is this ‘we’ of which you speak?” if you know the person well.
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--2020-09-05--Dear Abby: I don’t know how to tell her about my second ‘oops’ baby

DEAR ABBY : My husband and I recently found out that we are expecting our second “ oops ” baby .
We are thrilled , but I ’ m deeply concerned about one thing .
My husband ’ s brother and his wife are a few weeks away from completing their first round of IVF .
I ’ m beside myself trying to think of ways to be as sensitive as possible .
My husband says that , as both of these circumstances are beyond human control , there ’ s no need to worry , and we can reasonably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But I understand the emotional toll taken by infertility is incredible , and I ’ m worried she ’ ll feel overlooked , or , worse , if the IVF isn ’ t successful , that she ’ ll regard our baby as a constant reminder .
Please help !
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• Dear Abby : I ’ m under pressure to accept this ill-mannered houseguest • Dear Abby : He ’ s dangerous , but I want him back in my life DEAR UNEXPECTED : I applaud your appreciation of the emotional toll infertility can take on couples , which can be devastating .
However , if your sister-in-law ’ s IVF is unsuccessful and you make your grand announcement afterward , the news will be doubly painful for her .
This is why I vote for telling her quietly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so she will be prepared regardless of what they are .
DEAR ABBY : I have been married to my husband for 12 years .
He retired from the Army before I met him , and I currently serve , stationed overseas .
When we first met , I thought we had an understanding that because he didn ’ t have to work , he would follow me and my three children wherever the military takes us .
He doesn ’ t like to get “ tied down , ” and I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationships .
He developed a love for golf , which takes him touring all over the world .
Now that it ’ s just the two of us and the children are grown , I thought we would never be apart .
Well , we ’ ve been apart for the four years that I ’ ve been stationed away from him , and I am tired of it .
He ’ s a good man but set in his ways .
I have another 10 years before I retire , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best years of my life being lonely .
We haven ’ t slept together in seven months , and even when he visits , we are not on the same emotional level .
I plan to divorce him , which I have alluded to twice before , and now is my chance to follow through .
Should I ?
DEAR DEBATING : Because you are unwilling to accept the way your husband is , and he is unwilling to spend time working on your marriage , you should follow through .
Contact an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DEAR ABBY : I have had two partners now who , almost every morning , would regale me for 10 minutes about their nightly dreams .
It drove me up the wall , but I didn ’ t want to hurt their feelings , so I sat and listened to their boring stories about flying or falling or my doing something bad .
Would you please inform your readers that their dreams are their own and they do not interest other people ?
DEAR DREAM-FREE : I have a better idea .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not hear about their dreams when they start regaling you .
That way they won ’ t miss the message if they happen to skip my column today .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I recently found out that we are expecting our second “oops” baby. We are thrilled, but I’m deeply concerned about one thing.
My husband’s brother and his wife are a few weeks away from completing their first round of IVF. I’m beside myself trying to think of ways to be as sensitive as possible.
My husband says that, as both of these circumstances are beyond human control, there’s no need to worry, and we can reasonably expect everyone to be adult and understanding. But I understand the emotional toll taken by infertility is incredible, and I’m worried she’ll feel overlooked, or, worse, if the IVF isn’t successful, that she’ll regard our baby as a constant reminder. Please help!
UNEXPECTED IN TEXAS
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Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant DEAR UNEXPECTED: I applaud your appreciation of the emotional toll infertility can take on couples, which can be devastating. However, if your sister-in-law’s IVF is unsuccessful and you make your grand announcement afterward, the news will be doubly painful for her. This is why I vote for telling her quietly — before she receives the results — so she will be prepared regardless of what they are.
DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband for 12 years. He retired from the Army before I met him, and I currently serve, stationed overseas.
When we first met, I thought we had an understanding that because he didn’t have to work, he would follow me and my three children wherever the military takes us. He doesn’t like to get “tied down,” and I don’t do too well with long-distance relationships. He developed a love for golf, which takes him touring all over the world.
Now that it’s just the two of us and the children are grown, I thought we would never be apart. Well, we’ve been apart for the four years that I’ve been stationed away from him, and I am tired of it. He’s a good man but set in his ways. I have another 10 years before I retire, and I don’t want to waste the best years of my life being lonely.
We haven’t slept together in seven months, and even when he visits, we are not on the same emotional level. I plan to divorce him, which I have alluded to twice before, and now is my chance to follow through. Should I?
SERIOUSLY DEBATING
DEAR DEBATING: Because you are unwilling to accept the way your husband is, and he is unwilling to spend time working on your marriage, you should follow through. Contact an attorney and get the process started.
DEAR ABBY: I have had two partners now who, almost every morning, would regale me for 10 minutes about their nightly dreams. It drove me up the wall, but I didn’t want to hurt their feelings, so I sat and listened to their boring stories about flying or falling or my doing something bad.
Would you please inform your readers that their dreams are their own and they do not interest other people?
DREAM-FREE IN WASHINGTON
DEAR DREAM-FREE: I have a better idea. You tell your future partners you would rather not hear about their dreams when they start regaling you. That way they won’t miss the message if they happen to skip my column today.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-09-05--‘Vote him out,’ Capt. Sully tweets after Trump reportedly disparaged fallen soldiers

Military veteran and famed US Airways pilot Chesley “ Sully ” Sullenberger III on Friday urged voters to send Donald Trump packing in November , a day after news broke that the president had allegedly derided Americans killed in World War I as “ losers ” and “ suckers.
” “ We owe it not only to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation , but to ourselves and to succeeding generations to vote him out , ” Sullenberger said in a tweet thread .
The allegations were first reported in The Atlantic on Thursday .
Defense officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the comments as he begged off visiting the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery outside Paris in 2018 .
Trump , for his part , called the story “ totally false.
” Sullenberger is a former resident of Danville and famously landed a jetliner on the Hudson River in 2009 after it hit a flock of geese and became disabled .
He is also a U.S. Air Force veteran .
“ I have long known that serving a cause greater than oneself is the highest calling , whether in the military or in civilian life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a voice of reason and to speak in a measured way , ” said Sullenberger , who included a link to The Atlantic report in the tweet thread .
“ But this situation calls for a much more direct approach .
It is time to call out egregious behavior for what it is.
” “ For the first time in American history , ” he continued , “ a president has repeatedly shown utter and vulgar contempt and disrespect for those who have served and died serving our country.
” According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the late Sen. John McCain a “ loser ” after he died in 2018 and resisted lowering flags to half-staff in McCain ’ s honor .
“ He took an oath of office that is similar to the one that each person takes who enters the U.S. Military , ” Sullenberger said about Trump .
“ But he has completely failed to uphold his oath .
Now we know why .
He has admitted that he can not comprehend the concept of service above self.
” “ He can not understand selflessness because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He can not conceive of courage because he is a coward .
He can not feel duty because he is disloyal .
”

Military veteran and famed US Airways pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III on Friday urged voters to send Donald Trump packing in November, a day after news broke that the president had allegedly derided Americans killed in World War I as “losers” and “suckers.”
“We owe it not only to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation, but to ourselves and to succeeding generations to vote him out,” Sullenberger said in a tweet thread.
1/9 I am a veteran. I volunteered for military service during wartime. So did my father. His generation saved the world from fascism. pic.twitter.com/0tWKdMYDKs — Sully Sullenberger (@Captsully) September 4, 2020
The allegations were first reported in The Atlantic on Thursday. Defense officials later told The Associated Press that Trump made the comments as he begged off visiting the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery outside Paris in 2018. Trump, for his part, called the story “totally false.”
Sullenberger is a former resident of Danville and famously landed a jetliner on the Hudson River in 2009 after it hit a flock of geese and became disabled. He is also a U.S. Air Force veteran.
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/09/05/trump-atlantic-military-service-members-jason-kander-ctn-bts-vpx.cnn”]
Relate video: Ex-US Army captain says troops knew about Trump before article
“I have long known that serving a cause greater than oneself is the highest calling, whether in the military or in civilian life. And I have always tried to be a voice of reason and to speak in a measured way,” said Sullenberger, who included a link to The Atlantic report in the tweet thread. “But this situation calls for a much more direct approach. It is time to call out egregious behavior for what it is.”
“For the first time in American history,” he continued, “a president has repeatedly shown utter and vulgar contempt and disrespect for those who have served and died serving our country.”
According to The Atlantic report, Trump also called the late Sen. John McCain a “loser” after he died in 2018 and resisted lowering flags to half-staff in McCain’s honor.
“He took an oath of office that is similar to the one that each person takes who enters the U.S. Military,” Sullenberger said about Trump. “But he has completely failed to uphold his oath. Now we know why. He has admitted that he cannot comprehend the concept of service above self.”
“He cannot understand selflessness because he is selfish,” Sullenberger said. “He cannot conceive of courage because he is a coward. He cannot feel duty because he is disloyal.”
Trump has denied making the comments.


mercurynews--2020-09-05--Dubon’s base-running blunder derails Giants threat in loss to Arizona

Slowly receding in the National League West , the Giants hope to get well Saturday night against the man who personally delivered their last World Series championship six years ago .
Madison Bumgarner will be on the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks , who beat the Giants 6-5 Friday night at Oracle Park .
“ It ’ s going to be fun , just because I played with him for so many years and to see him on the other side of the field is definitely different , ” first baseman Brandon Belt said .
But it was a painful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the Giants lost for the fifth time in the last eight games against an Arizona team they had beaten five of the last six and was on a five-game losing streak .
Arizona , in last place in the N.L .
West at 15-24 , took a 4-2 lead off starter Tyler Anderson ( 1-3 ) , who had thrown the lone complete game in his career in his previous start against the Giants .
They never trailed .
The Giants fell to 18-21 .
Brandon Belt , one of the hottest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Giants within 6-5 in the seventh inning with a solo home run but a baserunning blunder by Mauricio Dubon in the eighth inning derailed a potentially big inning .
It started with a broken bat single by Joey Bart and , a single by Dubon before Mike Yastrzemski was hit by a pitch .
The Giants were in business with the bases loaded and no one out against reliever Stefan Crichton .
Alex Dickerson lofted a fly ball to Kole Calhoun in shallow right .
Stephen Duggar , running at third base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Calhoun ’ s relay to Christian Walker trapped Dubon off second base for a double play .
“ My mistake was I ran with my head down , ” Dubon said .
“ I put my head down , went toward third , ( Duggar ) was on a safe break .
That can ’ t happen in an inning like that with how we ’ re swinging the bats .
.
.
I cost us the game.
” Evan Longoria then grounded to third and the Diamondbacks still had the lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Dubon afterward , but didn ’ t really need to say much of anything .
“ He takes plays like that harder than anybody , ” Kapler said .
“ But i did sit down and talk to him , more than anything else just to reassure him that we believe in him.
” Kevin Ginkel retired the Giants in the ninth inning for his first save , retiring Belt on a fly to right to open the inning , walking Wilmer Flores but getting Donovan Solano on a fly to center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .Travis Bergen ( 1-0 ) , the second of six Arizona pitchers , got the win .
The Giants never led , but four times answered with runs after Arizona had scored in the top of an inning .
Belt , a notoriously streaky hitter , is on one of the most impressive tears of his career .
He ’ s hitting .500 ( 26-for-52 ) since Aug. 16 with five home runs and 13 RBIs .
The blast that brought the Giants within a run came on a first pitch from Hector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been trying to stick with this process of really trusting myself and it ’ s something that ’ s hard to do , ” Belt said .
“ I ’ ve been working on it a lot .
.
.
I ’ m just putting a lot of work in right now.
” Although it seems inconceivable Belt would take a seat on such a hot streak , Kapler has been platoon heavy this year .
Bumgarner , of course , is left-handed .
If there is any added incentive in facing someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hid it well .
“ I always want to see the lefty .
There ’ s not someone I want to see more than another , ” Belt said .
“ I just want to get out there and play , especially when I feel like I do right now.
” Kapler wouldn ’ t commit to a lineup after the game , saying they ’ d look at it closely .
Coonrod faced four hitters — walk , double , sacrifice fly , single — before giving way to Andrew Suarez .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sam to hit the bottom of the zone or top or in or out , just get in the zone quickly and stay in the zone , ” Kapler said .
The Giants closed within 4-3 on when Dubon hooked a double into the left field corner against starter Taylor Clarke , with catcher Joey Bart scoring all the way from first after a single .
They lost a chance at a bigger inning when Dickerson , who had singled and doubled , hit into a double play and Longoria struck out against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay on even keel in his first start against the Giants • SF Giants Gameday podcast : Looking back at Barry Bonds ’ biggest home runs with Adam Copeland • Madison Bumgarner is coming back to Oracle Park .
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Anderson would finish the inning , but was gone in favor of Coonrod to start the fifth , having given up seven hits and four earned runs .
Ahmed led off the inning with a single against Anderson .
Josh Rojas singled up the middle , and when Dubon ’ s throw from center in an attempt to get Ahmed at third got away , Rojas moved to second base .
Anderson struck out Andy Young , but Varsho @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was tied 2-2 through three innings , with Arizona ’ s Ketel Marte homering in the first and hitting a run-scoring double in the third against Anderson .
The Giants countered with Belt ’ s RBI double to right and an infield single by Solano that brought home Dickerson .
Arizona shortstop Ahmed fielded Solano ’ s chopper cleanly , but double-clutched on his transfer , with Solano beating the throw .
— Pablo Sandoval was in the on-deck circle as a pinch hitter when the game ended .
If he had hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tied the game , Sandoval would have been the catcher .
— The Giants finished 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position .
— Left-hander Ken Selman continues to work his way up the bullpen ladder He retired the side in order in the two innings he pitched .

Slowly receding in the National League West, the Giants hope to get well Saturday night against the man who personally delivered their last World Series championship six years ago.
Madison Bumgarner will be on the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who beat the Giants 6-5 Friday night at Oracle Park.
“It’s going to be fun, just because I played with him for so many years and to see him on the other side of the field is definitely different,” first baseman Brandon Belt said.
But it was a painful stumble just to get to Bumgarner, as the Giants lost for the fifth time in the last eight games against an Arizona team they had beaten five of the last six and was on a five-game losing streak.
Arizona, in last place in the N.L. West at 15-24, took a 4-2 lead off starter Tyler Anderson (1-3), who had thrown the lone complete game in his career in his previous start against the Giants. They never trailed. The Giants fell to 18-21.
Brandon Belt, one of the hottest hitters in Major League Baseball, got the Giants within 6-5 in the seventh inning with a solo home run but a baserunning blunder by Mauricio Dubon in the eighth inning derailed a potentially big inning.
It started with a broken bat single by Joey Bart and, a single by Dubon before Mike Yastrzemski was hit by a pitch. The Giants were in business with the bases loaded and no one out against reliever Stefan Crichton.
Alex Dickerson lofted a fly ball to Kole Calhoun in shallow right. Stephen Duggar, running at third base for Bart, bluffed coming home, and Calhoun’s relay to Christian Walker trapped Dubon off second base for a double play.
“My mistake was I ran with my head down,” Dubon said. “I put my head down, went toward third, (Duggar) was on a safe break. That can’t happen in an inning like that with how we’re swinging the bats . . . I cost us the game.”
Evan Longoria then grounded to third and the Diamondbacks still had the lead.
Manager Gabe Kapler said he spoke with Dubon afterward, but didn’t really need to say much of anything.
“He takes plays like that harder than anybody,” Kapler said. “But i did sit down and talk to him, more than anything else just to reassure him that we believe in him.”
Kevin Ginkel retired the Giants in the ninth inning for his first save, retiring Belt on a fly to right to open the inning, walking Wilmer Flores but getting Donovan Solano on a fly to center and Brandon Crawford on a strikeout. .Travis Bergen (1-0), the second of six Arizona pitchers, got the win.
The Giants never led, but four times answered with runs after Arizona had scored in the top of an inning.
Belt, a notoriously streaky hitter, is on one of the most impressive tears of his career. He’s hitting .500 (26-for-52) since Aug. 16 with five home runs and 13 RBIs. The blast that brought the Giants within a run came on a first pitch from Hector Rondon.
“I’ve just been trying to stick with this process of really trusting myself and it’s something that’s hard to do,” Belt said. “I’ve been working on it a lot . . . I’m just putting a lot of work in right now.”
Although it seems inconceivable Belt would take a seat on such a hot streak, Kapler has been platoon heavy this year. Bumgarner, of course, is left-handed. If there is any added incentive in facing someone he won three rings with, Belt hid it well.
“I always want to see the lefty. There’s not someone I want to see more than another,” Belt said. “I just want to get out there and play, especially when I feel like I do right now.”
Kapler wouldn’t commit to a lineup after the game, saying they’d look at it closely.
Coonrod faced four hitters — walk, double, sacrifice fly, single — before giving way to Andrew Suarez.
“We’re not looking for Sam to hit the bottom of the zone or top or in or out, just get in the zone quickly and stay in the zone,” Kapler said.
The Giants closed within 4-3 on when Dubon hooked a double into the left field corner against starter Taylor Clarke, with catcher Joey Bart scoring all the way from first after a single. They lost a chance at a bigger inning when Dickerson, who had singled and doubled, hit into a double play and Longoria struck out against Bergen.
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Ahmed led off the inning with a single against Anderson. Josh Rojas singled up the middle, and when Dubon’s throw from center in an attempt to get Ahmed at third got away, Rojas moved to second base. Anderson struck out Andy Young, but Varsho delivered the two-run single.
The score was tied 2-2 through three innings, with Arizona’s Ketel Marte homering in the first and hitting a run-scoring double in the third against Anderson. The Giants countered with Belt’s RBI double to right and an infield single by Solano that brought home Dickerson.
Arizona shortstop Ahmed fielded Solano’s chopper cleanly, but double-clutched on his transfer, with Solano beating the throw.
ETCETERA
— Pablo Sandoval was in the on-deck circle as a pinch hitter when the game ended. If he had hit for Chadwick Tromp and the Giants had tied the game, Sandoval would have been the catcher.
— The Giants finished 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position.
— Left-hander Ken Selman continues to work his way up the bullpen ladder He retired the side in order in the two innings he pitched.